Patents Examined by Michael W Choi
  • Patent number: 11126149
    Abstract: To provide an adjusting device and an adjusting method for appropriately controlling the machine learning reduced in cost with respect to calculation load and learning period of time in the case where an evaluation program for machine learning is used separately from a machining program and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryoutarou Tsuneki, Shunpei Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11117326
    Abstract: In an example, a method includes generating a training dataset for an inference model to generate dimensional modifications to apply to object models to compensate for departures from model dimensions in objects generated using additive manufacturing based on those object models. Generating the training dataset may include acquiring, for each of a plurality of generated objects, (i) an indication of a first dimensional inaccuracy and a second dimensional inaccuracy, wherein the first and second dimensional inaccuracies are acquired in a direction of a first axis and relate to respective first and second object dimensions; and (ii) an indication of object placement within a fabrication chamber during object generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventors: Enrique Gurdiel Gonzalez, Jordi Sanroma Garrit, Manuel Freire Garcia
  • Patent number: 11114893
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to control the power grid frequency by capturing the frequency change using an extended Kalman filter method with the distributed smart outlet devices at the low-voltage distribution level; and locally control the relay that provides power to the appliance by comparing the captured frequency with the threshold sent from the cloud control center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventors: Xiao Lu, Di Shi, Yingmeng Xiang, Haifeng Li, Chunlei Xu, Zhe Yu, Jiangpeng Dai, Shiming Xu, Xueming Li, Haiyun Han, Zhiwei Wang
  • Patent number: 11106192
    Abstract: A process plan optimization method for manufacturing a workpiece by adding a material in a plurality of layers is provided. The method includes: building a predicting model, the predicting model configured to predict a temperature variation of at least a portion of the workpiece; predicting an expected temperature variation of the portion of the workpiece to be manufactured during a given time period based on the predicting model and the process plan; and adjusting the process plan in response to the expected temperature variation of the portion failing to meet a preset condition, to make the expected temperature variation of the portion meet the preset condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Yong Yang, Yibo Gao
  • Patent number: 11099525
    Abstract: Improved process control systems may include shared safety control and process control components/elements, facilitating the sharing of sensors, actuators, and input/output (I/O) interface circuitry between the safety functionality of the system and the general operational (i.e. normal) functionality of the system. Components and/or circuitry corresponding to safety operations of the system may be designed to permit inputs to be monitored during normal operations at all times as there is typically no safety risk associated with monitoring. The components and/or circuitry corresponding (or dedicated) to the safety operations of the system may operate to prevent normal operational control of various designated outputs/actuators when there is a need to activate safety functions. When there is no need to activate safety functions, these same components and/or circuitry may allow normal operational control of the designated outputs/actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph E. Peck, Jeffrey J. Kellam, Michelle C. Denny
  • Patent number: 11092156
    Abstract: A controller unit for controlling the speed of a motor for driving an oil injected compressor, the controller unit including: a data connection; and a first module to receive data through the data connection. The controller unit includes a processing unit for determining a minimum working speed of the motor on the basis of the measured working pressure, the ambient temperature and a dew point temperature; and a comparator unit to compare the determined minimum working speed with the retrieved working speed of the motor. The processing unit includes a signal generating unit to send a signal to the motor for increasing the working speed of the motor to at least the determined minimum working speed, if the retrieved working speed is lower than the determined minimum working speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO AIRPOWER, NAAMLOZE VENNOOTSCHAP
    Inventor: Wim Moens
  • Patent number: 11089655
    Abstract: A system controller such as a microprocessor receives voltage signals produced from a resistor identifying the functional or nonfunctional operating state of a power switch which controls the amount of power provided to a load in an electrical system. The resistor is also used to provide voltage signals representing the temperature of a heating element of the type used in heating pads and heating blankets. The functional or nonfunctional operating state of a safety switch in a safety circuit capable of blowing a fuse and cutting power to the load is periodically tested to ensure the safety of the electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Gabriel S. Kohn
  • Patent number: 11052504
    Abstract: A temperature regulation system and a temperature regulation method are applicable to a machine tool. The temperature regulation system includes a cooling fluid storage tank, a heating fluid storage tank, an internal circulation subsystem, an external circulation subsystem and a computing unit. The internal circulation subsystem includes a first valve. The external circulation subsystem includes a plurality of flow channels and a second valve and a third valve disposed on the plurality of the flow channels. The computing unit controls the first valve, the second valve and the third valve to switch flow directions of the plurality of the flow channels among the cooling fluid storage tank, the heating fluid storage tank and machine tool. Therefore, a thermal balance of the machine tool can be effectively maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Shi-Jie Luo, Hsi-Hung Hsiao, Kun-Ying Li, Shih-Jie Wei, Yan-Sin Liao, Szu-Chia Lin, Yu-Hsuan Wu
  • Patent number: 11054813
    Abstract: In a lithographic process in which a series of substrates are processed in different contexts, object data (such as performance data representing overlay measured on a set of substrates that have been processed previously) is received. Context data represents one or more parameters of the lithographic process that vary between substrates within the set. By principal component analysis or other statistical analysis of the performance data, the set of substrates are partitioned into two or more subsets. The first partitioning of the substrates and the context data are used to identify one or more relevant context parameters, being parameters of the lithographic process that are observed to correlate most strongly with the first partitioning. The lithographic apparatus is controlled for new substrates by reference to the identified relevant context parameters. Embodiments with feedback control and feedforward control are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Alexander Ypma, David Frans Simon Deckers, Franciscus Godefridus Casper Bijnen, Richard Johannes Franciscus Van Haren, Weitian Kou
  • Patent number: 11047531
    Abstract: A control system for a natural gas distribution network, includes: a processing unit suited to communicate, through corresponding signals, with one or more control devices operatively connected to the distribution network; a rechargeable battery which supplies power to the processing unit; a power supply device suited to recharge the rechargeable battery. The power supply device includes: a thermoelectric generator connected to the rechargeable battery; a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger respectively in contact with two opposite sides of the thermoelectric generator; a vortex tube which receives part of the natural gas from the distribution network and divides it into a colder portion and into a warmer portion; a first duct suited to convey the colder portion into the first heat exchanger; a second duct suited to convey the warmer portion into the second heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Pietro Fiorentini S.P.A.
    Inventor: Nevio Zampieri
  • Patent number: 11048227
    Abstract: Provided is an abnormality detection device with which an abnormality of a machining state of a machine tool can be detected based on information on a section where machining is actually performed in machine tool-based machining. The abnormality detection device detects an abnormality of a machining state of a machine tool machining a workpiece with a tool. The machine tool includes a determination unit determining the machining state by using information related to an actual cutting section in the tool-based machining of the workpiece in the machine tool. The determination unit performs the machining state determination by using a deviation in position and length of a section recognized as the actual cutting section and a physical quantity in the actual cutting section acquired from the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignees: FANUC CORPORATION, RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsushi Takahara, Yasuhiro Nakahama, Shinji Okuda, Junichi Takami
  • Patent number: 11042137
    Abstract: Methods and systems for managing the operation of devices within a property, and processing insurance policies associated therewith. A property is populated with a plurality of smart devices, smart appliances, and/or other devices that are connected to, and/or in wired or wireless communication with a central controller, such as a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor, whereby the plurality of devices and/or property are covered by an insurance policy. The central controller may collect sensor data from the plurality of devices and/or determine whether the property is occupied or not. The central controller may also identify a desired operating state of a device, generate a command according to the desired operating state, and/or transmit the command the device to facilitate prevention or reduction of risk or damage to the property. The central controller may also generate and/or process insurance claims associated with damage to the devices and/or property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Shawn M. Call, Daryoush Hakimi-Boushehri, John H. Weekes, Ronny S. Bryant, Jennifer Criswell, Todd Binion, Jackie O. Jordan, II, Elisabeth McDermeit, John Donovan
  • Patent number: 11024527
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides various apparatus and methods for novel cleanspace fabricator designs. In some examples, a cleanspace fabricator may be comprised of vertically stacked tools wherein the product and the processing tools are conveyed through the cleanspace. The fabricator may comprise a processor performing cognitive computing algorithms. In some examples, the processor may be located at a remote location and communication with the cleanspace fabricator. Product may be comprised of or processed upon substrates in some examples. In other examples product may be comprised of materials contained within vessels. In some examples the product within vessels may be in liquid or powder form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Frederick A. Flitsch
  • Patent number: 11015827
    Abstract: A method of controlling an environmental control system, where the environmental control system is configured to operate in accordance with a control schedule, in a scheduled mode of operation. At a control device that is associated with the environmental control system, a user can receive input indicative of a boost mode. In the boost mode, the environmental control system can disregard the control schedule and operate in accordance with a boost setting, with a target temperature. Responsive to the boost mode, further user input may be used to set the target temperature for boost mode. Boost mode can be activated based on the target temperature, and environmental control can be performed based on the target temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: British Gas Trading Limited
    Inventors: Nicola Combe, Curtis John Collinsworth, Brett Derek Middleton, Hideaki Matsui
  • Patent number: 10996658
    Abstract: The systems and methods described provide improved process control operating range and capabilities and integrate process control monitoring and management with broader process automation (PA) systems process management, extending the real-time operation and control of a process control system to process handling of a PA system, and extending PA-style process management by adding real-time process controls and monitoring, and adding new functionality by permitting management of these processes to externally defined completion goals. This combination provides new functionality in dynamically determined process flexibility, extended operating range and extended process recipe definition capabilities for process control systems using this technology, and provides improved error recovery and exception handling of traditional PA systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 6TH STREET, INC.
    Inventors: David Potts, Brian Hamilton
  • Patent number: 10994375
    Abstract: A galvanometric laser for cutting and/or etching textile embellishments such as transfers or applique's and a method of operation thereof that is capable of visually capturing an incoming graphic image and referencing a cut pattern to the captured image and dynamically adjusting the cut pattern during cutting, etching and/or application of energy from the laser to thereby compensate for distortions in the fabric. The device includes a conveyor with an imaging station at which the graphic product is indexed under a high-resolution static camera with color recognition capability for the purposes of image capture. A high intensity bottoms-up light source resident at the imaging station provides ample illumination regardless of whether the design elements are face up toward the camera or face down toward the light source, or a combination of both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Paul Weedlun
  • Patent number: 10983537
    Abstract: A mass flow control apparatus comprising a proportional valve upstream of a flow measurement portion, a pressure sensing element fluidly connected to determine a fluid pressure downstream of the flow measurement portion, and a dynamically adjustable variable valve downstream of the flow measurement portion and adjacent to the pressure sensing element connection. Fluid conductance of the variable valve is adjusted according to a control scheme based upon limitations of the flow measurement portion. Integral flow verification may be enabled with additional fluid pathway elements upstream of the flow measurement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: FLOW DEVICES AND SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Bhushan Somani, Christophe Ellec, Eric J Redemann
  • Patent number: 10983538
    Abstract: A mass flow control apparatus comprising a proportional valve upstream of a flow measurement portion, a pressure sensing element fluidly connected to determine a fluid pressure downstream of the flow measurement portion, and a dynamically adjustable variable valve downstream of the flow measurement portion and adjacent to the pressure sensing element connection. Fluid conductance of the variable valve is adjusted according to a control scheme based upon limitations of the flow measurement portion. Integral flow verification may be enabled with additional fluid pathway elements upstream of the flow measurement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: FLOW DEVICES AND SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Bhushan Somani, Christophe Ellec, Eric J. Redemann
  • Patent number: 10983504
    Abstract: This invention concerns apparatus for generating instructions for machines of a manufacturing chain used to manufacture a workpiece. The apparatus comprising a processor arranged to receive a model based definition (MBD) of a workpiece including geometric dimensions and tolerances; receive inputs setting an additive build design for building the workpiece based upon the geometric dimensions; generate additive instructions for an additive manufacturing machine of the manufacturing chain based upon the additive build design; determine a prospective intermediate workpiece product expected from an additive build in accordance with the additive build design; determine differences between the prospective intermediate workpiece product and the model based definition of the workpiece; and generate further instructions for at least one further machine of the manufacturing chain based upon the differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey McFarland, Ramkumar Revanur, Mark Buckingham
  • Patent number: 10974458
    Abstract: In an example, a method includes receiving, at at least one processor, object model data representing at least a portion of an object that is to be generated by an additive manufacturing apparatus by fusing build material within a fabrication chamber. An intended object placement location within the fabrication chamber may be determined, and a dimensional compensation to apply to the object model data may be determined using a mapping resource relating dimensional compensations to object placement locations. The determined dimensional compensation may be applied to the object model data to generate modified object model data using at least one processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jordi Sanroma Garrit, Enrique Gurdiel Gonzalez, Victor Diego Gutierrez, Manuel Freire Garcia