Patents Issued in October 25, 2016
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Patent number: 9477186Abstract: An image processing device has a first supplying portion that supplies a sheet on which an image is fixed previously. A removing portion removes the image formed on the sheet. A first storing portion stores the sheet from which the image is removed by the removing portion. The first supplying portion and the first storing portion are integrally formed as a unit capable of detaching from the main body of the image processing device.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Isao Yahata, Ken Iguchi, Takahiro Kawaguchi, Hiroyuki Taguchi, Hiroyuki Tsuchihashi, Hiroyuki Taki
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Patent number: 9477187Abstract: An image-forming apparatus contains a control portion, a thermopile sensor, a temperature sensor, a fan, a heater, a guide plate temperature detection sensor, an external air temperature detection sensor, a fixing temperature detection sensor and the color sensor. The control portion calculates estimated sheet temperature of the conveying sheet using information such as guide plate temperature, external air temperature, fixing temperature and paper weight. The control portion controls the fan or the heater to drive so that sensor temperature of the thermopile sensor approaches the estimated sheet temperature of the sheet. The control portion controls the thermopile sensor to carry out a measurement of the temperature of the sheet when the sensor temperature falls within a set range in relation to the estimated sheet temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.Inventors: Katsunori Takahashi, Kenichi Hayashi, Takashi Nara, Tatsuhiro Noutomi, Hiroyuki Futami
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Patent number: 9477188Abstract: A fixing device includes a film, a heater contacting the film which has a substrate, a first heat generating segment on a first surface of the substrate, and a second heat generating segment on a second surface opposite to the first surface, a pressure member forming the nip portion, a temperature detection unit detecting a temperature of the second surface, and a control unit supplying power to the heater so that the detected temperature becomes a target temperature, wherein the control unit can perform a first heater control so as to supply power only to the first heat generating segment, and a first heater control so as to supply power only to the second heat generating segment, and wherein the target temperature during performing the second heater control is higher than the target temperature during performing the first heater control.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2016Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyuki Kadowaki
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Patent number: 9477189Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fixing device includes a cylinder-shaped rotatable fixing belt and a pressurizing rotating member which is arranged so as to face the fixing belt along an axial direction, and transports a recording medium by rotating along with the fixing belt. In addition, arranged in the fixing belt, a pressurizing member which presses the fixing belt from an inner peripheral portion toward the pressurizing rotating member side, and a support member which supports the pressurizing member, and arranged a moisture absorbing layer which absorbs moisture in air and discharges the absorbed moisture according to a temperature rise between the support member and the pressurizing member.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ryosuke Yagi, Takuya Hongo, Norihiro Tomimatsu
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Patent number: 9477190Abstract: The present teachings provide a fuser member. The fuser member includes a substrate layer. The substrate layer substrate layer includes a polyimide having dispersed therein a plurality of poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) fibers. An intermediate layer is disposed on the substrate layer. A release layer is disposed on the intermediate layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Jin Wu, David Joseph Gervasi, Matthew Michael Kelly, Lin Ma
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Patent number: 9477191Abstract: A fixing device includes: a cylindrical film; a nip forming member; and a back-up member for forming a nip. The nip forming member includes a projected portion. The projection amount of the projected portion is smaller in an end portion region positioned at an end portion of the projected portion with respect to a generatrix direction of the film than in a central region positioned at a central portion of the projected portion with respect to the generatrix direction, at least a part of the end portion region being inside a feeding region of a maximum-sized recording material usable in the fixing device. With respect to the recording material feeding direction, the width of the part of the projected portion inside the nip is broader in the end portion region than in the central region.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2016Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Noriaki Sato, Yasutaka Yagi, Hiroshi Kataoka, Eiji Uekawa, Keisuke Mochizuki, Shuji Saito, Naoto Tsuchihashi
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Patent number: 9477192Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body having an inner sheet-output space provided between an image forming unit and an image reading unit provided above the image forming unit, the inner sheet-output space being open on an operator side of the apparatus body; and a sound generating unit provided on the operator side of the apparatus body and facing toward the inner sheet-output space.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Osamu Uto, Ryosuke Nara
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Patent number: 9477193Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a determiner for determining whether to execute a first image formation in an acquisition mode, in which an image forming operation is carried out using an acquired timing, or a second image formation in a non-acquisition mode, in which the image forming operation is carried out using exposure timing acquired in a previous acquisition mode. The determiner makes the determination on the basis of a current output of a temperature sensor and a previous output of the temperature sensor. When the determiner determines the execution of the first image formation, driving speeds of a first driver and a second driver are set, before the execution of the operation in the acquisition mode, on the basis of the current output of the temperature sensor, and the operation in the acquisition mode and the image formation are carried out using the driving speeds currently set.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2016Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuyuki Iwamoto, Takuma Nakamura, Tsuyoshi Tajiri, Rin Ishikawa, Hiroyuki Eda
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Patent number: 9477194Abstract: An image forming apparatus for preventing unauthorized manipulations of maintenance setting items by a service person includes a plurality of setting items having setting values changed by the maintenance work is stored in an HDD. A maintenance authentication unit performs authentication of the service person who performs the maintenance work. A restricting unit restricts change of the setting values by an authenticated service person. A user authentication unit performs authentication of a user who uses the image forming apparatus. When change of the setting values by the service person is restricted, a display control unit controls display of the plurality of setting items on a basis of whether or not the service person has been authenticated by the user authentication unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Tomoko Adachi
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Patent number: 9477195Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier that carries a developer image, a carrying part that carries a medium; and a guide part that forms a carrying path to guide the medium carried by the carrying part toward a transfer position where the developer image carried by the image carrier is transferred to the medium. The guide part is configured to change a thickness of the carrying path according to a kind of the medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Oki Data CorporationInventor: Toshiyuki Totsuka
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Patent number: 9477196Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided, including an apparatus body; an image forming unit to form an image on a sheet member; and a sheet ejection container including a sheet ejection tray on which the sheet member ejected from the apparatus body is stacked. In the image forming apparatus, at least one side of the apparatus body is open and the sheet ejection container is disposed inside the apparatus body at the open side. The sheet ejection tray is configured to be movable between a first position in the sheet ejection container where the sheet member is ejected to the sheet member tray and a second position nearer to the open side than the first position.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihide Ohta, Tomoyuki Nishikawa
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Patent number: 9477197Abstract: A support member supported in a cylinder included in an image carrier includes a separation-space-defining portion that is arranged at a certain position in a circumferential direction and extends in an axial direction of the cylinder so that the support member has an arc shape; and a groove-defining portion that extends in the axial direction. An outer diameter of the support member in a central region in the axial direction is smaller than an outer diameter of the support member at both ends in the axial direction. In a state in which the support member is supported in the cylinder, the groove-defining portion is elastically deformed such that elastic restoring force generated in the central region is greater than elastic restoring force generated at the ends.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2016Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Masahiro Mori, Hiroshi No, Shinya Makiura, Shuhei Yamazaki, Kazushi Arake, Satoshi Hayasaka
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Patent number: 9477198Abstract: A cleaning device configured to remove a developing agent from a photosensitive body, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including the cleaning device, are provided. The cleaning device includes a cleaning blade assembly including a cleaning blade configured to remove the developing agent, and a support plate configured to support the cleaning blade. The cleaning device further includes a housing portion configured to support the cleaning blade assembly. The cleaning device further includes a scattering prevention portion configured to prevent the developing agent from leaking through a gap between an end of the cleaning blade and the housing portion in a lengthwise direction, extend in the lengthwise direction over the end of the cleaning blade, and connect the cleaning blade assembly to the housing portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Shigeki Hayashi
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Patent number: 9477199Abstract: Provided are a collecting toner container that is detachably attached to a main body of an image forming apparatus so as to collect and store toner; an opening portion through which toner flows from the main body of the image forming apparatus into the collecting toner container; and a stirring/conveying member that conveys the toner flowing from the opening portion into the collecting toner container in the downstream direction of the collecting toner container, wherein a discharge opening used to discharge the toner inside the collecting toner container is formed in each of two adjacent surfaces as a bottom surface and a side surface of the collecting toner container, and the discharge openings provided in the respective surfaces are formed so as to share a ridge line portion of the two surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshihide Shima
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Patent number: 9477200Abstract: The support member is provided at an intermediate portion thereof in a longitudinal direction with the wavelike portions having a wave shape when viewed from a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and having elasticity in the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.Inventor: Hiroshi Wada
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Patent number: 9477201Abstract: A cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes coupling member that is provided for receiving a rotational force for rotating a developing roller, with a cylindrical member movably supporting one end portion of the coupling member inside of the cylindrical member, and a cylindrical member side force receiving portion being provided inside the cylindrical member for receiving the rotational force received by the coupling member. The cartridge further includes a first regulating portion for preventing one end portion of the coupling member from disengaging in an axial direction of the cylindrical member; and a second regulating portion for regulating deformation of the first regulating portion in a state in which one end portion of the coupling member is mounted to an inside of the cylindrical member with deformation of the first regulating portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigeo Miyabe, Takahito Ueno, Atsushi Takasaka
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Patent number: 9477202Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main body, endless belt, photosensitive drums, setting unit, contacting/separating mechanism, transmitting mechanism, and coupling members. The photosensitive drums are disposed in confrontation with the endless belt and are arranged in a first direction. Each photosensitive drum has an axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The setting unit sets the image forming apparatus to a monochrome mode or color mode. The contacting/separating mechanism controls at least one photosensitive drum to contact or separate from the endless in accordance with the set mode. The transmitting mechanism selectively transmits drive power to photosensitive drums. Each coupling member is selectively coupled to the corresponding photosensitive drum and has a coupling axis extending in the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasushi Okabe, Junichi Hashimoto
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Patent number: 9477203Abstract: A multi-layer body includes a carrier film, a release layer, an embossed hologram layer, and a vapor-plated reflection layer. An adhesive layer is UV activated and includes a partially activated zone. Cured adhesive regions connect a transparent polycarbonate film and parts of the embossed hologram layer to one another inseparably. The cured adhesive regions are arranged about the periphery of an uncured adhesive region of the adhesive layer to form a frame around the uncured adhesive region. A forgery-proof document is produced using the multi-layer body. Uncured adhesive regions of the multi-layer body are partially cured with UV light through an information-carrying optical mask. The carrier film is removed together with the release layer and non-bonded embossed hologram layer regions. An upper protective film is applied to individualized embossed hologram layers and is hot pressed together with additional films.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: HOLOGRAM INDUSTRIES RESEARCH GMBHInventor: Irina Menz
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Patent number: 9477204Abstract: Calendar mechanism for timepieces, displaying the duration of the current month and comprising a month cam whose periphery is accessible to a feeler-spindle of a perpetual calendar device to obtain the duration of the current month, this calendar mechanism and the month cam being updated monthly on each current month change by the perpetual calendar device, the month cam is generalised to an integer number of years each including a virtual 28-day month of February, the calendar mechanism includes a leap year mechanism, external to the month cam, and which is arranged to insert radially, every four years in February, a first corrector finger between the periphery and the feeler-spindle to inform the latter that the current month of February has 29 days instead of 28.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.Inventor: Eric Goeller
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Patent number: 9477205Abstract: A timepiece oscillator including a resonator formed by a tuning fork which includes at least two mobile oscillating parts, fixed to a connection element by flexible elements whose geometry determines a virtual pivot axis having a determined position with respect to this connection element and around which the respective mobile part oscillates, and the center of mass of the mobile part coincides in the rest position with the respective virtual pivot axis, and, for at least one of the two mobile parts the flexible elements are formed of intersecting resilient strips extending at a distance from each other in two parallel planes, and whose directions, in projection on one of the parallel planes, intersect at the virtual pivot axis of the mobile part.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development LtdInventors: Jean-Jacques Born, Gianni Di Domenico, Baptiste Hinaux, Jerome Favre, Dominique Lechot
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Patent number: 9477206Abstract: A split-seconds device with epicycloidal train for a timepiece. The device includes a split-seconds pinion which carries a fly-back hand and is mounted to rotate freely about a rotation arbor of the timepiece; a differential having an entry wheel adapted to be kinematically connected to a power source of the timepiece; a first exit wheel kinematically connected to the entry wheel by a planetary wheel and meshing with the split-seconds pinion; a second exit wheel kinematically connected to the entry wheel by the planetary wheel; and a control lever allowing to block either the first exit wheel or the second exit wheel, such that whichever of the first and second exit wheels is released by the control lever is adapted to be driven by the entry wheel when the latter is kinematically connected to the power source of the timepiece, thus allowing to block or respectively release the fly-back hand.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME DE LA MANUFACTURE D'HORLOGERIE AUDEMARS PIGUET & CIEInventor: Thibaut Philippine
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Patent number: 9477207Abstract: An annular time-to-digital converter includes a pulse shaper that shapes an input start pulse and an input stop pulse to form fixed-width pulses for output. The annular time-to-digital converter also includes at least two differential comparing units that enable, during matching enabling, triggers of the differential comparing units to set setting ends to 1. A circle counter counts the number of times a pulse is propagated in a loop. A matching enabling logical device generates a matching enabling signal, and sends the generated matching enabling signal to comparing enabling ports of the differential comparing units. At least two in-loop position encoders find a position of a first matched unit according to matching signals sent by the differential comparing units. Result recording registers record the number of circles and in-loop positions when matching occurs. High resolution is realized using a differential chain, and wafer area is saved by the annular design.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: SANCHUAN WISDOM TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Caihua Song, Xianghui Zhu, Xianni Wang
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Patent number: 9477208Abstract: Discussed are a smart watch and a control method for the same, which provide a notification indicating events, which are scheduled to occur later on the basis of a take-off time, if the smart watch is taken off. The smart watch includes a display unit to display content, a communication unit to perform transmission/reception of data, and a sensor unit to detect an input signal with regard to the smart watch and transmit the signal to a processor that serves to control the aforementioned units. The processor detects a take-off signal, indicating separation of the smart watch from a user, in a worn mode, to switch the smart watch to an unworn mode in response to the detected take-off signal, and provides a notification indicating at least one event that is scheduled to occur after detecting the take-off signal in the unworn mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Doyoung Lee, Yongsin Kim, Hyorim Park
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Patent number: 9477209Abstract: A power generator includes a photocell having a sheet-like shape provided with an opening therethrough and another photocell having a sheet-like shape that is accommodated in the opening and connected to the photocell in series. The center of the opening coincides with the center of the another photocell.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: Tetsuro Matsumoto
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Patent number: 9477211Abstract: An apparatus (1) for controlling the operation of a machine (3) includes a device for monitoring the status of a safety device (2), in particular a safety switch for monitoring the closed status of a safety gate or similar of the safety device (2). When the safety device (2) is in the closed state, the apparatus (1) can provide an enabling signal for operation of the machine (3) and has a detection device (10) for detecting a locking insert (14). The insert can be effectively connected to the detection device (10), is portable, and can be removed from the detection device (10) without the use of a tool. When the safety device (2) is in the closed state, the apparatus (1) will provide the enabling signal only if the locking insert (14) is effectively connected to the detection device (10).Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: EUCHNER GMBH & CO. KGInventor: Joachim Mailaender
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Patent number: 9477212Abstract: A safety switching device for the failsafe shutdown of an electrical load has at least one input circuit for receiving an input signal from a signaling device which signals a safety-related state, an evaluation and control unit for evaluating the input signal, and at least one output circuit for outputting an output signal. The safety switching device further has at least one switching element for interrupting a current supply path to the load in dependence on the input signal. The input circuit and the output circuit are joined at a device connector so that the device connector can selectively be used as an input for receiving the input signal or as an output for outputting the output signal. The input circuit has a test switch which is coupled to the evaluation and control unit which is designed for selectively suppressing the input signal using the test switch.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: PILZ GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Kim Le, Sebastian Richter
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Patent number: 9477213Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus is described which is used to process a sheet transferred from an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine. A sheet processing apparatus is provided with a punching unit which cuts off part of a sheet conveyed along a conveying route, and a humidifying unit located on this conveying route in the upstream side of the punching unit and configured to humidify a predetermined area which is selected from the entire area of the sheet and includes punch areas to be cut off from the conveyed sheet by the punching unit. The cutting wastes can thereby be electrostatically discharged without leaving the sheet excessively wet.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.Inventors: Masahiro Kamiya, Takeshi Tamada
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Patent number: 9477214Abstract: Systems and methods provided herein. In one embodiment, a system includes an advisory system including a loss computation engine configured to derive a total system loss for an industrial plant based on a first sensor positioned in a first industrial plant component and on a first physical model of the first industrial plant component. The advisory system further includes a cost model configured to use a cost function to derive a cost based on the total system loss, and a control strategy system configured to derive an advisory report, a control correction factor, or a combination thereof, based on the cost, wherein a control system is configured to apply the control correction factor to control a process in the industrial plant.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Awadesh Kumar Tiwari, Mahesh Kumar Asati, Raub Warfield Smith, Achalesh Kumar Pandey
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Patent number: 9477215Abstract: An example of an intelligent lighting device or system is configured to control one or more parameters of light output, such as intensity, shape or distribution, color characteristics and position or orientation of light output (e.g. via a motorized luminaire control). The device or system may have other controllable output capability, e.g. display projection or audio. Sensors or other input devices are responsive to the user. Responsive to user input, the device or system, controls its light and any other output capabilities so as to present a defined persona to the user or other occupant(s) of a space illuminated by the intelligent lighting device or system.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: ABL IP HOLDING LLCInventors: Darren Blum, Januk Aggarwal, Aaron Engel-Hall, John England
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Patent number: 9477216Abstract: A numerical control device according to the present invention includes a display part for displaying a program coordinate and a command coordinate such that they can be compared with each other. The display part may be adapted to further display an actual coordinate. The display part may also be adapted to further display a program trajectory, a command trajectory and an actual trajectory, which are obtained from a machining program and the program coordinate, the command coordinate and the actual coordinate, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FANUC CorporationInventors: Junichi Tezuka, Hajime Ogawa
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Patent number: 9477217Abstract: Appliance systems and methods for using visual cues to improve appliance audio recognition are provided. One example method performed by an appliance includes identifying one or more visual cues included in imagery captured by a camera of the appliance. The one or more visual cues indicate that a user of the appliance is seeking to provide a voice command to the appliance. The method includes communicating with one or more devices over a network to reduce background noise associated with the one or more devices upon identifying the one or more visual cues. The method includes receiving the voice command from the user. The method includes determining that the user has finished providing the voice command. The method includes communicating with the one or more devices over the network to resume standard operations upon determining that the user has finished providing the voice command.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: William Everette Gardner, Joel Erik Hitzelberger
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Patent number: 9477218Abstract: A numerical control device which controls a feed axis of a machine tool has a storage unit which divides a range of movement of the feed axis into a plurality of regions and stores a plurality of control parameters corresponding to the divided plurality of regions in advance, a position detection unit which detects a position of a feed axis at the time of machining a workpiece, a parameter selection unit which reads out control parameters corresponding to a divided region to which the detected feed axis position at the time of machining a workpiece belongs, and a servo control unit which controls the feed axis using the read control parameters. Due to this, it is possible to provide a numerical control method of a machine tool which realizes stable machining precision without regard as to the feed axis position and a numerical control device which conducts that method.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Makino Milling Machine Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Kawana, Norio Mori, Mitsunari Oda
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Patent number: 9477219Abstract: A method of semiconductor fabrication is provided. The method includes providing a model for a device parameter of a wafer as a function of first and second process parameters. The first and second process parameters correspond to different wafer characteristics, respectively. The method includes deriving target values of the first and second process parameters based on a specified target value of the device parameter. The method includes performing a first fabrication process in response to the target value of the first process parameter. The method includes measuring an actual value of the first process parameter thereafter. The method includes updating the model using the actual value of the first process parameter. The method includes deriving a revised target value of the second process parameter using the updated model. The method includes performing a second fabrication process in response to the revised target value of the second process parameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Chih-Wei Hsu, Jin-Ning Sung, Shin-Rung Lu, Jong-I Mou
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Patent number: 9477220Abstract: A conveyor jam detection system and method includes a distance detector located on one side of a conveyor oriented to detect the distance from the detector to parcels on the conveyor. A controller is responsive to the distance detector and is configured to compare distance measurements, to reset a jam count if different distance measurements over time are greater than a threshold, to increment the jam count if different distance measurements over time are less than the threshold, and output a jam condition signal if the jam count exceeds a set limit.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Sick, Inc.Inventors: Alexander Shteinfeld, Richard Lydon
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Patent number: 9477221Abstract: A motor-based position system includes one or more motors having a rotor. The system further includes a motor controller. The motor controller is communicatively coupled to each of the motors. The system further includes one or more encoders configured to detect an absolute position of each motor and one or more devices configured to collect inertial data. The system further includes a processing device coupled to the motor controller, one or more encoders and one or more devices. The processing device is configured to receive signals indicative of motors' absolute position from the encoders and configured to convert the received encoder signals into a format understood by the motor controller. The processing device is further configured to send the converted signals to the motor controller with low latency and configured to combine the received encoder signals with the inertial data to generate more accurate positional information.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Goodrich CorporationInventors: Erik V. Rencs, Scott W. Ramsey
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Patent number: 9477222Abstract: A maintenance information device and method for performing condition-based maintenance by monitoring of the condition of a technical system using a sensor. In order to permit the use of relatively simple sensors with relatively simple evaluation logics, the method and device perform decision making processes on the basis of hyperordinal signals from imperfect hyperordinal condition sensors.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbHInventors: Gerrit Schramm, Arnd Schirrmann, Klaus Zoller
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Patent number: 9477223Abstract: Embodiments of a condition monitoring system and method provide an interface with visual aids that facilitate diagnosis of problems on an asset (e.g., a turbine, motor, pump, etc.). In one embodiment, the visual aids display fault data that corresponds to a fault condition such as bearing failure and/or shaft misalignment. The fault data is collected by sensors on the asset and processed by the condition monitoring system for use with the interface. In one example, the interface can include one or more icons, which represent fault conditions for the asset, and which an end user may select to display the visual aids on the interface. Selection amongst the different icons will change the visuals aid, the fault data, and other aspects of the interface to enable diagnosis and promote effective maintenance of the asset.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Tauseef Ahmed Shaikh, Meera Jitendra Agrawal, Ryan Roaldson
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Patent number: 9477224Abstract: An embodiment of a method for lifespan modeling for a turbine engine component includes determining a design-phase model of the lifespan of an turbine engine component; fusing the design-phase model with sensor data collected during operation of the turbine engine component to produce an updated model of the lifespan of the turbine engine component; and fusing the updated model with data collected during an inspection of the turbine engine component to produce an overall model of the lifespan of the turbine engine component. Systems for lifespan modeling for a turbine engine component are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Khan Mohamed Khirullah Genghis Khan, Mohamed Ahmed Ali, Ali Osman Ayhan, Ajay Kumar Behera, Anne Marie Isburgh, Vinay Bhaskar Jammu, John Joseph Madelone, Jr., Omprakash Velagandula
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Patent number: 9477225Abstract: A method for autonomously driving a motor vehicle in a car wash to enhance comfort and safety includes detecting a passageway of the car wash and determine with vehicle sensors the vehicle position and the vehicle orientation of the vehicle relative to the passageway. The vehicle is subsequently automatically driven into the car wash based on the vehicle position and the vehicle orientation, and automatically stopped in a washing position. After washing is complete, a completion signal signaling completion of a working step of the car wash is received or detected by the motor vehicle. Finally, the motor vehicle is automatically driven out of the car wash in response to the completion signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Michael Stadler
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Patent number: 9477226Abstract: Controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be accomplished by using a wireless device (e.g., cell phone) to send a control message to a receiver at the UAV via a wireless telecommunication network (e.g., an existing cellular network configured primarily for mobile telephone communication). In addition, the wireless device may be used to receive communications from a transmitter at the UAV, wherein the wireless device receives the communications from the transmitter via the wireless network. Examples of such communications include surveillance information and UAV monitoring information.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Insitu, Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Olson, Matt Wheeler
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Patent number: 9477227Abstract: A driver assistance system and a method for operating a driver assistance system are disclosed. The driver assistance system includes an actuation device configured for automatically actuating a brake unit, a drive unit or a steering unit. An input device enters a user request for a driving maneuver executable by the driver assistance. A releasing device selectively releases an operation of the driver assistance system based on whether a release for the driver assistance system to be operated by the passenger of the motor vehicle is effected by the driver of the motor vehicle by means of the releasing device.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Uwe Hahne
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Patent number: 9477228Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a payload over a surface is provided. A vehicle supports a payload with a support partially enclosed by an enclosure. Two laterally disposed ground-contacting elements are coupled to at least one of the enclosure or support. A motorized drive is coupled to the ground-contacting elements. A controller coupled to the drive governs the operation of the drive at least in response to the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle to dynamically control balancing of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Segway, Inc.Inventors: J. Douglas Field, Michael T. Gansler, John D. Heinzmann, Jon M. Stevens
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Patent number: 9477229Abstract: A control method for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The UAV includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, at least one drive unit and at least one rotor. The method includes: detecting current motion data from the accelerometer, wherein the motion data includes displacement of the UAV; determining whether the UAV is thrown up based on the motion data; detecting current ascending velocity of the UAV; determining whether the current ascending velocity of the UAV is substantially equal to zero; detecting current pitch angle and current angular velocity from the gyroscope if the current ascending velocity of the UAV is substantially equal to zero; calculating drive data based on the current pitch angle and current angular velocity; and enabling the at least one drive unit to drive at least one rotor to rotate so as to cause the UAV to hover evenly.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Hou-Hsien Lee, Chang-Jung Lee, Chih-Ping Lo
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Patent number: 9477230Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the simultaneous acquisition and processing of geographical information of a path acquired by tandem terrestrial and aerial missions comprising a terrestrial vehicle and an unmanned aircraft whose trajectory is slaved to the terrestrial vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Geonumerics, S.L.Inventor: Jaume Sastre I Sastre
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Patent number: 9477231Abstract: A control system for a variable displacement pump driven by a drive source for driving a vehicle is provided. The variable displacement pump pressurizes hydraulic oil, and is switchable between a full capacity operation in which a discharge flow rate is maximized and a partial capacity operation in which the discharge flow rate is lower than that in the full capacity operation. It is determined whether an operation for starting the drive source has been performed. A rotational speed of the drive source and a temperature of the hydraulic oil are detected. When the rotational speed of the drive source is equal to or higher than a predetermined rotational speed and the hydraulic oil temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, immediately after the operation for starting the drive source is performed, the partial capacity operation of the variable displacement pump is performed.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Satoru Miyata, Naoki Nishimura, Keiichi Nishiyama, Ryo Matsui, Tomoaki Ishikawa
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Patent number: 9477232Abstract: An apparatus for dividing and supplying gas is provided with a flow rate control device, a plurality of divided flow passages of gas flowing from the flow rate control device, thermal-type mass flow sensors disposed to the divided flow passages, electrically-operated valves disposed on a downstream side of the thermal-type mass flow sensors, controllers that control the electrically-operated valves, and a flow ratio setting calculator that calculates a total flow rate, then calculates flow rates of the divided flow passages, and then inputs the calculated flow rates as set flow rates to each controllers. One of the divided flow passages with the highest set flow rate is put in an uncontrolled state, and opening degree for each of the rest divided flow passages is controlled, and then feedback control of the divided flow rate of each of the divided flow passages is implemented by each of the controllers.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignees: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED, TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITEDInventors: Eiji Takahashi, Norikazu Sasaki, Atsushi Sawachi, Yohei Sawada, Nobukazu Ikeda, Ryousuke Dohi, Kouji Nishino
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Patent number: 9477233Abstract: A microfluidic system with a plurality of sequential T-junctions for performing reactions in a plurality of droplets (plugs) of micro- to femtoliter volumes is disclosed. The microfluidic system is configured such that the plurality of plugs are flowing through a loading component, with the loading component splitting the plurality of plugs at each of the plurality of downstream T-junctions and each inlet of the plurality of detachable holding components is configured to be operably coupled with at least one of outlets of the plurality of downstream T-junctions so that the holding components received a plurality of split plugs in the immiscible carrier fluid from the loading component.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGOInventors: Rustem F. Ismagilov, Bo Zheng, Cory J. Gerdts
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Patent number: 9477234Abstract: A valve includes: a first chamber; a second chamber adjacent to the first chamber, and having a fuel discharge opening from which the fuel is discharged; an opening/closing hole configured to communicate the first chamber with the second chamber; an opening/closing member configured to open and close the opening/closing hole; a first contact spring having one end contacting an end of the opening/closing member at a side of the first chamber; a first control knob mounted to another end of the first contact spring; a diaphragm mounted to an end of the opening/closing member at a side of the second chamber; a second contact spring having one end connected to the diaphragm; and a second control knob coupled to another end of the second contact spring.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: KOVEA CO., LTD.Inventor: Sang Hyun Kim
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Patent number: 9477235Abstract: A method includes determining a pressure difference across a scroll compressor of a cooling system. The pressure difference is compared to a minimum differential pressure value. Pressure differences across the scroll compressor that are less than the minimum differential pressure value are associated with unloading the scroll compressor. Parameters including a pressure set point value and an absolute minimum pressure value are increased when the pressure difference is less than the minimum differential pressure value. Subsequent to the increasing of the parameters, the parameters are decreased when the pressure difference is greater than a sum of the minimum differential pressure value and a hysteresis value.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Liebert CorporationInventors: Roger Noll, Lou Monnier, Gary A. Helmink
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Patent number: 9477236Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present discourse includes, among other things, controlling a vehicle by pressurizing a transmission pump in response to an anticipated shift change trigger. The anticipated shift change trigger may include touching a shift device of the vehicle, or detecting that a vehicle occupant is in proximity to the shift device of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Daniel Colvin, Francis Thomas Connolly, Marvin Paul Kraska, Bernard D. Nefcy, Hussam Makkiya