Patents by Inventor Kevin Alcedo
Kevin Alcedo 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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Patent number: 11826905Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in robotic systems to reduce biological or chemical harborage points on the systems. For example, in exemplary embodiments, robotic actuators, hubs, or entire robotic systems may be configured to allow crevices along joints or near fasteners to be reduced or eliminated, hard corners to be replaced with rounded edges, certain components or harborage points to be eliminated, shapes to be reconfigured to be smoother or flat, and/or or surfaces to be reconfigurable for simpler cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Kevin Alcedo, Grant Thomas Sellers, Mark Chiappetta
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Patent number: 11752641Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in soft robotic systems that permit a soft robotic end effector to be a self-contained system, without reliance on a tether to deliver inflation fluid to the actuator(s) of the end effector. According to some embodiments, a robotic system may be provided including a soft actuator and a hub. The body of the hub may include an integrated pressure source configured to supply inflation fluid through the actuator interface to the soft actuator. The pressure source may be, for example, a compressor (such as a twin-head compressor) or a reaction chamber configured to vaporize a fuel to create a high-temperature pressurized gas and deliver the pressurized gas to the actuator One or more accumulators may receive inflation fluid (or a partial vacuum) from the compressor over time, and store the inflation fluid under pressure, thus allowing actuation over a relatively short time period.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Knopf, Joshua Lessing, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Grant Sellers, Kevin Alcedo
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Patent number: 11731292Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling different grasper assemblies including a soft actuator in various configurations to a mechanical robotic components are described. Further described are soft actuators having various reinforcement. Further described are and soft actuators having electroadhesive pads for improved grip, and/or embedded electromagnets for interacting with complementary surfaces on the object being gripped. Still further described are soft actuators having reinforcement mechanisms for reducing or eliminating bowing in a strain limiting layer, or for reinforcing accordion troughs in the soft actuator body.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Carl Everett Vause, Kevin Alcedo
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Publication number: 20220219339Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in robotic systems to reduce biological or chemical harborage points on the systems. For example, in exemplary embodiments, robotic actuators, hubs, or entire robotic systems may be configured to allow crevices along joints or near fasteners to be reduced or eliminated, hard corners to be replaced with rounded edges, certain components or harborage points to be eliminated, shapes to be reconfigured to be smoother or flat, and/or or surfaces to be reconfigurable for simpler cleaning.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2022Publication date: July 14, 2022Inventors: Joshua Aaron LESSING, Ryan Richard KNOPF, Daniel Vincent HARBURG, Kevin ALCEDO, Grant Thomas SELLERS, Mark CHIAPPETTA
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Publication number: 20220088796Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in soft robotic systems that permit a soft robotic end effector to be a self-contained system, without reliance on a tether to deliver inflation fluid to the actuator(s) of the end effector. According to some embodiments, a robotic system may be provided including a soft actuator and a hub. The body of the hub may include an integrated pressure source configured to supply inflation fluid through the actuator interface to the soft actuator. The pressure source may be, for example, a compressor (such as a twin-head compressor) or a reaction chamber configured to vaporize a fuel to create a high-temperature pressurized gas and deliver the pressurized gas to the actuator One or more accumulators may receive inflation fluid (or a partial vacuum) from the compressor over time, and store the inflation fluid under pressure, thus allowing actuation over a relatively short time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Ryan KNOPF, Joshua Aaron LESSING, Daniel Vincent HARBURG, Grant SELLERS, Kevin ALCEDO
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Patent number: 11247348Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in robotic systems to reduce biological or chemical harborage points on the systems. For example, in exemplary embodiments, robotic actuators, hubs, or entire robotic systems may be configured to allow crevices along joints or near fasteners to be reduced or eliminated, hard corners to be replaced with rounded edges, certain components or harborage points to be eliminated, shapes to be reconfigured to be smoother or flat, and/or or surfaces to be reconfigurable for simpler cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: SOFT ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Kevin Alcedo, Grant Thomas Sellers, Mark Chiappetta
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Publication number: 20210354317Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling different grasper assemblies including a soft actuator in various configurations to a mechanical robotic components are described. Further described are soft actuators having various reinforcement. Further described are and soft actuators having electroadhesive pads for improved grip, and/or embedded electromagnets for interacting with complementary surfaces on the object being gripped. Still further described are soft actuators having reinforcement mechanisms for reducing or eliminating bowing in a strain limiting layer, or for reinforcing accordion troughs in the soft actuator body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: Joshua Aaron LESSING, Ryan Richard KNOPF, Carl Everett VAUSE, Kevin ALCEDO
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Patent number: 11161251Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in soft robotic systems that permit a soft robotic end effector to be a self-contained system, without reliance on a tether to deliver inflation fluid to the actuator(s) of the end effector. According to some embodiments, a robotic system may be provided including a soft actuator and a hub. The body of the hub may include an integrated pressure source configured to supply inflation fluid through the actuator interface to the soft actuator. The pressure source may be, for example, a compressor (such as a twin-head compressor) or a reaction chamber configured to vaporize a fuel to create a high-temperature pressurized gas and deliver the pressurized gas to the actuator One or more accumulators may receive inflation fluid (or a partial vacuum) from the compressor over time, and store the inflation fluid under pressure, thus allowing actuation over a relatively short time period.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: SOFT ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Ryan Knopf, Joshua Aaron Lessing, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Grant Sellers, Kevin Alcedo
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Patent number: 11077565Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling different grasper assemblies including a soft actuator in various configurations to a mechanical robotic components are described. Further described are soft actuators having various reinforcement. Further described are and soft actuators having electroadhesive pads for improved grip, and/or embedded electromagnets for interacting with complementary surfaces on the object being gripped. Still further described are soft actuators having reinforcement mechanisms for reducing or eliminating bowing in a strain limiting layer, or for reinforcing accordion troughs in the soft actuator body.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: SOFT ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Richard Knopf, Carl Everett Vause, Kevin Alcedo
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Publication number: 20210187755Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide modular robotic systems that allow one or more operation parameters of a robotic actuator, or group of actuators, to be dynamically configured or reconfigured. The operation parameters may be, for example, the X, Y, and/or Z position of the actuator or group of actuators with respect to other actuators, the arrangement of the actuator(s) into an array or matrix, the rotation or pitch of an actuator, the distance between actuators, the grip strength or grip surface of an actuator, etc. Accordingly, the same robotic manipulator(s) may be used for multiple purposes in multiple different contexts, manipulators can be swapped out on-the-fly, and robotic systems may be dynamically reconfigured to perform new tasks.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2021Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Kevin Alcedo, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg
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Patent number: 10946531Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide modular robotic systems that allow one or more operation parameters of a robotic actuator, or group of actuators, to be dynamically configured or reconfigured. The operation parameters may be, for example, the X, Y, and/or Z position of the actuator or group of actuators with respect to other actuators, the arrangement of the actuator(s) into an array or matrix, the rotation or pitch of an actuator, the distance between actuators, the grip strength or grip surface of an actuator, etc. Accordingly, the same robotic manipulator(s) may be used for multiple purposes in multiple different contexts, manipulators can be swapped out on-the-fly, and robotic systems may be dynamically reconfigured to perform new tasks.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Kevin Alcedo, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg
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Patent number: 10889004Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to soft robotic gripper systems suited to grasping target objects in cluttered environments. Some embodiments provide extension rods, hinges, and/or rails that allow a soft robotic actuator to be extended towards or away from a robotic base and/or other actuators. Accordingly, a gripper including the actuator may be reconfigured into a size and/or shape that allows for improved access to the cluttered environment. Further embodiments relate to soft robotic gripper systems for supporting grasped objects during high acceleration movements using vacuum, gripper, and/or bellows devices. Still further embodiments relate to specialized grippers for manipulating food items.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Knopf, Kevin Alcedo, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Sarv Parteek Singh
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Publication number: 20200078957Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in soft robotic systems that permit a soft robotic end effector to be a self-contained system, without reliance on a tether to deliver inflation fluid to the actuator(s) of the end effector. According to some embodiments, a robotic system may be provided including a soft actuator and a hub. The body of the hub may include an integrated pressure source configured to supply inflation fluid through the actuator interface to the soft actuator. The pressure source may be, for example, a compressor (such as a twin-head compressor) or a reaction chamber configured to vaporize a fuel to create a high-temperature pressurized gas and deliver the pressurized gas to the actuator One or more accumulators may receive inflation fluid (or a partial vacuum) from the compressor over time, and store the inflation fluid under pressure, thus allowing actuation over a relatively short time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Ryan KNOPF, Joshua Aaron LESSING, Daniel Vincent HARBURG, Grant SELLERS, Kevin ALCEDO
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Patent number: 10576640Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in soft robotic systems that permit a soft robotic end effector to be a self-contained system, without reliance on a tether to deliver inflation fluid to the actuator(s) of the end effector. According to some embodiments, a robotic system may be provided including a soft actuator and a hub. The body of the hub may include an integrated pressure source configured to supply inflation fluid through the actuator interface to the soft actuator. The pressure source may be, for example, a compressor (such as a twin-head compressor) or a reaction chamber configured to vaporize a fuel to create a high-temperature pressurized gas and deliver the pressurized gas to the actuator One or more accumulators may receive inflation fluid (or a partial vacuum) from the compressor over time, and store the inflation fluid under pressure, thus allowing actuation over a relatively short time period.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Knopf, Joshua Lessing, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Grant Sellers, Kevin Alcedo
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Publication number: 20190217481Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to soft robotic gripper systems suited to grasping target objects in cluttered environments. Some embodiments provide extension rods, hinges, and/or rails that allow a soft robotic actuator to be extended towards or away from a robotic base and/or other actuators. Accordingly, a gripper including the actuator may be reconfigured into a size and/or shape that allows for improved access to the cluttered environment. Further embodiments relate to soft robotic gripper systems for supporting grasped objects during high acceleration movements using vacuum, gripper, and/or bellows devices. Still further embodiments relate to specialized grippers for manipulating food items.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2018Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Knopf, Kevin Alcedo, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Sarv Parteek Singh
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Publication number: 20190193283Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide modular robotic systems that allow one or more operation parameters of a robotic actuator, or group of actuators, to be dynamically configured or reconfigured. The operation parameters may be, for example, the X, Y, and/or Z position of the actuator or group of actuators with respect to other actuators, the arrangement of the actuator(s) into an array or matrix, the rotation or pitch of an actuator, the distance between actuators, the grip strength or grip surface of an actuator, etc. Accordingly, the same robotic manipulator(s) may be used for multiple purposes in multiple different contexts, manipulators can be swapped out on-the-fly, and robotic systems may be dynamically reconfigured to perform new tasks.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2018Publication date: June 27, 2019Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Kevin Alcedo, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg
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Publication number: 20190168398Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in robotic systems to reduce biological or chemical harborage points on the systems. For example, in exemplary embodiments, robotic actuators, hubs, or entire robotic systems may be configured to allow crevices along joints or near fasteners to be reduced or eliminated, hard corners to be replaced with rounded edges, certain components or harborage points to be eliminated, shapes to be reconfigured to be smoother or flat, and/or or surfaces to be reconfigurable for simpler cleaning.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2018Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: Joshua Aaron LESSING, Ryan Richard KNOPF, Daniel Vincent HARBURG, Kevin ALCEDO, Grant Thomas SELLERS, Mark CHIAPPETTA
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Patent number: 10179411Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to soft robotic gripper systems suited to grasping target objects in cluttered environments. Some embodiments provide extension rods, hinges, and/or rails that allow a soft robotic actuator to be extended towards or away from a robotic base and/or other actuators. Accordingly, a gripper including the actuator may be reconfigured into a size and/or shape that allows for improved access to the cluttered environment. Further embodiments relate to soft robotic gripper systems for supporting grasped objects during high acceleration movements using vacuum, gripper, and/or bellows devices. Still further embodiments relate to specialized grippers for manipulating food items.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Knopf, Kevin Alcedo, Daniel Vincent Harburg, Sarv Parteek Singh
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Patent number: 10179410Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide modular robotic systems that allow one or more operation parameters of a robotic actuator, or group of actuators, to be dynamically configured or reconfigured. The operation parameters may be, for example, the X, Y, and/or Z position of the actuator or group of actuators with respect to other actuators, the arrangement of the actuator(s) into an array or matrix, the rotation or pitch of an actuator, the distance between actuators, the grip strength or grip surface of an actuator, etc. Accordingly, the same robotic manipulator(s) may be used for multiple purposes in multiple different contexts, manipulators can be swapped out on-the-fly, and robotic systems may be dynamically reconfigured to perform new tasks.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Soft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Kevin Alcedo, Ryan Richard Knopf, Daniel Vincent Harburg
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Publication number: 20180326597Abstract: A hub assembly for coupling different grasper assemblies including a soft actuator in various configurations to a mechanical robotic components are described. Further described are soft actuators having various reinforcement. Further described are and soft actuators having electroadhesive pads for improved grip, and/or embedded electromagnets for interacting with complementary surfaces on the object being gripped. Still further described are soft actuators having reinforcement mechanisms for reducing or eliminating bowing in a strain limiting layer, or for reinforcing accordion troughs in the soft actuator body.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2018Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: Joshua Aaron LESSING, Ryan Richard KNOPF, Carl Everett VAUSE, Kevin ALCEDO