Patents by Inventor Philip Mullins
Philip Mullins 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: 10894321Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including an apparatus that includes a motorized base configured to move the apparatus; an upper portion coupled to the motorized base; one or more load-sensing devices located between the motorized base and the upper portion, the one or more load-sensing devices being configured to (i) detect forces between the upper portion and the motorized base, and (ii) provide force information based on the detected forces between different portions of the upper portion and the motorized base; and one or more processors performs operations of: obtaining the force information provided by the one or more load-sensing devices; determining a difference between the forces indicated by the force information from the one or more load-sensing devices; determining, based the difference in the forces, a movement to be performed by the apparatus; and providing control information to cause the motorized base to perform the determined movement.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2019Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Vincent Yves Michel Nabat, Philip Mullins, Justine Rembisz
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Publication number: 20200376656Abstract: In an embodiment, a mobile robotic device includes a mobile base and a mounting column fixed to the mobile base. The robotic device further includes a seven-degree-of-freedom (7DOF) robotic arm, including a rotatable joint that enables rotation of the 7DOF robotic arm relative to the mounting column. The robotic device additionally includes a perception housing comprising at least one sensor, where the mounting column, the rotatable joint of the 7DOF arm, and the perception housing are arranged in a stacked tower such that the rotatable joint of the 7DOF arm is above the mounting column and below the perception housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventors: Ben Berkowitz, Justine Rembisz, Vincent Nabat, Joshua Seal, Gregory Katz, Chris Jones, Nicholas Foster, Christopher Morey, John Tran, Marc Strauss, Philip Mullins, Jonathan Souliere, Sarah Bates, Matthew Day, Robert Wilson, Mario Prats
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Patent number: 10761886Abstract: According to one or more embodiments described herein, a computer-implemented method includes adding, by a first device, a first task request to a queue being processed by a data center. The first task request includes metadata indicative of a computing resource to be used by the data center for processing the first task request. The method further includes determining, by a second device, that the computing resource is also associated with a second task request of the second device. The method further includes aggregating, by the second device, the second task request with the first task request in the queue. The method further includes receiving, by the first device, a result in response to the first task request being executed by the data center. The method further includes receiving, by the second device, the result in response to the first task request being executed by the data center.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Al Chakra, Yuk L. Chan, Liam S. Harpur, Philip Mullins
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Patent number: 10757062Abstract: Reducing a negative social interaction includes receiving a response to a post from a user, the response includes content to be posted on an activity stream of a social network, analyzing the content of the response to determine a negative response risk to the post, analyzing a profile of the user to determine a tendency of the user to respond negatively in responses, and executing, based on the negative response risk and the tendency, an action for the response to reduce negative responses directed towards the post.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Liam Harpur, Philip Mullins, Eric Woods
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Publication number: 20200073708Abstract: According to one or more embodiments described herein, a computer-implemented method includes adding, by a first device, a first task request to a queue being processed by a data center. The first task request includes metadata indicative of a computing resource to be used by the data center for processing the first task request. The method further includes determining, by a second device, that the computing resource is also associated with a second task request of the second device. The method further includes aggregating, by the second device, the second task request with the first task request in the queue. The method further includes receiving, by the first device, a result in response to the first task request being executed by the data center. The method further includes receiving, by the second device, the result in response to the first task request being executed by the data center.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2018Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Al Chakra, Yuk L. Chan, Liam S. Harpur, Philip Mullins
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Patent number: 10493624Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including an apparatus that includes a motorized base configured to move the apparatus; an upper portion coupled to the motorized base; one or more load-sensing devices located between the motorized base and the upper portion, the one or more load-sensing devices being configured to (i) detect forces between the upper portion and the motorized base, and (ii) provide force information based on the detected forces between different portions of the upper portion and the motorized base; and one or more processors performs operations of: obtaining the force information provided by the one or more load-sensing devices; determining a difference between the forces indicated by the force information from the one or more load-sensing devices; determining, based the difference in the forces, a movement to be performed by the apparatus; and providing control information to cause the motorized base to perform the determined movement.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2016Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Vincent Yves Michel Nabat, Philip Mullins, Justine Rembisz
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Patent number: 10330182Abstract: An example robot actuator utilizing a differential pulley transmission is provided. As an example, a differential pulley actuator includes input drive gears for coupling to a motor and timing pulleys coupled together through the input drive gears. Rotation of the input drive gears causes rotation of a first timing pulley in a first direction and rotation of a second timing pulley in a second direction opposite the first direction. The actuator also includes multiple idler pulleys suspended between the timing pulleys and the output pulley, and the multiple idler pulleys are held in tension between the timing pulleys via a first tension-bearing element and the output pulley via a second tension-bearing element. The first tension-bearing element loops around the timing pulleys and the multiple idler pulleys. The output pulley couple to a load, and is configured to apply motion of the multiple idler pulleys to the load.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLCInventors: Aaron Edsinger, Philip Mullins
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Publication number: 20190109811Abstract: Reducing a negative social interaction includes receiving a response to a post from a user, the response includes content to be posted on an activity stream of a social network, analyzing the content of the response to determine a negative response risk to the post, analyzing a profile of the user to determine a tendency of the user to respond negatively in responses, and executing, based on the negative response risk and the tendency, an action for the response to reduce negative responses directed towards the post.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2018Publication date: April 11, 2019Inventors: Liam Harpur, Philip Mullins, Eric Woods
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Patent number: 10189158Abstract: An example torque controlled actuator includes a frame, and one or more timing belt stages coupled in serial on the frame. The timing belt stages include an input stage for coupling to a motor and an output stage for coupling to a load, and the timing belt stages couple rotation of the motor to rotation of an output of the output stage. The torque controlled actuator also includes one or more belt idlers coupled to the frame that contact a timing belt of the output stage, and a strain gauge coupled to the frame to determine a tension of the timing belt of the output stage based on force applied by the timing belt of the output stage to the one or more belt idlers.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLCInventors: Aaron Edsinger, Lee Magnusson, Philip Mullins, Jeff Weber
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Patent number: 10187346Abstract: Reducing a negative social interaction includes receiving a response to a post from a user, the response includes content to be posted on an activity stream of a social network, analyzing the content of the response to determine a negative response risk to the post, analyzing a profile of the user to determine a tendency of the user to respond negatively in responses, and executing, based on the negative response risk and the tendency, an action for the response to reduce negative responses directed towards the post.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2015Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Liam Harpur, Philip Mullins, Eric Woods
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Patent number: 10018256Abstract: A block-and-tackle transmission includes a timing belt input pinion, a timing belt, two or more shuttles, an output cable, and an output hub. The timing belt input pinion is for receiving input power. The timing belt is driven by the input pinion. The timing belt causes two shuttles of the two or more shuttles to move in opposing directions. Opposing ends of the output cable are pulled by two of the two or more shuttles. The output cable causes the output hub to transmit output power.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Lee Magnusson, Matt Carney, Aaron Edsinger, Jeff Weber, Philip Mullins
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Publication number: 20170067547Abstract: An example robot actuator utilizing a differential pulley transmission is provided. As an example, a differential pulley actuator includes input drive gears for coupling to a motor and timing pulleys coupled together through the input drive gears. Rotation of the input drive gears causes rotation of a first timing pulley in a first direction and rotation of a second timing pulley in a second direction opposite the first direction. The actuator also includes multiple idler pulleys suspended between the timing pulleys and the output pulley, and the multiple idler pulleys are held in tension between the timing pulleys via a first tension-bearing element and the output pulley via a second tension-bearing element. The first tension-bearing element loops around the timing pulleys and the multiple idler pulleys. The output pulley couple to a load, and is configured to apply motion of the multiple idler pulleys to the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2016Publication date: March 9, 2017Inventors: Aaron Edsinger, Philip Mullins
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Patent number: 9574646Abstract: A twisted string transmission system comprises a twisted string actuator, a force sensor, and a controller. The twisted string actuator is for converting a rotational motion into a linear force. The force sensor is for sensing the linear force. The controller is for receiving sensor information regarding the linear force from the force sensor and for providing control information to control the rotational motion based at least in part on the sensor information.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Redwood Robotics Inc.Inventors: Aaron Edsinger, Jeff Weber, Philip Mullins, Lee Magnusson
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Publication number: 20160368139Abstract: An example torque controlled actuator includes a frame, and one or more timing belt stages coupled in serial on the frame. The timing belt stages include an input stage for coupling to a motor and an output stage for coupling to a load, and the timing belt stages couple rotation of the motor to rotation of an output of the output stage. The torque controlled actuator also includes one or more belt idlers coupled to the frame that contact a timing belt of the output stage, and a strain gauge coupled to the frame to determine a tension of the timing belt of the output stage based on force applied by the timing belt of the output stage to the one or more belt idlers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: Aaron Edsinger, Lee Magnusson, Philip Mullins, Jeff Weber
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Patent number: 9512912Abstract: As an example, a differential pulley actuator includes input drive gears for coupling to a motor and timing pulleys coupled together through the input drive gears. Rotation of the input drive gears causes rotation of a first timing pulley in a first direction and rotation of a second timing pulley in a second direction opposite the first direction. The actuator also includes multiple idler pulleys suspended between the timing pulleys and the output pulley, and the multiple idler pulleys are held in tension between the timing pulleys via a first tension-bearing element and the output pulley via a second tension-bearing element. The first tension-bearing element loops around the timing pulleys and the multiple idler pulleys. The output pulley couple to a load, and is configured to apply motion of the multiple idler pulleys to the load.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Redwood Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Edsinger, Philip Mullins
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Publication number: 20160308816Abstract: Reducing a negative social interaction includes receiving a response to a post from a user, the response includes content to be posted on an activity stream of a social network, analyzing the content of the response to determine a negative response risk to the post, analyzing a profile of the user to determine a tendency of the user to respond negatively in responses, and executing, based on the negative response risk and the tendency, an action for the response to reduce negative responses directed towards the post.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2015Publication date: October 20, 2016Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Liam Harpur, Philip Mullins, Eric Woods
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Patent number: 9447849Abstract: An example torque controlled actuator includes a frame, and one or more timing belt stages coupled in serial on the frame. The timing belt stages include an input stage for coupling to a motor and an output stage for coupling to a load, and the timing belt stages couple rotation of the motor to rotation of an output of the output stage. The torque controlled actuator also includes one or more belt idlers coupled to the frame that contact a timing belt of the output stage, and a strain gauge coupled to the frame to determine a tension of the timing belt of the output stage based on force applied by the timing belt of the output stage to the one or more belt idlers.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: REDWOOD ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Aaron Edsinger, Lee Magnusson, Philip Mullins, Jeff Vora Weber
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Publication number: 20080036602Abstract: An antenna structure capable of determining the direction of a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag includes a wide-angle antenna disposed within an attenuator that has regions of low attenuation. The attenuator may include a metal plate with holes. In this case, the antenna only detects RFID tags that are aligned with a hole, and hence the direction of the RFID tag is detected. Multiple holes of different sizes can be provided. In this case, if the RFID tag is moving, the direction and speed of movement can be determined from the duration of received RFID signals. For example, a long period of RFID tag signal reception indicates that the tag passed in front of a large hole in the attenuator. The present invention is particularly well suited for use with conveyor belts and in applications where RFID tags move along known paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventor: Philip Mullins
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Publication number: 20070030150Abstract: An antenna structure capable of determining the direction of a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag includes a wide-angle antenna disposed within an attenuator that has regions of low attenuation. The attenuator may include a metal plate with holes. In this case, the antenna only detects RFID tags that are aligned with a hole, and hence the direction of the RFID tag is detected. Multiple holes of different sizes can be provided. In this case, if the RFID tag is moving, the direction and speed of movement can be determined from the duration of received RFID signals. For example, a long period of RFID tag signal reception indicates that the tag passed in front of a large hole in the attenuator. The present invention is particularly well suited for use with conveyor belts and in applications where RFID tags move along known paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2005Publication date: February 8, 2007Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Philip Mullins
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Patent number: D912119Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2019Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Justine Rembisz, Philip Mullins, Matthew Day