Patents by Inventor Ryan KNOPF

Ryan KNOPF 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: 20170028566
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in soft robotic systems that permit a soft robotic end effector to be a self-contained system, without reliance on a tether to deliver inflation fluid to the actuator(s) of the end effector. According to some embodiments, a robotic system may be provided including a soft actuator and a hub. The body of the hub may include an integrated pressure source configured to supply inflation fluid through the actuator interface to the soft actuator. The pressure source may be, for example, a compressor (such as a twin-head compressor) or a reaction chamber configured to vaporize a fuel to create a high-temperature pressurized gas and deliver the pressurized gas to the actuator One or more accumulators may receive inflation fluid (or a partial vacuum) from the compressor over time, and store the inflation fluid under pressure, thus allowing actuation over a relatively short time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Ryan Knopf, Joshua Lessing, Daniel Harburg, Grant Sellers, Kevin Alcedo
  • Publication number: 20160136820
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide enhancements for soft robotic actuators. In some embodiments, angular adjustment systems are provided for varying an angle between an actuator and the hub, or between two actuators. The angular adjustment system may also be used to vary a relative distance or spacing between actuators. According to further embodiments, rigidizing layers are provided for reinforcing one or more portions of an actuator at one or more locations of relatively high strain. According to further embodiments, force amplification structures are provided for increasing an amount of force applied by an actuator to a target. The force amplification structures may serve to shorten the length of the actuator that is subject to bending upon inflation. According to still further embodiments, gripping pads are provided for customizing an actuator's gripping profile to better conform to the surfaces of items to be gripped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Joshua Aaron Lessing, Ryan Knopf, Carl Vause
  • Publication number: 20150366695
    Abstract: A limb stabilization device is described, including: two or more collars configured to surround a limb and apply a pressure to the limb at or below a threshold pressure, wherein the collar comprises a pressurized bladder or a compressed memory foam to conform the collar to the limb; at least one beam connecting the two or more collars to support the limb; and optionally a pressure modulator configured to regulate the pressure of the bladder to be at or below a threshold pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin C. GALLOWAY, Jobim SANTOS, Ryan KNOPF, Joshua Aaron LESSING, Mitchell R. ZAKIN, Carl E. VAUSE
  • Publication number: 20150352813
    Abstract: A composite structural element is described, including: a first laminate layer comprising a plurality of first material layers; a second laminate layer comprising a plurality of second material layers; and an inflatable bladder configured for connection with a fluid inflation or deflation source and disposed in-between the first and second laminate layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin C. GALLOWAY, Ryan KNOPF, Joshua Aaron LESSING