Michael Wayne Bowman

US Patent:

20220413490, Dec 29, 2022

Filed:

Jan 7, 2022

Appl. No.:

17/571305

Inventors:

- Melbourne FL, US
William S. Bowman - Melbourne FL, US
Andrew D. Falendysz - Grant FL, US
Daniel R. Hedman - Palm Bay FL, US
Brad Truesdell - Indialantic FL, US
Jeffrey S. Cooper - Centreville VA, US
Michael E. Bowman - Satellite Beach FL, US
Sean Wagoner - West Melbourne FL, US
Kevin Makovy - West Melbourne FL, US

International Classification:

G05D 1/00

Abstract:

A common command and control architecture (alternatively termed herein as a “universal control architecture”) is disclosed that allows different unmanned systems, including different types of unmanned systems (e.g., air, ground, and/or maritime unmanned systems), to be controlled simultaneously through a common control device (e.g., a controller that can be an input and/or output device). The universal control architecture brings significant efficiency gains in engineering, deployment, training, maintenance, and future upgrades of unmanned systems. In addition, the disclosed common command and control architecture breaks the traditional stovepipe development involving deployment models and thus reducing hardware and software maintenance, creating a streamlined training/proficiency initiative, reducing physical space requirements for transport, and creating a scalable, more connected interoperable approach to control of unmanned systems over existing unmanned systems technology.

US Patent:

20220415184, Dec 29, 2022

Filed:

Jan 7, 2022

Appl. No.:

17/571217

Inventors:

- Melbourne FL, US
William S. Bowman - Melbourne FL, US
Andrew D. Falendysz - Grant FL, US
Daniel R. Hedman - Palm Bay FL, US
Brad Truesdell - Indialantic FL, US
Jeffrey S. Cooper - Centreville VA, US
Michael E. Bowman - Satellite Beach FL, US
Sean Wagoner - West Melbourne FL, US
Kevin Makovy - West Melbourne FL, US

International Classification:

G08G 5/00
B64C 39/02

Abstract:

A common command and control architecture (alternatively termed herein as a “universal control architecture”) is disclosed that allows different unmanned systems, including different types of unmanned systems (e.g., air, ground, and/or maritime unmanned systems), to be controlled simultaneously through a common control device (e.g., a controller that can be an input and/or output device). The universal control architecture brings significant efficiency gains in engineering, deployment, training, maintenance, and future upgrades of unmanned systems. In addition, the disclosed common command and control architecture breaks the traditional stovepipe development involving deployment models and thus reducing hardware and software maintenance, creating a streamlined training/proficiency initiative, reducing physical space requirements for transport, and creating a scalable, more connected interoperable approach to control of unmanned systems over existing unmanned systems technology.

US Patent:

20190344450, Nov 14, 2019

Filed:

Jul 29, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/524972

Inventors:

- Melbourne FL, US
Matthew D. Summer - Melbourne FL, US
Michael E. Bowman - Satellite Beach FL, US
Loran J. Wilkinson - Palm Bay FL, US

International Classification:

B25J 13/02
B26D 5/00
B25J 15/00
B25J 5/00
B25J 13/08
B25J 11/00

Abstract:

Robotic system includes a control system and a slave device which is controlled by the control system. The slave device has a robotic grasping device formed of a rigid base and at least one finger which is movable to facilitate grasping of objects. At least one sensor is provided which senses a force applied to the finger. A cutting tool having a cutting jaw is also attached to the base. The cutting jaw is arranged to pivot on a pivot axis responsive to a pivot motion of the finger. The forces exerted on the cutting jaw are sensed with the sensor during a first predetermined range of finger motion associated with a cutting mode of operation.

US Patent:

20190322326, Oct 24, 2019

Filed:

Apr 23, 2018

Appl. No.:

15/960112

Inventors:

- Melbourne FL, US
Paul M. Bosscher - West Melbourne FL, US
Michael E. Bowman - Satellite Beach FL, US
Sean J. Irvin - Grant-Valkaria FL, US

International Classification:

B62D 57/032
B25J 5/00
B62D 55/065
B62D 55/075

Abstract:

Unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) includes a rotary joint having an axis of rotation. A rotary joint actuator is responsive to at least one control signal and is configured to cause a rotatable portion of the rotary joint to rotate relative to the vehicle chassis about the rotary joint axis of rotation. A stabilizer flipper having an elongated length is attached to the rotatable portion. Consequently, rotation of the rotatable portion about the rotary joint axis of rotation results in a change of orientation of the stabilizer flipper relative to the chassis. This change in orientation can range between a lateral direction and an longitudinal direction with respect to the vehicle chassis.

US Patent:

20190039856, Feb 7, 2019

Filed:

Aug 3, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/668424

Inventors:

- Melbourne FL, US
Paul M. Bosscher - West Melbourne FL, US
Michael E. Bowman - Satellite Beach FL, US
William S. Bowman - Melbourne FL, US

International Classification:

B65H 75/44
B65H 75/42

Abstract:

Systems () and methods () for operating a Spool Mechanism (“SM”). The methods comprise: transitioning an operational mode of SM from a first operational mode in which a drag torque is not settable to a second operational mode in which the drag torque is settable; selectively mechanically coupling a rewind motor to a spool () of SM by engaging a coupler () in response to the SM's transition into the second operational mode; activating the rewind motor () such that the rewind motor applies a motor torque having a pre-defined value selected for facilitating a setting of the drag torque to an optimal value; mechanically gradually adjusting an amount of drag resistance applied to the spool by a drag mechanism (); and discontinuing the mechanical adjustment of the drag resistance when the spool's speed is within a threshold percentage range of a zero resistance speed.

US Patent:

20160354932, Dec 8, 2016

Filed:

Jun 3, 2015

Appl. No.:

14/729770

Inventors:

- Melbourne FL, US
Matthew D. Summer - Melbourne FL, US
Michael E. Bowman - Satellite Beach FL, US
Loran J. Wilkinson - Palm Bay FL, US

Assignee:

HARRIS CORPORATION - Melbourne FL

International Classification:

B25J 13/02
B25J 9/00
B25J 19/06
B26D 5/00

Abstract:

Robotic system includes a control system and a slave device which is controlled by the control system. The slave device has a robotic grasping device formed of a rigid base and at least one finger which is movable to facilitate grasping of objects. At least one sensor is provided which senses a force applied to the finger. A cutting tool having a cutting jaw is also attached to the base. The cutting jaw is arranged to pivot on a pivot axis responsive to a pivot motion of the finger. The forces exerted on the cutting jaw are sensed with the sensor during a first predetermined range of finger motion associated with a cutting mode of operation.

US Patent:

20160033239, Feb 4, 2016

Filed:

Aug 4, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/450869

Inventors:

- Melbourne FL, US
Matthew D. Summer - Melbourne FL, US
Michael E. Bowman - Melbourne FL, US
Loran J. Wilkinson - Palm Bay FL, US

International Classification:

F41H 11/12

Abstract:

Systems () and methods () for recoil absorption. The methods comprising: causing a moving carrier () to freely travel linearly in a first direction by discharging at least one recoil producing device (-); absorbing an impulse force resulting from discharging the recoil producing device using a spring () having a first end coupled to the moving carrier and a second end () coupled to a fixed frame member (); and applying a pulling force by the spring to the moving carrier in a second direction opposed from the first direction at an end of spring travel, whereby a uni-directional force transfer mechanism () is caused to engage an elongate latching element so as to latch the moving carrier in position and prevent the moving carrier from freely traveling in the second direction.