Patents by Inventor Kenneth T. Gowen

Kenneth T. Gowen 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).

  • Three-dimensional edge profile determination
    Patent number: 9417047
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a three-dimensional profile of an edge of an object are presented. The edge is defined by adjoining first and second surfaces. A first set of surface points can be detected on the first surface, and a second set of surface points can be detected on the second surface. The second set of surface points can correspond to the first set of surface points. A sensor, such as a contact sensor, can be used to detect the first and second set of surface points. Based on the detected first and second set of surface points, a profile of the edge can be determined automatically, such as by a processor operatively connected to the sensor. In this way, the profile of the edge can be determined without direct detection of the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth T. Gowen
  • THREE-DIMENSIONAL EDGE PROFILE DETERMINATION
    Publication number: 20160040972
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a three-dimensional profile of an edge of an object are presented. The edge is defined by adjoining first and second surfaces. A first set of surface points can be detected on the first surface, and a second set of surface points can be detected on the second surface. The second set of surface points can correspond to the first set of surface points. A sensor, such as a contact sensor, can be used to detect the first and second set of surface points. Based on the detected first and second set of surface points, a profile of the edge can be determined automatically, such as by a processor operatively connected to the sensor. In this way, the profile of the edge can be determined without direct detection of the edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth T. Gowen