Georgia Tech Research Corporation

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc.

Harvey Lipkin

Gary Von McMurray

Carl David Crane

Youjiang Wang

Wiley Don Holcombe

Robert Braga

Sarma N Gullapalli

Mary Lynn Realff

Anne Duffy, Legal Representative

Bernie Ulmer

Mark Sagers

Courtenay Glanville

Erika Geist

Eric Fuller

Neil White

Jennelle Armstrong Piepmeier

David Burrows

An improved structure and method for building large-aperture lightweight deformable mirrors uses a hinged substrate. In addition to reduced weight, the approach provides rigidity to the mirror, which is necessary for the accurate response to actuator commands and tolerance to disturbances. No stresses are induced in the substrate due to the commanded deformation of the substrate, regardless of the magnitude of the deformation. Any stresses in the substrate structure are those induced due to forces in the face sheet, which are likely to be small using advanced nano-laminate and membrane face sheet technologies. The magnitude of the deformation (dynamic range) is limited only by the actuator stroke, and not by the stresses induced in the substrate. The design therefore accommodates small-force, large-stroke actuators, as opposed to the current designs that use large-force, small-stroke actuators. The invention finds utility in numerous applications, including lightweight large aperture mirror substrate and RF reflector structures.

Hinged substrate for large-aperture, lightweight, deformable mirrors

An apparatus and method for enabling an uncalibrated, model independent controller for a mechanical system using a dynamic quasi-Newton algorithm which incorporates velocity components of any moving system parameter(s) is provided. In the preferred embodiment, tracking of a moving target by a robot having multiple degrees of freedom is achieved using an uncalibrated model independent visual servo control. Model independent visual servo control is defined as using visual feedback to control a robot's servomotors without a precisely calibrated kinematic robot model or camera model. A processor updates a Jacobian and a controller provides control signals such that the robot's end effector is directed to a desired location relative to a target on a workpiece.

Uncalibrated dynamic mechanical system controller

An automated yarn creeling method and apparatus for the textile industry. Preferably, the present yarn creeling system is used in the carpet tufting industry to automate, ultimately, the intelligent transfer of packages of yarn from the shipping pallets to the bullhorns of a creeler. The apparatus preferably comprises a service arm assembly, a vertical support, a base support, and automated weighing and control systems.

Automated yarn creeling device

Growing community of inventors

Decatur, GA, United States of America

Harvey Lipkin