Michael J Griffis

US Patent:

6392318, May 21, 2002

Filed:

Oct 28, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/428981

Inventors:

Michael Griffis - Gainesville FL

Assignee:

Eigenpoint Company - High Springs FL

International Classification:

H01H 900

US Classification:

307125, 307130, 307326, 361191

Abstract:

The invention comprises a programmable emergency-stop circuit apparatus and method that provides advanced functions not found in other systems. The circuit centralizes the control of high voltage motor power into one place, by providing connections for, in its minimum configuration, several different kill switches, a motors-on button, and an AC motor power relay coil. In the present invention, kill switches, emergency-stop and motors-on buttons, computer ready and watchdog signals are all conveniently connected in one location, alongside the AC motor power relay coil driver.

US Patent:

6683432, Jan 27, 2004

Filed:

Sep 11, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/241216

Inventors:

Michael Griffis - High Springs FL

Assignee:

Eigenpoint Company - High Springs FL

International Classification:

B25J 1902

US Classification:

31856816, 318567, 31856812, 318569, 318600, 340500, 340541

Abstract:

A safety circuit is described that monitors a number of sensors for intrusion of objects or people into the workspace of a robot and controls the drive power to the motion control system via an emergency-stop circuit. The system monitors the motion control system and models it as just another sensor to ensure that it is working properly. In the event that there is intrusion, the safety circuit assigns a degree of intrusion (e. g. , precautionary or serious). For serious intrusions, the safety circuit kills drive power thereby preventing additional motion of the robot. Killing drive power (de-energizing the emergency-stop circuit) requires a qualified operator to restart for further operation. For precautionary intrusions, the safety circuit takes control of the motion control system by disabling the power stages of motion control amplifiers but retaining drive power there. This inhibits further motion.

US Patent:

6734581, May 11, 2004

Filed:

Mar 27, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/107999

Inventors:

Michael Griffis - High Springs FL

Assignee:

Eigenpoint Company - High Springs FL

International Classification:

H01H 4700

US Classification:

307125, 307326, 192129 R

Abstract:

The invention includes a programmable emergency-stop circuit apparatus and method that provides advanced function not found in other systems. The circuit centralizes the control of high voltage motor power into one place, by providing connections for, in its minimum configuration, several different kill switches, a motors-on button, and an AC motor power relay coil. In the present invention, kill switches, test inputs, emergency-stop and motors-on buttons, computer ready and watchdog signals are all conveniently connected in one location, alongside the AC motor power relay coil driver. Programmable options exist for testing kill inputs online, while the emergency stop is energized.

US Patent:

51795256, Jan 12, 1993

Filed:

May 1, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/517371

Inventors:

Michael W. Griffis - Gainesville FL
Joseph Duffy - Gainesville FL

Assignee:

University of Florida - Gainesville FL

International Classification:

G06F 1520

US Classification:

364512

Abstract:

A system, method and apparatus for controlling, via a closed-form forward displacement computation, the position and orientation of a movable platform of a parallel mechanism. A movable platform is supported above a base platform by a plurality of parallel support legs such as linear actuators. The dimensions of the base platform and the movable platform, as well the lengths of the support legs, are provided to a control system. The control system is operative to compute at least one closed-form forward displacement solution of the geometry of a polyhedron (an octahedron for the disclosed embodiments) formed by the movable platform, the base platform, and the support legs. The control system determines a final position and orientation of the movable platform by eliminating imaginary roots of the closed-form solutions and roots which would result in discontinuous paths of travel for the movable platform. A novel special 6-6 parallel mechanism is also disclosed. The control system is suitable for controlling known 3-3 or 6-3 Stewart platforms in a novel manner, as well as controlling the novel special 6-6 parallel mechanism.

Address:

2791 Cascade Dr, Clarksville, TN 37042

VIN:

5GRGN22U57H108362

Make:

HUMMER

Model:

H2 SUT

Year:

2007