Particular Manufactured Product Or Operation Patents (Class 700/117)
  • Publication number: 20140277659
    Abstract: A system and method for remote manufacturing of medical devices are provided. The system can be installed at a facility (e.g., at a hospital or other medical facility), and includes a remote manufacturing unit (RMU) that allows for customized, rapid fabrication of medical devices at the medical facility using suitable manufacturing techniques such as three-dimensional (3D) printing, additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, etc. The RMU can communicate with a computer system which presents a healthcare professional with a digital catalog of medical products, and allows the healthcare professional to select and customize a desired device to be manufactured at the facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Mukesh Kumar, Jacy Hoeppner, Konstantin Caploon
  • Patent number: 8838263
    Abstract: The unique advantages of computer-controlled fabrication of a patient-specific orthotic device using an automated fabrication machine capable of following computer instructions to create 3D surface contours and new developments in non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) scanning have made it possible to acquire digital models of freeform surfaces such as the surface anatomy of the human body and to then fabricate such a patient-specific device with high precision. Such a patient-specific device brings significant improvement in patient-specific fit, comfort, and function of medical devices (and, in particular, to orthoses that require a close fit to the wearer's body to act effectively). The combination of these two technologies is ideally suited for the development of patient-specific orthotic devices. A patient specific ankle-foot orthotic device using this technology is disclosed. This exemplary device is used to help stabilize the ankle-foot region, for example, in patients with impaired gait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignees: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Corporation, Northeastern University, Technest Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Sivak, Richard G. Ranky, Joseph A. DiPisa, Alyssa Leigh Caddle, Kara Lyn Gilhooly, Lauren Chiara Govoni, Seth John Sivak, Michael Lancia, Paolo Bonato, Constantinos Mavroidis
  • Publication number: 20140228995
    Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing system includes: a plurality of processing devices including first and second processing devices, each of the first and second processing devices including a lens processing unit configured to process an eyeglass lens and a processing control unit configured to control the lens processing unit; a memory unit configured to store first processing information based on which the first processing device performs a first process on the eyeglass lens; and a processing setting unit that includes a setting unit configured to set, for each of the first and second processing devices, correction data based on which the first processing information is to be corrected to acquire second processing information. One of the first and second processing devices performs a second process on the eyeglass lens based on the second processing information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: NIDEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Motoshi TANAKA, Hirokatsu OBAYASHI
  • Patent number: 8805570
    Abstract: A workpiece measuring device, a collision preventing device, and a machine tool acquires 3D data of the shape of a workpiece used to prevent a collision between the workpiece and part of the machine tool. A measuring section measures the distance to the workpiece through scanning in a non-contact manner; and a shape recognition section generates a 3D mesh structure. The coordinates of a measurement point on the workpiece based on distance information about the measured distance to the workpiece, and that generates a measurement geometry map such that, when the ratio of the number of times the calculated measurement point is included in one unit of the 3D mesh structure to the number of times a position of the workpiece corresponding to the one unit is scanned is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold, the one unit is regarded as part of the workpiece are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Kawauchi, Yuichi Sasano, Shin Asano, Kenji Kura, Hirokazu Matsushita, Akihiko Matsumura, Masaru Higuchi
  • Patent number: 8805569
    Abstract: A controller restraining overcorrections which occur upon manual intervention in operation of an equipment controller. The controller includes a driving device which drives equipment to perform mechanical work, a computation element which computes a target value related to an action of the equipment, an automatic controller which outputs an automatic control signal for the driving device based on the target value so that the equipment becomes stable. The controller also includes a manual intervention control unit which outputs a manual correction signal for the driving device in response to a manual intervention. A manual correction unit makes a determination as to whether there is an overcorrection based on the automatic control signal and the manual correction signal, and outputs to the driving device a product obtained by multiplying the manual correction signal output from the manual intervention unit by a prescribed gain regulation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Minoru Tachibana
  • Publication number: 20140207269
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an APC method and tool architecture to elaborate process stability, comprising a two-loop architecture for fine tuning by an APC loop and recovery tuning by an equipment performance optimization (EPO) loop of one or more process parameters. Fine tuning by the APC loop comprises neutralization of systematic drifts from manufacturing tool or the manufacturing process itself. Recovery tuning by the EPO loop comprises aligning processing tool conditions with their tool baseline configuration. The APC method and tool architecture establishes switching criteria for fine tuning of process parameters and recovery tuning of equipment parameters. A synergy mechanism is further established between the two loops, wherein adjustments to equipment parameters made by the EPO loop are recognized by the APC loop to avoid double-tuning. The APC method and tool architecture results in manufacturing process stability within a manufacturing process module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Wei Hsu
  • Publication number: 20140196879
    Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for electronic board assembly are provided. The apparatus can comprises one or more thermal heads controlled by a programmable logic controller. A user is able to enter the controlling parameters into the programmable logic controller through an human operator interface. The thermal heads are able to be connected with one or more pneumatic solenoid to make the thermal heads moving vertically until the thermal head in contact with the heat sink. The thermal head is able to provide a temperature, at or above the operating temperature of the thermal pad, capable of making the phase change thermal interface material to bond the heat sink and the electronic boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: FLEXTRONICS AP, LLC
    Inventor: Flextronics AP, LLC
  • Patent number: 8774959
    Abstract: Provided is a method of calculating a temperature distribution with higher accuracy than a conventional method, which calculates a temperature distribution of an inner surface of a silica powder molded body during manufacturing based on boundary conditions corrected in accordance with the actually measured temperature in consideration of plasma radiation by arc discharge and heat radiation of arc discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignees: Japan Super Quartz Corporation, Shibaura Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Toshiaki Sudo, Eriko Suzuki, Naoki Ono
  • Patent number: 8768501
    Abstract: Methods and systems for the fabrication and application of Magnetically Actuated Propellers (MAPs) are described. MAPs are structures with typical feature sizes in the range of 20 nanometers up to 100 microns in one spatial dimension. MAPs are propellers that can be obtained from nano-structured surfaces and that can be produced in large numbers. MAPs are propelled and controlled by magnetic fields. The MAPs are optimized for low Reynolds number propulsion and can be moved in fluids and biological tissues. MAPs are useful for measurements, quantification, imaging and sensing purposes e.g. detecting biomolecules and for the controlled transportation of (drug- and bio-) molecules and the delivery of microscopic and nanoscale objects and/or materials or systems of therapeutic value. The MAPs are formed on a substrate and the released from the substrate using sonication, vibration, agitation, dissolution or etching which allows the MAPs to be produced in large numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenscaften e.V. (MPG)
    Inventors: Peer Fischer, Ambarish Ghosh
  • Patent number: 8768502
    Abstract: To provide a substrate processing system which can cause different display portions to output different displays, and cause different operations to be carried out from different operation screens. A substrate processing system, on login information of a user being input from a main display device, refers to the login information, a user group parameter, with which is set a group to which the user belongs, and an authority parameter, which sets an authority of the group, and causes the main display device to display a main operation screen corresponding to the user, while it, on login information of a user being input from an external operating apparatus, causes an external display device to display an external parameter setting screen for setting an authority parameter of a group to which the user belongs, or to display an external operation screen corresponding to the group to which the user belongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20140180866
    Abstract: A method and a system are provided to re-create an internal shape of a shoe using a pneumatically-powered inflatable sock. For example, a shoe last used to manufacture a shoe product based on a selected shoe identifier may be identified. A description of the dimensions of the shoe last may be accessed. The description of the dimensions of the shoe last may be expressed as a set of fills per chamber of a sock having a plurality of fillable chambers. The set of fills per chamber may be determined based on the displacement of an inner wall of the sock when the fillable chambers are in an inflated state. Further, an instruction to cause the plurality of fillable chambers to inflate according to the accessed description may be transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventor: Sergio Pinzon Gonzales
  • Patent number: 8761920
    Abstract: A method for properly locating a flexible fixture on a CNC machine comprises probing a plurality of locators on a flexible fixture to determine a locator position on a coordinate system for the CNC machine. The position for each of the plurality of locators is analyzed to determine if all of the plurality of locators are within a predetermined offset limit from a nominal position. A controller is programmed with an offset compensation amount based upon the probed position for each locator when each of the plurality of locators is within the predetermined offset limit. The locator positions are adjusted if one of the probed locations is not within the predetermined offset limit. The CNC probing programs are generated by a computer language to accommodate various fixture configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jie Gu, Paula J. Deeds, Sheri K. Kurgin, John S. Agapiou, Michael J. Owen
  • Patent number: 8761918
    Abstract: A printing system for forming a three dimensional object is disclosed. The printing system has a semiconductor memory for storing data that defines layers defining the three dimensional object, printhead groups. The printhead groups deposit at least two different materials simultaneously in at least one of the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8755925
    Abstract: Manufacturing and assembly of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by automated placement and assembly of shoe parts. For example, a part-recognition system analyzes an image of a shoe part to identify the part and determine a location of the part. Once the part is identified and located, the part can be manipulated by an automated manufacturing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Conall Regan, Kuo-Hung Lee, Chih-Chi Chang, Ming-Feng Jean, Chang-Chu Liao
  • Publication number: 20140163716
    Abstract: A bridge device for manufacturing a storage device, including a first transmission interface, a second transmission interface, a mode select unit, a power control unit, and a bridge controller is provided. The mode select unit generates a mode select signal responsive to a manufacturing process command. The power control unit controls powering operation of the storage device. The bridge controller receives the manufacturing process command through the first transmission interface. When the bridge controller detects the presence of the storage device, drives the power control unit turning off the storage device. After a first predetermined period, the bridge controller drives the mode select unit transmitting the mode select signal to the storage device through unused pin of the second transmission interface. The bridge controller drives the power control unit turning on the storage device after a second predetermined period to have the storage device entering a predefined mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SKYMEDI CORPORATION
    Inventors: SUNG-SAN CHANG, CHE-MING HSU, PO-CHUN CHANG
  • Patent number: 8752166
    Abstract: Various methods and systems include exemplary implementations for a security-activated operational component. Possible embodiments include but are not limited to obtaining access to an object data file configured to implement various functional operation regarding one or more objects; verifying validity of an authorization code associated with the object data file; and controlling operation of the operational component to enable or prevent its activation pursuant to the authorization code in accordance with one or more predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8738164
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for automatically generating an optimal configuration of a product, using logic implemented on a digital computer processing system. A general configuration will be broken down into a hierarchy of subdesigns by a designer of an artifact type. A particular instance of the type must satisfy user-specified external parametric constraints. Constraints may take the form of a range of values for some performance characteristic or to satisfy laws or business requirements. Hierarchical decomposition facilitates solution of complex problems. Criteria for a best solution may be specified for a given subdesign, a collection of subdesigns, or globally. Tentative selection of a particular subdesign may impose internally generated constraints upon a subsequent subdesign. If no acceptable solution is found for a subdesign, the candidate overall configuration rolls back to the most complete viable partial collection of subdesigns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Certusoft, Inc.
    Inventors: Sermet Yucel, M. Germana Paterlini, Samuel E. Martin, William D. Headrick
  • Publication number: 20140121812
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining instructions for a customized function block in a parametric block type. The method also includes developing, at a parametric block engine, the customized function block based on the instructions in the parametric block type. The method further includes executing the customized function block. Executing the customized function block may include executing the customized function block using firmware associated with a controller in a process control system. The parametric block engine may be pre-loaded into the controller before the controller is activated in the process control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL GMBH
    Inventors: Jürgen Rudnick, Torsten Winkler, Bodo Fritzsche
  • Patent number: 8712567
    Abstract: One aspect related to design of systems and methods for manufacture of products is configuration. More particularly, this relates to verification of an existing configuration and to reconfiguration of a product following manufacturing. The present invention contemplates an approach to designing a station capable of configuration verification and reconfiguration and of preventing shipment of a product if an undesirable configuration is detected. A preferred approach also includes guiding the operator to take possible remedial action. The preferred approach further includes storing various types of data needed for the verification and reconfiguration in a server, thereby making such data substantially instantly accessible for verification and reconfiguration purposes. Such data preferably includes software capable of adapting the functions of the station itself, i.e., the tasks to be performed at the configuration verification and reconfiguration station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Aviat U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Kesavan Srikumar, Frank Pong
  • Patent number: 8706285
    Abstract: A process for designing and fabricating a custom-fit implant, comprising: a) processing medical image data of a patient's pathologically defective or anatomically deformed area having a symmetrical part to construct a three-dimensional (3D) digital model; b) forming a mirror image of the left or right side of the three-dimensional (3D) digital model based on its axis of symmetry depending on which side the pathologically defective or anatomically deformed area is; c) overlying the mirror image on the original image to form a composite image with a non-overlapping area wherein the implant will be fitted; d) generating a digital implant by cutting off the non-overlapping area of the mirror image; e) designing mounting points between the digital implant and the pathologically defective or anatomically deformed area where the implant is mounted thereon; f) building a positive and a negative mold based on the digital implant to fabricate a custom-fit implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Universiti Malaya
    Inventors: Selvanathan Narainasamy, Victor S Devadass, Mangalam Sankupellay, Thyaganathan Seperamaniam, Somasundaram Nagappan, Senthil K Selvanathan, Nanchappan Selvanathan
  • Publication number: 20140107826
    Abstract: A screen printing safety system is provided. The system includes a screen printing machine, and a plurality of zones in the vicinity of the screen printing machine. Each of the zones includes at least one sensor for sensing encroachment past a predetermined point. The sensors are adapted to stop operation of the screen printing machine when encroachment is sensed in at least one of the plurality of zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Richard C. Hoffman, JR., Boguslaw S. Biel, Bernabe Christopher Mauban, Brian William Quirk
  • Publication number: 20140094950
    Abstract: A method for producing an abradable spray coating for a component of a turbine engine by a thermal spraying process is disclosed. A process parameter pB1 is calculated according to the formula pB1=pB2+HB1?HB2?(?x·y)/z+n where pB1 is a process parameter of a spraying process that is to be conducted, pB2 is a corresponding process parameter of a previous spraying process, HB1 is a hardness of a coating that is to be applied by the spraying process to be conducted, HB2 is a hardness of a coating that was applied by the previous spraying process, ?x is a process variable related to the thermal spraying process and the previous spraying process and y, z and n are constant parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: MTU Aero Engines AG
    Inventors: Andreas Jakimov, Manuel Hertter, Andreas Kaehny
  • Patent number: 8688267
    Abstract: A method is provided for classifying incoming products (e.g., chicken butterflies) to be portioned into two or more types of end products (e.g., sandwich portions, strips, nuggets, etc.) to meet production goals. The method includes generally five steps. First, information on incoming products is received. Second, for each incoming product, a parameter value (e.g., the weight of an end product to be produced from the incoming product) is calculated for each of the two or more types of end products that may be produced from the incoming product. Third, the calculated parameter values for the incoming products for the two or more types of end products, respectively, are normalized so as to meet the production goals while at the same time achieving optimum parameter values. Fourth, for each incoming product, the end product with the best (e.g., largest) normalized parameter value is selected as the end product to be produced from the incoming product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: George Blaine, John R. Strong, Arthur W. Vogeley, Jr., Craig E. Pfarr
  • Publication number: 20140088749
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automated manufacturing tool for semiconductor fabrication is provided, including the following method operations: receiving, over a network, a request from a client, the request defining an action for an automated manufacturing tool; authenticating the request; and, in response to receiving the request, triggering performance of the action by the automated manufacturing tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: PEER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INC.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Ellis, Mark T. Pendleton, Charles M. Baylis
  • Patent number: 8682468
    Abstract: Systems and methods for duplicating keys are provided. In some embodiments, a systems for creating keys are provided, the systems comprising: at least one hardware processor that: receives security information from a user; and receives geometric information about a first key associated with the security information from a storage device; and a key shaping device that creates a second key using the geometric information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: KeyMe, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Marsh, Kristopher Borer, Zachary Salzbank, Jayeon Kim, Paige Pruitt
  • Patent number: 8676368
    Abstract: A system includes a handheld tool for executing steps of a sequence within a work cell. An electromagnetic marker connected to the tool emits a magnetic field within the cell. A receptor detects the magnetic field and generates a raw position signal in response thereto. A control unit updates an assembly setting of the tool. The host executes a control action when a position determined using the raw data is not equal to an expected position in the sequence. A method calculates the present position of a torque wrench using magnetic fields generated by the marker and measured by a receptor array, and calculates a present position of the tool or a fastener. The present position of the fastener may be compared to an expected position in the calibrated sequence, and the torque wrench may be disabled when the fastener position is not equal to the expected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fives Cinetic Inc.
    Inventors: John Stencel, Henry Arthur Loos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8670855
    Abstract: A method is used for controlling a paced production line for processing airplane structural components, wherein the production line comprises at least one workstation having at least one processing machine. It is provided that the processing sequence in the workstation is determined for a production step by determining the expected or actual occupation of the working area by structural component(s) or structural component section(s) for the production step, and, on the basis of the occupation, all of the operations to be performed in this workstation in this production step are determined, and the processing sequence of these operations is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Broetje Automation GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Eickhorst
  • Patent number: 8670858
    Abstract: A tip-based computer controlled system for a dental delivery device is disclosed. The system automatically controls an operating characteristic such as power control or fluid flow based on tip identification and history. The operating characteristic may also be controlled in response to particular conditions throughout the dental procedure, such as (but not limited to) temperature, dental hygiene material, fluid type, etc. The system may provide an alert or shut off if unsafe conditions occur and/or error circumstances are detected. An operator interface is provided to configure the system and augment/override an executing control algorithm during a procedure. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: James Feine, Mohammad Ali Jamnia, William L. Bollig
  • Publication number: 20140067110
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure can help increase throughput and reduce resource conflicts and delays in semiconductor processing tools. An exemplary method according to various aspects of the present disclosure includes analyzing, by a computer program operating on a computer system, a plurality of expected times to complete each of a respective plurality of actions to be performed by a semiconductor processing tool, the semiconductor processing tool including a first process module and a second process module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ASM IP Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Keith R. Lawson, Michael E. Givens
  • Patent number: 8655477
    Abstract: Methods for cutting of raw glass slabs into a number of glass cuttings include determining the supply of uncut or partially cut raw glass slabs, continuously detecting incoming cutting orders and processing of the cutting orders, continuously determining an optimized processing order and optimized cutting patterns of raw glass slabs based on determined values, processing cutting orders according to the determined optimized processing order and optimized cutting patterns, and storing the glass cuttings in assigned compartments of an intermediate storage. An increased productivity with minimized waste of material can be achieved by the continuous optimizing method in regards to the temporal sequence and cutting patterns of the glass cuttings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Albat + Wirsam Software AG
    Inventors: Bernd Wirsam, Renate Albat
  • Patent number: 8648855
    Abstract: Developable surfaces are generated by interactively evolving curves on a 2D surface embedded in 3D space using an iterative process to produce a model for the construction of a stylized three dimensional sculpture. Each iteration includes tessellating loops formed by the curves on the surface and unfolding the resulting tessellated strips onto a 2D plane. Collisions between the unfolded tessellated strips in 2D and between the loops in 3D are resolved, and the rendered evolved curve in 3D and tessellated strips in 2D are displayed simultaneously during the evolution. A graphical user interface allows the curve network, tessellated strips, and curve evolution parameters to be modified by a user. 2D textures may be mapped to the unfolded tessellated strips, and a set of tool paths may be output for cutting a 2D material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Daedal Doodle, LLC
    Inventor: Hans Kohling Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8649894
    Abstract: A method for controlling a board stopping position includes a calculation step for calculating an extended length of the electronic component mounted on the board and extended from the board end portion in the transfer direction by one of the electronic component mounting machines; and a correcting and stopping step for correcting a stopping timing of the conveyer belt to be stopped in response to the detection signal which is outputted from the board sensor and stopping the board at the mounting position, based on the calculated extended length of the electronic component in a subsequent stage electronic component mounting machine arranged subsequent to the one of the electronic component mounting machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiko Hattori, Hiroshi Tsuta
  • Patent number: 8649896
    Abstract: A management method is able to quickly investigate the cause of a defect generated in a semiconductor product manufacturing process. Manufacturing conditions in various QFP manufacturing steps are stored in a main server while correlating them with an identification number of the QFP, and a two-dimensional bar code corresponding to the identification number is stamped to the surface of the QFP. In the event of occurrence of a defect of the QFP, the manufacturing conditions for the QFP stored in the main server can be traced in an instant by reading the two-dimensional bar code of the QFP and thereby specifying the identification number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Kaoru Yokosawa
  • Patent number: 8644975
    Abstract: A system and method allows a consumer to custom-order an item, such as footwear. The system is capable of accepting a designation for the design of the item by a consumer wherein the item is custom-manufactured according to designation of a characteristic made by the consumer. A display card is associated with the system and has a card member having indicia thereon. The indicia correspond to the designation of the characteristic provided by the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany L. Paul, Kirk S. Jones
  • Patent number: 8639367
    Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing system, which comprises a plurality of substrate processing apparatuses configured to process a substrate; and a group management apparatus configured to connect and manage the plurality of substrate processing apparatuses, wherein the group management apparatus includes: a communication part configured to transmit and receive data to and from the plurality of substrate processing apparatuses; a first storage part configured to store the data transmitted through the communication part from the plurality of substrate processing apparatuses; a second storage part configured to store a file prescribing a condition for determining an abnormality of the plurality of substrate processing apparatuses from the data; a display part including a manipulation screen for inputting the condition for determining the abnormality using the data stored in the first storage part or the file stored in the second storage part; a screen control part configured to control the display part to chang
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhide Asai
  • Patent number: 8634952
    Abstract: A fan control method performed by a computer having a processor and a fan includes predicting a load of the processor for a job to be executed by referring to a memory that stores information on the load of the processor according to a job type, determining fan rotation control according to a temperature of the processor under the load, and controlling the fan according to the determined fan rotation control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Satoshi Kazama, Yasushi Hara, Yoshiyasu Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8634951
    Abstract: A self-service, fully-automatic kiosk for duplicating keys includes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving payment from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer's key. A key analysis system within the housing analyzes the blade of a key inserted in the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key matches one of a group of preselected key types and, if so, which preselected key type is matched. A key blank extraction system extracts from a magazine within the kiosk a key blank for the preselected key type matched by the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating system within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank. The kiosk includes a processor coupled to sensors and controllable devices within the kiosk and to a communications port for communicating with a remote central server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Minute Key Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Freeman
  • Patent number: 8626331
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing key information are provided. In some embodiments, systems for managing key information are provided, the systems comprising: at least one hardware processor that: receives security information from a user; receives an image of a first key; determines geometric information about the first key based on the image; causes the geometric information about the first key to be stored in a storage device in association with at least a portion of the security information from the user; and causes the geometric information about the first key to be retrieved from the storage device upon validating at least the portion of the security information for use in creating a second key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: KeyMe, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Marsh, Kristopher Borer, Zachary Salzbank, Jayeon Kim, Paige Pruitt
  • Patent number: 8619883
    Abstract: Embodiments provide access to a memory over a high speed serial link at slower speeds than the high speed serial links regular operation. An embodiment may comprise a memory apparatus with a differential receiver coupled to a protocol recognition circuit, a low speed receiving circuit that has a first receiver coupled with a first input of the differential receiver and a second receiver coupled with a second input of the differential receiver, wherein the low speed receiving circuit is coupled with the protocol recognition circuit, allowing the first and second receivers to access the protocol recognition block at a different frequency than the differential receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Zimmerman, Michael W. Williams
  • Publication number: 20130345849
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for confirming identification of a tool position relative to a workpiece and selecting the tool operating program associated with the position of the tool. A laser location confirmation apparatus is mounted on a tool and measures the distance between the tool or laser source and a surface feature adjacent to the tool, after the tool is engaged with a workpiece joint. When a distance match is made by a laser controller with one of a plurality of prestored reference distances identified with each different work operation or joint, the proper tool operating program is selected and activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: LEON DRASOVEAN, MOE HAJAR
  • Patent number: 8615318
    Abstract: A method of process control including constraining a tolerance ring relative to one of an inner and an outer component. The tolerance ring including an annular band of resilient material having a plurality of projections projecting radially therefrom. Additionally, the method includes moving the other of the inner or outer component with respect to the constrained tolerance ring so as to compress the projections of the tolerance ring between the inner and outer components, and continuing movement of the inner or outer component, respectively, beyond the projections. The method further including measuring a force required for continuing movement, and using the force for process control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Rencol Limited
    Inventor: Gino Bancalari
  • Publication number: 20130338812
    Abstract: An approach is provided for applying a release agent to a substrate having at least a first surface and a second surface. The approach involves determining a presence of at least one ink image applied to at least one portion of at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the substrate by way of at least one step of a printing process. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, the release agent to be applied to the substrate so as to cover the at least one portion of at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the substrate upon which the at least one ink image is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason LeFevre, Paul McConville, James Michael Chappell, Jennifer Rea, James Edward Williams
  • Patent number: 8612041
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining a sequence of mounting a plurality of components on a board by using variable pitch heads having a plurality of pitches. The method includes: partitioning the board into a plurality of sectors, each of the sectors including a plurality of mounting points arranged in parallel with a direction in which the heads are arranged; dividing the board into a plurality of sub-boards including first sub-boards based on the sectors, each of the first sub-boards including as many mounting points as the heads; and determining a combination of a sequence of mounting the components on the board and at least one pitch among the pitches required to mount the components on the board in a shortest time, compared to another sequence or other sequences of mounting the components on the board and another pitch or other pitches among the pitches, based on the first sub-boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yo-Sung Shim
  • Publication number: 20130331975
    Abstract: A manufacturing process for providing an assembly formed of a first piece and a best fitted second piece is described. The manufacturing process is carried out by performing at least the following operations: receiving the first piece characterized in accordance with at least a first attribute, selecting the best fitted second piece from a buffer, the selecting based in part upon a best matching value of a second attribute in relation to the first attribute, replacing the selected best fitted second piece with another second piece such that the number of second pieces in the buffer remains about the same, and forming the assembly the first part and the second part to form the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley N. SAULSBURY, Nicholas I. Reid
  • Publication number: 20130331976
    Abstract: A key-duplicating system comprises a network that includes a multiplicity of kiosks at a multiplicity of different locations, each of the kiosks having a customer interface and a processor coupled to the customer interface. A remote central server coupled to the kiosks is adapted to receive, from the kiosks, information identifying master keys to be duplicated. A key analysis module uses the information identifying master keys to be duplicated to derive information required to produce duplicates of the identified master keys, and a key duplicating module uses that information to produce duplicates of said identified master keys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Minute Key Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Freeman
  • Patent number: 8606552
    Abstract: Methods and systems may be provided simulating forming a wide variety of directional wellbores including wellbores with variable tilt rates and/or relatively constant tilt rates. The methods and systems may also be used to simulate forming a wellbore in subterranean formations having a combination of soft, medium and hard formation materials, multiple layers of formation materials and relatively hard stringers disposed throughout one or more layers of formation material. Values of bit walk rate from such simulations may be used to design and/or select drilling equipment for use in forming a directional wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Shilin Chen
  • Patent number: 8606398
    Abstract: A robot (12) is used to pick parts from a bin (40 in FIG. 1). The robot has a compliant apparatus (42) and one or more tools are connected to the apparatus to perform the picking. The compliant apparatus has mechanisms for monitoring and/or controlling its compliance. The compliant apparatus can have various embodiments. Force sensing can be used during removal of grasped parts from the bin to determine the force exerted on the picking tool (s). The signal indicative of the exerted force can be used by the robot controller to determine the weight of the parts that may be held by the picking tool(s). The robot has one or more devices (FIG. 16, 17) which can be the picking tool to stir the parts in the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: William Eakins, Thomas A. Fuhlbrigge, Carlos Martinez, Heping Chen, Gregory Rossano
  • Patent number: 8606389
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method to construct and physically join near-net shaped structural building blocks into a composite part using an interfacial reaction-activation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: James M. Burkes, Paul T. Evans, Cliff J. Scribner
  • Publication number: 20130325160
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method in a system comprising —a server unit having computer means, communication means and a first data base, said first data base including positioning data and a plurality of work orders, wherein said work orders are related to said positioning data; and —a sawing machine having computer means and communication means, and being arranged for sawing trenches in an area; said method comprising the steps of: —transmitting, by said server unit, a first data flow A comprising a first work order to said sawing machine; and —controlling said sawing machine by means of said first work order. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a system thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: DellCron AB
    Inventors: Conny Gustavsson, Hasse Hultman, Lars Linden, Jim Frolander
  • Patent number: RE44696
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ring (i.e. class, championship, or affiliation) begins by receiving order data specifying a series of personalization elements, such as the addition of text and icon designs. A geometric model for each personalization item is constructed. To assemble text panels, the operating system provides font geometry for a desired TrueType font. Then a set of splines are created from the font geometry and are then tessellated to generate polyline sets of data, which are then spaced and mapped between two boundary curves. The personalization elements are then projected onto one of the model's 3D surfaces. A set of machining instructions for a milling machine is generated by obtaining a set of machining pattern strategies, generating a set of curves, projecting the toolpath onto the surface of the ring to calculate the 3D toolpath, and rotating it to a desired angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Jostens, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Saarela, Carlos D. Carbonera, Michael J. Frisch, Yuriy Malinin