Patents Examined by John S. Hilten
  • Method for characterization of multi-scale geometric attributes
    Patent number: 6490526
    Abstract: A multi-trace geometric attribute of a regularly gridded surface is calculated at multiple scales, wherein, first, a window size is selected. Next, a set of the grid points is defined defining grid cells of the selected window size. Next, the geometric attribute is calculated using the traces at the set of the grid points. Next, the above selecting and calculating steps are repeated for sets of the grid points defining grid cells of different window sizes. Finally, the window size is determined whose calculations best represent the geometric attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Gianni Matteucci, Daniel H. Cassiani, Larry E. Ives
  • Method and apparatus for measuring driveline angles
    Patent number: 6490540
    Abstract: A system measures multiple operational angles of a driveline assembly and compares the signals to each other to determine whether the angles and the respective driveline components are properly balanced. Different types of sensor assemblies can be used to measure the operational angles including various types of contact and non-contact sensors. In one example, the operational angle between one axle differential case and a corresponding universal joint can be compared to the operational angle between another axle differential case and corresponding universal joint mounted at an opposite end of the driveline. If the angles are equal or very close to one another than the angles are properly balanced. If the ratio between the two angles exceeds a predetermined limit, the driveline components are not properly balanced and the components can be repositioned to avoid premature wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Kurzeja, Ronald N. Brissette, Jim Hawkins, Christopher S. Keeney, Christos Kyrtsos, Jack Darrin Oates, Tom Sanko
  • Region of interest selection for varying distances between crop rows for a vision guidance system
    Patent number: 6490539
    Abstract: An automatic vision guidance system for an agricultural vehicle is disclosed and described. The vision guidance system uses a K-means clustering algorithm in image processing to distinguish between crop and non-crop features. The vision guidance system utilizes moment algorithms to determine the location and orientation of crop rows, from which desired wheel angles are determined and steering is commanded. The vision guidance system may adjust the location and orientation of visually determined crop rows according to a predetermined distance between crop rows. Further, the vision guidance system may utilize a redundant number of regions of interest in determining crop row locations and orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Monte Andre Dickson, Bingcheng Ni, Shufeng Han
  • Two-color thermal printing process
    Patent number: 6486902
    Abstract: A method for improving the image quality of a thermal print image uses preprocessed image and color matrices, in which special combinations of black dots and black dot patterns are filtered out. These patterns are then replaced with printer-friendly patterns. This altering technique improves the image quality and reduces halo effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Axiohm Transaction Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Spano
  • Thru-stroke tipping moment severity monitor
    Patent number: 6487506
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the tipping moment severity of a mechanical press for the purpose of accurately predicting die reliability. The method includes generating a unique tipping moment severity chart for the press application to be monitored and continually monitoring the tipping moment level during production operation of the press. Apparatus is used to monitor the applied load which is communicated to a computational device for computing and plotting tipping moment severity on the tipping moment severity chart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventor: Daniel A. Schoch
  • Method of determining the friction between strand shell and mold during continuous casting
    Patent number: 6487504
    Abstract: A method of determining the friction between the strand shell and the mold during continuous casting with an oscillating mold includes measuring with the use of controlled double-acting hydraulic cylinders and with a predeterminable measuring frequency the pressures of always both chambers of all oscillating cylinders as well as the lifting positions of the pistons corresponding to these pressures, and by computing from these data the friction force acting at any point in time between the strand shell and the mold walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Albrecht Girgensohn
  • Method for evaluating characteristic values of piezo-mechanical systems
    Patent number: 6487505
    Abstract: For diagnosing coupled piezo-mechanical systems, methods are used which utilize electrical characteristic curves of the piezo-element that is contained in the piezo-mechanical systems. These electrical characteristic curves contain information about the mechanical condition of the overall piezo-mechanical system, which can be interpreted by suitable evaluating methods. It is thus possible to perform a diagnosis in which malfunctions and failures of the piezo-mechanical system can be detected (e.g. wear or failure of particular components). An important field of application is the diagnosis of fuel injectors which are controlled via piezo-actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Randolf Mock, Eric Chemisky, Andreas Kappel
  • Target for photogrammetric analytical measurement system
    Patent number: 6487517
    Abstract: A control unit box and one of standard point members are provided close to a connection of first and second bars. A standard plane is defined by the standard point members. A loop antenna is provided in a mount unit situated on the top surface of the control unit box. The box is positioned such that a ratio of a second distance to a first distance is less than tan 8°. The first distance is from the point member to the mount unit, along the standard plane, and the second distance is from the standard plane to the top surface of the mount unit, along a direction perpendicular to the standard plane. The antenna is connected to an oscillator of 310 MHz. With respect to the antenna, the total length is approximately 0.48 m, a height from the top surface of the unit box is approximately 9.5 mm, and the inner diameter is approximately 25 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Pentax Corporation
    Inventors: Teruo Sakai, Atsumi Kaneko
  • Method for predicting recovery boiler leak detection system performance
    Patent number: 6484108
    Abstract: A system and method for presenting the tradeoffs among the sensitivity, false alarms and off-line operation of recovery boiler leak detection systems. For any given recovery boiler, the system and method utilizes prior data from that recovery boiler to provide the operator of that boiler with the ability to balance how sensitive the recovery boiler leak detection system can be along with how many false alarms of the recovery boiler leak detection system will be tolerated and along with how much off-line operation of the recovery boiler leak detection system will be acceptable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: GE Betz, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Burgmayer, Ke Hong, John C. Gunther
  • Service information derived from elevator operational parameters
    Patent number: 6484125
    Abstract: The mean number of elevator door reversals, &mgr;, in groups of related door reversals, and the standard deviation, &sgr;, from the mean, are used to determine the likelihood that door reversals are caused by passenger interference; the likelihood is low if a recent number of reversals exceeds &mgr;+3&sgr;, , is medium if two out of three recent reversals exceed &mgr;+2&sgr;, and otherwise is high. The floors at which related notable elevator features occur are compared to determine a floor factor, F, depending on whether the notable feature occurs only at one floor or at more than one floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Harry Z. Huang, Juan A. Lence Barreiro, Chouhwan Moon, Ronald R. Pepin, Gary L. Freeland, Robert H. Mashiak
  • System for automatically measuring paint film thickness
    Patent number: 6484121
    Abstract: A system is provided for automatically measuring paint film thickness of painted bodies for closed loop control of a paint process for painting the bodies in a paint booth. The system includes a cell for receiving painted bodies from the paint booth and a conveyor control system for controlling the movement of painted bodies between the paint booth and the cell. The system also includes an AutoPelt system communicating with the conveyor control system for measuring paint film thickness of the painted bodies in the cells. The system includes an integrated paint quality control (IPQC) monitoring system communicating with the AutoPelt system for receiving data of paint film thickness information and combining the paint film thickness information with automation parameters on a vehicle identification number (VIN) basis of the painted bodies to control paint automation equipment of the paint booth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitar P. Filev, Frank Migda, Gary Farquhar
  • Diagnostic vibration data collector and analyzer
    Patent number: 6484109
    Abstract: A diagnostic vibration data collector and analyzer which incorporates an expert system within a portable computer such as a laptop or notebook type computer. The expert system analyzes vibration data acquired via a sensor coupled to the collector/analyzer in order to diagnose a condition of a machine under test. Several collector/analyzers may form part of a system in which peer to peer replication of data and information is performed so as to obviate the need for a central host computer and/or data base. Such system may include one or more stationary computers also serving as peers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: DLI Engineering Coporation
    Inventor: Dean A. Lofall
  • Electromagnetic position single axis system
    Patent number: 6484118
    Abstract: A system for determining the position of a medical device having a sensor comprises a plurality of field radiators wherein each field radiator has a plurality of radiator elements. Each radiator element generates a magnetic field such that each magnetic field is distinct from one another due to the use of a different frequency through simultaneous energizing of the radiator elements. A signal processor is operatively connected to the field radiators and the sensor of the medical device for receiving a sensing signal from the sensor indicative of the magnetic field sensed at the sensor. Alternative field radiator arrangements are also provided in conjunction with a novel algorithm utilizing a global convergent technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Biosense, Inc.
    Inventor: Assaf Govari
  • Container inspection system and method of using in semiconductor manufacturing
    Patent number: 6484113
    Abstract: An automatic inspecting system for detecting the presence of and identifying whether the proper replacement container has been installed at a work station in a processing line, which automatic container checking system is capable of reading identifying information on the container, e.g., a bar-code, and comparing the information read with stored information indicative of a desired identification to determine whether there is a match. In the absence of a match, an alarm or other means can be used, by way of notification of a problem or to automatically stop the processing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yuh-Dean Tsai, Li-Ren Lin, Chen-Chieh Lan
  • Program executing system for semiconductor testing equipment
    Patent number: 6484116
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a program executing system for semiconductor testing equipment that, at the time of compiling and executing the two device test programs including a common program specification command, executes the common program based on an intermediate code inserted at a position corresponding to this program specification command independently of the two device test programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru Yokoyama
  • Method for calibrating a free-space-coupled fiber-optic transmission system
    Patent number: 6484114
    Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating a free-space-coupled fiber-optic transmission system. The method uses signal content in the measured coupled power at frequencies equal to the sum, difference, and first harmonics of the frequencies of control-related dither signals to infer and correct errors in the kinematical model used to apply the dithers. The technique can operate independently or simultaneously with dither-based functions such as alignment control and power attenuation to provide continuous tracking of model terms. The calibration method does not require that any calibration-specific signals be injected into the system, or that the operation of primary functions be halted for the purpose of calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Glimmerglass Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Dickson
  • Office accessibility information provider
    Patent number: 6484130
    Abstract: A computer system including a network for obtaining complete information as to the best mode for a first person to communicate with a second person comprising means for sensing the presence of the second person in a given area and the activity in which he is engaged; means for connecting the means for sensing to the network; and means connected to the network for enabling the first person to determine the presence and status of messages in the form of e-mail or voice mail directed to the second person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Maureen B. Dwyer, Rosemarie M. Gratz, Dimitri Kanevsky, Alexander Zlatsin
  • Predictive temperature control system for an integrated circuit
    Patent number: 6484117
    Abstract: Variation in temperature of a digital logic circuit that temporarily increases its heat production after a digital input signal changes state is limited using a heater that applies heat to the digital logic circuit at a variable rate. A control circuit monitors all of the circuit's digital input signals and temporarily decreases the rate at which the heater applies heat to the digital logic circuit after each state change in a digital input signal. The amount of temporary reduction in heater output is sized to substantially match the amount of temporary increase in logic circuit heat production so that the temperature of the logic circuit remains largely unaffected. A feedback circuit is also provided to monitor the temperature of the digital logic circuit and to further adjust the heater output so as to help maintain the logic circuit at a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Credence Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Dana Wohlfarth
  • Position detection data generating method and apparatus based on phase shift principle
    Patent number: 6484120
    Abstract: First A.C. output signal sin(&ohgr;+&thgr;) having an electric phase angle shifted in a positive direction in accordance with a position-to-be-detected is produced along with a second A.C. output signal sin(&ohgr;−&thgr;) having an electric phase angle shifted in a negative direction. First and second detection data are generated by detecting respective phase differences (+&thgr; and −&thgr;) of the first and second A.C. output signals from a predetermined reference phase. First predicted value is provided on the basis of at least two successive samples of the first detection data, and a second predicted value is provided on the basis of at least two successive samples of the second detection data. The first and second predicted values are modified to provide a standard predicted value for correcting a nonlinear error resulting from the Doppler effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Atsutoshi Goto
    Inventors: Atsutoshi Goto, Kazuya Sakamoto, Nobuyuki Akatsu
  • Mechanical device productivity improvement with usage analysis, management, and implementation methodology for manufacturing facility
    Patent number: 6484106
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method of monitoring, analyzing and managing mechanical press usage. The method of this form of the current invention includes the steps of: monitoring vibration severity, including vibration severity zone; monitoring tipping moment severity; monitoring press repair information, including die repair information; monitoring press maintenance information, including die maintenance information; monitoring press applied load; and analyzing the effect of vibration severity, tipping moment severity, press repair, press maintenance and applied load to determine necessary press modifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventor: Daniel A. Schoch