Patents Examined by Tejal Gami
  • Patent number: 9923376
    Abstract: A power control unit and method of use thereof for varying the supply of electricity to an electrical apparatus using a wireless communications link between a controller and the power control unit. The power control unit is adapted to alternatively communicate with the controller using a non-peer-to-peer communications standard or a peer-to-peer communications standard such as Wi-Fi Direct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Kortek Industries Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Barrie Davis, Benjamin Davis, Matthew Davis
  • Patent number: 9766609
    Abstract: A controller for use in an irrigation system includes a selector, an indicator associated with the selector for identifying parameters selected to be set for use in controlling the irrigation system, indicia positioned on a top surface of the controller which cooperate with the selector to indicate the parameter being selected and a display for displaying information regarding the selected parameters; wherein the indicator includes a program display position for displaying information regarding all parameters related to a selected program of operation of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9729342
    Abstract: A single controller platform for controlling and monitoring security, home automation, and monitoring devices is provided. This controller platform further provides for a rules-based response to receiving sensor events, including causing actions to be performed by the controller platform or to cause actions to be performed by sensor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: iControl Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Wade Cohn, John Degraffenreid Dial, IV, Gary Robert Faulkner, James Edward Kitchen, David Leon Proft, Corey Wayne Quain
  • Patent number: 9727688
    Abstract: A computer program, method, and system for locksmithing. The computer program, method, and system receive vehicle information, obtain a key code for a lock based on the vehicle information, decrypt the key code to determine key specification data, and provide the key specification data to a user, such that a duplicate key corresponding to the lock can be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Vinlocks LLC
    Inventors: John Overman, Joey Hendrich
  • Patent number: 9729836
    Abstract: A feature extracting unit obtains sensor data from a plurality of sensors to calculate each feature. When an event determining unit determines the occurrence of an event based on each feature, a display data constructor generates remote-controller display data for displaying the event, and controls a remote-controller display device to display the remote-controller display data. When a user decision is input from a user input IF based on this display, a control unit controls the sensors to be turned ON or OFF. When an infrared sensor detects an abnormality, a microwave sensor whose power consumption is small after the infrared sensor is turned ON. When the microwave sensor detects an abnormality, a video camera and a microphone are turned ON, and the microwave sensor is turned OFF. A communication unit wirelessly transmits an image signal captured by the video camera and an audio signal processed by the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Naoki Kobayashi, Yasuhiro Fujimori, Yasuaki Takahashi, Koji Ohta, Naoki Takeda
  • Patent number: 9675090
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for automatically portioning workpieces, such as food products, into both shape and other user-defined specification(s). Workpieces are portioned both to shape and weight, such as to a weight-specific uniform shape, by adjusting (e.g., scaling up and down or slightly modifying) a desired template shape until the desired weight is achieved depending on the varying thickness of each workpiece. For example, from a thicker workpiece, a smaller-sized piece having a predefined shape and weight is portioned, while from a thinner workpiece, a larger-sized piece having the same predefined shape and weight is portioned. The system permits a user to scan in and edit a desired (reference) shape to be used as a template in the portioning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: George Blaine, David A. Below, Arthur W. Vogeley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9678483
    Abstract: A controller that controls both safety and application functions of connected equipment is disclosed. The controller allows a user to freely program application specific functions while preventing the application functions from affecting the safety functions of the controller. This may give the user more flexibility and leeway when programming the application specific programming functions, without having to worry about affecting the safe operation of the connected equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Nordberg, Jim I. Bartels, Nathan Longen
  • Patent number: 9675431
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for designing a plurality of adjacent tooth restorations using CAD/CAM technology. In a first step, the virtual model of a first tooth restoration at the first border of the restoration site is designed. In a second step, the virtual model of the second tooth restoration adjacent to the first tooth restoration is designed, the second tooth restoration being adjusted to match the first tooth restoration. The virtual model of the first tooth restoration is adjusted in relation to the second tooth restoration in a third step, if required. This procedure is then repeated for all of the other tooth restorations in the restoration site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: SIRONA DENTAL SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Ulrich Orth
  • Patent number: 9678500
    Abstract: A numerical control device reads a machining program and causes a machine tool to operate based on the machining program. The numerical control device includes: an acceleration-deceleration determining unit; and a position-command generating unit. The numerical control device is configured to set the acceleration and the deceleration as acceleration-deceleration data when the acceleration and the deceleration satisfy tolerances decided based on actual mechanical dynamic characteristics, and set the tolerances as acceleration-deceleration data when the acceleration and deceleration do not satisfy the tolerances. The position-command generating unit is configured to generate a position command based on the moving command, the acceleration-deceleration data, and the speed at the end of the command route and the superimposition amount subjected to processing by the acceleration-deceleration determining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, DMG MORI SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Tsuda, Tsuyoshi Kumazawa, Munetaka Wakizaka
  • Patent number: 9672576
    Abstract: A system and a method are provided for enabling effective work force management of a smart grid. The method includes receiving a first Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message comprising a state of an electrical component on an electrical grid; and notifying a third party of the state of the electrical component by sending a second SIP message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gopal K. Bhageria, Don T. Mak, Kevin M. Monagle, Sri Ramanathan, Jean-Gael F. Reboul, Matthew A. Terry, Matthew B. Trevathan
  • Patent number: 9671845
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and apparatuses to provide a cooling arrangement for a system are described. The system includes a component coupled to a heat sink. A signal associated with a temperature control of the component is asserted. A target temperature of the heat sink is adjusted based on the signal. In one embodiment, a temperature control loop of the heat sink is operated. The temperature of the heat sink may be monitored using one or more sensors placed on the heat sink. An operation of the component, a cooling unit coupled to the heat sink, or both, may be adjusted based on a relationship between the temperature of the heat sink and an adjusted target temperature. Adjusting the target temperature of the heat sink based on the asserted signal increases efficiency of the system while decreasing cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Conroy, Michael Culbert, Keith A. Cox
  • Patent number: 9670047
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for providing dynamic ingredient matrix reconfiguration in a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a system can include an ingredient matrix operable to receive one or more ingredient packages within respective locations. In addition, the system can include a controller in communication with the ingredient matrix and operable to execute a set of instructions operable to receive information associated with one or more ingredient packages. Furthermore, the controller can be operable to determine at least one location within the ingredient matrix for a selected one or more ingredient packages, and output the at least one location within the ingredient matrix for insertion of selected one or more ingredient packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregg Carpenter, David R. Newman, H. Brock Kolls, Son V. Tran
  • Patent number: 9671797
    Abstract: Provided herein is a system and method for tuning the operation of a turbine and optimizing the mechanical life of a heat recovery steam generator. Provided therewith is a turbine controller, sensor means for sensing operational parameters, control means for adjusting operational control elements. The controller is adapted to tune the operation of the gas turbine in accordance preprogrammed steps in response to operational priorities selected by a user. The operational priorities preferably comprise optimal heat recovery steam generator life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Gas Turbine Efficiency Sweden AB
    Inventor: Christopher Chandler
  • Patent number: 9659799
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure can help increase throughput and reduce resource conflicts and delays in semiconductor processing tools. An exemplary method according to various aspects of the present disclosure includes analyzing, by a computer program operating on a computer system, a plurality of expected times to complete each of a respective plurality of actions to be performed by a semiconductor processing tool, the semiconductor processing tool including a first process module and a second process module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: ASM IP Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Keith R. Lawson, Michael E. Givens
  • Patent number: 9645563
    Abstract: Tuning model structures of dynamic systems are described herein. One method for tuning model structures of a dynamic system includes predicting a variable for each of a number of models associated with a number of model structures of a dynamic system, calculating a rate of error of the predicted variable for each of the number of models compared to an observed variable, determining a best model structure among the number of model structures based on the calculated rate of error, and creating a revised model structure using the best model structure to tune the number of model structures of the dynamic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Karel Macek, Karel Marik
  • Patent number: 9644349
    Abstract: A controller (8) for a pilot valve (102) which adjusts the output pressure of a pressure reducing valve (44) supplying water to a consumer region (3). With the aim of reducing output pressure whilst still providing a minimum required pressure at a critical point (CP) in the region, the controller adjusts the output pressure in accordance with the flow rate. The controller includes a clock (22) and the relationship between the required output pressure and the measured flow rate is time dependent. Parameters which define the relationship are supplied to the controller (8) from a remote data processing system (13) which analyses flow rate and output pressure data transmitted from the controller, and also pressure data from a remote sensor (10) at the critical point. At intervals, the controller (8) establishes a wireless connection with the remote system (13), to transmit logged data, and to receive parameters covering a period of time which is greater than the interval between communication sessions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: i2O Water Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Roland Burrows
  • Patent number: 9648288
    Abstract: A feature extracting unit obtains sensor data from a plurality of sensors to calculate each feature. When an event determining unit determines the occurrence of an event based on each feature, a display data constructor generates remote-controller display data for displaying the event, and controls a remote-controller display device to display the remote-controller display data. When a user decision is input from a user input IF based on this display, a control unit controls the sensors to be turned ON or OFF. When an infrared sensor detects an abnormality, a microwave sensor whose power consumption is small after the infrared sensor is turned ON. When the microwave sensor detects an abnormality, a video camera and a microphone are turned ON, and the microwave sensor is turned OFF. A communication unit wirelessly transmits an image signal captured by the video camera and an audio signal processed by the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Naoki Kobayashi, Yasuhiro Fujimori, Yasuaki Takahashi, Koji Ohta, Naoki Takeda
  • Patent number: 9639069
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optimizing the supply of energy, over a time interval I of duration D, to an installation equipped with N energy distribution devices operating in all-or-nothing mode and by duration modulation, an operation duration Ai being allocated to each of the N energy distribution devices over the time interval I by a command/control system of the installation. According to the method: a schedule is defined over the time interval I by means of the time division of the set of operating sequences of the N energy distribution devices (B1, B2 . . .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: FIVES STEIN
    Inventors: Oussama Cherif Idrissi El Ganouni, Guy Vallet
  • Patent number: 9606551
    Abstract: In the case where selection of a device icon representing an air conditioner among one or more target devices is sensed in a region corresponding to one room on a floor plan, an operation screen for operating the air conditioner corresponding to the selected device icon, is displayed on a display screen. This operation screen includes an image representing an air flow direction of air output from the air conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Takamitsu Sasaki, Minehisa Nagata
  • Patent number: 9596741
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved dimming or dimmer assemblies/modules for controlling lights or loads (e.g., as part of a control or automation system). More particularly, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for utilizing dimmer control assemblies/modules advantageously having: (i) an adjustable output response, (ii) enhanced thermal management, (iii) a voltage detector to determine amplitude and zero-crossing, and/or (iv) an estimation of power consumption for multiple loads (e.g., using a single sensor).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Legrand North America, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Lemke, James Beagley, Scott Chandler, Michael Whatcott, Douglas Allen, David Earl James, Jon Erik Knabenschuh