Patents by Inventor Neville A. Bonwit
Neville A. Bonwit 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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Publication number: 20170332944Abstract: An apparatus comprised of a plurality of engagement structures independently movable along a longitudinal axis to initially engage a mid-foot region of a foot is described. A center structure or a first set of engagement structures engage the foot in a mid-foot region, and one or more peripheral engagement structures engage the plantar surface in regions surrounding the mid-foot region independent from the structure(s) engaging the mid-foot region. Positional information about the engagement structures is obtained, and a surface map from the positional information is constructed, to determine a profile or contour for an orthotic device in which the foot is in a restored bone state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2017Publication date: November 23, 2017Inventors: J. Kevin Miller, Neal J. Beidleman, Neville A. Bonwit, Luke Clauson, Kenneth J. den Dulk, Gregg E. Freebury, Matthew B. Newell
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Publication number: 20140360033Abstract: An apparatus comprised of a plurality of engagement structures independently movable along a longitudinal axis to initially engage a mid-foot region of a foot is described. A center structure or a first set of engagement structures engage the foot in a mid-foot region, and one or more peripheral engagement structures engage the plantar surface in regions surrounding the mid-foot region independent from the structure(s) engaging the mid-foot region. Positional information about the engagement structures is obtained, and a surface map from the positional information is constructed, to determine a profile or contour for an orthotic device in which the foot is in a restored bone state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: J. Kevin Miller, Neal J. Beidleman, Neville A. Bonwit, Luke Clauson, Kenneth J. den Dulk, Gregg E. Freebury, Matthew B. Newell
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Patent number: 8093783Abstract: The invention describes rolled electroactive polymer devices. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. A rolled electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and includes a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to provide the mechanical/electrical energy conversion. Prestrain is typically applied to the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer device employs a mechanism, such as a spring, that provides a force to prestrain the polymer. Since prestrain improves mechanical/electrical energy conversion for many electroactive polymers, the mechanism thus improves performance of the rolled electroactive polymer device.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Marcus A. Rosenthal, Qibing Pei, Neville A. Bonwit
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Patent number: 8042264Abstract: The invention describes rolled electroactive polymer devices. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. A rolled electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and includes a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to provide the mechanical/electrical energy conversion. Prestrain is typically applied to the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer device employs a mechanism, such as a spring, that provides a force to prestrain the polymer. Since prestrain improves mechanical/electrical energy conversion for many electroactive polymers, the mechanism thus improves performance of the rolled electroactive polymer device.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Marcus A. Rosenthal, Qibing Pei, Neville A. Bonwit
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Publication number: 20110197668Abstract: An apparatus comprised of a plurality of engagement structures independently movable along a longitudinal axis to initially engage a mid-foot region of a foot is described. A center structure or a first set of engagement structures engage the foot in a mid-foot region, and one or more peripheral engagement structures engage the plantar surface in regions surrounding the mid-foot region independent from the structure(s) engaging the mid-foot region. Positional information about the engagement structures is obtained, and a surface map from the positional information is constructed, to determine a profile or contour for an orthotic device in which the foot is in a restored bone state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: Tensegrity Technologies, Inc.Inventors: J. Kevin Miller, Neal J. Beidleman, Neville A. Bonwit, Luke Clauson, Kenneth J. den Dulk, Gregg E. Freebury, Matthew B. Newell
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Patent number: 7898159Abstract: Described herein are compliant electroactive polymer transducers for use in acoustic applications. A compliant electroactive polymer transducer includes a compliant electroactive polymer at least two electrodes. For sound production, circuitry in electrical communication with the transducer electrodes is configured to apply a driving signal that causes the electroactive polymer to deflect in the acoustic range.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Richard P. Heydt, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Neville A. Bonwit, Joseph S. Eckerle
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Publication number: 20110025170Abstract: The invention describes rolled electroactive polymer devices. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. A rolled electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and includes a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to provide the mechanical/electrical energy conversion. Prestrain is typically applied to the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer device employs a mechanism, such as a spring, that provides a force to prestrain the polymer. Since prestrain improves mechanical/electrical energy conversion for many electroactive polymers, the mechanism thus improves performance of the rolled electroactive polymer device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Marcus A. ROSENTHAL, Qibing PEI, Neville A. BONWIT
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Publication number: 20100263181Abstract: The invention describes rolled electroactive polymer devices. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. A rolled electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and includes a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to provide the mechanical/electrical energy conversion. Prestrain is typically applied to the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer device employs a mechanism, such as a spring, that provides a force to prestrain the polymer. Since prestrain improves mechanical/electrical energy conversion for many electroactive polymers, the mechanism thus improves performance of the rolled electroactive polymer device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Marcus A. Rosenthal, Qibing Pei, Neville A. Bonwit
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Patent number: 7761981Abstract: The invention describes rolled electroactive polymer devices. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. A rolled electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and includes a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to provide the mechanical/electrical energy conversion. Prestrain is typically applied to the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer device employs a mechanism, such as a spring, that provides a force to prestrain the polymer. Since prestrain improves mechanical/electrical energy conversion for many electroactive polymers, the mechanism thus improves performance of the rolled electroactive polymer device.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Marcus A. Rosenthal, Qibing Pei, Neville A. Bonwit
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Publication number: 20100013356Abstract: Described herein are compliant electroactive polymer transducers for use in acoustic applications. A compliant electroactive polymer transducer includes a compliant electroactive polymer at least two electrodes. For sound production, circuitry in electrical communication with the transducer electrodes is configured to apply a driving signal that causes the electroactive polymer to deflect in the acoustic range.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Richard P. HEYDT, Ronald E. PELRINE, Roy D. KORNBLUH, Neville A. BONWIT, Joseph S. ECKERLE
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Patent number: 7608989Abstract: Described herein are compliant electroactive polymer transducers for use in acoustic applications. A compliant electroactive polymer transducer includes a compliant electroactive polymer at least two electrodes. For sound production, circuitry in electrical communication with the transducer electrodes is configured to apply a driving signal that causes the electroactive polymer to deflect in the acoustic range.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Richard P. Heydt, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Neville A. Bonwit, Joseph S. Eckerle
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Publication number: 20090184606Abstract: The invention describes electroactive polymer devices in both rolled and unrolled configurations. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. An electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and, in one embodiment includes a rolled electroactive polymer and one or more electrodes to provide the mechanical/electrical energy conversion. In one embodiment, the electroactive polymer has a non-uniform surface on which an electrode having a non-uniform shape is disposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2009Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Marcus A. Rosenthal, Qibing Pei, Neville A. Bonwit
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Patent number: 7329392Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing successive chemical or biochemical operations in an automated or semi-automated format are disclosed. The apparatus includes (i) a substrate having two or more wells, where each well is separated from adjacent well(s) by an energy barrier, (ii), a magnetic bead having a surface on which at least one of said operations is performed, and (iii) electromagnets positioned adjacent said wells, for use in producing controlled-time electromagnetic fields in one or more selected wells. A control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnets functions to produce controlled-time electromagnetic forces on the bead that are effective to transfer the bead from one well to another across the energy barrier and optionally, to agitate the bead within a well.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Neville A. Bonwit, Ronald E. Pelrine, John S. Bashkin
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Publication number: 20080022517Abstract: The invention describes rolled electroactive polymer devices. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. A rolled electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and includes a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to provide the mechanical/electrical energy conversion. Prestrain is typically applied to the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer device employs a mechanism, such as a spring, that provides a force to prestrain the polymer. Since prestrain improves mechanical/electrical energy conversion for many electroactive polymers, the mechanism thus improves performance of the rolled electroactive polymer device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Marcus Rosenthal, Qibing Pei, Neville Bonwit
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Publication number: 20080003143Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing successive chemical or biochemical operations in an automated or semi-automated format are disclosed. The apparatus includes (i) a substrate having two or more wells, where each well is separated from adjacent well(s) by an energy barrier, (ii), a magnetic bead having a surface on which at least one of said operations is performed, and (iii) electromagnets positioned adjacent said wells, for use in producing controlled-time electromagnetic fields in one or more selected wells. A control unit operatively coupled to the electromagnets functions to produce controlled-time electromagnetic forces on the bead that are effective to transfer the bead from one well to another across the energy barrier and optionally, to agitate the bead within a well.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2002Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventors: Neville A. Bonwit, Ronald E. Pelrine, John S. Bashkin
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Publication number: 20070200467Abstract: Described herein are compliant electroactive polymer transducers for use in acoustic applications. A compliant electroactive polymer transducer includes a compliant electroactive polymer at least two electrodes. For sound production, circuitry in electrical communication with the transducer electrodes is configured to apply a driving signal that causes the electroactive polymer to deflect in the acoustic range.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2007Publication date: August 30, 2007Applicant: SRI INTERNATIONALInventors: Richard Heydt, Ronald Pelrine, Roy Kornbluh, Neville Bonwit, Joseph Eckerle
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Patent number: 7233097Abstract: The invention describes rolled electroactive polymer devices. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. A rolled electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and includes a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to provide the mechanical/electrical energy conversion. Prestrain is typically applied to the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer device employs a mechanism, such as a spring, that provides a force to prestrain the polymer. Since prestrain improves mechanical/electrical energy conversion for many electroactive polymers, the mechanism thus improves performance of the rolled electroactive polymer device.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Marcus A. Rosenthal, Qibing Pei, Neville A. Bonwit
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Patent number: 6891317Abstract: The invention describes rolled electroactive polymer devices. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. A rolled electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and includes a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to provide the mechanical/electrical energy conversion. Prestrain is typically applied to the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer device employs a mechanism, such as a spring, that provides a force to prestrain the polymer. Since prestrain improves mechanical/electrical energy conversion for many electroactive polymers, the mechanism thus improves performance of the rolled electroactive polymer device.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Qibing Pei, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Scott E. Stanford, Neville A. Bonwit, Jonathan R. Heim
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Publication number: 20040217671Abstract: The invention describes rolled electroactive polymer devices. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. A rolled electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and includes a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to provide the mechanical/electrical energy conversion. Prestrain is typically applied to the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer device employs a mechanism, such as a spring, that provides a force to prestrain the polymer. Since prestrain improves mechanical/electrical energy conversion for many electroactive polymers, the mechanism thus improves performance of the rolled electroactive polymer device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: SRI International, a California CorporationInventors: Marcus A. Rosenthal, Qibing Pei, Neville A. Bonwit
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Publication number: 20030006669Abstract: The invention describes rolled electroactive polymer devices. The invention also describes employment of these devices in a wide array of applications and methods for their fabrication. A rolled electroactive polymer device converts between electrical and mechanical energy; and includes a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to provide the mechanical/electrical energy conversion. Prestrain is typically applied to the polymer. In one embodiment, a rolled electroactive polymer device employs a mechanism, such as a spring, that provides a force to prestrain the polymer. Since prestrain improves mechanical/electrical energy conversion for many electroactive polymers, the mechanism thus improves performance of the rolled electroactive polymer device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Applicant: SRI InternationalInventors: Qibing Pei, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Scott E. Stanford, Neville A. Bonwit, Jonathan R. Heim