Patents Examined by Thomas C. Lee
  • Patent number: 11150616
    Abstract: A site monitoring system (SMS) may analyze information from one or more sites to determine when a device, a sensor, a controller, or other structure or component associated with a network of optically switchable devices has a problem. The system may, if appropriate, act on the problem. In certain embodiments, the system learns customer/user preferences and adapts its control logic to meet the customer's goals. In various embodiments, the system updates a memory component associated with one or more optically switchable windows and/or controllers. The memory component may be updated to reflect an updated control algorithm and/or associated parameters in some cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: View, Inc.
    Inventors: Dhairya Shrivastava, Stephen C. Brown, Alexander Rumer
  • Patent number: 11147201
    Abstract: In the component mounting device, a control device includes a model data storage section for storing model data related to a component, an error determining section for determining whether a processing error has occurred, and a confirmation-necessity storage section for storing whether confirmation of the validity of the model data is necessary when the processing error has occurred in a series of processes performed based on each piece of model data stored in the model data storage section. When it is determined that a processing error has occurred, the control device temporarily suspends the operation of the component transfer device when the model data, related to the target component held by the component transfer device, stored in the confirmation-necessity storage section indicates that confirmation is necessary, but continues the operation of the component transfer device when the model data stored in the confirmation-necessity storage section indicates that confirmation is unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuru Sanji, Kenji Hara
  • Patent number: 11137738
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a computer-numerically-controlled machine can include capturing one or more images of at least a portion of the computer-numerically-controlled machine. The one or more images can be captured with at least one camera located inside an enclosure containing a material bed. A mapping relationship can be created which maps a pixel in the one or more images to a location within the computer-numerically controlled machine. The creation of the mapping relationship can include compensating for a difference in the one or more images relative to one or more physical parameters of the computer-numerically-controlled machine and/or a material positioned on the material bed. Related systems and/or articles of manufacture, including computer program products, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Glowforge Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Shapiro, Mark Gosselin, Anthony Wright, Kevin McVey, Jared Kofron, Daniel Martinec, Brian Fioca, Taylor Vaughn
  • Patent number: 11121552
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for controlling an electrical system using setpoints. Some embodiments include control methods that monitor an adjusted net power associated with the electrical system and adjust the setpoint based on a comparison of the adjusted demand to the setpoint. If the adjusted demand has not exceeded the demand setpoint, the setpoint is reduced. If the adjusted demand has exceeded the demand setpoint, the setpoint is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Enel X North America, Inc.
    Inventor: John Michael Fife
  • Patent number: 11112925
    Abstract: A supervisor engine cooperates with an expert system in a process control environment to automatically generate, assign, track, and manage work items. The supervisor engine creates work items according to data received from the expert system, selects available personnel to execute work items, sends work items to the selected personnel, schedules the execution of the work items, and creates and stores permissions that allow the assigned personnel to complete a target function of the work item at an assigned time. The supervisor engine determines required skill sets, roles, certifications, and/or credentials associated with a work item, and selects personnel to perform the work item according to a personnel profile specifying a skill set, a role, certifications, and/or credentials associated with the personnel. Alternatively or additionally, the supervisor engine assigns a work item according to the presence of personnel at or near the target equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: FISHER-ROSEMOUNT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark J. Nixon, Ken J. Beoughter, Daniel D. Christensen
  • Patent number: 11112776
    Abstract: Methods and systems include ways to synchronize a press machine and tending robots, including a pick robot and a drop robot, where the press machine includes an operating area for pressing a blank into a part. The pick robot and the part are moved out of the operating area while the drop robot carrying the blank is moved into the operating area. At least a portion of the pick robot and/or the part resides within the operating area at the same time at least a portion of the drop robot and/or the blank resides within the operating area. The pick robot is in communication with the drop robot and the movement of the pick robot is synchronized with the movement of the drop robot to prevent the pick robot or part from colliding with the drop robot or the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: FANUC AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leo Keselman, Matthew DeNio, Eric Lee, Ho Cheung Wong, Peter Swanson, Sai-Kai Cheng
  • Patent number: 11115733
    Abstract: The invention relates to a master distributor strip for distributing electrical energy for equipment and/or server cabinets, comprising a plurality of connection means that are provided on a face of the master distributor strip, and to which electrical loads can be connected for the purpose of energy supply. Furthermore, sensors for determining data at least relating to the status of the master distributor strip and/or of the plurality of connection means are provided. The invention is characterized in that a communications module is provided, which module is configured to retrieve and/or receive the data of the sensors, and to communicate with at least one sensor and/or actuator that is remote from the master distributor strip, by means of a communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: VERTIV INTEGRATED SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Hofbauer, Arthur Huber, Josef Feigl
  • Patent number: 11112771
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system uses a trained artificial intelligence module as part of a closed-loop control structure for adjusting the initial set of build parameters in-process to improve part quality. The closed-loop control structure includes a slow control loop taking into account in-process build layer images, and may include fast control loop taking into account melt pool monitoring data. The artificial intelligence module is trained using outputs from a plurality of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) tasked with evaluating build layer images captured in-process and images of finished parts captured post-process. The post process images may include two-dimensional images of sectioned finished parts and three-dimensional CAT scan images of finished parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Moog Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Guerrier, George Baggs
  • Patent number: 11107147
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for managing articles. The systems and methods described herein may comprise an example method for manufacturing an article. The systems and methods described herein may comprise an example method for cutting and registration of an article. The systems and methods provides an end-to-end manufacturing value chain as a closed system and feedback loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: The North Face Apparel Corp.
    Inventors: Graham Page, Anthony Perez, Angelique Dietz, Charles Rogers, Abolfazl Aghanouri, Subra Goparaju, Demitri Balabanov
  • Patent number: 11107167
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method can include obtaining irrigation data. The method can further include obtaining a first set of watering rates. The method can further include generating a first set and a second set of soil moisture estimates. The first and second sets of soil moisture estimates can be based at least in part on the irrigation data. The method can further include obtaining a custom constraint and making a first determination that the first set of soil moisture estimates satisfies the custom constraint. The method can further include obtaining a moisture reference value in response to making the first determination. The moisture reference value can be based at least in part on the second set of soil moisture estimates. The method can further include making a second determination that the moisture reference value exceeds a first threshold, and generating an irrigation plan in response to making the second determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jitendra Singh, Saurav Basu, Mukul Tewari, Lloyd A Treinish
  • Patent number: 11097472
    Abstract: At least one agent distributor may be to selectively deliver coalescing agent onto portions of a layer of build material at a first density and at a second density lower than the first density. A controller may be to control the at least one agent distributor to selectively deliver the coalescing agent at the first and second densities onto respective first and second portions of the layer in respective first and second patterns derived from data representing the three-dimensional object to be generated, so that when energy is applied to the layer the build material may coalesce and solidify to form a slice of the three-dimensional object in accordance with the first pattern. The second portion may be in proximity to a boundary of the first portion. Presence of the coalescing agent in the second portion may be to prevent at least some heat from flowing away from the first portion when the energy is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Bernardo A. Gutierrez, Jacob T. Wright, Michael A. Novick
  • Patent number: 11098913
    Abstract: A communication rate between a cloud-based server and an HVAC controller located within a building may be controlled based on the amount of power available at the HVAC controller. The cloud-based server may notify a user if the amount of power available at the HVAC controller is determined to be low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lemire, Robert D. Juntunen, Kurt Robideau
  • Patent number: 11097489
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a three-dimensional (3D) printing process are disclosed. In such methods, for example, encrypted printing parameters for a specific printing material are recorded onto a digital tag. The digital tag is then applied to a cartridge that holds the printing material, which is subsequently inserted into a 3D printer. The printer is then instructed to decrypt the encrypted printing parameters to produce a set of decrypted printing parameters. A set of spatial model specifications are also provided to the 3D printer. The 3D printer is then instructed to generate printing machine code based on the decrypted printing parameters and spatial model specifications. Finally, the 3D printer is instructed to manufacture a physical model based on the printing machine code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventors: Krzysztof Wilk, Mateusz Wrobel, Kamil Nowoczek, Szymon Kostrzewa, Krzysztof Roguski
  • Patent number: 11101664
    Abstract: A method set point determining device and computer program product for determining set points of machines, energy storage units, wind generators and/or solar panels in a power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: David Anisi, Stein Trostheim, Einar Oftebro
  • Patent number: 11095127
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for real-time scheduling of multi-energy complementary micro-grids based on a Rollout algorithm, which is technically characterized by comprising the following steps of: Step 1, setting up a moving-horizon Markov decision process model for the real-time scheduling of the multi-energy complementary micro-grids with random new-energy outputs, and establishing constraint conditions for the real-time scheduling; Step 2, establishing a target function of the real-time scheduling; Step 3, dividing a single complete scheduling cycle into a plurality of scheduling intervals, and finding one basic feasible solution meeting the constraint conditions for the real-time scheduling based on a greedy algorithm; and Step 4, finding a solution to the moving-horizon Markov decision process model for the real-time scheduling of the multi-energy complementary micro-grids by using the Rollout algorithm based on the basic feasible solution from Step 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventors: Xianxu Huo, Ling Jiang, Honglei Zhao, Baoguo Zhao, Xudong Wang, Guodong Li, Tianchun Xiang, Ke Xu, Yan Qi, Lei Wu, Shiqian Ma, Jingjing Yan, Kai Wang, Qingshan Xu, Lu Sun, Aidong Zeng
  • Patent number: 11092352
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are related to a system, a method, and a non-transitory computer readable medium for operating an energy plant. In one aspect, a system determines schematic relationships of a plurality of heat, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) devices of the energy plant based on connections of the plurality of HVAC devices. Each HVAC device is configured to operate according to a corresponding operating parameter. The system determines, from a plurality of HVAC devices, a reduced subset of the HVAC devices based on the schematic relationships. The system predicts thermodynamic states of the reduced subset. The system determines a set of operating parameters of the plurality of HVAC devices based on the thermodynamic states. The system operates the plurality of HVAC devices according to the set of operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP
    Inventors: Graeme Willmott, Jared W. Fread, Matthew J. Asmus
  • Patent number: 11086290
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, an electronic apparatus may comprise: a communication circuit; at least one sensor for detecting first sensing information related to a state of at least one machine tool connected to the electronic apparatus; and a processor configured to transmit the detected first sensing information to a server, receive, from the server, reference information acquired on the basis of the first sensing information and second sensing information related to a state of at least one external machine tool connected to at least one external electronic apparatus, and determine the state related to the at least one machine tool on the basis of the received reference information. Various embodiments are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventors: Seok-Ho Yoon, Jae-Seok Park
  • Patent number: 11084097
    Abstract: A method of additive manufacturing includes storing a plurality of predetermined cell processing recipes, dispensing a layer of a plurality of successive layers of feed material on a platform, receiving data describing an area of the layer of the feed material to fuse, determining a combination of a plurality of non-overlapping cells that substantially cover the area, and sequentially processing the plurality of cells. Each cell processing recipe includes scan path data indicating a path for an energy beam to follow, and different cell processing recipes having different paths for the energy beam. Each cell of the plurality of cells gets an associated cell processing recipe selected from the plurality of predetermined cell processing recipes. Each cell is processed by causing an energy beam to follow the first path for the cell processing recipe associated with the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: David Masayuki Ishikawa, Paul J. Steffas, Ajey M. Joshi
  • Patent number: 11086277
    Abstract: A system and a method for determining the parameters of a controller for a controlled system, wherein a simulation model for the controlled system is identified based on detected input and output signals of the controlled system, where parameters of a master controller and a sequence controller used in a pilot control process for the controlled system are automatically defined based on model-based design methods for a controller designed as a model sequence controller, where the behaviour of the closed-loop system can be further improved via a subsequent optimization method, such that the controller can be advantageously designed without any particular control engineering expertise, and thus the frequency of use for model sequence controllers, with their many advantages, can be significantly increased in practical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Daniel Labisch
  • Patent number: 11086286
    Abstract: A substrate processing system includes a processing unit including processing modules and a first transfer device, a loading/unloading unit including a load port holding a substrate accommodating container and a second transfer device, and a control unit. The control unit controls the substrates to be sequentially transferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Toshiharu Hirata, Yosuke Katada, Takafumi Matsuhashi, Kunio Takano, Kouichi Nakajima