Patents Examined by Crystal J Barnes Bullock
  • Patent number: 12052459
    Abstract: A thermostat with interactive features and a system and a method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the thermostat, the thermostat receives various types of thermostat data such as information about display-based interactions with the thermostat, information about a plurality of amenities on a residential property co-located with the thermostat, and information from a proximate wireless-enabled programmable device interacting with the thermostat. The thermostat may render a map view of the property based on obtained map data. The map view may include an interactive graphical representation of the residential property and be annotated with at least a portion of the thermostat data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Enseo, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Miller, Vanessa Ogle, William C. Fang
  • Patent number: 12027853
    Abstract: A system of modules which control and measure energy usage at a building which are in communication with a software program executing on a remote server controlled by a third party. The third party said usage via the software program which communicates with the modules to modify energy usage and demand for energy and is responsible or liable for energy usage charges the building where the third party does not actually use the energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Budderfly, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Subbloie
  • Patent number: 12026002
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for providing energy system status information. A status indication device may be mounted near an entry door for determining when an individual is about to leave an area. When the status indication device determines that an individual is about to leave an area, it displays an energy status to the individual, so that the individual can decide whether to place energy-consuming devices in a conservation mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: ECOLINK INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Lamb
  • Patent number: 12012309
    Abstract: An intuitive control system for lifting equipment is described. The intuitive control system translates user defined inputs into machine expressions of movement that are in turn used to control a construction lift or similar piece of construction equipment. Orientation and relative position sensors may be incorporated into the translation and control system for correct user control of the lifting equipment in various operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Construction Robotics, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Lawrence Peters, Glenn Dayton White
  • Patent number: 11986690
    Abstract: The method of maintaining a first flow rate through a first valve in a fluid delivery system, the fluid delivery system including a and a plurality of fluid valves in fluid communication with the pump, and a controller controlling the pressure generated by the pump and the position of the plurality of valves. The method includes providing the first flow rate of a fluid pressurized by the pump through the first valve, receiving a request for a second flow rate of the fluid through a second valve, determining a predicted effect on the first flow rate based on the request, adjusting at least one of the position of the first valve and the pressure generated by the pump to maintain the first flow rate based on the predicted effect, and adjusting the position of the second valve to provide the second flow rate of the fluid through the second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric N. Combs, Donald E. Sjolin, Frederic J. Einstein, Kevin McGuire, Lee R. Jones, John E. McLoughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Kiam Meng Toh, Kyle A. Stoops
  • Patent number: 11979023
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining relative value of loads. In one embodiment the method comprises determining, for a load in a plurality of loads where (i) each load in the plurality has a weight and a value associated with it and (ii) the plurality is operating according to a primary solution where a net weight of all loads with an activated state satisfies a primary threshold, a change in operating state; determining a secondary solution for a subset of loads not including the load having the change, such that a net weight of all loads in the subset with an activated state satisfies a secondary threshold based on the primary threshold; and determining, based on the values of loads in the subset that have operating states in the secondary solution different from their operating states in the primary solution, an updated value for the load having the change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Richard Zimmanck
  • Patent number: 11971186
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus performs a first estimation process based on a data set including a combination of information indicating a situation and information on power consumption when a first air conditioner, installed in a predetermined location, has been operated. The first estimation process is a process of estimating information on power consumption when the first air conditioner, installed in the predetermined location, is operated in a predetermined situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Tadafumi Nishimura, Kouji Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 11953223
    Abstract: Detector (300) detects information regarding air quality. First communicator (330) is compatible with a first system for controlling equipment. Second communicator (340) is compatible with a second system for accumulating the information regarding the air quality. Controller (310) transmits the information regarding the air quality to the second system based on a state of the information regarding the air quality having been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11927357
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of thermostats corresponding to a plurality of HVAC systems that serve a plurality of spaces and a computing system communicable with the plurality of thermostats via a network. The computing system is configured to, for each space of the plurality of spaces, obtain a set of training data relating to thermal behavior of the space, identify a model of thermal behavior of the space based on the set of training data, perform a model predictive control process using the model of thermal behavior of the space to obtain a temperature setpoint for the space, and provide the temperature setpoint to the thermostat corresponding to the HVAC system serving the space. The plurality of thermostats are configured to control the plurality of HVAC systems in accordance with the temperature setpoints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Kerry M. Bell, Bridget E. Kapler, Alan S. Schwegler, Leyla Mousavi, Kierstyn R. Robbins, Robert D. Turney, Matthew J. Ellis, Michael J. Wenzel, Mohammad N. ElBsat, Juan Esteban Tapiero Bernal, Brennan H. Fentzlaff
  • Patent number: 11916377
    Abstract: A control system (300) allows recognized standard premise electrical outlets, for example NEMA, CEE and BS, among others to be remotely monitored and/or controlled, for example, to intelligently execute blackouts or brownouts or to otherwise remotely control electrical devices. The system (300) includes a number of smart receptacles (302) that communicate with a local controller (304), e.g., via power lines using the TCP/IP protocol. The local controller (304), in turn, communicates with a remote controller (308) via the internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Zonit Structured Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Chapel, William Pachoud
  • Patent number: 11904887
    Abstract: A traveling vehicle travels along a traveling path and includes a main body, a traveler to allow a main body to travel along the traveling path, an LED array provided at the main body to switch a display manner according to a state of the traveling vehicle, an imager to capture an image of the LED array at a traveling vehicle located ahead of the traveling vehicle, and a controller configured or programmed to acquire a state of the traveling vehicle ahead based on the display manner captured by the imager, and to control the traveler of the traveling vehicle based on the acquired state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventors: Munekuni Oshima, Taiji Yamashita, Seiji Yamagami
  • Patent number: 11906984
    Abstract: Provided is a concentration control system that has only a small time delay, obtains accurate estimated values, and also enables partial pressure control having improved responsiveness and accuracy. The system includes a flow rate control device provided on a supply flow path that supplies gas to a chamber, and controls a flow rate of a gas in the supply flow path to match a set flow rate, a partial pressure measurement device for a gas inside the chamber, an observer having a model which estimates a state of the gas inside the chamber, where a flow rate of the gas flowing into the chamber and measured partial pressures are input into the model, and an estimated partial pressure of the gas within the chamber is output, and a controller that, based on a set partial pressure and on the estimated partial pressure, sets the set flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kotaro Takijiri, Ojiro Takamune
  • Patent number: 11842307
    Abstract: A method may include receiving, via at least one processor of a cloud-computing system, an indication that a portion of a workflow is complete. Here, the workflow is associated with commissioning one or more well devices at a hydrocarbon site. The method may then include identifying one or more subsequent portions of the workflow to be performed and sending the one or more subsequent portions to one or more computing devices associated with one or more users assigned to the one or more well devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Sensia Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Andrew Weatherhead, Edward Anthony Gray
  • Patent number: 11832562
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing nutrients to a plant are provided herein in which a feed solution containing water and solubilized nutrients are delivered to the plant at a desired ratio of concentration of water to fertilizer at each watering event in order to provide the plant with a consistent water to mineral ratio within their vascular system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Gordon Arthur Redman
  • Patent number: 11824351
    Abstract: A system and method for dynamically and automatically adjusting the load on a power grid through micro adjustments of equipment coupled to the consumer side of the power grid. The system allowing for the automatic adjustment of equipment to either decrease or increase instantaneous power demand on the grid in response to peak demands and demand valleys to smooth the demand curve on the power grid. The system able to balance demand within the grid to adjust demand within various different portions of the power grid and allowing for reducing the power buffer supplied by electric utilities to reduce waste and carbon emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Budderfly, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Subbloie, Christopher J. DeBenedictis, Kenneth Buda, Jaan Leemet
  • Patent number: 11820036
    Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate generally to facilitate performing a task on a surface such as woodworking or printing. More specifically, in some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to mapping the surface of the material and determining the precise location of a tool in reference to the surface of a material. Some embodiments relate to obtaining and relating a design with the map of the material or displaying the current position of the tool on a display device. In some embodiments, the present disclosure facilitates adjusting, moving or auto-correcting the tool along a predetermined path such as, e.g., a cutting or drawing path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Shaper Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Alec Rothmyer Rivers, Ilan Ellison Moyer
  • Patent number: 11811549
    Abstract: A control system may comprise a plurality of audio output devices (e.g., controllable speakers), and a remote control device having at least one button for selecting a preset, where the preset defines different commands for at least two of the audio output devices. The at least two audio output devices may be configured to be controlled according to the different commands (e.g., starting, pausing, or stopping playback, adjusting volume, etc.) in response to an actuation of the button of the remote control device. The control system may also comprise a load control device, such as a dimmer configured to control an intensity of a lighting load to a predetermined intensity in response to the actuation of the button of the remote control device to select the preset. The audio output device may be configured to play a feedback signal indicating an operational characteristic of the dimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Christopher M. Jones, Neil R. Orchowski, David T. Saveri, III
  • Patent number: 11810090
    Abstract: A key-duplicating system comprises a network that includes a multiplicity of kiosks at a multiplicity of different locations, each of the kiosks having a customer interface and a processor coupled to the customer interface. A remote central server coupled to the kiosks is adapted to receive, from the kiosks, information identifying master keys to be duplicated. A key analysis module uses the information identifying master keys to be duplicated to derive information required to produce duplicates of the identified master keys, and a key duplicating module uses that information to produce duplicates of said identified master keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Freeman
  • Patent number: 11797652
    Abstract: An execution plan segment of an execution plan can be received at a control unit of a computer numerically controlled machine from a general purpose computer. The execution plan segment can define operations for causing movement of a moveable head of the computer numerically controlled machine to deliver electromagnetic energy to effect a change in a material within an interior space of the computer numerically controlled machine. The execution plan segment can include a predefined safe pausing point from which the execution plan can be restarted while minimizing a difference in appearance of a finished work-product relative to if a pause and restart are not necessary. Operations of the computer numerically controlled machine can be commenced only after determining that the execution plan segment has been received up to and including the predefined safe pausing point by the computer numerically controlled machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Glowforge, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Shapiro, Mark Gosselin, Anthony Wright, Dean Putney, Timothy Ellis, Lauren Banka
  • Patent number: 11781769
    Abstract: Techniques for performing an emissions demand response event are described. In an example, a cloud-based HVAC control server system receives an emissions rate forecast for a predefined future time period. Using the emissions rate forecast, a plurality of emissions differential values are created for a plurality of points in time during the predefined future time period. The emissions differential values represent a change in predicted emissions over time. Based on the plurality of emissions differential values and a predefined maximum number of emissions demand response events, an emissions demand response event is generated during the predefined future time period. The cloud-based HVAC control server system then causes a thermostat to control an HVAC system in accordance with the generated emissions demand response event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Y. Chang, Kristoffer J. Donhowe, Ramya Bhagavatula, Jeffrey Gleeson, Kevin Chen