Allen J Ward

US Patent:

6000826, Dec 14, 1999

Filed:

Jul 23, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/898989

Inventors:

H. Van Dyke Parunak - Ann Arbor MI
John A. Sauter - Ann Arbor MI
Allen C. Ward - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

Industrial Technology Institute - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

G05B 1302

US Classification:

36414801

Abstract:

An apparatus for determining assignments to attributes (e. g. , electrical power or overall dimensional size) of components within a system. A computerized constraint network is constructed which uses constraint agents, variable agents, and task agents in order to make assignments to the attributes of the components based upon market-based constraint optimization techniques. The attributes have variables indicative of the assignments to the attributes. Constraint data structures assist the agents in determining permissible assignments for the variables. The constraint data structures use preferential rules for determining the assignments to the variables. The preferential rules indicate which assignments for the variables of the agents produce higher utility and lower cost.

US Patent:

58159363, Oct 6, 1998

Filed:

Apr 14, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/837200

Inventors:

Eric James Sieczka - Ann Arbor MI
Anthony Mong-On Tai - Northville MI
Allen Corlies Ward - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

Environmental Research Institute of Michigan - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

F41G 100
F41G 130

US Classification:

33241

Abstract:

Detachable hologram assembly for a compact holographic sight includes a hologram of a reticle image or other desired alignment indicia mounted within a resilient, detachable frame. The frame includes a pair of generally planar, non-parallel registration surfaces and an aperture extending through the frame at the junction of the registration surfaces. A hologram mount, also including a pair of registration surfaces which are complimentary to those of the frame is affixed to, or integral with, the sight. A fastener secures the hologram assembly to the mount with a force sufficient to maintain the registration surfaces of the frame in frictional fit, respectively, with the corresponding registration surfaces of the mount. The angle of one registration surface relative to the other registration surface of the hologram frame is preferably slightly less than the angle between the registration surfaces of the hologram mount, so that as the frame is secured by the fastener to the mount, the ends of the registration surfaces of the frame are deflected, urging the registration surfaces into secure, registered contact with the respective registration surfaces of the mount. An elevation and windage adjustment mechanism may also be included in the hologram mount.

US Patent:

54052220, Apr 11, 1995

Filed:

Aug 10, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/104889

Inventors:

Allen C. Ward - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

B23C 112

US Classification:

409201

Abstract:

This invention relates to a machine tool providing a unique approach towards positioning and movement for a workpiece and tool in numerical control machine tool applications. The goal is to provide decrease machine costs and maintenance. Current machine tools such as milling machines principally rely on linear sliding mechanisms to position a table and workpiece relative to a spindle and provide motion for cutting. In accordance with this invention motion and positioning is achieved through less cost and readily available mechanisms through use of a plurality of revolute joints. Arms are provided having tangential actuators featuring extremely high stiffness and zero backlash actuator capable of a high degree of positioning accuracy. The arms resemble three dimensional truss structures for added structural stiffness characteristics. Preferably a cable drum type tangential actuator is employed in conjunction with this invention.

US Patent:

60008261, Dec 14, 1999

Filed:

Jul 23, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/898989

Inventors:

H. Van Dyke Parunak - Ann Arbor MI
John A. Sauter - Ann Arbor MI
Allen C. Ward - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

Industrial Technology Institute - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

G05B 1302

US Classification:

36414801

Abstract:

An apparatus for determining assignments to attributes (e. g. , electrical power or overall dimensional size) of components within a system. A computerized constraint network is constructed which uses constraint agents, variable agents, and task agents in order to make assignments to the attributes of the components based upon market-based constraint optimization techniques. The attributes have variables indicative of the assignments to the attributes. Constraint data structures assist the agents in determining permissible assignments for the variables. The constraint data structures use preferential rules for determining the assignments to the variables. The preferential rules indicate which assignments for the variables of the agents produce higher utility and lower cost.