Patents Examined by Paul P. Gordon
  • Patent number: 6636784
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for an electricity transfer station. The present invention provides a method for providing a first electricity flow at a first network connection by monitoring a second electricity flow from a second network connection to one or more third network connections and one or more electricity transfer devices. The present invention then controls the one or more electricity transfer devices and one or more electricity sources so that the second electricity flow is less than or equal to a first value and the first electricity flow is provided at the first network connection. In addition, the present invention provides a system for providing a first electricity flow.at a first network connection using a second electricity flow at a second network connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Energy Transfer Group, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Max H. Tanner, Jr., Mike Warren, Houston C. Ross
  • Patent number: 6636843
    Abstract: Grating profile data is classified using a cluster generator to generate a plurality of clusters of grating profile data points from a data space containing grating profile data points. The cluster generator associates profile shape data to each cluster, and links the associated profile shape data to the grating profiles belonging to each cluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Timbre Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivas Doddi, Nickhil Jakatdar, Xinhui Niu
  • Patent number: 6633785
    Abstract: A thermal cycler is provided with a number of containing members 10 having a shape in conformity with a shape of micro tubes 6, nozzles 15 for jetting coolant to the respective containing members 10, a blower 5 for supplying the coolant to the nozzles 15, heaters 12 wound around the respective containing members 10, thermocouples 13 provided to be brought into contact with the respective containing members 10 and a control apparatus 14 for generating signals of the heaters 12 based on signals from the thermocouples 13 and outputting the generated signals. By carrying out independent temperature control for the respective micro tubes 6 by the control apparatus 14, accuracy of temperature control of the respective micro tubes 6 is promoted and the processing efficiency is promoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akihiro Kasahara, Koichiro Kawano, Hideo Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 6631514
    Abstract: The inventive emulator dynamically translates instructions in code written for a first architecture into code for a second architecture. The emulator designates various checkpoints in the original code, and speculatively reorders the placement of the translated code instructions according to optimization procedures. If during the execution of the reordered code, a trap should occur, then the emulator resets the original code to the most recent checkpoint and begins executing the original code sequentially in a line-by-line manner until the section is completed or branched out of. The original code is reset by changing the program counter to the checkpoint, and reversing the effects of each instruction which has been executed subsequent to the checkpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development, L.P.
    Inventor: Bich-Cau Le
  • Patent number: 6625500
    Abstract: A method for computer-generating interaction-specific knowledge base for rapidly improving or optimizing a performance of an object comprises performing, according to computer-designed test matrices, at least several automatic experimental cycles on selected control variables. In at least one of the automatic experimental cycles after the first the computer plans a new test matrix designed to minimize or remove at least one expected two-variable interaction from a main effect of a designated control variable. A machine operating according to the method is also available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Chou H. Li
  • Patent number: 6618628
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling a system that operates responsive to a plurality of input control signals are disclosed. During operation the system generates a plurality of output status/control signals. A master controller has at least first and second controllers. The first controller outputs and inputs signals over a first communication path, and the second controller outputs and inputs signals over a second communication path. The first and second controllers output signals based on input signals received over the first and second communication paths, respectively, and also based on stored control data. A plurality of input/output modules are provided. Each of the input/output modules has first and second slave controllers. The first slave controller of each of the input/output modules inputs and outputs signals over the first communication path to the first controller, and the second slave controller outputs and inputs signals over the second communication path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Karl A. Davlin, Adel George Tannous, Alan R. Loudermilk
  • Patent number: 6615111
    Abstract: A virtual robot (or BOT) is disclosed that interfaces and automatically interacts with users desiring to be guided or informed about certain aspects or features of the entity with which they are interacting. Several mechanisms are further disclosed that aid the effectiveness of that interaction. Mechanisms to focus the attention of the BOT on certain aspects of the interaction or communication are disclosed. These mechanisms can be made explicitly or can be performed automatically. Mechanisms are disclosed to aid the BOT to automatically learn from its interactions with users to increase the effectiveness of the interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Nativeminds, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter A. Tackett, Scott S. Benson
  • Patent number: 6615089
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for verifying capture by a selected pacing electrode in a multi-site pacemaker. A switching circuit switches the input of an evoked response sensing channel to an unselected electrode. A pacing pulse is then output by the selected electrode, and the presence or absence of capture is determined from the output of the evoked response sensing channel. In one embodiment, a backup pacing pulse is output by an unselected electrode if a loss of capture is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Renold J. Russie, Qingsheng Zhu
  • Patent number: 6615088
    Abstract: A control system comprises a master controller and at least one device coupled to the master controller via a network. At least one generic device interface module resides on the master controller, where the device interface module defines a basic protocol for interface with any device. Configuration information associated with the at least one device is used to tailor the at least one generic device interface module to communicate and operate with the at least one device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: AMX Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron L. Myer, Daren E. Orth
  • Patent number: 6611726
    Abstract: A method for forecasting a value of a dependent variable, such as product demand, in a future time period later than the next, upcoming future time period. The method includes selecting a dependent variable for which a value is to be forecast, gathering historical data on values of the dependent variable and explanatory variables in prior time periods, and determining a forecasting equation based on the gathered historical data. The method includes selecting a future time period that is a number of time periods beyond the next, upcoming time period. The forecasting method continues with calculating a forecasted value of the dependent variable for the selected future time period, then determining an error value by comparing the forecasted value with the historical data and based on the error value, modifying the forecasting equation to reduce the error value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Carl E. Crosswhite
  • Patent number: 6611723
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for run monitoring of processes in a digital computer. In accordance with the present invention, time-stamped analysis data are manipulated such that the analysis data can be output in a freely selectable time sequence and at a freely selectable rate. This enables user-friendly run monitoring of backup operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerd Kehrer, Thomas Prause
  • Patent number: 6609035
    Abstract: An adaptive motion controller for driving a servo motor. The adaptive motion controller includes a computer control module which stores information for configuring an amplifier to a specific servo motor. The amplifier has a chip which will configure the amplifier for a specific servo motor upon receiving the stored information. A computer control module receives the stored information and delivers it to the chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Emhart Glass S.A.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Liska
  • Patent number: 6604017
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a modular printing system has a plurality of modules for processing sheets. One module is a collator module configured to retain the sheets. The collator module has a collator controller and sensors linked to the collator controller. The sensors are arranged to detect erroneously processed sheets. The collator controller is configured to generate an error signal in response to detection of an error. The collator module also includes a feed assembly for presenting the sheets. A printer module is configured to receive sheets presented by the feed assembly. The printer module includes a printer controller and sensors linked to the printer controller. The sensors are arranged to detect erroneously processed sheets and to generate an error signal in response to detection of an error. The module printing system also includes a system controller linked to the collator controller and the printer controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Check Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael M. Richardson, Allan C. Brittle, Jr., Lee B. Fiedler, Kent Gorham, Jay R. Peterson, Gary T. Schultze, Chris J. Vetter, Eugene G. Weiss
  • Patent number: 6604012
    Abstract: A lot dispatching method and system for variably applying the most suitable processing equipment and/or processing condition in a succeeding process of a semiconductor manufacturing process, wherein the succeeding process is influenced by the result of a preceding process. A lot processed by the preceding process is dispatched to the succeeding processing equipment according to a systematic analysis result obtained from a relationship between a process result of the preceding process and an efficiency and the characteristics of a plurality of processing equipment in the succeeding process. A plurality of process conditions for the succeeding process corresponding to the performance of the preceding process is provided. A respective process condition has characteristics that minimize the difference in performance in the succeeding process from a desired or target performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-Sik Cho, Hee-Sun Chae, Seok-Hyun Kim, Seung-Hoon Tong, Tae-Yang Yoon, Doh-Soon Kwak, Hee-Se Kang, Yll-Seug Park, Jae-Seok Oh
  • Patent number: 6600965
    Abstract: An improved stereolithography system for generating a three-dimensional object by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, information defining the object being specially processed to reduce curl and distortion, and increase resolution, strength, accuracy, speed and economy of reproduction even for rather difficult object shapes, the successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Hull, Stuart T. Spence, David J. Albert, Dennis R. Smalley, Richard A. Harlow, Phil Stinebaugh, Harry L. Tarnoff, Hop D. Nguyen, Charles W. Lewis, Tom J. Vorgitch, David Z. Remba
  • Patent number: 6600971
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a distributed control network for irrigation management. The system incorporates several irrigation controllers wherein each of the controllers can transmit, receive and respond to commands initiated by any device or satellite controller on the network, a communication bus that is connected to the controllers, a central computer that is connected to the bus, several sensing devices that are connected to each controller, and several sprinkler valves that are connected to each controller. The controllers can be operated in local mode via a user interface and in a remote mode via a wireless connection. The controllers are capable of monitoring and acknowledging the commands that are transmitted on the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Smith, Eric Schafer
  • Patent number: 6600972
    Abstract: A fuel measuring system includes a package adapted for mounting to a fuel storage vessel. The package includes an electro-statically shielded enclosure. A processor element is disposed in the enclosure and is adapted for coupling to a fuel sensor disposed in the storage vessel. A communication interface is provided for coupling data through the enclosure between the processor and a processor external to the package through a dielectric transmission media passing through the enclosure. A power supply for the processor element disposed in the enclosure, such power supply being adapted to generate power for the processing element in response to input energy. An energy interface is provided for coupling the input energy from a source external to the enclosure through dielectric transmission media passing through the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: CBL Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Morrison, Paul A. Connolly
  • Patent number: 6600964
    Abstract: Due to the diversity of the requirements to be met for controlling the movement of production machines, a system and method based on a range of hardware modules, which are provided with adequate computing capacity, a real-time operating system and specific basic functionality, a network (for example Profibus) for constructing a decentralized system with distributed control functionality and also operating and monitoring units with planned interfaces is disclosed. The invention comprises a configurable, distributable and programmable control software system for individually adapting the control solution to the client's requirements, with which the planned control solution is distributed among hardware modules and in which an engineering system used for management, configuration, programming, monitoring, debugging and commissioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Hess, Tino Heber, Wolfgang Horn, Steffen Kirste, Norbert Kosel
  • Patent number: 6600959
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using dynamic programmable logic arrays in microprocessor control logic provide decreased power and increased clock frequencies for data processing systems, by using programmable logic arrays exclusively for the control logic. The method and apparatus further simplify the design of the control logic and closure of timing within the microprocessor, by providing overlap of control logic evaluations and data transfers within the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paula Kristine Coulman, Sang Hoo Dhong, Brian King Flachs, Harm Peter Hofstee, Jaehong Park, Stephen Douglas Posluszny, Joel Abraham Silberman, Osamu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6600963
    Abstract: A modular architecture for electronic equipment. Data-concentration modules, processing modules and display devices are interconnected by data-transmitters with sensors, measuring instruments and detectors. The data-concentration modules concentrate only the data which is not critical for the industrial process. This data is transmitted to other modules by a multi-receiver serial bus. The other modules directly receive the critical data which is routed by separate, respective serial digital links between, on the one hand, display devices and functions controlling the processes which are distributed in the process modules, and, on the other hand, sensors, measuring instruments and actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Sextant Avionique
    Inventors: Dominique Loise, Jean-Pierre Ledoux, Patrick Sardier