Patents Issued in April 17, 2018
  • Patent number: 9946210
    Abstract: A sheet transport device includes a sheet transport path along which a sheet is transported in one direction, plural abutting portions on which a leading end of the sheet transported along the sheet transport path abuts, the plural abutting portions being arranged in a direction intersecting the one direction, and a moving unit that moves the plural abutting portions and/or moves the sheet in the direction intersecting the one direction so that a preceding corner portion of two corner portions located at the leading end of the transported sheet abuts on any of the plural abutting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoichi Yamakawa, Shuhei Kobori, Shumpei Nozawa, Yasunobu Goto
  • Patent number: 9946211
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a process unit to form an image onto a sheet. A fixer fixes the image to the sheet. A reverse roller makes a positive rotation to convey the sheet in a forward direction from the fixer, and makes an opposite rotation to convey the sheet in an opposite direction. A returner returns the sheet to the process unit. A branching member guides the sheet from the reverse roller to the returner. A first sensor detects the sheet. The controller controls the reverse roller to make the positive rotation at a circumferential speed higher than a speed of the sheet conveyed by the fixer, controls the reverse roller to wait for predetermined waiting time after the first sensor has detected a rear end of the sheet, and makes the waiting time shorter as a length of the sheet is greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Oyama
  • Patent number: 9946212
    Abstract: A post-processing apparatus includes a side edge removing unit that removes a side edge of a sheet, and a rigidity imparting unit that imparts rigidity to the side edge that is removed by the side edge removing unit such that the side edge has a higher rigidity in a longitudinal direction of the side edge than a body of the sheet from which the side edge is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Sakuma, Yoshiyuki Takaishi, Daisuke Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9946213
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of preventing a sheet from falling during jam handling without adding a special mechanism. The apparatus has an openable door forming a guide wall of a first path in a closed state. A first pair of rollers are disposed on the first path for nipping and conveying a sheet in a door closed state, and separated from each other when the door is opened. A second path is connected to the first path, for conveying downstream a sheet from the first path. A second pair of rollers disposed on the second path can keep nipping a sheet even when the door is opened. If a jam occurs, a sheet remaining in the first path is conveyed into the second path using the first roller pair, and is nipped by the second roller pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Junichiro Nakabayashi
  • Patent number: 9946214
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a DC heater is provided in an image forming unit and AC heaters are provided in a sheet feed unit and an image reading unit. An environmental switch is provided at a power supply line connected to the AC heaters. A switch state detection circuit detects whether the environmental switch has been turned on. In accordance with a detection signal output by the switch state detection circuit, the supply of power to the DC heater is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takeshi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 9946215
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a power saving mode includes a first power supply configured to operate in the power saving mode, a second power supply configured to operate in a mode other than the power saving mode, a heater configured to generate heat when power is fed from the first power supply or the second power supply, and a control circuit configured to control power feeding from the first power supply to the heater and activation or stopping of the second power supply. The control circuit is configured to control, based on an instruction to shift from the power saving mode to another mode, so that power feeding from the first power supply to the heater is cut off, and the second power supply is activated to start power feeding from the second power supply to the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Koizumi, Teruhiko Suzuki, Eijiro Atarashi, Toshinori Kimura
  • Patent number: 9946216
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a developing device; a transfer member; a contact member provided downstream of the transfer member and upstream of the developing device with respect to a movement direction of a surface of the image bearing member and contacting the image bearing member at a contact portion, wherein the surface of the image bearing member passed through a transfer portion reaches the contact portion without being cleaned, a detecting portion for detecting a size of the sheet; and a controller for executing an operation in a cleaning mode for cleaning the contact member. The controller executes the operation in the cleaning mode when the controller discriminates that the size of the sheet detected by the detecting portion is smaller than a size of the toner image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei Okayasu, Shinsuke Kobayashi, Takaaki Akamatsu, Kenji Shindo, Hiroki Sasame, Takuya Hayato
  • Patent number: 9946218
    Abstract: Provided is a cleaning blade disposed to be in contact with an image carrying belt having an elastic layer for removing foreign material from a surface of the image carrying belt, including: a base; and an amorphous coating layer on the base, the coating layer including a contact portion disposed to be in contact with the image carrying belt, wherein the contact portion is curved to have a predetermined curvature with respect to a direction of a movement of the image carrying belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Taichi Meguro
  • Patent number: 9946219
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a heating unit; a pressure roller; a first frame supporting the heating unit; a second frame engaging the first frame; a first gear; a second gear; and a fixing member. The second frame supports a shaft portion of the pressure roller. The first gear is provided at one end of the shaft portion and rotatable with the pressure roller. The second gear engages the first gear and transmits a drive force to the first gear. The fixing member has a first portion engaging the shaft portion and a second portion engaging the second frame. At least a part of the first portion engages the shaft portion at a position on a downstream side of the shaft portion in a second direction in which the shaft portion receives a force upon transmission of the drive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Mori, Hiroshi Handa, Tatsuo Ogasawara, Takuji Matsuno
  • Patent number: 9946220
    Abstract: A developer cartridge includes a first gear having a first engagement part provided along a circumferential surface of the first gear, and a first trigger protruding from the circumferential surface. The developer cartridge also has a second gear having a small diameter gear part configured to be engaged to the first engagement part, a large diameter gear part rotatable together with the small diameter gear part, and a second trigger configured to contact and rotate the first gear. The large diameter gear part is configured to receive a driving force and rotate to move from a first position at which the large diameter gear part can rotate relative to the second trigger to a second position at which the large diameter gear part rotates together with the second trigger. The second trigger is configured to rotate together with the large diameter gear part to contact the first trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomonori Watanabe, Naoya Kamimura, Takashi Shimizu, Hideshi Nishiyama, Keita Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9946221
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a main frame, a plurality of process cartridges, a cartridge-supporting body, a belt, a waste toner cartridge, a contact-separation mechanism, and a collective conveying unit. Each process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a drum cleaning unit collecting waste toner on the drum. The cartridge-supporting body is movable between an internal position inside the frame and an external position outside the frame. The belt confronts the process cartridges in the internal position. The waste toner cartridge accommodates the waste toner collected from the drums. The contact-separation mechanism moves the cartridge-supporting body between a contact position where the drums are in contact with the belt and a separated position where the drums are out of contact with the belt. The collective conveying unit aggregates waste toner collected from drums and conveys collectively the aggregated waste toner to the waste toner cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shougo Sato, Atsushi Fukui, Isao Fukuchi
  • Patent number: 9946222
    Abstract: An air flow sensor includes a case, a to-be-detected object, and a detector. The case includes an intake port and an exit port through which air is to flow. The to-be-detected object is located at a first position in the case when the air flowing from the intake port to the exit port has lower than a predetermined level of pressure, and is movable from the first position receiving the air when the air has equal to or higher than the predetermined level of pressure. The detector is disposed outside the case and is configured to detect a movement of the to-be-detected object and output an electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Sho Karakama, Katsumi Kuroyanagi, Shigeru Sawano, Isao Kawakami, Shuan Yang
  • Patent number: 9946223
    Abstract: A cooling device, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes a cooling device including an air blower, an airflow divider, an air flowing passage, and an air exhaust opening. The air blower blows air toward a cooling target device. The airflow divider divides the air exhausted from the air blower into at least two airflows such that an air flowing direction of the air is changed to a direction perpendicular to an air exhausting direction of the air. The at least two airflows pass through the air flowing passage. A wall of the air flowing passage is disposed facing the cooling target device. The air exhaust opening is disposed on the wall of the air flowing passage to cause the air to pass through toward the cooling target device disposed in a direction intersecting the air flowing direction in the air flowing passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Reo Kojima, Katsuhiro Hoshi, Tomoyuki Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 9946224
    Abstract: Disclosed is a holographic display including a spatial light modulator (SLM) with pixels, the SLM pixels being on a substrate, the SLM including circuitry which is on the same substrate as the SLM pixels, the circuitry operable to perform calculations which provide an encoding of the SLM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: SEEREAL TECHNOLOGIES S.A.
    Inventors: Bo Kroll, Robert Missbach, Alexander Schwerdtner
  • Patent number: 9946225
    Abstract: A mobile hologram apparatus is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a sheet folded along preformed creases into a pyramid structure configured to be actuated between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. The pyramid structure has a base section and a top section connected by four side sections. The pyramid structure in the compressed state has a height that is less than 1/10th the height of the pyramid structure in the uncompressed state. The apparatus also includes an elastic band connected to a perimeter of the base section of the pyramid structure and configured to cause the pyramid structure to self-actuate from the compressed state to the uncompressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Virtual Marketing Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew Steven Murphy, Jacob W. Beckley
  • Patent number: 9946226
    Abstract: A platform for displaying several mutually different horometric items of information, includes as many crowns as the horometric items of information to be displayed on the platform. Each of the crowns is arranged to receive an associated information support and is movable in rotation at a speed selected according to a horometric item of information displayed on the associated information support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: HARRY WINSTON SA
    Inventors: Franck-Charles-Cyril Orny, Johnny Frederic Girardin
  • Patent number: 9946227
    Abstract: Disclosed are timepieces including a first mirror that is at least partially transparent and a second mirror. The second mirror is coupled to the first mirror to articulate with respect to the first mirror about a first axis. A time display is coupled to the second mirror. Also disclosed are reflecting devices including a first mirror and an articulating device coupled to the first mirror. A rotatable device is coupled to the articulating device and a second mirror is also coupled to the rotatable device. Additionally disclosed are reflecting kits including a mirror and an articulating device coupled to the mirror. A ring is coupled to the articulating device. The ring has an aperture. A reflective material is configured to be received by the ring. Methods of using these devices and kits are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Wissam J. Aoun
  • Patent number: 9946228
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for performing operations on timepiece movements including a plate mounted on a stand, said plate including at least one storage area capable of receiving timepiece movement components, characterized in that said plate further includes at least one work support provided with means for holding timepiece movements, the work support being arranged to form an extension so as to facilitate access to said movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventors: Christophe Heusler, Daniel Zumsteg
  • Patent number: 9946229
    Abstract: Disclosed are a smart watch and a method for controlling the same, which determine a notification device that provides a notification of an event, based on wearing/non-wearing of a smart watch and on a distance between the smart watch and an external digital device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyorim Park, Doyoung Lee, Yongsin Kim
  • Patent number: 9946230
    Abstract: A system for controlling electrical loads in a house, apartment, office or any other living environment, comprising the following units: Smart load control unit (LCU), Remote control unit (RCU), Sensors unit (SU), Computer interface unit (CIU), Infrared control unit (IRU) and Keypad unit (KU). Each LCU is so devised as to replace a wall switch or other electrical load power control device and comprises means for controlling an electric power delivered to the load responsive to a user's commands. Each RCU comprises means for activating LCU units, and each SU comprises sensor means. Each unit further includes means for connecting by wireless to the other units to exchange data or commands therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventors: Ronen Apelker, Allon Apelker
  • Patent number: 9946231
    Abstract: To ameliorate the detrimental effects of time delays, techniques and systems are disclosed for detecting time delays in a plant, facility, or environment (such as a power system) controlled by an NCS, and for providing more resilient control capabilities for adapting to the detected time delays. A time delay estimate can be determined by comparing the expected state of the plant, calculated from a plant model, with the state of the plant described by its telemetry data. Techniques for adapting to a time delay include: switching to an emergency controller and acting in accordance with a local reference model; sending adjusted control commands in accordance with an expected plant state; and instructing a transmitter to transmit subsequent communications packets over multiple redundant communication channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: The Florida International University Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Arman Sargolzaei, Mohamed Abdelghani, Kang K. Yen
  • Patent number: 9946232
    Abstract: A set of load data for a selected point in time and resulting from the machine operation is received. The load data is provided from a first database comprising predefined machine conditions associated to different sets of load data for the machine. One of the predefined machine conditions that is most representative of the received set of load data is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: GKN Aerospace Sweden AB
    Inventors: Mikael Nilsson, Daniel Norder
  • Patent number: 9946233
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods provide a building automation system that includes a controller, a web server and a client. The controller includes building automation objects that may be used to generate a model that includes elements, wherein each element is associated with one or more of the objects. The web server includes business logic that reads and subscribes to the objects. Each object notifies the business logic of changes to the data of the object. The business logic processes the data from the objects to provide model update commands based on the changed data. The client includes presentation logic that displays the model, receives the model update commands from the business logic, updates the model using the model update commands, and displays the updated model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Brun, Ralph Sigrist
  • Patent number: 9946234
    Abstract: A method for control of a flow network in order to improve the performance of the flow network comprises: (a) applying predetermined excitations at multiple control points within the flow network, wherein the multiple control points are at different branches of the flow network; (b) receiving measurements of changes in one or more flow parameter(s) in one or more flow path(s) in which flows of more than one of the different branches have been combined; (c) carrying out an analysis of the flow parameter measurements to identify variations induced by the applied excitations; (d) determining an adjustment to be made at one or more of the control point(s) in order to improve the performance of the flow network, for example by building and solving an optimization model; (e) making the determined adjustment to the control point(s) of the flow network or making an alternative adjustment decided upon by the flow network operator; and (f) repeating steps (a) to (e) one or more times to thereby iteratively improve the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
    Inventors: Bjarne Foss, Vidar Gunnerud
  • Patent number: 9946235
    Abstract: Methods and devices for scheduling operation of residential energy consumption devices are described herein. One device includes a memory and a processor. The processor can be configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to form a number of chains of residential energy consumption devices, wherein each of the number of chains includes different devices, determine which of the number of chains has a largest total energy consumption over a particular period of time, and determine, for the devices in the chain having the largest total energy consumption over the particular period of timed of time, an operational schedule having a lowest possible cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ondrej Holub, Marek Sikora
  • Patent number: 9946236
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic device and control method thereof. The electronic device according to the present invention comprises a main engine and a USB man-machine interface unit connected thereto; an illuminating source and a drive circuit thereof are arranged on the USB man-machine interface unit; the USB man-machine interface unit receives illuminating information sent by the main engine, generates a control command according to the illuminating information and sends the control command to the drive circuit so as to drive the illuminating source. Because the present invention sends the illuminating information to the USB man-machine interface unit through the main engine and then obtains the control command to switch on or off the illuminating source after processing the illuminating information through the USB man-machine interface unit, a user can participate in controlling the illuminating source so as to realize an illuminating effect expected by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Heng Yu Technology (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Chun Kin Chan, Chun Kit Chan, Hoi Kai Chan
  • Patent number: 9946237
    Abstract: An energy management device includes a measurement manager and a communicator. The measurement manager manages energy information based on a physical quantity measured from at least one measurement object belonging to each of a plurality of energy types in a customer. The communicator communicates the energy information of each of the energy types to another device over a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Nishibayashi, Masahiro Yamazaki, Yoichi Morishima, Ikuya Aoyama, Yusuke Doi, Fumiaki Kanayama, Noritaka Deguchi
  • Patent number: 9946238
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an automation system that detects threats within a secured geographic area, a wireless wearable device worn by a human user that detects activities of the user, and a processor of the automation system that wirelessly receives the detected activities of the human user from the wearable device as the user enters the secured area, that associates at least one of the detected activities with a predetermined action, and that automatically implements a physical change within the secured area in support of the predetermined action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kamal Kannan, Savari Raj, Arumugakumar Mookan, Deepak S, Balaji Sambamoorthy
  • Patent number: 9946239
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide for a dual processor architecture in a furnace or HVAC controller. One processor can control non-safety-critical components and is operable to receive software updates. The other processor can control safety-critical components and is not capable of being updated. Safety-critical components can comprise a flame sensor, gas valve and an igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Sakai, Michael Engler, Stephen J. Vendt
  • Patent number: 9946240
    Abstract: Example apparatus to communicatively couple three-wire field devices to controllers in a process control system are disclosed. An example terminal block is disclosed that includes a first interface having three termination points to terminate each of three wires from a three-wire field device. The example, terminal block further includes a second interface to removably receive a first termination module that is to communicate with the three-wire field device using a first communication protocol and to communicate with a controller via a shared bus of a termination panel using a second communication protocol different than the first communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Klaus Erni
  • Patent number: 9946241
    Abstract: A method for controlling an operation of a machine according to a model of the machine having uncertainties determines a set of triples of data points representing the operation of the machine over a period of time. Each triple of data points in the set includes two subsequent states of the machine and corresponding control input causing a transition of the machine between the subsequent states. Next, the method determines a current model of the machine based on the set of triples of data points, such that the current model is within a feasible space of models of the machine corresponding to a polytope with vertices defined by base models representing extreme values of different parameters of the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Nikolaev Nikovski, Stefano Di Cairano, Yiming Zhao
  • Patent number: 9946242
    Abstract: An optimized operation schedule of a control-target apparatus is ensured while maximally reducing a burden share to a facility operator. An energy predictor sets, for a control-target apparatus, a predicted value of energy consumption or energy supply within a predetermined future time period based on process data. A schedule optimizer optimizes an operation schedule of the control-target apparatus within the predetermined time period with a predetermined evaluation barometer based on the predicted value, the characteristic of the control-target apparatus, and the process data. An approval request determiner determines a necessity of an approval for a latest operation schedule based on a preset determining condition. A determination result transmitter transmits a determination result by the approval request determiner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masaaki Saito, Dai Murayama, Yutaka Iino, Nagako Hisada
  • Patent number: 9946243
    Abstract: The utility model discloses an EEFIT-based electromagnetic wave energy conducting equipment, having an enclosure, a skeleton, main emission sources, conveying devices and a PLC. The skeleton is arranged in the enclosure, the main emission sources are arranged on the skeleton, the conveying devices are arranged beside the main emission sources, and the conveying devices are electrically connected with the PLC. Each conveying device has a conveyor belt and limit rods. Two limit rods are arranged on each conveyor belt. The limit rods are respectively driven by two independent stepping motors. The EEFIT-based electromagnetic wave energy conducting equipment has the advantages of wider application range, more functions and lower cost, can be applicable to the irradiation of common or fragile materials, and can handle the materials on the same equipment according to different references. The manufacturing and maintenance costs are lower, and the failure rate is smaller as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NICK WANG TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Nan Wang
  • Patent number: 9946244
    Abstract: A method of operating an intelligent programmable logic controller over a plurality of scan cycles includes creating, by the intelligent programmable logic controller, a process image area in a volatile computer-readable storage medium operably coupled to the intelligent programmable logic controller. The intelligent programmable logic controller then updates the process image area during each scan cycle with contents comprising data associated with a production unit. The contents of the process image area are stored by the intelligent programmable logic controller during each scan cycle on a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium operably coupled to the intelligent programmable logic controller. The intelligent programmable logic controller annotates the contents of the process image area with automation system context information to generate contextualized data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: George Lo, Steffen Lamparter, Lingyun Wang, Hartmut Ludwig
  • Patent number: 9946245
    Abstract: Technology for milling selected portions of a workpiece by a cutting tool of a numerical control machine is described. The described technology provides methods and apparatuses for milling areas of a part so that more aggressive machining parameters can be used in the toolpath, thereby resulting in reduced machining time and load. The technology creates a series of toolpath contours where arcs in the toolpath contours are non-concentric with arcs in other toolpath contours. The selected portions of the workpiece are milled by moving the cutting tool in accordance with the toolpath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Celeritive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan C. Sherbrooke, Glenn Coleman
  • Patent number: 9946246
    Abstract: A control method of a machine tool includes the steps of: determining a raised height, and determining a maneuvering height; causing the tool to move horizontally to a machining position; causing the tool to move vertically to a machining height to machine the workpiece; causing the tool to move vertically to the raised height, and when the tool is at the maneuvering height, causing the tool to move horizontally to a next machining position while the tool is moving vertically; causing the tool to move vertically to the maneuvering height while the tool is moving horizontally to the next machining position; and causing the tool to move vertically to the machining height to machine the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ANDERSON INDUSTRIAL CORP.
    Inventor: Chin-Chu Lin
  • Patent number: 9946247
    Abstract: A system for managing real-time work information of a motor fitting provides a sensor set at the motor fitting to transmit the real-time work information to a processing module. A processing unit of the processing module sends type information and a real-time work parameter according to the real-time work information. When a detection unit determines the real-time work parameter is fallen outside a normal work parameter according to a lookup table stored in a database and the type information, the detection unit generates an abnormal-notification signal for transmission. When an application procedure of the application-processing unit is triggered, the application-processing unit activates a play unit to play the normal work parameter, and further the activated play unit plays notification information upon receiving the abnormal-notification signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Teco Electric & Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Kai Liu, Ji-Hung Kang, Hung-Chun Chang, Chen-Shun Hung, Chun-Hung Chen, Chien-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 9946248
    Abstract: A system which can improve the reliability of an emergency stop operation of a robot when contacting a worker. The system is comprised of a force sensor and a malfunction judgment part. The force sensor has a detection part which detects the load in one direction. The detection part includes a first detection element and a second detection element. The malfunction judgment part judges if a first detection value which is detected by the first detection element and a second detection value which is detected by the second detection element differ from each other. If the first detection value and the second detection value differ from each other, it is judged that the first detection element or second detection element have malfunctioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazutaka Nakayama, Takatoshi Iwayama
  • Patent number: 9946249
    Abstract: A control device of a machining tool with power consumption reduction function includes an execution unit configured to execute control of devices using parameter extracted from a parameter set storage unit, based on a selected priority mode and operation condition of the machining tool. At least one parameter set stored in the parameter storage unit is set with a parameter corresponding to the heating device having a value for making the heating device in an on state and a parameter corresponding to the cooling device having a value for making the cooling device in an on state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuuta Sekikawa
  • Patent number: 9946250
    Abstract: A servo actuator default disconnected ID setting method is performed by a servo actuator controlling system, which includes a plurality of servo actuators. A first message is broadcasted which indicates that an original ID is replaced with a non-default-disconnected to the plurality of servo actuators. The original ID of each actuator is replaced with the non-default-disconnected according to the first message. A second message is broadcasted which indicates that the non-default-disconnected ID is replaced with a default disconnected ID. And the non-default-disconnected ID of each servo actuator is replaced with the default disconnected ID according to the second message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP
    Inventors: Tingshuang Huang, Youjun Xiong
  • Patent number: 9946251
    Abstract: A method for preparing tool paths for use in a computer numerically controlled machine whereby the appearance of undesirable horizontal tool marks are minimized, comprised of identifying a surface texture and resolving the surface texture into at least one contour and identifying an underlying relief. A tool path is then prepared which is suitable for use in a computer numerically controlled machine wherein the tool path moves in accordance with the at least one contour of the identified surface texture while simultaneously carving the underlying relief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Raymond Joseph Valasek
  • Patent number: 9946252
    Abstract: A decision support tool to assist decision-making in the operation of a facility. The decision support tool allows a user to perform operational programming of the facility so that the analysis of specific operational events is flexible and “on-demand.” This is achieved by allowing the user to set scope and timeframe of the analysis according to business needs. As a result, the organization can make better-informed judgments whether to add operational activities and how to adjust the ones already formulated in the program. The decision support tool can also allow for the application of strategies to communicate intent behind the programming instructions and to improve the quality of business decisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Philip H. Warrick, Anantha Sundaram, Victor P. DePaola, Jayanth Balasubramanian, Stephen R. Bradshaw, Gary Robert Kocis, Joseph W. Evans, Nicholas J. Booker, George E. Friedrich, Eric A. Winkler
  • Patent number: 9946253
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus detects an abnormality of at least one of a first fan for a first device in a first housing and a second fan for a second device in a second housing, and includes a receiver and circuitry. The receiver receives a first signal of a first sound collected by a first microphone and a second signal of a second sound collected by a second microphone. The first sound includes a sound produced by a shaft or a bearing of the first fan. The second sound includes a sound produced by a shaft or a bearing of the second fan. The circuitry detects an abnormality of one of the first and second fans by at least using the first sound and the second sound included in the first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yanagihashi, Yasuhiro Kanishima, Masahiro Ozawa, Takashi Sudo
  • Patent number: 9946254
    Abstract: An alarm display system includes: an IC tag storing ID information for identifying components of a control device; an IC tag reading part capable of reading the ID information stored in the IC tag in a non-contact manner; a storage part storing alarm handling information in association with alarm information for identifying a type of an alarm and the component related to the alarm; a handling information extracting part extracting, when an alarm is generated, alarm handling information related to the component which is identified by the ID information from the alarm handling information corresponding to the alarm based on the alarm information and the ID information read by the IC tag reading part; and a handling information display part displaying the alarm handling information extracted by the handling information extracting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shuntaro Toda
  • Patent number: 9946255
    Abstract: A remote control for a parking assistance system for automated parking of a passenger motor vehicle is provided. The parking assistance system has an environment sensor system that supplies sensor information, and an obstacle detection device for detecting the presence of an obstacle based on the sensor information. In addition, the parking assistance system has a bidirectional wireless communication device that transmits obstacle detection information about the presence of an obstacle to the remote control. The remote control also has a bidirectional wireless communication device for communication with the passenger motor vehicle. In addition, the remote control has one or more parking function operating elements for controlling the parking and/or unparking. The bidirectional communication device of the remote control receives the obstacle detection information. In addition, the remote control has signaling means for signaling the presence of an obstacle to the operator of the remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Patrick Matters, Marina Trpinac, Bernd Bader
  • Patent number: 9946256
    Abstract: A wireless communication device may include a housing, a touch sensitive display integrally included within the housing, multiple radio frequency transceivers included within the housing, multiple input mechanisms included within the housing, and a processor included within the housing. The processor may be configured to obtain visual information captured by an image capture subsystem of the unmanned aerial vehicle, display the visual information via the touch sensitive display, detect parameters of a touch on the touch sensitive display, determine a first set of inputs based upon the parameters of the touch on the touch sensitive display, receive a second set of inputs when one or more of the multiple input mechanisms are engaged, effectuate transmission, via a first radio frequency transceiver, of instructions to the unmanned aerial vehicle based upon the first set of inputs and/or the second set of inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Yui, Sean Flanigan, Grant McCauley
  • Patent number: 9946257
    Abstract: A self-propelled device can establish a communication link with a controller device that is operable by a user to remotely control the self-propelled device. The self-propelled device can further receive, over the communication link, a computer code package from the controller device, and execute the computer code package to perform one or more processing operations performed by the controller device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Sphero, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Polo, Hunter James Lang
  • Patent number: 9946258
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method and system for generating contingency flight plans for normal landing and flight termination (crash) of UAVs (drones) in the event of lost communications with ground control stations. The system is fast, automatic, comprehensive, and systematic. The contingency plan can be generated using laptops or PCs. The execution of contingency plans will involve the coordination of flight computer in drones, ground control station, air traffic controllers (ATC), and pilot in command (PIC). External devices such as satellites and RF towers are also involved in the process such as reestablishment of communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Chiman kwan
  • Patent number: 9946259
    Abstract: An obstacle detector configured to identify negative obstacles in a vehicle's path responsive to steering a laser beam to scan high priority areas in the vehicle's path is provided. The high priority areas can be identified dynamically in response to the terrain, speed, and/or acceleration of the vehicle. In some examples, the high priority areas are identified based on a projected position of the vehicles tires. A scan path for the laser, scan rate, and/or a scan location can be dynamically generated to cover the high priority areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Sean D. Keller, Gerald P. Uyeno, John R. Becker
  • Patent number: 9946260
    Abstract: A system for sparse map autonomous navigation of a vehicle along a road segment may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be programmed to receive a sparse map of the road segment. The sparse map may have a data density of no more than 1 megabyte per kilometer. The at least one processor may be programmed to receive from a camera, at least one image representative of an environment of the vehicle, and determine an autonomous navigational response for the vehicle based on the analysis of the sparse map and the at least one image received from the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Mobileye Vision Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Amnon Shashua, Yoram Gdalyahu, Ofer Springer, Aran Reisman, Daniel Braunstein