Sanders, MI
Adam M. Sanders, Holly, MI US
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20100280663 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF A HUMANOID ROBOT - A robotic system includes a humanoid robot having a plurality of joints adapted for force control with respect to an object acted upon by the robot, a graphical user interface (GUI) for receiving an input signal from a user, and a controller. The GUI provides the user with intuitive programming access to the controller. The controller controls the joints using an impedance-based control framework, which provides object level, end-effector level, and/or joint space-level control of the robot in response to the input signal. A method for controlling the robotic system includes receiving the input signal via the GUI, e.g., a desired force, and then processing the input signal using a host machine to control the joints via an impedance-based control framework. The framework provides object level, end-effector level, and/or joint space-level control of the robot, and allows for functional-based GUI to simplify implementation of a myriad of operating modes. | 11-04-2010 |
20110067521 | HUMANOID ROBOT - A humanoid robot includes a torso, a pair of arms, two hands, a neck, and a head. The torso extends along a primary axis and presents a pair of shoulders. The pair of arms movably extend from a respective one of the pair of shoulders. Each of the arms has a plurality of arm joints. The neck movably extends from the torso along the primary axis. The neck has at least one neck joint. The head movably extends from the neck along the primary axis. The head has at least one head joint. The shoulders are canted toward one another at a shrug angle that is defined between each of the shoulders such that a workspace is defined between the shoulders. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071672 | FRAMEWORK AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A ROBOTIC SYSTEM USING A DISTRIBUTED COMPUTER NETWORK - A robotic system for performing an autonomous task includes a humanoid robot having a plurality of compliant robotic joints, actuators, and other integrated system devices that are controllable in response to control data from various control points, and having sensors for measuring feedback data at the control points. The system includes a multi-level distributed control framework (DCF) for controlling the integrated system components over multiple high-speed communication networks. The DCF has a plurality of first controllers each embedded in a respective one of the integrated system components, e.g., the robotic joints, a second controller coordinating the components via the first controllers, and a third controller for transmitting a signal commanding performance of the autonomous task to the second controller. The DCF virtually centralizes all of the control data and the feedback data in a single location to facilitate control of the robot across the multiple communication networks. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071676 | INTERACTIVE ROBOT CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A robotic system includes a robot having joints, actuators, and sensors, and a distributed controller. The controller includes command-level controller, embedded joint-level controllers each controlling a respective joint, and a joint coordination-level controller coordinating motion of the joints. A central data library (CDL) centralizes all control and feedback data, and a user interface displays a status of each joint, actuator, and sensor using the CDL. A parameterized action sequence has a hierarchy of linked events, and allows the control data to be modified in real time. A method of controlling the robot includes transmitting control data through the various levels of the controller, routing all control and feedback data to the CDL, and displaying status and operation of the robot using the CDL. The parameterized action sequences are generated for execution by the robot, and a hierarchy of linked events is created within the sequence. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071679 | EMBEDDED DIAGNOSTIC, PROGNOSTIC, AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A HUMANOID ROBOT - A robotic system includes a humanoid robot with multiple compliant joints, each moveable using one or more of the actuators, and having sensors for measuring control and feedback data. A distributed controller controls the joints and other integrated system components over multiple high-speed communication networks. Diagnostic, prognostic, and health management (DPHM) modules are embedded within the robot at the various control levels. Each DPHM module measures, controls, and records DPHM data for the respective control level/connected device in a location that is accessible over the networks or via an external device. A method of controlling the robot includes embedding a plurality of the DPHM modules within multiple control levels of the distributed controller, using the DPHM modules to measure DPHM data within each of the control levels, and recording the DPHM data in a location that is accessible over at least one of the high-speed communication networks. | 03-24-2011 |
20120072019 | CONCURRENT PATH PLANNING WITH ONE OR MORE HUMANOID ROBOTS - A robotic system includes a controller and one or more robots each having a plurality of robotic joints. Each of the robotic joints is independently controllable to thereby execute a cooperative work task having at least one task execution fork, leading to multiple independent subtasks. The controller coordinates motion of the robot(s) during execution of the cooperative work task. The controller groups the robotic joints into task-specific robotic subsystems, and synchronizes motion of different subsystems during execution of the various subtasks of the cooperative work task. A method for executing the cooperative work task using the robotic system includes automatically grouping the robotic joints into task-specific subsystems, and assigning subtasks of the cooperative work task to the subsystems upon reaching a task execution fork. The method further includes coordinating execution of the subtasks after reaching the task execution fork. | 03-22-2012 |
20130035792 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A DEXTEROUS ROBOT EXECUTION SEQUENCE USING STATE CLASSIFICATION - A robotic system includes a dexterous robot and a controller. The robot includes a plurality of robotic joints, actuators for moving the joints, and sensors for measuring a characteristic of the joints, and for transmitting the characteristics as sensor signals. The controller receives the sensor signals, and is configured for executing instructions from memory, classifying the sensor signals into distinct classes via the state classification module, monitoring a system state of the robot using the classes, and controlling the robot in the execution of alternative work tasks based on the system state. A method for controlling the robot in the above system includes receiving the signals via the controller, classifying the signals using the state classification module, monitoring the present system state of the robot using the classes, and controlling the robot in the execution of alternative work tasks based on the present system state. | 02-07-2013 |
20130096719 | METHOD FOR DYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION OF A ROBOT CONTROL INTERFACE - A control interface for inputting data into a controller and/or controlling a robotic system is displayed on a human-to-machine interface device. The specific configuration of the control interface displayed is based upon the task to be performed, the capabilities of the robotic system, the capabilities of the human-to-machine interface device, and the level of expertise of the user. The specific configuration of the control interface is designed to optimize the interaction between the user and the robotic system based upon the above described criteria. | 04-18-2013 |
20130218335 | PROCEDURAL MEMORY LEARNING AND ROBOT CONTROL - Methods and apparatus for procedural memory learning to control a robot by demonstrating a task action to the robot and having the robot learn the action according to a similarity matrix of correlated values, attributes, and parameters obtained from the robot as the robot performs the demonstrated action. Learning is done by an artificial neural network associated with the robot controller, so that the robot learns to perform the task associated with the similarity matrix. Extended similarity matrices can contain integrated and differentiated values of variables. Procedural memory learning reduces overhead in instructing robots to perform tasks. Continued learning improves performance and provides automatic compensation for changes in robot condition and environmental factors. | 08-22-2013 |
Andrew T. Sanders, Marysville, MI US
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20140103591 | CLAMP MOUNTING SYSTEM - A single mounting device is provided for each trolley riser for use with a set of shims in order to accurately align and secure a clamp to a datum. In another aspect, a generally polyhedron-shaped clamp body is used with a mounting plate to secure a clamp in different orientations relative to a manufacturing plant locator. | 04-17-2014 |
David Sanders, Shelby Twp., MI US
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20090261566 | Locking height adjuster for a seat belt - A seat belt system for a vehicle may include a tongue configured to slidably engage a seat belt; a retractor coupled to a portion of the vehicle, the retractor configured to receive the seat belt; and a height adjuster. The height adjuster may include a guide webbing configured to be secured to a portion of the vehicle; a frame supporting a locking mechanism; and a supporting surface to support the seat belt as the seat belt changes direction. The position of the frame relative to the guide webbing is adjustable. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the frame in a position relative to the guide webbing by clamping the guide webbing without input from the user and stays in position during a crash. | 10-22-2009 |
David E. Sanders, Shelby Twp., MI US
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20080238074 | Seat belt buckle system and scabbard - A seat belt buckle system includes a seat belt with a latch plate, and a seat belt buckle assembly. The seat belt buckle assembly includes a buckle head for receiving the latch plate, a scabbard covering a portion of the buckle head, and a buckle stalk connecting the buckle head to a vehicle body portion. The scabbard includes at least one tear seam located at an intersection of the first wall and the third wall. The scabbard is configured such that a separation force of the tear seam is less than a buckling load of the scabbard, such that when the buckle is impacted and undergoes a shock load during buckle pretensioning, the tear seam will separate and allow the buckle head to slide down the ramped surface preventing a shock load from a hard contact point that would cause the latch plate to delatch from the buckle head. | 10-02-2008 |
George Sanders, Chelsea, MI US
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20100213303 | TOILET-PAPER ROLL CENTRALIZER - A device centralizes a roll of toilet tissue onto a rod or spindle. Assuming the roll of tissue has an inner diameter D and a width W, and that the rod or spindle has an outer diameter d | 08-26-2010 |
Gordon Sanders, Rochester Hills, MI US
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20120072858 | Secure Desktop Interface - An apparatus and system for providing a secure user interface restricting the access of users to selected functions, files, and communications by implementing a customizable secure graphical user interface. The degree to which the user's access is restricted may depended on levels of authorization granted to the user. The secure user interface may be implemented on a device and employed to aid a user in executing diagnostic, service, maintenance, and data gathering tasks. The secure computing device may be connectable to other computing devices of like of different kind. The secure computing device may provide security against non-authorized users by requiring user identification and disabling the device when proper identification is not given or the device is deemed missing. | 03-22-2012 |
Gregory Sanders, Canton, MI US
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20110108232 | BINDER MATERIAL - A binder material for binding a plurality of particles together to form a conglomerate such as a carbon-containing briquette, a sand casting core and the like is provided. The binder material can include a collagen and/or lignin and a plurality of inorganic particles. In some instances, the binder material can be used to make a composite material. The composite material can include a plurality of particles and the binder material that contains the collagen and/or lignin. The binder material affords for the plurality of particles to be bound together into a desired shape, the desired shape having desirable properties. | 05-12-2011 |
Jonathan W. Sanders, Portage, MI US
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20100030249 | LANCETS WITH IMPROVED COUPLING FEATURES AND STERILITY CAPS - Improved lancet configurations and protective lancet endcap configurations are disclosed. In example forms, one or more flexing cantilevers project from the lancet body for coupling with a cooperating receiver of a lancing device. A gripping handle extends from a sterility cap for ease of removal from and replacement over the lancet tip. A lancet body has a smoothly curved wave contour with at least one crest and at least one trough for engagement with a cooperating receiver of a lancing device. | 02-04-2010 |
20120059402 | LANCETS WITH IMPROVED COUPLING FEATURES AND STERILITY CAPS - Improved lancet configurations and protective lancet endcap configurations are disclosed. In example forms, one or more flexing cantilevers project from the lancet body for coupling with a cooperating receiver of a lancing device. A gripping handle extends from a sterility cap for ease of removal from and replacement over the lancet tip. A lancet body has a smoothly curved wave contour with at least one crest and at least one trough for engagement with a cooperating receiver of a lancing device. | 03-08-2012 |
20130072953 | LANCETS WITH IMPROVED COUPLING FEATURES AND STERILITY CAPS - Improved lancet configurations and protective lancet endcap configurations are disclosed. In example forms, one or more flexing cantilevers project from the lancet body for coupling with a cooperating receiver of a lancing device. A gripping handle extends from a sterility cap for ease of removal from and replacement over the lancet tip. A lancet body has a smoothly curved wave contour with at least one crest and at least one trough for engagement with a cooperating receiver of a lancing device. | 03-21-2013 |
Lisa Marie Sanders, Battle Creek, MI US
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20160058056 | Uses of Soluble Corn Fiber for Increasing Colonic Bacteria Populations and Increasing Mineral Absorption - The present invention relates to fermentable soluble fibers, such as soluble corn fiber (SCF), and its uses in increasing colonic bacteria populations, and edible compositions useful in increasing colonic bacteria populations. | 03-03-2016 |
Paul George Sanders, Houghton, MI US
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20150118516 | Composite Metal Alloy Material - An alloy composite material comprising an aluminum alloy layer and a thermal spray alloy layer of 20 to 40% Mn and 47 to 76% Fe by weight in overlaying contact with the aluminum alloy layer. An alloy composite material comprising an aluminum alloy layer or base layer and a thermal spray alloy layer of 20 to 40% Mn and 47 to 76% Fe by weight in overlaying contact with the aluminum alloy layer or base layer. The aluminum alloy layer or base layer and the thermal spray alloy layer have a mechanical compatibility to each other of 20-60 MPa as determined using tests specified by ASTM-C633 test. A process of thermal spraying comprising providing a base layer and a feed stock alloy of 20 to 40% Mn and 47 to 76% Fe and thermally spraying the feed stock alloy onto the base layer to form an alloy composite material. | 04-30-2015 |
Paul George Sanders, Milan, MI US
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20100070135 | Steering Pull Compensation - A method for steering pull compensation to maintain a steering load below a predetermined threshold value. A straight line driving condition is verified through vehicle sensors and/or GPS, drive torque control is performed such that the steering load is kept below the predetermined threshold value. The steering pull compensation method may be disabled by a vehicle operator and is disabled in the absence of a verified straight line driving condition. | 03-18-2010 |
20100268422 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DECOUPLING STEERING RACK FORCE DISTURBANCES IN ELECTRIC STEERING - A system for decoupling steering rack force disturbances in electric steering may comprise a steering wheel angle sensor, a yaw rate sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor, and a steering torque sensor. The system may also comprise a tire force generator configured to receive signals from the steering wheel angle sensor, the yaw rate sensor, and the lateral acceleration sensor and send a reference rack force to a controller. The system may further comprise a rack force observer configured to receive signals from the steering torque sensor and send an estimated rack force to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive signals from the tire force generator and the rack force observer, compare the estimated rack force with the reference rack force to determine a rack force disturbance, and adjust an auxiliary torque based on the rack force disturbance. | 10-21-2010 |
Richard Sanders, Clarkston, MI US
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20150151676 | WING POINTER ILLUMINATION - A pointer arm for a gauge of a motor vehicle is provided. The pointer arm includes first and second light reflecting surfaces and an an arm portion extending from the first and second light reflecting surfaces. The pointer arm may be supported for rotation about an axis of rotation relative to a scale, and a shroud may be used to support the pointer arm. A cap may be supported on the pointer arm. The cap may include a pin extending into an opening within the pointer arm. The light reflecting surfaces are configured to propagate light around the opening and through the pointer arm. | 06-04-2015 |
20160096472 | LIGHT PROPAGATION AND EVEN DISTRIBUTION USING AIR CHANNELS - A light housing for propagating light therethrough is disclosed. The light housing includes a base surface, indented surfaces extending from and connected to the base surface, and roof portions extending from and connected to the base surface. The indented surfaces form openings for light emission through the openings. Each roof portion extends over one of the openings. An instrument cluster assembly for a motor vehicle including the light housing is also disclosed. | 04-07-2016 |
Richard Daniel Sanders, Clarkston, MI US
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20150092390 | LIGHTING ASSEMBLY FOR DISPLAY ILLUINATION - A lighting assembly for a vehicle instrument panel includes a light guide supported within a light housing proximate to a light source. The light guide includes a top surface with a plurality of prisms for efficiently transmitting light toward a display and operator. The light guide may be coupled to a diffuser with a plurality of serrations that include a light reflecting surface for directing light from the light guide in a direction toward an operator. | 04-02-2015 |
20150316708 | LIGHT GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR DISPLAY ILLUMINATION - A light guide assembly for an instrument display includes a light housing, a light source and a light guide. The light guide directs light from the light source through an opening in the light housing, and includes at least a first branch and a second branch. A diffuser is disposed above an opening in the light housing. The diffuser includes a bottom surface facing an interior of the light housing and a top surface facing opposite the bottom surface. A dimming feature is disposed on a portion of the top surface of the diffuser, such that the dimming feature reduces a brightness of the portion of the top surface thereby maintaining at least approximately a constant brightness across the diffuser. | 11-05-2015 |
20160093405 | STEPPER POINTER - A gauge assembly which has a gauge surface including graphics representing a vehicle operating parameter. A pointer arm is provided which is made out of a light guide or light transmitting material. The pointer arm includes a step portion in an operative portion of the second bottom surface for reducing light received by said second surface adjacent the step portion and providing an overall even light throughout the operative illuminated viewing surface of the pointer arm. | 03-31-2016 |
Stephen P. Sanders, Millington, MI US
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20090108793 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A HOLDING FORCE AGAINST, AND LIMITING IMPACT WITH TRAVEL LIMIT POSITIONS - An actuator includes a motor operated by a controller through a pulse width modulation drive signal applied to a drive circuit that drives the motor. The actuator has an output shaft connected to a coupling structure for manipulating a device such as a variable geometry turbine (VGT) or an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. The device has a range of motion limited by first and second mechanical stops located at opposing low and high ends of the range. The controller learns the location of the mechanical stops during calibration. An external control unit transmits a desired position to the actuator. A protocol allows the external control unit to implicitly request a positioning mode by virtue of what value range the desired position falls into. The controller is configured to limit the drive signal to a non-harmful level when one of the positioning modes calls for pushing the device against one of the stops. | 04-30-2009 |
20110025250 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A HOLDING FORCE AGAINST, AND LIMITING IMPACT WITH TRAVEL LIMIT POSITIONS - An actuator includes a motor operated by a controller through a pulse width modulation drive signal applied to a drive circuit that drives the motor. The actuator has an output shaft connected to a coupling structure for manipulating a device such as a variable geometry turbine (VGT) or an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. The device has a range of motion limited by first and second mechanical stops located at opposing low and high ends of the range. The controller learns the location of the mechanical stops during calibration. An external control unit transmits a desired position to the actuator. A protocol allows the external control unit to implicitly request a positioning mode by virtue of what value range the desired position falls into. The controller is configured to limit the drive signal to a non-harmful level when one of the positioning modes calls for pushing the device against one of the stops. | 02-03-2011 |
Stephen Todd Sanders, Zeeland, MI US
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20100235744 | SOURCE CONTENT PREVIEW IN A MEDIA SYSTEM - Systems and/or methods are provided that facilitate surveying media sources in a media entertainment system. An index component can provide an index of a set of available media sources in the media entertainment system. In addition, a selection component can displays the set of available media sources and receive selection requests for a subset of the available media sources. Further, a preview component can display a sample of media generated by the selected subset of media sources prior to active engagement thereof. Moreover, one or more aspects can be implemented in a vehicle entertainment system. | 09-16-2010 |
Todd Sanders, Zeeland, MI US
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20110313656 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING VEHICLE OPERATING DATA TO AN EXTERNAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM - A vehicle information system is provided that includes an interface module configured to receive operating data from a vehicle information system. The interface module is also configured to transfer the operating data to a navigation system that is not built-in to the vehicle to facilitate vehicle position determination without using external positioning signals received or processed by the vehicle. | 12-22-2011 |
20120149323 | BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VEHICLE PHONE SYSTEMS - A battery backup system for use with vehicle telematics electronics includes a phone module configured for operation by the vehicle telematics electronics. The system further includes a battery module configured to provide power to the phone module and a circuit configured to determine that backup power is needed. The circuit causes the battery module to provide the backup power to the phone module for completing a transmission via the phone module. The battery module can provide the backup power to the phone module without providing operating power to the vehicle telematics electronics. | 06-14-2012 |