Patents by Inventor Karen L. Nyberg

Karen L. Nyberg 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).

  • Robot friendly probe and socket assembly
    Patent number: 5326186
    Abstract: A probe and socket assembly (10) for serving as a mechanical interface. The assembly comprising a socket (11) having a housing (14) adapted for connection to a first supporting structure and a probe (12) which is readily connectable to a second structure and is designed to be easily grappled and manipulated by a robotic device for insertion and coupling with the socket. Cooperable automatic locking means (35, 49) are provided on the probe shaft (43) and socket housing (14) for automatically locking the probe in the socket when the probe is inserted a predetermined distance. A second cooperable locking means (92, 25) on the probe shaft (43) and housing (14) are adapted for actuation after the probe has been inserted the predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Karen L. Nyberg