Specific Application Of Positional Responsive Control System Patents (Class 700/302)
  • Patent number: 11931824
    Abstract: Laser control systems and related methods for controlling arrays of lasers are disclosed. A laser control system may include a first controller configured to generate a trigger signal based on a position of a laser array, and a second controller configured to send a firing signal to one or more lasers of the laser array upon receiving the trigger signal. The one or more lasers may be selected based on a desired pattern of laser energy to be formed at a particular position of the laser array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: VulcanForms Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Pawel Komsta, Alexander Dunbar, Matthew Sweetland
  • Patent number: 11259641
    Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to systems and methods for synchronization of actuators to reposition furniture units. Specifically, a master control box receives input to reposition a furniture unit from one position to another and communicates the input to a plurality of control boxes. Then, each of the plurality of control boxes assigns a virtual axis to each of a plurality of actuators attached to each associated control box. Furthermore, each of the plurality of control boxes assigns a transfer function to each of the plurality of actuators. The transfer function is used by the actuators to transform an output of the virtual axis to determine a target position. In this way, the plurality of actuators can reference the same virtual axis for synchronization purposes, but use different transfer functions to maintain complex relationships between the positions of each actuator. Based on the target position, the actuators reposition the furniture unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Oliver J. Schramm, David Purser, Ronald D. Davis, Caleb Browning
  • Patent number: 11106037
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for displaying a first portion of a video, the first portion comprising a subset of the video that fits in a display area of a computing device. The systems and methods further detect movement of the computing device during playback of the first portion of the video, calculate a rotation of the display of the first portion of the video based on a direction of the movement, and cause the display of the first portion of the video to rotate relative to the direction of movement to display a second portion of the video, the second portion comprising a subset of the video that is associated with the direction of movement and that was at least partially not visible in the first portion of the video when displayed in the display area of the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Bamberger, Matthew Hanover, Nathan Litke, Michael Brian Murray
  • Patent number: 10853743
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for electronically booking ride share trips. The systems and methods can involve a data storage device storing ride sharing records with itineraries including a plurality of legs. The systems and methods can involve at least one processor configured to receive a trip booking request for a passenger, the trip booking request defining passenger constraints including a desired pickup time or drop off time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: TRANSIT LABS INC.
    Inventors: Prem Gururajan, Simon Parent, Alexander Bailey, Darren Maki
  • Patent number: 10248913
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for electronically booking ride share trips. The systems and methods can involve a data storage device storing ride sharing records with itineraries including a plurality of legs. The systems and methods can involve at least one processor configured to receive a trip booking request for a passenger, the trip booking request defining passenger constraints including a desired pickup time or drop off time. The at least one processor is configured to generate trip booking options from available ride sharing itineraries, each trip booking option including a leg that satisfies the passenger constraints of the trip booking request. The at least one processor is configured to compute objective values for the trip booking options and remove at least one trip booking option based on a comparison of its objective value and temporal proximity to at least one other trip booking option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: TRANSIT LABS INC.
    Inventors: Prem Gururajan, Simon Parent, Alexander Bailey, Darren Maki
  • Patent number: 10173703
    Abstract: A system for optimizing the control of a train that includes an interface for receiving data representing a set of operational parameters for a train that will traverse a predetermined route. A server is interconnected to the interface and programmed to generate a plurality of scenarios using the same set of operational parameters but different control parameters. A simulator is programmed to perform a simulation of the operation of the train as described by the operation parameters and control parameters. The server is programmed to review the results of the simulation and score how closely the simulations achieved one or more performance metrics, thereby identifying which control parameters should be used by the train and allowing the control parameters to be transmitted to the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: NEW YORK AIR BRAKE, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Wesley Wait, Bradley Howard, Devon Robert Hall
  • Patent number: 10126731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a height-adjustable table (1) height-adjusting arrangement (100) for adjusting the height of the table (1), wherein the height-adjusting arrangement (100) comprises at least one leg, each leg having an inner tubular member (112) and an outer tubular member (113) arranged for telescopic movement relative to each other, and a linear actuator (114) coupled to said tubular members (112, 113) and which is configured to provide the telescopic movement between the tubular members (112, 113), and an electric motor connected to the linear actuator (114) and configured to operate the linear actuator for providing telescopic movement between the tubular members. The height-adjusting arrangement (100) further comprises an eye detection unit arranged to detect the position of a user's eyes. The height-adjusting arrangement (100) is configured for control of the height of the height-adjustable table (1) based on the detected position of a user's eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: KIH-utveckling AB
    Inventor: Robert Lindström
  • Patent number: 9356539
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary positioning device (100, 100?, 100?) comprising a circular magnetic track (110) generating a magnetic field across a circular air gap (113), at least three forcers (120, 121, 122), each including a plurality of coils (1201, 202, 1203) at least partly disposed with the circular air gap (113) and each being operable for generating a levitation force in a levitation direction orthogonal to the circular magnetic track and a drive force in a drive direction along the circular magnetic track, said forcers being arranged at different angular positions along said circular magnetic track, and a controller (140) for providing currents to said forcers for individually controlling the generation of a levitation force and/or a drive force by said forcers for effecting a rotational movement, and/or a tilting movement and/or a translational movement of said circular magnetic track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Anne Johannes Wilhelmus Van Lievenoogen, Georgo Zorz Angelis, Justus Bjorn Post
  • Patent number: 9342632
    Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a computer-assisted, handheld machining tool allows even an inexperienced user to carve a complex 3D object, while maintaining artistic freedom to modify the sculpture from an initial CAD design. The tool prevents the user from unintentionally removing material from a volume defined by the CAD design. It does so by slowing or halting spindle rotation as the bit approaches or penetrates the protected volume. The user can override this protective feature. The tool may operate in at least three interaction modes: (i) a static mode in which a static CAD model is used, where the computer assists by preventing the user from damaging the static model; (ii) a dynamic mode where the computer dynamically modifies the CAD model during the sculpting process; and (iii) an autonomous mode where the computer can operate independently of the user, for tasks such as semi-automatic texture rendering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Amit Zoran, Joseph Paradiso, Roy Shilkrot
  • Patent number: 9342024
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a sensor section includes a sheet path through which the sheet passes in a sheet feeding direction. In the sensor section, a light source unit emits light to an irradiation area set in the sheet path. Here, the light is elongated in a main-scanning direction and has quantities of light varying according to positions in the main-scanning direction and according to positions in a height direction perpendicular to a sheet feed surface. In addition, in the sensor section, a light-receiving section receives light diffused in a predetermined diffusing direction among the light emitted from the light source and then irradiated to the sheet passing in the sheet path and outputs information representing quantities of the received light. In the image forming apparatus, a control section extracts a parameter from the information and derives an amount of curl of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Maeda, Yoshiyuki Toso, Yasuhiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9180690
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include an upstream measurement module, a curler downstream of the upstream measurement module, and a print station downstream of the curler. The upstream measurement module includes a transport on which media is tacked to flatten the media and a curl sensor to generate a curl signal corresponding to a media curl of the media on the transport. The curler curls the media in response to the curl signal to reduce a magnitude of the media curl. The print station includes a marking unit to dispose a marking material on the media and a transport to transport the media past the marking unit, wherein the first and second transports apply a substantially equivalent hold down force to the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Steven R. Moore, Marina Tharayil
  • Patent number: 9170096
    Abstract: The specification discloses a pulsed time-of-flight laser range finding system used to obtain vehicle classification information. The sensor determines a distance range to portions of a vehicle traveling within a sensing zone of the sensor. A scanning mechanism made of a four facet cube, having reflective surfaces, is used to collimate and direct the laser toward traveling vehicles. A processing system processes the respective distance range data and angle range data for determining the three-dimensional shape of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: OSI Optoelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Fowler, Nan-Ming Lai
  • Patent number: 9101379
    Abstract: Control systems and methods for a medical instrument use measurements to determine and control the tensions that actuators apply through instrument transmission systems. The use of tension and feedback allows control of a medical instrument having transmission systems that provide non-negligible compliance between joints and actuators even when the positions of joints cannot be directly related to actuator positions. One embodiment determines joint torques and tensions from differences between desired and measured joint positions. Another embodiment determines joint torques and tensions from differences between desired and measured positions of a tip of the instrument. Determination of tensions from joint torques can be performed using sequential evaluation of joints in an order from a distal end of the instrument toward a proximal end of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel Kwok Wai Au, Giuseppe Maria Prisco
  • Patent number: 9084623
    Abstract: To perform a tool exchange in a medical robotic system, tool is retracted back into an entry guide from a deployed position and pose so that an assistant in the operating room may replace it with a different tool. While the tool is being retracted back towards the entry guide by user action, its configuration is changed to an entry pose while avoiding collisions with other objects so that it may fit in the entry guide. After the tool exchange is completed, a new tool is inserted in the entry guide and extended out of the guide by user action to the original position of the old tool prior to its retraction into the entry guide while the tool's controller assists the user by reconfiguring the new tool so as to resemble the original deployed pose of the old tool prior to its retraction into the entry guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Gomez, Nicola Diolaiti, David Q. Larkin, Paul E. Lilagan, Probal Mitra, Tabish Mustafa
  • Publication number: 20150148983
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with an auxiliary device for commanding a movable barrier operator, the apparatus having a first communication interface, a processor device, and a second communication interface. The first communication interface being configured to receive a status change request from the auxiliary device. The processor device runs a movable barrier controller application and is configured to generate a control signal for the movable barrier operator in response to receiving the status change request. The second communication interface is configured to send the control signal to the movable barrier operator through a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Fitzgibbon
  • Patent number: 9037310
    Abstract: A monitoring system for distributed utilities. A generation device is provided for converting an available resource to a desired utility; the resource may be water, in which case the generator is a purifier for providing potable water, or, alternatively, the generator may convert a fuel to electrical power. In either case, an input sensor is provided for measuring input to the generation device, while an output sensor is provided for measuring consumption of output from the generation device. The monitoring system has a controller for concatenating measured input and consumption of output on the basis of the input and output sensors. Measured parameters are telemetered to a remote site where utility generation and use are monitored and may also be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Jason A. Demers, Kingston Owens
  • Publication number: 20150120080
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for obtaining a 3D cue path and timing. In one example aspect, this path and timing may be manipulated in software. In another example aspect, one or more conditions may be specified which pertain to the path, timing, state of the path's environment, or state of one or more objects or actors in the path's environment. In another example aspect, these conditions may be accompanied by specifications for one or more actions to be taken if one or more of the conditions are or are not satisfied. In another example aspect, a person or object may be monitored as they follow the path, and prescribed actions may be taken if the specified conditions are or are not found to be satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: CAST Group of Companies Inc.
    Inventors: Gilray Densham, Justin Eichel
  • Patent number: 9020630
    Abstract: A servo transfer press system generates a press phase signal and a transfer phase signal that are synchronized with a master phase signal, performs a press operation according to a reference press motion based on the press phase signal, and performs a transfer operation according to a reference transfer motion based on the transfer phase signal. The servo transfer press system includes a reference interference diagram generation section, a reference interference diagram storage section, an operation interference diagram generation section, an interference presence/absence comparison-determination section, and a phase signal relative relationship adjustment section, and performs a transfer press operation while avoiding interference by performing an automatic phase signal adjustment when a motion has been changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Aida Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sotoyuki Kaneko, Osamu Yahata
  • Patent number: 9008817
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate positioning apparatus capable of accurately performing positioning of a center of a circular-shape substrate with respect to a rotating shaft. The substrate positioning apparatus includes: a substrate disposing part; a first positioning mechanism including a first reference part contacting a side of the substrate; a second positioning mechanism including a second reference part contacting the side of the substrate; a first driver configured to drive the first positioning mechanism; a controller configured to control the drive of the first positioning mechanism. In particular, the second reference part contacts the substrate at a contact part and includes an elastic part that applies force in a moving direction of the first driver to the contact part and a detector that detects position information of the second positioning mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Amano
  • Patent number: 8983709
    Abstract: Provided is an autonomous travel system having an operation management unit including a map database with a combination of topological region maps, on which the range of travel of a vehicle is expressed as points and lines, and metric region maps, on which the travel range is expressed on planar maps; a vehicle position management unit for managing the position of the vehicle; and a vehicle travel planning unit for planning vehicle travel, which, if the vehicle is present near the boundary of a map, blocks the map boundary so that other vehicles will not advance into another map. The operation management unit is provided with a blockage setting unit for dividing a boundary section of a map into a plurality of regions and releasing the blockage of the boundary of a divided region in which no vehicles are present in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Bando, Yukihiro Kawamata
  • Patent number: 8977501
    Abstract: Provided are a system and method for identifying planned markers while drilling a borehole. In one example, the method includes obtaining a plan containing planned markers that each corresponds to a baseline marker from an existing well. Each of the baseline markers corresponds to a waveform from a log file obtained from the existing well and is associated with a waveform representation of the corresponding waveform. Each of the planned markers is associated with an estimated true vertical depth (TVD) value. A second log file corresponding to the borehole is obtained that contains waveforms representing formation information detected within the borehole. The second log file is scanned for a planned marker based on the estimated TVD value and the waveform representation of the baseline marker corresponding to the planned marker. At least one match may be identified and reported for the planned marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hunt Advanced Drilling Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Todd W. Benson, Brian Eugene Stokeld, Dwight A. Lockhart
  • Patent number: 8977384
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for crane control and stock management, the method includes attaching to the goods to be stored an identifier associated with a code, such as number or name, given to the goods in stock accounting or the like; reading the identifier with a reader, when the goods are being transferred by a crane; transmitting the identifier information from the reader to the memory of the crane control; transferring the goods with the crane to a selected location in the warehouse; and storing the coordinates of the goods to the memory of the crane control so that they are associated with the identifier; and when the goods are removed from the warehouse, reading with the reader from a work order or the like the identifier information associated with the goods; and transmitting the identifier information from the reader to the memory of the crane control; and activating the crane control with the identifier information, whereby the crane moves to the location of the earlier stored goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Konecranes PLC
    Inventor: Justus Dahlén
  • Patent number: 8952832
    Abstract: Interfacing application programs and motion sensors of a device. In one aspect, a high-level command is received from an application program running on a motion sensing device, where the application program implements one of multiple different types of applications available for use on the device. The high-level command requests high-level information derived from the output of motion sensors of the device that include rotational motion sensors and linear motion sensors. The command is translated to cause low-level processing of motion sensor data output by the motion sensors, the low-level processing following requirements of the type of application and determining the high-level information in response to the command. The application program is ignorant of the low-level processing, and the high-level information is provided to the application program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Invensense, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Nasiri, Joseph Jiang, David Sachs
  • Patent number: 8909378
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable bed handheld remote control that may include a handheld housing, a touch sensor on a front face of the handheld housing, a transmitter and the like. The touch sensor may be presented in a slider form and may be adapted to facilitate a user in adjusting a frame position of an adjustable bed. The transmitter may be electrically coupled to a processor and may receive input from the touch sensor, for communication control signals to the adjustable bed in accordance with the input received from the touch sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Martin B Rawls-Meehan
  • Patent number: 8875420
    Abstract: A kit for modifying a digging bucket for controlling the depth cut, including an elongated member operationally connectable to a hoe bucket defining a cutting edge, an actuator operationally connectable to the elongated member, an electronic controller operationally connectable to the actuator, and a position sensor operationally connectable to the cutting edge and operationally connectable to the electronic controller. The actuator may be energized to pivot the elongated member to a position adjacent the cutting edge for engaging ground. Positioning of the elongated member adjacent the cutting edge prevents the cutting edge from digging ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Philip Paull
  • Publication number: 20140324246
    Abstract: An autonomous working device, in particular an autonomous lawn mower, is configured to travel across a surface that is to be worked. The working device includes a processing unit configured to divide the surface that is to be worked into at least two dynamic partial surfaces to be traveled across separately by the working device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Biber, Steffen Petereit, Christoph Koch, Amos Albert
  • Patent number: 8855830
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, a home energy management system and method includes a network device disposed at a residence and a wireless home energy network capable of establishing communication with the network device. A server is disposed remotely from the residence and capable of generating a control action report to control the network devices. A controller is located at the residence and in communication with the server and configured to establish the wireless home energy network; initiate a plurality of operating status requests of the network device; receive device data in response to at least one of the operating status requests; generate a site report including the device data; initiate a communication of the site report to the remote server; and detect an availability of the control action report at the remote server in conjunction with the communication of the site report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Allure Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Imes, James Hollister
  • Patent number: 8818534
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a first member, a second member with a first point and a second point, a processing unit, and a drive device. The drive device pivotably connects the second member to the first member. The processing unit calculates a first distance between the first point and a third point and a second distance between the second point and the third point. The processing unit controls the drive device to rotate the second member relative to the first member according to the first distance and the second distance, thus the line defined by the third point and a middle point between the first point and the second point is perpendicular to the line defined by the first point and the second point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ting-Kai Wang, Bin Li
  • Patent number: 8818729
    Abstract: Provided are a system and method for identifying planned markers while drilling a borehole. In one example, the method includes obtaining a plan containing planned markers that each corresponds to a baseline marker from an existing well. Each of the baseline markers corresponds to a waveform from a log file obtained from the existing well and is associated with a waveform representation of the corresponding waveform. Each of the planned markers is associated with an estimated true vertical depth (TVD) value. A second log file corresponding to the borehole is obtained that contains waveforms representing formation information detected within the borehole. The second log file is scanned for a planned marker based on the estimated TVD value and the waveform representation of the baseline marker corresponding to the planned marker. At least one match may be identified and reported for the planned marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hunt Advanced Drilling Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian E. Stokeld, Todd W. Benson, Dwight A. Lockhart
  • Patent number: 8807522
    Abstract: A variable impedance circuit is provided as an active load between an input line L1 and an output line L2. This circuit has low impedance with respect to a DC electric current signal and has high impedance with respect to an AC electric current signal, structured from a series circuit of resistors R1, R2, and R3 connected between lines L1 and L2; a transistor Q1 having the collector connected to the line L1 and the base connected between the resistors R2 and R3; a resistor R4 connected between the emitter of the transistor Q1 and the line L2; a capacitor C1 with one end connected between the resistors R2 and R3; a resistor R5 connected between the other end of the capacitor C1 and the line L2; a capacitor C2 having one end connected between the resistors R1 and R2; and a resistor R6 connected between the other end of the capacitor C2 and the line L2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventors: Kouji Okuda, Hiroaki Nagoya, Yoshio Maehana
  • Publication number: 20140207306
    Abstract: A method for generating a weld path aligned along a seam between two parts uses a computer having a control unit and a storage medium. The method includes aligning a crosshair line at a plurality of points along the seam and storing a position value for each of the plurality of points in the storage medium; calculating a width and a height of the seam based on the stored position values of each of the plurality of points; and generating the weld path based on the height and the width of the seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: EAGLEPICHER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Feng GUAN
  • Publication number: 20140200733
    Abstract: A distribution of a load between right and left of a user is designated. The load is occurred at body parts of the user by a stand-up motion of the user. A projection position of a center of gravity of the user onto a floor is calculated. A region of the floor where the projection position is to be included at the stand-up motion is calculated. A target position in the region is calculated based on the distribution. The target position is nearer to a first body part of the user to which larger distribution is designated than a second body part of the user to which smaller distribution is designated. A direction from the projection position to the target position is calculated. A designation direction for the user to bend an upper body of the user in advance of the stand-up motion is outputted based on the direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takamitsu SUNAOSHI, Hideki Nukada
  • Publication number: 20140200734
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of positioning devices and methods for use with an automated hair cutting system. The positioning devices comprise a frame, the frame comprising at least a front frame and one or more side frames; and a plurality of positioning interfaces, the positioning interfaces configured to at least one of transmit signals and receive signals, said signals for at least partially determining at least one of position and orientation of a hair cutting device, the plurality of positioning interfaces positioned at various intervals about the frame. The front frame comprises at least one structural feature designed to contact at least one feature of a user's face, and wherein said front frame extends at least partially across said user's face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew W. Krenik
  • Patent number: 8775077
    Abstract: One or more markers are dispensed on ground, pavement or other surface in a dig area to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities, so as to provide a visual indication of a presence or an absence of one or more underground utilities in the dig area. One or more signals are wirelessly transmitted in response to the dispensing of the one or more markers, wherein the signal(s) represent(s) first data relating to a location at which the marker(s) is/are dispensed, and/or one or more characteristics of the dispensed marker(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: CertusView Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr
  • Publication number: 20140156103
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for automatically managing an environment for a physical zone over a period of time. Position coordinates are received from a plurality of entities. It is determined which of the entities will occupy the physical zone over a time frame, the physical zone including at least one environmental characteristic. Environmental preferences are accessed for the entities determined to occupy the physical zone for the time frame. The environmental characteristic of the physical zone is adjusted for the time frame based on the accessed environmental preferences for the entities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry A. Feigenbaum, Sueann Nichols, Holly H. Nielsen, Elizabeth V. Woodward
  • Patent number: 8744603
    Abstract: A method for executing mechanical overload protection to prevent commanding a control signal to a linear actuator that may mechanically overload the linear actuator when an overload condition of the linear actuator is detected, the linear actuator utilized for controlling a movable element associated with the linear actuator responsive to the control signal, includes monitoring an overload condition based on position change of the movable element associated with the linear actuator during an integration period and excess energy during the integration period, de-energizing the linear actuator when an overload condition has been detected, monitoring an overload retry counter based on the number of cycles the overload condition is detected, comparing the overload retry counter to an overload retry threshold, an reenergizing the linear actuator when the overload retry counter is less than the overload retry threshold and maintaining de-energizing of the linear actuator when the overload retry counter is at least
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Lei Hao, Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Derek L. Patterson, Mark A. Voss
  • Patent number: 8731734
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the vertical position of hydroponic supports of a growing system is provided. The supports are used for growing crops. A relative position between the two supports is adjustable. Actual vertical position data for the supports is received and compared with the desired data. The actual vertical position of a first support is adjusted relative to an adjacent second support when the actual data is different from the desired data. A growing system for optimizing crop production comprises generally horizontal hydroponic supports adapted to receive nutrients for feeding the crops. A position actuator is connected to the supports to vertically move them relative to one another. A position-adjusting module receives actual vertical position data of the supports and compared it with the desired data. An actuation command is transmitted to the position actuator when the actual position is different from the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Lufa Farms, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohamed Hage
  • Patent number: 8725308
    Abstract: An exemplary aspect of the invention is a rack mounting position management system including a rack having a plurality of units, and a mounted device mounted in the rack. The rack includes, for each of the units, a signal output unit that outputs a signal having a different value for each of the units of the rack. The mounted device includes a signal acquisition unit that acquires the signal output from the signal output unit, and a control unit that discriminates a mounting position of the mounted device in the rack according to a value of the signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8718827
    Abstract: A monitoring system for distributed utilities. A generation device is provided for converting an available resource to a desired utility; the resource may be water, in which case the generator is a purifier for providing potable water, or, alternatively, the generator may convert a fuel to electrical power. In either case, an input sensor is provided for measuring input to the generation device, while an output sensor is provided for measuring consumption of output from the generation device. The monitoring system has a controller for concatenating measured input and consumption of output on the basis of the input and output sensors. Measured parameters are telemetered to a remote site where utility generation and use are monitored and may also be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Jason A. Demers, Kingston Owens
  • Patent number: 8717616
    Abstract: An operation unit is provided with a touch panel display which includes a touch panel, a display panel, and a control portion which causes the display panel to display an operation screen so as to allow the touch panel to provide an operation instruction. The control portion is provided with an area display control portion which displays a function setting area and a task trigger area at positions opposing each other by taking a preview area as a reference on the operation screen, and a display position switching control portion which switches a positional relation in which the function setting area 2000 and the task trigger area 5000 are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mikiya Okada
  • Patent number: 8718826
    Abstract: A system is provided for remote control of at least one operating condition of a site. The system includes a proximity detection module at a residential site, which is configured to receive a communication regarding a location of a location reporting device or a mobile device. The proximity detection module is configured to alter or adjust a current temperature setting for the site based on a distance or location of the location reporting device or mobile device relative to the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Anil Ramachandran, David S. Drew
  • Publication number: 20140121855
    Abstract: Accurate and reliable techniques for determining a current status of an accessory device in relation to an electronic device are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. CRETELLA, JR., Venu Madhav DUGGINENI, Michael Man-Cheung ENG, Ronald Keryuan HUANG, Christopher MOORE, Christopher T. MULLENS
  • Patent number: 8682457
    Abstract: Aspects of this invention relate to an adjustable bed that may include one or more articulating portions, and may include one or more components, including an air inflatable mattress associated with the adjustable bed frame, a programmable logic controller, a remote memory storage facility, a remote storage location of user preferences, a cell phone remote control, a modular control device, an air purification facility, a power outlet controller, a Bluetooth remote control, an ultra wide band remote control, a wireless USB remote control, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan
  • Patent number: 8676355
    Abstract: A position control apparatus includes a detecting unit configured to detect a position of a control target, a subtracting unit configured to subtract an output of the detecting unit from a target value, an iterative learning control circuit including a filter into which a deviation between the output of the detecting unit and the target value is input, where the iterative learning control circuit feeds forward a control input to the control target, and a parameter computing unit configured to compute a variation in a parameter of the control target. A characteristic of the filter is changed in accordance with the variation in the parameter of the control target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Takagi
  • Patent number: 8666555
    Abstract: A load control system for a building having a heating and cooling system and a window located in a space of the building uses a daylighting procedure to adjust the amount of power delivered to the lighting load in response to the amount of daylight entering the window, and controls amount of daylight entering the window in order to attempt to reduce the power consumption of the heating and cooling system if the daylighting procedure is not causing the heating and cooling system to save energy. If the lighting load is consuming more energy when the fabric of the motorized window treatment is at a position above the fully-closed position than the lighting load would consume if the fabric was at the fully-closed position, the motorized window treatment moves the fabric to the fully-closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Altonen, William Bryce Fricke, Elliot G. Jacoby, Michael W. Pessina, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Joel S. Spira
  • Patent number: 8655277
    Abstract: A workspace energy management method and system control the power state of workspace appliances using multi-factor presence detection and mobile phone identity verification. Multifactor presence detection substantially reduces the risk that workspace appliances will be powered-up in response to erroneous detection of presence at the workspace (e.g., false positive). Mobile phone identity verification, which verifies that the office worker's mobile phone is at the workspace (and thus that the office worker is also likely at the workspace) before workspace appliances are powered-up, prevents workspace appliances from being inadvertently powered-up by personnel other than the office worker, but without compromising worker privacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Basil Isaiah Jesudason, Craig Thompson Whittle, Mary Louise Bourret
  • Patent number: 8646167
    Abstract: A method of actuating a wireless sensor of road construction equipment. A bracket is secured to the road construction equipment that has a magnet and is able to receive a wireless sensor. An actuator is disposed within the housing of the wireless sensor that reacts to the magnetic field created by the magnet such that when the wireless sensor is attached to the bracket the sensor is operable and when detached from the bracket no longer operates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Zeng
  • Publication number: 20140039674
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for identifying information to facilitate adjusting a projector's position to achieve a specified projected image on a projection surface. In an embodiment, a computing device comprising one or more sensors, which have a known spatial relationship with a projector, includes a position adjustment service configured to identify, based at least in part on the known spatial relationship between the one or more sensors and the projector, a current position of the projector relative to positions of a plurality of reference points that define a projection surface. The position adjustment service is further configured to determine a target position for the projector, determine differences between the current position of the projector and the target position for the projector, and perform one or more actions based upon the determined differences between the current position of the projector and the target position for the projector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Tetsuro Motoyama, Tomohito Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8632017
    Abstract: A damper control system having energy efficient mechanisms. The system may use a heat-to-electric power converter such as a thermopile. Heat may come from a pilot light used for igniting a flame for an appliance. The system may store electric energy in a storage module which could be a sufficiently large capacitor. The system may monitor the position of a damper in a vent or the like and provide start and stop movements of the damper using minimal energy. One way that the system may control electrical energy to a damper motor or another electrical mover of the damper is to use pulse width modulated signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David Kucera, Shanna L. Leeland, Peter M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8634961
    Abstract: A fan includes a number of fan blades, a casing, a first actuating device, a second actuating device, a camera, and a controlling system. The first actuating device drives the fan blades. The second actuating device makes the fan change direction, thus to adjust a direction of wind from the fan. The camera captures an image of a scene at front of the fan. The controlling system checks the image to determine whether there is a person in the image, and to determine a position of the person in the image and outputs a corresponding position signal to the second actuating device for controlling the fan to change the direction of the wind from the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hou-Hsien Lee, Chang-Jung Lee, Chih-Ping Lo