Patents by Inventor John David Heinzmann
John David Heinzmann 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: 6965206Abstract: An electric device includes a motor and a motor drive for commanding a torque generated by the motor. A fault control circuit detects a fault condition associated with the motor drive. Upon detection of the fault condition, the fault control circuit adjusts the torque commanded by the motor drive.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2002Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, John B. Morrell, David W. Robinson, Ronald K. Reich, John David Heinzmann, Philip LeMay, Steven R. Meyer, Jason M. Sachs, J. Douglas Field
-
Patent number: 6920947Abstract: A personal transporter device and corresponding method of operation are given that utilize an exercise mode. A transporter assembly includes a platform, a ground-contacting module, and a motorized drive. The platform supports a user. The ground-contacting module is connected to the platform. The motorized drive powers the ground-contacting module to drive the assembly in a selected direction over an underlying surface. A controller is coupled to and controlling the motorized drive, and also has an exercise mode for opposing a user-provided human power input with a selected level of resistance. When the device is a dynamically stabilized transporter, the controller also controls the motorized drive so as to dynamically stabilize the transporter assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean L. Kamen, John David Heinzmann, Jason M. Sachs
-
Patent number: 6915878Abstract: A device and methods for supporting a payload, such as a user, at a variable height above the ground and for repositioning the payload in a dynamically stabilized mode of operation. The transporter device has two laterally disposed primary wheels and a payload support that may be used to raise or lower the payload. A torque is applied to the laterally disposed wheels so as to propel the transporter on the basis of a control signal that may include repositioning of the device.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean L. Kamen, John David Heinzmann
-
Patent number: 6866107Abstract: A device and method for equalizing the charge among a plurality of batteries redundantly driving a motor. The batteries are coupled to the motor through isolated windings and to each other through the drive shaft. The device senses the charge of the batteries and then controls the current from each of the batteries to its respective winding to equalize the charge. Related methods are provided to maximize the speed limit of a balancing transporter.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: John David Heinzmann, John B. Morrell, David W. Robinson
-
Publication number: 20040129464Abstract: A method for attaching a carrier, such as a trailer, to a dynamically balanced transporter. The carrier is attached to the transporter with a pivot. The pivot axis of the carrier is coincident with the axis of rotation of the wheels of the transporter. This method of attachment minimizes the impact of the trailer on the ability of the transporter to maintain dynamic balance and control.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventors: R. William Arling, J. Douglas Field, John David Heinzmann, Jeffrey W. Hill, Michael Slate
-
Publication number: 20040069543Abstract: A transporter for transporting a subject over a surface that may be irregular. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting a load, the loaded support platform defining fore-aft and lateral planes and characterized by a load distribution. A plurality of ground contacting elements are coupled to the support platform. At least one of the plurality of ground contacting elements is driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal indicative of the load distribution of the loaded support platform. Based at least on the load distribution, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, J. Douglas Field, John David Heinzmann, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Christopher C. Langenfeld
-
Publication number: 20040055796Abstract: A transporter for transporting a subject over a surface that may be irregular. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting a load, the loaded support platform defining fore-aft and lateral planes and characterized by a load distribution. A plurality of ground contacting elements are coupled to the support platform such that the transporter is statically stable with respect to tipping in the fore-aft plane. At least one of the plurality of ground contacting elements is driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal indicative of the load distribution. Based at least on the load distribution, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Dean Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, J. Douglas Field, John David Heinzmann, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Christopher C. Langenfeld
-
Publication number: 20040016584Abstract: A transporter for transporting a first person and one or more riders over a surface. The transporter includes a first support platform for supporting the first person, the first support platform having left and right sides and defining a fore-aft vertical plane and a lateral plane. At least one ground-contacting element is coupled to the first support platform such that the first support platform is capable of tilting in the fore-aft plane about a tilt axis. The at least one ground-contacting element is driven by a motorized drive arrangement so as to cause locomotion of the transporter. A controller commands the motorized drive arrangement. The controller is configured so that at least one of fore and aft sustained motion of the transporter is based at least on fore-aft tilting of the first support platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, J. Douglas Field, John David Heinzmann
-
Publication number: 20040007399Abstract: A device and method for equalizing the charge among a plurality of batteries redundantly driving a motor. The batteries are coupled to the motor through isolated windings and to each other through the drive shaft. The device senses the charge of the batteries and then controls the current from each of the batteries to its respective winding to equalize the charge. Related methods are provided to maximize the speed limit of a balancing transporter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: John David Heinzmann, John B. Morrell, David W. Robinson
-
Publication number: 20040007425Abstract: A device and methods for supporting a payload, such as a user, at a variable height above the ground and for repositioning the payload in a dynamically stabilized mode of operation. The transporter device has two laterally disposed primary wheels and a payload support that may be used to raise or lower the payload. A torque is applied to the laterally disposed wheels so as to propel the transporter on the basis of a control signal that may include repositioning of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, John David Heinzmann
-
Publication number: 20040005958Abstract: A personal transporter device and corresponding method of operation are given that utilize an exercise mode. A transporter assembly includes a platform, a ground-contacting module, and a motorized drive. The platform supports a user. The ground-contacting module is connected to the platform. The motorized drive powers the ground-contacting module to drive the assembly in a selected direction over an underlying surface. A controller is coupled to and controlling the motorized drive, and also has an exercise mode for opposing a user-provided human power input with a selected level of resistance. When the device is a dynamically stabilized transporter, the controller also controls the motorized drive so as to dynamically stabilize the transporter assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, John David Heinzmann, Jason M. Sachs
-
Publication number: 20030146025Abstract: An electric device includes a motor and a motor drive for commanding a torque generated by the motor. A fault control circuit detects a fault condition associated with the motor drive. Upon detection of the fault condition, the fault control circuit adjusts the torque commanded by the motor drive.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Dean Kamen, John B. Morrell, David W. Robinson, Ronald K. Reich, John David Heinzmann, Philip LeMay, Steven R. Meyer, Jason M. Sachs, J. Douglas Field
-
Patent number: 6571892Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the systems and methods allow for the control of a human transport device such that the human transport device remains in an upright position regardless of the surface being traversed. The systems and methods may include a plurality of operational modes where each mode has different characteristics. Additionally, systems and method for locating a center of gravity of a device are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: DEKA Research and Development CorporationInventors: Dean L. Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, Burl Amsbury, Susan D. Dastous, Robert J. Duggan, John David Heinzmann, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, David W. Herr, John M. Kerwin, John B. Morrell, James Henry Steenson, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20020149172Abstract: A trailer for a dynamically balanced transporter that allows leaning of the transporter such as for control of the combination of transporter and trailer. The trailer has a platform and an arm with two ends, one of which ends is coupled to the platform and the other of which is pivotally coupled about a horizontal axis to the transporter. The trailer has a ground-contacting member that may be a wheel, or a ski or a skid. A locking mechanism may lock the pivot in response to a fault condition. The platform of the trailer may support a rider in a seated or standing position and may have a characteristic transverse linear dimension comparable to the shoulder width of the rider.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventors: J. Douglas Field, John David Heinzmann
-
Publication number: 20020121394Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the systems and methods allow for the control of a human transport device such that the human transport device remains in an upright position regardless of the surface being traversed. The systems and methods may include a plurality of operational modes where each mode has different characteristics. Additionally, systems and method for locating a center of gravity of a device are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2001Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, Burl Amsbury, Susan D. Dastous, Robert J. Duggan, John David Heinzmann, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, David W. Herr, John M. Kerwin, John B. Morrell, James Henry Steenson
-
Patent number: 6443250Abstract: A vehicle for transporting a payload over a surface that may be irregular and may include stairs. The vehicle has a support for supporting the payload and a ground contacting element movable with respect to a local axis, where the local axis can be moved with respect to some second axis that has a defined relation with respect to the support. The vehicle also has a motorized drive arrangement for permitting controllable motion of the ground contacting element so as to operate in an operating condition that is unstable with respect to tipping in at least a fore-aft plane when the motorized drive arrangement is not powered. The vehicle also has an input device for receiving an indication from an assistant who is not disposed on the vehicle of a direction of desired motion of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Deka Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean L. Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, John David Heinzmann, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, David Herr, John B. Morrell
-
Patent number: 6435535Abstract: A trailer for a dynamically balanced transporter that allows leaning of the transporter such as for control of the combination of transporter and trailer. The trailer has a platform and an arm with two ends, one of which ends is coupled to the platform and the other of which is pivotally coupled about a horizontal axis to the transporter. The trailer has a ground-contacting member that may be a wheel, or a ski or a skid. A locking mechanism may lock the pivot in response to a fault condition. The platform of the trailer may support a rider in a seated or standing position and may have a characteristic transverse linear dimension comparable to the shoulder width of the rider.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: J. Douglas Field, John David Heinzmann
-
Patent number: 6415879Abstract: A vehicle for transporting a payload over a surface that may be irregular and may include stairs. The vehicle has a support for supporting the payload and a ground contacting element movable with respect to a local axis, where the local axis can be moved with respect to some second axis that has a defined relation with respect to the support. The vehicle also has a motorized drive arrangement for permitting controllable motion of the ground contacting element so as to operate in an operating condition that is unstable with respect to tipping in at least a fore-aft plane when the motorized drive arrangement is not powered. The vehicle also has an input device for receiving an indication from an assistant who is not disposed on the vehicle of a direction of desired motion of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean L. Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, John David Heinzmann, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, David Herr, John B. Morrell
-
Publication number: 20010022242Abstract: A vehicle for transporting a payload over a surface that may be irregular and may include stairs. The vehicle has a support for supporting the payload and a ground contacting element movable with respect to a local axis, where the local axis can be moved with respect to some second axis that has a defined relation with respect to the support. The vehicle also has a motorized drive arrangement for permitting controllable motion of the ground contacting element so as to operate in an operating condition that is unstable with respect to tipping in at least a fore-aft plane when the motorized drive arrangement is not powered. The vehicle also has an input device for receiving an indication from an assistant who is not disposed on the vehicle of a direction of desired motion of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2001Publication date: September 20, 2001Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, John David Heinzmann, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, David Herr, John B. Morrell
-
Patent number: 6288505Abstract: A method for controlling a motorized balancing transporter that has two wheels in contact with the ground in normal operation. A signal substantially proportional to the shaft velocity is produced, and, at a rate less than 200 times per second, a voltage is calculated based at least on the shaft velocity signal and a specified transporter velocity and a voltage is applied to the motor based on the calculated voltage. A method is also provided for yaw control of the motorized balancing transporter that includes calculating a command to a motor amplifier based on balancing requirements of the transporter and augmenting the command to the motor amplifier based on a specified direction of motion.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Deka Products Limited PartnershipInventors: John David Heinzmann, John B. Morrell, George B. Yundt