Patents by Inventor Thomas H Massie
Thomas H Massie 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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Publication number: 20210274748Abstract: Method, means, and system for a mobile, self-moving, automated animal corral or confinement system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: Thomas H. Massie, Rhonda K. Massie, Hans D. Høeg
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Patent number: 8994643Abstract: A multi-function force reflecting haptic interface including various sub-assemblies is disclosed. The sub-assemblies include multiple function user interfaces, a user interface docking station for setting the interface to a home position, temperature monitoring and control systems, and various kinematic cable drive systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas H. Massie, William A. Goodwin, Elaine Chen, Deepak Kapoor, Abbe J. Cohen, Brandon Itkowitz
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Publication number: 20110202856Abstract: A user of a modeling application modifies an initial virtual object using a sketch drawn on one or more construction planes. Typically, construction planes are connected by an axis that intersects the virtual object. The user can draw a sketch on each construction plane, and the modeling application interpolates a shape along the axis between the sketches to determine what material in the virtual object is to be removed from it. In this manner, material may be removed to create a recess or hole in the virtual object or otherwise to slice away material from the object. A user can use two or more axes and construction planes to produce complex shapes from the initial virtual object. A user can also select a portion of a virtual object and mirror the selected portion. Modifications that the user makes in the selected portion are made correspondingly in the mirrored portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventors: Joshua Handley, Marc Midura, Bradley Payne, Walter A. Aviles, Thomas H. Massie, Walter C. Shannon, III
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Patent number: 7889195Abstract: A user of a virtual object or computer model uses a haptic interface device in the real world to manipulate a virtual tool in a virtual environment to interact and modify the virtual object. The user uses the virtual tool in a sculpting mode to modify the shape of the virtual object by adding, removing, or modifying the material of the object. The user feels an interaction force from the virtual tool as it interacts with and modifies the virtual object. The designer can set geometric constraints, such as a constraint point, constraint line, or constraint surface, to limit or guide the movement of the virtual tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Sensable Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Loren Shih, Walter A. Aviles, Thomas H. Massie, Walter C. Shannon, III
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Patent number: 7864173Abstract: A user of a modeling application modifies an initial virtual object using a sketch drawn on one or more construction planes. Typically, construction planes are connected by an axis that intersects the virtual object. The user can draw a sketch on each construction plane, and the modeling application interpolates a shape along the axis between the sketches to determine what material in the virtual object is to be removed from it. In this manner, material may be removed to create a recess or hole in the virtual object or otherwise to slice away material from the object. A user can use two or more axes and construction planes to produce complex shapes from the initial virtual object. A user can also select a portion of a virtual object and mirror the selected portion. Modifications that the user makes in the selected portion are made correspondingly in the mirrored portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: SensAble Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Handley, Marc Midura, Bradley Payne, Walter A. Aviles, Thomas H. Massie, Walter C. Shannon, III
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Patent number: 7714836Abstract: A six degree of freedom force reflecting haptic interface includes three powered axes and three free axes, all of which are tracked so that the position of a user connection element in the work volume can be determined. The interface includes cable drives with polymer composite or metallic cables, automatic cable tensioning devices, and grounded actuator capstans. A nested hub and transfer drive provide a compact, weight balanced interface. User comfort and safety features are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2005Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: SensAble Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Guy Rodomista, Andrew Ziegler, William A. Goodwin, Clive Bolton, Thomas H. Massie, R. Michael Lohse
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Patent number: 7480600Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for physically exchanging a force with a user in an environment local to the user. A connection element connects to a user's body member and a linkage between the connection element and ground. The linkage includes means for powering at least three independent freedoms of the connection element relative to ground and means for maintaining at least one independent freedom of the connection element relative to ground free of power. Up to three independent freedoms of the connection element may be maintained free of power, and up to five independent freedoms may be powered. Other aspects of the invention include a two actuator counter-balance for controlling a point on a link. The invention also includes apparatus for establishing a virtual, switch, which presents to the user the force and displacement relationship of a spring switch.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2004Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: The Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Thomas H Massie, Kenneth Salisbury, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080291161Abstract: A multi-function force reflecting haptic interface including various sub-assemblies is disclosed. The sub-assemblies include multiple function user interfaces, a user interface docking station for setting the interface to a home position, temperature monitoring and control systems, and various kinematic cable drive systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: SensAble Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas H. Massie, William A. Goodwin, Elaine Chen, Deepak Kapoor, Abbe J. Cohen, Brandon Itkowitz
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Patent number: 7411576Abstract: A multi-function force reflecting haptic interface including various sub-assemblies is disclosed. The sub-assemblies include multiple function user interfaces, a user interface docking station for setting the interface to a home position, temperature monitoring and control systems, and various kinematic cable drive systems.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: SensAble Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas H. Massie, William Alexander Goodwin, Elaine Chen, Deepak Kapoor, Abbe J. Cohen, Brandon D. Itkowitz
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Patent number: 7259761Abstract: A user of a virtual object or computer model uses a haptic interface device in the real world to manipulate a virtual tool in a virtual environment to interact and modify the virtual object. The user uses the virtual tool in a sculpting mode to modify the shape of the virtual object by adding, removing, or modifying the material of the object. The user feels an interaction force from the virtual tool as it interacts with and modifies the virtual object. The designer can set geometric constraints, such as a constraint point, constraint line, or constraint surface, to limit or guide the movement of the virtual tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: SensAble Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Loren Shih, Walter A. Aviles, Thomas H. Massie, Walter C. Shannon, III
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Patent number: 7225404Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining forces to be applied to a user through a haptic interface. The method includes the steps of generating a representation of an object in graphic space, sensing the position of the user in real space and calculating a force to be applied to a user in response to the user's haptic interface and the user's fiducial object. The user's fiducial object represents the location in graphic space at which the user's haptic interface would be located if the haptic interface could not penetrate the surfaces of virtual objects.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Craig B. Zilles, J. Kenneth Salisbury, Jr., Thomas H. Massie, David Lawrence Brock, Mandayam A. Srinivasan, Hugh B. Morgenbesser
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Patent number: 7102635Abstract: A user of a virtual object or computer model uses a haptic interface device in the real world to manipulate a virtual tool in a virtual environment to interact and modify the virtual object. The user uses the virtual tool in a sculpting mode to modify the shape of the virtual object by adding, removing, or modifying the material of the object. The user feels an interaction force from the virtual tool as it interacts with and modifies the virtual object. The designer can set geometric constraints, such as a constraint point, constraint line, or constraint surface, to limit or guide the movement of the virtual tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: SensAble Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Loren Shih, Walter A. Aviles, Thomas H. Massie, Walter C. Shannon, III
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Patent number: 6985133Abstract: A six degree of freedom force reflecting haptic interface includes three powered axes and three free axes, all of which are tracked so that the position of a user connection element in the work volume can be determined. The interface includes cable drives with polymer composite or metallic cables, automatic cable tensioning devices, and grounded actuator capstans. A nested hub and transfer drive provide a compact, weight balanced interface. User comfort and safety features are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: SensAble Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Guy Rodomista, Andrew Ziegler, William A. Goodwin, Clive Bolton, Thomas H. Massie, R. Michael Lohse
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Patent number: 6879315Abstract: A six degree of freedom force reflecting haptic interface includes three powered axes and three free axes, all of which are tracked so that the position of a user connection element in the work volume can be determined. The interface includes cable drives with polymer composite or metallic cables, automatic cable tensioning devices, and grounded actuator capstans. A nested hub and transfer drive provide a compact, weight balanced interface. User comfort and safety features are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: SensAble Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Rodomista Guy, Ziegler Andrew, William A. Goodwin, Bolton Clive, Thomas H. Massie, R. Michael Lohse
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Patent number: 6853965Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for physically exchanging a force with a user in an environment local to the user. A connection element connects to a user's body member and a linkage between the connection element and ground. The linkage includes means for powering at least three independent freedoms of the connection element relative to ground and means for maintaining at least one independent freedom of the connection element relative to ground free of power. Up to three independent freedoms of the connection element may be maintained free of power, and up to five independent freedoms may be powered. Other aspects of the invention include a two actuator counter-balance for controlling a point on a link. The invention also includes apparatus for establishing a virtual, switch, which presents to the user the force and displacement relationship of a spring switch.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Thomas H Massie, J. Kenneth Salisbury, Jr.
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Patent number: 6831640Abstract: A user of a virtual object or computer model uses a haptic interface device in the real world to manipulate a virtual tool in a virtual environment to interact and modify the virtual object. The user uses the virtual tool in a sculpting mode to modify the shape of the virtual object by adding, removing, or modifying the material of the object. The user feels an interaction force from the virtual tool as it interacts with and modifies the virtual object. The designer can set geometric constraints, such as a constraint point, constraint line, or constraint surface, to limit or guide the movement of the virtual tool.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: SensAble Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Loren Shih, Walter A. Aviles, Thomas H. Massie, Walter C. Shannon, III
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Patent number: 6792398Abstract: A user of a modeling application modifies an initial virtual object using a sketch drawn on one or more construction planes. Typically, construction planes are connected by an axis that intersects the virtual object. The user can draw a sketch on each construction plane, and the modeling application interpolates a shape along the axis between the sketches to determine what material in the virtual object is to be removed from it. In this manner, material may be removed to create a recess or hole in the virtual object or otherwise to slice away material from the object. A user can use two or more axes and construction planes to produce complex shapes from the initial virtual object. A user can also select a portion of a virtual object and mirror the selected portion. Modifications that the user makes in the selected portion are made correspondingly in the mirrored portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: SensAble Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Handley, Marc Midura, Bradley Payne, Walter A. Aviles, Thomas H. Massie, Walter C. Shannon, III
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Publication number: 20030128208Abstract: A user of a virtual object or computer model uses a haptic interface device in the real world to manipulate a virtual tool in a virtual environment to interact and modify the virtual object. The user uses the virtual tool in a sculpting mode to modify the shape of the virtual object by adding, removing, or modifying the material of the object. The user feels an interaction force from the virtual tool as it interacts with and modifies the virtual object. The designer can set geometric constraints, such as a constraint point, constraint line, or constraint surface, to limit or guide the movement of the virtual tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2003Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: SensAble Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Loren Shih, Walter A. Aviles, Thomas H. Massie, Walter C. Shannon
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Patent number: 6552722Abstract: A user of a virtual object or computer model uses a haptic interface device in the real world to manipulate a virtual tool in a virtual environment to interact and modify the virtual object. The user uses the virtual tool in a sculpting mode to modify the shape of the virtual object by adding, removing, or modifying the material of the object. The user feels an interaction force from the virtual tool as it interacts with and modifies the virtual object. The designer can set geometric constraints, such as a constraint point, constraint line, or constraint surface, to limit or guide the movement of the virtual tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: SensAble Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Loren Shih, Walter A. Aviles, Thomas H. Massie, Walter C. Shannon, III
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Publication number: 20030034994Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for physically exchanging a force with a user in an environment local to the user. A connection element connects to a user's body member and a linkage between the connection element and ground. The linkage includes means for powering at least three independent freedoms of the connection element relative to ground and means for maintaining at least one independent freedom of the connection element relative to ground free of power. Up to three independent freedoms of the connection element may be maintained free of power, and up to five independent freedoms may be powered. Other aspects of the invention include a two actuator counter-balance for controlling a point on a link. The invention also includes apparatus for establishing a virtual, switch, which presents to the user the force and displacement relationship of a spring switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2001Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventors: Thomas H. Massie, J. Kenneth Salisbury