Patents by Inventor Loran J. Wilkinson
Loran J. Wilkinson 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: 10882191Abstract: Robotic system includes a control system and a slave device which is controlled by the control system. The slave device has a robotic grasping device formed of a rigid base and at least one finger which is movable to facilitate grasping of objects. At least one sensor is provided which senses a force applied to the finger. A cutting tool having a cutting jaw is also attached to the base. The cutting jaw is arranged to pivot on a pivot axis responsive to a pivot motion of the finger. The forces exerted on the cutting jaw are sensed with the sensor during a first predetermined range of finger motion associated with a cutting mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, Michael E. Bowman, Nicholas Murphy-DuBay, Loran J. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 10525600Abstract: Robotic system includes a control system and a slave device which is controlled by the control system. The slave device has a robotic grasping device formed of a rigid base and at least one finger which is movable to facilitate grasping of objects. At least one sensor is provided which senses a force applied to the finger. A cutting tool having a cutting jaw is also attached to the base. The cutting jaw is arranged to pivot on a pivot axis responsive to a pivot motion of the finger. The forces exerted on the cutting jaw are sensed with the sensor during a first predetermined range of finger motion associated with a cutting mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, Michael E. Bowman, Nicholas Murphy-DuBay, Loran J. Wilkinson
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Publication number: 20190344450Abstract: Robotic system includes a control system and a slave device which is controlled by the control system. The slave device has a robotic grasping device formed of a rigid base and at least one finger which is movable to facilitate grasping of objects. At least one sensor is provided which senses a force applied to the finger. A cutting tool having a cutting jaw is also attached to the base. The cutting jaw is arranged to pivot on a pivot axis responsive to a pivot motion of the finger. The forces exerted on the cutting jaw are sensed with the sensor during a first predetermined range of finger motion associated with a cutting mode of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2019Publication date: November 14, 2019Inventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, Michael E. Bowman, Nicholas Murphy-DuBay, Loran J. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 9855855Abstract: A method for controlling the charging of a battery panel of a remote vehicle using regenerative power includes continuously monitoring a state of charge of each of a plurality of smart batteries included in a battery panel and detecting a regenerative current flow from a motor of a vehicle. The method also includes determining if a current charge status of a smart battery in the plurality of smart batteries is at a charge condition which is less than a threshold value associated with the smart battery and determining a plurality of optimal voltage differentials to be applied across each of the plurality of smart batteries. Each of the plurality of optimal voltage differentials is used to control a charging current supplied to a corresponding smart battery. The method further includes applying the determined plurality of optimal voltage differentials across each of the corresponding plurality of smart batteries.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Mark A. Cory, Loran J. Wilkinson, Matthew D. Summer, Paul M. Bosscher
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Publication number: 20170368956Abstract: A method for controlling the charging of a battery panel of a remote vehicle using regenerative power includes continuously monitoring a state of charge of each of a plurality of smart batteries included in a battery panel and detecting a regenerative current flow from a motor of a vehicle. The method also includes determining if a current charge status of a smart battery in the plurality of smart batteries is at a charge condition which is less than a threshold value associated with the smart battery and determining a plurality of optimal voltage differentials to be applied across each of the plurality of smart batteries. Each of the plurality of optimal voltage differentials is used to control a charging current supplied to a corresponding smart battery. The method further includes applying the determined plurality of optimal voltage differentials across each of the corresponding plurality of smart batteries.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2016Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Mark A. Cory, Loran J. Wilkinson, Matthew D. Summer, Paul M. Bosscher
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Publication number: 20160354932Abstract: Robotic system includes a control system and a slave device which is controlled by the control system. The slave device has a robotic grasping device formed of a rigid base and at least one finger which is movable to facilitate grasping of objects. At least one sensor is provided which senses a force applied to the finger. A cutting tool having a cutting jaw is also attached to the base. The cutting jaw is arranged to pivot on a pivot axis responsive to a pivot motion of the finger. The forces exerted on the cutting jaw are sensed with the sensor during a first predetermined range of finger motion associated with a cutting mode of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2015Publication date: December 8, 2016Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATIONInventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, Michael E. Bowman, Nicholas Murphy-DuBay, Loran J. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 9506728Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (1200) for recoil absorption. The methods comprising: causing a moving carrier (102) to freely travel linearly in a first direction by discharging at least one recoil producing device (110-114); absorbing an impulse force resulting from discharging the recoil producing device using a spring (122, 124) having a first end coupled to the moving carrier and a second end (130) coupled to a fixed frame member (132); and applying a pulling force by the spring to the moving carrier in a second direction opposed from the first direction at an end of spring travel, whereby a uni-directional force transfer mechanism (610) is caused to engage an elongate latching element so as to latch the moving carrier in position and prevent the moving carrier from freely traveling in the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, Michael E. Bowman, Loran J. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 9474632Abstract: Method for controlling an exoskeleton (100) involves detecting an occurrence of an uncontrolled acceleration of at least a portion of the exoskeleton, as might occur during a fall. In response, the exoskeleton is caused to automatically transition at least one motion actuator (104a, 104b) from a first operational state to a second operational state. In the first operational state, the one or more motion actuators are configured to provide a motive force for controlled movement of the exoskeleton. In the second operational state, the one or more motion actuators are configured to function as energy dampers which dissipate a shock load exerted upon the exoskeleton.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, Loran J. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 9339396Abstract: System and method for operating a robotic exoskeleton involves using a control system (107) to monitor an output one or more electrical activity sensors (202) disposed on a human operator. The control system determines if an output of the electrical activity sensors corresponds to a predetermined neural or neuromuscular condition of the user. Based on the determining step, the control system automatically chooses an operating mode from among a plurality of different operating modes. The operating mode selected determines the response the control system will have to control inputs from the human operator.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Loran J. Wilkinson, Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer
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Publication number: 20160033239Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (1200) for recoil absorption. The methods comprising: causing a moving carrier (102) to freely travel linearly in a first direction by discharging at least one recoil producing device (110-114); absorbing an impulse force resulting from discharging the recoil producing device using a spring (122, 124) having a first end coupled to the moving carrier and a second end (130) coupled to a fixed frame member (132); and applying a pulling force by the spring to the moving carrier in a second direction opposed from the first direction at an end of spring travel, whereby a uni-directional force transfer mechanism (610) is caused to engage an elongate latching element so as to latch the moving carrier in position and prevent the moving carrier from freely traveling in the second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2014Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, Michael E. Bowman, Loran J. Wilkinson
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Publication number: 20150289997Abstract: Method for controlling an exoskeleton (100) involves detecting an occurrence of an uncontrolled acceleration of at least a portion of the exoskeleton, as might occur during a fall. In response, the exoskeleton is caused to automatically transition at least one motion actuator (104a, 104b) from a first operational state to a second operational state. In the first operational state, the one or more motion actuators are configured to provide a motive force for controlled movement of the exoskeleton. In the second operational state, the one or more motion actuators are configured to function as energy dampers which dissipate a shock load exerted upon the exoskeleton.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2014Publication date: October 15, 2015Inventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, Loran J. Wilkinson
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Publication number: 20150289995Abstract: System and method for operating a robotic exoskeleton involves using a control system (107) to monitor an output one or more electrical activity sensors (202) disposed on a human operator. The control system determines if an output of the electrical activity sensors corresponds to a predetermined neural or neuromuscular condition of the user. Based on the determining step, the control system automatically chooses an operating mode from among a plurality of different operating modes. The operating mode selected determines the response the control system will have to control inputs from the human operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2014Publication date: October 15, 2015Inventors: Loran J. Wilkinson, Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer
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Patent number: 9002517Abstract: Method and system for telematic control of a slave device. Displacement of a user interface control is sensed with respect to a control direction. A first directional translation is performed to convert data specifying the control direction to data specifying a slave direction. The slave direction will generally be different from the control direction and defines a direction that the slave device should move in response to the physical displacement of the user interface. A second directional translation is performed to convert data specifying haptic sensor data to a haptic feedback direction. The haptic feedback direction will generally be different from the sensed direction and can define a direction of force to be generated by at least one component of the user interface. The first and second directional translation are determined based on a point-of-view of an imaging sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, Loran J. Wilkinson, William S. Bowman
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Publication number: 20150057803Abstract: Method and system for telematic control of a slave device. Displacement of a user interface control is sensed with respect to a control direction. A first directional translation is performed to convert data specifying the control direction to data specifying a slave direction. The slave direction will generally be different from the control direction and defines a direction that the slave device should move in response to the physical displacement of the user interface. A second directional translation is performed to convert data specifying haptic sensor data to a haptic feedback direction. The haptic feedback direction will generally be different from the sensed direction and can define a direction of force to be generated by at least one component of the user interface. The first and second directional translation are determined based on a point-of-view of an imaging sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, Loran J. Wilkinson, William S. Bowman
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Patent number: 8965620Abstract: Control units (10) for use with unmanned vehicles (12) include an input device (50) that moves in response to a user input, sensors (70) coupled to the input device (50), and a controller (16). The sensors (70) generate outputs related to the movement of the input device (50). The controller (16) determines a target displacement of the unmanned vehicle (12) based on the outputs of the sensors (70), and generates a control input related to the target displacement. The control input, when received by the unmanned vehicle (12), causes the unmanned vehicle (12) to substantially attain the target displacement. The position of the vehicle (12) is thus controlled by directly controlling the displacement of the vehicle (12).Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, Loran J. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 8943902Abstract: Force and torque sensors (10, 10a) include a load-bearing element (12), and strain gauges (20, 22, 23) mounted on the load-bearing element (12) so that the strain gauges (20, 22, 23) generate outputs responsive to external forces and moments applied to the load-bearing element (12). The strain gauges (20, 22, 23) are configured, and the responsive outputs of the strain gauges (20, 22, 23) are processed such that the force and moment measurements generated by the sensors (10, 10a) are substantially immune from drift due to thermally-induced strain in the load-bearing element (12).Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, John B. Rust, Nicholas Murphy-DuBay, William S. Bowman, Loran J. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 8918214Abstract: Method and system for telematic control of a slave device. Displacement of a user interface control is sensed with respect to a control direction. A first directional translation is performed to convert data specifying the control direction to data specifying a slave direction. The slave direction will generally be different from the control direction and defines a direction that the slave device should move in response to the physical displacement of the user interface. A second directional translation is performed to convert data specifying haptic sensor data to a haptic feedback direction. The haptic feedback direction will generally be different from the sensed direction and can define a direction of force to be generated by at least one component of the user interface. The first and second directional translation are determined based on a point-of-view of an imaging sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, Loran J. Wilkinson, William S. Bowman
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Publication number: 20140096621Abstract: Force and torque sensors (10, 10a) include a load-bearing element (12), and strain gauges (20, 22, 23) mounted on the load-bearing element (12) so that the strain gauges (20, 22, 23) generate outputs responsive to external forces and moments applied to the load-bearing element (12). The strain gauges (20, 22, 23) are configured, and the responsive outputs of the strain gauges (20, 22, 23) are processed such that the force and moment measurements generated by the sensors (10, 10a) are substantially immune from drift due to thermally-induced strain in the load-bearing element (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATIONInventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, John B. Rust, Nicholas Murphy-DuBay, William S. Bowman, Loran J. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 8694134Abstract: Interface (101) for converting human control input gestures to telematic control signals. The interface includes a plurality of articulating arms (107a, 107b, 108a, 108b, and 109a, 109b) each mounted at a base end (113, 115, 117) to an interface base and coupled at an opposing end to a housing (106). The articulating arms are operable to permit linear translational movement of the housing in three orthogonal directions. At least one sensor (116) of a first kind is provided for measuring the linear translational movement. A pivot member (201) is disposed in the housing and is arranged to pivot about a single pivot point. A grip (102) is provided and is attached to the pivot member so that a user upon grasping the grip can cause the pivot to rotate within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Paul M. Bosscher, Matthew D. Summer, John B. Rust, Loran J. Wilkinson, William S. Bowman
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Patent number: 8639386Abstract: An interface (101) for converting human control input gestures to telematic control signals includes a plurality of articulating arms (107, 108, 109) each mounted at a base end (113, 115, 117) to an interface base and coupled at an opposing end to a housing (106). The articulating arms are operable to permit linear translational movement of the housing in three orthogonal directions. At least one sensor (116) of a first kind is provided for measuring the linear translational movement. A pivot member (201) is disposed in the housing and is arranged to pivot about a single pivot point. A grip (102) is provided and is attached to the pivot member so that a user upon grasping the grip can cause the pivot to rotate within the housing. A button (118) is provided to switch between at least two modes, wherein when in a first mode control signals are used to control a vehicle base (502), and when in the second mode control signals are used to control a robotic arm (504) coupled to the vehicle base (502).Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Matthew D. Summer, Paul M. Bosscher, Loran J. Wilkinson, William S. Bowman, John B. Rust