Patents Examined by David Martin
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Patent number: 6972541Abstract: An inverter control device for driving a motor with small size, light weight and low cost is provided. The inverter control device generates PN voltage correction coefficient by dividing the reference DC voltage by the detected DC voltage, and corrects the voltage command of each phase by multiplying the voltage command of each phase obtained by the motor voltage command generator with the PN voltage correction coefficient output from the PN voltage corrector, thus resulting in the corrected motor voltage command. The inverter control device has, in generating PN voltage correction coefficient, a first mode in which the PN voltage correction coefficient is set to 1 when the DC voltage value is more than the reference DC voltage, and a second mode in which the value obtained by dividing the reference DC voltage by the detected DC voltage is set to the PN voltage correction coefficient.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Matsushiro, Mitsuo Kawaji, Tomohiro Sugimoto
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Patent number: 6969963Abstract: The motor driver having a plurality of output circuits each having two switching elements connected in series includes: a phase switch circuit for putting a switching element on one side of one output circuit among the plurality of output circuits in the ON state during a time period corresponding to a predetermined electrical angle, and performing switching operation for switching elements on the other side of plural output circuits among the remaining output circuits; and a conduction period control section. The conduction period control section generates a signal for controlling the switching operation. Specifically, when the number of times of switching operation performed during the time period corresponding to the predetermined electrical angle is equal to or less than a predetermined value, a switching element corresponding to a phase, for which the magnitude of the current should be decreased, is turned OFF in the time period corresponding to the next predetermined electrical angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hirofumi Sakai, Tomoharu Yokouchi, Ken Maruyama
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Patent number: 6967457Abstract: In order to produce a monitoring device for checking for a predefined position of a body or checking for the presence of a body, comprising a pivotal check element, a motor for driving the checking element and a housing for accommodating the motor, which will be universally employable especially in difficult working surroundings, it is proposed that a seal be arrangement between the checking element and the housing around a shaft by means of which the checking element is driven.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2001Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Middex-Electronic GmbHInventor: Rainer Ludwig
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Patent number: 6967277Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a new device and technique to realize a utilization for providing a system, method, and apparatus for providing an improved audio tone control and generation. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for an electronically improved audio tone control and generation that is adaptable for utilization in cooperation with a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (“MIDI”). In a business method embodiment, the user may pay a monthly fee or a licensing fee for an audio tone control and generation service, or alternatively may pay a per-session fee or a fee based upon data size and/or amount of data manipulation.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Inventor: William Querfurth
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Patent number: 6965207Abstract: A power window apparatus includes an operation switch for causing a window glass to move when operated. The operation switch generates an input signal having a ground level when operated. A microcomputer drives a motor in response to an input signal. A down terminal and an up terminal are used to connect the operation switch and the microcomputer to each other. A ground terminal is used to connect the operation switch and ground to each other. A battery terminal is used to connect the operation switch and a power supply to each other. When operated, the operation switch connects the down terminal or the up terminal to the ground terminal and generates an input signal having the ground level in the down terminal or the up terminal. When not operated, the operation switch connects the down terminal and the up terminal to the power supply terminal.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Katsutoshi Terakawa, Satoshi Sugimoto, Tomohiro Igawa
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Patent number: 6965543Abstract: A radio controllable clock includes an analog display having a plurality of clock hands each fastened to a uniquely associated one of a plurality of clock hand shafts that each rotate about a common axis. The clock also includes a plurality of rotary gears each uniquely associated with one of the clock hand shafts, for rotating the clock hand shafts. Each rotary gear has a face perpendicular to the common axis, wherein each of the rotary gears includes a protrusion extending substantially perpendicular from the face. A microcontroller provides a plurality of drive command signals and the rotary gears are driven responsive to the drive command signals. A reset claw is operably positioned to engage at least one of the protrusions to stop the rotation of the clock hand shaft associated with the protrusion in order to position the clock hand associated with the protrusion at a datum position.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Kienzle Time (Hong Kong) LimitedInventors: Wai Ki Shum, Wan Sang Chan
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Patent number: 6960896Abstract: A programmable high-speed motor torque controller is provided. A current mode PWM controller widely used in the switching power supply is utilized to perform a real-time hardware control on the operating current of a motor. A microprocessor is used as an operating and controlling interface. By means of the output signal from the switching element of the current-limiting switching controller, the gate switch elements (MOSFET/IGBT) are further controlled so as to control the real operating current of the motor. Therefore, at a cost of approximately one tenth of the digital signal processor, the programmable high-speed motor torque controller can achieve the functions similar to the digital signal processor. Furthermore, a set of built-in power loop switch can be provided to interrupt the current loop of the motor upon reverse rotation without the requirement of power output, thereby largely reducing the drag force of motor upon reverse rotation.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2004Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Welltek Energy Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ying-Haw Shu, Pei-Chang Chiang, Pin-Yen Ma
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Patent number: 6958585Abstract: A windshield wiper system activated by sensing rainwater via a rain sensor placed inside the wiping pattern when a multifunction switch lever is in automatic mode. A rain sensor module activates a relay for low speeds and/or a relay for high speeds depending on the detected amount of rainwater. A first voltage detecting means detects battery voltage, a second voltage detecting means detects voltage of an automatic signal, and a microcomputer adjusts the sensitivity of the rain sensor based on a voltage ratio of the automatic signal voltage and the battery voltage. A reformed wiring structure connects the multifunction switch and the rain sensor module, which contributes to a reduction of the weight and cost of the wiring harness. The sensitivity of the rain sensor is not affected by a voltage change.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Ill-Soo Kim
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Patent number: 6951262Abstract: Methods and apparatus for suppression of wave energy within a fluid-filled borehole using a low pressure acoustic barrier. In one embodiment, a flexible diaphragm type device is configured as an open bottomed tubular structure for disposition in a borehole to be filled with a gas to create a barrier to wave energy, including tube waves. In another embodiment, an expandable umbrella type device is used to define a chamber in which a gas is disposed. In yet another embodiment, a reverse acting bladder type device is suspended in the borehole. Due to its reverse acting properties, the bladder expands when internal pressure is reduced, and the reverse acting bladder device extends across the borehole to provide a low pressure wave energy barrier.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventor: Phillip B. West
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Patent number: 6949903Abstract: When digitizing a voltage, a capacitor is charged, through an impedance, to a voltage value (Um) dependent on the voltage to be digitized. The limits of that one of a plurality of voltage ranges in which said voltage value (Um) lies, are ascertained, and the two limits of that voltage range are defined as a first limit and second limit; the voltage at the capacitor is modified to the first limit by a charge modification circuit containing an impedance, and a first time interval needed therefor is identified; the voltage at the capacitor is modified to the second limit; the voltage at the capacitor is modified from the second to the first limit via the charge modification circuit. A seond time interval needed therefor is identified. Based on values of the first time interval and second time interval, a digital value is calculated, which serves as an indication of how much the voltage value (Um) at the capacitor differs from one of said two limits.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: ebm-papst St. Georgen GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hansjorg Berroth, Arnold Kuner, Hans-Dieter Schondelmaier
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Patent number: 6946595Abstract: Each time a predetermined type of note controlling performance data (e.g., note-on event data) is detected from among a series of performance data, deviation values for a plurality of channels, varying in deviation state among the channels, are set such that a control value of a predetermined tone characteristic (e.g., event generation timing), included in the note controlling performance data, is caused to vary among the plurality of channels. Then, values, obtained by causing the control value vary among the plurality of channels in accordance with the respective deviation values of the channels, are set as new control values for the corresponding channels. Then, for each of the channels, there is created note controlling performance data of the predetermined type having the corresponding new control value incorporated therein. A break of a phrase in performance data may be detected so that control can be performed per phrase.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Motoichi Tamura, Yasuyuki Umeyama
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Patent number: 6943520Abstract: Disclosed is a biped walking mobile system which achieves stability without altering a preestablished gait, and a walk controller and control method therefor. The biped walking mobile apparatus includes a gait former for forming gait data and a walk controller for controlling actions of the drive means based on the gait data. The walk controller includes a ZMP compensator, including: a ZMP sensor, a ZMP converter for computing a ZMP target value based on the gait data from the gait former, and a ZMP compensating stage for comparing the actual measurement value of ZMP detected by the ZMP sensor with the ZMP target value from the ZMP converter to modify the targeted angular velocity and acceleration in the gait data and thereby to compensate or correct the ZMP target value. Thus, the targeted angular path of movement in the gait data remains unaltered when the ZMP target value is compensated.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Japan Science and Technology AgencyInventors: Takayuki Furuta, Ken Tomiyama, Hiroaki Kitano
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Patent number: 6940240Abstract: A movable barrier operator can use (11) a first technique to prevent an excess application of force during controlled movement of a movable barrier (43) and at least a second technique (12) to similarly prevent an excess application of force during such movement. Both techniques can then be utilized to determine (13) when an application of excess force may nevertheless occur and not be reasonably avoided. In one embodiment, two techniques (21 and 22) can be used to detect force as applied during movement of the movable barrier and such information can be used to determine (23) whether applied force is being reliably indicated. In another embodiment, travel limit information (51), travel information (52) and travel history information (53) are utilized to assess whether normal operation of the movable barrier operator should be over-ridden (54) due to a possibly expression of undue force.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: Barbara P. Kelkhoff, James J. Fitzgibbon, Colin B. Wilmott
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Patent number: 6940242Abstract: A control system is provided for a multiphase motor having a plurality of stator phase components, each stator phase component comprising a phase winding formed on a core element, and a rotor. A plurality of motor control schemes are stored in memory or calculated dynamically during motor operation. Subject to user or system selection, one of the motor control schemes is selected by a controller for implementation. The controller generates control signals that are applied to energization circuitry for supplying current to the phase windings with a particular current waveform profile in accordance with the selected motor control scheme. The controller has an input terminal for receiving a user initiated torque command signal representing a desired motor torque. Each motor control scheme provides motor driving current that corresponds to torque command signals received at the controller input terminal.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Wavecrest Laboratories, LLCInventors: Boris A. Maslov, Matthew G. Feemster, Guohui Yuan
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Patent number: 6940239Abstract: In a PWM-controlled motor driving device, a phase current is prevented from undergoing an abrupt transition at phase current switching points, thereby reducing vibrations and noise of the motor. A PWM control section produces two independent PWM control pulse signals P1 and P2. Two energized phases, which are determined by an energization switching section, are energized with PWM control in parallel according to the PWM control pulse signals P1 and P2. A comparison section compares a current detection signal DS, which indicates the level of the current flowing through a motor coil, with various torque command signals TQ1, TQ2 and TQ3, which are produced by a torque command signal generation section. A masking section masks comparison results CR1 and CR2 as necessary. Thus, an ON period of the PWM control pulse signal P1 and that of the PWM control pulse signal P2 are determined.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Taishi Iwanaga, Yasunori Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6940250Abstract: In a synchronous motor control device that corrects a deviation in rotational position which is related to a rotational position detector for a synchronous motor on which vector-control is performed, the synchronous motor control device includes: a current instruction generator that disables a torque instruction to set d-axis and q-axis current instructions as zero when a phase correction instruction is inputted; a current controller that outputs d-axis and q-axis voltage instructions based on the d-axis and q-axis current instructions; a phase correction quantity detector for determining the amount of offset in which the d-axis voltage instruction becomes zero when the phase correction instruction is inputted and the d-axis voltage instruction is not zero; an adder for adding a rotor positional angle and the amount of offset; and a voltage converter for determining three-phase voltage instructions based on the additional value, the d-axis and q-axis voltage instructions.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinji Nishimura, Masakazu Nakayama
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Patent number: 6938728Abstract: An air induction assembly includes a tuning tube that is integrally formed with an air duct having a distal tube end extending into a resonance chamber. The air duct includes a shoulder portion that transitions into a base end of the tuning tube. The shoulder portion has a greater diameter than the tuning tube and defines an external duct surface. The resonance chamber includes an opening for receiving the tuning tube. A flange surrounds the opening and defines an external resonance chamber surface. The external resonance chamber surface abuts against the external duct surface to define an attachment interface. The assembly is welded at the attachment interface to securely attach the resonance chamber to the air duct.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.Inventors: David J. Chae, Bryan P. Bestvater, Brian DeBacker, Arden G. Stass, Jason Pettipiece
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Patent number: 6938727Abstract: A fan shroud includes a fan shroud portion having a surface including an aperture. A cooling fan is supported proximate to the aperture for permitting air flow through the fan shroud from the environment to the engine compartment. An air intake portion is supported on the fan shroud portion. The air intake portion and the fan shroud portion together define at least a portion of an air passageway having an inlet for receiving ambient air and an outlet for connection to an engine throttle. The fan shroud portion and air intake portion may respectively include first and second circumferential portions that define the air passageway.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.Inventor: Zhouxuan Xia
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Patent number: 6940711Abstract: An electronic energy meter and its package is described in which the meter package has a reduced number of parts, and the main circuit board assembly has the metering electronics on board, thereby eliminating the need for flying leads and point-to-point wiring within the package. The energy meter includes a first enclosure portion, a circuit board assembly for performing metering functions, a partial terminal block, and a second enclosure portion. The first and second enclosure portions are mateable with each other to form a meter package, in which the circuit board assembly and partial terminal block are at least partially contained within the meter package.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Elster Electricity, LLCInventors: Peter W. Heuell, Garry M. Loy, Russell C. Broome, Lars Anders Lindqvist
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Patent number: 6935461Abstract: The exhaust sound and emission control system is a system for reducing sound and noxious emissions from an automotive exhaust. The system may have an exhaust resonator having one or more catalytic converter elements in combination therewith in a single device. Alternatively, the system may have multiple angularly disposed chambers therein, with a series of V-shaped baffles or guides in one of the chambers, thereby combining resonator and muffler functions in a single device. In another alternative, the system has a series of longitudinal tubes therein, in combination with a series of V-shaped guides or vanes, combining catalytic converter, muffler, and resonator functions in a single device. The various elements of the different embodiments, e.g. catalytic converter element(s), double wall shell, perforated tubes and multiple flow paths, interconnecting crossover tubes, etc., may be combined with one another as practicable.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Inventor: Gregory M. Marocco