Patents Issued in November 21, 2017
  • Patent number: 9823621
    Abstract: A photosensitive member cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus for forming an image, includes a frame; a photosensitive drum on which and which is provided in the frame; a transfer member for transferring an image formed on the drum onto the sheet; a mounting portion for detachably mounting a developing cartridge including a developer carrying member onto the drum and a memory for storing information; a first electrical contact provided on the frame and electrically connectable with a main assembly electrical contact provided in the main assembly when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly; and a second electrical contact provided on the frame for electrically connecting the memory and the first electrical contact portion with each other when the developing cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jun Miyamoto, Masao Uyama, Kenji Matsuda, Ken Kikuchi, Jun Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 9823622
    Abstract: A drive force transmission device includes a frame that supports therein plural gears transmitting a rotational drive force and that has a flat portion extending in a direction intersecting a direction in which the rotational drive force is transmitted. The drive force transmission device has an air channel that allows air sucked from an outside of the frame to pass therethrough so as to exhaust the air to the outside of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Goda, Chihiro Iijima, Kazuyuki Yagata, Shohei Miyagawa
  • Patent number: 9823623
    Abstract: Fast processing of information represented in digital holograms is provided to facilitate converting a complex Fresnel hologram into a phase-only hologram, which can be a localized error diffusion and redistribution (LERDR) hologram, for displaying 3-D holographic images representative of a 3-D object scene. For a complex Fresnel hologram representing a 3-D object scene, a holographic generator component (HGC) can directly apply an LERDR process to the complex hologram to facilitate converting the complex hologram into an LERDR hologram. As part of the LERDR process, the HGC can partition the complex hologram into segments, convert the complex values of the pixels in each segment to phase-only values, and apply error diffusion to each segment to facilitate generating the phase-only hologram. The HGC can apply error redistribution to the last pixel of each segment to produce the resulting LERDR hologram, which can be displayed on a phase-only display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
    Inventor: Peter Wai Ming Tsang
  • Patent number: 9823624
    Abstract: A method for producing a timepiece spring includes a step for producing, by casting, a metallic glass raw material constituted of a metallic glass; a step for heating the metallic glass raw material to achieve a superplastic state; and a step for rolling the metallic glass raw material in a superplastic state to produce a sheet material. A timepiece spring is characterized by being obtained by the method for producing a timepiece spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Tsuchiya, Masao Takeuchi, Masatoshi Moteki, Shoichi Nagao
  • Patent number: 9823625
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a dial, a module and a solar panel. The module is arranged under the dial and including a circular polarization antenna which includes a power feed point and a radiating electrode. The solar panel is arranged between the dial and the module and has an area corresponding to an area of the dial in a face direction thereof. The solar panel is constituted by a plurality of solar cells including a solar cell that has a light receiving surface arranged at a position corresponding to the radiating electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Abe, Masakuni Iwanaga, Junro Yano, Yuta Saito
  • Patent number: 9823626
    Abstract: A regional big data node oversees or services, during real-time operations of a process plant or process control system, a respective region of a plurality of regions of the plant/system, where at least some of the regions each includes one or more process control devices that operate to control a process executed in the plant/system. The regional big data node is configured to receive and store, as big data, streamed data and learned knowledge that is generated, received, or observed by its respective region, and to perform one or more learning analyses on at least some of the stored data. As a result of the learning analyses, the regional big data node creates new learned knowledge which the regional big data node may use to modify operations in its respective region, and/or which the regional big data node may transmit to other big data nodes of the plant/system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: FISHER-ROSEMOUNT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Zornio, Mark J. Nixon, Wilhelm K. Wojsznis, J. Michael Lucas, Eric D. Rotvold, Terrence L. Blevins, Paul Richard Muston, Gary K. Law
  • Patent number: 9823627
    Abstract: A control system for an operable system such as a flow control system or temperature control system. The system operates in a control loop to regularly update a model with respect at least one optimizable input variable based on the detected variables. The model provides prediction of use of the input variables in all possible operation points or paths of the system variables which achieve an output setpoint. In some example embodiments, the control loop is performed during initial setup and subsequent operation of the one or more operable elements in the operable system. The control system is self-learning in that at least some of the initial and subsequent parameters of the system are determined automatically during runtime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: S.A. Armstrong Limited
    Inventor: Marcelo Javier Acosta Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9823628
    Abstract: A laboratory system and a method for controlling a laboratory system comprises multiple subsystems; each subsystem being configured to receive and carry out a command; and a master control device configured to process command groups and/or command(s) within the same command group simultaneously; to process command groups and/or command(s) of different command groups sequentially; and within a command group, to process command group(s) and/or command(s) grouped into a command group before processing other commands command group(s) and/or command(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventor: Mark Ma
  • Patent number: 9823629
    Abstract: A control device for a process, in which a controlled variable can be influenced with the aid of a plurality of different regulating units, which in particular are based on different physical principles. A set point and the controlled variable are fed to both a first controller and a second controller. The first controller is located as primary controller in automatic operation and has a regulating range of the first manipulated variable that is defined by limiting values. The second controller can be switched between automatic operation and tracking operation, in which the controller generates a predefined or predefinable constant value of the second manipulated variable. By means of a logic circuit, the second controller is switched to automatic operation if a limiting value of the first manipulated variable is reached, and otherwise to tracking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Artur Kuprijanov, Andreas Lübbert, Bernd-Markus Pfeiffer, Sebastian Schaepe, Rimvydas Simutis
  • Patent number: 9823630
    Abstract: Provided is a vibration type driving device enabling multidirectional driving of a moving body while considering a difference in transfer characteristics of the synthesized driving force of a plurality of motors between at least two mutually crossing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Jun Sumioka
  • Patent number: 9823631
    Abstract: A portable computer that has a motorized hinge structure capable of moving the lid between an open and closed position. The movement of the lid is based on input from a plurality of sensors. One sensor may be configured to determine whether the user is within a predetermined threshold distance. Another sensor may be capable of detecting whether the user has made direct contact with the laptop. In one embodiment, the computer may have an image sensor configured to detect the user's face and continuously adjust the angle and position of the lid to keep the face in the field of view of the camera and/or keep the lid in the optimum viewing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Ryan Loo, Kenneth Thomas McAlpine
  • Patent number: 9823632
    Abstract: A compressor is provided and includes a shell, a compression mechanism, a motor, a data module, and a compressor controller. The data module includes a data module processor and a data module memory. The compressor controller includes a controller processor and a controller memory distinct from the data module processor and the data module memory. The data module receives sensed data, stores the sensed data in the data module memory, determines a first diagnosis of the compressor based on the sensed data, and communicates the sensed data and the first diagnosis to the compressor controller. The compressor controller determines a second diagnosis of the compressor based on the sensed data and verifies the first diagnosis by comparing the first diagnosis to the second diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hung M. Pham, Nagaraj Jayanth
  • Patent number: 9823633
    Abstract: A control device and method for preventing the start and stop of heat source machines from being frequently repeated. The control device determining whether or not basic conditions for decreasing the number of machines are satisfied when the number of currently operating machines is increased by one is determined if a current operational status satisfies basic conditions for increasing the number of machines, and one heat source machine is started if it is determined that the basic conditions for decreasing the number of machines are not satisfied, and determining whether or not the basic conditions for increasing the number of machines are satisfied when the number of currently operating machines is decreased by one are satisfied if a current operational status satisfies the basic conditions for decreasing the number of machines, and one heat source machine is stopped if it is determined that the basic conditions for increasing the number of machines are not satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES THERMAL SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Koki Tateishi, Minoru Matsuo, Satoshi Nikaido, Toshiaki Ouchi
  • Patent number: 9823634
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for obtaining a 3D cue path and timing. In one example aspect, this path and timing may be manipulated in software. In another example aspect, one or more conditions may be specified which pertain to the path, timing, state of the path's environment, or state of one or more objects or actors in the path's environment. In another example aspect, these conditions may be accompanied by specifications for one or more actions to be taken if one or more of the conditions are or are not satisfied. In another example aspect, a person or object may be monitored as they follow the path, and prescribed actions may be taken if the specified conditions are or are not found to be satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: CAST Group of Companies Inc.
    Inventors: Gilray Densham, Justin Eichel
  • Patent number: 9823635
    Abstract: A handheld information processing device such a mobile telephone or portable computer has a normal operating mode in which it executes information processing operations in response to user activation of user controls from the user control interface. Furthermore, the device has a remote control signal transmitter coupled to its processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to switch automatically to a remote control mode when no user activation of the user controls has been detected for a predetermined time duration. In an embodiment handheld information processing device switches to the remote control mode only if it is within a predetermined range of spatial locations after the time duration. In the remote control mode the processing circuit responds user activation of the user controls substantially only by causing the remote control signal transmitter to transmit conventional remote control command signals to equipment like TVs, recorders etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: HOME CONTROL SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Rogier Louis Jacques Willem Thissen
  • Patent number: 9823636
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may include a first feedback controller, a second feedback controller, and logic. The first feedback controller may be configured to calculate a first intermediate air mover speed based on a measured temperature. The second feedback controller may be configured to calculate a second intermediate air mover speed based on the measured temperature. The logic may be configured to select a maximum of the first intermediate air mover speed and the second intermediate air mover speed as a selected air mover speed and generate a control signal indicative of the selected air mover speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Hasnain Shabbir, Dominick A. Lovicott, Hsiang-Jung Chin
  • Patent number: 9823637
    Abstract: A fault detection and isolation system for distribution electric power lines utilizing a remote reference voltage signal, multiple three-phase current monitors producing asynchronous event data, and a common reference clock. A voltage measurement obtained for a power line at a substation may be synchronized with multiple current phase measurements taken at a power monitoring location along that particular power line. The same voltage measurement may be similarly synchronized with current measurements taken at multiple current monitoring locations along the power line. As a result, the same voltage measurement may be synchronized with current measurements taken multiple tap points along the power allowing a fault on a tapped line segment to be identified, located and isolated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Southern States, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph R. Rostron, Fan Jiyuan
  • Patent number: 9823638
    Abstract: A variable resistance brake clutch facilitates a rotational coupling of electronic device components, and can include a rotatable shaft, a brake disposed proximate the rotatable shaft, and an actuator coupled to and configured to actuate the brake. The brake applies a braking force against a rotational motion of the shaft, and release of the brake results in low to no frictional resistance against the rotational motion. The braking force can be provided by default, and a capacitive touch sensor or other input component can allow a user to actuate the actuator manually to release the brake when desired. The release can be maintained as long as the sensor detects the touch event or other user input. A processor and solenoid can facilitate actuation by on a touch event, which sensor can be located at a back corner of a laptop upper component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. McBroom, Daniel L. McBroom, Steven C. Michalske
  • Patent number: 9823639
    Abstract: A control arithmetic device controls so that an approval-receiving device displays a content of a new control program that the control arithmetic device received from the editing device. The approval-receiving device receives input of approval information that indicates whether a change of a control program is approved or not from an manager. The control arithmetic device changes the control program to the new control program in the case where the approval information received from the approval-receiving device indicates approval of the control program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Fumikado Anzai, Yoshikane Yamanaka, Kenichi Morimoto
  • Patent number: 9823640
    Abstract: Different devices or subsystems, including programmable industrial controllers, are connected to a common network. Each connected device has the capability for autonomous or quasi-autonomous action based on a common pool of information accessible on the network. For example, all or a subset of devices connected to the network may periodically broadcast status data over the shared network medium; status data may include the current state of the controller and/or environmental conditions that the controller monitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: CONTROL TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Crater, Thomas N. Schermerhorn
  • Patent number: 9823641
    Abstract: The PLC communication system associated with the invention is characterized in that the system comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC), a plurality of processing devices, at least three communication processing nodes provided at the PLC and at the plurality of processing devices respectively to establish communication of the PLC and each of the processing devices and an interconnecting device and a plurality of communication lines for connecting the communication processing nodes with one another to establish data communication among the communication processing nodes. The PLC detects a state of communication failure and a display device displays an abnormal portion in a communication route based on the number of occurrences of the state of communication failure in respective interconnecting device and plurality of communication lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignees: JTEKT Corporation, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Terukazu Senda, Satoshi Kato, Toshio Aono, Toshiyuki Kamauchi, Masanori Ido
  • Patent number: 9823642
    Abstract: A system and method for causing a specialized device to cut and weed a cut thermal transfer film is provided. In an embodiment, a service provider computer receives a request for one or more designs to be attached to a substrate. The service provider computer uses the design to generate additional instructions for a thermal transfer film cutting device that describe regions of the thermal transfer film to be cut to create the one or more designs, regions of the thermal transfer film to be cut to provide a registration means, and regions of the thermal transfer film to be attached to a receiving sheet. The service provider computer sends the additional instructions to the thermal transfer film cutting device which executes the instructions on a thermal transfer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Zazzle Inc.
    Inventor: Leslie Young Harvill
  • Patent number: 9823643
    Abstract: A machine tool controlled by a numerical controller is provided with an additional-axis composed of a tilting table and a rotary table. The controller displays, in a display section thereof, a diagram representative of an actual state in which an additional shaft is mounted so that an operator can select how to mount the additional shaft on the machine tool and collectively set parameters based on the selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisuke Nagata
  • Patent number: 9823644
    Abstract: A numerical control device includes: a switching unit switching between a first processing mode in which a position command for an amplifier is generated by performing interpolation process and acceleration/deceleration process on a program command in a machining program, and a second processing mode in which a position command every intra-amplifier control cycle for the amplifier is generated by performing acceleration/deceleration process on a command generated every intra-amplifier control cycle, which is a control cycle in the amplifier; a normal analysis unit extracting movement data on a machine tool by analyzing the program command when operating in the first processing mode; an interpolation processing unit obtaining first interpolated data by performing the interpolation process on the movement data when operating in the first processing mode; and a fast analysis unit extracting interpolated movement data as second interpolated data by analyzing the program command when operating in the second proces
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yuya Kado, Masaki Ryu
  • Patent number: 9823645
    Abstract: An automated computer-implemented method for generating commands for controlling a computer numerically controlled machine to fabricate an object from a workpiece, the method including the steps of selecting a maximum permitted engagement angle between a rotating cutting tool and the workpiece, selecting a minimum permitted engagement angle between the rotating cutting tool and the workpiece, and configuring a tool path for the tool relative to the workpiece in which the engagement angle gradually varies between the maximum permitted engagement angle and the minimum permitted engagement angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: SOLIDCAM LTD.
    Inventors: Michael Berman, Doron Osovlanski, Christopher Matthew Calderone, Anthony Joseph Calderone
  • Patent number: 9823646
    Abstract: A method generates an asynchronous trigger signal in a position-measuring device having a position-sensing unit, a processing unit and an interface unit. The position-measuring device is connectable via the interface unit and a bidirectional data channel to subsequent electronics for communication purposes. A synchronous data stream is generated from an asynchronous data stream arriving at the position-measuring device from a direction of the subsequent electronics by sampling the asynchronous data stream in a time pattern of a clock signal. A gate signal is generated upon an enable condition for outputting the trigger signal being detected by evaluating the synchronous data stream. The asynchronous trigger signal is generated upon the gate signal being present and a signal edge of the asynchronous data stream occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Beaury, Alexander Kobler, Stephan Kreuzer, Markus Mooshammer, Michael Walter
  • Patent number: 9823647
    Abstract: A servo control apparatus includes a sensor unit for detecting a motor speed; an amplifier for driving a motor and feeding back a current; a magnetic pole position detector; a position controller for outputting a speed command; a speed controller for outputting a current command; a current controller for outputting a voltage command; a speed estimator for calculating an estimated speed from the voltage command; a magnetic pole position estimator for calculating an estimated magnetic pole position from the estimated speed; a sensor malfunction detector; a stop position command generator; and a first switch for switching from the position command to the stop position command, a second switch for switching from the magnetic pole position to the estimated magnetic pole position, and a third switch for switching from the detected speed to the estimated speed, when the sensor malfunction detector has detected a malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouki Kameta, Naoto Sonoda
  • Patent number: 9823648
    Abstract: The invention refers to a method for an automated provision of a monitoring function for a processing process which is to be performed by an industrial robot, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (a) analyzing a computer aided manufacturing (CAM) program of the processing process with respect to processing steps which are to be monitored by means of a post processor; and (b) inserting at least one monitoring instruction which is executed when performing the processing process into a control program of the industrial robot by means of the post processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: ARTIS GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Euhus
  • Patent number: 9823649
    Abstract: A system and methods for vehicle build information management in an assembly plant are disclosed. Once example method includes receiving, from a first information source, identification information for at least one vehicle being assembled in the vehicle assembly plant. The method further includes receiving, from a second information source, build instructions describing at least one work process to be performed for the at least one vehicle. The method further includes receiving, from a third information source, inventory information identifying a plurality of components required to comply with the build instructions. Finally, the method further includes sending for display, to a user interface, a visual representation of at least two of the identification information and the build instructions and the inventory information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky V. Sahadeo, Nicolae A. Anghel, Jason G. Jakob, Say L. Hoang, Harmeet Ghuman, Timothy B. Schofield, Steven M. Ball
  • Patent number: 9823650
    Abstract: A method for interacting master and slave information in real time, comprising: collecting, by N slave control MCUs, sensor signals of sensors respectively connected thereto; feeding back, by the N slave control MCUs, the sensor signals to a master control MCU via a signal transfer panel; and when the sensor signals satisfy a pre-set condition, giving, by the master control MCU, a control instruction to a corresponding slave control MCU according to the pre-set condition, wherein both the sensor signals and the control instruction are transmitted between the master control MCU and the slave control MCUs via the signal transfer panel in an SP signal manner. Also disclosed is a system for interacting master and slave information in real time. The method for interacting master and slave information in real time can reduce the redundant information interaction and improve the communication efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: GRG Banking Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Weibin Chen, Ping Gao, Canjie Wang
  • Patent number: 9823651
    Abstract: A method and a system for re-sequencing client production orders where client-individualized JIS components have not been delivered in due time according to the planned production schedule due to disturbances or have been delivered, but are defective. Three major steps are performed. First, by the introduction of the concept of differently permutable sub-sequences, the frozen time zone is divided into a plurality of sub-sequences of different length in time wherein the length is adapted to the time variants in the re-planning process. Second, using a knowledge-based model, the consequences of a disturbance are classified to be caused either by delayed supply or by defective parts. Third, after determining the type of distortion combining the type of sub-sequence with the status of the supply leads to the generation of three possible algorithms for the re-sequencing of the client production order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Georg Heinecke, Steffen Lamparter, Raffaello Lepratti
  • Patent number: 9823652
    Abstract: A substrate processing system includes a substrate processing apparatus configured to process a substrate, and a management device configured to display specified information transmitted from the substrate processing apparatus on a display unit. The substrate processing apparatus includes a processing environment measuring unit configured to measure information on a substrate processing environment according to time and a trouble information notifying unit configured to notify information on a trouble of the substrate processing apparatus. The management device includes a storage unit configured to store measurement information measured by the processing environment measuring unit and notification information notified by the trouble information notifying unit. The display unit is configured to display the measurement information and the notification information which are stored in the storage unit and correlated with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9823653
    Abstract: A method of managing electric energy consumption and/or production dynamics, includes the steps of: sampling an electric energy flow, adapted to be measured by an electricity metering device (1) within a network (15) of an electrical company; calculating a variation ?Ei=(Ei?Ei?1)/?t at regular intervals, where Ei and Ei?1 are two integral sum values of electric energy amounts consolidated over a given number of cycles and ?t represents a time interval between the respective times at which the two values are obtained; adding the variation (?Ei) to analogous variations calculated at previous times, to obtain a cumulative sum of such variations; determining whether the variation and/or the cumulative sum exceed a predetermined threshold value (?DE); transmitting a message over the network (15) from the electricity metering device (1) if the variation and/or cumulative sum exceed the predetermined threshold value (?DE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: ISTITUTO SUPERIORE MARIO BOELLA SULLE TECHNOLOGIE DELL'INFORMAZIONE E DELLE TELECOMMUNICAZIONI
    Inventor: Mikhail Simonov
  • Patent number: 9823654
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein may relate to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) navigating to a target in order to provide medical support. An illustrative method involves a UAV (a) determining an approximate target location associated with a target, (b) using a first navigation process to navigate the UAV to the approximate target location, where the first navigation process generates flight-control signals based on the approximate target location, (c) making a determination that the UAV is located at the approximate target location, and (d) in response to the determination that the UAV is located at the approximate target location, using a second navigation process to navigate the UAV to the target, wherein the second navigation process generates flight-control signals based on real-time localization of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Eric Peeters, Eric Teller, William Graham Patrick
  • Patent number: 9823655
    Abstract: An unmanned vehicle for use with an entity physically spaced from the unmanned vehicle, the unmanned vehicle having objective parameters corresponding to controlled parameters of the entity. The unmanned vehicle comprises a transceiver that is configured to wirelessly receive an input signal from the entity, wherein the input signal is indicative of the controlled parameters of the entity. The unmanned vehicle further comprises a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) circuit that is configured to generate a command signal based on a phase of the input signal and a phase of a reference signal, wherein the reference signal is indicative of the objective parameters of the unmanned vehicle. The transceiver is further configured to wirelessly transmit the command signal to the entity such that the entity controls the controlled parameters of the entity based on the command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: PROXY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick C. Cesarano
  • Patent number: 9823656
    Abstract: The present subject matter is related to a safety mechanism that comprises method and system for automatically performing safety operations to prevent crash of an airborne vehicle. When there is a deviation of current airborne vehicle path from predefined airborne vehicle path, the airborne vehicle safety system sends a notification to receive authentication of all aircraft operators in the airborne vehicle, as a safety measure. If the authentication is provided, then the airborne vehicle proceeds along the current path, otherwise control of the airborne vehicle is switched from manual control to automatic control that proceeds along the predefined path. Therefore, the airborne vehicle safety system prevents intentional crash or deviation from the current path. Further, the airborne vehicle safety system unlocks cockpit door of the airborne vehicle when authentication is not received from the aircraft operator in cockpit so that necessary measures can be taken to prevent the crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: WIPRO LIMITED
    Inventors: Melwyn Anthony Dsouza, Usman Ali Abdul Rahiman
  • Patent number: 9823657
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for transitioning vehicle control between autonomous operation and manual operation. The system includes sensors configured to generate output signals conveying information related to the vehicle and its operation. During autonomous vehicle operation, the system gauges the level of responsiveness of a vehicle operator through challenges and corresponding responses. The system determines when to present a challenge to the vehicle operator based on internal and external factors. If necessary, the system will transition from an autonomous operation mode to a manual operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: SmartDrive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Palmer, Mark Freitas, Daniel A. Deninger, David Forney, Slaven Sljivar, Alekh Vaidya, Jeffrey Griswold
  • Patent number: 9823658
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assessment and reporting system may conduct micro scans of a wide variety of property types. A risk zone within which the UAV may navigate during the micro scan may include a plurality of virtual tags that identify navigational hazards relevant to the navigation of the UAV at a specific location or specify scan actions to be implemented while the UAV is at the specific location. Scan data from any of a wide variety of sensor types may be compared with profile data using computer vision techniques to identify characteristics, defects, damage, construction materials, and the like. A rule set evaluator may evaluate tags and/or matched profile data to determine adaptive actions to modify the navigation or scanning process of the UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Loveland Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Loveland, Leif Larson, Dan Christiansen, Tad Christiansen, Cam Christiansen
  • Patent number: 9823659
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an example motor system. The motor system includes a steering motor with a first rotor positioned within a first stator. The steering motor is configured to rotate the first rotor about a steering axis. The motor system also includes a traction motor including a second stator positioned within a second rotor. The second rotor includes a traction surface defining a wheel. The traction motor is configured to rotate the second rotor about a rolling axis, and the traction motor is positioned within an opening in the first rotor. The motor system also includes an axle positioned coaxial to the second rotor and coupled to the first rotor such that the traction motor rotates about the steering axis as the steering motor rotates the first rotor about the steering axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Robert Andre Holmberg, John William Zevenbergen, Mark Fischer
  • Patent number: 9823660
    Abstract: A distance to stop a vehicle is received. A trajectory including a plurality of acceleration segments, being respective portions of the trajectory prescribing at least one of an acceleration and a jerk elapsing for a specified period of time, is plotted according to the distance. At least one of a vehicle brake and a vehicle propulsion are adjusted based on the trajectory to stop at the distance. The acceleration segments include two or more of a ramp-in, a deceleration, a ramp-out, and a final deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Shin, Scott J. Lauffer, Michael Edward Brewer, John Broderick
  • Patent number: 9823661
    Abstract: An occupancy grid map for a vehicle includes several cells disposed in grid-like fashion. The cells of the occupancy grid map are adapted, as a function of a driving situation of the vehicle, to the driving situation. Areas of the cells are configured to be smaller in a region closer to the vehicle, and are configured to be larger in a region further away from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Oliver Pink, Carsten Hasberg
  • Patent number: 9823662
    Abstract: The invention concerns a transport vehicle and a method for the trouble-free transport of load shelves in workshops with partially autonomous operation, having the following features: (a) a vehicle body with a carrier plate for receiving and transporting a load shelf with cargo, with two separately driven drive wheels, at least one support wheel being provided at the front and at the rear of the vehicle body in each case; (b) a transverse link which connects the drive wheels which are each pivotable via an angled lever about the rotational axis, such that the drive wheels can carry out vertical movements independently of each other; (c) a centrally disposed adjusting element which, via a lifting-turning lever and a thrust rod connected thereto, can move two front lifting rods and two rear lifting rods in order to raise or lower the carrier plate; (d) a system for supplying energy to the vehicle body; and (e) at least one 3D scanner and at least one light field sensor in the front region of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: GRENZEBACH MASCHINENBAU GMBH
    Inventors: Siegfried Mecklinger, Bernhard Kuegle
  • Patent number: 9823663
    Abstract: Innovative new methods in connection with lighter-than-air free floating platforms, of facilitating legal transmitter operation, platform flight termination when appropriate, environmentally acceptable landing, and recovery of these devices are provided. Especially, termination of radio transmissions and flight related to regional, governmental and international border requirements, regulations and laws. The new methods comprise specific criteria, detection of the criteria and elements of operation for reducing or preventing illegal transmissions, for producing rapid descend to the ground, for environmentally acceptable landing and for facilitating recovery all with improved safety and enhanced compliance with known regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: SPACE DATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerald M Knoblach, Eric A Frische
  • Patent number: 9823664
    Abstract: A method of positioning an instrument by an unmanned aircraft for measurement purposes relating to a target surface is provided. The method includes coupling the instrument to the unmanned aircraft and moving the unmanned aircraft to position the instrument away from the target surface. The method further includes stabilizing the unmanned aircraft to maintain a constant altitude and a level attitude relative to the target surface and orientating the instrument perpendicular to the target surface. A measurement is conducted by the instrument while the instrument is orientated perpendicular to the target surface. The method also includes transmitting the measurement to a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: A.M.T.S., LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Krogh, Ed DeMoss
  • Patent number: 9823665
    Abstract: A crossover protection system including a product transport vehicle having a tank compartment for containing a liquid product, a fluid property sensor positioned to contact liquid product stored in the tank compartment, a system controller, and a valve coupled to the tank compartment. The valve regulates a flow of liquid product from the tank compartment and has a normally locked state. The system controller may compare a received transported liquid type signal from the fuel property sensor indicative of the type of liquid product in the tank compartment and compare the type of liquid product to a stored liquid product type. If the two types match, the crossover protection controller transitions the valve to an unlocked state to allow the liquid product to unload from the tank compartment. If the two types do not match, the crossover protection controller will disable the valve from transitioning to the unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Knappco Corporation
    Inventors: Scott A. Finnell, Steven D. Gramling, Mark William Dudley, Claude W. Mixon, Francis V. Stemporzewski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9823666
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow control system for controlling a flow of a medium passing through a pipe part of a pipe system via which the medium is distributed from a common source to a plurality of consumer devices. The flow control system comprises a flow sensor for sensing an actual medium flow through the pipe part, a controller in communicative connection with the flow sensor and provided for evaluating the electrical signal indicative of the sensed actual medium flow with a value representing a set medium flow and an orifice adjusting system in communicative connection with the controller and provided for adjusting the adjustable orifice in response to the control signal received from the controller. The flow sensor is arranged outside the flow chamber and has a static measurement principle based on a wave propagating in the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Belparts
    Inventors: Jan Ulens, Philip Vandenheuvel, Peter Vandendriessche
  • Patent number: 9823667
    Abstract: In order to keep a stable flow rate at a set flow rate value when a pressure fluctuation occurs in an upstream side of a valve, without providing an additional sensor for detecting a pressure fluctuation, a flow rate control apparatus is provided with: the valve; a flow rate sensor; a valve control part configured to control the valve so that a deviation between a set flow rate value and a measurement flow rate value is reduced, on the basis of the deviation and a set control coefficient; and a control coefficient setting part configured to set the control coefficient so that when a pressure rise occurs in the upstream side of the valve, a decreased amount in flow due to a decreased opening of the valve and an increased amount in flow due to an increased amount of a differential pressure before and after the valve, are balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kotaro Takijiri, Yuki Tanaka, Atsushi Ieki
  • Patent number: 9823668
    Abstract: A pressure regulator for a hydrogen storage system, wherein the pressure regulator is adapted to operate at temperatures below ?50° C., while minimizing the need for separate sealing elements and O-rings. The pressure regulator includes a main body including an inner cavity bounded by an interior wall, a piston disposed in the inner cavity, the piston including a first channel disposed adjacent a first portion, wherein the first portion is adapted to cooperate with the interior wall to form a seal between the piston and the interior wall, a first biasing device disposed in the first channel, wherein the first biasing device is adapted to exert a force on the first portion of the piston to form a seal between the first portion and the interior wall, and an end cap coupled to the main body thereby enclosing the piston to form an outlet pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Rainer Pechtold, Dimitri A. Podorashi, Hans Weidner, Wolfgang Markard
  • Patent number: 9823669
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for regulating the flow rate and/or pressure of a fluid, such as valve for a pressure gas cylinder, comprising a reducing valve including a first plug designed to be moved in the normal flow direction of the fluid during closure. The reducing valve also comprises a plunger to which the plug is coupled. The face of the plunger that is oriented towards the first plug defines a regulation chamber together with the body. The aforementioned face also comprises a seal that engages with a corresponding surface of the body such as to form a second plug for maintaining residual pressure. The regulation device also comprises a means for preloading and releasing a spring acting on the opposite face of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Luxembourg Patent Company S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Schmitz, Morgan Lamiable, Claude Risse
  • Patent number: 9823670
    Abstract: An automatic engine driven pump (EDP) depressurization system for an aircraft is disclosed. The aircraft includes at least two EDPs driven by a main engine for converting mechanical power provided by the main engine into hydraulic power for distribution by a hydraulic system. The EDP depressurization system includes a depressurization device corresponding to each of the at least two EDPs and a control module. The depressurization devices are each energized to depressurize a respective EDP. The control module is in signal communication with each of the depressurization devices. The control module includes control logic for automatically generating a depressurization signal that energizes one of the depressurization devices based on a plurality of operational conditions of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Wilson, Thomas Raymond Hasenoehrl, Edmond C. Chin, Mark William Lesyna