Patents Examined by Zoila Cabrera
  • Patent number: 7558718
    Abstract: In a video system, a method and system for design verification of video processing systems with unbalanced data flow are provided. Efficient design verification may be provided for multi-field video processors with separate control data flow and video data flow. A design verification architecture may utilize a reference model to generate test and expected data for a controller and/or a data processor in a multi-field video processor hardware model. The design verification architecture may provide test data via stimulus feeders and may compare simulated and expected data in result checkers. When the controller is selected for verification, the design verification architecture may verify the operation and design of the multi-field video processor control data flow implementation. When the data processor is selected for verification, the design verification architecture may verify the operation and design of the multi-field video processor video data flow implementation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Jiann-Tsuen Chen, Jean-Huang Chen
  • Patent number: 7409328
    Abstract: A system for communicating simulation solutions between circuit components in a hierarchical data structure includes a simulator module having one or more computer programs for representing the circuit as a hierarchically arranged set of branches, which includes a root branch and a plurality of other branches logically organized in a graph. The hierarchically arranged set of branches includes a first branch that contains one or more driver leaf circuits and a second branch that also contains one or more receiver leaf circuits, where the first branch and second branch are interconnected in the graph through a third branch at a higher hierarchical level in the graph than the first and second branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce W. McGaughy, Jun Kong, Peter Frey, Jaideep Muhkerjee
  • Patent number: 7389208
    Abstract: A system and method responsive to input stimuli is provided by incorporating a computer software program, hardware processing engine, or a specialized ASIC chip processor apparatus to capture concurrent inputs that are responsive to training stimulation, store a model representing a synthesis of the captured inputs, and use the stored model to generate outputs in response to real-world stimulation. Human user forced-choice approval/disapproval generated descriptions and decisions may be dynamically mapped with conventionally presented information and sensor and control data. The model mapping is stored into and out of a conventional mass storage device, such as is used in a relational database for use in generating a response to the stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Accord Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Solinsky
  • Patent number: 7383093
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus of the invention comprises a transfer schedule creating section, a transfer schedule storage section, a transfer control section which controls, by referring to the transfer schedule, plural transfer mechanisms so as to transfer a substrate written into data of a cycle containing plural transfer operations to a module corresponding to the substrate, and a standby position control section which operates such that, by referring to the transfer schedule stored in the transfer schedule storage section, after one transfer mechanism completes the transfer operations allotted to itself in one cycle, and during a period that another transfer mechanism executes the transfer operations allotted to itself in the one cycle, the standby position control section moves the one transfer mechanism and puts the one transfer mechanism on standby at a front module when viewed in the transfer operation in the modules allotted thereto in a next cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Makio Higashi, Akira Miyata
  • Patent number: 7379785
    Abstract: In a coating and developing apparatus that forms a resist film on substrates such as semiconductor wafers, and develops substrates exposed by an aligner, times after the aligner unloads substrates until heating units (PEB) start heating the substrates are kept uniform. Exposed wafers are prevented from being left stagnant in an interface portion disposed between a region in which resist is coated and developed and the aligner. In the region in which resist is coated and developed, a first transferring means that successively executes transportation cycles to transfer substrates from upstream side modules to downstream side modules in a flow of processes of substrates. N heating units (PEB) are disposed (n is for example 5). Exposed wafers loaded into the heating units (PEB) are unloaded by the first transferring means after (n?1) cycles including the transferring cycle of the first transferring means have elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Makio Higashi, Akira Miyata
  • Patent number: 7376542
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for modeling a force structure. The method of one embodiment generally includes defining a plurality of units of action. The method also includes determining, for each unit of action, a plurality of measures of utility, such as for lethality, knowledgeability, mobility, survivability, deployability, supportability and/or affordability. In this regard, at least one measure of utility has a maximization objective and at least one measure of utility has a minimization objective. After determining the measures of utility, the units of action can be compared based upon the objectives of the plurality of measures of utility of each unit of action. Then, based upon the comparison, at least one optimal unit of action can be identified to thereby model the force structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Herman W. Beuttel, Richard G. Cline
  • Patent number: 7376473
    Abstract: An automatic LPG tank insertion apparatus for automobiles has a rotary column provided with a lift body, which has a support arm. A rotating plate is rotatably mounted to the support arm such that yaw, pitch, and roll of the rotating plate can be controlled separately. Clamping devices are mounted on the rotating plate to selectively clamp an LPG tank. A trunk opening area measuring device includes a base unit, a guide shaft, a ruler shaft, and an encoder. Trunk opening sizes and LPG tank dimensions for various vehicle models are stored in a control computer. When vehicle model is input to the control computer, yaw, pitch, and roll of the rotating plate are adjusted so that the LPG tank can be inserted into a vehicle trunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sun-Kyu Jeon
  • Patent number: 7373288
    Abstract: A method for simulating compositional and/or multiphase transfers between the porous matrix and the fractures of a fractured multilayer porous medium, which are respectively saturated by a distinct liquid phase and gas phase. The method comprises constructing a geologic model representative of the networks of natural fractures of the medium and converting this geologic model into an equivalent double porosity model. Diffusion of the gas phase between the fractures and the matrix is modelled considering that a gas-liquid front exhibiting a quasi-static equilibrium at the interfaces is established from an initial time and progresses at a velocity controlled by the diffusion transfers within each phase. The transfers involve the difference between the concentration within the phase and the concentration of equilibrium between the two phases, as well as a variable exchange distance expressed as a function of the matrix saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Bernard Bourbiaux, Sébastien Lacroix
  • Patent number: 7373211
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for allocating multi-function resources among a plurality of tasks within a process system in semiconductor wafer fabrication. A resource allocator allocates multi-function resources among tasks within a process system that executes at least one application process. The resource allocator comprises a monitoring controller, model of the process system, a resource allocation controller, and a compliance-monitoring viewer. The compliance-monitoring viewer is operable to display process system information to illustrate plan compliance, information visualized over a time period of years, months, days, hours, seconds, microseconds or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: George Logsdon, Gary Elmore, John T. Powell
  • Patent number: 7369914
    Abstract: A computer implemented method is used for determining a product build schedule for sequential fabrication steps. The computer implemented method comprises: receiving a routing of the sequential fabrication steps; assigning a raw process time to a fabrication step in the routing; generating a cycle time for the fabrication step; receiving a start date for the sequential fabrication steps; and computing a projected shipping date for the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Bradley D. Webb
  • Patent number: 7366576
    Abstract: A machine tool moves a driven member by use of a servomotor. A position control device controls the position of the driven member in accordance with full closed loop control. The position control device computes an integrated feedback value g in correspondence with a function F (VM, PM, Vm, Pm) in which four state amounts, motor speed VM, motor position PM, driven member speed Vm, and driven member position Pm are independent variables. The thrust instruction ?*, which is inputted to the servomotor, is compensated with the integrated feedback value g. The servomotor is thus optimally driven and controlled in accordance with full closed loop control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Tanahashi, Yasuhiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7366588
    Abstract: A method and system for efficiently managing indoor air through cooperation between a mobile device and a stationary air conditioner. The system may include at least one stationary air conditioner and at least one mobile assistant device that move with a predetermined management area and cooperates with the air conditioner. The air conditioner may include an air quality improving unit improving a value of a predetermined air quality index into an appropriate range, a first forced flow unit generating a main flow to transport improved air toward the abnormal region, and a control unit controlling the air quality improving unit and the first forced flow unit to perform a main operation on the abnormal region and transmitting a command instructing the assistant device to perform an assistant operation on the abnormal region to the assistant device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jay-woo Kim, Dong-kwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7363114
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method of formulating a batch comprising at least two chemicals. An embodiment is disclosed wherein a feedforward algorithm can be used to control the target blend. Subsequently a feedback closed loop control loop algorithm is provided for a multivariant blend. Use of this approach allows for a continuously autoreplenished and controlled blend. Also disclosed is the ability to control via feedforward and feedback algorithms a fast responding control mode that allows for the elimination of a container. This approach will allow for “one pass” blending with control. The controller implements an automated fault detection and correction system, thereby identifying necessary maintenance prior to failure. If failure does occur the signature recognition allows rapid analysis and correction thus maximizing tool availability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Tres-Ark, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Anderson, Matt Fowler
  • Patent number: 7363092
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an articulated robot capable of reducing a number of axes, making the robot light-weighted, reducing fabrication cost and promoting a working efficiency by mounting two or more of hands at a single unit of the robot and sharing portions of axes and its control apparatus. For that purpose, an articulated robot having a plurality of hands at a single unit thereof capable of sharing portions of axes (first axis, second axis) and attaching the hands respectively to tips of a plurality of axes (4A axis, 4B axis) connected to the axes (first axis, second axis) independently therefrom is provided with a control apparatus for subjecting a designated one of the hands to a CP control and switching the hand which is not designated to a PTP control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Hirokazu Kariyazaki, Tatsumi Nakazato
  • Patent number: 7363115
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method of formulating a batch comprising at least two chemicals. An embodiment is disclosed wherein a feedforward algorithm can be used to control the target blend. Subsequently a feedback closed loop control loop algorithm is provided for a multivariant blend. Use of this approach allows for a continuously autoreplenished and controlled blend. Also disclosed is the ability to control via feedforward and feedback algorithms a fast responding control mode that allows for the elimination of a container. This approach will allow for “one pass” blending with control. The controller implements an automated fault detection and correction system, thereby identifying necessary maintenance prior to failure. If failure does occur the signature recognition allows rapid analysis and correction thus maximizing tool availability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Tres-Ark, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Anderson, Matt Fowler
  • Patent number: 7359758
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing a reusable new product planning model is provided. The method includes gathering historical demand data for products in a product set and determining a launch period for the products, the historical demand data broken down by time periods. For each of the time periods, the method includes determining a transition percentage for each of the products, grouping the transition percentages by respective launch-based time periods, and averaging the transition percentages, resulting in an averaged transition range. The method further includes calculating fast and slow transition ranges for each of the launch-based time periods. The method further includes developing a production plan for a new product by applying one of the transition ranges to the new product before product launch, and allocating a remaining demand percentage to existing products in the product set using the selected transition range and for a corresponding launch-based time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jennifer D. Cihla, John M. Konopka, Sarah E. Santo
  • Patent number: 7356384
    Abstract: A method, and a system that uses the method, of managing loads for residential use. The method includes connecting a first signal-responsive switch to a first load, and connecting a second signal-responsive switch to a second load that has a lower priority than the first load. The method also includes sensing first and second electrical signals from the respective first and second loads, and ensuring the first signal-responsive switch is in a CLOSED state and the second signal-responsive switch in an OPEN state after both a combination of the sensed first and second electrical signals exceeds a first threshold value and the sensed first electrical signal is below a second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Gull, Wesley C. Sodemann, Kenny J. Stair
  • Patent number: 7349751
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a manufacturing system. The invention automatically monitors current levels of partially completed products waiting to be processed by a tool (or group of tools) and determines whether the current levels exceed a predetermined limit. If the current levels do exceed the predetermined limit, the invention performs an optimization process. However, if the current levels do not exceed the predetermined limit, the invention performs a dispatching process. In this dispatching process, the invention automatically projects future levels of partially completed products that will be supplied to the tool to identify a future work-in-process (WIP) bubble. The WIP bubble occurs when larger than normal amounts of partially completed products are supplied to the tool. The invention automatically adjusts the operating parameters of the tool based upon both the current levels and the future levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian T. Denton, Kenneth J. Fordyce
  • Patent number: 7346425
    Abstract: A control device of an injection molding machine which injects a molten resin from an injection nozzle is provided with a display section in which a touch panel is disposed, and a human-machine interface section equipped with a general-purpose operating system, and the human-machine interface section is provided with at least a storage section to store set values which are various molding conditions for each mold article and a control section which controls the display of the display section. The interface section displays, on the display section, a main screen to change settings for the molding conditions stored in the storage section and a subscreen to display indications such as monitors, and also constantly displays a change switch for a change of the screen in a fixed region of the display section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Nishizawa, Yutaka Yamaguchi, Ryoji Tominaga, Yasumasa Sugiyama, Hiroshi Katsuta, Kunihiko Noda, Kiyoshi Inoue, Hirotaka Sekino
  • Patent number: 7343224
    Abstract: A compounding control method to prepare a compounded mixture for use with at least one pharmaceutical compounding device having an associated plurality of source solutions and a mixture receptacle. The method comprises determining whether the plurality of source solutions conform to a predetermined configuration; providing an alert to an operator and preventing compounding if the source solutions are not as expected; determining respective expiration dates of the source solutions; warning/preventing use of any of the source solutions if any have the source solutions have expired; accepting mixture inputs for the source solutions; and urging at least a portion of at least one of the source solutions into the mixture receptacle based on the mixture inputs to form the compounded mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: B. Braun Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Aleandro DiGianfilippo, Richard S. Pierce