Patents by Inventor Steven Collins

Steven Collins 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: 20200064261
    Abstract: Provided are turbidometers and fluorometers having a unique form-factor to accommodate a number of optical components in a confined geometry. This provides the ability to compensate for change in light intensity from an optical source even in a closed-loop manner. The ability to package reference and signal detectors, along with a relatively large diameter LED light source in a confined geometry is particularly suited for applications requiring small-diameter sensors, such as multi-parameter sonde devices having a total diameter that is in the sub-two inch range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Nathan T. BALTZ, Steven Collin SEWELL
  • Patent number: 10554154
    Abstract: An electrostatic clutch is described comprising a plurality of micron-scale thickness electrodes, adjacent electrodes being separated by a thin film of dielectric material. A power source and controller apply a voltage across two electrodes, causing an electrostatic force to develop. When engaged, a force can be transferred through the clutch. A tensioning device maintains the alignment of the clutch when the electrodes are disengaged, but permits movement in at least one direction. In some embodiments, multiple clutches are connected to an output to provide variable force control and a broad range of torque input and output values. Moreover, the clutch can be used as an energy-recycling actuator that captures mechanical energy from negative work movements, and returns energy during positive work movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Carmel Majidi, Steven Collins, Stuart Diller
  • Publication number: 20190363648
    Abstract: An electrostatic clutch is described comprising a plurality of micron-scale thickness electrodes, adjacent electrodes being separated by a thin film of dielectric material. A power source and controller apply a voltage across two electrodes, causing an electrostatic force to develop. When engaged, a force can be transferred through the clutch. A tensioning device maintains the alignment of the clutch when the electrodes are disengaged, but permits movement in at least one direction. In some embodiments, multiple clutches are connected to an output to provide variable force control and a broad range of torque input and output values. Moreover, the clutch can be used as an energy-recycling actuator that captures mechanical energy from negative work movements, and returns energy during positive work movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY, a Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation
    Inventors: Carmel Majidi, Steven Collins, Stuart Diller
  • Publication number: 20190319556
    Abstract: An electrostatic clutch is described comprising a plurality of micron-scale thickness electrodes, adjacent electrodes being separated by a thin film of dielectric material. A power source and controller apply a voltage across two electrodes, causing an electrostatic force to develop. When engaged, a force can be transferred through the clutch. A tensioning device maintains the alignment of the clutch when the electrodes are disengaged, but permits movement in at least one direction. In some embodiments, multiple clutches are connected to an output to provide variable force control and a broad range of torque input and output values. Moreover, the clutch can be used as an energy-recycling actuator that captures mechanical energy from negative work movements, and returns energy during positive work movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY, a Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation
    Inventors: Carmel Majidi, Steven Collins, Stuart Diller
  • Publication number: 20190310236
    Abstract: Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique form-factor, wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged in a tight-fit configuration. This provides a single distal sensing surface and minimal separation distance between adjacent sensors. The sensors may be pie shaped with an interlocking feature to tightly hold the sensors together, with a sensor guard disposed over the outer surface of the interlocked sensors. Sensor-guards disclosed herein may have an integrated sensor storage and sensor guard configuration, thereby avoiding a need for a separate storage cup and that are configured to minimize unwanted biological growth. Also provided are uniquely shaped individual sensors having interlocking features to hold several sensors together in a sonde.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle SCOTT, Steven Collin SEWELL, Duane B. McKEE
  • Patent number: 10393654
    Abstract: Provided are turbidometers and fluorometers having a unique form-factor to accommodate a number of optical components in a confined geometry. This provides the ability to compensate for change in light intensity from an optical source even in a closed-loop manner. The ability to package reference and signal detectors, along with a relatively large diameter LED light source in a confined geometry is particularly suited for applications requiring small-diameter sensors, such as multi-parameter sonde devices having a total diameter that is in the sub-two inch range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.
    Inventors: Nathan T. Baltz, Steven Collin Sewell
  • Patent number: 10355624
    Abstract: An electrostatic clutch is described comprising a plurality of micron-scale thickness electrodes, adjacent electrodes being separated by a thin film of dielectric material. A power source and controller apply a voltage across two electrodes, causing an electrostatic force to develop. When engaged, a force can be transferred through the clutch. A tensioning device maintains the alignment of the clutch when the electrodes are disengaged, but permits movement in at least one direction. In some embodiments, multiple clutches are connected to an output to provide variable force control and a broad range of torque input and output values. Moreover, the clutch can be used as an energy-recycling actuator that captures mechanical energy from negative work movements, and returns energy during positive work movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Carmel Majidi, Steven Collins, Stuart Diller
  • Patent number: 10302616
    Abstract: Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique form-factor, wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged in a tight-fit configuration. This provides a single distal sensing surface and minimal separation distance between adjacent sensors. The sensors may be pie shaped with an interlocking feature to tightly hold the sensors together, with a sensor guard disposed over the outer surface of the interlocked sensors. Sensor-guards disclosed herein may have an integrated sensor storage and sensor guard configuration, thereby avoiding a need for a separate storage cup and that are configured to minimize unwanted biological growth. Also provided are uniquely shaped individual sensors having interlocking features to hold several sensors together in a sonde.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: IN-SITU, INC.
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Steven Collin Sewell, Duane B. McKee
  • Patent number: 10250210
    Abstract: An amplifier comprising a differential amplifier configured to be provide a comparator function, and a gain trimming circuit is electrically configured to provide gain trimming using a T-network comprising a varistor element. In addition, a method of trimming the gain of a differential amplifier, comprising the steps of a first step, (a) providing the differential amplifier comprising resistors in both of its paths, a second step, (b) providing a varistor in a T-network between both said paths; and lastly, a third step, (c) trimming the gain of the differential amplifier by adjusting the varistor's resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Zakaria Mengad, Steven Collins, Vladislav Vasilev
  • Publication number: 20190044902
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and related technologies are provided for generating interactive emails and tracking user interactions. In one implementation, an email can be received within an email client. The email can be rendered within the email client, such as by: presenting a first selectable element within the email client, presenting a second selectable element within the email client, and presenting one or more content items within the email client. A selection of the first selectable element can be received within the email client. In response to the selection of the first selectable element, a presentation of the one or more content items can be adjusted within the email client.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Joe Teplow, Scott Motte, Kevin Dutra, Mark Robbins, Yamil Asusta, Devin Torres, Steven Collins, Trever Faden, Derek Jacobi, Selby Kendrick, Johnny Omar Mejias Luciano, Adam Beckenman
  • Publication number: 20180202929
    Abstract: Provided is a cleanable conductivity sensor and related methods having a distal sensing end in which active sensing elements are positioned and an outer fin specially configured to minimize unwanted interference without impacting the ability for automated cleaning of the distal sensing end. A rotatable wiper or brush may be periodically rotated over the distal sensing end, thereby removing unwanted biological build-up and avoiding fouling, thereby increasing the sensor deployment time without active intervention and maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Applicant: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle SCOTT, Duane B. McKEE, Steven Collin SEWELL
  • Publication number: 20180143132
    Abstract: Provided are turbidometers and fluorometers having a unique form-factor to accommodate a number of optical components in a confined geometry. This provides the ability to compensate for change in light intensity from an optical source even in a closed-loop manner. The ability to package reference and signal detectors, along with a relatively large diameter LED light source in a confined geometry is particularly suited for applications requiring small-diameter sensors, such as multi-parameter sonde devices having a total diameter that is in the sub-two inch range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Nathan T. BALTZ, Steven Collin SEWELL
  • Publication number: 20180120281
    Abstract: Provided are multi-parameter sonde systems having a unique form-factor, wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged in a tight-fit configuration. This provides a single distal sensing surface and minimal separation distance between adjacent sensors. The sensors may be pie shaped with an interlocking feature to tightly hold the sensors together, with a sensor guard disposed over the outer surface of the interlocked sensors. Sensor-guards disclosed herein may have an integrated sensor storage and sensor guard configuration, thereby avoiding a need for a separate storage cup and that are configured to minimize unwanted biological growth. Also provided are uniquely shaped individual sensors having interlocking features to hold several sensors together in a sonde.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle SCOTT, Steven Collin SEWELL, Duane B. McKEE
  • Patent number: 9960741
    Abstract: A system is disclosed which allows for canceling high frequency rail to rail common mode swing at pulse-width modulation (PWM) frequency for a Class-D, H and G audio amplifier or a Linear Resonance Actuator (LRA) driver. This allows wide bandwidth current sensing without the need of external components, or large on-chip resistor-capacitor (RC) networks, facilitating integration of the sense resistor. In addition, the sense amplifier DC input common mode and audio band common mode swing is reduced, allowing a sense resistor high frequency common mode swing of a least twice the MOSFET gate break down voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Zakaria Mengad, Vladislav Vasilev, Steven Collins
  • Publication number: 20180097490
    Abstract: An amplifier comprising a differential amplifier configured to be provide a comparator function, and a gain trimming circuit is electrically configured to provide gain trimming using a T-network comprising a varistor element. In addition, a method of trimming the gain of a differential amplifier, comprising the steps of a first step, (a) providing the differential amplifier comprising resistors in both of its paths, a second step, (b) providing a varistor in a T-network between both said paths; and lastly, a third step, (c) trimming the gain of the differential amplifier by adjusting the varistor's resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Zakaria Mengad, Steven Collins, Vladislav Vasilev
  • Publication number: 20170373655
    Abstract: A system is disclosed which allows for canceling high frequency rail to rail common mode swing at pulse-width modulation (PWM) frequency for a Class-D, H and G audio amplifier or a Linear Resonance Actuator (LRA) driver. This allows wide bandwidth current sensing without the need of external components, or large on-chip resistor-capacitor (RC) networks, facilitating integration of the sense resistor. In addition, the sense amplifier DC input common mode and audio band common mode swing is reduced, allowing a sense resistor high frequency common mode swing of a least twice the MOSFET gate break down voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Zakaria Mengad, Vladislav Vasilev, Steven Collins
  • Patent number: 9835554
    Abstract: Provided is a cleanable conductivity sensor and related methods having a distal sensing end in which active sensing elements are positioned and an outer fin specially configured to minimize unwanted interference without impacting the ability for automated cleaning of the distal sensing end. A rotatable wiper or brush may be periodically rotated over the distal sensing end, thereby removing unwanted biological build-up and avoiding fouling, thereby increasing the sensor deployment time without active intervention and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Duane B. McKee, Steven Collin Sewell
  • Patent number: 9778180
    Abstract: Provided are turbidometers and fluorometers having a unique form-factor to accommodate a number of optical components in a confined geometry. This provides the ability to compensate for change in light intensity from an optical source even in a closed-loop manner. The ability to package reference and signal detectors, along with a relatively large diameter LED light source in a confined geometry is particularly suited for applications requiring small-diameter sensors, such as multi-parameter sonde devices having a total diameter that is in the sub-two inch range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan T. Baltz, Steven Collin Sewell
  • Publication number: 20170222576
    Abstract: An electrostatic clutch is described comprising a plurality of micron-scale thickness electrodes, adjacent electrodes being separated by a thin film of dielectric material. A power source and controller apply a voltage across two electrodes, causing an electrostatic force to develop. When engaged, a force can be transferred through the clutch. A tensioning device maintains the alignment of the clutch when the electrodes are disengaged, but permits movement in at least one direction. In some embodiments, multiple clutches are connected to an output to provide variable force control and a broad range of torque input and output values. Moreover, the clutch can be used as an energy-recycling actuator that captures mechanical energy from negative work movements, and returns energy during positive work movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY, a Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation
    Inventors: Carmel Majidi, Steven Collins, Stuart Diller
  • Patent number: D803081
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventors: Elijah Lyle Scott, Steven Collin Sewell