Patents by Inventor William T. Larkins

William T. Larkins 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).

  • Patent number: 9464684
    Abstract: A component vibration control system is disclosed. The vibration control system includes a first physical end stop, a second physical end stop, a damper assembly, a position sensor configured to determine a component position, and a processor in communication with the position sensor and the damper assembly. The processor is configured to set a first virtual end stop position, regulate a damping force of the damper assembly as the component moves toward the first virtual end stop position, and determine a second virtual end stop position based on a first distance of the component from a set position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Contratto, William T. Larkins
  • Patent number: 8968244
    Abstract: A disposable cassette for mixing a drug in a vial includes a liquid inlet for connection to a liquid supply, a first vial spike, a second vial spike, a chamber and a valve mechanism. The chamber, the first and second vial spikes, and the liquid inlet are in fluid communication with each other. The valve mechanism may be actuated to control flow between the chamber, the vial receptacles and the liquid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, Charles M. Grinnell, Marc A. Mandro, Dennis Gilbreath, Kevin Grant, Jason A. Demers, William T. Larkins, Robert Manning, Richard Lanigan
  • Patent number: 8521361
    Abstract: A ride height control system and method may be used to control load distribution at wheel locations in a vehicle suspension system at target ride height. Load distribution may be controlled by adjusting the forces applied by the suspension system at respective wheel locations while maintaining a target ride height. In an exemplary air spring suspension system or hydropneumatic suspension system, the applied forces may be adjusted by adjusting the pressure in the suspension system at the respective wheel locations. The ride height control system and method may determine and establish balanced target ride height forces (e.g., planar forces) to be applied at the wheel locations of the vehicle to prevent a cross-jacking condition. The ride height control system and method may also determine and establish target ride height forces for a vehicle on an uneven surface to prevent imbalances caused by wheel displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Fourth Floor Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Larkins, Edward Lanzilotta, Damian Harty
  • Publication number: 20130178831
    Abstract: A disposable cassette for mixing a drug in a vial includes a liquid inlet for connection to a liquid supply, a first vial spike, a second vial spike, a chamber and a valve mechanism. The chamber, the first and second vial spikes, and the liquid inlet are in fluid communication with each other. The valve mechanism may be actuated to control flow between the chamber, the vial receptacles and the liquid inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, Charles M. Grinnell, Marc A. Mandro, Dennis Gilbreath, Kevin Grant, Jason A. Demers, William T. Larkins, Robert Manning, Richard Lanigan
  • Patent number: 8437911
    Abstract: A ride height control system and method may be used to control load distribution at wheel locations in a vehicle suspension system at target ride height. Load distribution may be controlled by adjusting the forces applied by the suspension system at respective wheel locations while maintaining a target ride height. In an exemplary air spring suspension system or hydropneumatic suspension system, the applied forces may be adjusted by adjusting the pressure in the suspension system at the respective wheel locations. The ride height control system and method may determine and establish balanced target ride height forces (e.g., planar forces) to be applied at the wheel locations of the vehicle to prevent a cross-jacking condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Fourth Floor Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Lanzilotta, Damian Harty, William T. Larkins
  • Publication number: 20120046827
    Abstract: A ride height control system and method may be used to control load distribution at wheel locations in a vehicle suspension system at target ride height. Load distribution may be controlled by adjusting the forces applied by the suspension system at respective wheel locations while maintaining a target ride height. In an exemplary air spring suspension system or hydropneumatic suspension system, the applied forces may be adjusted by adjusting the pressure in the suspension system at the respective wheel locations. The ride height control system and method may determine and establish balanced target ride height forces (e.g., planar forces) to be applied at the wheel locations of the vehicle to prevent a cross-jacking condition. The ride height control system and method may also determine and establish target ride height forces for a vehicle on an uneven surface to prevent imbalances caused by wheel displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: FOURTH FLOOR ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: William T. Larkins, Edward Lanzilotta, Damian Harty
  • Publication number: 20120046828
    Abstract: A ride height control system and method may be used to control load distribution at wheel locations in a vehicle suspension system at target ride height. Load distribution may be controlled by adjusting the forces applied by the suspension system at respective wheel locations while maintaining a target ride height. In an exemplary air spring suspension system or hydropneumatic suspension system, the applied forces may be adjusted by adjusting the pressure in the suspension system at the respective wheel locations. The ride height control system and method may determine and establish balanced target ride height forces (e.g., planar forces) to be applied at the wheel locations of the vehicle to prevent a cross-jacking condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: FOURTH FLOOR ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Edward Lanzilotta, Damian Harty, William T. Larkins
  • Patent number: 7933688
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electrically controlled pressure relief valve may use a soft position control loop to control the position of the valve. A pressure relief valve may also include a modified orifice shape to improve stability, to uniformly distribute the effective bandwidth over the valve operating range, and to provide a tunable default mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Fourth Floor Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John LaPlante, William T. Larkins
  • Patent number: 7798997
    Abstract: A disposable cassette for mixing a drug in a vial includes a liquid inlet for connection to a liquid supply, a first vial spike, a second vial spike, a chamber and a valve mechanism. The chamber, the first and second vial spikes, and the liquid inlet are in fluid communication with each other. The valve mechanism may be actuated to control flow between the chamber, the vial receptacles and the liquid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Jason A. Demers, Dennis Gilbreath, Kevin Lee Grant, Charles M. Grinnell, Richard J. Lanigan, William T. Larkins, Marc A. Mandro, Robert Manning
  • Publication number: 20100161182
    Abstract: A component vibration control system is disclosed. The vibration control system includes a first physical end stop, a second physical end stop, a damper assembly, a position sensor configured to determine a component position, and a processor in communication with the position sensor and the damper assembly. The processor is configured to set a first virtual end stop position, regulate a damping force of the damper assembly as the component moves toward the first virtual end stop position, and determine a second virtual end stop position based on a first distance of the component from a set position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Michael S. Contratto, William T. Larkins
  • Publication number: 20080119963
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electrically controlled pressure relief valve may use a soft position control loop to control the position of the valve. A pressure relief valve may also include a modified orifice shape to improve stability, to uniformly distribute the effective bandwidth over the valve operating range, and to provide a tunable default mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: ACTIVE SHOCK, INC.
    Inventors: John LaPlante, William T. Larkins
  • Patent number: 7299112
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electrically controlled pressure relief valve may use a soft position control loop to control the position of the valve. A pressure relief valve may also include a modified orifice shape to improve stability, to uniformly distribute the effective bandwidth over the valve operating range, and to provide a tunable default mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: ActiveShock, Inc.
    Inventors: John LaPlante, William T. Larkins
  • Patent number: 7214210
    Abstract: A disposable cassette for mixing an intravenous drug in a vial to a patient includes a liquid inlet for connection to a liquid supply, a first vial spike, a second vial spike and a chamber. The chamber, the first and second vial spikes, and the liquid inlet are in fluid communication with each other. A valve mechanism may be actuated to control flow between the chamber, the vial receptacles and the liquid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Charles M. Grinnell, Marc A. Mandro, Dennis Gilbreath, Kevin Lee Grant, Jason A. Demers, William T. Larkins, Robert Manning, Richard J. Lanigan
  • Patent number: 6904344
    Abstract: A semi-active control methodology is provided for a spring/mass system, for example a real-time adjustable shock absorber system. The methodology includes defining a plurality of operating zones based on system parameters and user-definable or preset inputs. The methodology also includes processing to account for non-inertial spring/mass system response and multidimensional forces acting on the system, and an acceleration hedge calculation to accurately define system operation at extrema of travel. The methodology is generally directed at producing a plurality of valve control signals, selecting among the valve control signals, and applying the selected control signal to the valve in a closed-loop feedback system to adjust the energy in the spring/mass system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: ActiveShock, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. LaPlante, William T. Larkins
  • Publication number: 20040254701
    Abstract: A semi-active control methodology is provided for a spring/mass system, for example a real-time adjustable shock absorber system. The methodology includes defining a plurality of operating zones based on system parameters and user-definable or preset inputs. The methodology also includes processing to account for non-inertial spring/mass system response and multidimensional forces acting on the system, and an acceleration hedge calculation to accurately define system operation at extrema of travel. The methodology is generally directed at producing a plurality of valve control signals, selecting among the valve control signals, and applying the selected control signal to the valve in a closed-loop feedback system to adjust the energy in the spring/mass system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: John A. LaPlante, William T. Larkins
  • Publication number: 20040176724
    Abstract: A disposable cassette for mixing an intravenous drug in a vial to a patient includes a liquid inlet for connection to a liquid supply, a first vial spike, a second vial spike and a chamber. The chamber, the first and second vial spikes, and the liquid inlet are in fluid communication with each other. A valve mechanism may be actuated to control flow between the chamber, the vial receptacles and the liquid inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Dean L, Kamen, Charles M. Grinnell, Marc A. Mandro, Dennis Gilbreath, Kevin Grant, Jason A. Demers, William T. Larkins, Robert Manning, Richard Lanigan
  • Patent number: 6732033
    Abstract: A semi-active control methodology is provided for a spring/mass system, for example a real-time adjustable shock absorber system. The methodology includes defining a plurality of operating zones based on system parameters and user-definable or preset inputs. The methodology also includes processing to account for non-inertial spring/mass system response and multidimensional forces acting on the system, and an acceleration hedge calculation to accurately define system operation at extrema of travel. The methodology is generally directed at producing a plurality of valve control signals, selecting among the valve control signals, and applying the selected control signal to the valve in a closed-loop feedback system to adjust the energy in the spring/mass system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Active Shock, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. LaPlante, William T. Larkins
  • Patent number: 6726656
    Abstract: A system and method for the preparation and delivery of intravenous drugs includes a liquid inlet for connection to a liquid supply and vial receptacles. The system may also include a liquid outlet for providing the intravenous drug in mixed, liquid form to the patient. The system may include a chamber having a variable volume, and a valve mechanism, which may be actuated to control flow between the liquid outlet, the variable-volume chamber, the vial receptacles and the liquid inlet. The liquid inlet, the vial receptacles, the variable-volume chamber, the liquid outlet and the valve mechanism may be located in a disposable cassette, which may be received in a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Deka Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, Charles M. Grinnell, Marc A. Mandro, Dennis Gilbreath, Kevin Grant, Jason A. Demers, William T. Larkins, Robert Manning, Richard Lanigan
  • Patent number: 6709417
    Abstract: A valve (7) for use in controlling the flow of IV fluid from a source to a patient. A cassette may include along the fluid passage through the cassette, first and second membrane-based valves (6, 7) on either side of a pressure-conduction chamber (50), and a stopcock-type valve (20). The stopcock valve is preferably located downstream of the second membrane-based valve (7), which is preferably located downstream of the pressure-conduction chamber (50). The membrane defining the valving chamber of the second membrane-based valve (7) is preferably large and resilient, so that the valving chamber(75) may provide a supply of pressurized intravenous fluid to the patient, when the valve (6) is closed and the stopcock valve (20) provides a restriction downstream of the valve (7). The pressure-conduction chamber (50) preferably has a membrane (41) that is stable in the empty-chamber position but relatively unstable in the filled-chamber position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Philip Houle, William T. Larkins, Richard Lanigan
  • Patent number: 6614132
    Abstract: An electrical energy storage system for supplying power to a load comprises a plurality of flywheel energy storage systems, each supplying a power output signal, and a connector circuit. The connector circuit connects the flywheel energy storage systems to the load, but the flywheel energy storage systems are not connected to each other. Each of the flywheel energy storage systems comprises a flywheel turning at an initially predetermined rate, a motor/generator coupled to the flywheel, a bi-directional inverter circuit coupled to the motor/generator and to the load, and a control circuit coupled to the motor/generator and the bi-directional inverter circuit. The control circuit controls the power output signal of the flywheel energy storage system independently of the other flywheel energy storage systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Beacon Power Corporation
    Inventors: Richard L. Hockney, Geoff B. Lansberry, Vladislav Davidkovich, William T. Larkins, Emil Muchnik