Patents by Inventor Merry Lynn Morris

Merry Lynn Morris 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: 9241851
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a hands-free user interface device includes a first plate, a second plate spaced from the first plate, a sensor associated with the plates adapted to detect when the first plate pivots relative to the second plate, and a controller adapted to receive signals from the sensor and output control signals to another component based upon the received signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Kathryn Jeanne De Laurentis, Merry Lynn Morris, Matthew Alan Wills, Sravan Kumar Elineni
  • Patent number: 9027678
    Abstract: An omnidirectional mobility apparatus. The current invention is an omnidirectional, remote-controlled mobility apparatus, similar to a wheelchair, which allows the transport of an individual or object(s). The device includes a cubic-shaped base with wheel wells on each vertical side of said base. Within each wheel well is a wheel set, such that the front and rear wheel sets face each other and the left and right wheel sets face each other. The circumference of each wheel set includes a plurality of transverse-facing, smaller wheels disposed incrementally within each wheel set along the circumference of each wheel set, such that a portion of the smaller wheels protrude outside the circumference of each wheel set. This allows the mobility apparatus to propel in any direction. Also included in the device are an adjustable, interchangeable footrest and chair assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Merry Lynn Morris, Mark Rumsey, Thomas Messerschmidt, Tim John Lewis, Neil Edmonston
  • Publication number: 20130085632
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a hands-free user interface device includes a first plate, a second plate spaced from the first plate, a sensor associated with the plates adapted to detect when the first plate pivots relative to the second plate, and a controller adapted to receive signals from the sensor and output control signals to another component based upon the received signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Kathryn Jeanne De Laurentis, Merry Lynn Morris, Matthew Alan Wills, Sravan Kumar Elineni
  • Patent number: 7748490
    Abstract: An electrically operable wheelchair having a seat, a base with a pair of motors respectively coupled with the main support wheels, a position detection assembly, and a controller coupled with the position detection assembly and the motors for controlling wheelchair operation in order to effect desired wheelchair movements. The hands-free input device of the invention, which includes the position detection assembly and a position detection device, provides input signals representative of desired wheelchair movements to the controller. The position detection device detects the position of the seat. Movement of the seat, rather than a joystick, creates the voltage signals which are then transmitted to the wheelchair controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: M. Jeffrey Hornick, Merry Lynn Morris, Scott Bayus, Erin Smalley, Tolga Akkoc, Konstantin Popov, Peter Schrock
  • Publication number: 20090000850
    Abstract: An electrically operable wheelchair having a seat, a base with a pair of motors respectively coupled with the main support wheels, a position detection assembly, and a controller coupled with the position detection assembly and the motors for controlling wheelchair operation in order to effect desired wheelchair movements. The hands-free input device of the invention, which includes the position detection assembly and a position detection device, provides input signals representative of desired wheelchair movements to the controller. The position detection device detects the position of the seat. Movement of the seat, rather than a joystick, creates the voltage signals which are then transmitted to the wheelchair controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
    Inventors: M. Jeffrey Hornick, Merry Lynn Morris, Scott Bayus, Erin Smalley, Tolga Akkoc, Konstantin Popov, Peter Schrock
  • Patent number: D642962
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Merry Lynn Morris, Alex Chou, Franco Lodato
  • Patent number: D719071
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Merry Lynn Morris, Thomas Messerschmidt, Tim John Lewis