Patents Examined by Ronald Hartman, Jr.
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Patent number: 8718808Abstract: A method and a system propagate a scaling mode in a production process controlled and executed by a manufacturing executing system (MES). The method includes the steps of providing a production request in terms of an initial quantity of a predetermined product to be produced, identifying the predetermined product by a predetermined production rule thereby dividing the production rule in a number of segment requirements that represent production actions, and defining within the segment requirements resources required to produce the required quantity. A rescaling attribute is defined and is aligned with each of the resources in a production request tree. An interface to the MES is used to update the quantity of the predetermined product to be produced and to recalculate in response to the update, the resources required to produce the updated quantity by applying a rescaling factor calculated from the initial quantity and the updated quantity.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Paolo Copello, Alessandro Raviola, Federico Risso
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Patent number: 8718802Abstract: A prog analysis and execution system and method. The system includes a computer control system, an interface engine in communication with the computer control system, the interface engine being configured to receive prog information, and an action item development engine in communication with the control system, the action item development engine being configured to analyze received prog information and to determine corresponding action items. The system further includes a sensor engine in communication with the computer control system, the sensor engine being configured to receive input from at least one sensor for use in controlling a well drilling operation, and an operational equipment engine in communication with the computer control system, the operational equipment engine being configured to receive input from the computer control system and to control the well drilling operation in accordance with the determined action items in the prog.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.Inventor: Scott G. Boone
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Patent number: 8718830Abstract: Centralized coordination of setting and adjusting trip settings of electronic circuit breakers in an electrical distribution system by monitoring short circuit current availability (SCCA) and adjusting trip settings based on received SCCA estimates from SCCA monitoring devices installed at main, feeder, and branch nodes of the distribution system. The SCCA monitoring devices are capable of automatically estimating the SCCA in the circuit or node at which the SCCA device is installed and transmitting SCCA estimates to a controller, which uses the SCCA estimates to coordinate adjustments to trip settings for the various circuit breakers. Depending on the node position of the circuit breaker and the corresponding SCCA at that node, the controller adjusts in real-time the short-circuit trip settings for the circuit breakers so that they are below the SCCA value. Optional user-inputted settings can affect the trip setting adjustments, such as transient loading conditions that can influence the SCCA estimates.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventor: Timothy Lee Smith
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Patent number: 8712593Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a wind turbine and a method for controlling operation of a plurality of wind turbines positioned in a wind farm are disclosed. According to the method, a pitch and rotational speed curve, e.g. a ? versus ? curve, is selected from a group of pitch and rotational speed curve, and the wind turbine is operated in accordance with the selected curve for a short period, while monitoring at least one target parameter, e.g. power production or loads on one or more components. This is repeated for each of the curves of the group of pitch and rotational speed curves. This is also repeated a predetermined number of times, i.e. each curve is selected in turn a predetermined number of times. Based on the monitored target parameters an optimum curve is determined from the group of pitch and rotational speed curve, and the wind turbine is operated in accordance with this optimum curve.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Thomas Steiniche Bjertrup, Imad Abdallah, Kristian Balschmidt Godsk
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Patent number: 8706262Abstract: A system program causes, as an execution preparation process for a control operation of a PLC, execution of a process for generating a reception buffer for storing received input data, and execution of a process for generating, for each input data referred to by a control program, an input synchronization buffer used by the control program as a reference target for the input data. The system program causes, as an execution control process for the control operation of the PLC, execution of an input copy process for copying the received input data from the reception buffer to the input synchronization buffer corresponding to the input data, and execution of a control program start process for starting execution of the control program.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Yoshihide Nishiyama, Shigeyuki Eguchi, Osamu Hamasaki, Tatsuya Kojima
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Patent number: 8706270Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, David Sloo, Michael James Matas, Michael Plitkins
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Patent number: 8706268Abstract: A method of machine control can include providing at least a system master signal, selectively synchronizing at least sub-system master signal to the system master signal based on the value of the system master signal, and carrying out at least one operation based on the value of the other master signal. For example, a machine controller may provide a system virtual master signal and synchronize one or more module virtual master signals to the system virtual master based on the system virtual master count value. One or more components of the module may operate based on the count value of the module virtual master signal. The use of an asynchronous control method may advantageously increase the flexibility of the machine. Because the operation of the components of the machine may depend on respective virtual master signals, a machine using asynchronous control methods may advantageously continue operating one component or module in the event of a fault involving other components.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth Allen Pigsley
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Patent number: 8700223Abstract: An estimation unit can estimate, on a real-time basis, a maximum power generation capacity of a single cycle or combined cycle gas turbine power plant. For example, the actual power output and the maximum power generation capacity can be calculated relying on a mathematical process model. Subsequently, the calculated actual power output can be compared with the measured power output yielding a model-estimation error. Based on the model-estimation error, a correction signal can be deduced, to correct the calculated maximum power generation capacity. A controller can maintain a specified power reserve. The controller can use an estimate of the maximum power generation capacity as a reference, subtract a load offset, and apply the resulting signal as upper limit of the load set-point.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.Inventor: Eric Andre Mueller
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Patent number: 8700201Abstract: A vibration suppressing device includes a memory unit storing a stable rotation speed calculated by an arithmetical unit in association with a rotation speed range that includes the stable rotation speed, in which, when a command rotation speed that is a rotation speed of a rotary shaft is inputted in starting machining operation by rotation of the rotary shaft and, the arithmetical unit determines whether the command rotation speed is included in the rotation speed range or not, reads out the stable rotation speed when the command rotation speed is included in the rotation speed range and outputs the stable rotation speed to an NC device instead of the command rotation speed, and starts the machining operation at the stable rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Okuma CorporationInventors: Kiyoshi Yoshino, Hiroshi Inagaki, Tomoharu Ando, Hiroshi Ueno, Akihide Hamaguchi, Hajimu Ishii
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Patent number: 8688256Abstract: An advanced process control (APC) system, an APC method, and a computer program product, which, when executed, performs an APC method are provided for incorporating virtual metrology (VM) into APC. The present inventions uses a reliance index (RI) and a global similarity index (GSI) to adjust at least one controller gain of a run-to-run (R2R) controller when the VM value of a workpiece is adopted to replace the actual measurement value of the workpiece. The RI is used for gauging the reliability of the VM value, and the GSI is used for assessing the degree of similarity between the set of process data for generating the VM value and all the sets of historical process data used for building the conjecturing model.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignees: National Cheng Kung University, Foresight Technology Company, Ltd.Inventors: Fan-Tien Cheng, Chi-An Kao, Wei-Ming Wu
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Patent number: 8682497Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method (310, 330, 350, 370) of demand side electrical load management and an associated apparatus (104) and system (100). The method (310, 330, 350, 370) includes providing (336, 318) a consumer of electricity with an indication of instantaneous electricity consumption. The method (310, 330, 350, 370) further includes determining (382) an electricity consumption threshold for the consumer, in response to a determination that load limiting is required and providing (384, 356, 338, 320, 322) the consumer with an indication of the electricity consumption threshold and an indication of a time period within which the consumer must limit his/her electricity consumption to comply with the electricity consumption threshold. The method (310, 330, 350, 370) also includes interrupting (360, 340, 342, 324) supply of electricity to the consumer in response to the electricity consumption of the consumer violating the electricity consumption threshold after the time period has elapsed.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignees: Util Labs (Pty) Ltd., Eskom Holdings Soc Ltd.Inventors: Rajeev Thomas, Andrew Peregrin Goehdart, Joe Paul
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Patent number: 8676397Abstract: A method for regulating the temperature of a datacenter within an optimum temperature range includes predicting, using a computing device, a thermal load from a workload scheduler containing information on machines assembled in the datacenter to be turned on and/or off during a particular time period, and the thermal load of the datacenter associated with the work of the machines within the particular time period; and controlling at least one cooling system of the datacenter based upon the predicted thermal load within the particular time period under consideration of the thermal inertia of the datacenter by at least one of activating, controlling, and deactivating cooling resources of the cooling system in advance to maintain the temperature of the datacenter within the optimum temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Giuseppe Longobardi, Scot MacLellan, Giulio Santoli
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Patent number: 8670858Abstract: A tip-based computer controlled system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history. The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventors: James Feine, Mohammad Ali Jamnia, William L. Bollig
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Patent number: 8666515Abstract: A computer-implemented initial run module processes manifest variable data using computer-defined model specification parameters stored in a database to provide initial estimates of weights that are associated with latent variables. The initial run module employs a unique value-based weighting partial least squares computer-implemented process. A final run module then operates upon the manifest variable data to determine the importance of the predictor values that are then used to control the industrial, manufacturing or commercial process. The final run module implements a unique patient partial least squares regression model utilizing a boosting learning technique.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: CFI Group USA, LLCInventors: Claes Fornell, Jaesung Cha, Philip Debard Doriot
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Patent number: 8666533Abstract: A system, method, machine-readable medium for accurate simulation of automated machinery. A method includes loading a machine operating model. The method also includes receiving machine-specific data from an automated machinery controller. The method also includes simulating a machine operation using the machine-specific data and the machine operating model to produce optimized motion data. The method includes transmitting the optimized data to the automated machinery controller by the simulation data processing system.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc.Inventors: Ulrich Wolfgang Lorenz, Peter Heinrich Armbrust
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Patent number: 8660704Abstract: Demand Flow operates chilled water plants at substantially improved efficiency, regardless of plant load conditions. In general, Demand Flow utilizes an operating strategy which controls chilled and condenser water pumping according to a constant Delta T line, which is typically near or at design Delta T. This reduces or eliminates Low Delta T Syndrome and reduces energy usage by chilled and condenser water pumps for given load conditions. Operation of chilled water pumps in this manner creates a synergy which generally balances flow rates throughout the plant, reducing undesirable bypass mixing and energy usage at air handler fans and other components of the chilled water plant. At plant chillers, application of Demand Flow increases the refrigeration effect through refrigerant sub-cooling and superheating, while preventing stacking. Demand Flow includes a critical zone reset feature which allows the constant Delta T line to be reset to adjust to changing load conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: Robert Higgins
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Patent number: 8644996Abstract: A positioner operating mode identifying function is provided in a calculating unit. A pressure value of an amplified pneumatic pressure signal, from a single-mode pilot relay, is detected by a pressure sensor and sent to the calculating unit. The calculating unit, through the positioner operating mode identifying function, monitors a change in the amplified pneumatic pressure signal corresponding to a change in the control signal, and if the direction of change in the control output and the direction of change of the amplified pneumatic pressure signal are the identical direction, identifies the operating mode of the positioner as the positive operating mode. The operating mode of the positioner is identified as the negative operating mode if the direction of change in the control output and the direction of change of the amplified pneumatic pressure signal are the opposite directions. The identification results displayed on a screen of a display unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Azbil CorporationInventor: Yohsuke Inagaki
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Patent number: 8644966Abstract: A device and a method for projecting field devices of a technical system, in particular a power plant system, into a control system of the technical system are provided. The device includes means for a computer-implemented display of two field devices as two data objects and means for a computer-implemented display of a connection between the two data objects of the two field devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Guido Steinhauer, Michael Unkelbach
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Patent number: 8634966Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to power management and the like, and more particularly, to an apparatus, a system, a method, and a computer-readable medium for providing power controlling functionality to generate configurable power signals and to deliver power during fault conditions. In at least some embodiments, a power control unit can generate power signals having configurable attributes as a function of a mode of operation, a fault type, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Global Embedded Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark Stanley Stanczak, Louis Stephen Smutek, Alan Wayne Brown, David Allen Backus
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Patent number: 8634952Abstract: A fan control method performed by a computer having a processor and a fan includes predicting a load of the processor for a job to be executed by referring to a memory that stores information on the load of the processor according to a job type, determining fan rotation control according to a temperature of the processor under the load, and controlling the fan according to the determined fan rotation control.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Satoshi Kazama, Yasushi Hara, Yoshiyasu Nakashima