Patents Examined by Robert J Utama
  • Patent number: 11224942
    Abstract: A method for stack-welding dissimilar metal members by placing a first metal member and a second metal member having a melting point higher than that of the first metal member on top of one another and performing laser welding is provided. The second metal member is placed on the first metal member, and a molten pool in which only the second metal member is melted is formed by applying a laser beam for thermal-conduction welding from above the second metal member. After the molten pool comes into contact with the first metal member and hence the first metal member melts in the molten pool, the molten pool solidifies, so that the first and second metal members and are welded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroomi Kobayashi, Yoshinori Shibata, Hiroyuki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 11224929
    Abstract: There is provided an arc welding method. In the method, welding is performed in a spray transfer mode by feeding a welding wire. A first welding current Iw1 is flown during a first period. A second welding current Iw2 is flown during a second period. A third welding current Iw3 is flown during a third period, where 0<Iw2<Iw3<Iw1. The first to third periods are alternately repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: DAIHEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Mori, Zhongjie Liu, Toshiro Uezono
  • Patent number: 11224102
    Abstract: In a solid-state heating system, once a load with specific load characteristics has been placed in a heating cavity, a processing unit produces control signals that indicate an excitation signal frequency and one or more phase shifts, which constitute a combination of parameter values. Multiple microwave generation modules produce RF excitation signals characterized by the frequency and the phase shift(s). Multiple microwave energy radiators radiate, into the heating cavity, electromagnetic energy corresponding to RF excitation signals received from the microwave generation modules. Power detection circuitry takes reflected RF power measurements, and the processing unit determines a reflected power indication based on the measurements. The process is repeated for different combinations of the parameter values, and an acceptable combination of parameter values is determined and stored in a memory of the heating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Minyang Ma, Gregory J. Durnan, Steven Y. Do
  • Patent number: 11217116
    Abstract: A system and method for interactive training for application providers in a computing environment are presented. A proposed application solution from a user for a selected application may be compared to one or more optimized solutions to identify one or more differences in the proposed application solution. One or more missing assets may be identified from the proposed application solution according to the one or more differences. The user may be surveyed with a survey relating to the missing assets such that survey results are used to train and develop a level of expertise for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Radu Marinescu, Alice-Maria Marascu
  • Patent number: 11213907
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selecting welding schedules in welding-type torches. A welding-type torch configured for use during welding-type operations, with the welding-type torch comprising an input device configured for setting a welding-type parameter, such as welding schedules, associated with a welding-type device that is used in conjunction with the welding-type torch during the welding-type operations. The welding-type device may be a welding-type power source. The welding-type torch is connected to the welding-type device via a welding-type connector, with the setting of the welding-type parameter occurring via the welding-type connector and without requiring a change to structure of the welding-type connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Craig Steven Knoener, Chris J. Roehl, Andrew James Thielke
  • Patent number: 11212881
    Abstract: There is provided an inductive heating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor, and to heat the susceptor when the article is received by the device, the device including a DC power supply to provide a DC supply voltage and a DC current; and power supply electronics including a DC/AC converter connected to the power supply, and an inductor connected to the converter to inductively couple to the susceptor when the article is received by the device, the electronics being configured to supply power to the inductor from the power supply, via the converter, for heating the susceptor when the article is received by the device, the supplied power being provided in a plurality of pulses separated by time intervals, and to control a duration of the time intervals between successive pulses based on measurements of the current provided by the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Oleg Fursa, Oleg Mironov
  • Patent number: 11210967
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a central executive training (CET) platform that targets central executive processes, rather than short term memory. Central executive deficits have been linked experimentally and developmentally with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and impairments. Unfortunately, substantial evidence indicates that conventional working memory training programs fail to improve these symptoms and impairments. This discrepancy may reflect insufficient targeting, as extant protocols focus on short term memory and do not adequately engage the specific central executive components linked with the disorder's behavioral and functional impairments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Florida State University Research Foundation, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Kofler
  • Patent number: 11203085
    Abstract: A device and associated method for joining, via a laser welder, a first workpiece to a second workpiece is described. This includes arranging the first and second workpieces in a stack, including overlapping a portion of the first workpiece with a portion of the second workpiece. The laser welder generates a first laser beam and coincidentally controls the laser welder to traverse a desired weld path that is disposed on the top surface of the first workpiece. The laser devices generates a second laser beam and coincidentally controls the laser welder to traverse the desired weld path. Generating, via the laser welder, the first laser beam includes operating the laser welder at a pulsed operation and at a first power level. Generating, via the laser welder, the second laser beam includes operating the laser welder at a continuous operation and at a second power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Wu Tao
  • Patent number: 11203968
    Abstract: Systems are disclosed for power systems and enclosures having an improved compressor drive. In examples, a power system includes a generator to be driven by an engine. The generator is coupled to the engine on a first side of the generator and has a clutch extending from a second side of the generator opposite the engine. The clutch is coupled to the engine. A compressor is positioned at the second side of the generator opposite from the engine. The compressor comprising a shaft extending toward the generator and configured to be driven by the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Joe Jochman
  • Patent number: 11197571
    Abstract: A steam generator includes: a base module which has a water supply port for receiving steam water; and a steam module which is connected to an upper side of the base module, in which the steam module includes: a main body which has an upper surface and a lower surface; a flow pipe which is positioned at a central portion of the main body and into which the steam water flows; and a heater which supplies heat to the flow pipe, and in which another steam module is selectively coupled to an upper side of the steam module. According to this, the internal volume of the steam generator and the output of the heater provided in the steam generator can be selectively varied so as to provide an optimum output according to the volume of a cooking device in which the steam generator is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hakjoo Lim, Jaekyung Yang, Suyong Lee, Soochan Lee, Yongsoo Lee
  • Patent number: 11198195
    Abstract: A welded blank assembly is formed by welding first and second sheet metal pieces together at a weld joint. At least one of the sheet metal pieces includes a boron steel or press hardenable steel base material layer and an aluminum-based coating material layer, along with a weld notch where at least a portion of the coating material layer is removed before welding. An additional material can be provided during welding to influence weld joint composition and/or a secondary heat source can be used to heat and flow a protective material in a weld region of the blank assembly. The weld notch has a width that may be related to the width of a heat-affected zone formed during welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: TWB COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Evangelista, Michael Telenko, Jason E. Harfoot, Jack A. Atkinson, James W. Walther, Anthony M. Parente
  • Patent number: 11192200
    Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, may include a chassis, an engine coupled to the chassis, a generator coupled to the engine, and a rotary screw compressor coupled to the chassis independent from the engine. The engine may be configured to drive both the generator and the rotary screw compressor. A method, according to another embodiment, may include isolating a rotary air compressor from an engine and a generator in a common chassis. The isolating may include separately mounting the rotary air compressor and the engine with a resilient or distance adjustable connection in between. The isolating also may include resiliently mounting the engine, or the rotary air compressor, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph N. Helf, John P. Laitala, Eric M. Kropp
  • Patent number: 11189187
    Abstract: A computerized method and computer-executable instructions for assessing personality and temperament characteristics of a registered user by a centralized computing device. The method includes providing a first user interface with at least two color elements for the user to sort in a “most like me” to “least like me” order. Upon receiving the user's sort order, the user is provided a second user interface with at least one word grouping, each word grouping having an associated life context, and the user indicates “most like me” to “least like me” in the word groupings. Upon receiving those results, the method then determine a contextual assessment based on the user's selection, with the assessment being weighted on the basis of the user's color element sort. In some embodiments, a temperament assessment service with a published API executes on a server, with access to the service requiring a user's unique API key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: Robert C. Hill
  • Patent number: 11185947
    Abstract: A welding structure for a metal member includes a first member containing a metal member, a second member containing a metal member, a first solidifying portion, a second solidifying portion, and a third solidifying portion. The first solidifying portion is present from a first surface to a second surface of the first member. The second solidifying portion has a first end that is present in the second member and a second end that is connected to the first solidifying portion. The third solidifying portion has a first end that is present in the second member and a second end that is connected to the first solidifying portion. The third solidifying portion is shorter than the second solidifying portion. The second solidifying portion and the third solidifying portion are separated from each other in the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seiji Kumazawa, Takayuki Ashida
  • Patent number: 11173565
    Abstract: A welding system includes a welding wire feeder, and the welding wire feeder includes a motor and an adjustable drive shaft assembly. The motor is and configured to rotate a feed roll with respect to the wire drive assembly housing. The adjustable drive shaft assembly is coupled to the motor and configured to couple with the feed roll. The adjustable drive shaft assembly includes a drive mechanism configured to urge rotation of the feed roll and to adjust a position of the feed roll relative to the wire drive assembly housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Paul William Garvey, Benjamin David Romenesko
  • Patent number: 11174706
    Abstract: A pipe in pipe electric heater assembly comprising a work string comprising an inner pipe and an outer pipe and a heater element, wherein the heater element is provided with power supplied by the inner pipe and the outer pipe acting at least as conductors and associated methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Thomas Hay, Clive Menezes
  • Patent number: 11173572
    Abstract: A cutting system including a cutting table and a first cutting material belt movably supported about the cutting table and a second cutting material removably supported above the first cutting material, the laser cutting material having a metal material having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: GERBER TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Nikolai Mikkelsen, Steen Mikkelsen
  • Patent number: 11166585
    Abstract: The automatic coffee machine for preparing espresso coffee comprises at least one; infusion assembly (1) having an infusion piston (2) that can be actuated by motorized means (3), at least one container containing coffee beans to be ground, grinding means (4, 5) to grind the beans for preparing doses of ground coffee, conveying means to convey the doses of ground coffee into a filter-holder element (7) arranged under the piston, the grinding means (4, 5) comprising a first and a second grinder that are actuated by a first and a second opposite motor (8, 9) arranged laterally to the infusion piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: CMA MACCHINE PER CAFÉ S.R.L.
    Inventors: Beppino Ceotto, Giovanni Rossetto
  • Patent number: 11170657
    Abstract: A skill-based training system includes a processing system having a processor, memory coupled to the processor with executable instructions stored therein, and an input-output controller coupled to the processor and to input and output devices. The memory includes lesson plans that outline skill-based tasks and activities, and predetermined performance criteria. The processor is configured by the instructions to present interfaces on the output devices simulating a virtual training environment. The processor is configured to receive input signals representative of performing the tasks and activities in the virtual environment, and to evaluate the performance by comparing the performed tasks and activities to the criteria, to determine a score and to present the score on the output devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: VRSim, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Wallace, David Zboray, Alejo Fudge, Brian Burke, Chris Groot, Paul Ong, Shawn Kennedy, Zach Lenker, Frank Bignone, Leslie Brooks Solomon
  • Patent number: 11161191
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for welding workpiece have heat sensitive material are proposed. The heat sensitive material includes austenitic manganese steel, also referred to as Hadfield manganese steel. The process reciprocates filler metal in and out of weld pool. The motion of the filler metal may be synchronized with waveform of power source. Welding parameters are adjusted such that weld may be performed on the workpiece without cracking the heat sensitive material. The process allows Hadfield manganese steel to be welded to generator components in power generation applications. The process provides reliable and repeatable welding quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Shankar P. Srinivasan, Margarita Estrada, Ryan Kapustka