Radiant Energy Patents (Class 318/480)
  • Patent number: 11884400
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for controlling a lid of a trash receptacle of an aircraft lavatory. Generally, the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture disclosed and described herein facilitate controlled opening and closing actuations of a lid of a trash receptacle of an aircraft lavatory. By controlling the opening and/or closing actuations of the lid, hygiene and sanitation of the lavatory are improved, odors are prevented from dispersing throughout the lavatory and/or cabin of the aircraft, and fire hazards are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventor: Manikandan Dhanapal
  • Patent number: 11716981
    Abstract: A spinning reel, includes a reel body, a spool shaft supported by the reel body, a reciprocating mechanism having a slider mounted on the spool shaft and a worm shaft configured to rotate to move the spool shaft and the slider back and forth, and a torque-limiting mechanism that includes the worm shaft, a worm shaft gear that is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the worm shaft, and a frictional force-generating member disposed between the worm shaft and the worm shaft gear and that is configured to contact the worm shaft or the worm shaft gear to generate a frictional force in a circumferential direction and to permit or cancel transmission of torque from the worm shaft gear to the worm shaft by the frictional force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Niitsuma, Atsushi Kawamata
  • Patent number: 11614724
    Abstract: To allow more daylighting and protect against direct solar radiation, the system may include a window shading system that impacts an area (or area of interest). The system may adjust different window shades in different ways and for different periods of time to protect against a direct solar radiation onto an area of interest. The system may provide targeted shadows onto the area of interest. The system may also analyze or predict angles of solar rays that comprise the direct solar radiation and determine an impact of the solar rays on the area of interest, wherein the adjusting of window shades is based on the determining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Berman, Alex Greenspan, Xi Ming Liarno
  • Patent number: 11429073
    Abstract: To allow more daylighting and protect against direct solar radiation, the system may include a window shading system that impacts an area (or area of interest). The system may adjust different window shades in different ways and for different periods of time to protect against a direct solar radiation onto an area of interest. The system may provide targeted shadows onto the area of interest. The system may also analyze or predict angles of solar rays that comprise the direct solar radiation and determine an impact of the solar rays on the area of interest, wherein the adjusting of window shades is based on the determining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Berman, Alex Greenspan, Xi Ming Liarno
  • Patent number: 11293221
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a stroke head of a drive apparatus for driving curtain lifting, comprising a body, and the body is internally provided with a circuit board where a power switch is disposed, and the power switch is exposed outside the body. The power switch disposed on the stroke head brings the effects of facilitating switching on/off a power supply for people and saving electricity. When the stroke head after manufactured is assembled with a tubular drive unit and then warehoused, the power switch can be switched off to prevent power depletion, thereby ensuring sufficient electricity quantity left in the power supply after the power supply is assembled and switched on to debug the drive apparatus, and maintaining normal operation of the drive apparatus. In addition, a closed power supply is beneficial to lowering its explosion risk in transportation and improving safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: NINGBO LIYANG NEW MATERIAL COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Baoguo Tan, Baowen Tan
  • Patent number: 11285961
    Abstract: A method and system for predicting vehicle wash services for a human-driven or self-driven vehicle. The method determines anticipated routes of travel for the vehicle based on context of a user associated with the vehicle, implements machine learning neural network models for predicting the road conditions in the anticipated routes of travel, and, then, auto-suggests one or more candidate car wash locations and associated Time of Days (to wash the car) while optimizing a user value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Komminist Weldemariam, Oliver Bent, Michael S. Gordon, James R. Kozloski
  • Patent number: 11187023
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aircraft piston assembly, having: a piston housing fluid port formed in a piston housing; a piston shaft, disposed within the piston housing, configured for translation in either forward or aft directions when fluid is respectively supplied to or removed from the piston housing; a screw shaft, disposed within the piston housing, that includes a first gear that rotates without translation while the piston shaft translates; and a slider, disposed within the piston housing, that includes a second gear, and that is configured for translation without rotation, wherein: the slider moves between a first position where the first gear and the second gear are separated from one another to allow the piston shaft to translate and a second position where the second gear surrounds the first gear so that the first and second gears are engaged with one another and the piston shaft is prevented from translating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Vishwith Vishwanath Mapari
  • Patent number: 11187688
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dynamically tracking the cleanliness of a vehicle's exterior. In particular, a dynamic strategy for cleaning vehicles is provided. In a system including a fleet of vehicles, the vehicles are regularly cleaned to remove dirt, dust, and any other matter that has stuck to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: GM Cruise Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Sriram Salem Kannan, Maximilian Gerrit Euchenhofer
  • Patent number: 10793261
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for an aircraft includes a support strut operatively coupled to a hinge axis of a flight control member of the aircraft, a hydraulic actuator operatively coupled to the flight control member via a pivot element, and an electro-mechanical actuator (EMA) having first and second opposing ends and a biasing member. The first end is operatively coupled to a support structure of the aircraft, and the second end is operatively coupled to both the support strut and the hydraulic actuator. The biasing member moves between a compressed state and an expanded state in response to a varying biasing load exerted on a surface of the flight control member, thereby reducing an amount of current needed to drive the EMA, as well as a number of high-pressure hydraulic cycles of the hydraulic actuator to control the flight control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Patent number: 10570661
    Abstract: A motorized sheer shading system may move a sheer shade material between an open position, a closed position, and a view position. The shading system may move the sheer shade material from the open position to the closed position at a first average rotational speed, and from the closed position to the view position at a second average rotational speed. The shading system may automatically determine a control limit that corresponds to the closed position of the sheer shade material after control limits have been set for the open position and the view position. The shading system may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the raise button of a remote control is still depressed, and may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the lower button of the remote control is still depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Stephen Lundy
  • Patent number: 10490579
    Abstract: A mask includes a plurality of completely-transmitting sections and a plurality of light-blocking sections. The completely-transmitting sections and the light-blocking sections are arranged alternate with each other. The light-blocking sections each include a non-light-transmitting sub-section and N light-transmitting sub-sections arranged between the non-light-transmitting sub-section and an adjacent one of the completely-transmitting sections. The N light-transmitting sub-sections have light transmission rates that are increased, step by step, in a direction from the non-light-transmitting sub-section to the completely-transmitting section, where N?22 and N is an inter. Through modification of the structure of mask, grooves formed in a planarization layer of a non-display section with such a modified mask would have sidewalk that are smooth and the sidewalls having gentle slopes so that no residue of photoresist remains in a subsequent process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shuanghua Zeng
  • Patent number: 10298722
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a driving position of a driver of a vehicle includes: a communication module performing wireless communication with an external terminal of a user; a door module sensing an opening or closing of a door of the vehicle; and a controller receiving, when the door of the vehicle is opened, user information identifying the user from the external terminal via the communication module, retrieving driving position adjustment information corresponding to the user information from a big data server, and adjusting the driving position based on the driving position adjustment information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jin Kim, Dong Youl Lee, Chul Min Kim, Young Su Kim
  • Patent number: 10122314
    Abstract: A motor control apparatus for controlling driving of a motor includes an inverter which supplies power to a motor having a position detector, and circuitry which controls power conversion of the inverter based on at one or more predetermined control parameters, determine a type of the motor based on a signal received from the position detector of the motor, and control notification of setting confirmation of one or more of the predetermined control parameters in accordance with the type of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Yusuke Oka, Tadashi Okubo
  • Patent number: 10053911
    Abstract: A smart window controller includes circuitry configured to establish a representative model of one or more building zones based on occupancy, construction, lighting, or cooling properties of a building. A lighting control strategy is implemented for the one or more building zones based on the representative model or one or more user preferences input at a first user interface screen of an external device. Automatic operations of one or more smart windows, cooling systems, or artificial lighting systems are controlled based on trigger points associated with the lighting control strategy, and a performance level of the lighting control strategy for the one or more building zones is determined based on one or more predetermined financial metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Mohammed Abdul Fasi, Ismail Mohammad Budaiwi
  • Patent number: 10012980
    Abstract: There is provided a production processing system including: a production efficiency improvement device configured to select a processing apparatus that processes workpieces in consideration of a position of each of a plurality of processing apparatuses arranged along a transfer path; and a transfer control device configured to move a transfer apparatus that transfers workpieces from a predetermined position on the transfer path to the selected processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Taku Mizutani, Ichiro Namioka, Toshihiko Iijima, Shigenori Todate
  • Patent number: 9956961
    Abstract: An in-vehicle system includes a vehicle position detection unit and a vehicle position calculation unit that detect a vehicle position, a road condition prediction unit that predicts a road condition at a position in front of the detected vehicle position, an automatic driving continuation determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle automatic driving can be continued at the position in front of the vehicle based on the road condition predicted by the road condition prediction unit, and an automatic driving cancellation warning unit that warns of cancellation of the vehicle automatic driving when the automatic driving continuation determination unit determines that it is difficult to continue the vehicle automatic driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ALPINE ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Shota Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9878715
    Abstract: An in-vehicle system includes a vehicle position detection unit and a vehicle position calculation unit that detect a vehicle position, a road condition prediction unit that predicts a road condition at a position in front of the detected vehicle position, an automatic driving continuation determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle automatic driving can be continued at the position in front of the vehicle based on the road condition predicted by the road condition prediction unit, and an automatic driving cancellation warning unit that warns of cancellation of the vehicle automatic driving when the automatic driving continuation determination unit determines that it is difficult to continue the vehicle automatic driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ALPINE ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Shota Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9810783
    Abstract: In some examples, vehicle detection includes detecting a target vehicle that has at least one designated attribute, confirming that the detected target vehicle is within an unobstructed or partially obstructed line of sight of the first object, and confirming that the target vehicle has been detected within the unobstructed or partially obstructed line of sight of the first object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Ariel Fligler, David Hirshberg, Shay Bushinsky, Shmuel Ur, Vlad Dabija
  • Patent number: 9776277
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a splitter configured to split a laser beam into a plurality of beamlets, a phase modulator array optically coupled to the splitter and operative to produce phase differences between the beamlets, phase modulation electronics operably coupled to the phase modulator and configured to control an operation of the phase modulator array, a multicore photonic crystal fiber amplifier, the multicore photonic crystal fiber amplifier configured to amplify the beamlets output by the phase modulator array, thereby producing an amplified laser beam at an output thereof, and a waveguide optically coupled between an output of the phase modulator array and an input of the multicore photonic crystal fiber amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Kleinert
  • Patent number: 9778026
    Abstract: A light pattern-based indoor positioning method includes the following steps of: (1) setting a light pattern transmitting device; (2) detecting a light signal of the target to be positioned; and (3) positioning the position of the target to be positioned, to obtain a distance ? from the target to be positioned to the rotating shaft of the blade, and a deflection angle ? of the target to be positioned relative to the reference line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Inventor: Guo Peng
  • Patent number: 9736327
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first human body detector, a second human body detector, and a controller. The first human body detector has a first detection span to detect a human body to output a signal. The second human body detector has a second detection span to detect a human body to output a signal. The controller changes a state of the image forming apparatus from a standby state to an operation state in accordance with the output signal from each of the first human body detector and the second human body detector. A first center line of the first detection span intersects with a second center line of the second detection span at a portion where the first detection span and the second detection span overlap with each other in a planar view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mami Akiyama, Yuki Sato, Shiro Akama, Yuta Ueda, Hiroki Ishimitsu, Sakie Higuchi
  • Patent number: 9664980
    Abstract: An optical device includes an optical section, a moving section, a shaft section, and an actuator. The optical section includes a light-incident surface on which light is incident. The moving section supports the optical section and the shaft section swingably supports the moving section. The actuator swings the moving section based on a drive signal having a trapezoidal waveform. A swing waveform representative of a trajectory of the moving section as the moving section is swung has a trapezoidal waveform. A maintenance time of a flat portion of the trapezoidal waveform of the drive signal is shorter than a maintenance time of a flat portion of the trapezoidal waveform of the swing waveform of the moving section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Mizoguchi, Takao Hirakura
  • Patent number: 9514624
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a ferromagnetic object to protect, for example, a doorway to an MRI room comprises a passive primary sensor apparatus comprising at least one first magnetic sensor, a secondary non-magnetic sensor apparatus comprising at least two sensors, a detection zone for one of the secondary sensors being distinct from the zone of the other one of the secondary sensors, a signal processing circuit arranged in communication with the primary and secondary sensor apparatus, and a warning device. The signal processing circuit identifies temporal variations in the signal from the primary sensor and correlate them with instances in which both sensors of the secondary, non-magnetic, sensor apparatus detect the presence of an object in their respective zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Metrasens Limited
    Inventor: Matthew J. Wooliscroft
  • Patent number: 9434350
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for interference reduction during keyless authentication. The apparatus includes a control system having a controller configured to detect an authentication event and deactivate at least one device within the vehicle. The control system is also configured to transmit an authentication command and to reactive the at least one device within the vehicle in response to receiving a valid authentication signal. The method includes an authentication method for a user to operate a vehicle wherein an authentication event is detected and at least one device within the vehicle is deactivated. An authentication command is transmitted and the at least one device within the vehicle is reactivated in response to receiving a valid authentication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Charles J. Bongiorno, Aaron P. Creguer, David T. Proefke
  • Patent number: 9376863
    Abstract: A motorized roller shade is provided. The motorized roller shade includes a shade tube in which a motor unit, a controller unit and a power supply unit are disposed. The controller unit includes a controller to control the motor. The power supply unit includes at least one bearing rotatably coupled to a support shaft. The motor unit includes at least one bearing, rotatably coupled to another support shaft, a DC gear motor and a counterbalancing device. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to a mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: The Watt Stopper, Inc.
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Richard Scott Hand, Darrin W. Brunk
  • Patent number: 9119372
    Abstract: The present invention is a detection device, system and/or method for locating the position of at least an object present in space, such as the position of a teat of an animal. The device may include an array of sensors. Each sensor in the array may incorporate a transmitter-receiver pair. The transmitter and receiver within each pair may be disposed at an angle, to detect an object in space, through the use of signals. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or more detection devices and may be utilized to detect one or more objects present invention space. The device of the present invention may be used in a system for milking dairy animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Dairy Cheq, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Carroll, Kristopher C. Hall, Benjamin D. Nibali
  • Patent number: 9089466
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a controller and/or a procedure table. The procedure table includes a driver that moves the table, and at least one indicator that indicates status of a condition of the table. The controller includes an unlock actuator that enables the driver to move the table, and a lock actuator that prevents the driver from moving the table while enabling the at least one indicator to continue indicating the status. In some exemplary embodiments, the unlock actuator does not enable the driver to move the table until after expiration of a specified delay period that begins upon actuation of the unlock actuator. Other exemplary embodiments also include a delay period indicator that indicates initiation of the delay period upon actuation of the unlock actuator, and that terminates the indication upon expiration of the delay period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Safer Care, LLC
    Inventor: Elliott Bennett-Guerrero
  • Patent number: 9067732
    Abstract: A foot operation container includes a garbage bin having a bin lid, a foot-operable pedal mounted to the garbage bin, a pedal guide arrangement mounted to the garbage bin for enabling downward and upward movement of the foot-operable pedal, and a driving arrangement connected to the bin lid and the bin lid, wherein when the foot-operable pedal is pressed by a foot of a user, the foot-operable pedal moves downward under a guidance of the pedal guide arrangement to drive the pulling thread to lift up the bin lid. A pedal cushion arrangement is also provided to provide a cushion effect to avoid the production noise when the foot-operable pedal is released from the foot of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventors: Xin Wang, Jiangqun Chen
  • Patent number: 8890456
    Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis. Modeled brightness information may be utilized to control shades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: MechoShade Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen, Muthukumar Ramalingam
  • Patent number: 8872459
    Abstract: A trash can with a power operated lid can include a lifting mechanism with a motor, a lifting member, and a variable gear. In some embodiments, the motor is operably connected with the variable gear such that the motor can drive the variable gear and/or the lifting member. In certain implementations, the variable gear includes one or more teeth with varying tooth radii. In some variants, the variable gear and a clutch member are engageable and are configured to allow manual operation of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Christopher Fruhauf, Michael Basha, David Wolbert, Kenneth Yen
  • Patent number: 8836263
    Abstract: Automated shade systems may comprise controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system and components thereof, for example window coverings, glass having variable characteristics, and so forth. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, information regarding one or more variable characteristics of glass, clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: MechoShade Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
  • Patent number: 8723466
    Abstract: A motorized venetian blind system for covering a window of a space comprising a blind drive unit having two motors to provide for independent control of a position of a bottom rail and a tilt angle of a plurality of slats of the blind system. The blind drive unit is operable to adjust the position of the bottom rail to a preset position, and to adjust the tilt angle of the slats to a preset angle in response to receiving a single digital message (e.g., a preset command). The blind drive unit is operable to automatically adjust the position of the bottom rail and the tilt angle of the slats to limit a direct sunlight penetration distance in the space to a maximum direct sunlight penetration distance, and to maximum a reflected sunlight penetration distance on a ceiling of the space, while minimizing occupant distractions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel F. Chambers, William Bryce Fricke, Matthew R. Hontz, David A. Kirby, Justin J. Mierta, Jonathan Carl Sevy
  • Patent number: 8698441
    Abstract: A disclosed servo control device includes a servo control unit configured to control a driving unit for driving a driven body with servo control, and a changing unit configured to change a timing of ending the servo control in response to stop position accuracy for a target stop position of the driven body when the driven body is driven to move, wherein the servo control unit detects an error between the target stop position and an actual stop position of the driven body, and corrects the timing of ending the servo control using the detected error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu Ogura
  • Patent number: 8604738
    Abstract: An electric vehicle employs an oil commonly used as a lubricating oil for gears and a coolant for a motor and is propelled by transmitting the rotational torque of the motor to wheels through the gears, the motor being partly immersed in the oil. It is determined whether the motor is in a state prior to being started or not. If it is judged that the motor is in the state prior to being started, coils of the motor are energized alternately with a first current supplied to the motor at an advanced angle for no torque to generate a magnetic flux, and a second current supplied to the motor at another advanced angle for no torque to generate a magnetic flux in a direction opposite to the magnetic flux generated by the first current, thereby heating the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daijiro Takizawa
  • Patent number: 8575877
    Abstract: A solar-powered automated system for the operation of drapery, roller blinds, and similar window coverings. The solar panel (102), or photovoltaic source provides the sole power to drive common types of window drapery and blinds in a compact system having a solar panel (photovoltaic source), actuator (104) and head rail (120). The solar panel (102) is to be mounted onto the frame of a window or elsewhere to collect sufficient light. A connecting cable links the solar panel (102) to the actuator (104) to draw electrical power from the solar panel. The actuator is attached to the head-rail (120) to provide the required driving force. The actuator (104) includes the control circuit boards, a single rechargeable battery (110), an electric motor (106) and output mechanism. An RF remote control receiver (116) is built inside the actuator (104). A low voltage control port (114) allows the actuator (104) to be accessible by a control interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: BTX Holdings, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Alex Liu
  • Patent number: 8525462
    Abstract: An automated shade system comprises one or more motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use one or more algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures; shadow information; lighting and radiation information; ASHRAE clear sky algorithms; log information related to manual overrides; occupant preference information; motion information; real-time sky conditions; solar radiation on a building; a total foot-candle load on a structure; brightness overrides; actual and/or calculated BTU load; time-of-year information; and microclimate analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: MechoShade Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
  • Publication number: 20130207585
    Abstract: An electromotive adjustment device for a piece of furniture having an adjustable furniture part. The electromotive adjustment device includes a housing, a drive gear motor, a control device having a device housing, and at least one drive unit having an output member connected to the adjustable furniture part. The drive gear motor is configured to be one of brought to a standstill and reversed by a safety device during the occurrence of a pinching between one or more of two furniture parts, a furniture part and a component, and a furniture part and a part of a person's body. The safety device includes a light transmitter configured such that a light beam directed against one of the adjustable furniture part and the component and the light beam is reflected to meet a light receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Armin Hille
  • Patent number: 8508169
    Abstract: A load control system provides for automatically controlling a position of a motorized window treatment to control the amount of sunlight entering a space of a building through a window located in a façade of the building in order to control a sunlight penetration distance within the space and minimize occupant distractions. The load control system automatically generates a timeclock schedule having a number of timeclock events for controlling the position of the motorized window treatment during the present day. A user is able to select a desired maximum sunlight penetration distance for the space and a minimum time period that may occur between any two consecutive timeclock events. In addition, a maximum number of movements that may occur during the timeclock schedule may also be entered. The load control system uses these inputs to determine event times and corresponding positions of the motorized window treatment for each timeclock event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Walter S. Zaharchuk, Brian Michael Courtney, William Bryce Fricke, William H. Howe, Timothy S. Majewski, Joel S. Spira
  • Patent number: 8508167
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device for pull-outs, shelf boards, flaps, or other such elements to be opened, particularly front elements of particularly kitchen and office furniture, kitchen appliances and flush-mounted appliances, product dispensing devices, and the like, having components comprising a corpus, wherein the element to be opened can be transferred into an open position relative to the corpus 2 by way of a drive unit 5, the drive unit 5 can be activated by way of control means, and the control means comprise a front body sound sensor 6 that is associated with the front element 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Kesseböhmer Holding E.K.
    Inventors: Rene Barkau, Heiko Schnier
  • Patent number: 8471513
    Abstract: During rain, including a light source (5) for radiating light such that the light is transmitted through a vehicle window (2), a light receiving element (6) for sensing an optical signal when the light radiated from the light source (5) is reflected from the raindrop fallen on the vehicle window (2) and performing a photoelectric transduction, and a receiver (9) for receiving the photoelectrically transduced signal from the light receiving element (6) and judging the level of rainfall. The light source (5) and the light receiving element (6) are inclined with respect to the surface of the vehicle window (2) such that the light of the light source (5) directly reflected from the vehicle window (2) exits to the outside of the light receiving element (6) and the light reflected from a raindrop (8) on the vehicle window (2) is received by the light receiving element (6) to operate a vehicle wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Sea Yeoun Han
  • Publication number: 20130063065
    Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis. Modeled brightness information may be utilized to control shades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: MechoShade Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8350714
    Abstract: A method and system for generating an alert for a possible collision between objects and a swinging barrier is provided. The method and system provides multiple sensing devices, a control unit, and multiple indicator devices at predetermined areas proximal to the swinging barrier. The sensing devices and the control unit electronically communicate with the indicator devices. The sensing devices are configured to establish sensing zones proximal to the swinging barrier. The sensing devices detect presence of one or more of stationary objects, approaching objects, and receding objects in the established sensing zones. The control unit tracks and differentiates the presence of the stationary objects, approaching movements of the approaching objects, and receding movements of the receding objects in the established sensing zones, and generates an alert signal. The indicator devices selectively indicate a possible collision on receiving the alert signal from the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew Ian Trim
  • Patent number: 8288981
    Abstract: A load control system provides for automatically controlling a position of a motorized window treatment to control the amount of sunlight entering a space of a building through a window located in a façade of the building in order to control a sunlight penetration distance within the space and minimize occupant distractions. The load control system automatically generates a timeclock schedule having a number of timeclock events for controlling the position of the motorized window treatment during the present day. A user is able to select a desired maximum sunlight penetration distance for the space and a minimum time period that may occur between any two consecutive timeclock events. In addition, a maximum number of movements that may occur during the timeclock schedule may also be entered. The load control system uses these inputs to determine event times and corresponding positions of the motorized window treatment for each timeclock event of the timeclock schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Walter S. Zaharchuk, Brian Michael Courtney, William Bryce Fricke, William H. Howe, Timothy S. Majewski, Joel S. Spira
  • Patent number: 8288983
    Abstract: A system or method of verifying a new contact position of a multi-pole electro-mechanical switch having a plurality of contact positions is disclosed. The switch is caused to move to a new contact position. Power is provided to at least one light transmitter to cause the at least one light transmitter to transmit light toward a light reflective portion. A particular light detector among a plurality of light detectors that has received light from the light reflective portion is identified. The new contact position is verified based on the identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hasan, Luke D. Titus, Les McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 8253363
    Abstract: An automatic opening-and-closing lid for a garbage bin includes a base member including an opening for a user throwing trash into the bin therefrom and first and second annular flanges. A lid is installed to the opening of the base member and is able to pivot with respect to the base member. A control is installed to the base member and includes a power source for power supply, a control panel, a driving member electrically connected to the control panel, a driven member and first and second sensor wires electrically connected to the power source. The first and second sensor wires are respectively disposed in the first and second annular flanges. A sensing region is formed proximal to the first and second sensor wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: THN Shong Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsung-Hwan Shih
  • Patent number: 8247923
    Abstract: A photovoltaic system having a plurality of photovoltaic modules producing electric energy and method for operating such photovoltaic system are disclosed. With the method, the photovoltaic modules are connected to a first DC motor having a motor shaft, and a generator shaft of a three-phase generator is coupled to the motor shaft. The three-phase generator can be connected to a power grid. The motor shaft of a second DC motor can be connected to the generator shaft, with only one of the two DC motors being initially driven with the electric energy produced by the photovoltaic modules. The electric energy is subsequently divided among both the first and the second DC motor. This process significantly shortens the startup process of the photovoltaic system compared to conventional systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Adensis GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Beck
  • Publication number: 20120181967
    Abstract: A permanent magnet electric machine that includes a housing, a stator mounted within the housing, a rotor assembly, a plurality of permanent magnets mounted within the rotor assembly, and a magnetic flux sensor arranged within the housing. The magnetic flux sensor includes a sensing surface configured and disposed to detect magnetic flux leaking from the rotor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: REMY TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David A. Fulton, Bradley D. Chamberlin
  • Publication number: 20120133315
    Abstract: Automated shade systems may comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, information regarding one or more variable characteristics of glass, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BUT load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: MechoShade Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
  • Patent number: 8179000
    Abstract: A method for operating a photovoltaic system with a plurality of photovoltaic modules and with a DC motor connected to the photovoltaic modules is proposed. The motor shaft of the DC motor is coupled to a generator shaft of a three-phase generator, wherein the three-phase generator can be connected to a power grid. The motor shaft of a second DC motor can also be connected with the generator shaft, and the electric energy produced by the photovoltaic modules is initially only used for driving a single DC motor and is during the subsequent operation divided between those DC motors. A battery is provided which can be connected with the second DC motor instead of the PV system by changing the excitation of the second DC motor such that it's motor voltage corresponds to the open-circuit voltage of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Adensis GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Beck
  • Patent number: 8165719
    Abstract: A system, and a method for manufacturing that system, for electrically and automatically opening, closing and otherwise controlling window shutters on a building, for the purposes of limiting radiant, conductive, and convective thermal losses from the inside of the building to the outside during the heating season, and limiting radiant, conductive, and convective thermal gains from the outside of the building to the inside during the cooling season. The system further comprises an interface to accommodate connection to other sensors not used to control the thermal environment of the building, such as motion detectors, burglar alarms, CO sensors and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Laurence F. Kinney, Gerald L. Cler, Todd Eric Bergeson, Derek Christopher Lindberg