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).
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Publication number: 20190322046Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2019Publication date: October 24, 2019Applicant: Desktop Metal, Inc.Inventors: Richard Burnham, John LaPlante, Aaron Preston, Richard Remo Fontana
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Publication number: 20190308484Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2016Publication date: October 10, 2019Applicant: ClearMotion, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Thomas Belter, Clive Tucker, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Zackary Martin Anderson, John A. Laplante
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Patent number: 10384396Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 24, 2018Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Desktop Metal, Inc.Inventors: Richard Burnham, John LaPlante, Aaron Preston, Richard Remo Fontana
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Publication number: 20180304353Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventor: John LaPlante
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Publication number: 20180304532Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Richard Burnham, John LaPlante, Aaron Preston
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Publication number: 20180304533Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Richard Burnham, John LaPlante, Aaron Preston, Richard Remo Fontana
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Publication number: 20180297288Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Alexander C. Barbati, Richard Remo Fontana, John LaPlante, Jonah Samuel Myerberg
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Publication number: 20180162186Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2017Publication date: June 14, 2018Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 9868332Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20170136842Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2016Publication date: May 18, 2017Applicant: Levant Power CorporationInventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Jack A. Ekchian, Olivia D. Godwin, Clive Tucker, John A. Laplante, William Graves, Shakeel Avadhany, Michael W. Finnegan
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Patent number: 7933688Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Fourth Floor Associates, Inc.Inventors: John LaPlante, William T. Larkins
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Patent number: 7402018Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Kiva Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael C. Mountz, Raffaello D'Andrea, John A. LaPlante, David P. Lyons, II, Peter K. Mansfield, Burl W. Amsbury
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Publication number: 20080119963Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicant: ACTIVE SHOCK, INC.Inventors: John LaPlante, William T. Larkins
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Patent number: 7299112Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: ActiveShock, Inc.Inventors: John LaPlante, William T. Larkins
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Publication number: 20060210382Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2004Publication date: September 21, 2006Inventors: Michael Mountz, Raffaello D'Andrea, John LaPlante, David Lyons, Peter Mansfield, Burl Amsbury
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Publication number: 20060113502Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2005Publication date: June 1, 2006Inventors: John LaPlante, William Larkins
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Patent number: 6904344Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 4, 2004Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: ActiveShock, Inc.Inventors: John A. LaPlante, William T. Larkins
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Publication number: 20040254701Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: John A. LaPlante, William T. Larkins
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Patent number: 6732033Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Active Shock, Inc.Inventors: John A. LaPlante, William T. Larkins
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Publication number: 20030160369Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventors: John A. LaPlante, William T. Larkins