Patents by Inventor Paul Michael Birkmeyer
Paul Michael Birkmeyer 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: 11390308Abstract: A dish cart includes a top with a slot for receiving a lift arm that may be lifted up through the slot to raise or lower dishes. Lobe openings emanating from the slot receive lobes of a lift paddle secured to the lift arm. The cart may define a gap below the top for permitting insertion of the lift paddle and the lift arm. The cart may be adjusted to receive differently sized dishes by means of rails of different sizes or adjustable vanes. A dish drop station includes the lift arm and lift paddle and a lift mechanism for raising and lower the lift arm. The dish drop station may include a cart present sensor and include a lock for retaining the cart. The controller may be programmed to the lower the lift arm to an unlock position that disengages the cart lock.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Inventors: Timothy Young Lee, Jacob Conor Dooris, Kent Michael Anderson, Abigail Elizabeth Soong, Edward Joseph Menard, Thomas Ettore De Candia, Michael William Tschudy, Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Katrina Bell Sheehy, Taylor Joseph Cone
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Publication number: 20210387327Abstract: A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2021Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: Roy David Kornbluh, Alexander Steele Kernbaum, Thomas Low, Katherine Goss Witherspoon, Brian Keith McCoy, Adam Arnold Edward Ziemba, Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Richard M. Mahoney
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Patent number: 11179852Abstract: An actuator and end effector are controlled according to images from cameras having a surface in their field of view. Vessels (cups, bowls, etc.) and other objects are identified in the images and their configuration is assigned to a finite set of categories by a classifier that does not output a 3D bounding box or determine a 6D pose. For objects assigned to a first subset of categories, grasping parameters for controlling the actuator and end effector are determined using only 2D bounding boxes, such as oriented 2D bounding boxes. For objects not assigned to the first subset, a righting operation may be performed using only 2D bounding boxes. Objects that are still not in the first set may then be grasped by estimating a 3D bounding box and 6D pose.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: DISHCRAFT ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Kerkil Choi, Yen-Khai Lee, Paul Michael Birkmeyer
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Patent number: 10906168Abstract: A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Roy David Kornbluh, Alexander Steele Kernbaum, Thomas Low, Katherine Goss Witherspoon, Brian Keith McCoy, Adam Arnold Edward Ziemba, Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Richard M. Mahoney
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Publication number: 20210001488Abstract: An imaging system captures images of a work surface having articles of cutlery distributed thereon. An end effector, such as a magnetic end effector, may be used to grasp articles of cutlery and place them in a designated location according to the type of the article of cutlery as determined using an image of the work surface and machine vision. A type of articles of cutlery may be classified based on the image such as according to category (knife, fork, spoon), size, or brand. Multiple articles of cutlery occluding one another may be dealt with by stirring or grasping multiple items and releasing them on a separate work surface in order to disperse them. Whether the end effector is grasping multiple articles of cutlery may be determined by capturing an image of the end effector. Machine vision may determine whether an article of cutlery is contaminated or damaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2019Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Kerkil Choi, Kenneth McAfee Peters, Parth Shah, Linda Pouliot
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Publication number: 20200306980Abstract: An actuator and end effector are controlled according to images from cameras having a surface in their field of view. Vessels (cups, bowls, etc.) and other objects are identified in the images and their configuration is assigned to a finite set of categories by a classifier that does not output a 3D bounding box or determine a 6D pose. For objects assigned to a first subset of categories, grasping parameters for controlling the actuator and end effector are determined using only 2D bounding boxes, such as oriented 2D bounding boxes. For objects not assigned to the first subset, a righting operation may be performed using only 2D bounding boxes. Objects that are still not in the first set may then be grasped by estimating a 3D bounding box and 6D pose.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2019Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Kerkil Choi, Yen-Khai Lee, Paul Michael Birkmeyer
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Publication number: 20200283043Abstract: A dish cart includes a top with a slot for receiving a lift arm that may be lifted up through the slot to raise or lower dishes. Lobe openings emanating from the slot receive lobes of a lift paddle secured to the lift arm. The cart may define a gap below the top for permitting insertion of the lift paddle and the lift arm. The cart may be adjusted to receive differently sized dishes by means of rails of different sizes or adjustable vanes. A dish drop station includes the lift arm and lift paddle and a lift mechanism for raising and lower the lift arm. The dish drop station may include a cart present sensor and include a lock for retaining the cart. The controller may be programmed to the lower the lift arm to an unlock position that disengages the cart lock.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2019Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: Timothy Young Lee, Jacob Conor Dooris, Kent Michael Anderson, Abigail Elizabeth Soong, Edward Joseph Menard, Thomas Ettore De Candia, Michael William Tschudy, Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Katrina Bell Sheehy, Taylor Joseph Cone
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Patent number: 10766717Abstract: An apparatus for conveying dishware through a cleaning cycle. The apparatus includes a magnetic grasping element to grasp dishware having a ferromagnetic component. The magnetic grasping element transitions between at least two states to selectively engage and disengage the dishware. A corresponding system and method are also described herein.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Dishcraft Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth McAfee Peters, Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Kevin Yuan Ma, Jacob Conor Dooris, Abigail Elizabeth Soong, Kent Michael Anderson
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Publication number: 20200165076Abstract: A system for conveying dishware through a cleaning cycle. The system includes a conveyance assembly having a receiving surface to receive and retain dishware. The conveyance assembly rotates the receiving surfaces about an axis to convey the dishware to each of at least two unique locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2018Publication date: May 28, 2020Inventors: Kevin Yuan Ma, Abigail Elizabeth Soong, Kent Michael Anderson, Paul Michael Birkmeyer
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Publication number: 20200163522Abstract: A system for conveying dishware through a cleaning cycle. The system includes a conveyance assembly having a receiving surface to receive and retain dishware. The conveyance assembly rotates the receiving surfaces about an axis to convey the dishware to each of at least two unique locations. A corresponding system and method are also disclosed and claimed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2018Publication date: May 28, 2020Inventors: Kenneth McAfee Peters, Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Kevin Yuan Ma, Jacob Conor Dooris, Abigail Elizabeth Soong, Kent Michael Anderson
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Publication number: 20200165079Abstract: A system for conveying dishware through a cleaning cycle. The system includes a conveyance assembly having a receiving surface to receive and retain dishware. The conveyance assembly rotates the receiving surfaces about an axis to convey the dishware to each of at least two unique locations. A corresponding system and method are also disclosed and claimed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2018Publication date: May 28, 2020Inventors: Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Kevin Yuan Ma, Abigail Elizabeth Soong
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Patent number: 10647524Abstract: A system for conveying dishware through a cleaning cycle. The system includes a conveyance assembly having a receiving surface to receive and retain dishware. The conveyance assembly rotates the receiving surfaces about an axis to convey the dishware to each of at least two unique locations.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: DISHCRAFT ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Kevin Yuan Ma, Abigail Elizabeth Soong, Kent Michael Anderson, Paul Michael Birkmeyer
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Publication number: 20180361566Abstract: A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Inventors: Roy David Kornbluh, Alexander Steele Kernbaum, Thomas Low, Katherine Goss Witherspoon, Brian Keith McCoy, Adam Arnold Edward Ziemba, Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Richard M. Mahoney
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Patent number: 10105839Abstract: A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Roy David Kornbluh, Alexander Steele Kernbaum, Thomas Low, Katherine Goss Witherspoon, Brian Keith McCoy, Adam Arnold Edward Ziemba, Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Richard M. Mahoney
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Patent number: 9950422Abstract: A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Roy David Kornbluh, Alexander Steele Kernbaum, Thomas Low, Katherine Goss Witherspoon, Brian Keith McCoy, Adam Arnold Edward Ziemba, Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Richard M. Mahoney
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Patent number: 9427864Abstract: A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Roy David Kornbluh, Alexander Steele Kernbaum, Thomas Low, Katherine Goss Witherspoon, Brian Keith McCoy, Adam Arnold Edward Ziemba, Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Richard M. Mahoney
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Patent number: 9403272Abstract: A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Roy David Kornbluh, Alexander Steele Kernbaum, Thomas Low, Katherine Goss Witherspoon, Brian Keith McCoy, Adam Arnold Edward Ziemba, Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Richard M. Mahoney
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Publication number: 20160101516Abstract: A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Roy David Kornbluh, Alexander Steele Kernbaum, Thomas Low, Katherine Goss Witherspoon, Brian Keith McCoy, Adam Arnold Edward Ziemba, Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Richard M. Mahoney
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Publication number: 20160101517Abstract: A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Roy David Kornbluh, Alexander Steele Kernbaum, Thomas Low, Katherine Goss Witherspoon, Brian Keith McCoy, Adam Arnold Edward Ziemba, Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Richard M. Mahoney
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Patent number: 9266233Abstract: A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Roy David Kornbluh, Alexander Steele Kernbaum, Thomas Low, Katherine Goss Witherspoon, Brian Keith McCoy, Adam Arnold Edward Ziemba, Paul Michael Birkmeyer, Richard M. Mahoney