Patents by Inventor Richard L. Wassam

Richard L. Wassam 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).

  • Liquid contractility actuator
    Patent number: 4739692
    Abstract: A contractility actuator includes a longitudinal quadrilateral mesh of relatively inelastic segments with anchor points at either end, an expandable bladder confined within the mesh and means for introducing and inflating the bladder with a liquid for generating a contractile force between the anchor points mechanically analogous to a muscle but of much greater magnitude. Two or more of the contractile actuators are arranged in a system for precisely articulating one or more arms pivotally secured at the distal ends of a structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Fluidic Motion Corporation
    Inventors: Richard L. Wassam, Lonner O. Ralston, Andrew L. Solow