Patents Examined by Michael D. Masinick
  • Patent number: 10401829
    Abstract: A machine learning device that can optimize an equation for estimating a thermal displacement amount of a machine element based on the operating state of the machine element. The device acquires operating state data of the machine element, acquires a measured value for the thermal displacement amount, stores the operating state data and measured values for the thermal displacement amount of the machine element as training data associated together as a label, sets an equation for calculation the thermal displacement amount based on the operating state data, calculates an estimated value for the thermal displacement amount by substituting the operating state data into this equation, determines whether a difference between the estimated value for the thermal displacement amount and the measured value for the thermal displacement amount is no more than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Susumu Maekawa
  • Patent number: 10401848
    Abstract: A protection monitoring system is provided that includes a protection fault handler. The protection fault handler includes a protection fault indicator. The protection fault handler is configured to activate the protection fault indicator upon indication of a protection fault signal. Moreover, the protection fault signal is indicative of a critical fault which has occurred in a protection system monitored by the protection monitoring system. The protection monitoring system also includes a user inhibit handler. The user inhibit handler includes a user inhibit indicator. Moreover, the user inhibit handler is configured to activate the user inhibit indicator upon indication of a user inhibit signal. Furthermore, the user inhibit signal is indicative of a user-enabled alarm inhibit or a user-enabled bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Foster Richetta, Michael Alan Tart, Thomas Franklin Kalb, Kyle Allan Farwell, Curtis Lee Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10373036
    Abstract: A remote control for an air conditioner facilitates setting of various kinds of data without operation of a button. A remote control (30) includes an external communication unit (45) having an NFC circuit (42) and an NFC antenna (43). The external communication unit (45) is capable of wirelessly communicating with an external apparatus even when a microcomputer (36) in the remote control (30) is not supplied with power (i.e., in a non-operating state). Hence, through the wireless communication between the external communication unit (45) of the remote control (30) and the external apparatus, the various kinds of data is forwarded from the external device to the remote control (30), and stored in the remote control (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryousuke Yamamoto, Asuka Yagi, Yukio Inoue, Ryouji Inoue, Youta Katou, Tatsuya Higuchi, Takeshi Yoshimura, Yasuaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10359775
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method including: prior to an initial period of operation of an appliance, storing in memory a first set of characteristics of the appliance; during an initial period of operation of the appliance, learning a second set of characteristics of the appliance; during subsequent operation of the appliance: detecting an adverse operating condition of the appliance; and based on the first set of characteristics, the second set of characteristics and the detected adverse operating condition, determining a corrective action to be taken with regard to the appliance, the corrective action comprising at least one of: switching off the appliance and warning a user of the detected adverse operating condition. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignees: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION, UNIVERSITI BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
    Inventors: Vijay Arya, Tanuja Hrishikesh Ganu, Saiful A. Husain, Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Ashok Pon Kumar, Chandratilak De Silva Liyanage, Dwi Rahayu, Devasenapathi Periagraharam Seetharamakrishnan
  • Patent number: 10355486
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electricity production station including at least one renewable energy source and an energy accumulation system, allowing an operator to commit, at an electrical distribution network manager, to a power profile PG that the station will be able to deliver over a forthcoming time period. The declared power profile must, furthermore, comply with constraints imposed by the manager of the electricity distribution network. Non-compliance with this commitment may be subject to penalties. It is then incumbent on the operator to best optimize the method of controlling the electricity production station so as to maximize the electrical power fed into the network, while complying, in so far as possible, over a certain tolerance range, with the power profile commitment PG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Peter Pflaum, Mazen Alamir
  • Patent number: 10342641
    Abstract: A method for making an orthodontic appliance comprising: receiving, by a processor of a computer system, a three-dimensional digital model of an orthodontic appliance; determining, by the processor, a compensation factor to be applied when manufacturing the orthodontic appliance using the laser-based system, the determining the compensation factor including: aligning the three-dimensional digital model of the orthodontic appliance in a three-dimensional space with a predetermined position; determining a deviation of a position of a model groove base from a desired position of the model groove base, the compensation factor being based on the deviation and relating to an amount of material to be used during the manufacturing of the orthodontic appliance; causing the laser-based system to apply the compensation factor for manufacturing the orthodontic appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: 3D MED AG
    Inventor: Islam Khasanovich Raslambekov
  • Patent number: 10327873
    Abstract: A method, a system and a user interface for generating a digital design for use in the manufacture of a molding-shell for a patient's teeth, where the molding-shell and the teeth together enclose a volume for forming a dental restoration, include obtaining a digital 3D representation of the patient's teeth, the digital 3D representation including a tooth part relating to one or more teeth for which the dental restoration is formed; obtaining a set of one or more digital teeth anatomies; arranging the set of digital teeth anatomies and the digital 3D representation according to a preferred relative arrangement; and generating the digital design where a first portion of the digital design is derived from the digital teeth anatomies and a second portion of the digital design is derived from the tooth part of the digital 3D representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: 3Shape A/S
    Inventor: Rune Fisker
  • Patent number: 10324459
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product, include obtaining a dataset related to a power grid collected by a plurality of sensors distributed in the power grid, identifying a region as a candidate fault region based on first data in the dataset, the first data being collected by a first sensor from among the plurality of sensors that is located in the region, and verifying the candidate fault region based on second data in the dataset, the second data being collected by a second sensor from among the plurality of sensors that is adjacent to the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xin Jie Lv, Lingyun Wang, Wei Da Xu, Chao Zhang, Ke Xu Zou
  • Patent number: 10324444
    Abstract: Executable format data resulting from decoding of a positioning block (retraction block) prior to start of cutting and an end point coordinate position P1 for command for the retraction block are stored. When machining is interrupted and a request for retraction of a tool is input, a retracting operation 1 is performed to retract the tool from a machining interruption position P2 to the stored end point coordinate position P1 of the retraction block. Subsequently, the stored executable format data of the retraction block is executed, with a moving direction for the executable format data being reversed to move the tool. The tool performs a retracting operation 2 of moving in the opposite direction along a moving path for in the retraction block. The retracting operations 1, 2 allow the tool to be retracted while avoiding interfering with other members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Akinobu Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 10316833
    Abstract: A non-linear power equation may be solved in linear form by locking one or more variables and iteratively solving to accurately and quickly estimate optimized power solutions for hydroelectric power stations. Additionally, these iterative calculations may provide for long term water resource planning and more accurate estimation models. Further, such optimized power solutions may be usable to create accurate and timely water management models for the operation and planning of hydroelectric power stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Avista Corporation
    Inventors: Clint Kalich, Xin Shane
  • Patent number: 10302181
    Abstract: A reconfigurable motion generator and control system for multi-phase motion generation. Reconfigurable motion generators are a new class of mechanical devices that are designed for a specific part family and their associated motion generation tasks. The reconfigurable motion generator may utilize revolute joints for link length and pivot adjustment to achieve different configurations from the same set of links. Due to the nature of adjustment of the mechanism this methodology may be used for different types of motion generation tasks such as (a) common start position, (b) common end position, (c) common intermediate position, and (d) distinct motion generation tasks with no common positions. This technique can be applied towards the synthesis of reconfigurable motion generators for use in many planar or spherical applications involving multi-phase function, path, and motion generation tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventors: Pierre Larochelle, Venkatesh Venkataramanujam
  • Patent number: 10292343
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide systems for use in controlling irrigation, comprising: an irrigation controller configured to couple with one or more valves at a site and to control activation and deactivation of the one or more valves in accordance with an irrigation schedule stored in the irrigation controller; a wireless adapter directly communicationally coupled through a direct wired connection with the irrigation controller; and a network adapter wirelessly coupled over a point-to-point wireless communication path with the wireless adapter, wherein the network adapter is configured to further couple through a direct wired connection with a local router configured to provide communication over a distributed network to a remote server; wherein the wireless adapter is configured to poll the irrigation controller to acquire and locally store status information; and the wireless adapter is configured to communicate, over the point-to-point wireless channel, the status information to the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. Weiler, David M. Redmond, Harvey J. Nickerson, Timothy J. Crist, Gregory W. Decker
  • Patent number: 10286792
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing at least one renewable energy source for supply of power via an electric grid are disclosed. A method supplies power to mobile devices from the renewable energy source and balances power realized by the mobile devices with the supply of power from the renewable energy source by controlling the supply of power realized by the mobile devices. An apparatus includes a processor for monitoring power from the renewable energy source and sending signals to mobile devices connected to the electric grid to balance monitored power from the renewable energy source with power realized by the mobile devices. Another method identifies a fixed account associated with a grid connection point used by a plug-in electric vehicle for realizing power during a connection event; determines a quantity of energy realized during the event; and adjusts the account based on energy realized by the vehicle during the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: THE AES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Christopher Shelton, John Michael Zahurancik
  • Patent number: 10288308
    Abstract: Methods, devices, computer readable medium, and systems are described for sending from a thermostat device to a server device climate system usage information and settings, and receiving from the server device ecorank information wherein the ecorank information is derived from a comparison of energy consumed by the climate system controlled by the thermostat device in comparison to energy consumed by a comparison group, the comparison group comprising other climate systems controlled by other thermostat devices. The comparison group is determined based on profile information comprising information describing the dwelling, dwelling size, dwelling location, occupants, and climate system technology. The ecorank information is one or more of a numerical score, percentage, graphic, icon, color, letter, trend indicator, audio item, and a video item. The energy consumed by the climate systems may be reported by an associated energy measurement device or inferred by heating and cooling hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Ikorongo Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Hugh Blake Svendsen
  • Patent number: 10286614
    Abstract: A method and system for assisting in the manufacture of composite parts such as those used for various high-strength assemblies such as aircraft wings, vertical stabilizers, racing car shells, boat hulls, and other parts which are required to have a very high strength to weight ratio. The system uses laser technology to measure the resultant surfaces of a first manufactured composite part. A computer system analyzes and compares the as-built dimensions with the required production specifications. Supplemental composite filler plies are designed including shape and dimensions. These plies are nested together into a single composite sheet and manufactured to minimize wasted material. The plies are then cut out and applied to the first part guided by a laser projection system for locating the plies on the part. The part is then re-cured. The final assembly is then re-measured for compliance with production dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Spellman, Jeff Godfrey, Gregory MacLean
  • Patent number: 10288309
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer readable medium are described for receiving from a thermostat device at a server device climate system usage information and settings and sending from the server device ecorank information, wherein the ecorank information is derived from a comparison of usage of climate systems controlled by the thermostat device in comparison to a comparison group, the comparison group comprising other climate systems controlled by other thermostat devices. The comparison group is determined based on profile information describing the dwelling, dwelling size, dwelling location, dwelling occupants, climate system technology, and related information. In some embodiments, the ecorank information may be one or more of a numerical score, percentage, graphic, icon, color, letter, and an audio item. In some embodiments, the energy consumed by the climate systems may be reported by an associated energy measurement device or estimated by heating and cooling usage hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Ikorongo Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Hugh Blake Svendsen
  • Patent number: 10281894
    Abstract: Graphic element definitions are bound to industrial automation data types in an industrial control system. Moreover, a system provides automatic data searching and filtering of an item based on user interactions with either the graphic element definition or a controller data type. Further, a graphic element definition is associated with a data source type information, to simplify configuration of an instance of that graphic element and populate suitable data source fields based on instances of the associated data source type. In addition, a system to automatically generate the graphic element based on data from a logic controller is provided. Moreover, the graphic element can be updated to reflect a change in the data, without a manual refresh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Scott Plache, Steven John Kowal, Michael D. Kalan, Joseph Bronikowski, Douglas J. Reichard, Christopher E. Stanek, Reginald W. Sprecher
  • Patent number: 10278794
    Abstract: A method for making an orthodontic bracket comprising: receiving, by a processor of a computer system, a three-dimensional digital model of an orthodontic bracket; determining, by the processor, a compensation factor to be applied when manufacturing the orthodontic bracket using the laser-based system, the determining the compensation factor including: aligning the three-dimensional digital model of the orthodontic bracket in a three-dimensional space with a predetermined position; determining a deviation of a position of a model groove base from a desired position of the model groove base, the compensation factor being based on the deviation and relating to an amount of material to be used during the manufacturing of the orthodontic bracket; causing the laser-based system to apply the compensation factor for manufacturing the orthodontic bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: 3D MED AG
    Inventor: Islam Khasanovich Raslambekov
  • Patent number: 10261521
    Abstract: Disclosed is a processing apparatus including a chamber, at least one nozzle, a measuring unit, an opening/closing unit, and a controller. The chamber accommodates a workpiece therein. The nozzle is provided in the chamber to supply a processing fluid toward the workpiece. The measuring unit measures a supply flow rate of the processing fluid supplied to the nozzle. The opening/closing unit performs opening/closing of a flow path of the processing fluid to be supplied to the nozzle. The controller outputs opening and closing operation signals at a preset timing. After outputting the opening operation signal, the controller calculates an integrated amount of the processing fluid based on a measurement result of the measuring unit, and performs an output timing change processing to change a timing of outputting the opening or closing operation signal from the preset timing based on the calculated integrated amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Keigo Satake, Kenji Nakamizo, Yuichi Douki, Takuro Masuzumi
  • Patent number: 10261536
    Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating selective activation of at least one power generation equipment component and/or at least one power storage device over a predetermined geographic area for distribution and/or storage, and/or for sale and distribution in a utility grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: CAUSAM ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Francis Darden, II, James Kevin Szyperski, Joseph W. Forbes, Jr.