Michael W Griffis

Title: Michael W. Griffis: Innovator in Parallel Mechanisms

Introduction

Michael W. Griffis is a notable inventor based in Gainesville, FL (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of parallel mechanisms, particularly through his innovative patent that addresses the control of movable platforms.

Latest Patents

Michael W. Griffis holds a patent titled "Method and apparatus for controlling geometrically simple parallel." This patent describes a system, method, and apparatus for controlling the position and orientation of a movable platform in a parallel mechanism. The invention utilizes a closed-form forward displacement computation to achieve precise control. The system is designed to compute the geometry of a polyhedron, specifically an octahedron, formed by the movable platform, base platform, and support legs. The control system effectively determines the final position and orientation of the movable platform by eliminating imaginary roots and discontinuous paths of travel. Additionally, the patent introduces a novel special 6-6 parallel mechanism, which is geometrically reducible to an octahedron, showcasing its simple geometry despite distinct leg connections.

Career Highlights

Michael W. Griffis is affiliated with the University of Florida Research Foundation Inc., where he continues to advance research in parallel mechanisms. His work has implications for various applications, including robotics and automation, where precise control of movement is essential.

Collaborations

Michael has collaborated with Joseph F. Duffy, contributing to the development and refinement of his innovative ideas in the field of parallel mechanisms.

Conclusion

Michael W. Griffis is a distinguished inventor whose work in controlling parallel mechanisms has paved the way for advancements in technology. His patent reflects a deep understanding of geometric principles and their application in practical systems.