With Signal, Indicator, Recorder, Inspection Means Or Exhibitor Patents (Class 141/94)
  • Patent number: 11931313
    Abstract: A robotic system and method are provided for transfer of fluid between a container accessible via a container-septum and a fluid transfer assembly accessible via a fluid transfer connector septum. The robotic system includes a controller and a manipulator controllable by the controller to manipulate at least one of the container and the fluid transfer assembly. The controller is configured to operate the manipulator to secure contact between the container-septum and the fluid transfer connector septum during at least a portion of the transfer of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: EQUASHIELD MEDICAL LTD
    Inventors: Eric Shem-Tov, Marino Kriheli, Boaz Slav, Raanan Tavor, Gonen Daskal
  • Patent number: 11879596
    Abstract: Provided is a pressure testing method for a high-pressure tank capable of avoiding a destruction of the high-pressure tank during a pressure test. A pressure testing method includes: extracting a plurality of AE waveforms from output waveforms of an AE sensor while increasing a pressure inside the high-pressure tank; and testing the high-pressure tank based on the extracted plurality of AE waveforms. The method includes: while increasing the pressure inside the high-pressure tank, classifying the extracted AE waveforms into first waveforms and second waveforms with a classifier that is machine-learned so as to classify the plurality of AE waveforms into the first waveforms derived from a macrocrack that increases immediately before destruction of the high-pressure tank, and the second waveforms derived from a microcrack smaller than the macrocrack; and stopping pressurization of the high-pressure tank based on the number of the first waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Hori, Takayoshi Doi
  • Patent number: 11840444
    Abstract: A fuel storage and dispensing device that includes one or more storage tanks that are housed in a cabinet. A dispenser is fluidly attached to one or more of the storage tanks through a conduit. The dispenser includes one or more safety features to prevent inadvertent dispensing of fuel and to control the dispensing of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: FUELIE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Stumpf
  • Patent number: 11829978
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable media are described for using a vehicle as a payment device. Various aspects may include receiving a selection of a stored financial card or financial account at a vehicle head unit. The selected financial card or financial account may be transmitted to a point-of-sale (POS) terminal for making a payment by transmitting a tokenized card number to the POS terminal. The tokenized card number may be transmitted over a very short-range communication link to ensure that the transmission is secure. For example, electronic circuitry may be attached to the exterior of the vehicle, where the electronic circuitry may be within a threshold distance (e.g. one inch, three inches, six inches, one foot, three feet, etc.) of the POS terminal. The tokenized card number may be transmitted from the vehicle head unit to the electronic circuitry and then to the POS terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Leo Nelson Chan, Justin Davis
  • Patent number: 11823371
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for obtaining a first image of a tray, determining a presence or absence of one or more first patterns in the first image, determining a rotation of each the one or more first patterns in the first image, and performing an action based on the presence or absence and the rotation of the one or more first patterns in the first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Eugene Smith, Christopher S. Kanel, Patrick McDonough, Robert Sterling Nesbitt, Taylor MacEwen
  • Patent number: 11732903
    Abstract: A residential and commercial hot water and steam boiler safety system and device that includes at least one hollow pipe, with one plugged or sealed end and a fitting on the other end for connecting the pipe in a substantially vertical mounting position, and at least one two float switch disposed in the pipe and electrically connected in series with a limit switch in the boiler, where the pipe is adopted for the flow and accumulation of water, so that float switch activates as the pipe fills with water and shuts off the boiler by turning off the gas valve, promoting safer boiler and steam boiler operation. Additional float switches positioned above or below in the hollow pipe may provide additional functions, such as a warning light and sound to the owner, or a notification via a telephone or cell phone system or through the home network or Wi-Fi system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Louis Martire
  • Patent number: 11699142
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable media are described for using a vehicle as a payment device. Various aspects may include receiving a selection of a stored financial card or financial account at a vehicle head unit. The selected financial card or financial account may be transmitted to a point-of-sale (POS) terminal for making a payment by transmitting a tokenized card number to the POS terminal. The tokenized card number may be transmitted over a very short-range communication link to ensure that the transmission is secure. For example, electronic circuitry may be attached to the exterior of the vehicle, where the electronic circuitry may be within a threshold distance (e.g. one inch, three inches, six inches, one foot, three feet, etc.) of the POS terminal. The tokenized card number may be transmitted from the vehicle head unit to the electronic circuitry and then to the POS terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Leo Nelson Chan, Justin Davis
  • Patent number: 11694185
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable media are described for using a vehicle as a payment device. Various aspects may include receiving a selection of a stored financial card or financial account at a vehicle head unit. The selected financial card or financial account may be transmitted to a point-of-sale (POS) terminal for making a payment by transmitting a tokenized card number to the POS terminal. The tokenized card number may be transmitted over a very short-range communication link to ensure that the transmission is secure. For example, electronic circuitry may be attached to the exterior of the vehicle, where the electronic circuitry may be within a threshold distance (e.g. one inch, three inches, six inches, one foot, three feet, etc.) of the POS terminal. The tokenized card number may be transmitted from the vehicle head unit to the electronic circuitry and then to the POS terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Leo Nelson Chan, Justin Davis
  • Patent number: 11694184
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable media are described for using a vehicle as a payment device. Various aspects may include receiving a selection of a stored financial card or financial account at a vehicle head unit. The selected financial card or financial account may be transmitted to a point-of-sale (POS) terminal for making a payment by transmitting a tokenized card number to the POS terminal. The tokenized card number may be transmitted over a very short-range communication link to ensure that the transmission is secure. For example, electronic circuitry may be attached to the exterior of the vehicle, where the electronic circuitry may be within a threshold distance (e.g. one inch, three inches, six inches, one foot, three feet, etc.) of the POS terminal. The tokenized card number may be transmitted from the vehicle head unit to the electronic circuitry and then to the POS terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Leo Nelson Chan, Justin Davis
  • Patent number: 11682478
    Abstract: A device obtains prescription information relating to a medication in a container. The device causes a camera device of the device to obtain image data relating to the medication and a weighing device of the device to obtain weight data relating the medication. The device sends the prescription information, the image data, and the weight data to a different device to cause the different device to verify the medication using a machine learning model. The device receives information concerning the medication and automatically generates, based on the information concerning the medication, a message concerning the medication, wherein the message includes instructions on how much of the medication a user of the device is to take. The device causes the device or an additional device to present the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Accenture Global Solutions Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Truscott, Ethan Bischoff, Christopher Donnelly, Jean M. Becker
  • Patent number: 11648843
    Abstract: A robotic system for fueling or charging a vehicle having a vehicle connector, the robotic system including a robotic arm having a plurality of sequentially arranged articulated links and at least one group of operating cables extending from a proximal end of the arm to terminate at a control link, for controlling the position of that link, the cables each having a path comprising a passage in each successive more proximal link for closely receiving the cable, a flexible conduit operably connected with the robotic arm for delivering a fluid or an electrical current, respectively, to a vehicle, the conduit being connected to a source at a first end and a delivery connector at a second end, and a control system for operating the robotic arm and the hose or cable, wherein the control system directs the robotic arm to engage the vehicle connector with the delivery connector and, upon engagement of the vehicle connector and delivery connector, the control system relaxes the robotic arm to an under-constrained cond
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Oliver Crispin Robotics Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Crispin Graham, Jason Ralph Gordon Curle, Tim Henri Ann Francois, Julian Matthew Foxall
  • Patent number: 11643320
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method of filling beverage into a beverage vessel, comprising the following steps: selecting at least one beverage by a program running on a personal electronic device having a personal electronic device processor by a user, wherein the at least one beverage is represented by at least one beverage parameter set and wherein the at least one beverage parameter set is stored in beverage data; positioning the beverage vessel in the proximity of the personal electronic device by the user; emitting an RF field by an antenna of the personal electronic device; transmitting the beverage data from an the antenna of the personal electronic device in a radio message to an antenna of the beverage vessel by near field communication controlled by the personal electronic device processor after presence of the beverage vessel in the proximity of the personal electronic device has been detected by the personal electronic device by near field communication; extracting electric energy from the RF field
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: RIPRUP Company S.A.
    Inventor: Josef Schucker
  • Patent number: 11647167
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there can be provided a monitoring system comprising a wireless communication device configured to be attached to an object containing medication, including a motion sensor, an ambient light sensor, and a first controller; and a wearable device configured to be worn by a user, including a camera, and a second controller; wherein the first controller is configured to provide an activating signal related with the activation of the camera of the wearable device when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and wherein the second controller is configured to receive the activating signal and determine whether activating the camera or not based on the activating signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: INHANDPLUS INC.
    Inventor: Hwiwon Lee
  • Patent number: 11631071
    Abstract: A method includes determining a fuel amount; providing navigation directions; determining a vehicle arrival; transmitting a fuel purchase request; controlling a tank cover; receiving fuel; detecting that a tank is full; and transmitting a stop fueling request. A computer system includes a processor configured to: determine a fuel amount; provide navigation directions; determine a vehicle arrival; transmit a fuel purchase request; cause a pump to provide fuel; control a tank cover; detect that a tank is full; and transmit a stop fueling request. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing thereon a set of instructions that, when executed on a processor, causes the processor to: determine a fuel amount; provide navigation directions; determine a vehicle arrival; transmit a fuel purchase request; cause a pump to provide fuel; control a tank cover; detect that fuel tank is full; and transmit a stop fueling request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Leo Nelson Chan, Justin Davis
  • Patent number: 11572982
    Abstract: One or more indicators provide an indication of fueling status of a hydrogen powered vehicle. One or more sensors detect temperature and/or other characteristics of the fuel provided to the vehicle and provide an electrical signal to one or more of the indicators to permit an indication of fueling status. The indicators, which may be visual and/or audible, may be positioned on the fueling apparatus and on the vehicle in the vicinity of a fueling receptacle. The indicators may also be positioned elsewhere on the vehicle and may be separate from the vehicle such as on or around a fueling station and/or on separate computerized devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Inventor: William Seth Lerner
  • Patent number: 11559633
    Abstract: A syringe adapter includes a housing having a first end and a second end and defining an interior space, a seal arrangement received within the interior space of the housing, a connector body positioned adjacent the first end of the housing and configured to be connected with a syringe barrel with the connector body secured to the housing and rotatable relative to the housing in first and second directions, and a cannula secured to the connector body. The connector body is axially fixed relative to the housing. The seal arrangement is configured to cooperate with the cannula to provide a sealed transfer of fluids through the cannula to a mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company Limited
    Inventors: Jayeon Kim, Laurie Sanders, Yan Yevmenenko
  • Patent number: 11560299
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a refrigerated compartment and a door to open and close at least a portion of the refrigerated compartment. A dispenser unit is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense content into a receptacle. The dispenser unit includes a receptacle support, a dispensing system, a sensor system with at least a first sensor and a second sensor. A control unit electrically coupled to the dispensing system and sensor system. The dispensing system is configured to operate the first sensor to determine the receptacle height and the second sensor to determine the liquid height within the receptacle. The control unit determines when to stop filling the receptacle based on the two measurements. A method for detecting when to shut off the dispensing unit when dispensing liquid into a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Gracki
  • Patent number: 11556913
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable media are described for using a vehicle as a payment device. Various aspects may include receiving a selection of a stored financial card or financial account at a vehicle head unit. The selected financial card or financial account may be transmitted to a point-of-sale (POS) terminal for making a payment by transmitting a tokenized card number to the POS terminal. The tokenized card number may be transmitted over a very short-range communication link to ensure that the transmission is secure. For example, electronic circuitry may be attached to the exterior of the vehicle, where the electronic circuitry may be within a threshold distance (e.g. one inch, three inches, six inches, one foot, three feet, etc.) of the POS terminal. The tokenized card number may be transmitted from the vehicle head unit to the electronic circuitry and then to the POS terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Kristopher Keith Gaudin, Leo Nelson Chan, Justin Davis
  • Patent number: 11339046
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a refrigerated compartment and a door to open and close at least a portion of the refrigerated compartment. A dispenser unit is positioned on the door that is configured to dispense content into a receptacle. The dispenser unit includes a receptacle support, a dispensing system, a sensor system with at least a first sensor and a second sensor. A control unit electrically coupled to the dispensing system and sensor system. The dispensing system is configured to operate the first sensor to determine the receptacle height and the second sensor to determine the liquid height within the receptacle. The control unit determines when to stop filling the receptacle based on the two measurements. A method for detecting when to shut off the dispensing unit when dispensing liquid into a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Gracki
  • Patent number: 11336069
    Abstract: A supply device for supplying a device that can be moved on a driving surface with a material supplied through a supply line. The supply device has a plug with an electric plug contact element that extends along a plug axis and is coupled to a plug receptacle of the mobile device by a linear joining movement, and a supply line with a valve, and detects a coupled state of the plug with the plug receptacle by an electric plug contact element. In the coupled state the valve is actuated. The supply device has a nozzle arranged on the supply line and is coupled to an inlet port of the mobile device. A feeding holder keeps the nozzle and the plug in a defined position and orientation relative to each other so that when coupling the plug to the plug receptacle the nozzle couples to the inlet port. The movement device makes the feeding holder with the plug and nozzle at least height adjustable and movable in the direction of the joining movement along a joining axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Cleanfix Reinigungssysteme AG
    Inventor: Felix Ruesch
  • Patent number: 11332360
    Abstract: A system for warning that a fuel line nozzle should be removed from a gas tank, by: determining that a fuel pump nozzle has been tilted from its resting position in a pump cradle to a refueling position where it has been inserted into a gas tank tube; and then determining that fueling through the fuel line has stopped by detecting vibration of the fuel pump nozzle when the fuel line shuts off; and then activating an alert system including a warning light and an audible sound if the fuel pump nozzle has not been removed from the gas tank tube and returned to the pump cradle after a predetermined period of time. The system can also wirelessly transmit fuel line use data to a remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Reese E. Williams
  • Patent number: 11281959
    Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method of connecting a crockery item to a contactless readable electronic information carrier comprising the steps: providing the crockery item, the crockery item comprising a material selected from a group consisting of glass, ceramic and plastic or a combination thereof, applying a carrier layer to a surface of the crockery item, applying the information carrier to a surface of the carrier layer, that is remote from the surface of the crockery item, wherein a base surface of the information carrier is smaller than a surface of the carrier layer, and applying a cover layer of printing ink in such a way that the cover layer at least portion-wise covers a surface of the information carrier, that is remote from the carrier layer, and the surface of the carrier layer, wherein the carrier layer includes a plastically deformable material, wherein application of the information carrier to the carrier layer includes impressing the information carrier into the carrier la
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Rastal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Nieraad, Carsten Kehrein
  • Patent number: 11251604
    Abstract: A voltage transformer includes: a body with primary windings and secondary windings coupled to each other by electromagnetic induction; a measuring device electrically connected to the secondary windings via a first fuse; and a relay having a coil and at least one pole with normally open contacts, the at least one pole being configured to be thrown by an energizing of the coil. The coil is arranged in series with the primary windings. The at least one pole with normally open contacts is arranged between the secondary windings via the first fuse in order to short circuit the first fuse when the at least one pole is thrown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Gerard Cornelis Schoonenberg, Johanna Maria Elisabeth Morskieft
  • Patent number: 11237036
    Abstract: A network connection is established with a server. A broadcasted advertising packet of a wireless communication protocol is received from a remote device. The remote device repeatedly broadcasts content of the advertising packet based at least in part a total number of remote devices specified to broadcast to the system. Payload content from the advertising packet is extracted. At least a portion of the extracted payload content is sent via the network connection to the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: NECTAR, INC.
    Inventors: Prabhanjan C. Gurumohan, Aayush Phumbhra, Anshul Gulati
  • Patent number: 11204133
    Abstract: If an abnormality detecting unit detects an output abnormality of an internal temperature sensor, a discharge control unit obtains the amount of discharge (a limit value L of gas flow rate F) on the basis of an ambient temperature measured by an ambient temperature sensor, and controls the discharge of fuel gas on the basis of the obtained amount of discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Kawase, Makoto Wada, Kazuyuki Kadowaki
  • Patent number: 11182052
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a wireless communication unit configured to communicate with a beverage-making apparatus; a display unit; an input unit configured to receive a recipe input request for inputting information about a recipe of a beverage for the beverage-making apparatus; and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: in response to the recipe input request, display a recipe input interface for inputting the information about the recipe of the beverage; and based on displaying the recipe input interface, receive recipe information for the beverage through the displayed recipe input interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Mina Suh, Hyungsun Kim
  • Patent number: 11091360
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system (10) for dispensing a beverage stored in a single use collapsible beverage container (18) including a measuring device (50) for at least retrieving information about the beverage and/or the single use collapsible beverage container (50), and including an electronic sensor (48) device for reading said information from said measuring device (50), thereby establishing digital data representing said information about said beverage and/or said collapsible beverage container (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Carlsberg Breweries A/S
    Inventor: Jonas Christiansen
  • Patent number: 11078817
    Abstract: Apparatus for collecting and measuring oil drained from a vehicle includes a receptacle and a valve. The receptacle includes a wide upper oil collection portion with an upper receptacle wall configured to collect and contain oil drained from a vehicle, and includes a narrower lower outlet portion having a lower receptacle wall configured to allow the oil to drain from the receptacle via a gravity feed. The receptacle has markings arranged on at least one of the upper receptacle wall or the lower receptacle wall and configured to measure the oil drained and collected from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: Arthur D. Schaller
  • Patent number: 11079072
    Abstract: Provided is a gas supply system for supplying hydrogen to a vehicle, the vehicle including: a tank loaded with a hydrogen storage alloy, storing and releasing hydrogen; and a thermal medium distribution unit attached to the tank and configured such that a thermal medium for heating or cooling the hydrogen storage alloy is distributable from outside, includes: a reservoir reserving hydrogen at a pressure of 0.2 MPa or greater and less than 3.0 MPa; a hydrogen flow path connectable to the vehicle for supplying hydrogen from the reservoir to the tank; a cooling medium reservoir reserving the thermal medium for cooling; and a thermal medium flow path connectable to the vehicle for distributing the thermal medium to the thermal medium distribution unit in the vehicle, in which the hydrogen flow path and the thermal medium flow path are combined at least at an end portion connectable to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akitoshi Fujisawa, Yukinobu Taniguchi, Kento Ogata, Hiroo Hangai
  • Patent number: 11077409
    Abstract: The methods and systems of the invention include the use of automated solution dispensers in laboratory environment. The automated solution dispensers can be controlled locally or remotely within a network. The usage of the instruments can be followed and procurement of supplies can be automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: LABMINDS, LTD.
    Inventors: Ville Lehtonen, Michal Wozny, Jochen Klingelhoefer
  • Patent number: 11073054
    Abstract: Apparatus for collecting and measuring oil drained from a vehicle includes a receptacle and a valve. The receptacle includes a wide upper oil collection portion with an upper receptacle wall configured to collect and contain oil drained from a vehicle, and includes a narrower lower outlet portion having a lower receptacle wall configured to allow the oil to drain from the receptacle via a gravity feed. The receptacle has markings arranged on at least one of the upper receptacle wall or the lower receptacle wall and configured to measure the oil drained and collected from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventor: Arthur D. Schaller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11048243
    Abstract: Methods for simultaneously producing different products on a single production line are disclosed. The method may be used to produce different fluent products and other types of products including assembled products. In some cases, the method includes providing a plurality of articles which are components of the products to be produced. The method further involves providing a track system and a plurality of vehicles for the articles. At least some of the vehicles may be independently routable around the track system. The method further includes simultaneously sending one article-loaded vehicle to a unit operation station where a step in the production of a product is performed and another article-loaded vehicle to a unit operation station where a step in the production of a different product is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ryan Andrew Burkhard, Nathan E Moore, Elizabeth Marie Fikes, Daniel Richard Royce, Kyle Christopher Ballman
  • Patent number: 11011038
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods, apparatus, and computer readable medium for managing a removal code of a tag includes providing information associating the tag with a merchandise item, wherein the information includes a removal code for removing the tag from the merchandise item, receiving, from a requesting device, a request for the removal code, authenticating the request, and transmitting, in response to successfully authenticating the request, the removal code to the requesting device, wherein the removal code is configured to be transmitted by the requesting device to the tag to remove the tag from the merchandise item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS, LLC
    Inventors: Adam S. Bergman, Sergio M. Perez
  • Patent number: 10960508
    Abstract: A machine element, in particular for a shaping machine, includes a lubricated bearing and/or a seal and a primary drainage conduit for catching a fluid medium issuing from the bearing and/or the seal, preferably substantially pressure-lessly. A collecting device is provided for collecting the fluid medium which is caught in the primary drainage conduit over a period of time, and a measuring device is adapted to directly and/or indirectly measure an amount of the fluid medium collected by the collecting device over the period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: ENGEL AUSTRIA GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Kappelmueller, Martin Poecheim, Johannes Bauer
  • Patent number: 10726406
    Abstract: A system for purchasing fuel is provided. The system includes, but is no limited to, a local device for retrieving identification information which identifies a fuel dispensing station, the identification information containing information identifying the fuel dispensing station from which fuel is desired to be purchased, and a remote server connected with the local device. Upon receiving the identification information at the local device, the local device automatically forwards the identification information along with a unique identifier to the remote server. The remote server generates and transmits an unlock code to the fuel dispensing station. The unlock code signals the fuel dispensing station to dispense fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy W. Webb, Jason R. Todd, Danny K. Olivarez
  • Patent number: 10670190
    Abstract: A remaining-LP-gas display control apparatus includes a consumption obtaining unit that obtains daily gas consumptions in a tank, a consumption predicting unit that predicts future daily gas consumptions for a set number of days such that each future gas consumption is predicted based on the latest gas consumption on the same day of the week included in the gas consumptions obtained by the consumption obtaining unit, a replacement date predicting unit that predicts the amounts of gas remaining in the tank and a date on which the gas remaining in the tank will be used up by using the obtained gas consumptions and the predicted future gas consumptions, and a display control unit that controls a display unit to display an image in which remaining-gas information is superimposed on a location where the tank is placed by using the predicted date and location information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Azbil Kimmon Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Murakami
  • Patent number: 10589979
    Abstract: A fluid management controller includes a processor, a wireless interface, and a memory. The wireless interface is configured to communicate between the processor and one or more fluid management components. The processor is configured to authorize control of the one or more fluid management components over the wireless interface. The memory is encoded with instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to provide dispense authorizations to the one or more fluid management components and record fluid dispense information from the one or more fluid management components in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Paar, Bradley G. Kahler, Chad G. Igo, Gregory D. Sieckert
  • Patent number: 10561802
    Abstract: A syringe adapter includes a housing having a first end and a second end and defining an interior space, a seal arrangement received within the interior space of the housing, a connector body positioned adjacent the first end of the housing and configured to be connected with a syringe barrel with the connector body secured to the housing and rotatable relative to the housing in first and second directions, and a cannula secured to the connector body. The connector body is axially fixed relative to the housing. The seal arrangement is configured to cooperate with the cannula to provide a sealed transfer of fluids through the cannula to a mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company Limited
    Inventors: Jayeon Kim, Laurie Sanders, Yan Yevmenenko
  • Patent number: 10552768
    Abstract: A travel coordination system allows a rider to request a trip with a flexible departure time. The rider can specify a pick-up location, a trip destination, a target trip price, and a departure timeframe for the trip. The travel coordination system attempts to assign the rider to a provider at a point in time during the departure timeframe when the trip price would be less than or equal to the target trip price. The travel coordination system may also guarantee that the rider will pay no more than the target trip price if the travel coordination system determines that the trip price is likely to be lower than the target trip price at some point in time during the departure timeframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Yifang Liu
  • Patent number: 10513175
    Abstract: A method for operating a covering apparatus for covering a connection element of a motor vehicle. The connection element is designed as a junction between an energy delivery apparatus external to the motor vehicle and an energy storage unit and is designed for filling and/or recharging the energy storage unit with an energy source. The covering apparatus can preferably be designed as a charging flap or as a fuel tank cover. A release device carries out the following: determination that the motor vehicle is located within a predetermined radius of the energy delivery apparatus; generation of a release signal, which describes a release of an access to the connection element through opening of the covering apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Andreas Schlaudraff
  • Patent number: 10450183
    Abstract: A fluid management controller includes a processor, a wireless interface, and a memory. The wireless interface is configured to communicate between the processor and one or more fluid management components. The processor is configured to authorize control of the one or more fluid management components over the wireless interface. The memory is encoded with instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to provide dispense authorizations to the one or more fluid management components and record fluid dispense information from the one or more fluid management components in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Paar, Bradley G. Kahler, Chad G. Igo, Gregory D. Sleckert
  • Patent number: 10378943
    Abstract: A vehicle control device for a vehicle includes a communication unit configured to communicate with a communication device located at a gas station, and a processor configured to control the vehicle to perform at least one of autonomous driving or autonomous fueling based on information received from the communication device. In addition, a control method for controlling a vehicle includes communicating with a communication device located at a gas station, and controlling a vehicle to perform an operation based on information received from the communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Daebum Kim, Sangmin Park, Jonghwa Yoon, Chaehwan Leem
  • Patent number: 10359125
    Abstract: A flow control device includes a flow channel composed of non-magnetic material having a center axis, a first length segment having a first diameter, a second length segment, wherein the flow channel expands conically from the first diameter to a second diameter in the second length segment, and a third length segment; a magnetic closing ball, which is movably arranged in the second and third length segments and has a ball diameter that lies between the first and the second diameters; a first, axially polarized (north-south) ring magnet, which is oriented centrally in the center axis and is arranged so as to be longitudinally movable along the center axis and has an inside diameter that is greater than the outside diameter of the flow channel in the third length segment; and a preloading device, which axially pushes the north-south-polarized first ring magnet toward the first length segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Bürkle GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Hübner
  • Patent number: 10295516
    Abstract: To provide a calibration device for an apparatus filling a gas such as hydrogen gas and capable of precisely measuring quantity of the gas such as hydrogen gas that are filled at high pressure. A calibration device of the present invention is characterized by including a filling vessel, accommodated in a measurement housing, to the filling vessel a high pressure fuel gas such as hydrogen gas being fed from outside of the measurement housing, and a scale for measuring a weight of a fuel gas fed to the filling vessel, wherein a dry gas pipe for feeding a dry gas is detachably mounted in the measurement housing. Here, the scale preferably measures the weight of the fuel gas fed to the filling vessel together with a weight of the measurement housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Tatsuno Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Otaki, Norikazu Osawa
  • Patent number: 10266135
    Abstract: A system for controlling a dark current of a vehicle includes: a storage device storing address information of a customer; a navigation device acquiring current location information of a vehicle; a start detection device detecting a start of the vehicle to acquire start information; and a dark current controller determining whether to switch an initially set operation mode based on the address information, the current location information, and the start information. A method for controlling a dark current of the vehicle includes: storing the address information; acquiring the current location information; acquiring the start information; and determining whether to switch an initially set operation mode based on the address information, the current location information, and the start information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Woo Kuen Kim, Jin Gu Kwon, Myoung Soo Park
  • Patent number: 10145509
    Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen station that is used to charge hydrogen to a hydrogen tank mounted on a vehicle, the hydrogen station including: a compressor that compresses hydrogen; a lubricant cooling unit that cools the lubricant of the compressor while circulating the lubricant; a hydrogen cooling unit that is capable of cooling hydrogen which is not charged to the hydrogen tank mounted on the vehicle yet and is compressed by the compressor; a sensor that detects whether the vehicle approaches or reaches the hydrogen station; and a startup unit that starts up at least one of the lubricant cooling unit and the hydrogen cooling unit by a signal from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nagura, Hitoshi Takagi
  • Patent number: 10060897
    Abstract: This tank device comprises a fuel gas tank that stores fuel gas to be supplied to a gas consuming device, a first pressure sensor that detects the gas pressure when the fuel gas tank is filled with gas, a second pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the fuel gas supplied from the fuel gas tank to the gas consuming device, and a sensor output evaluation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiromu Saito
  • Patent number: 9715683
    Abstract: A pump surrogate controller system and method allows multiple point of sale systems to control a particular service system. For example, a register at a cashier stand may activate the same fuel pump as an automated checkout kiosk. The surrogate controller may further coordinate the transmission of transaction data to the appropriate destinations. For example, transaction information relating to a fuel transaction may be delivered to the appropriate point of sale for completion. Transactions that are pre-authorized prior to a purchaser's arrival at a service station may also be activated using the surrogate controller. Fuel dispensing may be dependent on confirmation that the vehicle and dispensing pump are in close proximity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Epona LLC
    Inventor: Ernest Blas Betancourt
  • Patent number: 9662273
    Abstract: Embodiments of work stations for use in medical dose preparation management system. A work station may include a camera stand. The camera stand may include a housing enclosing a camera and one or more light sources therein. As such, the camera and light sources may be directed at a medical dose preparation staging region to capture medical dose preparation images of the medical dose preparation staging region. The camera stand may include an adjustable support positionable in a plurality of positions to dispose the camera and light source relative to the medical dose preparation staging region. A base with a removable tray may be provided that include medical receptacle engagement features. The work stations may facilitate improved image quality, efficiency of work flows carried out at the work station, and administrative tasks such as cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Baxter Corporation Englewood
    Inventors: Joseph V. Ranalletta, Wesley J. Weber
  • Patent number: 9646435
    Abstract: A control system and method are provided for a station to dispense fuel to a vehicle, including an electric vehicle, without requiring dedicated access to a communications network, with the advantage that authorization for fleet vehicles or individuals can be obtained from an access management system, using a portable, wireless device, such as a smart phone or a dashboard appliance. The authorization is wirelessly relayed to the station by the wireless device, to enable the dispensing of fuel. Subsequently, a log comprising the transaction is provided to the access management system, through the same or a different wireless, mobile computing device. The log may also report status and other events, such as load shedding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Liberty PlugIns, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Outwater, William Gibbens Redmann