Patents by Inventor George Danko

George Danko has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8396693
    Abstract: A general, computational-mathematical modeling method for the solution of large, boundary-coupled transport problems involving the flow of mass, momentum, energy or subatomic particles is disclosed. The method employs a modeling processor that extracts a matrix operator equation (or set of equations) from a numerical transport code (NTC). The outputs of software codes, available for modeling physical problems governed by conservation laws in the form of differential equations, can be processed into closed-form operator equations with the method. Included is a numerical transport code functionalization (NTCF) model which can be determined numerically, based on a system of solutions of an NTC, evaluating outputs for a given set of inputs. The NTCF model is a linear or nonlinear, multi-variable operator equation or set of such equations. The NTCF model defines relationships between general, time-variable inputs and outputs, some known and some unknown, considered as boundary values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Publication number: 20120239199
    Abstract: A coordinated joint control system for controlling a coordinated joint motion system, e.g. an articulated arm of a hydraulic excavator blends automation of routine tasks with real-time human supervisory trajectory correction and selection. One embodiment employs a differential control architecture utilizing an inverse Jacobian. Modelling of the desired trajectory of the end effector in system space can be avoided. The invention includes image generation and matching systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Patent number: 8145355
    Abstract: A coordinated joint control system for controlling a coordinated joint motion system, e.g. an articulated arm of a hydraulic excavator blends automation of routine tasks with real-time human supervisory trajectory correction and selection. One embodiment employs a differential control architecture utilizing an inverse Jacobian. Modelling of the desired trajectory of the end effector in system space can be avoided. The disclosure includes image generation and matching systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Publication number: 20120029663
    Abstract: Disclosed are an articulated hydraulic machine supporting, control system and control method for same. The articulated hydraulic machine has an end effector for performing useful work. The control system is capable of controlling the end effector for automated movement along a preselected trajectory. The control system has a position error correction system to correct discrepancies between an actual end effector trajectory and a desired end effector trajectory. The correction system can employ one or more absolute position signals provided by one or more acceleration sensors supported by one or more movable machine elements. Good trajectory positioning and repeatability can be obtained. A two joystick controller system is enabled, which can in some cases facilitate the operator's task and enhance their work quality and productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Patent number: 8065037
    Abstract: A control method and system for controlling a hydraulically actuated mechanical arm to perform a task, the mechanical arm optionally being a hydraulically actuated excavator arm. The method can include determining a dynamic model of the motion of the hydraulic arm for each hydraulic arm link by relating the input signal vector for each respective link to the output signal vector for the same link. Also the method can include determining an error signal for each link as the weighted sum of the differences between a measured position and a reference position and between the time derivatives of the measured position and the time derivatives of the reference position for each respective link. The weights used in the determination of the error signal can be determined from the constant coefficients of the dynamic model. The error signal can be applied in a closed negative feedback control loop to diminish or eliminate the error signal for each respective link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Patent number: 8065060
    Abstract: Disclosed are an articulated hydraulic machine supporting, control system and control method for same. The articulated hydraulic machine has an end effector for performing useful work. The control system is capable of controlling the end effector for automated movement along a preselected trajectory. The control system has a position error correction system to correct discrepancies between an actual end effector trajectory and a desired end effector trajectory. The correction system can employ one or more absolute position signals provided by one or more acceleration sensors supported by one or more movable machine elements. Good trajectory positioning and repeatability can be obtained. A two-joystick controller system is enabled, which can in some cases facilitate the operator's task and enhance their work quality and productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University and Community College System on Behalf of the University of Nevada
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Publication number: 20100094603
    Abstract: A general, computational-mathematical modeling method for the solution of large, boundary-coupled transport problems involving the flow of mass, momentum, energy or subatomic particles is disclosed. The method employs a modeling processor that extracts a matrix operator equation (or set of equations) from a numerical transport code (NTC). The outputs of software codes, available for modeling physical problems governed by conservation laws in the form of differential equations, can be processed into closed-form operator equations with the method. Included is a numerical transport code functionalization (NTCF) model which can be determined numerically, based on a system of solutions of an NTC, evaluating outputs for a given set of inputs. The NTCF model is a linear or nonlinear, multi-variable operator equation or set of such equations. The NTCF model defines relationships between general, time-variable inputs and outputs, some known and some unknown, considered as boundary values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Patent number: 7610183
    Abstract: A general, computational-mathematical modeling method for the solution of large, boundary-coupled transport problems involving the flow of mass, momentum, energy or subatomic particles is disclosed. The method employs a modeling processor that extracts a matrix operator equation (or set of equations) from a numerical transport code (NTC). The outputs of software codes, available for modeling physical problems governed by conservation laws in the form of differential equations, can be processed into closed-form operator equations with the method. Included is a numerical transport code functionalization (NTCF) model which can be determined numerically, based on a system of solutions of an NTC, evaluating outputs for a given set of inputs. The NTCF model is a linear or nonlinear, multi-variable operator equation or set of such equations. The NTCF model defines relationships between general, time-variable inputs and outputs, some known and some unknown, considered as boundary values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University and Community College System of Nevada, on behalf of the University of Nevada
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Publication number: 20090204259
    Abstract: A control method and system for controlling a hydraulically actuated mechanical arm to perform a task, the mechanical arm optionally being a hydraulically actuated excavator arm. The method can include determining a dynamic model of the motion of the hydraulic arm for each hydraulic arm link by relating the input signal vector for each respective link to the output signal vector for the same link. Also the method can include determining an error signal for each link as the weighted sum of the differences between a measured position and a reference position and between the time derivatives of the measured position and the time derivatives of the reference position for each respective link. The weights used in the determination of the error signal can be determined from the constant coefficients of the dynamic model. The error signal can be applied in a closed negative feedback control loop to diminish or eliminate the error signal for each respective link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: George DANKO
  • Publication number: 20090099738
    Abstract: A coordinated joint control system for controlling a coordinated joint motion system, e.g. an articulated arm of a hydraulic excavator blends automation of routine tasks with real-time human supervisory trajectory correction and selection. One embodiment employs a differential control architecture utilizing an inverse Jacobian. Modelling of the desired trajectory of the end effector in system space can be avoided. The invention includes image generation and matching systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Patent number: 7457698
    Abstract: A coordinated joint control system for controlling a coordinated joint motion system, e.g an articulated arm of a hydraulic excavator blends automation of routine tasks with real-time human supervisory trajectory correction and selection. One embodiment employs a differential control architecture utilizing an inverse Jacobian. Modeling of the desired trajectory of the end effector in system space can be avoided. The invention includes image generation and matching systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University and Community College System on Behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Publication number: 20070168100
    Abstract: Disclosed are an articulated hydraulic machine supporting, control system and control method for same. The articulated hydraulic machine has an end effector for performing useful work. The control system is capable of controlling the end effector for automated movement along a preselected trajectory. The control system has a position error correction system to correct discrepancies between an actual end effector trajectory and a desired end effector trajectory. The correction system can employ one or more absolute position signals provided by one or more acceleration sensors supported by one or more movable machine elements. Good trajectory positioning and repeatability can be obtained. A two-joystick controller system is enabled, which can in some cases facilitate the operator's task and enhance their work quality and productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Publication number: 20070034541
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a disposal container for nuclear materials. According to certain ambodiments, the disposal container includes a nuclear material sub-container of a first type and a plurality of nuclear material sub-containers of a second type. In particular implementations, the disposal container includes a plurality of nuclear material sub-containers of a first type. The nuclear material sub-containers of a second type may surround the nuclear material sub-container of a first type. In particular examples, the nuclear material sub-containers of a second type are arranged concentrically around the nuclear material sub-container of a first type. The disclosed disposal containers may provide more efficient storage of nuclear materials, such as nuclear waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Applicant: Board of Regents of the University and College System of Nevada
    Inventors: George Danko, Piyush Kar, Joseph Armijo, Manoranjan Misra, Davood Bahrami
  • Publication number: 20060241331
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for storing nuclear material. According to a disclosed method, an amount of heat generated over a period of time by each of a plurality of nuclear storage containers is determined. A nuclear storage location in a material field having liquid passing through the material field is determined. A position is determined for a condensation gap in the material field. Locations are determined for first and second thermal zones in the nuclear storage location. The first and second thermal zones interact with the material field to produce the condensation gap. Based on the calculated amount of heat from each of the nuclear storage containers, the plurality of nuclear storage containers are placed in the material field to produce the first and second thermal zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Publication number: 20050049838
    Abstract: A general, computational-mathematical modeling method for the solution of large, boundary-coupled transport problems involving the flow of mass, momentum, energy or subatomic particles is disclosed. The method employs a modeling processor that extracts a matrix operator equation (or set of equations) from a numerical transport code (NTC). The outputs of software codes, available for modeling physical problems governed by conservation laws in the form of differential equations, can be processed into closed-form operator equations with the method. Included is a numerical transport code functionalization (NTCF) model which can be determined numerically, based on a system of solutions of an NTC, evaluating outputs for a given set of inputs. The NTCF model is a linear or nonlinear, multi-variable operator equation or set of such equations. The NTCF model defines relationships between general, time-variable inputs and outputs, some known and some unknown, considered as boundary values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Publication number: 20040267404
    Abstract: A coordinated joint control system for controlling a coordinated joint motion system, e.g an articulated arm of a hydraulic excavator blends automation of routine tasks with real-time human supervisory trajectory correction and selection. One embodiment employs a differential control architecture utilizing an inverse Jacobian. Modeling of the desired trajectory of the end effector in system space can be avoided. The invention includes image generation and matching systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: George Danko
  • Patent number: 5314264
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the retrievable storage of high-level nuclear spent fuel. Such waste, which generates heat as it decays, is packed in sealed containers (2) which are placed in a repository site comprising a tunnel or drift (5) in a geological rock formation (50) for permanent or long-term storage. Elongated, sealed cooling enhancement devices (7) are emplaced in boreholes (8) extending from the inside surfaces (16a-b) of the drift (5) and carry heat from the location of the waste containers (5) to farther distances in the repository site. Applicable sealed cooling enhancement devices disclosed are heat pipes (7), thermal syphons (307), superconductor rods, and heat pumps (407). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, conventional mining rock bolts which are hollowed contain a cooling enhancement choice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: University of Nevada
    Inventors: George Danko, Pierre Mousset-Jones, Richard A. Wirtz
  • Patent number: 5078958
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the retrievable storage of high-level nuclear spent fuel (waste). Such waste, which generates heat as it decays, is packed in sealed containers (2) which are placed in a repository site comprising a tunnel or drift (5) in a geological rock formation (50) for permanent or long-term storage. Elongated, sealed cooling enhancement devices (7) are emplaced in boreholes (8) extending from the inside surfaces (16 a-b) of the drift (5) and carry heat from the location of the waste containers (5) to farther distances in the repository site. Applicable sealed cooling enhancement devices disclosed are heat pipes (7), thermal syphons (307), superconductor rods, and heat pumps (407).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: University of Nevada System
    Inventors: George Danko, Pierre Mousset-Jones, Richard A. Wirtz