Patents by Inventor Michael J. Slate

Michael J. Slate 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).

  • Publication number: 20240115804
    Abstract: A pump for pumping fluid includes a tube platen, a plunger, a bias member, inlet and outlet valves, an actuator mechanism, a position sensor, and a processor. The plunger is configured for actuation toward and away from the infusion-tube when the tube platen is disposed opposite to the plunger. The tube platen can hold an intravenous infusion tube. The bias member is configured to urge the plunger toward the tube platen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Dean KAMEN, John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Jonathan Parker, Daniel F. Pawlowski, Dirk A. Van Der Merwe, Larry B. Gray, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael S Place, Michael J. Slate
  • Patent number: 11927457
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle having sensors advantageously varied in capabilities, advantageously positioned, and advantageously impervious to environmental conditions. A system executing on the autonomous vehicle that can receive a map including, for example, substantially discontinuous surface features along with data from the sensors, create an occupancy grid based upon the map and the data, and change the configuration of the autonomous vehicle based upon the type of surface on which the autonomous vehicle navigates. The device can safely navigate surfaces and surface features, including traversing discontinuous surfaces and other obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dirk A. Van Der Merwe, Arunabh Mishra, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Christopher J. Principe, Gregory J. Buitkus, Justin M. Whitney, Raajitha Gummadi, Derek G. Kane, Emily A. Carrigg, Patrick Steele, Benjamin V. Hersh, Fnu G Siva Perumal, David Carrigg, Daniel F. Pawlowski, Yashovardhan Chaturvedi, Kartik Khanna
  • Publication number: 20230420101
    Abstract: A peristaltic pump having at least first, second, and third stages is provided. The peristaltic pump includes a plunger, inlet and outlet valves, a spring, and an actuator. The plunger actuates toward and away from a tube, the inlet valve is upstream of the plunger, the outlet valve is downstream of the plunger, the spring biases the plunger toward the tube, and the actuator mechanically engages and disengages from the plunger. In the first stage, the inlet valve is opened and the plunger is actuated from the tube, in the second stage, the inlet valve is closed, the plunger is actuated toward the tube, and the actuator is mechanically disengaged from the plunger, and in the third stage, the outlet valve is opened. In the third stage or in a fourth stage, the actuator actuates the plunger toward the tube to discharge fluid downstream past the outlet valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Michael S. Place, Larry B. Gray
  • Publication number: 20230382423
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating free space including applying a machine learning model to camera images of a navigation area, where the navigation area is broken into cells, synchronizing point cloud data from the navigation area with the processed camera images, and associating probabilities that the cell is occupied and object classifications of objects that could occupy the cells with cells in the navigation area based on sensor data, sensor noise, and the machine learning model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Raajitha GUMMADI, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Christopher J. Principe
  • Publication number: 20230360763
    Abstract: A peristaltic pump includes a plunger-cam follower, a tube receiver, a spring-biased plunger, a spring, a position sensor, and a processor. The plunger-cam follower engages the plunger cam to follow the plunger cam and to disengage from the plunger cam. The spring-biased plunger is coupled to the plunger-cam follower and the spring biases the spring-biased plunger toward the tube receiver. The position sensor determines a position of the spring-biased plunger when the plunger-cam follower is disengaged from the plunger came. The processor estimates fluid flow utilizing at least the position of the spring-biased plunger as indicated by the position sensor when the plunger-cam follower is disengaged from the plunger cam and the spring biases the spring-biased plunger against the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Michael S. Place, Larry B. Gray
  • Patent number: 11779703
    Abstract: A pump for pumping fluid includes a tube platen, a plunger, a bias member, inlet and outlet valves, an actuator mechanism, a position sensor, and a processor. The plunger is configured for actuation toward and away from the infusion-tube when the tube platen is disposed opposite to the plunger. The tube platen can hold an intravenous infusion tube. The bias member is configured to urge the plunger toward the tube platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Jonathan Parker, Daniel F. Pawlowski, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Larry B. Gray, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael S. Place, Michael J. Slate
  • Patent number: 11780465
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating free space including applying a machine learning model to camera images of a navigation area, where the navigation area is broken into cells, synchronizing point cloud data from the navigation area with the processed camera images, and associating probabilities that the cell is occupied and object classifications of objects that could occupy the cells with cells in the navigation area based on sensor data, sensor noise, and the machine learning model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Raajitha Gummadi, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Christopher J. Principe
  • Patent number: 11756662
    Abstract: A peristaltic pump having at least first, second, and third stages is provided. The peristaltic pump includes a plunger, inlet and outlet valves, a spring, and an actuator. The plunger actuates toward and away from a tube, the inlet valve is upstream of the plunger, the outlet valve is downstream of the plunger, the spring biases the plunger toward the tube, and the actuator mechanically engages and disengages from the plunger. In the first stage, the inlet valve is opened and the plunger is actuated from the tube, in the second stage, the inlet valve is closed, the plunger is actuated toward the tube, and the actuator is mechanically disengaged from the plunger, and in the third stage, the outlet valve is opened. In the third stage or in a fourth stage, the actuator actuates the plunger toward the tube to discharge fluid downstream past the outlet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Michael S. Place, Larry B. Gray
  • Publication number: 20230248543
    Abstract: A robotic assembly control system is disclosed. The robotic assembly control system includes an exoskeleton apparatus adapted to be worn by a user, at least one robotic assembly, the at least one robotic assembly controlled by the user by way of the exoskeleton, and at least one mobile platform, the at least one mobile platform controlled by the user and wherein the at least one robotic assembly is attached to the at least one mobile platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stewart M. Coulter, Christopher M. Werner, Michael J. Slate, Ethan D. Stern
  • Patent number: 11705233
    Abstract: A peristaltic pump includes a plunger-cam follower, a tube receiver, a spring-biased plunger, a spring, a position sensor, and a processor. The plunger-cam follower engages the plunger cam to follow the plunger cam and to disengage from the plunger cam. The spring-biased plunger is coupled to the plunger-cam follower and the spring biases the spring-biased plunger toward the tube receiver. The position sensor determines a position of the spring-biased plunger when the plunger-cam follower is disengaged from the plunger came. The processor estimates fluid flow utilizing at least the position of the spring-biased plunger as indicated by the position sensor when the plunger-cam follower is disengaged from the plunger cam and the spring biases the spring-biased plunger against the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Michael S. Place, Larry B. Gray
  • Publication number: 20230203868
    Abstract: A retention assembly may comprise a motor assembly and a self-locking worm drive coupled thereto. A cam may be fixed to a worm gear of the worm drive. The retention assembly may further comprise an actuation shaft including a follower. The actuation shaft may be displaceable over a displacement range via rotation of the cam. The retention assembly may further comprise a securement member with a securement member follower, the securement member coupled to a portion of the actuator shaft. The retention assembly may further comprise a housing cam included as part of the retention assembly housing and against which the securement member follower may be biased. The securement member may be in an open state when the actuation shaft is in a first position. The securement member may swing outward to a retaining position as the actuation shaft is moved to a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher Joseph Principe, Christopher Charles Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate
  • Publication number: 20230169886
    Abstract: A modular electro-mechanical agent having a plurality of modules including mechanical and electrical components, that can be constructed to complete at least one pre-determined task and/or contribute in performing the at least one pre-determined task. The electro-mechanical agent can include extension modules and can be altered as per user preference to add, eliminate or modify any features of the agent for completing and/or participating in a plurality of pre-determined tasks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel Scott Karol, Jason Michael Overson, William Daniel Hunt, Jacob William Scarpaci, Andrew Stephen Coll, Gregory Needel, Yuuki Gil Crowley, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Prashant Bhat, Grant A. Peret
  • Publication number: 20230166031
    Abstract: A pump for pumping fluid includes a tube platen, a plunger, a bias member, inlet and outlet valves, an actuator mechanism, a position sensor, and a processor. The plunger is configured for actuation toward and away from the infusion-tube when the tube platen is disposed opposite to the plunger. The tube platen can hold an intravenous infusion tube. The bias member is configured to urge the plunger toward the tube platen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2022
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Jonathan Parker, Daniel F. Pawlowski, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Larry B. Gray, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael S. Place, Michael J. Slate
  • Patent number: 11628072
    Abstract: A robotic assembly control system is disclosed. The robotic assembly control system includes an exoskeleton apparatus adapted to be worn by a user, at least one robotic assembly, the at least one robotic assembly controlled by the user by way of the exoskeleton, and at least one mobile platform, the at least one mobile platform controlled by the user and wherein the at least one robotic assembly is attached to the at least one mobile platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stewart M. Coulter, Christopher M. Werner, Michael J. Slate, Ethan D. Stern
  • Publication number: 20230016896
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating free space including applying a machine learning model to camera images of a navigation area, where the navigation area is broken into cells, synchronizing point cloud data from the navigation area with the processed camera images, and associating probabilities that the cell is occupied and object classifications of objects that could occupy the cells with cells in the navigation area based on sensor data, sensor noise, and the machine learning model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Raajitha GUMMADI, Christopher C. LANGENFELD, Michael J. SLATE, Christopher J. PRINCIPE
  • Publication number: 20230001956
    Abstract: A deployment mechanism and a delivery container enabling unattended delivery of cargo by a vehicle navigating autonomously on both vehicle lanes and pedestrian ways. A trailer for an autonomous vehicle for hauling additional cargo and power supplies. A method for delivering and picking up goods using delivery trucks, autonomous vehicles, and trailers. The deployment mechanism can include a crane, a robot arm, a forklift, straps, and sails. The delivery container can include visible, partly visible, or hidden security features and grasping features, and can be foldable and stackable. The trailer can include a 4-bar linkage, the 4-bar linkage enabling consistent pitch between the trailer cargo and a cargo hold of the towing vehicle. The trailer wheels are decoupled from the 4-bar linkage, connected by swing arms and possible shock absorbers. The trailer can buffer fore/aft movement of the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher C. LANGENFELD, Justin M. WHITNEY, Spencer TRAFTON, Seth SCHAFFER, Michael J. SLATE, Dirk A. VAN DER MERWE, Sooshin CHOI, Dean KAMEN, Karla BEAGLE, Eliza AGOSTA, John C. LANGENFELD
  • Patent number: 11521517
    Abstract: A modular electro-mechanical agent having a plurality of modules including mechanical and electrical components, that can be constructed to complete at least one pre-determined task and/or contribute in performing the at least one pre-determined task. The electro-mechanical agent can include extension modules and can be altered as per user preference to add, eliminate or modify any features of the agent for completing and/or participating in a plurality of pre-determined tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Daniel Scott Karol, Jason Michael Overson, William Daniel Hunt, Jacob William Scarpaci, Andrew Stephen Coll, Gregory Needel, Yuuki Gil Crowley, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Prashant Bhat, Grant A. Peret
  • Patent number: D996485
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Sooshin Choi, Thomas A. Doyon, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Prashant Bhat, Michael J. Slate, Justin M. Whitney, Daniel B. Finnegan, Spencer Trafton
  • Patent number: D997222
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas A. Doyon, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Prashant Bhat, Michael J. Slate, Justin M. Whitney, Daniel B. Finnegan, Sooshin Choi, Spencer Trafton
  • Patent number: D1008101
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Sooshin Choi, Dean Kamen