Patents Examined by Thomas H. Stevens
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Patent number: 7574268Abstract: A modular control system, which is constructed from terminal modules and function modules to fit these, for use in industrial automation in particular is provided. With the known embodiments, which comprise different terminal modules for different functionalities, subsequent system extensions can often only be achieved with significant outlay. With the inventive modular control system this problem is resolved by the use of novel terminal modules of identical structure, with the different functionalities being provided by additional function units. Additional advantages, in addition to simpler modification of the system configuration, are lower planning and assembly outlays, simpler and error-free pre-assembly of the standard terminal modules, simpler stocking of spare parts, clear transparency in respect of the supply of supply voltages, potential forwarding and separation and specialist functions such as simple and transparent handling during gradual commissioning.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Bräunlich, Frank-Günter Meier
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Patent number: 7574346Abstract: Described herein is a technology facilitating the operation of non-native program modules within a native computing platform. This invention further generally relates to a technology facilitating the interoperability of native and non-native program modules within a native computing platform. More specifically, this technology involves an emulation of the kernel of the non-native operating system. Instead of interacting with the native kernel of the native computing platform, the non-native program modules interact with a non-native kernel emulator. This abstract itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of the present invention is pointed out in the appending claims.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2001Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Barry Bond, A T M Shafiqul Khalid
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Patent number: 7572253Abstract: In order to rotate and move an arm of a slave which supports a needle-holder, the rotation and movement of a pen-shaped operating section (31) caused by the fingers of the operator's hand are directly transmitted as the rotation and movement of the needle-holder, as sensors for detecting the rotation and movement of the operating section, an X-axis torque sensor, Y-axis torque sensor, Z-axis torque sensor, and a rotation detecting potentiometer (33) are installed thereon. As a result, the rotation and movement of the pen-shaped operating section (31) caused by the fingers of the operator's hand are transmitted as the rotation and movement of the needle-holder in optimum proportions through a computing section. Therefore, when the needle-holder is to be finely moved, a subtle motion of the fingers of the hand can be satisfactorily transmitted. Thereby, it is possible to provide a surgical operation device capable of doing minute surgical operations with ease.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Japan Science and Technology AgencyInventor: Hiroyuki Gotani
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Patent number: 7567891Abstract: The present invention is directed to a number of improvements in methods for hot-carrier device degradation modeling and extraction. Several improvements are presented for the improvement of building device degradation models, including allowing the user to select a device parameter used to build the device degradation model independent of the device parameter selected. The user can also select the functional relation between stress time and degradation level. To further improve accuracy, multiple acceleration parameters can be used to account for different regions of the degradation process. Analytical functions may be used to represent aged device model parameters, either directly or by fitting measured device parameters versus device age values, allowing devices with different age values to share the same device model. The concept of binning is extended to include device degradation. In addition to a binning based on device width and length, age is added.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.Inventors: Zhihong Liu, Lifeng Wu, Jeong Y. Choi, Ping Chen, Alvin I. Chen, Gang Zhang
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Patent number: 7561927Abstract: A program interpreter which interprets and executes a numerical control program can recognize predetermined mnemonics (script mnemonics) prepared for instructions for setting, loading, and executing script programs. When the program interpreter recognizes the script mnemonic during interpretation and execution of the numerical control program, the program interpreter instructs execution of the script program (instance) indicated in the parameter of the mnemonic to a script engine. The script engine executes the instructed script program.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Okuma CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Oyama, Osamu Kuzuya, Yukinori Ootsubo
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Patent number: 7561925Abstract: A motor vehicle control device is provided with first and second partial devices. The first partial device houses sensors and/or associated functions of the control unit that are identical for all vehicle models in a series. The second partial device houses the sensors and/or functions of the control unit that are additionally required for an individual vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Richard Baur, Helmut Rauh, Jan Urbahn, Marcus Weidner, Klaus Achatz
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Patent number: 7546176Abstract: A method of forming an assembly from a plurality of components, the plurality of components each having a component volume and a respective locus point, is described. The method includes selecting a target volume by defining a target volume and respective locus point. The method further includes determining a solution group of components comprising a list of components having a component volume positioned at least one of within the target volume and a predetermined distance from the target volume. The method further includes displaying the solution group of components forming an assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Alex V. Botvinnik, Michael R. Holle, Deborah L. Hartley
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Patent number: 7539554Abstract: A tape out template system is provided. The tape out template system comprises a template database, a query database, and a processor. The template database stores a plurality of templates for mask tooling for different manufacturing technologies. Each of the templates comprises a set of mask tooling settings for different manufacturing processes of one of the manufacturing technologies. The query database stores a hierarchy of queries addressing differences among mask tooling information of the manufacturing processes. The processor receives technology information specifying the manufacturing technology of the tape out request, selects one of the templates according to the received technology information, selects and presents at least one of the queries according to the selected template, and determines values of the mask tooling settings according to the answers to the presented queries.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shin-Meei Wang, Piao-Chuo Tsao, Yu Chen, Szu-Ping Chen
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Patent number: 7532955Abstract: There is disclosed a protection system for a power distribution system having a plurality of breakers arranged in a hierarchy. The protection system has a network and a breaker coupled to the power distribution system. A module is coupled to the network and the breaker is at a first level in the hierarchy. The module samples an electrical condition of the power distribution system at the breaker and monitors the electrical condition for a predetermined trip condition. The module, upon detection of the predetermined trip condition, trips said breaker if the first level is a lowest level of the hierarchy, but monitors the network for a notification message if the first level is not the lowest level of the hierarchy.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: John J. Dougherty
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Patent number: 7532940Abstract: A transfer mechanism is used for transferring a target object having a mainly circular contour. The transfer mechanism includes a transfer unit that supplies movements in angular and rectilinear directions to a pick for supporting the target object. An optical sensor is disposed at a standby position on a route of the target object toward a destination, to optically detect presence/absence of the target object on the pick. Angular and rectilinear misalignment amounts of the target object in the angular and rectilinear directions are calculated, with reference to detection and reference values of a signal output from the optical sensor, and at least one of detection and reference values of a radius of the target object. A controller controls the transfer unit to compensate for the angular and rectilinear misalignment amounts in transfer of the target object by the pick.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventor: Shigeru Ishizawa
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Patent number: 7519445Abstract: A method for determining a solution group of parts among a plurality of parts in an assembly, the solution group being situated substantially proximate to at least one target part of the plurality of parts, each respective part of the plurality of parts being identified by a respective part volume and a respective locus, each respective part volume substantially containing a respective part and each respective locus being identified with respect to an origin, includes the steps of: (a) Identifying a target volume substantially containing the at least one target part. (b) Identifying each respective part volume for each relevant part. Each relevant part is identified by a respective part volume having a predetermined relationship with respect to the target volume. (c) Assigning each relevant part to the solution group.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Boeing CompanyInventors: Alex Botvinnik, Michael R. Holle, Deborah L. Hartley
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Patent number: 7515985Abstract: The disclosure presents an embroidery data processing device and a computer program product capable of tearing off an elastic sheet easily after an item of embroidery has been sewn, thus enhancing working efficiency. A CPU extracts a contour line from needle drop points PN (N=1, 2, . . . , n) stored in embroidery data (S1 to S3).Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mikitoshi Suzuki, Masahiro Mizuno, Shoichi Taguchi, Yukiyoshi Muto, Akihiro Wakayama
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Patent number: 7512450Abstract: A system and method for providing data to a model of a building system includes a building control system with a communications network, a control subsystem for generating module deployment data and transmitting the module deployment data over the communications network, a memory for storing a three dimensional model of at least a portion of a building and a computer. A computer program executed by the computer includes computer instructions for associating module deployment data received from the communications network with the three dimensional model and modifying the three dimensional model based upon the module deployment data.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Osman Ahmed
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Patent number: 7509176Abstract: The wiring needed to control all the functions in a vehicle is reduced, especially where the input source for operating a given function is remote from the function. A control member is provided that receives the input signal and converts it to a coded message that is applied to the power line. A function controller includes a coded reader and a control circuit for reading the code applicable to its associated function and controlling the function as instructed from the input signal. The control member also monitors the power line to insure that the message has been properly sent, and the message is repeated until proper transmission is confirmed.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Inventor: Jack Chen
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Patent number: 7505820Abstract: Redundant functionality is implemented in a control of solid state power switching controller (SSPC) (1) to ensure that each power switching channel operates according to a default configuration in case of failure. Each power switching channel in the SSPC includes a solid state switching device (SSSD) (120) that is controlled by a supervisory controller (10) to perform power switching functions for a corresponding load. The SSPC further includes a nonvolatile memory device (44) that stores default commands for controlling the SSSDs in case the SSPC enters into a backup mode, e.g., due to a failure in the supervisory controller. The nonvolatile memory device may be assembled on the same SSPC circuit board as the power switching channels, thereby ensuring that backup control is performed locally in the SSPC device.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Boris Plivcic, Zhenning Z. Liu, Daniel G. Filimon, Wenjiang Yu, Anita Ramroop
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Patent number: 7505829Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for determining a productivity rate of a manufacturing system are provided. The manufacturing system has a first and second manufacturing cells. The first and second manufacturing cells has first and second machines, respectively. The method includes predicting a first cycle time indicating a time duration that a part is disposed in the first manufacturing cell. The method further includes predicting a second cycle time indicating a time duration that the part is disposed in the second manufacturing cell. The method further includes calculating a productivity rate of the first and second manufacturing system cells based on the first and second cycle times of the first and second manufacturing cells, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Raghunath P. Khetan, Pravin Khurana, Ravi Duggirala
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Patent number: 7499764Abstract: The purpose is to solve target problems in short calculation time certainly without describing algorithms that are data procedures on computers. As the solution method, because it is configured so that, when the initial values or variation values, which are used for constraint conditions with regard to target problems and the relevant constraint conditions, are set through Variable Value Setting 2, then Constraint Condition Extraction 3 extracts constraint conditions that are related to those variables, then Constraint Condition Calculation 4 searches for the solutions for each constraint condition one by one, and Variable Value Resetting repeats searching for the solutions for each constraint condition setting these searched solutions as new variables, so the course of solution searching becomes clear, and it becomes possible to surely reach the final solution and dramatically speed up computing, because each markedly simplified constraint condition has only to be solved.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Metalogic, Inc.Inventor: Toshio Fukui
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Patent number: 7499760Abstract: A dental lamp includes a control system adapted to control operation of a light source within the dental lamp. The control system requires that an unexpended light guide including a recordable medium be coupled to a lamp head of the dental lamp, in order to illuminate the light source. The control system records a first data signal on the recordable medium during illumination of the light source indicating that the light guide has been expended. The control system also records a second data signal onto a second recordable medium so that a particular duration of use of the light source may be indicated.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Discus Dental, LLCInventors: Eric P. Rose, Robert Hayman, Bruce Sargeant
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Patent number: 7493176Abstract: A switchgear assembly module is disclosed. The switchgear assembly module is for controlling and monitoring at least one electrical load in an outgoer of a low-voltage switchgear assembly, and has at least one communication interface for connection to a bus system, and a programmable controller and having configurable protective functions. The switchgear assembly module is formed from interchangeable components and has at least one central unit as well as at least one bus connection unit with a communication interface. Additional connection slots are provided for holding at least one power unit and at least one input/output unit. An internal bus is provided for communication from the central unit with the other components for the central unit to process data received from the other components which are located in the switchgear assembly module.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Hans-Peter Merkel, Gunnar Zank
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Patent number: 7480536Abstract: A method for analyzing a system for safety to personnel is disclosed comprising: identifying at least one operating parameter of a first subcomponent of said product; identifying an inherent hazard of said first subcomponents based on an analysis of the at least one operating parameter; identifying features of the structure or operation of the subcomponent corresponding to the inherent hazard; identifying design modifications for the identified features that would mitigate the inherent hazard; identifying safety instrumented control functions and their probability of failure requirements that would mitigate the inherent hazard; prioritizing the identified features with respect to the effect that each of said features has on safety of the product; and determining whether an unsafe condition could result from the inherent hazard.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Eric S. Kaufman, Robert Brooks, Bret Dalton, Kenneth L. Leary