Radiant Energy Patents (Class 318/480)
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Patent number: 12153389Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 17, 2023Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Joel Berman, Alex Greenspan, Xi Ming Liarno
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Patent number: 12129706Abstract: A control arrangement for an entrance system has one or more movable door members and an automatic door operator for causing movements of the one or more movable door members between closed and open positions. The door members comprise one or more swing doors. The control arrangement comprises a controller and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is connected to the controller and is configured to monitor a respective zone at the entrance system for presence or activity of a person or object. Each sensor has an active mode and an inactive mode, wherein the sensor consumes no electric power in the inactive mode or substantially less electric power in the inactive mode than in the active mode. The controller is configured to determine a current operational state of the entrance system among a plurality of possible operational states, and selectively cause at least one of the sensors to be in its active mode or in its inactive mode depending on the determined current operational state of the entrance system.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2022Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems ABInventor: Roger Dreyer
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Patent number: 11884400Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2020Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.Inventor: Manikandan Dhanapal
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Patent number: 11716981Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 20, 2022Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Akira Niitsuma, Atsushi Kawamata
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Patent number: 11614724Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 20, 2022Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Joel Berman, Alex Greenspan, Xi Ming Liarno
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Patent number: 11429073Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Joel Berman, Alex Greenspan, Xi Ming Liarno
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Patent number: 11293221Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: NINGBO LIYANG NEW MATERIAL COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Baoguo Tan, Baowen Tan
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Patent number: 11285961Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 10, 2019Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Komminist Weldemariam, Oliver Bent, Michael S. Gordon, James R. Kozloski
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Patent number: 11187688Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: GM Cruise Holdings LLCInventors: Sriram Salem Kannan, Maximilian Gerrit Euchenhofer
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Patent number: 11187023Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 21, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventor: Vishwith Vishwanath Mapari
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Patent number: 10793261Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael Thomas Fox, Eric Anton Howell, Jeffrey M. Roach
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Patent number: 10570661Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 21, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Stephen Lundy
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Patent number: 10490579Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 12, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Shuanghua Zeng
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Patent number: 10298722Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jin Kim, Dong Youl Lee, Chul Min Kim, Young Su Kim
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Patent number: 10122314Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 13, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKIInventors: Yusuke Oka, Tadashi Okubo
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Patent number: 10053911Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 17, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and MineralsInventors: Mohammed Abdul Fasi, Ismail Mohammad Budaiwi
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Patent number: 10012980Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2014Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITEDInventors: Taku Mizutani, Ichiro Namioka, Toshihiko Iijima, Shigenori Todate
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Patent number: 9956961Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: ALPINE ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventor: Shota Ishikawa
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Patent number: 9878715Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: ALPINE ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventor: Shota Ishikawa
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Patent number: 9810783Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLCInventors: Ariel Fligler, David Hirshberg, Shay Bushinsky, Shmuel Ur, Vlad Dabija
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Patent number: 9776277Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.Inventor: Jan Kleinert
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Patent number: 9778026Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyInventor: Guo Peng
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Patent number: 9736327Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Mami Akiyama, Yuki Sato, Shiro Akama, Yuta Ueda, Hiroki Ishimitsu, Sakie Higuchi
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Patent number: 9664980Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Yasushi Mizoguchi, Takao Hirakura
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Patent number: 9514624Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Metrasens LimitedInventor: Matthew J. Wooliscroft
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Patent number: 9434350Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Charles J. Bongiorno, Aaron P. Creguer, David T. Proefke
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Patent number: 9376863Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 5, 2013Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: The Watt Stopper, Inc.Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Richard Scott Hand, Darrin W. Brunk
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Patent number: 9119372Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Dairy Cheq, Inc.Inventors: Aaron D. Carroll, Kristopher C. Hall, Benjamin D. Nibali
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Patent number: 9089466Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Safer Care, LLCInventor: Elliott Bennett-Guerrero
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Patent number: 9067732Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Inventors: Xin Wang, Jiangqun Chen
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Patent number: 8890456Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 7, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: MechoShade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen, Muthukumar Ramalingam
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Patent number: 8872459Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: simplehuman, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Christopher Fruhauf, Michael Basha, David Wolbert, Kenneth Yen
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Patent number: 8836263Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: MechoShade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
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Patent number: 8723466Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 15, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Samuel F. Chambers, William Bryce Fricke, Matthew R. Hontz, David A. Kirby, Justin J. Mierta, Jonathan Carl Sevy
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Patent number: 8698441Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Yoshimitsu Ogura
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Patent number: 8604738Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Daijiro Takizawa
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Patent number: 8575877Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: BTX Holdings, L.L.C.Inventor: Alex Liu
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Patent number: 8525462Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: MechoShade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
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Publication number: 20130207585Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventor: Armin Hille
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Patent number: 8508169Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Walter S. Zaharchuk, Brian Michael Courtney, William Bryce Fricke, William H. Howe, Timothy S. Majewski, Joel S. Spira
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Patent number: 8508167Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Kesseböhmer Holding E.K.Inventors: Rene Barkau, Heiko Schnier
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Patent number: 8471513Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Inventor: Sea Yeoun Han
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Publication number: 20130063065Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: MechoShade Systems, Inc.
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Patent number: 8350714Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventor: Matthew Ian Trim
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Patent number: 8288981Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Walter S. Zaharchuk, Brian Michael Courtney, William Bryce Fricke, William H. Howe, Timothy S. Majewski, Joel S. Spira
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Patent number: 8288983Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Mohamed A. Hasan, Luke D. Titus, Les McLaughlin
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Patent number: 8253363Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: THN Shong Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsung-Hwan Shih
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Patent number: 8247923Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Adensis GmbHInventor: Bernhard Beck
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Publication number: 20120181967Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: REMY TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C.Inventors: David A. Fulton, Bradley D. Chamberlin
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Publication number: 20120133315Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: MechoShade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen