Patents Issued in January 24, 2017
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Patent number: 9551954Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that can adjust an inclination deviation even after a laser scanner unit and a photosensitive drum are embedded. A CPU 601 selects at least two screen angles from among screen angles, and generates image signals corresponding to the respective selected at least two screen angles, based on these angles. The CPU 601 causes light emitting elements to emit light beams at different emission timings with reference to a timing on which a BD 803 detects the light beam, based on a generated image signal, thereby forming latent images of test images on a photosensitive drum. The latent images formed on the photosensitive drum are developed, and test images are formed on a recording medium.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Katsuyuki Yamazaki
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Patent number: 9551955Abstract: The image forming apparatus includes the optical scanning apparatus configured to scan a surface of an image bearing member provided in an image forming apparatus body with a laser beam. The optical scanning apparatus is inserted through an insertion opening formed in a frame member of the image forming apparatus body and supported by a support member mounted to the frame member. A housing of the optical scanning apparatus has an opening that allows passage of the laser beam, and includes a transparent dustproof member that covers the opening. On the surface side of the housing on which the dustproof member is provided, a plurality of projecting portions projecting with respect to the dustproof member are provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Taku Murotani, Junya Azami
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Patent number: 9551956Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a photoconductor, an irradiator, a developing device including a developing roller, a development bias applying device, a toner supplying roller and a supply bias applying device, and a controller. The controller changes supply bias offset by reference to at least one of five parameters including photoconductor travel distance, operation temperature of the developing device, operation humidity of the developing device, continuous operating time of the developing device, and color information of image to be produced. After changing the supply bias offset, the controller forms plural toner patterns for image density adjustment on the photoconductor by changing the development bias, and sets the development bias to a certain bias based on the image densities of the plural toner patterns so that the image produced by the developing device has a targeted image density.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kyoko Abe, Yuji Nagatomo, Shintaro Yamada, Shinji Aoki
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Patent number: 9551957Abstract: A developing cartridge mountable to a development rotary of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a coupling member for transmitting a rotational force from a main assembly engaging portion to a developing roller, the coupling member being engageable and disengageable relative to the engaging portion with rotation of the rotary, the coupling member being movable among a rotational force transmitting angular positio, a pre-engagement angular position in which the coupling member is inclined relative to that in the transmitting angular position to engage with the engaging portion, and a disengaging angular position for disengaging therefrom; and an inclination regulating member movable between a regulating position for positioning the coupling member to the pre-engagement position and a retracted position, the inclination regulating member being movable from the retracted position to the regulating position by being abutted by a function member of the rotary.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideto Chino
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Patent number: 9551958Abstract: A developing apparatus that develops an electrostatic latent image on an image supporting body using developer including toner and carrier includes a circulation path where the developer circulates, a discharge path connected to the circulation path through which some of the developer passes, and a first recycle path connected to the discharge path and allowing some of the developer flowing into the discharge path to return to the circulation path. The discharge path includes a discharge opening for discharging the developer flowing into the discharge path, and a first return opening for connecting to the first recycle path. The first return opening is located on an upper side in a vertical direction with respect to the discharge opening and located on an upstream side in a pass-through direction of the developer flowing into the discharge path.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.Inventors: Yuusuke Mandai, Yasuyuki Inada, Shinji Ogawa, Masato Kimura, Yu Mukobayashi
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Patent number: 9551959Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a toner containing portion, a first conveying member, an image conveying portion, and an image forming portion. The first conveying member is configured to convey the toner in a conveyance direction within the toner containing portion. The image conveying portion includes a surface layer portion having a first end portion located at an upstream side in the conveyance direction and a second end portion located at a downstream side in the conveyance direction. The first end portion has a larger layer thickness than second end portion. The image conveying portion is configured to convey a toner image formed on a surface of the surface layer portion at a predetermined image forming position, to a transfer position for transfer to a transfer target medium. The image forming portion is configured to form the toner image on the surface layer portion by using the toner being conveyed.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventors: Einosuke Kikuchi, Akira Matayoshi
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Patent number: 9551960Abstract: A CPU 26 sets the value of the applied voltage to a first set value when the absolute value of the amount of charge on the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is lower than a threshold value, and sets the value of the applied voltage to a second set value when the absolute value of the amount of charge on the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and when the first set value is VC1 and the second set value is VC2, the relationship |VC1|<|VC2| is established.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tetsuichiro Fujimoto, Toshiaki Miyashiro, Yasutaka Yagi
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Patent number: 9551961Abstract: A fixing device having: a fixing member extending in a first predetermined direction; a heating roller extending in the first predetermined direction; a fixing belt stretched between the fixing member and the heating roller and being annular when viewed in a plan view in the first predetermined direction; a heating section heating the heating roller and being provided in the heating roller; a first support section supporting the heating roller in such a manner that the heating roller is movable with respect to the fixing member along a predetermined plane perpendicular to the first predetermined direction; a pressure section exerting a force upon the heating roller in such a direction that the heating roller moves away from the fixing member; and a second support section supporting the heating section in such a manner that the heating section is movable together with the heating roller.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.Inventors: Toru Hayase, Koji Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9551962Abstract: A fuser heater member for an electrophotographic imaging device, including a heater member. According to an example embodiment, the heater member includes positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material disposed along a width of a fuser nip of the fuser assembly; first and second electrodes disposed along disposed surfaces of the PTC material; an intermediate layer disposed over the second electrode; and at least one resistive trace disposed along the intermediate layer along the width of the fuser nip. The heater member includes a plurality of wire segments coupled to the first and second electrodes and the resistive elements for use in generating heat from at least one of the PTC material and the at least one resistive trace during a fusing operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Michael Clark Campbell, Paul Wesley Etter, James Adrian Riley, Jerry Wayne Smith
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Patent number: 9551963Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing rotator rotatable in a given direction of rotation and a pressure rotator pressed against the fixing rotator to form a fixing nip therebetween, through which a recording medium is conveyed. A first heater is disposed opposite the fixing rotator with a first interval therebetween to heat the fixing rotator. A reflector reflects light emitted by the first heater to the fixing rotator. The reflector is disposed opposite the first heater with a second interval therebetween that is greater than the first interval.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Takeshi Tada, Ippei Fujimoto, Takakuni Minewaki, Susumu Matsusaka, Fumihito Masubuchi
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Patent number: 9551964Abstract: A fusing device comprising a pressure roller, a heating roller, a pressure applying element and a releasing element is provided. The pressure roller is installed in a frame. The heating roller opposite to the pressure roller is installed in a housing. The pressure applying element connects the pressure roller and the housing at a first side and applies a force on the pressure roller and the heating roller. The releasing element releases and locks the pressure roller and the housing at a second side. A printer from which jammed sheet may be easily removed is provided. The printer comprises a frame, a housing, an image forming device, and the fusing device. The first and second sides are parallel to axial direction of the pressure roller and the heating roller. The image forming device forms an image on a medium. The fusing device fuses the image on the medium.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Avision Inc.Inventor: Katsuhiko Gotoda
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Patent number: 9551965Abstract: To provide an electric equipment which has a function in which parameter is set, and enables a user to appropriately adjust the parameters regardless of an ability level of user. A plurality of reception screens having different degrees of detail for received instructions for adjusting parameters are displayed depending on the ability level of user to adjust the appropriate parameters, such as maintenance ability, or presence or absence of the specialized knowledge for the apparatus, or the like, thus the user adjusts the parameter using the reception screen suitable for the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kaoru Ishikura, Shuhji Fujii
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Patent number: 9551966Abstract: Temperature of a printing medium 110 is sufficiently decreased by stopping the printing medium 110 in a discharge path, conveying the printing medium at a low speed, switching a conveyance path, or the like. If the temperature of the printing medium 110 can be sufficiently decreased, the thermochromism phenomenon is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of achieving highly accurate color matching and color stability.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kenichi Hirota, Taichi Takemura, Tomohisa Itagaki
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Patent number: 9551967Abstract: A sheet discriminator, which can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes an optical information detector, a sheet distinguisher, and a sheet thickness detector. The optical information detector includes a light emitter to emit light to a recording medium and a light receiver to receive the light and detects information of the recording medium. The sheet distinguisher distinguishes a type of the recording medium based on the information detected by the optical information detector. The sheet thickness detector includes a displacement gauge to sandwich the recording medium with an opposing member disposed facing the displacement gauge and to move from an initial position thereof and a displacement detector to detect an amount of displacement of the displacement gauge. The sheet thickness detector detects a thickness of the recording medium based on detection results obtained by the displacement detector.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Noriaki Takenaga, Tohru Matsumoto, Tetsuya Ofuchi, Takayuki Nishimura, Yukifumi Kobayashi, Hideyo Makino, Satoshi Nakayama
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Patent number: 9551968Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a paper feeding unit which feeds a sheet-shaped recording medium, an image forming unit which forms a toner image on the recording medium fed from the paper feeding unit, a fixing unit which fixes the toner image formed by the image forming unit on the recording medium, a stacking unit which stacks the recording medium on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit, a temperature sensor which detects the surface temperature of the recording mediums stacked on the stacking unit and a control unit which determines, according to the printing information of the recording medium, whether or not to feed a new recording medium from the paper feeding unit when the surface temperature of the recording mediums detected by the temperature sensor is above a threshold temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yoshifumi Hasebe, Tadao Kamano, Takashi Ogiwara
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Patent number: 9551969Abstract: An apparatus comprises a bracket connected to a frame, where the bracket connects a light source to the frame. The frame supports a photoreceptor that has a planar surface. Also, the bracket positions the light source at a set distance from the photoreceptor. Further, the bracket comprises an adjustment device that moves the light source along a plane that is parallel to the planar surface of the photoreceptor, and that maintains the light source at the set distance from the photoreceptor as the light source moves within the plane.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Mark A. Atwood
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Patent number: 9551970Abstract: A paper size detection system includes a paper tray, a width adjuster, a length adjuster, a plurality of sensors, and a signal processor. The paper tray is configured to receive a printing paper and includes a blocking plate. Each of the width adjuster and the length adjuster is movably mounted to the paper tray. The width adjuster, the length adjuster, and the blocking plate cooperatively define a paper placing space with a size substantially equal to a size of the printing paper. The sensors are configured to get a position signal assembly according to positions of the width adjuster and the length adjuster. The signal processor is configured to confirm the size of the paper placing space according the position signal assembly. A paper size detection method is further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Cheng-Lung Wei, Yen-Hung Lin
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Patent number: 9551971Abstract: Provided is a sheet storage apparatus for storing a sheet conveyed by a sheet conveyance unit, wherein at a home position, at least a part of a sheet presence detection flag overlaps a rotational axis of a sheet presence detection flag of an adjacent sheet storage unit in a vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroharu Tsuji, Masayoshi Fukatsu, Yohei Suzuki, Daisuke Kaneko
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Patent number: 9551972Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transfer portion transferring a toner image onto a sheet, a fixing portion fixing the toner image which has been transferred by the transfer portion onto the sheet by using heat, a discharge path guiding the sheet on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing portion to a discharge port, a branch path branched from the discharge path, a rotator pair providing on the branch path and conveying the sheet, and a control portion configured to rotate the rotator pair while consecutively discharging the sheets to the discharge port through the discharge path without passing through the branch path.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jun Nakamura, Rin Ishikawa
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Patent number: 9551973Abstract: According to an embodiment, there is provided an image forming apparatus that forms a color image using a plurality of discolorable coloring materials and a plurality of non-discolorable coloring materials. In a case where insufficiency of at least one coloring material from among the plurality of discolorable coloring materials and the plurality of non-discolorable coloring materials is detected, the image forming apparatus performs color image formation using the plurality of discolorable coloring materials and the plurality of non-discolorable coloring material in combination.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Junichi Katayama
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Patent number: 9551974Abstract: An image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a first electrical connector mounted on a frame of the image forming device. The first electrical connector is movable between a home position retracted against the frame and an operative position of the first electrical connector. A replaceable unit is removably installable in the image forming device along a direction of insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device. The replaceable unit includes a second electrical connector that is matable with the first electrical connector. The replaceable unit includes a guide on an exterior of the replaceable unit. Insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device along the direction of insertion causes the guide to move the first electrical connector from the home position to the operative position of the first electrical connector aligned with the second electrical connector of the replaceable unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Kyle Bradley Martin, Jeremy Keith Payne, Matthew Lee Rogers, Edward Lynn Triplett
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Patent number: 9551975Abstract: The invention relates to polycarbonate-based or copolycarbonate-based security documents and/or documents of value which contain at least one hologram integrated in the card body, and to a method for producing such security documents and/or documents of value.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Covestro Deutschland AGInventors: Marc-Stephan Weiser, Georgios Tziovaras, Thomas Fäcke, Friedrich-Karl Bruder, Dennis Hönel, Horst Berneth, Thomas Rölle
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Patent number: 9551976Abstract: An intermittent blocking mechanism for at least one escape wheel, that intermittent blocking mechanism cooperating with at least one regulating member or a balance which is actuated with an alternate motion under action of an elastic return mechanism, the intermittent blocking mechanism being pivoted in at least one bottom plate, and forming an inseparable single-piece component with the bottom plate. The intermittent blocking mechanism includes at least one pallet lever in a single-piece with the plate to which it is connected by the elastic return mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.Inventors: Marc Stranczl, Thierry Hessler, Jean-Luc Helfer
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Patent number: 9551977Abstract: A shock and water resistant housing for a wearable device includes a first housing and a second housing assembled with the first housing, the first housing includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve contained in the first sleeve and the second housing includes a cover and a sealing ring embedded and fixed in the cover. The sealing ring is disposed on a junction of the first housing and the second housing for sealing the first housing and the second housing. A wearable electronic device using the housing is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignees: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITEDInventors: Yi Yang, Ya-Jiao Wang, Xu Liu
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Patent number: 9551978Abstract: Embodiments of a digital clasp for a watch can include a watch having an analog watch face, a first watch band portion, a second watch band portion and an analog watch face. The digital clasp can include a clasp housing that includes a latch assembly configured for attachment to the first band portion and the second band portion, a digital display, and a circuit board associated with a controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Wearatec, LLCInventor: Dilshan Thilina Modaragamage
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Patent number: 9551979Abstract: A method of music instruction utilizing a system capable of producing two or more sounds perceived by the user as originating in specific locations in three-dimensional space relative to the user, with the system comprising a user interface, a sound generator, a transmitter, and a monitoring device, and the method comprising the steps of obtaining the system; interacting with the user interface of the system to provide instruction to the sound generator; interacting with the monitoring device; generating the one or more sounds perceived to be emanating from some location in three-dimensional space based on the instruction provided; transmitting output signals to the monitoring device; and perceiving the sounds by means of the monitoring device, with the method being practiced at the same time that the user either plays or does not play a musical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Patrick M. Downey
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Patent number: 9551980Abstract: In a GPS-equipped device such as a smart phone or a tablet computer with a compatible operating system, a useful dynamic display of directional and timing information is provided based on GPS data obtained through conventional means processed according to computational modules or applications stored on the device. These displays include a solar timer, a compass dial and other date, time and location-based information. Underlying the displayable information is a database of information that is processed with input from an accurate compass employing a calculated reference line based on two time-separated GPS readings and a direction parameter.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Lonestar Inventions, L.P.Inventors: Osman Ersed Akcasu, Ibrahim Akcay
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Patent number: 9551981Abstract: A method is implemented in a computer infrastructure and includes receiving data defining a detected gas emission level of a power generation facility. The method also includes communicating the data defining the detected gas emission level to at least one subscriber device using one of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based communication and Session Initial Protocol (SIP) based communication.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Gopal K. Bhageria, Sri Ramanathan, Jean-Gael F. Reboul, Matthew B. Trevathan
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Patent number: 9551982Abstract: According to one embodiment, a water treatment control apparatus generates an indication to a water treatment facility referring to conditions including a drought status and a water treatment cost at the water treatment facility. The indication indicates a type of water to be taken by the water treatment facility between a plurality of types of water including river water from rivers, rainwater, and waste water used by a customer.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Hisashi Kobayashi, Yoshitaka Kobayashi, Tetsuya Shinohara
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Patent number: 9551983Abstract: A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is provided for execution of workflows in response to specified business objectives. The MES system can maintain a library of activity sets representing industry-specific workflows that can be selected and executed in order to satisfy business-driven goals. The activity sets can comprise both business-level and control-level operations, and can be configured using an intuitive graphical interface that mitigates the need for low-level programming by the end user. In response to receipt of a request from a business-level system such as an ERP system, the MES system can match the request to an activity set, and subsequently execute the workflow defined by the activity set to facilitate satisfying the request.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David Cooper, Kevin Chao, Keith Chambers, Richard Sze, Crisler Moor, Brandon E. Henning, Suryanarayana Murthy Bobba
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Patent number: 9551984Abstract: A system, method and control unit for determining an order of a plurality of stacked electronic devices randomly ordered in a stack, for taking inventory of the devices, and for programming the devices according to the determined order. Each of the electronic devices is assigned a unique serial number, and the electronic devices are configured to report their serial numbers to the control unit in sequence, either upward or downward, in the stack. The control unit is configured to determine an order of the plurality of electronic devices in the stack based on the sequence in which the identifiers are received, to compare the sequence numbers to a known list to determine if any devices are missing, and to program the devices according to the determined order.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: TEZ Presto, LLCInventor: Kenneth J. Lovegreen
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Patent number: 9551985Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a geometric model comprises a machine tool, a control unit electrically coupled to the machine tool, a storage unit electrically coupled to the control unit, a positioning module electrically coupled to the storage unit, a virtual target geometry module electrically coupled to the positioning module, and a virtual machine tool module electrically and respectively coupled to the virtual target geometry module and the positioning module. A method for positioning the geometric model includes using components of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Chih-Yuan Hsu, Shuo-Peng Liang, Jui-Ming Chang, Hsin-Chuan Su
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Patent number: 9551986Abstract: Real-time data and event management (RDEM) is implemented on a separate component in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA). To assist in upgrades or changes to the SCADA system without compromising RDEM, the RDEM function is performed on a separate card or physical component. When the computer running the SCADA system is upgraded, the RDEM on the separate card and corresponding persistence store is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: George Lo
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Patent number: 9551987Abstract: An inventory system includes inventory holders, container holders, containers carried by the container holders, mobile drive units, stations, and a management module. The management module instructs the mobile drive units to move the inventory holders and container holders to stations. Container holders are loaded with containers of inbound inventory items at a first station. Inbound inventory items are transferred from containers to inventory holders at a second station. Outbound inventory items are transferred from inventory holders to containers at a third station. Containers of outbound inventory items are removed from container holders at a fourth station.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael Cordell Mountz, Peter R. Wurman, John Joseph Enright, Jeremiah David Brazeau, Michael Harrison Decker, Gavin Cotter, Ishan Mukherjee
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Patent number: 9551989Abstract: A method of extending the operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed. The method comprises detecting that an energy storage device on board the UAV is depleted below a threshold level, landing the UAV at a base station, and initiating operation of the base station to cause a replacement mechanism thereof to remove the energy storage device on board the UAV from the UAV and to replace this with another energy storage device.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David Scarlatti, David Esteban Campillo, Enrique Juan Casado Magana
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Patent number: 9551990Abstract: The present disclosure provides an unmanned flying vehicle (UAV) operable in a plurality of operating modes including a normal operations mode, a safe landing mode and an emergency landing mode. The normal operations mode is initiated when no errors are detected in the system. The safe landing mode is initiated when one or more non-critical components of the UAV are in non-responsive mode or do not work as desired. The emergency landing mode is initiated when one or more critical components are in non-responsive mode or do not work as desired. Further, the safe landing mode overrides the normal operations mode and the emergency landing mode overrides both the normal operations mode and the safe landing mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Sharper Shape OyInventor: Tero Heinonen
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Patent number: 9551992Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide systems and methods for providing suggested locations for pick up and destination locations. Pick up locations may include locations where an autonomous vehicle can pick up a passenger, while destination locations may include locations where the vehicle can wait for an additional passenger, stop and wait for a passenger to perform some task and return to the vehicle, or for the vehicle to drop off a passenger. As such, a request for a vehicle may be received from a client computing device. The request may identify a first location. A set of one or more suggested locations may be selected by comparing the predetermined locations to the first location. The set may be provided to the client computing device.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Andrew Barton-Sweeney, Daniel Trawick Egnor, Nathaniel Fairfield
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Patent number: 9551993Abstract: An apparatus includes a logistics manager that includes a processor. The logistics manager is communicably coupled to at least one of a first wireless communication module onboard a first vehicle and a second wireless communication module onboard a second vehicle. The logistics manager is configured to: receive, via the first wireless communication module, first data regarding the first vehicle, where the first data is provided by a first sensor module onboard the first vehicle; receive, via the second wireless communication module, second data regarding the second vehicle, where the second data is provided by a second sensor module onboard the second vehicle; and provide navigational commands to at least one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle based on a cost and benefit analysis in response to at least one the first data and the second data.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: CUMMINS, INC.Inventors: Steven J. Kolhouse, Carlos A. Lana, Vivek A. Sujan, Phani Vajapeyazula, J. Stephen Wills, Thomas M. Yonushonis
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Patent number: 9551994Abstract: A dual stage vehicle attitude control system includes a first attitude control module having at least two momentum wheels arranged to provide zero momentum vehicle attitude control, each momentum wheel comprises a limited travel two axis gimbal that pivots the momentum wheel along two of the three axes of the vehicle, a second attitude control module having reaction wheels arranged in a pyramid configuration to provide vehicle attitude control along at least one control axis that is common with a control axis of the at least two momentum wheels, and a controller connected to the first attitude control module and the second attitude control module, the controller being configured to coordinate actuation of the first attitude control module and the second attitude control module to rotate the vehicle in at least one of three axes of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Gregory S. Becker, Shanshin Chen, Dennis Y. Nakasone, Erin M. Hammons
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Patent number: 9551995Abstract: A tip-based computer controlled system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history. The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: James Feine
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Patent number: 9551996Abstract: An ultrasonic aerosol generation apparatus preferably includes an aerosol generation case, a case cover, at least one outlet pipe, an air feed manifold, at least one, transducer, transducer power supply, and microprocessor based controller. The aerosol generation case preferably includes a fluid reservoir and a transducer chamber. The case cover is attached to a top of the aerosol generation case. Each outlet pipe preferably includes an outer base tube, an inner tube and an exhaust tube. The at least one outlet pipe is attached to the case cover over the at least one transducer. The air feed manifold includes an inlet tube, a supply tube and at least one exhaust pipe tube. The supply tube communicates with the transducer chamber and the at least one exhaust pipe communicates with the at least one outlet pipe. The microprocessor based controller is used to monitor, power, and/or control, the above mentioned components.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventors: Paul Baumgartner, Jonathan J. Ricciardi
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Patent number: 9551997Abstract: Electromagnetic fluid valve regulating the throughflow of a pressure medium which flows through a housing part having at least two inlet openings which lie opposite one another and at least one outlet opening for the pressure medium. It being possible for a channel which is situated between the inlet openings and the outlet opening to be closed to a greater or lesser extent by an axially movable slide for regulating the throughflow of the pressure medium, a pin protruding into the channel centrically with respect to the center axis of the fluid valve, the pin being provided, for flow guidance, with an outer contour which is of at least approximately conical, pyramidal or hyperbolic design, with the result that the pressure medium which is to flow from the inlet openings strikes the outer contour of the pin and diverted in the direction of the at least one outlet opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: KENDRION (VILLINGEN) GMBHInventors: Bjoern Bergfeld, Holger Brandenburg, Martin Ohnmacht
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Patent number: 9551998Abstract: A remote control device includes an instruction transmitter and a controller which controls a speed of an unmanned helicopter based on an instruction from the instruction transmitter. The instruction transmitter selectively outputs one of a speed change signal that changes the speed of the unmanned helicopter and a speed determination signal that determines the speed of the unmanned helicopter. When an output from the instruction transmitter is changed from the speed change signal to the speed determination signal, the controller determines whether the speed of the unmanned helicopter should be maintained or brought to zero based on a result of comparison between speed information of the unmanned helicopter and a threshold value. Preferably, the speed change signal changes the speed of the unmanned helicopter by changing a tilt angle of a nose of the unmanned helicopter in an up-down direction in accordance with an amount of operation applied to the instruction transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hajime Adachi
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Patent number: 9551999Abstract: A structure of gas regulator comprises a space for setting an intake switchover valve formed at an outer end of a high-pressure portion and interconnected with the inside of the high-pressure portion. A pushing block is outside a diaphragm, and an elastic element is set between the pushing block and a flange at the periphery of an inner end of the pushing block. A support base outside the pushing block is abutted the elastic element and comprises an extending section extended from an inner end thereof and corresponding to the outer periphery of the elastic element and a through-hole corresponding to the pushing block. A display diaphragm with a center slot is outside the support base. A cover covered the space has a transparent side display window at the periphery thereof and a transparent outer display window at an outer end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Yung Shen Gas Appliance Co., Ltd.Inventor: Cheng-Sheng Hsiao
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Patent number: 9552000Abstract: A bioreactor control system comprises a batch server for controlling a bioreactor system in response to a recipe, a batch software system for generating a control sequence for the bioreactor system via the batch server for implementing the recipe, and a recipe conversion system that inputs the recipe into the batch software system. Preferably, the recipe conversion system reads a word processor file containing the recipe and interprets styles applied to text in the word processor file as indicating equipment and phases of the recipe to the recipe conversion system. Generally, the bioreactor system includes one or more bioreactors and additional hardware to perform the upstream and downstream processing. The document properties of the word processor file containing the recipe are applied as header information for the recipe input into the batch software system.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: GE HEALTHCARE BIO-SCIENCES CORP.Inventor: David R. Mills
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Patent number: 9552001Abstract: A system includes a cooling system having a cooling fluid for cooling an engine and a radiator fan motor; a dynamic braking system configured to supply electrical energy to the fan motor during a braking event; and a controller that is operable to direct the electrical energy from the dynamic braking system to the fan motor to cool the coolant to a predetermined minimum threshold temperature. A method includes switching a vehicle thermal management system from a first mode of operation in which the coolant is maintained at a steady operating temperature to a second mode of operation in which the coolant is cooled to a minimum threshold temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bertrand Bastien, Henry Todd Young, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
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Patent number: 9552002Abstract: A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a body having a central electronic display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated and pressed inwardly to provide user input in a simple and elegant fashion. The thermostat can be used to graphically display a two-dimensional setpoint plot area that includes a number of setpoint symbols each being positioned according to the time of day and temperature associated with the setpoint. The user can initiate the “birth” of a new setpoint, which includes presenting an animated sequence in which a new setpoint symbol is moved to a position on the plot area associated with the time of day and temperature for the new setpoint.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: David Sloo, Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Michael Plitkins
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Patent number: 9552003Abstract: A circuit for generation of a reference voltage for an electronic system, which circuit comprises at least one digital buffer (U21, U31, U32, U41, U51), a low pass filter (R21, C21; R31, C31; R41, C41; R51, C51) and an operational amplifier (OA21, OA31, OA41, OA51)), which circuit is adapted to revive an input in the form of a bandgap reference voltage into the digital buffer, which digital buffer is adapted to receive a digital input from a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal, which digital buffer is adapted to generate an output signal adapted to be fed to the low pass filter, which output signal after filtration is adapted to be fed to a positive input terminal of the operational amplifier, which operational amplifier comprises a feedback circuit, which feedback circuit comprises at least one capacitor (C22, C32, C44, C54) adapted to be connected from an output terminal of the operational amplifier towards a negative input terminal of the operational amplifier so as to form an integrator, wherein the feedbaType: GrantFiled: April 8, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: PR Electronics A/SInventors: Dan Vinge Madsen, Stig Alnøe Lindemann
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Patent number: 9552004Abstract: A voltage regulator includes an error amplifier, a voltage buffer, a transistor, a frequency compensation circuit, a capacitor, and a resistive network. The error amplifier receives a reference signal and a feedback signal, and generates an intermediate control signal. The voltage buffer receives the intermediate control signal and generates a control signal. The transistor has a gate that receives the control signal, a first terminal that receives a supply voltage signal, and a second terminal that generates a regulated output signal. The frequency compensation circuit is connected to the second terminal of the transistor. The capacitor is connected to the error amplifier and the frequency compensation circuit. The resistive network receives the regulated output signal and generates the feedback signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.Inventors: Ravi Dixit, Parul K. Sharma
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Patent number: 9552005Abstract: A controller for a power conversion circuit that includes an inductor, a diode, and a switch. The controller includes a counter configured to determine, based on a first voltage input to the inductor, an on-time of the diode. The on-time of the diode corresponds to an amount of time that the diode is conducting a first current to a load of the power conversion circuit. A current estimation circuit configured to estimate, based on the on-time of the diode and an on-time of the switch, an output current of the power conversion circuit. The on-time of the switch corresponds to an amount of time that the switch is conducting a second current. A pulse width modulator is configured to provide, based on the estimated output current, a gate drive signal to the switch. The gate drive signal selectively transitions the switch between an on state and an off state.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.Inventors: Wanfeng Zhang, Jianqing Lin, Shaoan Dai