Patents Examined by Ivan Calcano
  • Patent number: 6219586
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for managing and distributing design and manufacturing information throughout a factory in order to facilitate the production of components, such as bent sheet metal components. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the management and distribution of critical design and manufacturing information is achieved by storing and distributing the design and manufacturing information associated with each job. By replacing the traditional paper job set-up or work sheet with, for example, an electronically stored job sheet that can be accessed instantaneously from any location in the factory, the present invention improves the overall efficiency of the factory. In addition, through the various aspects and features of the invention, the organization and accessibility of part information and stored expert knowledge is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Amadasoft America, Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Sakai
  • Patent number: 6219814
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for utilizing error correction code (ECC) in a direct access storage device (DASD). A plurality of predetermined file conditions are identified. Each of the plurality of predetermined file conditions are related to a read data raw error rate. An ECC burst control is provided with an ECC engine for varying an ECC correction power of the ECC engine. The ECC correction power is selectively varied responsive to the identified predetermined file conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Darrel Coker, Richard Greenberg
  • Patent number: 6212439
    Abstract: A program selection driving device for a personal computer is provided, through which a user can executes a desirous program simply by operating a specified button, comprising a button panel 712 having a plurality of selecting buttons on an outside of a main computer 71 and a remote signal receiver 711 for inputting a specified remote control signal. A CPU 20 executes a corresponding program the user wants when a specified selecting signal is inputted from the button panel 712 and the remote signal receiver 711. And a hard disk of the computer includes a first memory region storing a program for the program selection driving and a second memory region storing directory information and execution file names related to selectable programs registered. A program can be registered in the second memory region, in execution of a program stored at the first memory region, by a drag and drop function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Daewoo Telecom Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyoung Hwan Cha
  • Patent number: 6208907
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for enabling the transformation of a domino circuit to a static circuit without requiring the re-design of the chip or integrated circuit mask set. The domino circuit masks may be designed to include additional unconnected devices as appropriate which may be added or connected into the circuit after chip design release by changing only interconnection masks. Spare devices can be added and selectively used to make a domino circuit metal-mask programmable into a logically equivalent static circuit. In a first exemplary method, extra devices are added to, and/or existing devices are re-wired in the domino circuitry to make a complementary equivalent static gate. In a second exemplary methodology, the domino circuit is converted into a pseudo-NMOS circuit using devices already available in the circuit and modifying the circuit connections thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher McCall Durham, Visweswara Rao Kodali, Douglas Ele Martin, Harsh Dev Sharma
  • Patent number: 6201997
    Abstract: A microprocessor system intended for safety-critical control systems includes two synchronously operated central units (1, 2) which receive the same input data and process the same program, in addition, read-only memories (5, 10) and random-access memories (6, 11) for useful data and test data, and comparators (18, 19) which check the output signals of the central units (1, 2) and issue disconnecting signals in the event of non-correlation. The central units (1, 2) are connected to the memories and the input and output units by way of separate bus systems (3, 4) and coupled by driver stages (15, 16, 17) which enable the central units (1, 2) to jointly read and process the data available in the two bus systems (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernhard Giers
  • Patent number: 6185476
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for managing and distributing design and manufacturing information throughout a factory in order to facilitate the production of components, such as bent sheet metal components. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the management and distribution of critical design and manufacturing information is achieved by storing and distributing the design and manufacturing information associated with each job. By replacing the traditional paper job set-up or work sheet with, for example, an electronically stored job sheet that can be accessed instantaneously from any location in the factory, the present invention improves the overall efficiency of the factory. In addition, through the various aspects and features of the invention, the organization and accessibility of part information and stored expert knowledge is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Amada Soft America, Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Sakai
  • Patent number: 6167317
    Abstract: A layer flock management system including a layer information accumulator operative to accumulate information regarding each of a multiplicity of layers in a flock and a floor layer identifier operative to identify floor layers from among the multiplicity of layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: M.G.H. Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd.
    Inventors: Uri Meron, Asaf Barut, Gilad Rafaeli, Uri Yankovitz, David Zvilichovsky, Rami Cahalon
  • Patent number: 6167325
    Abstract: Actual machining positions P1, P2, . . . corresponding to command positions S1, S2, S3 . . . of each block of NC data are obtained by trial machining. Positions that correspond symmetrically to the actual machining positions P1, P2, . . . with respect to the command positions S1, S2, S3 . . . of each block are obtained. Modified NC data are created with use of the symmetrical positions as modified command positions for each block. The modified NC data include correction values for modifying positional differences attributable to a delay in a servo system. Therefore, if machining is carried out in accordance with the modified NC data, the correction values and a follow-up delay attributable to the actual delay in the servo system cancel one another, so that a high-accuracy work shape can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Kamiguchi, Susumu Maekawa
  • Patent number: 6161207
    Abstract: A communications unit (10) with a packet subdivider operable on a data packet (200) and an error detecting code generator. An acknowledgement message (NAK) is generated including error detecting code corresponding to packet portions (210-204) from the packet subdivider, thereby requesting retransmission of packet portions. At an originating unit (100) an error detection code is computed for each portion. The computed second error detection code for each sub-portion is compared with the received first error detection code for that portion. Portions for which corresponding error detection codes do not match are identified as bad portions and are retransmitted (220).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wayne Lockhart, Karl Anthony Reardon
  • Patent number: 6145611
    Abstract: A computerizable robotic automated bogie is provided including a drive motor and a main drive shaft extending downwardly from the drive motor. A rotatable plate is rotatably coupled to a bottom of a platform and further rotatable with respect to the main drive shaft. A gear mechanism is operatively coupled to the drive shaft. At least one wheel has an axis coupled with the gear mechanism thereby effecting rotation of the at least one wheel about a horizontal axis upon the actuation of the drive motor. The axis about which the at least one wheel rotates is fixed with respect to the rotatable plate. Further included is a rotating mechanism operatively engaged with the rotatable plate for selectively rotating the horizontal axis about which the at least one wheel resides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Albert G. Haddad, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6131052
    Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing system capable of reducing time required for manufacture of semiconductors with effective use of waiting time of lots in storage equipment is provided. While a lot including a plurality of semiconductor wafers are stored in storage equipment, the semiconductor wafers in the lot are subjected to non-processing steps carried out by non-processing apparatuses such as measuring apparatuses, inspecting apparatuses, and contaminant removing apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Cozy Ban, Kiyoshi Demizu
  • Patent number: 6128543
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting manufacturing equipment downtime data which electrically blocks stopped equipment (production) from restarting until an acceptable reason (either by code or direct identification) has been entered and recognized by an electronic logic system. Locking out the restart capability until the downtime cause has been entered ensures that the causes for all downtimes are recorded in a timely fashion. This data is gathered and recorded to measure and define explanations for lost equipment running time. Other related data may also be gathered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Jim Hitchner
  • Patent number: 6122560
    Abstract: A method or device for computing material requirements which calculates various parts and materials necessary for products to be produced when a production plan is input, in order to reduce the processing time for a material requirements computation. In order to establish the object, the method or device of computing material requirements is provided, which can perform a parallel process without using conventional low level codes. Parts computing means are respectively assigned to items. When the lower parts computing means receives the computation result of the upper parts computing means, it independently executes the computing process if the computation result is sufficient for the parts computation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Tsukishima, Hideaki Matoba, Mitsuhiro Enomoto, Mitsuharu Hayakawa, Masahiro Sato, Tetsushi Tomizawa, Yoshinao Arai
  • Patent number: 6112133
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for generating a CNC program for machining a part having planar and curvilinear surfaces and surfaces of revolution comprising an interface for inputting part information including for at least one face corresponding to at least one surface of the part and having face information comprising a boundary, an orientation, and a type of machining function corresponding to the face. A set of features corresponding to each face is also input via the interface. Thereafter a set of machining operations to machine the set of features is generated. The machining operations are optimized to achieve a minimum process time to machine the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: IMCS, Inc.
    Inventor: Lena Fishman
  • Patent number: 6101424
    Abstract: Models of varying body forms are measured in three dimension, both in nude and wearing suitable foundation garment to form a data base. The customer is measured in three dimension both in nude and in foundation garment. A portion of the customer's body is identified, and a model data most closely resembling the customer's data for said portion is selected. The selected model data is then adjusted for differences in height, inclination, cross sections at varying elevations, and for continuity at the ends of the portion. A pattern is made from the adjusted model data, cloth is cut using the pattern and sewn together to obtain the foundation garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: New Lady Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Sawada
  • Patent number: 6092003
    Abstract: System and method for producing paper are provided. The system controls formation of wet stock comprising fibers on a moving water permeable wire of a de-watering machine that has a refiner that is subject to a variable load and a headbox having at least one slice, wherein each slice has an aperture through which wet stock is discharged at a stock jet speed onto the wire that is moving at a wire speed. A sheet of wet stock moving a speed develops on the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Claud Hagart-Alexander, Hung-Tzaw Hu, David Watson, John Preston
  • Patent number: 6088627
    Abstract: A process for machining mechanical parts, including the milling of parts having a complex shape, includes the steps of determining the volume of the part to be machined, defining a corresponding machining grid, plotting the machining grid defined for the volume of the part to be machined, programming the plotted machining grid, and machining the part, grid line by grid line, according to the established programming. The process is implemented with an apparatus including a machining head coupled with a tool support. The tool support for the machining head (e.g., a cutting tool head) is positioned to face a predetermined point of the grid line to be machined, and immobilized. The machining head is mobilized to machine the desired grid line, with the tool support remaining fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Constructions Mecaniques des Vosges Marioni
    Inventor: Francois Wildenberg
  • Patent number: 6085121
    Abstract: A hand-held, portable device recommends dynamically preferred speeds for stabilizing or reducing undesirable vibration such as chatter in a machining process. The device may be applied to machining processes such as turning, boring, milling and drilling which exhibit a relative rotational motion between the cutting tool and workpiece. The device measures in a safe, non-contact manner via a microphone the dominant audio signal component of the sound pressure emanating from the machining processes. Without prior knowledge of the machining process parameters or the dynamic characteristics of the machine tool or workpiece, the audio signal is conditioned and processed to determine the frequency component levels. The rotational speeds which are more likely to lead to a stable machining process are calculated based on the number of teeth on the cutting tool and the identified dominant frequency of vibration. The dynamically preferred speeds are displayed as recommendations to the process operator or machinist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Design & Manufacturing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Elliot L. Stern
  • Patent number: 6076020
    Abstract: An editor apparatus for programming industrial controllers in relay ladder language, the apparatus used to provide RLL logic to control a machine axis. The apparatus includes a display for creating an axis behavior profile that represents input devices, output devices, actuators, and required movements. The apparatus gleans information from the profile and, based on the information, creates modules that include logic required to provide a program section for controlling the axis. A compiler then compiles the modules to provide an RLL program section to control the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Rockwell Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin J. Schwenke, James Andrew Sinclair
  • Patent number: 6076022
    Abstract: System and method for producing paper are provided. The system controls formation of wet stock comprising fibers on a moving water permeable wire of a de-watering machine that has a refiner that is subject to a variable load and a headbox having at least one slice, wherein each slice has an aperture through which wet stock is discharged at a certain stock jet speed onto the wire that is moving at a certain wire speed. The system includes: a) at least two water weight sensors that are positioned adjacent to the wire wherein the at least two sensors are positioned at different locations in the direction of movement of the wire and upstream from a dry line which develops during operation of the machine and the sensors generate signals indicative of a water weight profile made up of a multiplicity of water weight measurements; and b) means for adjusting at least one of the stock jet speed, wire speed, or to cause the water weight profile to match a preselected or optimal water weight profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Claud Hagart-Alexander, Hung-Tzaw Hu, David Watson