Patents Represented by Attorney Fletcher Yoder
  • Patent number: 8250417
    Abstract: One or more techniques are provided for programming a flash memory device. In one embodiment, the memory device is programmed such that a data pattern written to a page in the memory device has encoded therein an expected count value corresponding to the number of times a first binary value occurs in the data pattern. The data pattern includes the program data and the expected count value, and is written to the page in a single operation. The expected count value may be stored in a count field in the management area of the page. During a page read operation, the expected count value is compared to the actual count of the number of bits having the first binary value in the data area of the page. If the expected count is equal to the actual count, then the program data is determined to be valid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter S. Feeley, Wanmo Wong, Theodore T. Pekny, Samuel A. Shapero, Brady Keays
  • Patent number: 8249689
    Abstract: An electromagnetic tracking coil arrangement, comprising three co-planar electromagnetic sensors and a fourth electromagnetic sensor that is not co-planar with the three co-planar sensors, wherein the three co-planar electromagnetic sensors and the fourth electromagnetic sensor are each located at a vertex of a tetrahedron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Peter Traneus Anderson
  • Patent number: 8248554
    Abstract: An edge-lit backlight unit for a display is provided. In one embodiment, the backlight unit may include a light guide configured to receive light from a source and emit such light in a broad distribution to a turning film disposed over the light guide. The turning film may be configured to redirect light received from the light guide toward a normal of the turning film. In one embodiment, the light guide may be configured such that peak light distribution therefrom occurs at an incident angle of approximately sixty degrees, with broad light distribution substantially occurring over an angular range between incident angles of thirty-five and eighty-five degrees. Additionally, in one embodiment, the turning film may include multiple prisms that receive and redirect the light emitted from the light guide, and that include apex angles of less than or about sixty degrees. Additional edge-lit backlight units and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Qi, Victor H. Yin, John Z. Zhong, Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 8248215
    Abstract: A dynamic condition monitoring system is disclosed, such as for monitoring vibrations in complex machine systems. The system includes monitors on which server software is provided. The server software may access pre-defined graphical user interface pages that can be populated and served directly from the monitors. The data may be accessed via conventional networks for viewing and analyzing monitored data, as well as for configuration of the individual dynamic condition monitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Bibelhausen, Thomas Lee Alford, George F. Hofer
  • Patent number: 8248009
    Abstract: A motor drive is provided that includes a control circuit or board and a one or more functional circuits or option boards coupled to the control board, and a profile that includes a configuration for the option board. A method of operating a motor drive that includes loading a profile for a option board coupled to a control board of the controller, wherein the profile comprises a configuration for the option board. A tangible machine-readable medium implementing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Campbell, John Howard Stuedemann, Gary A. Kabitzke, Ronald Rudy Hrlevich
  • Patent number: 8249748
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to polyolefin production and to reducing volatile organic content (VOC) associated with the polyolefin. Techniques include the construction and implementation of a purge column model to calculate or estimate the VOC content in the polyolefin exiting the purge column. The techniques facilitate the design and operation of the polyolefin manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventor: Timothy O. Odi
  • Patent number: 8243481
    Abstract: Techniques for using multiple 18-pulse rectifier circuits in parallel are described herein. In particular, each rectifier circuit may include an autotransformer having 15 inductors coupled in series, joined by 15 nodes interposed between pairs of the inductors. The inductors may be represented as a hexagon in which alternating sides of the hexagon have two and three inductors, respectively. Each rectifier circuit may also include three inputs for three-phase AC power coupled to alternating vertices of the hexagonal representation and nine outputs for AC power coupled between each node that is not a vertex of the hexagonal representation and a respective diode bridge. Outputs of the diode bridges for the rectifier circuits may be coupled to a DC bus. In addition, a means for reducing circulating current between the parallel rectifier circuits and for promoting load sharing between the parallel rectifier circuits is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lixiang Wei, Gary L. Skibinski
  • Patent number: 8244380
    Abstract: A system for storing data from an industrial control system having an industrial controller including a communication module and first memory containing data for controlling an industrial process is provided. The system comprises a computer separate from the industrial controller and having a second memory and an application for automatically accessing the data from the first memory of the industrial controller via the communication module and storing the data on the second memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Grgic, Thomas A. Walters, Dennis M. Wylie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8242463
    Abstract: A system and method for imaging biological samples on multiple surfaces of a support structure are disclosed. The support structure may be a flow cell through which a reagent fluid is allowed to flow and interact with the biological samples. Excitation radiation from at least one radiation source may be used to excite the biological samples on multiple surfaces. In this manner, fluorescent emission radiation may be generated from the biological samples and subsequently captured and detected by detection optics and at least one detector. The detected fluorescent emission radiation may then be used to generate image data. This imaging of multiple surfaces may be accomplished either sequentially or simultaneously. In addition, the techniques of the present invention may be used with any type of imaging system. For instance, both epifluorescent and total internal reflection methods may benefit from the techniques of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenyi Feng, Jason Bryant, Dale Buermann
  • Patent number: 8240427
    Abstract: Methods and devices for increasing the sound attenuation properties of a noise suppression device are provided. In some embodiments, a sound attenuating conduit has an improved shape that provides increased sound attenuation properties. In other embodiments, the sound attenuating conduits are stacked together, and shaped to increase the air flow cross-section. Still other embodiments provide machinery that includes the improved sound attenuating conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ranjit Kumar Jangili, Richard Loud, Dinesh Venugopal Setty
  • Patent number: 8243570
    Abstract: An optical article for playback in a player, the optical article including at least one sector having data, and a mark disposed in a predetermined relationship with the at least one sector, wherein the mark renders a portion of the data generally unreadable. The optical article further includes error correction code associated with the at least one sector, wherein data within the error correction code is configured as partially corrupted. The inclusion of partially corrupted error correction code reduces the size of the mark or spot required to render the data sector uncorrectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: NBCUniversal Media, LLC
    Inventors: James Mitchell White, Marc Brian Wisnudel, Kasiraman Krishnan
  • Patent number: 8243883
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for coordinating operation of X-ray detectors in a wireless X-ray system includes detecting multiple wireless X-ray detectors within an operative range of an X-ray base station, the detected X-ray detectors each having one of multiple possible statuses, including an active status corresponding to a designation of the X-ray detector as a desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray imaging sequence, an inactive status corresponding to a designation of the X-ray detector as not the desired recipient of radiation during a current X-ray imaging sequence, and an unenabled status corresponding to the X-ray detector not being configured to operate with the X-ray base station. The method also includes determining the current status of each detected X-ray detector and displaying on a user-viewable screen a visual indication of the status of each detected X-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jon Charles Omernick, Manfred David Boehm, Gireesha C. Rao, James Zhengshe Liu, Chuande Liu, Kiran Shankaranarayana, Karla Angelica Arista
  • Patent number: 8244329
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may employ sensing techniques for determining a distance between the inserted tube and an anatomical structure such as a carina. The distance information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea. Because a tracheal tube may rotate within the trachea, the sensing information may be gathered from multiple locations on the tracheal tube for a rotation-independent measurement technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventor: Mark Su
  • Patent number: 8243882
    Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for operating an X-ray imaging subsystem with an X-ray imaging detector. Each subsystem may be one of many that could operate with one another to create X-ray images. An association is established between the imaging subsystem and the imaging detector, and a user-perceptible indication of the association is generated. The user may be prompted to confirm the association. Thereafter, the two subsystems may be used together for X-ray imaging. An X-ray source of the imaging subsystem may be disabled until the association is established or until the confirmation is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kadri Nizar Jabri, Gopal Biligeri Avinash, John Michael Sabol, Rajeev Ramankutty Marar
  • Patent number: 8235567
    Abstract: A lighting system is provided that includes an interior trim component having a light transmissive element. The interior trim component is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The vehicle lighting system also includes a light source optically coupled to the light transmissive element at least while the interior trim component is located in the first position. The light source is configured to illuminate a region of a vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Nels Smith, Jeffrey T. Stout, Scott A. Hansen, Ronald A. Bozio
  • Patent number: 8235396
    Abstract: A seal assembly capable of low temperature service is disclosed. It features upper and lower metallic backup rings that are specially shaped to act as a spring to keep the sidewalls of such rings in contact with the inside and outside surfaces to be sealed to prevent extrusion of the seal material even in low temperature situations. Inner and outer grooves are provided. O-ring seals, used for the ID of the seal, are manufactured to have a slightly greater diameter than the groove into which they will be installed. The greater length provides stored energy to promote sealing functionality in cold temperature situations. The O-rings used for the OD of the seal are manufactured to have a slightly smaller diameter than the groove into which they will be installed. The shorter length provides stored energy to promote sealing functionality in cold temperature situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Kendall E. Keene, John C. Vicic
  • Patent number: 8237087
    Abstract: A welding system for welding with wire is disclosed that includes a torque motor in a wire feeder and a pull motor in a welding torch. A wire feed speed may be set by an operator at a power supply or on a wire feeder. Based upon calibration of the pull motor in the torch, upon startup of the welding operation, signals are provided to a pull motor and the torch in an open loop manner with respect to the speed of the pull motor, while the torque motor is driven to maintain a feed force on the welding wire to ensure that the pull motor has welding wire available for feeding. No other coordination is required between the torque motor and the pull motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Quinn W. Schartner, Andrew D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8236894
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymers adapted for shrinkable film applications. In one embodiment, a block copolymer is provided wherein an oriented 2 mil film of the block copolymer oriented at 100° C. or less exhibits less than 10% shrinkage at 70° C., and at least 70% shrinkage at 100° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: John M. Brown, Carleton E. Stouffer, John D. Wilkey
  • Patent number: 8234872
    Abstract: A system includes an air flow conditioner configured to mount in an air chamber separated from a combustion chamber of a turbine combustor. The air flow conditioner comprises a perforated annular wall configured to direct an air flow in both an axial direction and a radial direction relative to an axis of the turbine combustor. In addition, the air flow conditioner is configured to uniformly supply the air flow into air inlets of one or more fuel nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Dwight Berry, Jason Thurman Stewart
  • Patent number: 8236200
    Abstract: A transparent, nano-composite material and methods for making structures from this material are provided. In one embodiment, the material is made from a polycrystalline matrix containing dispersed particles of a harder material. The particles are less then about 100 nm. In other embodiments, methods for making structures from the material are provided. In one aspect, the methods include blending precursor powders for the matrix and reinforcing phases prior to forming and sintering to make a final structure. In other aspects, a precursor powder for the matrix is pressed into a green shape, which is partially sintered and exposed to a solution containing a precursor for the reinforcing phase, prior to be sintered into the final material. In another aspect, the precursor powder for the matrix is coated with a sol-gel precursor for the reinforcing material, then pressed into a green shape and sintered to form the final structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sean Michael Sweeney, Sergio Martins Loureiro, Timothy Yosenick