Patents Issued in November 1, 2016
  • Patent number: 9483021
    Abstract: In an illustrative implementation of this invention, an animated holographic display is created as follows: Multiple HPO holograms in the shape of horizontal strips are recorded on an H2 medium. These horizontal strips are vertically displaced from each other. An animated real image is displayed by sequentially illuminating these HPO holograms. In illustrative implementations of this invention, the vertical perspective of at least some adjacent HPO stripes are identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Victor Michael Bove, Jr., Daniel Smalley, Quinn Smithwick
  • Patent number: 9483022
    Abstract: A clock face that creatively displays the current time includes an analog clock face having hour markers arranged in a counter-clockwise numerical sequence. An hour hand and a minute hand travel in a counter-clockwise direction around the dial, corresponding to the counter-clockwise hour markers. The dial moves in a clockwise direction to display an hour marker corresponding to the current month at the top of the clock face. The hour hand and the minute hand both move counter-clockwise corresponding to the hour markers while the dial moves in a clockwise direction, enabling the clock face to show the current time and current month at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Arshak Avetyan
  • Patent number: 9483023
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a frame and a device (1) for displaying the equation of time. The device (1) for displaying the equation of time comprises a first support (2) and a second support which are superposed, or, respectively, mounted so as to be able to rotate with respect to the frame, the first support (2) bearing a curve (6) that represents the equation of time, and the second support bearing a pointer (12) arranged such that the intersection of the pointer (12) with the curve (6) is visible, and means for driving the first (2) and second supports that are arranged such that the first (2) and second supports rotate at respective speeds that allow the value of the equation of time to be displayed at the intersection of the pointer (12) with the curve (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GFPI SA
    Inventors: Christophe Neboisa, Stephen Forsey
  • Patent number: 9483024
    Abstract: A wristwatch includes a bracelet or strap, a plastic case, a watch crystal, a back cover and pairs of horns to which the ends of the bracelet or strap are attached. It also includes a top half shell made of metal which covers the top of the case and a portion of the case middle and which has an opening revealing the crystal. It further includes a crown or a control push-button protruding from the case middle. The wristwatch further includes a bottom half shell covering the back cover and a portion of the case middle. The top half shell and the bottom half shell respectively have two, substantially symmetrical, peripheral rims which extend facing each other, the crown or the control push-button being located in an elongated space extending between the rims of the two half shells. The elongated space also reveals a portion of the case middle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AG
    Inventors: Damien Goyet, Silvano Bonadei
  • Patent number: 9483025
    Abstract: Method for forming an assembly of elementary timepiece components, each available in different colored variants, wherein at least some of said different elementary components are the same color as each other, characterized in that a random selection of each said elementary component is made until said complete assembly is obtained, so that at least two elementary components are of different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ETA SA MANUFACTURING HORLOGÉRE SUISSE
    Inventor: Stefan Stark
  • Patent number: 9483026
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for regulating the relative angular speed between a magnetic structure and a resonator magnetically coupled to each other and forming an oscillator which defines a magnetic escapement. The magnetic structure includes at least one annular magnetic path at least partially formed of a magnetic material of which one physical parameter is correlated to the magnetic potential energy of the oscillator, the magnetic material being arranged along the annular path so that the physical parameter varies angularly in a periodic manner. The annular path includes, in each angular period, an area of accumulation of magnetic potential energy in the oscillator, radially adjacent to an impulse area. The magnetic material, in each accumulation area, is arranged so that the physical parameter of said magnetic material gradually increases angularly or gradually decreases angularly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Gianni Di Domenico, Pascal Winkler, Jerome Favre, Jean-Luc Helfer, Baptiste Hinaux, Dominique Lechot, Patrick Ragot, Fanel Piccini
  • Patent number: 9483027
    Abstract: A plug-in wall timer has a prominent single “one touch” activator which causes a countdown period or varying length according to the number of times it is pressed, so that the timer's outlet may be energized only for that selected period. The device is simple to use, requires no programming, and operates independently of the current time of the day or day of the week.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Jo-Anne Marino
  • Patent number: 9483028
    Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter (ATC) circuit includes a current source; a first amplifier coupled to the current source through a first discharging switch; and a second amplifier coupled to the first amplifier through a second discharging switch; wherein the first amplifier is configured to receive a residue signal of an analog input signal, upon the first discharging switch being turned on, the first amplifier amplifies the residue signal to generate an output signal and simultaneously the current source discharges the residue signal, upon the second discharging switch being turned on, the second amplifier detects when the output signal equals zero so as to determine a discharging time duration of the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin Kinyua
  • Patent number: 9483029
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes a measured time display region, a reception state display region, and one indicating hand that indicates the measured time display region and the reception state display region. In addition, a scale indicating measured time measured by using a time measurement function is disposed in the measured time display region, and a scale indicating a reception state of a satellite signal is disposed in the reception state display region. The one indicating hand indicates the scale in the measured time display region when the time measurement function is executed, and indicates the scale in the reception state display region when the reception function is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Iida
  • Patent number: 9483030
    Abstract: A receipt time determination unit of a control unit in a control circuit modifies a receipt time in a case where a gain determined by an AGC circuit in a receiver circuit unit is not less than a reference value, where it is discerned that there is an error in a time code by an error discernment unit of a TCO decoder unit in the control circuit unit, and where it is discerned that data of the time code is impacted by interference waves by an interference wave discernment unit of the TCO decoder unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Fumiaki Miyahara
  • Patent number: 9483031
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece has a main plate 120 for a movement 110 that drives a time display unit inside an outside case 80; an annular antenna 40 housed inside the case 80 and positioned relative to the main plate 120; and aback cover 85 that engages the case 80. A circuit bridge 130 disposed below the main plate 120 has an upward pressure part 131 that pushes the main plate 120 to the time display unit side when the case 80 and back cover 85 are engaged. The main plate 120 has a movement top positioning part 122 that contacts the vertical positioning surface and positions the main plate 120 vertically to the case 80 when the main plate 120 is lifted toward the time display side by the upward pressure part 131.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 9483032
    Abstract: A multi-channel controller uses multiple logic gates and multiple control channels to provide fault tolerant protection against undesired events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffry K. Kamenetz, Mark A. Johnston, Edward John Marotta, John M. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 9483033
    Abstract: According to various examples, alternator controllers, systems for communicating with an alternator controller and methods for communicating with an alternator regulator are described herein. As an example, the alternator controller includes an input terminal configured to be coupled to a coil of a stator of an alternator and an interface circuit coupled to the input terminal and configured to convert a multi-valued signal at the input terminal into parallel signals. According to another example, a system for communicating with an alternator controller is described herein. This example includes a device and an alternator controller. The device includes an encoder. The alternator controller includes a decoder and at least one phase terminal. The encoder and the decoder are coupled via the at least one phase terminal of the alternator controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Christoph Seidl, Alexander Mori, Markus Kovacs
  • Patent number: 9483034
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a temperature sensor comprises: receiving first and second reference voltages from respective first and second tap points within a string of sequentially connected resistive devices of the temperature sensor. Each resistive device has a resistance that varies as a function of temperature. The receiving is performed at two or more known temperatures. A respective code is output corresponding to each respective one of the two or more known temperatures, based on the first and second reference voltages. At least one of the tap points is adjusted, based on the two or more known temperatures and the respective output codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Soenen, Alan Roth
  • Patent number: 9483035
    Abstract: A method for integrating at least one field device into a network of automation technology, wherein a plurality of field devices are arranged distributed in an automated plant, wherein accessing of the field devices occurs via a field access unit, which communicates with at least one automation/integration platform and at least one web server of a service provider, wherein the service provider provides for each field device a virtual image of the field device in a database, wherein the service provider transmits to the operator of the automated plant via cloud-computing web services, or Internet based services, automatically or on query, the virtual image of the field device with concrete field device- and application-specific properties at run time (the virtual image is preferably transmitted directly into the field device, and wherein the field device performs its function in the automated plant, as soon as it is integrated into the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ENDRESS + HAUSER PROCESS SOLUTIONS AG
    Inventors: Andreas Buchdunger, Axel Poschmann, Emilio Schiavi, Eugenio Ferreira Da Silva Neto, Peter Zaretzke, Thomas Weinschenk, Yuliana Sejati
  • Patent number: 9483036
    Abstract: This disclosure discloses a motor control apparatus including a current conversion part, a voltage control part, a current detection part, and a phase compensation part. The current conversion part generates a voltage command on the basis of a current deviation between a current command and an estimated current. The voltage control part controls an output voltage to a motor. The current detection part detects a motor current. The phase compensation part inputs the detected motor current and the voltage command and outputs, as the estimated current, the motor current in which a delay in phase of the motor current relative to the current command has been compensated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Kaku, Tetsuya Asai
  • Patent number: 9483037
    Abstract: A motor control device includes: a unit configured to generate a target rotation position information of a first driving motor based on target rotation position signals indicating a target rotation position of a second driving motor being replaced with the first driving motor; a unit configured to generate a speed predicting of the first driving motor; a unit configured to detect a rotation position of the first driving motor; a unit configured to generate an actual position information of the first driving motor; a unit configured to generate an actual speed of the first driving motor; a unit configured to correct an error between the target rotation position and the actual rotation position of the first driving motor; a unit configured to generate a speed error signal; a unit configured to generate a speed control signals of the first driving motor; and a unit configured to output a drive voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Fumihiro Shimizu, Takuya Murata
  • Patent number: 9483038
    Abstract: A system for generating electronic cam profiles mimicking the action of mechanical cams operates on a variety of different cam profile inputs and converts them into a common form, for example, expressed as a polynomial spline and modifies that common form by predetermined adjustment relationships, for example by scaling coefficients of the common form cam profile according to desired changes in cam function and/or limitations in dynamic cam values input by a user. The common form of the cam profile may be obtained from a table of cam values by spline interpolation of those data values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Guenther, Joachim Thomsen, Robert Miklosovic, Brian Fast
  • Patent number: 9483039
    Abstract: A wireless field device for use in an industrial process includes input/output terminals configured to couple to a process interface element. A discrete input/output channel is configured to receive a discrete input from the process interface element through the input/output terminals when configured as a discrete input channel. The discrete input/output channel is further configured to provide a discrete output to the process interface element through the input/output terminals when the discrete input/output channel is configured as discrete output channel. Wireless communication circuitry is configured to transmit and receive information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: James Johnson, Richard Nelson, Robert Michael Weinberger
  • Patent number: 9483040
    Abstract: An automatically generating program and device are provided which can easily and accurately create an operation program with no need of providing an image data input device. The program, causes a work head to move relative to a work object and to carry out desired work, includes the steps of displaying a reference data input window which allows input of shape data of the work object or a work region (STEP 201), taking in image data of the work object or the work region (STEP 202), compensating for distortion in the taken-in image data (STEP 203), displaying a movement path input window which allows designation of a movement path with the compensated image data displayed as a background (STEP 204), and automatically generating the operation program based on the movement path that is designated on the movement path input window (STEP 205).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: MUSASHI ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Ikushima
  • Patent number: 9483041
    Abstract: A block execution sequence display system includes: a machine tool that has numerical control and sequence control; a programmable controller that executes a sequence program; a numerical control device that executes a NC program; block execution sequence array display means for displaying a block execution sequence array in which sequence functional blocks and a NC program execution block are arranged in an execution sequence; selecting means for selecting one of blocks in the array; and NC functional block execution sequence array display means for, when the NC program execution block is selected by the selecting means, displaying a NC functional block execution sequence array in which a plurality of NC functional blocks are arranged in an execution sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Kito, Terukazu Senda
  • Patent number: 9483042
    Abstract: A load display device for a machine tool acquires machine coordinate values and load values for axes of the machine tool for each predetermined time from an axis drive control unit for drivingly controlling the machine tool. Three-dimensional coordinate values of a tool center point is calculated to obtain a tool trajectory, based on the machine coordinate values for the axes acquired for each predetermined time and information on a configuration of the machine tool. As the tool trajectory is displayed by a display device, vectors of the load values for the axes stored for each predetermined time are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuo Sato, Yamato Iwamura
  • Patent number: 9483043
    Abstract: A method of controlling a machine tool and other controlled devices, as well as a programmable numerical control (PNC) system, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method of controlling includes receiving a first part program at a programmable logic controller (PLC), and storing the first part program in a string array library of a memory portion of the PLC. The method further includes communicating information between the PLC and an operator interface regarding the first part program, and providing a first signal from the PLC to a first port so as to cause the first machine tool to be operated in accordance with the first part program. Also, in at least some embodiments, the PNC system allows for control of multiple machine tools and/or other controlled devices, by way of one or more part programs, and/or for editing of a part program while that program is being executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Miller
  • Patent number: 9483044
    Abstract: A control device for a machine tool including a motor for driving a spindle includes: a current detection unit that detects a current driving the motor; a storage unit that stores overheat temperature specified for the motor; a temperature detection unit that detects temperature of the motor; a time estimation unit that estimates, by using the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit and the overheat temperature, time from when present estimation takes place until the motor reaches the overheat temperature, under a condition in which the current detected by the current detection unit continuously passes through the motor; and a provision unit that provides the time estimated by the time estimation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomohisa Tsutsumi, Yuuki Morita
  • Patent number: 9483045
    Abstract: In a numerical controller, alarm mask information is preset. The alarm mask information is compared with alarm factor information generated by any of control circuits, and depending on a comparison result, an alarm is masked so as not to be delivered to a central processing unit. Thus, depending on the type of the alarm factor information, delivery of an alarm to the central processing unit is omitted when processing need not be stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: FANUC Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Okita
  • Patent number: 9483046
    Abstract: A computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, where the program instructions are executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform a method. The method comprises obtaining data describing external surfaces of a three dimensional object to be made using a three dimensional printer; determining, for a given voxel size, a voxel structure having a size and a shape to be subsumed within the external surfaces of the object; outputting user instructions for manually assembling the voxel structure and positioning the voxel structure into the three dimensional printer; and printing material onto the assembled voxel structure to form an object that subsumes the voxel structure. The use of a voxel structure can reduce print time and the amount of print resources required to form an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary D. Cudak, Luis J. Flores, Christopher J. Hardee, Xiaoli Shi
  • Patent number: 9483047
    Abstract: A method for operating a numerical control machine including generating monument point data having a plurality of reference points representing a plurality of monument points on a machine bed, generating part data having plurality of reference points representing a part with respect to the plurality of monument points, generating theoretical machined part data having a plurality of reference points representing a theoretical machined part, generating control data by integrating the part data and the theoretical machined part data, generating machine control data by integrating the control data and the monument point data, and executing the machine control data for controlling operation of a numerical control machine to form a machined part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: David J. Eckley
  • Patent number: 9483048
    Abstract: The sample transport system includes a management section which holds information on the status of a sample transport system as a whole as well as sample information in order to transport and control a plurality of carriers as a consecutive group and which generates group information on a group of carriers to be handled simultaneously based on sample attributes and request information; and units made up of a conveyer line, a connecting line, and a processing section to control received carriers at a converging point based on the group information, so as to permit group management control of the carriers. In this manner, the sample transport system processes as a single batch a plurality of samples collected for the same processing purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Yano, Koji Kamoshida, Hiroshi Ohga, Tadao Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9483049
    Abstract: Provided is an anomaly detection method and system capable of constructing determination condition rules of anomaly detection from case-based anomaly detection by way of multivariate analysis of a multi-dimensional sensor signal, applying the rules to design-based anomaly detection of individual sensor signals, and also appropriately executing setting and control of threshold values for highly sensitive, early, and clearly visible detection of anomalies. Anomaly detection on the basis of a case base by way of multivariate analysis controls design-based anomaly detection. That is to say, (1) anomaly detection on the basis of a case base performs selection of sensor signals and anomaly detection according to various types of anomalies. Specifically, anomaly detection (characteristic conversion), evaluation of level of effect of each signal, construction of determination conditions (rules), and display and selection of sensor signals corresponding to the anomaly are performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunji Maeda, Hisae Shibuya
  • Patent number: 9483050
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for outsourcing processing operations between a mobile computing device and a self-propelled device. The self-propelled device may be in operative control by the mobile computing device via a communication connection. Due to latency in the communication connection, the mobile computing device may compile a computer code package for transmission to the self-propelled device. Execution of the computer code package by the self-propelled device may offset operations otherwise performed by the mobile computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Sphero, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Polo, Hunter James Lang
  • Patent number: 9483051
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automated guided vehicle, a system having a computer and an automated guided vehicle, and a method for operating an automated guided vehicle. The automated guided vehicle is to travel along track sections automatically from a start point to an end point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: KUKA Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Patrick Pfaff, Daniel Meyer-Delius, Stefan Loibl
  • Patent number: 9483052
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for dynamically generating flight departure profiles that are in compliance with aircraft emission limits. Emission limits may include noise abatement limits. Flight departure profiles may be generated on a flight by flight basis, and/or may be based on then-current conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, and ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel L. McGregor, Paul Henry Bent, Douglas A. Stoll
  • Patent number: 9483053
    Abstract: In an arrangement of an area wire for an unmanned autonomous operating vehicle having an electric motor supplied with power from a battery for operating an operating machine, and magnetic sensors for detecting intensity of a magnetic field of the area wire and controlled to run about in an operating area defined by the area wire to perform an operation using the operating machine and to return to a charging device installed on the area wire so as to charge the battery, there are provided with a charging device detecting area set to be used for detecting a position of the charging device, and a turn-back portion formed by bending the area wire at an appropriate position toward the charging device detecting area and again bending the area wire to return in a same direction with a predetermined space, whereby the operating area is divided into a plurality of zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Yamamura, Toshiaki Kawakami, Nobuyuki Habuka
  • Patent number: 9483054
    Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: L. Niklas Karlsson, Paolo Pirjanian, Luis Filipe Domingues Goncalves, Enrico Di Bernardo
  • Patent number: 9483055
    Abstract: A mobile robot that includes a robot body having a forward drive direction, a drive system supporting the robot body above a cleaning surface for maneuvering the robot across the cleaning surface, and a robot controller in communication with the drive system. The robot also includes a bumper movably supported by a forward portion of the robot body and a obstacle sensor system disposed on the bumper. The obstacle sensor system includes at least one contact sensor disposed on the bumper, at least one proximity sensor disposed on the bumper and a auxiliary circuit board disposed on the bumper and in communication with the at least one contact sensor, the at least one proximity sensor, and the robot controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M Johnson, Christopher Morse, Marcus R Williams
  • Patent number: 9483056
    Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided in which, if a position requiring caution for the contact with an oncoming vehicle on a track road is found also on an ex-post facto basis, the information thereof is easily fed back to the control of each vehicle. This vehicle control system has a GPS receiver 101 for detecting the position of each vehicle, an encoder 72 and an IMU 73 mounted on each vehicle, a specific spot setting unit 87 for setting a position requiring caution for the passing with an oncoming vehicle as a specific spot on the basis of a vehicle position, a slip ratio and a curvature that are computed from the values output therefrom, and a storage device for storing the positional information on a place set as a specific spot by a specific spot detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Kanai, Tomoyuki Hamada
  • Patent number: 9483057
    Abstract: A function-monitored guidance system for adjusting at least one system component, the guidance system including a guiding mechanism having at least one adjustment component for guiding adjustment movements of the system component to be adjusted, of which at least one adjustment component includes a sensor device for detecting a load state of the adjustment component, and a monitoring device connected functionally to the adjustment component. The monitoring device provides detection time periods for detecting sensor signals of the at least sensor device, provides a threshold value, with which the number of overshoots thereof by the sensor signals within detection time periods is determined, and determines, from the number of overshoots in each case within the detection time periods, a value for the operating state. A method for monitoring the function of a guidance system for adjusting at least one system component is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Björn Dorr, Tobias Ulmer, Philip Neuhaus
  • Patent number: 9483058
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of controlling an aircraft including, determining whether a change in altitude at a predetermined thrust-setting can be performed, the determination including: determining a climb-requirement including initial and final altitudes and a required range of airspeeds at the final altitude; determining aircraft performance data including a thrust at the final altitude at the thrust-setting, an initial airspeed at the initial altitude and an aircraft total mass at the initial altitude; using the aircraft performance data to determine a final airspeed and drag at the final altitude if a change in altitude at the predetermined setting were performed; determining whether thrust at the final altitude at the thrust-settings and airspeed is greater than drag; and providing a signal indicating whether the calculated final airspeed falls within the required range of airspeeds, and whether the thrust at the final altitude and airspeed at the cruise thrust-setting is greater than drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Matthew Moxon
  • Patent number: 9483059
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for the automated driving of a vehicle. The method may include coordinating a planned vehicle path using a path planner application. The path planner application may receive information based on inputs to sensors disposed on the vehicle. The method may include sending a command to one or more vehicle systems to control the vehicle to follow the planned vehicle path. While the vehicle follows the planned vehicle path, the method may include receiving an indication that the path planner application is not meeting a threshold performance level. After receiving the indication that the path planner application is not meeting the threshold performance level, a command is sent to one or more vehicle systems to control the vehicle to follow a temporary and irregular full vehicle movement to alert a vehicle driver. The temporary and irregular full vehicle movement may be a full vehicle side-to-side wobbling movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek S. Caveney
  • Patent number: 9483060
    Abstract: A pressure regulator (100) is provided. The pressure regulator (100) includes various features that reduce the risk of internal leaking The pressure regulator (100) includes a regulator body (101) including a fluid inlet (107) with a valve seat (106) and a fluid outlet (108) and a cap (102) coupled to the regulator body (101). The pressure regulator (100) also includes a diaphragm (103) with a first side (103a) exposed to the fluid inlet (107) and the fluid outlet (108) and a second side (103b) exposed to the cap (102). The diaphragm (103) can frictionally engage the regulator body (101) to form a fluid tight seal. Additionally, the diaphragm (103) may include a socket (118) formed in the diaphragm (103) and a valve member (105) including a valve stem (110) with a ball (118) that is adapted to engage the socket (118) formed in the diaphragm (103) in order to couple the valve member (105) to the diaphragm (103).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Norgren Limited
    Inventors: Richard Edwards, Jagroop Singh Sahota
  • Patent number: 9483061
    Abstract: A bleed air control valve includes a pneumatic actuator operable to drive rotation of a closure disk, a connecting rod, a shaft, and an actuator fluid supply passage. The pneumatic actuator includes an integral filter and pressure regulator unit disposed in line with the actuator fluid supply passage. The actuator fluid supply passage provides communication between an inlet side of the flow control duct and at least one pressure chamber. The integral filter and pressure regulator unit has a cylindrical regulator cavity in selective communication with a cylindrical vent cavity. Filter media is secured to the pressure regulator unit and disposed across at least one of a regulator inlet orifice and a regulator outlet orifice. A regulator nozzle has at least one regulator port providing selective communication between a vent cavity and a regulator cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Scott W Simpson
  • Patent number: 9483062
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved climate control system in which a climate controlling equipment (1) has a control line (2) arranged to be connected to climate influenced impedance means (3). According to the invention, relay means (4) are arranged to disconnect the climate influenced impedance means from the control line under influence from an output (5) of a control unit (6) and to instead connect substituting means (7) providing an impedance controlled by a second output (8) of the control unit. The latter is connected to a processor (9) arranged to receive information from a plurality of climate influenced information means (10, 11, 12) and to process the same in a mathematical model for controlling the impedance of the substituting means via the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ATC Industrial Group AB
    Inventor: Anders Widgren
  • Patent number: 9483063
    Abstract: Described embodiments include a device, a system, and a method. A described device includes a closed-cycle heat transfer device. The device includes a thermal management system adapted for dissipating heat generated by transmission lines of a power transmission system in use to transport electric power from one place to another. The system includes a heat-dissipation device and a transmission-line temperature manager. The heat-dissipation device includes a heat-acquisition element configured to absorb heat from a portion of a live transmission line of the power transmission system. The heat-dissipation device includes an assembly of one or more controllable fins thermally coupled to the heat-acquisition element and configured to dissipate at least a portion of the heat absorbed by the heat-acquisition. The transmission-line temperature manager is configured to control an aspect of the assembly of one or more controllable fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Thomas A. Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9483064
    Abstract: A remote controllable thermostat has an on-board power supply with batteries, a microcontroller having a timer, a temperature sensor, a temperature set point control controller and an RF receiver. The thermostat also has HVAC state control means for generating HVAC control signals in response to sensed temperatures being outside of control set point range and for periodically connecting and disconnecting the RF receiver from the power source to conserve battery power. Where the thermostat has user mode selector switches, the microcontroller is further programmed to read their state only periodically for additional battery power conversation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventor: Jason Matthew McPherson
  • Patent number: 9483065
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a power regulator system. The system includes a power stage configured to provide an output voltage to a load in response to an input voltage and a control signal. The system also includes a feedback system that receives the input voltage and is configured to generate the control signal based on the output voltage. The system further includes a load detector configured to determine a state of the load and to set the power to the feedback system based on determining the state of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: H. Pooya Forghani-zadeh, Luis Alberto Huertas-Sanchez, Sungho Beck
  • Patent number: 9483066
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a non-dissipative snubber circuit configured to boost a voltage applied to a load after the load's impedance rises rapidly. The voltage boost can thereby cause more rapid current ramping after a decrease in power delivery to the load which results from the load impedance rise. In particular, the snubber can comprise a combination of a unidirectional switch, a voltage multiplier, and a current limiter. In some cases, these components can be a diode, voltage doubler, and an inductor, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Finley
  • Patent number: 9483067
    Abstract: Intelligent powered device (PD) control system including a switch system, state detector (SD), intelligent control device (ICD), and a PD. The switch system includes one or more conventional electrical switches. Each switch includes an interface to receive selection of a switch system state change between conductive and non-conductive states. The switch system includes a conductor pair(s) indicative of switch system state based on the selection. The SD signals the detected state to the ICD. The switch system output is in electrical connection with the detector such that, in the conductive state a loopback is formed in the switch system and SD, and in the non-conductive state no loopback is formed. The ICD receive the message from the state detector and transmits a fixture control command based on the message. The PD receives the command from the ICD via the data communications network, and controls its state based on the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Martin Lonvick, Charles Duffy, Luis Orlando Suau, Donald Schriner, Matthew A. Laherty
  • Patent number: 9483068
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets for a method for monitoring the aging of a circuit. The method includes operating an aging unit included in the circuit beginning at a first time. The method also includes in response to a trigger event, operating a non-aging unit also included in the circuit beginning at a second time wherein the second time is subsequent to the first time. The method further includes detecting a frequency difference between a first frequency generated by the aging unit and a second frequency generated by the non-aging unit. The method also includes generating a modified power supply voltage based on the frequency difference. The method also includes applying the modified power supply voltage to the non-aging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Tezaswi Raja, Andrew Charnas
  • Patent number: 9483069
    Abstract: A circuit for generating a bias current is provided, including: a loop unit, which includes a first current mirror structure constituted by a first PMOS transistor and a second PMOS transistor, and a second current mirror structure constituted by a first NMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor, where the first and second NMOS transistors operate in a sub-threshold region; an output unit, adapted to output the bias current; and an amplifying unit, which includes a first input terminal and an output terminal, where the first input terminal is connected with a source of the first NMOS transistor or a source of the second NMOS transistor, and the output terminal is connected with gates of both the first and the second PMOS transistors. The bias current output from the circuit may be not sensitive to temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Shanghai Huahong Grace Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Guanglei Xu
  • Patent number: 9483070
    Abstract: To provide a pedal guide system device for preventing an erroneous operation of a driver for the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal of a vehicle. A pedal guide system device for preventing an erroneous operation of a driver for a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal of a vehicle is provided with a plate-shaped, bellows-shaped, belt-shaped, or curtain-shaped guide component, which can be attached to the vehicle with a predetermined gap of 0.5-10 cm beside the brake pedal and/or the accelerator pedal and has the similar height as the height from the lower surface of a dashboard to the floor. The pedal guide system device enables a pedal operation in a space enclosed by four surfaces including a floor surface, an inner panel, and the dashboard, thereby enabling simple and easy to understand pedal position confirmation, enabling beginners and elderly people to get easily accustomed thereto, and enabling prevention of the erroneous operation for the pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Teruo Matsuyama