Philip W Bowditch

US Patent:

44572433, Jul 3, 1984

Filed:

Feb 4, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/345756

Inventors:

Philip N. Bowditch - Cohasset MA

Assignee:

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

D05B 300
D05B 2710

US Classification:

11212114

Abstract:

Disclosed is a system for automated joining of limp fabric or material. The system comprises a movable seam joining device, retractable belt assemblies to capture the fabric, and a controller to achieve proper positioning of the seam joining device and the retractable rollers.

US Patent:

46075844, Aug 26, 1986

Filed:

Oct 9, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/658511

Inventors:

Philip N. Bowditch - Cohasset MA

Assignee:

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

D05B 3500
D05B 1900

US Classification:

112147

Abstract:

A system for folding limp material segments. A system includes a support surface for the segment, a belt assembly including a matrix of elongated parallel endless belts overlying that surface. A controller for permitting rotation of the surface with respect to the belt matrix, a fold-locus-defining assembly including a sheet member having a leading edge which may be adjustably positioned with respect to a material segment between the belts and the support surface, a sensor for generating a position signal representative of the segment on the support surface. A controller is responsive to the position signal and applied signals representative of a desired fold locus on the segment to control the belt assembly, the support surface, the fold-locus-defining assembly so that the segment is folded about a desired linear folding locus.

US Patent:

43643256, Dec 21, 1982

Filed:

Nov 24, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/209834

Inventors:

Philip N. Bowditch - Cohasset MA

Assignee:

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

B63B 3904
B63B 4306

US Classification:

114331

Abstract:

A passive near neutral buoyancy platform includes a structure housing a series of gas-filled cells, restrained in their maximum volume regardless of the internal charge pressure, and collapsible in character when external pressure exceeds the charge pressure. With this structure, once a cell having a predetermined initial internal charge pressure reaches a depth where the external pressure exceeds this initial value, that cell contracts, resulting in a net buoyancy change for the structure. Where this series of cells is attached integrally to a single structure, the cells form a pre-loaded compressibility compensation device which is matched to the external environment.

US Patent:

45122695, Apr 23, 1985

Filed:

Jul 19, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/515126

Inventors:

Philip N. Bowditch - Cohasset MA

Assignee:

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

D05B 300
D05B 2700

US Classification:

11212112

Abstract:

A system for the manufacture of seamed articles from a strip of limp fabric includes an apparatus for feeding strips of fabric and for automatically folding the strips along desired fold lines. A fabric joining apparatus forms seams in the folded strips of fabric at desired locations while providing near-field control of the fabric using selectively operative feed dogs and far-field control using a matrix of selective retractable endless belts.

US Patent:

42020344, May 6, 1980

Filed:

Aug 16, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/934334

Inventors:

Philip N. Bowditch - Cohasset MA
John M. Dahlen - Duxbury MA
John F. McKenna - Gloucester MA
John T. Shillingford - Milton MA
Frank J. Siraco - Malden MA
William E. Toth - Bolton MA

Assignee:

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

B63G 814

US Classification:

364420

Abstract:

A system for measuring ocean characteristics. The system includes a sensor assembly and an associated means to control the system buoyancy to achieve cyclic ascent and descent at controlled speeds, either along a mooring line or free-drifting. Buoyancy control is provided by a pump assembly including two rolling diaphragm-sealed, low friction displacement pistons driven by a high torque d. c. motor operated at low speed. There are four functional groups of data gathering instrumentation. The first group measures horizontal water transport, and includes sensors for current (flow velocity), system azimuth, system tilt, and vertical velocity. The second group provides a determination of salinity, and includes sensors for conductivity, temperature and pressure. The third group monitors conditions within the system, and includes sensors for internal temperature and humidity. The fourth group monitors conditions utilized in the buoyancy control, and includes sensors for pressure (depth and depth rate) and piston position.

US Patent:

40261565, May 31, 1977

Filed:

Nov 6, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/629640

Inventors:

Philip N. Bowditch - Cohasset MA
William E. Toth - Bolton MA
Arthur Grossman - Framingham MA

Assignee:

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G01C 504
G01C 920
G01L 718

US Classification:

73432HA

Abstract:

Apparatus for measuring the vertical displacement between a remote point and a reference point. The apparatus comprises a pair of reservoirs, each having a liquid working fluid disposed therein, a differential pressure transducer and a hydraulic coupling means for each of the reservoirs. Each hydraulic coupling means couples a point in the reservoir below the top surface of the working fluid to an associated input port of the pressure transducer. A vapor pressure equalization means is provided for the reservoirs whereby the points above the top surface of the working fluid in each reservoir are maintained at substantially equal pressures. The apparatus further includes a volumetric temperature compensation means for offsetting temperature dependent changes in the volume of the working fluids which occur in the hydraulic coupling means. The pressure transducer provides an output signal representative of the difference in hydrostatic pressure applied to the input ports of the sensing element associated with the transducer.

US Patent:

45106266, Apr 16, 1985

Filed:

Jun 1, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/500080

Inventors:

Philip N. Bowditch - Cohasset MA

Assignee:

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

A41B 100

US Classification:

2115

Abstract:

A garment having body portions including front and back portions with a shoulder hole between those front and back portions. A generally tubular sleeve and shoulder portion has a sleeve and shoulder seam extending along its length with one end of the sleeve and shoulder portion joined to the perimeter of the shoulder hole along a sleeve-to-shoulder seam. The regions of the body portions adjacent to the sleeve-to-shoulder seam, when the regions of the body portions adjacent to the sleeve-to-shoulder seam are positioned in a plane without the sleeve and shoulder seam being joined. The regions of the body portions adjacent to the sleeve-to-shoulder seam are non-parallel with respect to the regions of the shoulder and sleeve portion adjacent to the sleeve-to-shoulder seam when the regions of the body portions adjacent to the sleeve-to-shoulder seam are positioned in a plane with the sleeve and shoulder seam being joined.

US Patent:

46752536, Jun 23, 1987

Filed:

May 8, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/731990

Inventors:

Philip N. Bowditch - Cohasset MA

Assignee:

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

B44F 300

US Classification:

4285428

Abstract:

A method and pattern for making seamed articles which eliminate at least in part the need to initially precision-cut panels for piecewise assembly. The method and pattern are designed for use on sheets of fabric or the like, to generate a set of indicia. The indicia mark the seams to be formed of each panel, and lines about which the material can be folded to form the seams without cutting. Reference lines may also be used to permit precise panel-to-panel alignment prior to seam joining. In use, the pattern is applied to the material and the patterned material is folded along a fold line. The seams are then aligned so that they can be joined (e. g. , by sewing or by fusing). The folding and joining steps may next be repeated to add further panels to the assembly. Finally, excess material may be removed if desired, by cutting beyond the seams.