Supplied Or Controlled By Space-transmitted Electromagnetic Or Electrostatic Energy (e.g., By Radio) Patents (Class 318/16)
  • Patent number: 11949753
    Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus having a control unit configured to execute instruction proxy processing in a case where an instruction from a user specifies another information processing apparatus as an instruction target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masanobu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11929545
    Abstract: Access points can be mounted in a variety of locations or orientations and can support multiple communications protocols. In some embodiments, an access point includes a main housing and a front housing. The main and front housing are connected by a hinge. A Wi-Fi antenna is included in the front housing in some embodiments. The access point is configured for use in either an open or closed position. When mounted in a vertical position, the front housing can be lowered into a horizontal position, which facilitates a preferred orientation of an antenna with respect to the ground. A first set of cooling fins serves to maintain components of the access point offset from a wall to which the access point is mounted. This facilitates airflow. Additional fins act as a spacer between the main housing and the front housing when the access point is used in a closed position. This facilitates air flow around both sides of the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rosenthal, John James Musante
  • Patent number: 11897699
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a delivery apparatus for carrying out the method, wherein the delivery apparatus comprises an eccentric screw pump having a rotor-stator unit with an outlet, a drive unit, a control device and a delivery section, and wherein the delivery apparatus comprises at least one pressure sensor and a characteristic-variable detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: J. Wagner GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Schnittger, Lam Huu Nguyen, Florian Spindler, Alfred Göhring
  • Patent number: 11891286
    Abstract: A forklift-type automated guided vehicle includes a body and a control circuit unit received in the body, both a first fork arm and a second fork arm parallel to each other and formed on a front end of the body to forklift cargo, each of the first fork arm, the second fork arm and a bottom end of the body including at least one two-wheel differential driving assembly rotatably connected to the first and second fork arms, and the body, respectively, and electrically connected to the control circuit unit. The two-wheel differential driving assembly includes a left driving wheel and a right driving wheel formed opposite to each other which can be independently driven to realize differential rotation. The present disclosure not only can forklift cargo with a small turning radius, but also can realize left-to-right sideways movements and an in-place rotation and a U-turn movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: SUZHOU CASUN INTELLIGENT ROBOT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Te Li, Kai Wang
  • Patent number: 11890247
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for providing a blood pressure control massage. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is disclosed a method for providing blood pressure control massage, the method including acquiring blood pressure information of a user, determining a blood pressure control massage pattern on the basis of the blood pressure information, and providing a massage on the basis of the determined massage pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: BODYFRIEND CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chul Jin Jeon
  • Patent number: 11874327
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically verifying that power relays have been disconnected include relays arranged between two power sources. Test nodes are positioned between the relays on each line, and feed into a detection circuit. Voltage drop resistors, voltage drop diodes, an optocoupler, and additional resistors and capacitors are used to provide voltage isolation for the detection circuit. Relays are methodically opened and closed to check the individual functioning of each relay, and a digital signal generated from the detection circuit. The design of the system with detection circuit isolation provides a safer and lower cost system for verifying that relays are operating correctly, with less costly components than traditional systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Sonnen, Inc.
    Inventors: Chetan Bhusanur, Andres Salazar-Llinas, Carlos Restrepo
  • Patent number: 11852329
    Abstract: A luminaire includes a housing defining an interior volume. The luminaire also includes a lamp within the interior volume and configured to emit light. Additionally, the luminaire includes a wireless antenna positioned within the interior volume, configured to transmit or receive a wireless signal along a first direction, and configured to be operatively coupled to an access point. The wireless antenna can be entirely within the interior volume. The luminaire can include a first reflective surface within the interior volume and configured to redirect the wireless signal. The lamp can be configured to be electrically coupled to a power inserter that powers the access point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: CSC Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Alexander, Robert Anderson, Alvin Clark
  • Patent number: 11760457
    Abstract: Example steering control systems for multiple devices are provided herein. A system includes a trolling motor assembly having a propulsion motor and a steering actuator and a sonar assembly comprising a transducer assembly and a directional actuator. The system further includes a user input assembly that is configured to detect user activity related to controlling operation of the trolling motor assembly and operation of the sonar assembly. The system further includes a processor that is configured to determine a direction of turn based on user activity, generate an electrical turning input signal indicating the direction of turn, and direct one of the steering actuator and the directional actuator, via the turning input signal, to rotate one of the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly, respectively, in a direction of turn based on the turning input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Navico, Inc.
    Inventor: Dustyn P. Pendergraft
  • Patent number: 11753866
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment provides a low-cost solution for controlling the amount of daylight entering a space through a window. The window treatment includes a covering material, a drive shaft, at least one lift cord rotatably received around the drive shaft and connected to the covering material, and a motor coupled to the drive shaft for raising and lowering the covering material. The window treatment also includes a spring assist unit for assisting the motor by providing a torque that equals the torque provided by the weight on the cords that lift the covering material at a position midway between fully-open and fully-closed positions, which helps to minimize motor usage and conserve battery life if a battery is used to power the motorized window treatment. The window treatment may comprise a photosensor for measuring the amount of daylight outside the window and temperature sensors for measuring the temperatures inside and outside of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Andrew K. Cooney, Jordan H. Crafts, Stuart W. DeJonge, Galen E. Knode, Jonathan T. Lenz, Justin J. Mierta, Donald R. Mosebrook
  • Patent number: 11744384
    Abstract: An air bed system including a plurality of peripheral devices and a pump unit configured to adjust a firmness of an air mattress, the pump unit including a pump. The system further includes a controller configured to execute instructions that cause the pump unit to wirelessly pair with at least one of the plurality of peripheral devices. The pump unit is configured to receive at least one control signal addressed to the at least one of the plurality of peripheral devices, and transmit the at least one control signal to the addressed device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Sleep Number Corporation
    Inventors: Aran Patrick Brosnan, Yi-ching Chen, John McGuire
  • Patent number: 11738726
    Abstract: A vehicle brake system (1) includes a first control device (10) and a second control device (11) that respectively include a master controller (30), a first sub-controller (40), and a second sub-controller (41) that are connected to one another. Each of the master controller (30), the first sub-controller (40), and the second sub-controller (41) includes a braking force calculation unit that calculates braking force of electric brakes (16a to 16d), and a determination unit that compares braking force calculation results of the controllers to determine whether itself is normal. The determination unit includes an output block section that blocks, when the determination unit determines that any one of the controllers is not normal, an output of the controller that is determined to be not normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, NTN CORPORATION, HITACHI ASTEMO UEDA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiromasa Satoh, Toshihiro Obika, Yusuke Koga, Yasushi Aoki, Hiromitsu Toyota, Haruo Kotera, Tatsuya Yamasaki, Yui Masuda
  • Patent number: 11697392
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to security mechanisms for electric motors and associated systems. For example, the present technology includes a powertrain assembly having (1) a motor having multiple sets of coils; (2) a drive circuitry electrically coupled to the multiple sets of coils; and (3) a security unit electrically coupled to the drive circuitry and the multiple sets of coils. The security unit is configured to short-circuit at least one set of the multiple sets of coils responsive to a signal from a controller. The signal indicates that the motor is, or has been, turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Gogoro Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Yuan Lin, Yu-Se Liu, Liang-Yi Hsu
  • Patent number: 11685063
    Abstract: A sensor bracket is provided with frame members supporting an acceleration sensor, the frame members having circular arc members holding an outer periphery of a tool of a robot in a state in which circumferential-direction gaps are defined in at least one portion of the circular arc members in a circumferential direction, and a bolt thread-screwed into the frame members so as to reduce the circumferential-direction gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihiko Inoue, Tomoyuki Motokado, Hajime Suzuki, Kouichirou Hayashi, Shinichi Washizu
  • Patent number: 11598809
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically verifying that power relays have been disconnected include relays arranged between two power sources. Test nodes are positioned between the relays on each line, and feed into a detection circuit. Voltage drop resistors, voltage drop diodes, an optocoupler, and additional resistors and capacitors are used to provide voltage isolation for the detection circuit. Relays are methodically opened and closed to check the individual functioning of each relay, and a digital signal generated from the detection circuit. The design of the system with detection circuit isolation provides a safer and lower cost system for verifying that relays are operating correctly, with less costly components than traditional systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Sonnen, Inc.
    Inventors: Chetan Bhusanur, Andres Salazar-Llinas, Carlos Restrepo
  • Patent number: 11583126
    Abstract: A motor driven system for raising and lowering a window covering executes motor ramp trajectory speed control. The motor ramp trajectory limits acceleration of an external motor from the idle (stationary) state to full operating speed, and limits deceleration of the motor from full operating speed back to the idle state. This function reduces stresses on a continuous cord loop drive mechanism. A control system manages solar heating effects in response to sunlight entrance conditions such as system sensor outputs, external weather forecasts, and other data sources. The system automatically opens or close the window covering to increase or decrease admitted sunlight under appropriate conditions. The input interface of the control system includes a visual display and input axis, which are aligned vertically if the window covering mechanism raises and lowers the window covering, and are aligned horizontally if the window covering mechanism laterally opens and closes the window covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: RYSE INC.
    Inventors: Trung Duc Pham, Alan Wing Hor Cheng, Marc Rashad Bishara, Clifton Pereira
  • Patent number: 11581626
    Abstract: Access points can be mounted in a variety of locations or orientations and can support multiple communications protocols. In some embodiments, an access point includes a main housing and a front housing. The main and front housing are connected by a hinge. A Wi-Fi antenna is included in the front housing in some embodiments. The access point is configured for use in either an open or closed position. When mounted in a vertical position, the front housing can be lowered into a horizontal position, which facilitates a preferred orientation of an antenna with respect to the ground. A first set of cooling fins serves to maintain components of the access point offset from a wall to which the access point is mounted. This facilitates airflow. Additional fins act as a spacer between the main housing and the front housing when the access point is used in a closed position. This facilitates air flow around both sides of the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Rosenthal, John James Musante
  • Patent number: 11511974
    Abstract: A hoists remote-control assembly having an electrical hoist assembly with a combined control signal and electrical input port, a hoist trolley assembly having a control input port and a combined control signal and electrical cable having a free end extending from the hoist trolley assembly with the free end of the control signal and electrical cable removably attachable to the power input port of the hoist assembly, a wireless signal receiver module having a control signal cable removably attachable to the control signal input port of the hoist trolley assembly, a power input port removably attachable to the control signal and electrical cable of the hoist trolley assembly, and a combined control signal and electrical cable removably attachable to the power input port of the hoist assembly, and a wireless transmitter sending wireless operator hoist commands to the wireless signal receiver module located distal to the wireless transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Charles Christian Boushek
  • Patent number: 11509233
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a surge voltage blocker circuit to couple between a distribution grid network and a grid-side power converter of a power conversion system. The surge voltage blocker circuit may include a plurality of series-coupled AC switch circuits, each including: a bidirectional switch formed of a first power transistor and a second power transistor; and a transient voltage suppression device coupled in parallel with the bidirectional switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Resilient Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Josh Keister, Lyle T. Keister, Mehdi Abolhassani
  • Patent number: 11497321
    Abstract: A method may comprise receiving, at a central controller, a command, from a remote control, to adjust a feature of a first component of an air mattress framework; relaying, from the central controller, the command to the first component; receiving from the first component at the central controller, an indication of the success of the command; and relaying the indication from the central controller to the remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Sleep Number Corporation
    Inventors: Rob Nunn, Matthew Wayne Tilstra, Matthew Glen Hilden, Paul James Mahoney
  • Patent number: 11486198
    Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example architectural covering assembly includes an architectural covering movable between an upper limit position, a lower limit position, and a transition limit position between the upper limit position and the lower limit position. The example architectural covering assembly also includes a motor, a consumer touchpoint, and an architectural covering controller. In response to detecting a first gesture at the consumer touchpoint, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering to the transition limit position and stop, and in response to detecting a second gesture at the consumer touchpoint, different from the first gesture, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering through the transition limit position and to the upper limit position or the lower limit position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel A. Huber, Paul A. Brayford, Douglas J. Lorenz, James Kolozs, Ronald Holt, Todd Nelson, Shelby Jared Yenzer, Charles Culver Gidden Cooper, Peter Zagone, Stephen T. Wisecup, Jan Pruegner, Robert Witt, Joerg Schierz
  • Patent number: 11426006
    Abstract: An air system for use in an air bed system can include a manifold and one or more valves. The manifold can define a an inlet, an outlet, and a vent fluidically connected to atmosphere. A method of operating an air bed system can include deflating an air chamber through the vent in a first valve configuration and through the vent and an exhaust port in a second valve configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Sleep Number Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony John Shakal
  • Patent number: 11285894
    Abstract: A structural module assembly with conductive reinforcements overmolded within the plastic and/or composite subassembly as a main power bus and a communication bus for electrical components assembled onto the module. Control signals are either transmitted between a main microcontroller and another microcontroller by way of the communication bus or wirelessly. The microcontrollers determine which electrical components to activate, and power is provided to the electrical components by way of the main power bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Grgac, Philip Grella
  • Patent number: 11215184
    Abstract: A high-capacity pump fabricated with improved motor cooling and corrosion resistant components and powered by a variable-speed brushless DC motor suitable for use with a wide variety of applications. A brushless 12V DC motor is controlled by a manual and wireless variable speed control means to provide unparalleled flow control. The motor is contained within the housing in a sealed cavity in the housing, wherein the cavity is filled with mineral oil which maximizes heat transfer to facilitate motor cooling. A PVC impeller is contained within a PVC section of the housing thereby creating a corrosion resistant impeller section. The pump of the present invention has achieved improved performance over known pumps and is capable of delivering 4,500 gallons per hour (GPH) at 6 feet of head pressure, while only drawing 30 amps at 12 Volts DC. Wireless remote control of the pump is achieved via a wireless enabled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: Thomas Sandstrom
  • Patent number: 11200769
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator transmits a message to a remote peripheral platform and, upon determining that the remote peripheral platform is presently able to carry out a given functionality, responsively permits a particular function to be carried out by the movable barrier operator. Conversely, upon determining that it cannot be ascertained whether the remote peripheral platform is presently able to carry out the given functionality, the movable barrier operator responsively prevents the movable barrier operator from carrying out the particular function. Also, upon detecting that a targeted remote platform does not acknowledge a previously re-transmitted message and further upon detecting that this same remote platform has also not acknowledged a subsequent wirelessly-transmitted second message, the system can switch to automatically retransmitting that second message a lesser number of times than would otherwise be required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group LLC
    Inventors: Jordan Ari Farber, Jeremy Eugene Jenkins, Dilip Jagjivan Patel, John Steven Scaletta
  • Patent number: 11122909
    Abstract: In one example, this disclosure describes a method including receiving, at a central controller of an air mattress system, a plurality of air pressure value, determining a plurality of average values using the plurality of the received air pressure values, calculating a difference value between a first one of the plurality of average values and a second one of the plurality of average values, comparing the difference value to a threshold value, determining, based on the comparison, whether a user of the air mattress system moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Sleep Number Corporation
    Inventors: Wade Daniel Palashewski, Rob Nunn, Matthew Wayne Tilstra, Steven Jay Young, Carl Hewitt, Yuri Zhovnirovsky
  • Patent number: 11105772
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for powering a pipeline inspection system. The system includes an induction generator extending along a radially curved plane. The induction generator having an outer surface and an opposing inner surface. The outer surface is positioned proximate to an inner surface area of a pipeline. The system also includes a controller circuit configured to generate a plurality of periodic waveform signals. The plurality of periodic waveform signals are received by the induction generator. The induction generator is configured to generate active power that charges an electric power source based on the plurality of periodic waveform signals and the inner surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Francesco Papini, Alexander Felix Fiseni, Christoph Boeld
  • Patent number: 11101754
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes detecting, by a stall detection sensor in a driver coupled to a stepper motor, a first set of time-off periods in a rising commutation phase of motor current during current regulation. The stall detection sensor further detects a second set of time-off periods in a falling commutation phase of motor current during current regulation. Next, the stall detection sensor compares the first set of time-off periods with the second set of time-off periods and determines whether the stepper motor is stalled based on the comparison of the first set of time-off periods with the second set of time-off periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sooping Saw, Rakesh Raja, Wen Pin Lin, Sudhir Nagaraj
  • Patent number: 11096849
    Abstract: A sleep system comprises at least one mattress including a first sleep area for a first occupant, the first sleep area including a first section for a portion of a body of the first occupant, and a second sleep area adjacent to the first sleep area for a second occupant, the second sleep area including a second section for a portion of a body of the second occupant, an articulation system for articulating the first section and the second section, a first user controller configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to control articulation of the first section, and a second user controller configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to control articulation of the second section, wherein the first user controller is further configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to move the second section into a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Sleep Number Corporation
    Inventors: Stacy Stusynski, Yi-ching Chen, John McGuire
  • Patent number: 11097428
    Abstract: A system for underwater inspection including an inspection crawler are provided. The inspection crawler includes a housing having first and second sides, a power source, a controller, an inspection tool, at least two driving wheels, and a moveable center of gravity. A method for traversing a weld joint with the inspection crawler having a moving mass is also provided. In the method, the crawler is parked proximate to the joint, and the mass is slid along a slide rail to the second end of the crawler distal to the joint. The first end of the crawler is then propelled over the joint and the mass is slid to the center of the crawler. A center portion of the crawler is then propelled over the joint and the mass is slid to the first end of the crawler. The second end of the crawler is then propelled over the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ammar Al Nahwi, Fadl Abdellatif, Ali Outa, Ihsan Al-Taie
  • Patent number: 11009959
    Abstract: The disclosed haptic vibrotactile actuators on inflatable bladders may include an inflatable bladder and a flexible haptic vibrotactile actuator positioned on or in the inflatable bladder such that inflation and deflation of the inflatable bladder alters a vibrotactile sensation induced by the flexible haptic vibrotactile actuator in response to activation of the flexible haptic vibrotactile actuator. Various other related methods and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniele Piazza, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Charles Stewart
  • Patent number: 10950115
    Abstract: A system for detecting broken springs in overhead doors having automatic door openers includes an automatic door opener having a motor, a sensor configured to monitor performance of the motor in the door opener, and a processor in communication with the sensor. The processor is configured to compare the motor performance with a predetermined threshold level and send an alert when motor performance exceeds the predetermined threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Todd R. Witkowski
  • Patent number: 10925404
    Abstract: A kit of components is provided for manufacturing a plurality of furniture members. The kit may include first and second armrest frames, a mounting cradle, a remote control device, an adaptor insert, and a control panel. The first armrest frame may include a first armrest panel having a first opening formed therein. The mounting cradle may include a first housing received through the first opening and engaging the first armrest panel. The remote control device may be removably received in the mounting cradle. The second armrest frame may include a second armrest panel having a second opening formed therein. The second opening may be identical to the first opening. The adaptor insert may be partially received through the second opening and may engage the second armrest panel. The adaptor insert may include a third opening. The control panel may include a second housing received through the third opening and engaging the adaptor insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventors: Jason D. Rains, Christopher A. Larsen, Mark D. McClung, Jason M. Baker
  • Patent number: 10921802
    Abstract: A handheld device for navigating a marine vessel includes a magnetometer, and inertial sensor, and a controller. The controller is communicatively coupled to the magnetometer and the inertial sensor. The controller is configured to receive a directional measurement from the magnetometer. The controller is also configured to receive an orientation measurement from the inertial sensor. The controller is configured to generate at least one control signal for a motor of the marine vessel at least partially based on the directional measurement and the orientation measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventors: Paul M. Bertrand, Jeremy J. Langford
  • Patent number: 10859510
    Abstract: A sensor system for measuring and locating parameters of a structure includes a robot configured to move between a first position and a second position along the structure. An inspection sensor is coupled to the robot and configured to measure a parameter associated with the structure. A localization sensor suite includes an inertial measurement unit and is configured to capture data associated with translational degrees of freedom and a rotational degree of freedom of the robot determined by the structure and an image capture system mounted to the robot. The image capture system acquires images of the structure. One or more processors is operatively connected to the localization sensor suite. The one or more processors is responsive to non-transitory executable computer instructions for generating a map of the route including features of the structure, the measured parameters, and a position of the robot relative to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: HONEYBEE ROBOTICS, LTD.
    Inventors: Jonathan Bohren, Jack Wilson, Anthony G. Musco, Christopher D. Bolger
  • Patent number: 10857051
    Abstract: An occupant support system includes a framework, a mattress supported by the framework and having at least one bladder, an electromagnetic signal source, and an electromagnetic signal receiver. The receiver is spaced from the occupant facing side of the mattress. The signal source is configured to direct an electromagnetic signal at a target. The signal receiver is configured to receive a return signal from the target in response to the directed signal. The system also includes a processor adapted to determine immersion of the target as a function of the information content of the return signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank E. Sauser, Marwan Nusair, Nicholas C. Batta, James D. Voll
  • Patent number: 10849436
    Abstract: An airbed system, connectable to an air mattress chamber of an air mattress, includes: a pressure sensor, configured to obtain pressure measurements corresponding to the air mattress chamber; and a control unit, configured to operate a pump and valves of the airbed system to inflate and deflate the air mattress chamber, and to determine first and second constants corresponding to inflation of the air mattress chamber and third and fourth constants corresponding to deflation of the air mattress chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: American National Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David Delory Driscoll, James A. Rodrian, Susan Marie Hrobar, John Joseph Riley
  • Patent number: 10810566
    Abstract: A system for controlling a service station related to a vehicle includes a user interface element (10) with an app installed in a user apparatus (20), an identification element (30), a control element (40) connected to the service station; and a back-end element (50). The identification element (30) is configured to retrieve identifying information and to send it to the back-end element (50), the back-end element (50) is configured to enable via the control element (40) the use of the service station based on the identifying information, and the user interface element (10) after receiving an authentication of an access right from the back-end element (50) is configured to enable the user to start a service of the service station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: SUPEROPERATOR OY
    Inventors: Erkki Aminoff, Anssi Kuutti, Mikko Pitkänen, Elisa Saarinen, Ari Ålander
  • Patent number: 10746185
    Abstract: A fan, such as a ceiling fan, includes a learning mode of operation. This learning mode may permit a user to input a desired speed for the fan for a given condition, such as ambient temperature, and adjustments for other conditions would be automatically determined based on the user input. A subsequent selection of fan speed at that condition (such as, for example, for a different user) or a different condition setting would also be obtained, either during initialization or later, and then used as an updated measure of the desired fan speed for the condition. Related methods of controlling the operation of a fan are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: DELTA T, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Desmet, Alex Christopher Reed, Richard A. Oleson, Marshall White, Jason Bishop, Richard Lenser, David R. Banks
  • Patent number: 10717597
    Abstract: A lid body is provided, and the lid body includes a main body and an opening and closing system. The opening and closing system is disposed on the main body and includes a lid member, a processing unit, an opening unit, a timing unit, a display unit and a driving unit, the lid member is movably assembled on the main body and optionally covers the opening, the timing unit is set for a preset time, when the lid member moves to the opening position and uncovers the opening, the timing unit starts to count; in the meanwhile, the display unit simultaneously shows a timing state of the timing unit; and after the timing unit counts to the preset time, the driving unit drives the lid member to move to a position where the lid member covers the opening completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Shek
  • Patent number: 10636235
    Abstract: A first mobile device can be mounted in a vehicle and includes an input unit and an output unit that can output an instruction instructing the vehicle to at least unlock the vehicle. The first mobile device is capable of wireless communication with a first on-board device and includes an operation unit. The first mobile device transmits a fourth signal having a first value of second identification information to the first on-board device. The first on-board device that has received the fourth signal changes the second identification information held in the first on-board device to the first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masami Takigawa, Genki Saito
  • Patent number: 10562580
    Abstract: A preferred IR-bicycle comprises an infrared (IR) sensor and non-IR electronics. The IR sensor detects a person in the proximity of the IR-bicycle (i.e. a nearby person). Once the IR sensor detects a nearby person, the non-IR electronics switches from a first mode to a second mode, wherein the power consumption in the first mode is substantially lower than that in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignees: HangZhou HaiCun Information Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guobiao Zhang, Chuan Tang
  • Patent number: 10531745
    Abstract: In one example, this disclosure describes an adjustable bed system that includes first and second adjustable foundations, at least one first motor to adjust the first adjustable foundation, at least one second motor to adjust the second adjustable foundation, a configurable device having a first state and a second state, and a central controller in communication with the device, the controller configured to receive an input representing one of the first state and the second state, the controller including a processor configured to control the at least one first motor and the at least one second motor based on the received input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Sleep Number Corporation
    Inventors: Yi-ching Chen, John McGuire, Stacy Stusynski
  • Patent number: 10526139
    Abstract: A controlling method for touching induction garbage container with standby-opening function is provided. It provides a standby-opening working mode managed by a timing unit provided in a microcontroller. The timing unit times the triggering time of the microswitch foot pedal. As a user has touched the microswitch foot pedal for more than an induction time, setting as “t” seconds, the microcontroller will be switched to the standby-opening working mode. The microcontroller will be switched back to a regular working mode if the microswitch foot pedal is being touched again. The present invention provides a technical solution of a practical combination of a regular working mode and a standby-opening working mode, which is fully ergonomic and easy to utilize while ensuring service life spans of the driving mechanism and apparatus, increasing service life span of the battery and enhancing the power-saving performance of the touching induction garbage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Nnine Starts Group (U.S.A.) Inc.
    Inventors: Xin Wang, Jiangqun Chen
  • Patent number: 10503054
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the inspection of a hostile environment includes a sensorized device carrying a plurality of image sensors positioned with different orientations, so as to detect image data of the hostile environment; a support adapted to support the sensorized device in the hostile environment; a processor of the image data generating a spherical and/or three-dimensional image based on the image data; and a remote display device with respect to the sensorized device adapted to be positioned outside the hostile environment and in communication with at least the processor of the image data, the apparatus being adapted for a hostile environment with temperatures and/or atmospheric contaminants harmful or dangerous for human beings, and the plurality of sensors detecting contemporaneous image data of at least 60% of 4? steradians of the hostile environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventors: Cristian Mori, Francesco Memoli
  • Patent number: 10492012
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to Wireless Vehicle/Drone Alert and Public Announcement System that creates a means for an individual to communicate with people outside their vehicle along with being able to emit preprogrammed sounds from the front, back or sides by using directional buttons, or a four or eight position directional controlling joystick, to make people aware of their presence or intentions. Additionally, a user with a smartphone, using a preprogrammed mobile smartphone application (APP) in the vehicle, has the ability to direct and activate the vehicle engine compartment module or a drone activation module to make customizable audio message transmissions. Drones can be deployed on streets, into houses, stores, buildings and around public places to alert people there of dangerous conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Steven D. Cabouli
  • Patent number: 10476422
    Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a motor are provided. One implementation of a drive system comprises a user interface, a variable speed drive, and a controller. The user interface enables a user to select an operating frequency set point and an operating voltage set point. The operating frequency set point is selected from a range of frequency set points and the operating voltage set point is selected from a range of voltage set points. The variable speed drive is configured to drive a motor at the selected operating frequency set point and selected operating voltage set point. The controller is configured to receive input from the user interface and control the operating frequency and operating voltage of the variable speed drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew John Bartlik, Charles Thomas McLees, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10444370
    Abstract: A preferred IR-bicycle comprises an infrared (IR) sensor and non-IR electronics. The IR sensor detects a person in the proximity of the IR-bicycle (i.e. a nearby person). Once the IR sensor detects a nearby person, the non-IR electronics switches from a first mode to a second mode, wherein the power consumption in the first mode is substantially lower than that in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignees: HangZhou HaiCun Information Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guobiao Zhang, Chuan Tang
  • Patent number: 10430726
    Abstract: A machine learning device, which learns shocks to a teaching device, includes a state observation unit which observes data based on an inclination of the teaching device or a present position of the teaching device; a label obtaining unit which obtains a label based on a shock received by the teaching device; and a learning unit which generates a learning model based on an output of the state observation unit and an output of the label obtaining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuusuke Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 10391008
    Abstract: A patient support system includes a scale system, an air system, and a lift system. The patient support system also includes a control system configured to graphically communicate information about the scale system, the air system, and the lift system to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Zerhusen, James M. Allen, Jennifer Fearing, Mark Chiacchira
  • Patent number: 10397869
    Abstract: A system includes a transceiver for receiving a wake up signal from a wireless communication device. A processor is operatively connected to the transceiver and to a memory. The memory includes instructions recorded thereon that, when read by the processor, cause the processor to transition from a sleep mode to an active mode and power up the transceiver upon validation of the wake up signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Zacchio, Nicholas C. Soldner, Vijaya R. Lakamraju