Patents by Inventor Kenneth A. Pasch

Kenneth A. Pasch 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: 11944871
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein concern a motorized fitness wheel. The fitness wheel includes a wheel that rotates about an axle with two handles that extend outward from respective sides of the wheel along the rotational axis. In use, the user grasps the handles with their hands and rolls the wheel back and forth along the floor. A motor is configured to apply a torque to the wheel in either forward or backward direction to apply resistance or assistance and enhance the exercise. A position sensor feeds positional information of the motor to a microcontroller. Based on the positional information, the microcontroller dynamically controls the output torque of the motor as a function of one or more torque trajectories. The torque trajectories define the output torque of the motor over a cycle of the exercise as a function a spatial variable (e.g., wheel position) and/or time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: ZEROWHEEL, LLC
    Inventors: Neil Singer, Pranav Solanki, Brian Singer, Kenneth Pasch
  • Publication number: 20240009520
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein concern a motorized fitness wheel. The fitness wheel includes a wheel that rotates about an axle with two handles that extend outward from respective sides of the wheel along the rotational axis. In use, the user grasps the handles with their hands and rolls the wheel back and forth along the floor. A motor is configured to apply a torque to the wheel in either forward or backward direction to apply resistance or assistance and enhance the exercise. A position sensor feeds positional information of the motor to a microcontroller. Based on the positional information, the microcontroller dynamically controls the output torque of the motor as a function of one or more torque trajectories. The torque trajectories define the output torque of the motor over a cycle of the exercise as a function a spatial variable (e.g., wheel position) and/or time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Neil Singer, Pranav Solanki, Brian Singer, Kenneth Pasch
  • Publication number: 20240009521
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein concern a motorized fitness wheel. The fitness wheel includes a wheel that rotates about an axle with two handles that extend outward from respective sides of the wheel along the rotational axis. In use, the user grasps the handles with their hands and rolls the wheel back and forth along the floor. A motor is configured to apply a torque to the wheel in either forward or backward direction to apply resistance or assistance and enhance the exercise. A position sensor feeds positional information of the motor to a microcontroller. Based on the positional information, the microcontroller dynamically controls the output torque of the motor as a function of one or more torque trajectories. The torque trajectories define the output torque of the motor over a cycle of the exercise as a function a spatial variable (e.g., wheel position) and/or time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Neil Singer, Pranav Solanki, Brian Singer, Kenneth Pasch
  • Publication number: 20240009518
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein concern a motorized fitness wheel. The fitness wheel includes a wheel that rotates about an axle with two handles that extend outward from respective sides of the wheel along the rotational axis. In use, the user grasps the handles with their hands and rolls the wheel back and forth along the floor. A motor is configured to apply a torque to the wheel in either forward or backward direction to apply resistance or assistance and enhance the exercise. A position sensor feeds positional information of the motor to a microcontroller. Based on the positional information, the microcontroller dynamically controls the output torque of the motor as a function of one or more torque trajectories. The torque trajectories define the output torque of the motor over a cycle of the exercise as a function a spatial variable (e.g., wheel position) and/or time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Neil Singer, Pranav Solanki, Brian Singer, Kenneth Pasch
  • Patent number: 10561563
    Abstract: A link extends between a distal member and a proximal member of a wearable device, such as an exoskeleton, orthosis or prosthesis for a human lower limb. One or other of the distal member and the proximal member includes a crossing member. The link extends from the crossing member of the distal member or the proximal member, to the other of the distal member or the proximal member. Actuation of the link translates to a force at the distal or proximal member that is normal to a major longitudinal axis extending through the distal and proximal members. In one embodiment, a sliding link of a device configured for use with a human joint tracks two degrees of freedom of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Luke M. Mooney, Elliott J. Rouse, Jiun-Yih Kuan, Kenneth A. Pasch
  • Patent number: 10485681
    Abstract: An exoskeleton worn by a human user consists of a rigid pelvic harness, worn about the waist of the user, and exoskeleton leg structures, each of which extends downwardly alongside one of the human user's legs. The leg structures include hip, knee, and ankle joints connected by adjustable length thigh and shin members. The hip joint that attaches the thigh structure to the pelvic harness includes a passive spring or an active actuator to assist in lifting the exoskeleton and the human user with respect to the ground surface upon which the user is walking and to propel the exoskeleton and human user forward. A controllable damper operatively arrests the movement of the knee joint at controllable times during the walking cycle and a spring located at the ankle and foot member stores and releases energy during walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Conor Walsh, Daniel Joseph Paluska, Andrew Valiente, Kenneth Pasch, William Grand
  • Patent number: 8295983
    Abstract: Dynamic systems with moving parts, such as printers and image forming apparatuses, for example, can shake as a result of reaction forces related to carriage movement. The characteristics of the shake are related to the particular usage environment and, therefore, can be different for the same dynamic system used in different environments. When the shake of a dynamic system is characterized while the dynamic system is in its particular usage environment, the shake can be reduced, for example, based on a degree of control specified by an operator, for every use in that same environment through adjustments based on the characterization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Silent Printer Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Pasch, Neil C. Singer, Mark Tanquary
  • Publication number: 20120176875
    Abstract: A method of controlling a dynamic system including selecting at least one fundamental limiting parameter; selecting an input parameter of the dynamic system; generating a command for the input parameter causing the dynamic system to follow an output trajectory such that the fundamental limiting parameter does not substantially saturate during the output trajectory duration; and commanding the dynamic system with the command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Convolve, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Singer, Mark Tanquary, Kenneth Pasch
  • Patent number: 8144417
    Abstract: Techniques are provided herein for reducing vibrations in various modes of a dynamic system. One such technique comprises incorporating vibration limiting and sensitivity constraints into a partial fraction expansion equation model of the system so as to reduce vibrations to specific levels. Another technique comprises shaping a command determined using the partial fraction expansion equation model to produce a desired output. The entire command may be shaped or only selected portions thereof which produce vibrations. Another technique involves commanding in current to produce saturation in voltage. By doing this it is possible to command voltage switches. The times at which the switches occur can be set to reduce system vibrations. Other techniques are also provided. These include varying transient portions at the beginning, middle and/or end of a move and using Posicast inputs, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Convolve, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Singer, Mark Tanquary, Kenneth Pasch
  • Publication number: 20110040216
    Abstract: An exoskeleton worn by a human user consists of a rigid pelvic harness, worn about the waist of the user, and exoskeleton leg structures, each of which extends downwardly alongside one of the human user's legs. The leg structures include hip, knee, and ankle joints connected by adjustable length thigh and shin members. The hip joint that attaches the thigh structure to the pelvic harness includes a passive spring or an active actuator to assist in lifting the exoskeleton and the human user with respect to the ground surface upon which the user is walking and to propel the exoskeleton and human user forward. A controllable damper operatively arrests the movement of the knee joint at controllable times during the walking cycle and a spring located at the ankle and foot member stores and releases energy during walking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Hugh M. Herr, Conor Walsh, Daniel Joseph Paluska, Andrew Valiente, Kenneth Pasch, William Grand
  • Publication number: 20100309490
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for altering the operation of printers and scanners to reduce vibration and/or acoustics. The technology involves altering the mode of operation of the printer or scanner to be in either “quick”, “quiet” or an intermediate mode. Additionally, means for achieving the different modes of operation are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Convolve, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil C. Singer, Kenneth Pasch, Mark Tanquary
  • Patent number: 7791758
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for altering the operation of printers and scanners to reduce vibration and/or acoustics. The technology involves altering the mode of operation of the printer or scanner to be in either “quick”, “quiet” or an intermediate mode. Additionally, structure for achieving the different modes of operation are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Convolve, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil C. Singer, Kenneth Pasch, Mark Tanquary
  • Publication number: 20100121468
    Abstract: Dynamic systems with moving parts, such as printers and image forming apparatuses, for example, can shake as a result of reaction forces related to carriage movement. The characteristics of the shake are related to the particular usage environment and, therefore, can be different for the same dynamic system used in different environments. When the shake of a dynamic system is characterized while the dynamic system is in its particular usage environment, the shake can be reduced, for example, based on a degree of control specified by an operator, for every use in that same environment through adjustments based on the characterization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Pasch, Neil C. Singer, Mark Tanquary
  • Patent number: 7620739
    Abstract: Techniques are provided herein for reducing vibrations in various modes of a dynamic system. One such technique comprises incorporating vibration limiting and sensitivity constraints into a partial fraction expansion equation model of the system so as to reduce vibrations to specific levels. Another technique comprises shaping a command determined using the partial fraction expansion equation model to produce a desired output. The entire command may be shaped or only selected portions thereof which produce vibrations. Another technique involves commanding in current to produce saturation in voltage. By doing this, it is possible to command voltage switches. The times at which the switches occur can be set to reduce system vibrations. Other techniques are also provided. These include varying transient portions at the beginning, middle and/or end of a move and using Posicast inputs, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Convolve, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Singer, Mark Tanquary, Kenneth Pasch
  • Publication number: 20090190248
    Abstract: Techniques are provided herein for reducing vibrations in various modes of a dynamic system. One such technique comprises incorporating vibration limiting and sensitivity constraints into a partial fraction expansion equation model of the system so as to reduce vibrations to specific levels. Another technique comprises shaping a command determined using the partial fraction expansion equation model to produce a desired output. The entire command may be shaped or only selected portions thereof which produce vibrations. Another technique involves commanding in current to produce saturation in voltage. By doing this it is possible to command voltage switches. The times at which the switches occur can be set to reduce system vibrations. Other techniques are also provided. These include varying transient portions at the beginning, middle and/or end of a move and using Posicast inputs, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Neil Singer, Mark Tanquary, Kenneth Pasch
  • Publication number: 20090154001
    Abstract: Techniques are provided herein for reducing vibrations in various modes of a dynamic system. One such technique comprises incorporating vibration limiting and sensitivity constraints into a partial fraction expansion equation model of the system so as to reduce vibrations to specific levels. Another technique comprises shaping a command determined using the partial fraction expansion equation model to produce a desired output. The entire command may be shaped or only selected portions thereof which produce vibrations. Another technique involves commanding in current to produce saturation in voltage. By doing this, it is possible to command voltage switches. The times at which the switches occur can be set to reduce system vibrations. Other techniques are also provided. These include varying transient portions at the beginning, middle and/or end of a move and using Posicast inputs, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Convolve, Inc.
    Inventors: NEIL SINGER, Mark Tanquary, Kenneth Pasch
  • Patent number: 7483232
    Abstract: Techniques are provided herein for reducing vibrations in various modes of a dynamic system. One such technique comprises incorporating vibration limiting and sensitivity constraints into a partial fraction expansion equation model of the system so as to reduce vibrations to specific levels. Another technique comprises shaping a command determined using the partial fraction expansion equation model to produce a desired output. The entire command may be shaped or only selected portions thereof which produce vibrations. Another technique involves commanding in current to produce saturation in voltage. By doing this, it is possible to command voltage switches. The times at which the switches occur can be set to reduce system vibrations. Other techniques are also provided. These include varying transient portions at the beginning, middle and/or end of a move and using Posicast inputs, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Convolve, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Singer, Mark Tanquary, Kenneth Pasch
  • Publication number: 20070123997
    Abstract: An exoskeleton worn by a human user consisting of a rigid pelvic harness worn about the waist of the user and exoskeleton leg structures each of which extends downwardly alongside one of the human user's legs. The leg structures include hip, knee and ankle joints connected by adjustable length thigh and shin members. The hip joint that attaches the thigh structure to the pelvic harness includes a passive spring or an active actuator to assist in lifting the exoskeleton and said human user with respect to the ground surface upon which the user is walking and to propel the exoskeleton and human user forward. A controllable damper operatively arresting the movement of the knee joint at controllable times during the walking cycle, and spring located at the ankle and foot member stores and releases energy during walking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Hugh Herr, Conor Walsh, Daniel Paluska, Andrew Valiente, Kenneth Pasch, William Grand
  • Publication number: 20030147172
    Abstract: Techniques are provided herein for reducing vibrations in various modes of a dynamic system. One such technique comprises incorporating vibration limiting and sensitivity constraints into a partial fraction expansion equation model of the system so as to reduce vibrations to specific levels. Another technique comprises shaping a command determined using the partial fraction expansion equation model to produce a desired output. The entire command may be shaped or only selected portions thereof which produce vibrations. Another technique involves commanding in current to produce saturation in voltage. By doing this, it is possible to command voltage switches. The times at which the switches occur can be set to reduce system vibrations. Other techniques are also provided. These include varying transient portions at the beginning, middle and/or end of a move and using Posicast inputs, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Neil Singer, Mark Tanquary, Kenneth Pasch
  • Patent number: 6560658
    Abstract: Techniques are provided herein for reducing vibrations in various modes of a dynamic system. One such technique comprises incorporating vibration limiting and sensitivity constraints into a partial fraction expansion equation model of the system so as to reduce vibrations to specific levels. Another technique comprises shaping a command determined using the partial fraction expansion equation model to produce a desired output. The entire command may be shaped or only selected portions thereof which produce vibrations. Another technique involves commanding in current to produce saturation in voltage. By doing this, it is possible to command voltage switches. The times at which the switches occur can be set to reduce system vibrations. Other techniques are also provided. These include varying transient portions at the beginning, middle and/or end of a move and using Posicast inputs, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Convolve, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Singer, Mark Tanquary, Kenneth Pasch