Patents Examined by Ronald Hartman, Jr.
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Patent number: 8224472Abstract: A system for managing a project that includes multiple tasks and a plurality of workers. Input information includes characterizations based upon a human model, a team model and a product model. Periodic reports, such as one or more of a monthly report, a task plan report, a schedule report, a budget report and a risk management report, are generated and made available for display or further analysis or collection into a customized report template. An extensible database allows searching for information based upon context and upon content. Seven different types of project risks are addressed, including non-availability of required skill mix of workers. The system can be configured to exchange data and results with corresponding portions of similar project analyses, and to provide user-specific access to specified information.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by he United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)Inventors: David A. Maluf, Chen-Jung Hsu, Hemil N. Patel, Jairon C. Moh Hashim, Khai Peter B. Tran
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Patent number: 8219252Abstract: Regarding rooms other than a room being targeted, a controller controls the rooms in energy-saving conditioning mode when a person is not detected in the rooms, even when the rooms are scheduled to be controlled in ordinary conditioning mode in a temperature control schedule. At this time, when the controller judges that the person has exited the room, the controller controls the targeted room in energy-saving conditioning mode, in rapid conditioning mode. As a result, the room is rapidly conditioned such that the temperature changes from an energy-saving temperature t to an ordinary set temperature by the time the person who has exited the room enters the room. As a result, unnecessary conditioning of the room set to be conditioning in ordinary conditioning mode can be reduced, and energy consumption can be reduced. In addition, comfort of the person entering the room can be ensured by prediction of the movement of the person.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Denso Wave IncorporatedInventor: Tomoyuki Nanami
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Patent number: 8219222Abstract: An apparatus comprising a controller. The controller includes an input/output (I/O) module and a rule module. The I/O module is configured to present a question for a patient when communicatively coupled to a user interface and receive patient information in response to the question via the user interface. The rule module is configured to apply a rule to the patient information and generate a suggested insulin pump setting from application of the rule. Other devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.Inventor: Michael Blomquist
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Patent number: 8219249Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The controllers also include communication interfaces for receiving climate data. In certain embodiments, the controllers govern operation of the HVAC systems based at least in part on the climate data. Further, the controllers may display information and alerts related to the climate data. The controllers also may govern operation of air treatment devices within the HVAC systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Bradley A. Beers, Grant E. Carmichael, Jedidiah O. Bentz
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Patent number: 8214080Abstract: A method to compensate geometrical errors in processing machines, in which a workpiece holder (8) is arranged such that it can be adjusted on the basis of measurement signals that have been received by being able to be rotated relative to a fixture (9) in the processing machine to which the workpiece holder is attached. A method for the alignment of a workpiece in processing machines, and an arrangement for the realization of the method are disclosed. The arrangement includes a workpiece holder (8), the angle of which relative to a fixture (9) in the processing machine to which the workpiece holder (8) is connected can be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Hexagon Metrology ABInventor: Bo Petterson
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Patent number: 8204633Abstract: A system for shifting energy demand from on-peak time windows to off-peak time windows by using hot water heater load shifting, while providing the end user with the level of service (i.e., availability of hot water) according to the user's customary use described by service quality criteria. The shift is accomplished by a controller located at the end user establishment and in communication with a central control server. The controller monitors local water heater upper and/or lower temperature and controls upper and/or lower water heater heating elements in accordance with a demand shift process commanded by the central control server. The controller may determine usage and remaining capacity for reporting back to the central control server. A volumetric capacity and usage determination is disclosed. The control server may select water heaters according to use patterns and/or measured capacity.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Carina Technology, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin F. Harbin, III, Cecil Ray Holland, Jr., Robert J. Toth, Adrian O'Neil, Michael Scott Sansom, R. Michael Browder, Brook Marin
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Patent number: 8204610Abstract: An electronic device, a display device, and a method of controlling audio/video output of the electronic device are disclosed. The electronic device includes a data processing unit, a visual output unit, an audio output unit, and a user operating habit database. The data processing unit executes an application program, the visual output unit outputs an image signal, the audio output unit outputs an audio signal, and the user operating habit database records a corresponding relationship between different program types and operating parameters of the visual output unit or the audio output unit. And, the data processing unit acquires the program type of the application program being run for controlling the operating parameters of the visual output unit or the audio output unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Acer IncorporatedInventors: Jian-Wei Lee, Hsin-Yu Chen
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Patent number: 8204630Abstract: A modular sprinkler controller is disclosed. The modular sprinkler controller includes a base unit and one or more add-on modules. The base unit and each add-on module include valve terminals for communicating with coupled sprinkler valves. The base unit includes one or more communication connection points for communicating with adjacent add-on modules. Each add-on module may include two connection points for communication with an adjacent base unit or add-on module. In one embodiment, the base unit and add-on modules are arranged in a piggyback configuration. An add-on module for use with a base unit is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.Inventor: Chadwick L. Wilson
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Patent number: 8204612Abstract: 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: November 16, 2007Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Inventors: James Feine, Mohammad A. Jamnia, William L. Bollig
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Patent number: 8200360Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a machining parameter optimizing apparatus deciding a tool axis attitude and a machining zone and deciding a tooling having high stiffness for any profile of a finished workpiece. A tool axis attitude deciding member 21 decides one or plural tool axis attitude. An interference dangerous zone deciding member 23 decides as an interference dangerous zone a zone possible to interfere between a tool or a tool holder and a workpiece during machining by the decided tool axis attitude. A machining simulation member 25 executes a machining simulation based on the interference dangerous zone by the decided tool axis attitude and generates the virtual tool holder in which there is no any interference, and also decides a machining zone in a way of avoiding the interference dangerous zone.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Yoshihiko Yamada, Toshiyuki Okita, Yoshimasa Kuwano
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Patent number: 8195313Abstract: 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: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.Inventors: Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, David Sloo, Michael J. Matas, Fred Bould, Shigefumi Honjo, Brian Huppi, John B. Filson
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Patent number: 8195309Abstract: A building control system incorporating an external calendar service, having a schedule subsystem, a schedule synchronization subsystem connected to the schedule subsystem, and an external calendar configuration subsystem connected to the schedule synchronization subsystem. The schedule subsystem may have a schedule object, a building schedule mechanism for activating different subsystems in a building based on a configuration of a building schedule, and a schedule change mechanism for creating, configuring and/or changing the building schedule.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Kiran Hegde, Cuong Huynh, Patrick Brisbine, Stuart Donaldson
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Patent number: 8195312Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a mass flow controller comprising a digital controller, a valve, and a sensor. The digital controller is adapted to implement a control loop having a proportional signal modifier in series with an integral signal modifier. The integral signal modifier is adapted to receive a combination signal and output an integrated signal. The valve is adapted to receive the integrated signal and adjust a valve opening in accordance with the integrated signal. The sensor is adapted to output a measured flow rate signal indicative of an actual fluid flow rate in the mass flow controller. The measured flow rate signal is received by the proportional signal modifier and used in conjunction with a setpoint signal to determine the error signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Hitachi Metals, LtdInventors: Alexei V. Smirnov, Michael Lynn Westra, Demitri Widener
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Patent number: 8185250Abstract: The system frequency can be effectively and efficiently regulated within a permissive range by using a power load control system capable of matching a high frequency component of a total generated power to a variation of total power consumption of power equipments.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Peoplewave, Inc.Inventor: Koichi Sato
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Patent number: 8185252Abstract: A system for reducing the peak power consumption in an electromechanically controlled refrigerator is provided. The system comprises a cold control device including a housing and a counter spring having at least one spring tension position corresponding to a temperature set point, a bourdon tube having a first end comprising an elastomeric diaphragm operatively associated with the counter spring, and a second end, opposite the first end, located in the compartment, wherein the counter spring is capable of providing a force against the diaphragm, and a DSM switching device operatively controlled by an associated DSM module. The DSM module is configured to receive a signal indicative of at least one of a peak or non-peak demand period of an associated utility.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: John K. Besore
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Patent number: 8185240Abstract: A device for constructing an assembly of building components includes an articulating arm unit and a gripper/nailer mounted on an end of the articulating arm unit. The gripper/nailer includes a gripping unit for grasping building components and positioning them in a predetermined arrangement and a nailing unit for inserting a fastener to secure the building components together.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Williams Robotics, LLCInventors: Jeffrey P. Williams, Siroberto Scerbo
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Patent number: 8185248Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, David G. Fern, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
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Patent number: 8185242Abstract: Methods and systems to optimize wafer placement repeatability in semiconductor manufacturing equipment using a controlled series of wafer movements are provided. In one embodiment, a preliminary station calibration is performed to teach a robot position for each station interfaced to facets of a vacuum transfer module used in semiconductor manufacturing. The method also calibrates the system to obtain compensation parameters that take into account the station where the wafer is to be placed, position of sensors in each facet, and offsets derived from performing extend and retract operations of a robot arm. In another embodiment where the robot includes two arms, the method calibrates the system to compensate for differences derived from using one arm or the other. During manufacturing, the wafers are placed in the different stations using the compensation parameters.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Scott Wong, Jeffrey Lin, Andrew D. Bailey, III, Jack Chen, Benjamin W. Mooring, Chung Ho Huang
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Patent number: 8185226Abstract: By defining a section-related WIP limit or a throughput-related WIP limit, an efficient “look ahead” characteristic may be established to efficiently control the WIP in a complex manufacturing environment, such as a semiconductor facility. The respective critical WIP values may enable efficient reduction of priority of products moving towards an increased WIP queue, thereby reducing or substantially avoiding the release of products that are expected to run into the WIP queue. In this way, the efficiency of shared tools may be increased, since process capacity no longer required for the processing products running into WIP queues may be allocated for other operations.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Globalfoundries Inc.Inventors: Joerg Weigang, Robert Ringel, Steffen Kalisch, Thomas Quarg
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Patent number: 8185219Abstract: Smart graphic elements are provided for use as portions or components of one or more graphic displays, which may be executed in a process plant to display information to users about the process plant environment, such as the current state of devices within the process plant. Each of the graphic elements is an executable object that includes a property or a variable that may be bound to an associated process entity, like a field device, and that includes multiple visualizations, each of which may be used to graphically depict the associated process entity on a user interface when the graphic element is executed as part of the graphic display. Any of the graphic element visualizations may be used in any particular graphic display and the same graphic display may use different ones of the visualizations at different times.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Gilbert, Ken J. Beoughter, John Michael Lucas, Tennyson Hao, Mark J. Nixon