Patents by Inventor John A. LaPlante

John A. LaPlante 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).

  • Publication number: 20190322046
    Abstract: A system and corresponding method to move build material in a three-dimensional (3D) printing system uses a gripper. The gripper is arranged to apply at least two opposing lateral forces to the build material. The at least two opposing lateral forces are applied to the build material, in conjunction with linear motion of the gripper, for at least a portion of a path the build material travels toward an extrusion head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: Desktop Metal, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Burnham, John LaPlante, Aaron Preston, Richard Remo Fontana
  • Publication number: 20190308484
    Abstract: Integrated multiple actuator electro-hydraulic systems as well as their methods of use are described. Depending on the particular application, the integrated electro-hydraulic systems may exhibit different frequency responses and/or may be integrated into a single combined unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Applicant: ClearMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Belter, Clive Tucker, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Zackary Martin Anderson, John A. Laplante
  • Patent number: 10384396
    Abstract: A system and corresponding method to move build material in a three-dimensional (3D) printing system uses a gripper. The gripper is arranged to apply at least two opposing lateral forces to the build material. The at least two opposing lateral forces are applied to the build material, in conjunction with linear motion of the gripper, for at least a portion of a path the build material travels toward an extrusion head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Desktop Metal, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Burnham, John LaPlante, Aaron Preston, Richard Remo Fontana
  • Publication number: 20180304353
    Abstract: Assemblies and support structures facilitate fabricating objects through additive manufacturing. A support structure include a column having a vertical channel extending along a surface of the column, the vertical channel being formed to couple to a motion system of a build plate. A plurality of arms extend laterally from an upper portion of the column, each of the plurality of arms having a respective rail channel aligned in a common plane. The rail channels secure respective rails of a motion system of a print head, and the plurality of arms secure the respective rails at a fixed position relative to the motion system of the build plate. A plurality of feet extending laterally from a lower portion of the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: John LaPlante
  • Publication number: 20180304532
    Abstract: A system and corresponding method to move a rod of build material in a three-dimensional (3D) printing system uses a pusher. The rod of build material has distal and proximal ends relative to an extrusion head. The distal and proximal ends having distal and proximal end surfaces, respectively. The pusher engages with the rod and applies an axial force to at least a portion of the distal end surface of the rod for at least a portion of a path the rod travels toward the extrusion head. The axial force actuates the rod of build material without alteration, such as by shaving, fracturing, or otherwise deforming the rod of build material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Richard Burnham, John LaPlante, Aaron Preston
  • Publication number: 20180304533
    Abstract: A system and corresponding method to move build material in a three-dimensional (3D) printing system uses a gripper. The gripper is arranged to apply at least two opposing lateral forces to the build material. The at least two opposing lateral forces are applied to the build material, in conjunction with linear motion of the gripper, for at least a portion of a path the build material travels toward an extrusion head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Richard Burnham, John LaPlante, Aaron Preston, Richard Remo Fontana
  • Publication number: 20180297288
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are introduced for controlling an output flow of a build material from an extrusion assembly used for printing a three-dimensional (3D) object. Control of the output flow is based on an input control value that may be a function of a hydraulic capacitance and a hydraulic resistance, representing hydraulic capacitance values and hydraulic resistance values, respectively, associated with the build material, the extrusion assembly, or a combination thereof at one or more locations of the extrusion assembly relative to a melting zone of an extrusion head of the extrusion assembly as well as a target output flow. The input control value enables the output flow to match the target output flow. The hydraulic capacitance and resistance values account for interaction of the build material and a mechanical mechanism of the extrusion assembly driving extrusion of the build material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Alexander C. Barbati, Richard Remo Fontana, John LaPlante, Jonah Samuel Myerberg
  • Publication number: 20180162186
    Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: ClearMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Olivia D. Godwin, Clive Tucker, John A. Laplante, William Graves, Shakeel Avadhany, Michael W. Finnegan
  • Patent number: 9868332
    Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Olivia D. Godwin, Clive Tucker, John A. Laplante, William Graves, Shakeel Avadhany, Michael W. Finnegan
  • Publication number: 20170136842
    Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more suspension systems of a vehicle may be used to mitigate motion sickness by limiting motion in one or more frequency ranges. In another embodiment, an active suspension may be integrated with an autonomous vehicle architecture. In yet another embodiment, the active suspension system of a vehicle may be used to induce motion in a vehicle. The vehicle may be used as a testbed for technical investigations and/or as a platform to enhance the enjoyment of video and/or audio by vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to perform gestures as a means of communication with persons inside or outside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the active suspensions system may be used to generate haptic warnings to a vehicle operator or other persons in response to certain road situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: Levant Power Corporation
    Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Olivia D. Godwin, Clive Tucker, John A. Laplante, William Graves, Shakeel Avadhany, Michael W. Finnegan
  • Patent number: 7933688
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electrically controlled pressure relief valve may use a soft position control loop to control the position of the valve. A pressure relief valve may also include a modified orifice shape to improve stability, to uniformly distribute the effective bandwidth over the valve operating range, and to provide a tunable default mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Fourth Floor Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John LaPlante, William T. Larkins
  • Patent number: 7402018
    Abstract: A system for transporting inventory includes an inventory holder and a mobile drive unit. The inventory holder includes a frame capable of storing inventory items and a docking plate capable of receiving a docking head from underneath. The mobile drive unit, includes a docking head capable of coupling to the docking plate and a drive module capable of propelling the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is further capable to move the inventory holder when the docking head is coupled to the inventory holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Kiva Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Mountz, Raffaello D'Andrea, John A. LaPlante, David P. Lyons, II, Peter K. Mansfield, Burl W. Amsbury
  • Publication number: 20080119963
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electrically controlled pressure relief valve may use a soft position control loop to control the position of the valve. A pressure relief valve may also include a modified orifice shape to improve stability, to uniformly distribute the effective bandwidth over the valve operating range, and to provide a tunable default mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: ACTIVE SHOCK, INC.
    Inventors: John LaPlante, William T. Larkins
  • Patent number: 7299112
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electrically controlled pressure relief valve may use a soft position control loop to control the position of the valve. A pressure relief valve may also include a modified orifice shape to improve stability, to uniformly distribute the effective bandwidth over the valve operating range, and to provide a tunable default mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: ActiveShock, Inc.
    Inventors: John LaPlante, William T. Larkins
  • Publication number: 20060210382
    Abstract: A system for transporting inventory includes an inventory holder and a mobile drive unit. The inventory holder includes a frame capable of storing inventory items and a docking plate capable of receiving a docking head from underneath. The mobile drive unit, includes a docking head capable of coupling to the docking plate and a drive module capable of propelling the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is further capable to move the inventory holder when the docking head is coupled to the inventory holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Mountz, Raffaello D'Andrea, John LaPlante, David Lyons, Peter Mansfield, Burl Amsbury
  • Publication number: 20060113502
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electrically controlled pressure relief valve may use a soft position control loop to control the position of the valve. A pressure relief valve may also include a modified orifice shape to improve stability, to uniformly distribute the effective bandwidth over the valve operating range, and to provide a tunable default mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Inventors: John LaPlante, William Larkins
  • Patent number: 6904344
    Abstract: A semi-active control methodology is provided for a spring/mass system, for example a real-time adjustable shock absorber system. The methodology includes defining a plurality of operating zones based on system parameters and user-definable or preset inputs. The methodology also includes processing to account for non-inertial spring/mass system response and multidimensional forces acting on the system, and an acceleration hedge calculation to accurately define system operation at extrema of travel. The methodology is generally directed at producing a plurality of valve control signals, selecting among the valve control signals, and applying the selected control signal to the valve in a closed-loop feedback system to adjust the energy in the spring/mass system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: ActiveShock, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. LaPlante, William T. Larkins
  • Publication number: 20040254701
    Abstract: A semi-active control methodology is provided for a spring/mass system, for example a real-time adjustable shock absorber system. The methodology includes defining a plurality of operating zones based on system parameters and user-definable or preset inputs. The methodology also includes processing to account for non-inertial spring/mass system response and multidimensional forces acting on the system, and an acceleration hedge calculation to accurately define system operation at extrema of travel. The methodology is generally directed at producing a plurality of valve control signals, selecting among the valve control signals, and applying the selected control signal to the valve in a closed-loop feedback system to adjust the energy in the spring/mass system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: John A. LaPlante, William T. Larkins
  • Patent number: 6732033
    Abstract: A semi-active control methodology is provided for a spring/mass system, for example a real-time adjustable shock absorber system. The methodology includes defining a plurality of operating zones based on system parameters and user-definable or preset inputs. The methodology also includes processing to account for non-inertial spring/mass system response and multidimensional forces acting on the system, and an acceleration hedge calculation to accurately define system operation at extrema of travel. The methodology is generally directed at producing a plurality of valve control signals, selecting among the valve control signals, and applying the selected control signal to the valve in a closed-loop feedback system to adjust the energy in the spring/mass system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Active Shock, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. LaPlante, William T. Larkins
  • Publication number: 20030160369
    Abstract: A semi-active control methodology is provided for a spring/mass system, for example a real-time adjustable shock absorber system. The methodology includes defining a plurality of operating zones based on system parameters and user-definable or preset inputs. The methodology also includes processing to account for non-inertial spring/mass system response and multidimensional forces acting on the system, and an acceleration hedge calculation to accurately define system operation at extrema of travel. The methodology is generally directed at producing a plurality of valve control signals, selecting among the valve control signals, and applying the selected control signal to the valve in a closed-loop feedback system to adjust the energy in the spring/mass system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: John A. LaPlante, William T. Larkins