Patents Examined by Ronald D Hartman
  • Patent number: 12133611
    Abstract: A calibration tool for a coffee grinder can receive an image generated using a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. The image can depict coffee grinds produced by the coffee grinder. The calibration tool can analyze the image using one or more image processing techniques to determine a representative grind size for the coffee grinds. The calibration tool can determine whether the representative grind size of the coffee grinds deviates from a predefined reference size by at least a threshold amount. In response to determining that the representative grind size of the coffee grinds deviates from the predefined reference size by at least the threshold amount, the calibration tool can output a notification associated with the deviation. The notification can include an instruction indicating how to calibrate the coffee grinder to more closely adhere to the predefined reference size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2024
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: John L. Brockman, Lucas Abrahamsen
  • Patent number: 12127713
    Abstract: A calibration tool for a coffee grinder can receive an image. The image can depict coffee grinds produced by the coffee grinder. The calibration tool can analyze the image using one or more image processing techniques to determine a representative grind size for the coffee grinds. The calibration tool can determine whether the representative grind size of the coffee grinds deviates from a predefined reference size by at least a threshold amount. In response to determining that the representative grind size of the coffee grinds deviates from the predefined reference size by at least the threshold amount, the calibration tool can output an instruction indicating how to calibrate the coffee grinder to more closely adhere to the predefined reference size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventor: John L. Brockman
  • Patent number: 12124248
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for processing accelerated test data based on multiple performance degradation, and a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: CHINA ELECTRONIC PRODUCT RELIABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Guangze Pan, Dan Li, Bochen Chen, Lijun Sun, Yuanhang Wang, Wenwei Liu, Jianfeng Yang, Xiaojian Ding
  • Patent number: 12123796
    Abstract: A data generation device includes: a parameter generator; and a reaction force data generator. The parameter generator generates value data based on a signal having a correlation with a driving force. The parameter generator generates velocity data based on a signal representing a response of a member driven by the driving force. The reaction force data generator generates data of a reaction force received by the member from a predetermined object based on the value data and the velocity data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignees: Yokogawa Electric Corporation, KEIO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yuki Saito, Kouhei Ohnishi, Takahiro Nozaki
  • Patent number: 12126167
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the certified measurement of electric parameters and customers' flexibility behaviour, and for communicating with a distribution system operator, comprises a System on Module, or SoM, a Certification Module, a Customer Communication Module and a Communication Module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignees: ACEA S.P.A., INDRA ITALIA S.P.A., APIO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Ercole De Luca, Francesco Ruggieri, Lorenzo Di Berardino
  • Patent number: 12115613
    Abstract: A machining dimension prediction apparatus includes a trend acquirer that acquires, for each workpiece, trend information indicating a trend of a state of a machining tool during a machining period of machining performed by the machining tool, a feature calculator that calculates, based on the trend information, a feature using the trend of the state in each of sections included in the machining period, a measurement value acquirer that acquires a measurement value of a dimension of each workpiece after being machined, a section specifier that specifies, as a specific section of the sections, a section including a calculated feature having a greatest degree of relevance to the measurement value, and a predictor that predicts, when a new-target workpiece is machined, a dimension of the new-target workpiece after being machined based on the feature calculated using the trend of the state in the specific section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsushi Ishida, Takaaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 12117784
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided, which includes a setting unit for setting an operation content for a manufacturing system configured to manufacture an object to be manufactured, a first acquisition unit for acquiring a posterior state parameter set indicating a state of at least one of the manufacturing system or the object to be manufactured after the operation content is set, and a learning processing unit for executing, by using learning data including the operation content and the posterior state parameter set, a learning process of a control model of the manufacturing system configured to output the operation content that increases a reward value determined by a preset reward function in response to input of a state parameter set indicating a state of at least one of the manufacturing system or the object to be manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Junji Yamamoto, Hiroaki Kanokogi, Keiichiro Kobuchi, Yota Furukawa, Rei Karasawa, Hiroto Abe
  • Patent number: 12111626
    Abstract: An I/O server service interacts with multiple containerized controller services each implementing the same control routine to control the same portion of the same plant. The I/O server service may provide the same controller inputs to each of the containerized controller services (e.g., representing measurements obtained by field devices and transmitted by the field devices to the I/O server service). Each containerized controller service executes the same control routine to generate a set of controller outputs. The I/O server service receives each set of controller outputs and forwards an “active” set to the appropriate field devices. The I/O server service and other services, such as an orchestrator service, may continuously evaluate performance and resource utilization in the control system, and may dynamically activate and deactivate controller services as appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: FISHER-ROSEMOUNT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony Amaro, Jr., Mark J. Nixon
  • Patent number: 12085912
    Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus for fully utilizing the functions of a machine tool by correctly converting CL data into an NC program. The information processing apparatus includes a CL data acquirer that can acquire CL data including standardization information based on a rule defined among a plurality of output devices, thereby acquiring CL data including the standardization information associated with at least one of unique control information of the numerical control apparatus, unique control information of the machine tool, and unique control information of a user of the machine tool, and an NC program generator that acquires an NC code corresponding to the standardization information included in the CL data, and generates an NC program including the NC code based on the NC code and the CL data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: DMG MORI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiko Mori, Naruhiro Irino, Hironari Sakamoto, Yoji Tsukui, Yasuhiro Imabeppu, Koji Matsuoka, Munetaka Wakizaka, Takaaki Soga, Tetsuo Ogawa, Takashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 12078063
    Abstract: Methods, drilling systems, and computer-readable media for evaluating candidate correctional trajectories for a directional drilling well. If the user wishes to investigate alternatives trajectories or trajectories to get a BHA back to a planned trajectory, the computing system allows the user to enter one or more intermediate targets. The computing system generates drilling parameters for the alternative targets and displays them to the user. The user can adjust parameters and intermediate targets, as well as drilling parameters, to investigate a range of possible solutions before selecting an update to the planned trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Olivia Reagan, Adrien Chassard, Cesar Pena, Jinsoo Kim, Rodney Ewing, James Foley, Conie Chiock, Ginger Hildebrand, Jason Bryant, Chunling Gu Coffman
  • Patent number: 12066808
    Abstract: A system for inspecting each workpiece of a plurality of non-identical workpieces includes a controller in control communication with the instruments of the system, and a ruleset corresponding to one or more such non-identical workpieces, the system reconfiguring the inspection instruments to customize part tending operations for each such non-identical workpiece. A method for inspecting each workpiece of a plurality of non-identical workpiece includes providing a controller in control communication with the instruments of the system, and a ruleset corresponding to each such non-identical workpiece, the controller causing reconfiguration of the inspection instruments to customize part tending operations for each such non-identical workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan J. O'Hare, Jonathan Dove
  • Patent number: 12064923
    Abstract: A product containing an intelligent control provides increased safety and reliability, wherein the product contains an active component, wherein the active component is adapted to monitor or control the use of the component, wherein the active component is adapted to send data to and/or receive data from a distributed database. A method of manufacturing, a machine containing the product, and a computer program product are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jerry Fornander, Andreas Graichen, Thomas Jetzfellner, Johan Lindstam, Markus Sauer, Monika Sturm
  • Patent number: 12059098
    Abstract: A calibration tool for a coffee grinder can receive an image from a camera. The image can depict coffee grinds produced by the coffee grinder. The calibration tool can analyze the image using one or more image processing techniques to determine a representative grind size for the coffee grinds. The calibration tool can determine whether the representative grind size of the coffee grinds deviates from a predefined reference size by at least a threshold amount. In response to determining that the representative grind size of the coffee grinds deviates from the predefined reference size by at least the threshold amount, the calibration tool can output an instruction indicating how to calibrate the coffee grinder to more closely adhere to the predefined reference size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventor: John L. Brockman
  • Patent number: 12059715
    Abstract: A mobile panel maintenance system including a mobile panel maintenance unit having a base supported for translational motion over a surface within a panel array and a carriage movably mounted to the base to position a panel maintenance assembly in relation to a panel surface for panel maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Steam Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Philip J. Hartman, James L. Hartman
  • Patent number: 12048355
    Abstract: A custom footwear sole component may have an upper surface conforming to a lower surface of an underfoot component. A method of making the custom sole component includes detecting a shape of a lower surface of the underfoot component. An upper surface of the sole component may be designed that has an upper surface conforming to the detected shape of the lower surface of the underfoot component. The sole-component upper-surface design may conform to three-dimensional geometrical surface data describing an as-worn shape of the lower surface of the underfoot component. Portions of the upper surface of the sole component may extend beyond an upper surface of the underfoot component to form with the underfoot component a combined continuous upper surface. The designed sole component and custom footwear may then be manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: LINQ, LLC
    Inventor: Tarik Adam Kaddouri
  • Patent number: 12038187
    Abstract: A sensing assembly includes a baseboard and a daughterboard operatively coupled to the baseboard. The baseboard includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) mounted to the baseboard, the MCU executing a Real Time Operating System (RTOS) and embedded Artificial Intelligence (AI) code, and two or more sensors that are mounted to the baseboard and operatively coupled to the MCU. The daughterboard includes two or more sensors that are mounted to the daughterboard. The MCU is configured to receive an output signal from each of the two or more sensors mounted to the daughterboard and the two or more sensors mounted to the baseboard and to process two or more of the output signals using the embedded AI code to produce one or more output parameters. The baseboard includes communication circuitry for communicating one or more of the output parameters to a remote device such as a remote server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Armin Wellig, Jin Haozhe-Jerry, Chenghao Wang
  • Patent number: 12041702
    Abstract: A method for detecting occupancy and controlling electrical load based on the presence of mobile devices in a space is disclosed. An electric lighting fixture emits control signals into a surrounding area which triggers responses from nearby mobile phones that are not necessarily engaged in an active call. The lighting fixture receives response signals from mobile devices in the area and determines occupancy based on detection of the devices. The power delivery to the lighting fixture may be controlled based on occupancy. The method may further include providing audible or visual indicators of occupancy detection, requesting registration information from mobiles, storing mobile device IDs to ignore known devices, adjusting sensitivity of detection, controlling other electrical loads based on occupancy, and interfacing with a security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: S.V.V. TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Sergiy Vasylyev
  • Patent number: 12032355
    Abstract: A method for detecting an endpoint of a seasoning process for a plasma tool includes (a) operating the plasma tool to run a seasoning recipe on at least one seasoning wafer before running a monitoring recipe on at least one monitoring wafer; (b) collecting, while running the monitoring recipe on the monitoring wafer, monitoring data associated with the running the monitoring recipe; and (c) generating an estimated product parameter using a virtual metrology (VM) model that is configured to estimate a product parameter using the monitoring data. The VM model is based on production data associated with running a production recipe on production wafers and product parameters of the production wafers measured after the running the production recipe. The endpoint of the seasoning process is obtained by repeating (a), (b) and (c), and the endpoint is obtained when the estimated product parameter stabilizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Jun Shinagawa, Brian Pfeifer, John Solis, Brian Gessler, Koichiro Nakamura, Yutaka Hirooka
  • Patent number: 12032351
    Abstract: A balance and runout amount adjustment system for a rotary tool includes a rotary tool constituted of a tool holder mounted on a spindle, a balance determining device configured to obtain outer circumference position data of the rotary tool and to determine a mass balance of the rotary tool based on the outer circumference position data obtained, in the course of rotation of the rotary tool and a runout determining device configured to obtain shape data of the rotary tool and to determine a runout amount of the rotary tool based on the shape data obtained, in the course of rotation of the rotary tool. The rotary tool is configured to be capable of adjustment of the mass balance based on the result of the determination made by the balance determining device and capable also of adjustment of the runout amount based on the result of the determination made by the runout determining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignees: BIG DAISHOWA CO., LTD, BIG DAISHOWA SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masataka Yauchi, Kouichi Uemura, Yukio Tsujita, Reina Oohashi, Shunsuke Kumasaki, Akihito Funashoku
  • Patent number: 12032369
    Abstract: A method of analytical calculation of power supply reliability indexes of a power distribution network includes (A1) acquiring parameters of the power distribution network; (A2) building a reliability calculation model, which includes treating the power distribution network as a node-branch calculation unit and numbering nodes and branches in the power distribution network; (A3) building correlation matrices, and calculating a power supply path matrix and a tie-line matrix, wherein the correlation matrices are a node-branch association matrix, a section switch matrix and a fuse matrix; (A4) deriving a fault incidence matrix through the power supply path matrix, the section switch matrix, the fuse matrix and the tie-line matrix, and calculating the reliability indexes of the nodes and the power distribution network; and (A5) identifying vulnerable links by performing sensitivity analysis through partial derivative transformation for quantifiable parameters or perturbation transformation for unquantifiable para
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Tianjin University
    Inventors: Fengzhang Luo, Nan Ge, Qiubo Zou, Tianyu Zhang, Chengshan Wang, Jing Xu, Shengyuan Wang, Xuan Wu, Jiacheng Fo, Xiaoyu Qiu, Kuangyu Kong