Patents by Inventor Katherine J. Kuchenbecker
Katherine J. Kuchenbecker 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: 20240060836Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sensor arrangement for sensing forces, including a measurement surface and optical detection of reflected light. The disclosure relates further to corresponding fabrication methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2021Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Huanbo SUN, Georg MARTIUS, Katherine J. KUCHENBECKER
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Publication number: 20240053212Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for force inference of a sensor arrangement using image data, to a corresponding training method for training a feed-forward neural network, to a corresponding force inference module and to a corresponding sensor arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2021Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Huanbo SUN, Georg MARTIUS, Katherine J. KUCHENBECKER
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Publication number: 20240044729Abstract: A tactile sensing system having a sensor component which comprises a plurality of layers stacked along a normal axis Z and a detection unit electrically connected to the sensor component, wherein the sensor component comprises a first layer, designed as a piezoresistive layer, a third layer, designed as a conductive layer which is electrically connected to the detection unit, and a second layer, designed as a spacing layer between the first layer and the third layer, wherein the first layer comprises a plurality of electrodes In electrically connected to the detection unit, wherein at least one contact force along the normal axis Z on the sensor component is detectable by the detection unit due to a change of a current distribution between the first layer and the third layer, wherein at least one lateral strain on the sensor component is detectable by the detection unit due to a change of the resistance distribution change in the piezoresistive first layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2021Publication date: February 8, 2024Applicant: MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FĂ–RDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN E.V.Inventors: Hyosang LEE, Katherine J. KUCHENBECKER
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Patent number: 10509468Abstract: Various systems, methods and computer program products are disclosed which provide fingertip tactile feedback from virtual objects. In various embodiments, a wearable haptic thimble is disclosed. The wearable haptic thimble is configured for use with a virtual reality (or augmented reality) system, and may include: an attachment mechanism for engaging a finger of a user; and at least one contact pad coupled with the attachment mechanism, the at least one contact pad configured to deliver tactile sensations to the finger of the user to provide a tactile representation of virtual reality (or augmented reality) in the virtual reality (or augmented reality) system.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2017Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: TACTAI, INC.Inventors: Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Steven D. Domenikos, Jean-Samuel Chenard, Ilann Derche
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Patent number: 10456318Abstract: Gait rehabilitation systems, methods, and apparatuses thereof are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a gait rehabilitation system may include a harness configured for attachment to an individual and at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter associated with gait of an individual, the individual having an affected leg and an unaffected leg. The system includes a braking system configured for attachment to the harness and in communication with the at least one sensor. The braking system is further configured for monitoring the at least one sensor to sense the at least one parameter associated with an individual's gait, determining when the affected leg is in a modification portion of the individual's gait from the sensed at least one parameter, and applying a braking force resisting movement of the harness during the determined modification portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2016Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignees: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, The Research Foundation for the State University of New YorkInventors: Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Vivienne Clayton, Ilana Teicher, Siyao Hu, Erin Vasudevan
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Patent number: 10292752Abstract: Surgery systems and methods for providing vibration feedback are disclosed. A surgery system includes an electrocautery tool, a current sensor, and an actuator. The current sensor is coupled to the electrocautery tool to sense a current through the electrocautery tool indicative of an electrocautery action being performed with the tool. The actuator is in communication with the current sensor and is configured to provide a vibration to an operator of the electrocautery tool when the current sensor senses the current through the electrocautery tool indicative of the electrocautery action. A surgical method includes sensing a current through an electrocautery tool indicative of an electrocautery action being performed with the tool, and actuating an actuator to provide a vibration to an operator of the electrocautery tool when the current sensor senses the current through the electrocautery tool indicative of the electrocautery action.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Inventors: Anna Brzezinski, Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Ernest D. Gomez, Nicole Blumenfeld, Brian H. Horwich, Zachary E. Shurden
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Publication number: 20180221239Abstract: Gait rehabilitation systems, methods, and apparatuses thereof are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a gait rehabilitation system may include a harness configured for attachment to an individual and at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter associated with gait of an individual, the individual having an affected leg and an unaffected leg. The system includes a braking system configured for attachment to the harness and in communication with the at least one sensor. The braking system is further configured for monitoring the at least one sensor to sense the at least one parameter associated with an individual's gait, determining when the affected leg is in a modification portion of the individual's gait from the sensed at least one parameter, and applying a braking force resisting movement of the harness during the determined modification portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2016Publication date: August 9, 2018Applicants: THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORKInventors: Katherine J. KUCHENBECKER, Vivienne CLAYTON, Ilana TEICHER, Siyao HU, Erin VASUDEVAN
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Patent number: 9990856Abstract: Systems and methods for training an operator of a robotic surgery system are disclosed. One such method includes enabling the operator to perform a test procedure, recording vibrations of a surgical tool of the robotic surgery system during the test procedure, and generating a score for the operator based at least in part on the recorded vibrations of the surgical tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: The Trustees Of The University Of PennsylvaniaInventors: Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Will McMahan, Ernest D. Gomez, Karlin Bark
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Publication number: 20170212589Abstract: Various systems, methods and computer program products are disclosed which provide fingertip tactile feedback from virtual objects. In various embodiments, a wearable haptic thimble is disclosed. The wearable haptic thimble is configured for use with a virtual reality (or augmented reality) system, and may include: an attachment mechanism for engaging a finger of a user; and at least one contact pad coupled with the attachment mechanism, the at least one contact pad configured to deliver tactile sensations to the finger of the user to provide a tactile representation of virtual reality (or augmented reality) in the virtual reality (or augmented reality) system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2017Publication date: July 27, 2017Inventors: Steven D. Domenikos, Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Jean-Samuel Chenard, Ilann Derche
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Patent number: 9333039Abstract: Systems and methods for providing vibration feedback in robotic systems are disclosed. A system for configuring a robotic surgery system to provide vibration feedback during robot-assisted surgery includes a sensor, an actuator, and a controller. The sensor is coupled to the robotic surgery system such that the sensor senses a vibration of a surgical tool. The actuator is coupled to the surgery system such that the actuator provides a vibration to a user at a control station. The controller is electrically coupled with the sensor and the actuator. The controller is configured to receive data corresponding to a sensed vibration from the sensor. The controller is further configured to actuate the actuator based on the received data such that the actuator provides a vibration to the user when the sensor senses the vibration of the tool. The above system may be configured to provide tactile and/or audio feedback.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: The Trustees of the University of PennsylvaniaInventors: Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Dorsey Standish, William McMahan, Jamie Gewirtz
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Publication number: 20160081738Abstract: Surgery systems and methods for providing vibration feedback are disclosed. A surgery system includes an electrocautery tool, a current sensor, and an actuator. The current sensor is coupled to the electrocautery tool to sense a current through the electrocautery tool indicative of an electrocautery action being performed with the tool. The actuator is in communication with the current sensor and is configured to provide a vibration to an operator of the electrocautery tool when the current sensor senses the current through the electrocautery tool indicative of the electrocautery action. A surgical method includes sensing a current through an electrocautery tool indicative of an electrocautery action being performed with the tool, and actuating an actuator to provide a vibration to an operator of the electrocautery tool when the current sensor senses the current through the electrocautery tool indicative of the electrocautery action.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2014Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: Anna Brzezinski, Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Ernest D. Gomez, Nicole Blumenfeld, Brian H. Horwich, Zachary E. Shurden
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Patent number: 8988445Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing and recreating the feel of a surface are disclosed. A method for capturing a feel of a surface comprises contacting the surface with a handheld tool, recording data measured by the tool, and generating a texture model of the surface based on the recorded data. A method for recreating a feel of a surface comprises contacting a virtual surface with a handheld tool, determining an estimated contact force based on the data measured by the tool, generating a vibration waveform from a texture model based on the data measured by the tool; and actuating at least one actuator of the tool according to the vibration waveform. A system for capturing and recreating a feel of a surface comprises a handheld tool, a storage device, and a processor.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: The Trustees of the University of PennsylvaniaInventors: Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Joseph Romano, William McMahan, Nils Landin
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Publication number: 20140180167Abstract: Systems and methods for determining stricture characteristics are disclosed. A system for determining the characteristics of a stricture in a body lumen includes a dilation device, one or more sensors, and an output device. The dilation device is configured to be inserted in the body lumen at the location of the stricture. The one or more sensors are coupled to the dilation device for sensing characteristics of the dilation device during dilation. The output device is configured to indicate the characteristics of the dilation device. In order to determining the characteristics of the stricture, the dilation device may be inserted in the body lumen at the location of the stricture. The dilation device may then be inflated. Characteristics of the dilation device during inflation of the dilation device may then be sensed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: The Trustees of the University of PennsylvaniaInventors: Michael L. Kochman, Katherine J. Kuchenbecker
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Publication number: 20120310257Abstract: Systems and methods for providing vibration feedback in robotic systems are disclosed. A system for configuring a robotic surgery system to provide vibration feedback during robot-assisted surgery includes a sensor, an actuator, and a controller. The sensor is coupled to the robotic surgery system such that the sensor senses a vibration of a surgical tool. The actuator is coupled to the surgery system such that the actuator provides a vibration to a user at a control station. The controller is electrically coupled with the sensor and the actuator. The controller is configured to receive data corresponding to a sensed vibration from the sensor. The controller is further configured to actuate the actuator based on the received data such that the actuator provides a vibration to the user when the sensor senses the vibration of the tool. The above system may be configured to provide tactile and/or audio feedback.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: The Trustees of the University of PennsylvaniaInventors: Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Dorsey Standish, William McMahan, Jamie Gewirtz
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Publication number: 20120026180Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing and recreating the feel of a surface are disclosed. A method for capturing a feel of a surface comprises contacting the surface with a handheld tool, recording data measured by the tool, and generating a texture model of the surface based on the recorded data. A method for recreating a feel of a surface comprises contacting a virtual surface with a handheld tool, determining an estimated contact force based on the data measured by the tool, generating a vibration waveform from a texture model based on the data measured by the tool; and actuating at least one actuator of the tool according to the vibration waveform. A system for capturing and recreating a feel of a surface comprises a handheld tool, a storage device, and a processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: The Trustees of the University of PennsylvaniaInventors: Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, Joseph Romano, William McMahan, Nils Landin
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Patent number: 6851226Abstract: A freestanding partition panel for dividing a floor space includes a rigid partition frame having vertical side frame members and first and second horizontal frame members extending between the vertical side frame members to form a vertically enlarged opening through the frame, and an open space within the panel. At least one intermediate horizontal cross member extends across the vertically enlarged opening and defines upper and lower openings through the frame. The intermediate cross member and at least a selected one of the first and second horizontal frame members include a plurality of horizontally spaced apart attachment locations defining a plurality of discrete, serially adjacent mounting spaces. The partition panel further includes a utility unit that is mountable in a selected one of the mounting spaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Bruce G. MacGregor, Juan Carlos Bruce Novoa, Larry Cheng, Energy Cruse, II, Thomas B. Eich, Jesse A. Fourt, David M. Gresham, Alex T. Grishaver, Joseph Lishing Hei, Matthew D. Inouye, Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, James N. Ludwig, Sven D. Newman, Todd A. Pelman, Alexey Salamini, Franz Niklaus Schulz, Benjamin J. V. Tarbell, Scott A. Whitman, David M. Webster
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Publication number: 20030154673Abstract: A freestanding partition panel for dividing a floor space includes a rigid partition frame having vertical side frame members and first and second horizontal frame members extending between the vertical side frame members to form a vertically enlarged opening through the frame, and an open space within the panel. At least one intermediate horizontal cross member extends across the vertically enlarged opening and defines upper and lower openings through the frame. The intermediate cross member and at least a selected one of the first and second horizontal frame members include a plurality of horizontally spaced apart attachment locations defining a plurality of discrete, serially adjacent mounting spaces. The partition panel further includes a utility unit that is mountable in a selected one of the mounting spaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2002Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventors: Bruce G. MacGregor, Juan Carlos Bruce Novoa, Larry Cheng, Energy Cruse, Thomas B. Eich, Jesse A. Fourt, David M. Gresham, Alex T. Grishaver, Joseph Lishing Hei, Matthew D. Inouye, Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, James N. Ludwig, Sven D. Newman, Todd A. Pelman, Alexey Salamini, Franz Niklaus Schulz, Benjamin J. V. Tarbell, Scott A. Whitman, David M. Webster