Patents Examined by Robert E. Fennema
  • Patent number: 11765809
    Abstract: A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between the source and the load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals directly from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. Pessina, Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11762368
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for computer aided design of physical structures using generative design processes, where the 3D models of the physical structures are produced so as to facilitate manufacturing of the physical structures using 2.5-axis subtractive manufacturing systems and techniques, include: obtaining a design space, design criteria, and in-use case(s); iteratively modifying a generatively designed shape in the design space in accordance with the design criteria and the in-use case(s) using a density-based representation of the generatively designed shape and including adjusting the density-based representation of the generatively designed three dimensional shape in accordance with a milling direction of a 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventors: David Jon Weinberg, Nam Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 11747036
    Abstract: Techniques for performing an emissions demand response event are described. In an example, a cloud-based HVAC control server system obtains an emissions rate forecast for a predefined future time period. Using the emissions rate forecast, a future emissions rate event during the predefined future time period is identified. The future emissions rate event comprises an indication of predicted magnitude and a time period when a predicted emissions rate will be at an increased or decreased level. A confidence value indicating a certainty of the future emissions rate event occurring as predicted is determined. Based on the identified future emissions rate event and the confidence value, an emissions demand response event having a start time and an end time during the future emissions rate event is generated. The cloud-based HVAC control server system then causes a thermostat to control an HVAC system in accordance with the generated emissions demand response event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Y. Chang, Kristoffer J. Donhowe, Ramya Bhagavatula, Jeffrey Gleeson, Kevin Chen
  • Patent number: 11747795
    Abstract: A system for enabling and disabling operation of manufacturing machines provides a manufacturing machine user interface that facilitates receiving quality control information regarding the manufacturing machine from a user. For quality assurance purposes, the computer system of the manufacturing machine may decide whether to enable operation of the manufacturing machine based on the received quality control information. The computer system of the manufacturing machine may also decide to disable operation of the manufacturing machine if the quality control information provided is incomplete, out of date, or otherwise insufficient to indicate the manufacturing machine is ready for safe and effective operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: DISH TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jason Fruh, George M. Hansen
  • Patent number: 11750025
    Abstract: An apparatus for a system power device utilized in an interconnected power system. The interconnected power system may include multiple system power devices connected to various inter connections of groups of direct currents (DC) from power sources which also may be connected in various series, parallel, series parallel and parallel series combinations for example. The apparatus may include a processor connected to a memory and a communication interface operatively attached to the processor. The communication interface may be adapted to connect to a mobile computing system of a user in close proximity to the system power devices. A graphical user interface (GUI) of the mobile computing system may allow various operational and re-configuration options for the interconnected power system which may include installation, maintenance and monitoring schedules in the interconnected power system when the user of the GUI is in close proximity to the system power devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaron Binder, Lior Handelsman, Ilan Yoscovich, Guy Sella, Menashe Walsh
  • Patent number: 11748614
    Abstract: An artificial intelligence device for controlling an external device includes a display unit, and a processor configured to acquire a distance between the artificial intelligence device and a first external device, determine whether the acquired distance is less than a reference distance, display a first operation menu item for controlling the first external device on the display unit when the acquired distance is less than the reference distance, acquire situation information when the acquired distance is equal to or greater than the reference distance, determine a second external device as an object to be controlled based on the acquired situation information, and display a second operation menu item for controlling the determined second external device on the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Dongwook Kim, Kunwoo Kim, Chala Park, Hojun Lee
  • Patent number: 11742089
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide customized cosmetics personalized for individual users. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a customized cosmetics provision system can comprise: a diagnosis device for diagnosing a skin condition, recommending customized cosmetics on the basis of the diagnosis result of the skin condition, and transmitting, to a manufacturing device, information on the customized cosmetics having been recommended; and the manufacturing device for receiving information on the customized cosmetics from the diagnosis device, and providing customized cosmetics on the basis of the information on the customized cosmetics having been received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: LG HOUSEHOLD & HEALTH CARE LTD.
    Inventors: Su Ra Jeong, Jung A Kim, Joon Oh Myoung, Jong Sub Han
  • Patent number: 11715367
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for managing a set of electrical/electronic devices for driving fans of a heat exchanger of a refrigeration plant, having a basic control unit adapted to act as interface between a remote control unit/Master unit and a plurality of electrical/electronic devices to be controlled. The basic control unit has a data input to receive inputs from the remote control unit/Master unit and a plurality of data outputs connectable with respective electrical/electronic devices of the electrical/electronic devices. The basic control unit is configured to address the electrical/electronic devices using management signals to program the operating parameters of the electrical/electronic devices, and to directly manage the operation. The management signals include addressing, programming and management commands previously programmed in the memory unit based on specific applications and communication protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: SELPRO SRL
    Inventor: Stefano Rizzi
  • Patent number: 11698631
    Abstract: A crash sensor device may include multiple sensor components positioned along one or more data paths to a communication interface of the crash sensor device. The crash sensor device may include a test control unit. The test control unit may receive a test command from an electronic control unit during operation of a vehicle. The test control unit may perform a test of one or more sensor components, of the multiple sensor components, during operation of the vehicle based on the test command. The test control unit may output a test result to the electronic control unit based on performing the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • Patent number: 11009863
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for predicting material properties in an Additive Manufacturing (AM) process is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Raj Mohan Bharadwaj, Andrew Peter Vechart, Suresh Sundarraj, Piyush Ranade
  • Patent number: 11010377
    Abstract: Methods and systems for scheduling include implementing a schedule based on a path in a search tree having an optimal associated priority score. Each node in the search tree represents a scheduling unit formed from a priority queue that includes orders from multiple mutually compatible sets of orders. Each path through the search tree represents a sequence of orders and has an associated priority score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Hama
  • Patent number: 11009841
    Abstract: A method for initialising control data for a device comprises determining whether an identification value stored in a control storage location of the device has a first value or second value. When the identification value has the first value, space is allocated in the memory for storing the control data and an address of the allocated space in memory is written to a control data pointer storage location of the device. When the identification value has the second value, the allocation of space in memory is omitted and the control data pointer storage location comprises a preset address indicative of a location for storing the control data in local storage provided within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: ARM Limited
    Inventors: Håkan Persson, Matthew Lucien Evans
  • Patent number: 11003148
    Abstract: Modifications made by multiple controller devices to an environment model describing a shared automated environment can be coordinated. One of the controller devices can be designated as a coordinator, and any controller device other than the coordinator can send an update request to the coordinator. The coordinator can determine whether to accept or reject the requested modification and can report its determination to the requesting controller device. If the coordinator accepts the request, the coordinator can instigate operations to update the environment model across all controller devices of all users. If the coordinator rejects the request, the environment model is not updated. The controller device that made the request can update its local copy of the environment model and roll back the update if the request is rejected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew C. Lucas, Anush G. Nadathur, Nathan E. Carroll
  • Patent number: 10996646
    Abstract: Methods and systems relating to the monitoring and control of heating devices in multiple units in one or more buildings. An intelligent node, containing a monitoring module and a controlling module, is installed for each unit in a building. The monitoring module monitors the activation and deactivation of the heating device or, alternatively, directly measures the amount of power used by the heating device. This monitoring data is transmitted to a central server and is sent to a user. The user can control the duty cycle of the heating device and, as such, can directly cause savings in energy. The duty cycle for each heating device is adjusted by the controlling module based on the user's commands. The system can also be used so that the duty cycle is set such that energy settings for adjacent units are similar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Trevor Boicey
  • Patent number: 10996647
    Abstract: Method for configuring, commanding and/or controlling a command and/or control interface (IN) of devices of a home automation installation, comprising the following steps: (E1) collecting a set of status queries (E) relating to at least one possible status of at least one home automation device (3), (E2) constituting a selection of at least one status query (SeIE) of the set of status queries (E), (E3) configuring an interface element (IN) on the basis of the selection of the at least one status query (SeIE), in such a way as to trigger transmission of a collection request (RC) comprising the selection, and obtaining, for each status query (E) of the selection, of at least one corresponding status indication (IDC) relating to at least one current status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
    Inventors: Frédéric Devis, Isabelle Duchene, Claudia Rety, Michael Danis
  • Patent number: 10998754
    Abstract: To effectively determine premises as a counterpart for transmission or reception of power in a case of interchanging direct-current power between respective premises A control device (110) according to the present invention includes a power control unit (114) configured to determine a node that performs transmission or reception of direct-current power to or from an own node by using profile information indicating a power usage state of each of the nodes exchanging direct-current power with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Alexis Andre, Annette Werth
  • Patent number: 10990084
    Abstract: A control apparatus that controls a control target is provided. The control apparatus includes: a time manager configured to manage time; a counter configured to synchronize with at least one device; a control computation unit configured to execute control computation according to timing indicated by the counter; and a record generator configured to generate a record that includes an observation value that is available to the control computation unit and is related to the control target, time that is indicated by the time manager and is associated with the observation value, and a counter value that is indicated by the counter and is associated with the observation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihide Nishiyama, Shigeyuki Eguchi, Masanori Ota
  • Patent number: 10975846
    Abstract: The present discussion relates to generating power generation forecasts both on-site and remote to a wind farm, or other intermittent power generation asset, so as to increase the reliability of providing a forecast to interested parties, such as regulatory authorities. Forecasts may be separately generated at both the on-site and remote locations and, if both are available, one is selected for transmission to interested parties, such as regulatory authorities. If, due to circumstances, one forecast is unavailable, the other forecast may be used in its place locally and remotely, communications permitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rahul Kumar Srivastava, Krishna Kumar Swaminathan, Sridhar Dasaratha, Shishir Goel, Milesh Shrichandra Gogad, Nitika Bhaskar, Pritesh Jain
  • Patent number: 10969772
    Abstract: A system for enabling and disabling operation of manufacturing machines provides a manufacturing machine user interface that facilitates receiving quality control information regarding the manufacturing machine from a user. For quality assurance purposes, the computer system of the manufacturing machine may decide whether to enable operation of the manufacturing machine based on the received quality control information. The computer system of the manufacturing machine may also decide to disable operation of the manufacturing machine if the quality control information provided is incomplete, out of date, or otherwise insufficient to indicate the manufacturing machine is ready for safe and effective operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: DISH TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jason Fruh, George M. Hansen
  • Patent number: 10973159
    Abstract: A component mounting machine which deals with a component remaining on a nozzle of a mounting head includes a board conveyance device conveying a board to a predetermined position, a component supply device accommodating multiple components therein, a component mounting device on which a mounting head which picks up and holds a component by vacuum pumping of a suction nozzle is installed and which mounts a component which is taken out from the component supply device onto a board which is conveyed by the board conveyance device, and a control device controlling each of the devices. The component mounting device performs lowering of the component, releasing the component with respect to the suction nozzle of the mounting head, a first lifting of the component to a middle height, a component pickup performed at the height of the first lifting, and a second lifting after the component pickup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Suzuki, Seiji Shibata, Satoshi Iwashima