Patents Assigned to Automation, Inc.
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A UNIFORM BACKLIGHT
    Publication number: 20080080180
    Abstract: An illumination system includes an illumination source such as an array of LED's over which is provided a diffuser. The illumination source provides light which, because of light refraction, radiates generally uniformly from edge to edge of the diffuser. The diffuser may be a planar flat piece of may include a hollow, cup like structure formed by a frame with a cover. The illumination system may be scaled up to provide multiple such illumination devices side by side to provide a greater area or strength of illumination. Multiple systems may utilize multiple diffusers or a single diffuser covering multiple illumination sources. The illumination source may be mounted to a backplate or heatsink which is larger than the illumination source to facilitate the addition of further electronic circuitry and or mounting capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Energy and Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Messina, Sheila Dunn
  • Inventory manager for PCB manufacturing
    Publication number: 20080078834
    Abstract: A method of managing inventory of a printed circuit board assembly line provides an identifier on material to be used on the assembly line. The identifier is scanned with a portable hand-held device prior to machine set up. Based on the scan, a part number of the material is verified. Information is sent to the hand held device so as to instruct an individual associated with the hand held device to perform a specific task, with regard to the assembly line, as indicated on the hand held device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc
    Inventor: Chris Woodward
  • Inventory manager service and assistant for PCB manufacturing
    Publication number: 20080078829
    Abstract: A method of monitoring, in real time, process data of a printed circuit board assembly line includes monitoring status or data from machines (11) in the assembly line. Based on the monitoring step, an order of events to be performed on the assembly line is determined. The determined order identifies a priority event. A user is notified of at least the priority event via at least one hand held device (12) carried by the user. The priority event is then attended to on the assembly line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc
    Inventor: Chris Woodward
  • Method and apparatus for using full-chip thermal analysis of semiconductor chip designs to compute thermal conductance
    Patent number: 7353471
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using full-chip thermal analysis of semiconductor chip designs to compute thermal conductivity is disclosed. One embodiment of a novel method for analyzing the conductivity of a semiconductor chip design that comprises a plurality of physical layers includes defining at least one thermal layer within the plurality of physical layers, where the thermal layer(s) represents a variance in thermal conductivity relative to a remainder of the semiconductor chip design, and computing a thermal conductivity of the thermal layer(s). As the thermal layer(s) represents variances in thermal conductivity over the semiconductor chip design, the thermal layer(s) does not necessarily correspond one-to-one to the physical layers of the semiconductor chip design. Thus, the thermal conductivities within the semiconductor chip design can be computed from the thermal layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Gradient Design Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Rajit Chandra, Adi Srinivasan
  • Flow definition language for designing integrated circuit implementation flows
    Patent number: 7353488
    Abstract: An instance of a flow definition language for designing an integrated circuit implementation flow. The instance of the flow definition language includes a hierarchical collection of stages for a physical chip design. Relational constraints define the execution order of a plurality of tasks in the hierarchical collection of stages. Parameters customize the plurality of tasks. The relational constraints and parameters are hierarchically defined, such that higher order definitions in the hierarchical collection of stages override lower level definitions of the relational constraints and parameterized knobs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Magma Design Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Coffin, Peter Dahl, Cheng-yeh Yen
  • Devices, systems, and methods for coupling electrical wiring
    Patent number: 7347739
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a connector, which can define a plurality of cages. The plurality of cages can define a plurality of cage openings. The connector can comprise a plurality of pins, which can be disposed in an alternating proximal-distal relationship with respect to the co-planar plurality of cage openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Ned Cox
  • Meter socket assembly
    Patent number: 7347722
    Abstract: A meter socket assembly comprising a meter jaw assembly and an extended bus bar for contact with a meter blade of a watt hour meter. The meter jaw assembly further comprises a meter jaw and a jaw spring guide that are mounted together by a fastening device to the extended bus bar. The extended bus bar comprises a chamfered terminal end and cutout portion to easily accept the meter blade. The jaw spring guide overlies the meter jaw and applies a bias force inward to urge the contact face of the meter jaw toward the extended bus bar closing any insertion space and guaranteeing tight contact with the meter blade. A meter socket guide snaps on to the bus bar to maintain the alignment of meter jaw with watt-hour meter blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Fan Zhang, Kenneth Rogers, Roland Montalbo
  • System for ventilating a motor
    Patent number: 7348697
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a system comprising: a motor stator comprising: a motor frame comprising a core shell adapted to surround a stator core comprising: a plurality of panels; a plurality of apertures located in one or more of said panels; and a first plurality of non-destructively removable plates adapted to effect a first direction of stator core air flow by impeding airflow through a first selectable sub-plurality of said plurality of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Kreitzer
  • Integral center plane balancing of a rotating electric device
    Patent number: 7343663
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide a rotating machine assembly comprising a rotor machine assembly including a shaft, a plurality of laminations shrink fit around the circumference of the shaft, and weights affixed therebetween the laminations for balancing the rotating machine assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hodowanec, Rajendra V. Mistry
  • Parametric timing analysis
    Patent number: 7346874
    Abstract: Electronic Design Automation tools are used to aid in the design and verification of integrated circuits. As part of the verification process, circuit designs are analyzed with respect to their timing performance. Timing analysis is susceptible to variation in circuit components due to fabrication process variation. Process variation is introduced as worst-case conditions or statistical probabilities. More accurate process variation is modeled by for timing sensitivity with Parametric Elmore Delay. Parametric Elmore Delay introduces effects on circuit components as parameters in the conventional Elmore Delay definition to model fabrication process variation in the timing analysis. Delay variance demonstrates sensitivities to process and design factors. Parametric timing analysis is used to anticipate fabrication yield and identify potential improvements in the design or fabrication process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Magma Design Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Burks
  • Large envelope on-edge stacking conveyor
    Patent number: 7344134
    Abstract: A stacking apparatus for stacking a plurality of flat articles on edge is provided that receives articles in an article receiver that includes a stop wall to receive the front edge of each article and stop horizontal motion of the article and a rotatable segmented roller for receiving the bottom edge of each article. The segmented roller is rotatable about a central axis of the cylinder and includes a planar surface, the planar surface receiving the bottom edge of each flat article when the planar surface is in a horizontal position. The segmented roller is rotatable from a stopped position wherein the planar surface is in the horizontal position to form a gap to receive the bottom edge of one article at a time to a rotating configuration wherein the cylindrical outer surface of the segmented roller drives the one article against a stacking conveyor bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: KFW Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Keane, Donato C. Farole, Mark W. Ricker, Kurt D. Schultz
  • Method for ventilating a motor
    Patent number: 7345385
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a system comprising: a motor stator comprising: a motor frame comprising a core shell adapted to surround a stator core comprising: a plurality of panels; a plurality of apertures located in one or more of said panels; and a first plurality of non-destructively removable plates adapted to effect a first direction of stator core air flow by impeding airflow through a first selectable sub-plurality of said plurality of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Kreitzer
  • Method and apparatus for inspecting a pallet
    Patent number: 7340971
    Abstract: A system and method for inspecting pallets verifies a pallet meets dimensional and structural integrity requirements for transporting a load. The method and automated system verify that a pallet is within tolerances for dimensions, the load-bearing surface of the pallet is free from large voids or damage, and that the pallet is able to withstand stress associated with a load and with transport. Pallets are rejected when one or more defects are found in the pallet as determined by signals from various inspection stations generated in response to performance of structural tests on the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Carter Industrial Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Carter, Risto Salo
  • Material handling system with dynamic source tagging
    Patent number: 7341199
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of selectively applying a particular label from a plurality of different types of labels includes providing a label application apparatus that is adapted to selectively apply at least one of a plurality of different types of labels to an article. An article is identified. The label application apparatus is controlled to selectively apply at least one of a plurality of different labels to the article as a function of the identity of that article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe D Dunlap, Jr.
  • Numeric and text paging with an integral PLC modem
    Patent number: 7343004
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising formatting a message at a first modem integral to a first programmable logic controller, and transmitting the formatted message from the first modem via a communications network. At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a means for formatting a message at a modem integral to a programmable logic controller, and means for transmitting the formatted message from the modem via a communications network. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Temple Fulton, Steven Michael Hausman
  • System and method for detecting motor run condition
    Patent number: 7342371
    Abstract: A motor control system for detecting motor run condition comprises power switches for connection to an AC line for controlling application of AC power to the motor. An input receives a motor start command. A controller is connected to the input and controls operation of the switches responsive to a motor start command. The controller includes a counter and a timer and is operable to disable the power switches if number of starts during a select interval exceeds a first threshold and to disable the power switches if motor run time after a motor start command exceeds a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Zuzuly, Scott Mayhew
  • Compact Processing Apparatus
    Publication number: 20080056856
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus including a chamber capable of holding an isolated atmosphere and having a front and rear disposed along a longitudinal axis and a transport apparatus located in the chamber, and having twin scara arms and a drive section with a coaxial drive shaft assembly, each shaft of which being operably connected to at least one rotatable link of both scara arms to move the twin scara arms, wherein movement of one of the twin scara arms mirrors movement of another of the twin scara arms across the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander G. Krupyshev, Mitchell Drew
  • Method of estimating performance of integrated circuit designs by finding scalars for strongly coupled components
    Patent number: 7340698
    Abstract: A technique to verify, evaluate, and estimate the performance of an integrated circuit is embodied in a computer software program that is executable by a computer system. When simulating performance, scalars for transient performance are determined for strongly couple components. The technique accurately estimates of the performance (e.g., transient delays) of an integrated circuit, and has fast execution times. The technique is applicable to small circuits having relatively few transistors, and especially well suited for integrated circuits having millions of transistors and components. The technique handles the effects of deep-submicron integrated circuit technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Magma Design Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Arvind Srinivasan, Haroon Chaudhri
  • Automated design process and chip description system
    Patent number: 7340696
    Abstract: An automated design process and chip description system is disclosed. The automated design process and chip description system compensates for the loss in design information that occurs when the design is represented in traditional functional descriptions. The automated design process includes the steps of processing a design definition according to a functional description and generating a modified design output such that communication between design process steps is seamless. The chip description system comprises a storage element and a functional element, wherein a first design object couples to a second design object such that the coupling uses at least one functional element to access one or more storage elements usable by the chip description system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Archpro Design Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Srikanth Jadcherla
  • Method, system, and computer readable medium for specifying a customized electric motor
    Patent number: 7340416
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a computer-assisted method for specifying a customized product, the method comprising: responsive to a request for product information from a user, identifying the product; if a standard product corresponds to the identified product: automatically initiating transmission of at least one document related to the standard product to the user in real-time; and if no standard product corresponds to the identified product: electronically forwarding the request for product information to an engineering entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: John Larabee, Brian Pellegrino