Patents Examined by Douglas S. Lee
  • Patent number: 9002529
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for power control. An apparatus for power control in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can include: a voltage comparing part configured to compute an error voltage by using a measured voltage measured at the generator and a reference voltage that is designated; a control module configured to compute a first reactive power value for power control of the generator by being inputted with the error voltage; and a driving module configured to compute a reference reactive power value by using the first reactive power value and a second reactive power value computed using an active power value of the power converter and configured to control the power converter in correspondence with the computed reference reactive power value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Heavy Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee Sang Ko, Jung Hoon Kim, Won Deok Baek, Tai Yeon Cho
  • 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: 8185244
    Abstract: An amount of time that air has been delivered from an air handler to a space is tracked, and based on the tracked amount of time, at least one turn-on time or one turn-off time of the delivery of air from the air handler to the space is controlled. Other features relate, among other things, to controlling a replacement air vent, and to user interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Tuckernuck Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Jason Wolfson
  • Patent number: 8099194
    Abstract: Included are embodiments for demand control. At least one embodiment of a method includes sending a first control signal, the first control signal configured to indicate a first supply for an environment, the first supply based on a first environmental factor and a control setting and determining a change in a second environmental factor. Some embodiments include calculating a second supply for the environment, based on the determined change and sending a second control signal, the second control signal configured to indicate the second supply for the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Prenova, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Chambers, Kenneth Van Meter
  • Patent number: 8046116
    Abstract: An adjustable bed is associated with a second system and both the bed and the second system are controlled by a modular control system. The modular controller further facilitates using a global command input to control both the bed and the second system. In an embodiment the modular control system includes a touchscreen for accepting user input to control the bed and the second system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Martin B Rawls-Meehan
  • Patent number: 8041464
    Abstract: A knowledge-based system is defined that ensures network radiatity during reconfiguration of a power distribution system. Network radiality heuristics idenufy a pair of switching operations that will preserve radiality. A line section table specifies the line section identifier, start bus, end bus, line section type, and switch existence for each line section in the network. A bus table identifies the line section that supplies the bus and those line sections that are fed by the bus for each bus in the network. A matrix-structured knowledge base with five distinct rule bases is used. The line section and bus tables must be updated after any switching operations are enacted. Extensive simulations of the knowledge-based system revealed that a solution was found in a time-efficient manner. This knowledge-based system enhances network reliability and hence prevents power outages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventors: Ashu M. G. Solo, Robert John Sarfi, Ramakrishna Gokaraju
  • Patent number: 8036764
    Abstract: A method is used for providing sensing data to a control system of a machine. The method may include providing a plurality of virtual sensors, each of which may have a model type, at least one input parameter, and at least one output parameter. The method may also include integrating the plurality of virtual sensors into a virtual sensor network; determining interdependencies among the plurality of virtual sensors; and obtaining operational information of the plurality of virtual sensors. Further, the method may include determining a first condition under which the virtual sensor network is unfit to provide one or more virtual sensor output parameter to the control system based on the determined interdependencies and the operational information; and presenting the determined first condition to the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Grichnik, James Mason, Tim Felty
  • Patent number: 8036763
    Abstract: A system and method for predicting operation of a plant or process receive an input value from the plant or process. An integrity of a non-linear model corresponding to a local input space of the input value may be determined. The non-linear model may include an empirical representation of the plant or process. If the integrity is above a first threshold, non-linear model may be used to provide a first output value. However, if the integrity is below the first threshold, a linearized first principles model may be used to provide a second output value. The linearized first principles model may include an analytic representation of the plant or process. Additionally, the analytic representation of the plant or process may be independent of the empirical representation of the plant or process. The first output value and/or the second output value may be usable to manage the plant or process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Boe, Gregory D. Martin, Stephen W. Piche
  • Patent number: 8024076
    Abstract: A plurality of buses of an electrical power system are grouped into agents, family lines of agents and families of agents based on the reactive reserves depleted when the buses are loaded. Contingencies are applied and the reactive reserves are monitored to determine an exhaustion factor for one or more family lines in one or more families. A boundary case solution exists for each outage that has no solution when the outage is removed in small steps and an additional step has no solution and is used to assess where, why, and how the contingency causes voltage instability, voltage collapse and local blackout. Based on this information, the voltage rescheduling, active rescheduling, unit commitment and load shedding is determined that can be used as preventive, corrective or emergency controls in system design and planning, operation planning, reactive and voltage management, real time control, and Special Protection System Control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Intelilcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Schlueter, Benjamin Ashton Minshall, Ryan Joseph Hunt
  • Patent number: 8019479
    Abstract: A pumping system includes a pump for moving water. In one aspect, this is in connection with performance of an operation. The system includes a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump. A value indicative of flow rate of water is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow rate indicative value toward a constant. A value indicative of flow pressure is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow pressure indicative value toward a constant. A selection is made between flow rate control and flow pressure control. In another aspect, the pump is controlled to perform a first operation, and is operated to perform a second water operation. Control of operation of the pump to perform the first water operation is altered in response to operation of the pump to perform the second operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, Everett Cox, Donald Steen, Kevin Murphy, Walter J. Woodcock, Jr., Daniel J. Hruby, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen, Gert Kjaer, Einar Kjartan Runarsson, Arne Fink Hansen, Alberto Morando, Florin Lungeanu, Nils-Ole Harvest
  • Patent number: 8019447
    Abstract: A method to control a device may include forming an integrated simulation model of an actual environment in which the device is or will be operating. The integrated simulation model may be formed using pre-existing data and real-time data related to the actual environment. The method may also include presenting a simulation including a representation of the device operable in the integrated simulation model of the actual environment and allowing control of operation of the simulation of the device in the integrated simulation model of the actual environment. The method may further include controlling operation of the device in the actual environment using the simulation of the representation of the device in the integrated simulation model of the actual environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Zachary C. Hoisington, Blaine K. Rawdon
  • Patent number: 8014894
    Abstract: The present invention is related to manufacturing surfaces with an axis decentered from the spindle axis. In particular, the present invention is related to compensating for tool geometry in cutting processes that involve an oscillating tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Stephen Kendig, Cornelius Daniel Niculas, Jason Emanuele Molinari, Nelson David Baity
  • Patent number: 8014904
    Abstract: A plurality of receptacles in an irrigation controller removably receive a plurality of modules. At least one station module is configured for insertion into a first one of the receptacles and is connectable to a corresponding solenoid actuated valve through a dedicated field valve line and common return line. The station module includes at least one switching device for selectively providing a first power signal that energizes the corresponding solenoid actuated valve. At least one encoder module is configured for insertion into a second one of the receptacles and is connectable to a multi-wire path for sending encoded signals and a second power signal along the multi-wire path for selectively energizing one of a plurality of solenoid actuated valves connected to corresponding decoder circuits connected along the multi-wire path. A processor executes the stored watering program and controls the station module and/or the encoder module in accordance with the stored watering program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Woytowitz
  • Patent number: 8000815
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for the directed supplying and installation of device specific functionalities and/or data for field devices that are disposed in a distributed system. At least one device-specific component is provided which cooperates with at least two functional units that are linked thereto. Said at least one device-specific component comprises means that automatically cause device-specific functionalities and/or data for the field devices, which are stored in the functional units, to be supplied and installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Dirk John, Marco Fahl, Peter Wendt, Achim Laubenstein, Tom Mueller
  • Patent number: 7996100
    Abstract: A system and method for the modeling of biopharmaceutical batch process manufacturing facilities uses process time lines. The system employs an eleven-field delimited string code which specifies the unit identifier code and the iteration value for each of the ten levels of nested scheduling cycles of the biopharmaceutical drug production process being modeled. The method includes generating a process time line using operational parameters, a block flow diagram, and a set of scheduling cycles for each of a sequence of unit operations. The process time line is used as a tool for batch processing and facility design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Peter G. Brown
  • Patent number: 7991499
    Abstract: A factory, an apparatus, and methods of using an in situ finishing information for finishing workpieces and semiconductor wafers are described. Changes or improvements to cost of manufacture of a workpiece using current in-process cost of manufacture information, tracked current in-process cost of manufacture information, or current cost of manufacture parameters are discussed. Appreciable changes to quality or cost of manufacture of a workpiece using tracking, using in-process tracked information, networks including a multiplicity of apparatus, and using in situ finishing information are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve process control are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve real-time process control are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve feedforward and feedback control are discussed. The workpieces can be tracked individually or by process group such as a process batch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Charles J. Molnar
  • Patent number: 7983775
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology facilitating material-driven processing in an industrial controller environment. Various models supported by database objects are provided to automatically and dynamically map inventory systems/processes to control systems/process such as in batch or recipe operations. A material model is provided that tracks to an inventory database and includes such aspects as defining material types and containers to house such materials. An area model maps the material model to possible units and equipment modules to process the materials. These models include phased-based parameters that define amounts of material that flow into and out of a determined area for processing the materials. Before, during and/or after automated manufacturing operations, object binding operations occur between material-based servers associated with an inventory system and batch servers associated with a process-control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph L. Kappelhoff, Paul R. D'Mura
  • Patent number: 7979169
    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: October 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Martin B Rawls-Meehan
  • Patent number: 7979163
    Abstract: A controller equipped with a controller interface configured to accept one or more input parameters is disclosed, including methods for programming such devices. An illustrative controller interface may include a number of knobs, slides, buttons, or other input means for setting various set-points within the controller that can be used to control one or more HVAC system components of a building or structure. The input parameters may correspond directly to physical parameters of the building or structure being regulated, allowing the user to program the controller without having an extensive knowledge of HVAC systems or their operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brad A. Terlson, Charles E. Bartlett, Leisha J. Rotering
  • Patent number: 7979165
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a mass flow controller comprising a calibrating valve disposed on the most upstream side of a path, a mass flow rate control valve mechanism, a tank provided at the path on the upstream side of the mass flow rate control valve mechanism, a mass-flow-rate-sensing means, a pressure-sensing means, a means for controlling the mass flow rate control valve mechanism, and a mass flow rate calibration control means, the method comprising the steps of (1) permitting a fluid at a set mass flow rate to flow through the path, (2) setting the mass flow rate control valve mechanism at a degree of opening that the mass flow rate of the fluid is equal to the set mass flow rate, (3) closing the calibrating valve, (4) measuring the pressure and mass flow rate of the fluid after a fluid flow from the tank is stabilized, (5) determining a variation ratio of the pressure and mass flow rate to reference pressure and mass flow rate measured by the same procedures in an initial state, and (6) performing cali
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Gotoh, Akifumi Hayashi, Tohru Matsuoka, Shigehiro Suzuki, Yoshiyuki Furukawa, Makoto Tanaka