Patents by Inventor Kathleen Garrubba Hopkins

Kathleen Garrubba Hopkins 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).

  • Adherent robot
    Patent number: 6276478
    Abstract: A robot capable of moving against gravity uses at least one vacuum cup assembly having a port for applying a lubricant on the working surface so the cup may slide on the surface as the robot is maneuvered with the aid of powered wheels. The wheels and vacuum cut assemblies are coordinated to move on varied surfaces. The robot module may be equipped with various task-performing assemblies, and may be employed in caravans, trains, or separately in swarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: Kathleen Garrubba Hopkins, Dennis L. Thompson, James Bour
  • Adherent Robot
    Publication number: 20010013434
    Abstract: A robot capable of moving against gravity uses at least one vacuum cup assembly having means for applying a lubricant on the working surface so the cup may slide on the surface as the robot is maneuvered with the aid of powered wheels. The wheels and vacuum cup assemblies are coordinated to move on varied surfaces. The robot module may be equipped with various task-performing assemblies, and may be employed in caravans, trains, or separately in swarms. The vacuum cup assemblies include a pair of springs working against each other to provide stability and flexibility at the point of attachment to the body of the robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventor: Kathleen Garrubba Hopkins