Having Status Indication Patents (Class 700/27)
  • Patent number: 11971696
    Abstract: To provide a PLC having a data collection function and a data display screen generation function. The PLC includes: a collection section that collects a symbol value stored in a symbol, which is a device or a variable serving as a collection target, according to the application program; a determination section that determines whether or not the symbol value collected by the collection section according to the application program satisfies a normal condition set for the application program to detect a status different from usual regarding the symbol value; and a generation section that generates a display screen including a determination result of the determination section and information indicating the symbol value collected by the collection section according to the application program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisuke Maruyama
  • Patent number: 11799598
    Abstract: There are provided a vehicle control device and a control method thereof capable of improving safety and reliability with a simple configuration. A vehicle control device 1 that controls a vehicle includes an execution management unit P3 that manages execution of predetermined processing, an execution state recording unit P5 that records a history of execution states of the predetermined processing, and a setting information management unit P4 that manages setting information related to the execution of the predetermined processing. The setting information includes a jitter tolerance which is a tolerance of a jitter. The execution management unit P3 adjusts an execution timing of processing to be adjusted, which is included in the predetermined processing and in which the jitter is generated, based on the jitter tolerance of the processing to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Tsunamichi Tsukidate, Tomohito Ebina, Kazuyoshi Serizawa, Kosei Goto
  • Patent number: 11411401
    Abstract: A method for controlling at least one controllable system component in an electrical installation, where the installation is connected to an electrical supply network via a network connection. A measurement value of a performance from the supply network is detected for each individual successive time interval, and if one of the measurement values is larger than a predetermined threshold value, the performance is guided below the threshold value by switching electrical compensation power. The measurement value of the current time interval is predicted as a forecast value using a control device at at least one time within the current time interval in question by using forecast data to add a future course of the performance extending to the end of the time interval, and thereby deciding during the time interval how much compensation power is necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jens Berger, Alexander Funke, Julian Rominger
  • Patent number: 10595637
    Abstract: A chair includes a seat, a backrest, and a leg rest. A tilt actuator and lift actuator tilt and lift the seat, respectively. A leg rest actuator extends and retracts the leg rest. A backrest actuator pivots the backrest with respect to the seat. A controller simultaneously controls the actuators such that they move sequentially between multiple predefined states. A control panel enables a user to automatically move the chair to any of the predefined states. A controller controls the actuators such that they simultaneously arrive at each state. One or more functions on a control panel may also be automatically disabled and/or automatically enabled as the chair moves into or out of certain ones of the predefined states. When transitioning between some states, all of the actuators are activated, and when transitioning between other states, only a subset of the actuators is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Anish Paul, Christopher S. Hough
  • Patent number: 10601678
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a memory comprising executable instructions and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions. Executing the instructions causes the processor to receive a broadcast including measurement data captured by a first sensor, verify integrity of the measurement data, perform a quality control analysis on the measurement data by analyzing the measurement data using a quality control algorithm to form an analysis result, generate a response for broadcasting the analysis result, and broadcast the analysis result. The response comprises a determination of pass when the quality control analysis indicates that the measurement data passes the quality control analysis and a determination of fail, a suspected cause of the failure, and a recommended resolution for the suspected cause of the failure when the quality control analysis indicates that the measurement data fails the quality control analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: NTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric J. Barkie, Benjamin Fletcher, Timothy P. Roche, Shawn Stedman
  • Patent number: 10456008
    Abstract: A retrofit auxiliary device for distributing cleaning resources to a household cleaning appliance having a treating chamber is described wherein the device can connect to various household cleaning appliances of different makes and models and can learn the flow of water and detergent during various stages of operation and then perform the dispensing itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Alexander, Joel M. Sells, Eric J. Schuh
  • Patent number: 10372100
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing system, method and control circuitry for quality assured manufacturing of at least two biopharmaceutical products. The manufacturing system comprises a warehouse facility, a hydration facility, and at least two biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, wherein the warehouse facility and hydration facility are comprised in the macro structure. Each biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility is comprised in a respective micro node, and a control facility in the macro structure is configured to control interoperability of the macro structure and the micro nodes by means of a network spine interconnecting the macro structure with each micro node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences Corp.
    Inventors: Steve Robert Gravallese, Jason Naylor, Edwin Brian Taylor, Sven Frie, Patrick McMahon
  • Patent number: 10366206
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method or system is provided for providing connecting relationships between wearable devices. The method includes measuring a first health parameter of a user via one or more sensors of a first wearable device; measuring a second health parameter of the user via one or more sensors of a second wearable device; determining an alert action based on a combination of the measurements of first health parameter and the second health parameter; and generating a notification to the user based on the alert action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: John Cronin, Joseph George Bodkin, Jan Martijn Krans, Boris Emmanuel Rachmund De Ruyter
  • Patent number: 10282173
    Abstract: The present invention is related to production schedules in a refinery and, more particularly, refinery production schedules by genetic programming in domain specific language. In this scenario, the present invention provides a method and an optimization system based on linear genetic programming oriented to grammar and with quantic inspiration using a domain specific language for the solution of oil programming problems, in addition to a readable medium comprising instructions to perform this said method. More specifically, the quantic chromosome keeps the superposition of states of all possible solutions and, through the evolutionary process and observation of quantic genes, the classical chromosome is created as a linear sequence of instructions to be performed. The performed instructions represent the scheduling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A.—PETROBRAS
    Inventors: Cristiane Salgado Pereira, Douglas Mota Dias, Marco Aurelio Cavalcanti Pacheco
  • Patent number: 9782005
    Abstract: A chair includes a seat, a backrest, and a leg rest. A tilt actuator and lift actuator tilt and lift the seat, respectively. A leg rest actuator extends and retracts the leg rest. A backrest actuator pivots the backrest with respect to the seat. A controller simultaneously controls the actuators such that they move sequentially between multiple predefined states. A control panel enables a user to automatically move the chair to any of the predefined states. Progress indicators are included that provide a visual indication of how far the chair has progressed to a commanded state. A controller controls the actuators such that they simultaneously arrive at each state. One or more functions on a control panel may also be automatically disabled and/or automatically enabled as the chair moves into or out of certain ones of the predefined states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Anish Paul, Christopher Stuart Hough
  • Patent number: 8965592
    Abstract: A system for managing an electric power delivery system is disclosed that includes a set of remote intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) and a central IED. The remote IEDs may be configured to obtain information related to rotor angles, operating frequencies, rate of change of frequency, rotating inertia, and power consumption levels of loads and generators included in the electric power delivery system. The central IED may communicate with the remote IEDs to determine which loads and generators are associated with a sub-grid of the electric power delivery system and whether to disconnected certain loads or generators. Based on this determination, the central IED may direct the remote IEDs to disconnect loads or generators from the electric power delivery system, or to rapidly increase or decrease generator output as appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott M. Manson
  • Patent number: 8752396
    Abstract: A component identification system and method, including an identifier associated with a replacement component, a memory to store one or more identifiers for each previously used component corresponding to the replacement component, and a processor to compare the identifier of the replacement component with the one or more stored identifiers of each previously used component. The replacement component is acceptable where the identifier of the replacement component differs from the one or more stored identifiers of each previously used component, and the replacement component is unacceptable where the identifier of the replacement component corresponds to one or more stored identifiers of each previously used component. Prior to accepting the replacement component, one or more predetermined validation operations can be performed on the identifier of the replacement component, with the identifier being formed in a serial number or code type scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Raheel Ashraf Chaudhry
  • Patent number: 8688244
    Abstract: In order to flexibly identify the current operating state of control elements which are used to control a process installation, the invention provides a method for identifying the operating state of at least one control element, which is designed for an active and a passive operating state, for a control apparatus, wherein, in the active operating state, the control element controls a process function of an area of a process installation, comprising the following steps: the control apparatus is connected to the process installation, the control element is functionally associated with the process function, and the operating state of the control element is identified as active on the basis of successful functional association of the control element with the process function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Kalhoff, Thomas Huettemeier
  • Patent number: 8548275
    Abstract: An image processing method applied to an image processing device is capable of implementing bitstream stitching technique after interrupting image processing process. The image processing method includes steps of processing the i-th slice of N slices in an image to generate a plurality of first processed data; storing the first processed data in a memory unit; once an interrupting request is generated according to a requested process, storing stitching information associated with the last first processed data after processing the i-th slice; stopping processing the image and executing the requested process according to the interrupting request; continuing to process the (i+1)-th slice of the N slices to generate a plurality of second processed data after the requested process is finished; and storing the second processed data after the last first processed data in the memory unit according to the stitching information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Chia-Ho Pan, Po-Jung Lin, Da-Ming Chang, Yen-Ping Teng, Shuei-Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 8538750
    Abstract: This invention realizes a speech communication system and method, and a robot apparatus capable of significantly improving entertainment property. A speech communication system with a function to make conversation with a conversation partner is provided with a speech recognition means for recognizing speech of the conversation partner, a conversation control means for controlling conversation with the conversation partner based on the recognition result of the speech recognition means, an image recognition means for recognizing the face of the conversation partner, and a tracking control means for tracing the existence of the conversation partner based on one or both of the recognition result of the image recognition means and the recognition result of the speech recognition means. The conversation control means controls conversation so as to continue depending on tracking of the tracking control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumi Aoyama, Hideki Shimomura
  • Patent number: 8483849
    Abstract: A method for digital data transmission from a sensor to a control unit is described, the sensor values of the sensor being divided for data transmission at different resolutions. The sensor values form a first range of values including successive sensor values. The first range of values for data transmission is divided as a function of a variable relevant for the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf-Juergen Recknagel, Matthias Wellhoefer
  • Patent number: 8447418
    Abstract: A control system has regular ECUs and a recovery ECU. Each regular ECU controls driving of current consumers, respectively, drivable by driving methods and connected through output channels. The recovery ECU has output drivers, respectively, producing driving currents based on the driving methods and channel changing blocks corresponding to the respective driving methods. When receiving information indicating failure of an output channel of one regular ECU, the recovery ECU specifies the driving method of the failed channel, controls the driver of the specified driving method to produce a driving current, and controls the changing block of the specified driving method to select one output channel, through which the current consumer connected with the failed ECU through the failed channel is also connected with the changing unit. The recovery ECU performs substitute driving instead of the failed ECU to supply the current to the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Katou
  • Patent number: 8433426
    Abstract: A controller is configured for and a corresponding method of adaptive monitoring and control of a lighting system are suited for adaptively establishing lighting parameters on a fixture by fixture basis. The controller includes a communication interface configured to communicate with a multiplicity of light fixtures, a memory for storing software routines and information associated with each of the light fixtures; and a processor coupled to the memory and the communication interface and configured to execute the software routines and selectively communicate with at least one of the multiplicity of light fixtures to adaptively establish lighting parameters for the at least one of the multiplicity of light fixtures. A method of facilitating the monitoring and control of the light fixture includes controlling a lamp circuit to provide one of a multiplicity of light levels; assessing performance parameters of the light fixture; and communicating with a central server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: LED Roadway Lighting Ltd
    Inventors: Donald A. Cleland, Laurence E. Kubek, Carol A. Wong, Colleen D. McCarthy, Gordon A. Duval
  • Patent number: 8401695
    Abstract: A method and a device are provided for automatically supplying packages, that have been sorted by type, to a column stacker, preferably in a sorting system. The device has at least one supply path (2) on which the packages, which have been sorted by type, are automatically supplied to the column stacker (3) individually and chaotically distributed in partial stacks. The invention proposes that at least two packages (T1, T1) or partial stacks of packages (T2, T2 or T3, T3 or T4, T4 or T5, T5)—as long as said partial stacks are not already randomly present on the supply path (2)—of the same height disposed one directly behind the other be combined with the aid of a package register 1 before being supplied to the column stacker (3) simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Knapp AG
    Inventor: Karl Freudelsperger
  • Patent number: 8370538
    Abstract: A communication system has a peripheral apparatus and a data processing apparatus configured to make a request for processing to the peripheral apparatus. The peripheral apparatus includes a changing unit configured to change state identification information representing a state of the peripheral apparatus by changing a value if the peripheral apparatus is continuously in a predetermined state and not changing the value if the peripheral apparatus is not continuously in the predetermined state. The data processing apparatus receives status information based on the state identification information changed by the changing unit from the peripheral apparatus, and a displaying unit displays the information about the state of the peripheral apparatus for a predetermined display time. The changing unit sets a changing cycle of the state identification information to be shorter than the predetermined display time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8285517
    Abstract: A medical robotic system comprises a number of components that may be monitored to determine their preventive maintenance needs by recording usage-related information for the monitored components into associated non-volatile memories. When usage of the component exceeds a specified usage threshold, the system displays a warning message on its display screen to have preventive maintenance performed for the component. If the usage continues without such maintenance and exceeds a higher usage threshold, the system displays an error message on its display screen and the system transitions into an error state during which medical procedures are not allowed to be performed. The usage-related information may also be communicated to a remote computer which gathers and processes usage-related information from a number of medical robotic systems to estimate resource requirements for timely performing preventive maintenance on the medical robotic systems, and anticipated service revenues from such maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Debra Sillman, Gregory K. Toth, Thomas Nixon, Robert P Sundstrom
  • Patent number: 8098038
    Abstract: A servomotor control system that includes a numerical control unit and servo control unit enables the use of learning control based on an angle synchronization method in high-speed oscillating motion performed by, for example, a jig grinder. The numerical control unit calculates a reference angle ?(=?t), and also calculates a cyclic oscillation command F(t) according to the reference angle ? and a machining condition (angular velocity ?). The servo control unit calculates a difference between the value in the oscillation command F(t) and the position of the servomotor (positional difference ?) at intervals of a predetermined cycle, and performs learning control according to the reference angle ?, oscillation command F(t), and positional difference ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: FANUC Ltd
    Inventors: Tadashi Okita, Yukio Toyozawa, Naoto Sonoda
  • Patent number: 8019476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device, control method, recording medium, and program, and building, wherein intelligent and active integration of electronic apparatuses and dwelling-places can be realized. A receiving unit 21 receives broadcasting signals, and supplies the signals to a receiving information determining unit 22. The receiving information determining unit 22 acquires a voice signal from the broadcasting signals supplied from the receiving unit 21, and a voice recognizing unit 23 subjects the voice signal to speech recognition. A determining unit 24 detects danger information such as information relating to a person such as a burglar, or information relating to a district where the person has appeared, or the like from the voice signal subjected to speech recognition by the voice recognizing unit 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsujiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 7973794
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for rendering animated graphics on a browser client based upon a stream of runtime data from a manufacturing/process control system. The graphics animation is based upon an animated graphic display object specification and runtime data from a portal server affecting an appearance trait of the animated graphic display object. The client browser receives an animated graphics description from the portal server specifying an animation behavior for an identified graphical display object. The client creates a data exchange connection between an animated display object, corresponding to the animated graphics description, and a source of runtime data from the portal server affecting display of the animated display object. Thereafter, the client applies runtime data received from the source of runtime data to the animated display object to render an animated graphic display object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Forney, Rashesh Mody, Chau Bich, David Neff, Todd Miller, Kimson Q. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7953501
    Abstract: A process control loop monitor includes a housing configured to mount in the field of an industrial process. A loop interface circuit couples to a process control loop and receives data from the process control loop. A memory stores data received by the loop interface circuit from the process control loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Zielinski, Thomas M. Bell
  • Patent number: 7869887
    Abstract: A goal or desired output can be stated in terms of a high-level overview in a natural language or other format. The high-level overview can be automatically partitioned into steps to be performed in order to achieve the stated goal, such as by interpreting terms within the overview, analyzing definitions, historical data or other information. Each step can be dynamically assigned to various resources distributed throughout an environment. Such resources can include agents or other machinery that are selected based on a multitude of criteria including location, availability, performance level as well as other factors. If needed, the resources can be dynamically balanced in order to achieve the desired output while mitigating wasted resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Crisler Terrill Moor, John J. Baier, Kevin Chao, Lance Christopher Rodenfels, Richard Lee Ryan, Robert J. McGreevy
  • Patent number: 7835823
    Abstract: A medical robotic system comprises a number of components that may be monitored to determine their preventive maintenance needs by recording usage-related information for the monitored components into associated non-volatile memories. When usage of the component exceeds a specified usage threshold, the system displays a warning message on its display screen to have preventive maintenance performed for the component. If the usage continues without such maintenance and exceeds a higher usage threshold, the system displays an error message on its display screen and the system transitions into an error state during which medical procedures are not allowed to be performed. The usage-related information may also be communicated to a remote computer which gathers and processes usage-related information from a number of medical robotic systems to estimate resource requirements for timely performing preventive maintenance on the medical robotic systems, and anticipated service revenues from such maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Debra Sillman, Gregory K. Toth, Robert P. Sunstrom, Thomas Nixon
  • Patent number: 7822492
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating an automated process defined by an execution model. The automated process includes a plurality of sub-processes. The method includes detecting an event during a first sub-process of the plurality of sub-processes, and resetting the first sub-process by operating an unload procedure that is written into the execution model. The method also includes operating at least one of a pre-process and a pre-sub-process procedure to facilitate continuing the automated process at a predetermined step of the automated process. The pre-process and the pre-sub-process procedures are written into the execution model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: GE Intelligent Platforms
    Inventors: David De Benedetto, Ryan Berry, Javan Gargus, Gregory Millinger
  • Patent number: 7795491
    Abstract: Surgical sponges and other articles are provided with machine-readable information which provides a serial number or other unique identification of the sponge. In addition, the machine-readable information will provide the type of article and/or a characteristic visual motif associated with the article. That way, by scanning in the machine-readable information from the sponges or other articles prior to a procedure, the computer or other digital processor can determine which articles may be missing after the procedure and alert the surgical team as to the type and/or characteristic visual motif of the missing article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Patient Safety Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Stewart, Nicolas Soichet
  • Patent number: 7729787
    Abstract: In sequence data composed of a plurality of event sets with their execution sequence predefined, each of the event sets includes event data indicative of an event to be executed and trigger data defining timing for executing the event. Once a user manually instructs progression instructing operation while the individual events are being executed in accordance with the timing defined by the corresponding trigger data, the next event is executed immediately even before arrival of the next event execution timing. According to another aspect, the trigger data include trigger data of a first type that defines the event execution timing the event by use of an absolute time and trigger data of a second type that defines the event execution timing by use of a relative time between the events, and the sequence data may mixedly include the trigger data of the first and second types. Any one of the two time information can be used appropriately in accordance with characteristics of the individual events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Okabayashi, Kotaro Terada, Fumiaki Tsukazaki
  • Patent number: 7729785
    Abstract: A method and a controller are provided for controlling the execution of a computer program having multitasking capability on a computing element of a controller for controlling and/or regulating a system. The system may take up various possible system states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Mathias Bieringer
  • Patent number: 7728838
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for rendering animated graphics on a browser client based upon a stream of runtime data from a manufacturing/process control system. The graphics animation is based upon an animated graphic display object specification and runtime data from a portal server affecting an appearance trait of the animated graphic display object. The client browser receives an animated graphics description from the portal server specifying an animation behavior for an identified graphical display object. The client creates a data exchange connection between an animated display object, corresponding to the animated graphics description, and a source of runtime data from the portal server affecting display of the animated display object. Thereafter, the client applies runtime data received from the source of runtime data to the animated display object to render an animated graphic display object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Forney, Rashesh Mody, Chau Bich Trieu, David Neff, Todd Miller, Kimson Q. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7683559
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of recovering energy from the turntable motor (12) in an optical disc drive comprising a power supply and a circuitry (10) that is capable of selectively feeding a current from the power supply into the motor in a first state and from the motor into the power supply in a second state, the method comprising the steps of: decelerating the motor, during decelerating the motor, repeatedly calculating a ratio between a duration of the first state and a duration of the second state in dependence on an angular velocity of the motor, such that a current integrated over the whole decelerating process is fed from the motor into the power supply, and after calculating the ratio, selecting the duration of the first state and the duration of the second state in accordance with the calculated ratio. The present invention further relates to an optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Albertus Johanna Looijmans, Cornelius Antonius Hezemans, Joop Van Bijnen
  • Patent number: 7680550
    Abstract: A system is provided to facilitate state processing in an industrial control environment. The system includes a unit module to process components in an industrial control facility. A status component associated with the unit module provides present state information for the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: N. Andrew Weatherhead, Mark K. Carmount
  • Patent number: 7636613
    Abstract: A device for controlling an actuator includes a controller mounted within a housing having an outer surface. The controller is adapted for controlling outputs connected to the actuator for controlling an operation of the actuator. A data input interface receives data from the actuator and/or from other equipment being acted on by the actuator. A memory stores expected parameters of the actuator. An operator interface provided on the housing's outer surface accepts operator commands and/or settings for input to the controller. A display and/or indicator on the housing's outer surface displays an output of the controller. The controller compares the data, and/or derived parameters of the data, with the expected parameters, to monitor a health and status of one or both of the actuator and the other equipment. The controller indicates the health and the status to the operator utilizing the display and/or indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic M. Borah, Richard J. Gavarian, Anthony Leib, Jr., James Venable
  • Patent number: 7574658
    Abstract: A state display apparatus includes a function data obtaining section to obtain function data concerning a function of possessed by the electronic device through the communication network; a state data obtaining section to obtain state data indicating the state of the electronic device through the communication network; and a display controller to display, on the basis of the state data obtained by the state data obtaining section, information concerning the state of the electronic device on the monitor, using the function data. With this apparatus, even when an electronic device with a novel function is newly connected to the network, the system manger need not undergo a complex capturing of the function data of the electronic device, so that the apparatus provides improved convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Kazumi Kisanuki
  • Patent number: 7562536
    Abstract: An HVAC system and method for configuring a controller to control a compressor including a detection system provided to determine a type of compressor. The detection system includes a processor; and a load sensing circuit connected between the processor and a controller. The controller has a plurality of output connections connectable to a compressor. The load sensing circuit senses whether a load is present on each output connection of the plurality of output connections and provides a load signal to the processor indicating whether a load is present on each output connection. The load signals are processed with the processor to determine the type of compressor is present. The controller is configured to control the compressor in response to the determined type of compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Jeffrey Lee Tucker
  • Patent number: 7516023
    Abstract: A modular system and method is provided for enabling remote configuring and ordering of flowmeters in a client-server environment. The system includes a meter selection module configured to enable a user to select from a plurality of flowmeter types. A process data module receives process data from a client and a fluid selection module coupled to the process module is configured to receive a process fluid selection and to calculate properties thereof. A sizing module generates parameters of at least one sized flowmeter, sized in accordance with the received process data. A material selection module provides a list of materials from which the sized flowmeter may be fabricated, and a fluid rating module rates compatibility of the various materials with the process fluid selection. A results module is configured to generate data corresponding to expected performance of the sized flowmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Ferreira, Wade M. Mattar
  • Patent number: 7496915
    Abstract: A method utilizes a multithreaded processor having at least one hardware thread among a plurality of hardware threads that is capable of being selectively activated and deactivated responsive to a control circuit. The control circuit additionally provides the capability of controlling how an inactive thread can be activated after the thread has been deactivated, e.g., by enabling or disabling reactivation in response to an interrupt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William Joseph Armstrong, Bruce G. Mealey, Naresh Nayar, Balaram Sinharoy
  • Patent number: 7445551
    Abstract: A hand-held display system for playing video games includes a housing grippable by a user's hands, a liquid crystal display viewable by the user gripping the housing, input devices operable by the user when the user grips the housing and a connector for, in use, operatively connecting to portable storage media storing video game programs for the video games. First processing circuitry processes video game programs having a first program specification and second processing circuitry processes video game programs having a second program specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Okada, Kazuo Yoneyama, Masahiko Ota, Ryuji Umezu, Takanobu Nakashima
  • Patent number: 7436291
    Abstract: A network communication device is provided, comprising a control processor for controlling operation of the device, a reset module which is controllable independently of the control processor for performing a reset operation of the device, and a reset control interface for receiving a reset signal, the reset module being responsive to the reset signal for performing the reset operation. A monitor is provided for monitoring the status of the control processor and an interface is adapted to transmit information relating to the monitored status from the device. A second, inactive device is provided to protect the communication device in the event of a control fault which renders the communication device unreachable. The protection device includes a reset interface for transmitting a reset signal to the reset module to enable the communication device to release activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Terry Sellars, Dale Aiken, Mark Horwood
  • Publication number: 20080114476
    Abstract: An apparatus for allowing display modules to communicate information about themselves to other display modules in the same display panel, comprising a module-based display panel wherein each face of the panel comprises a plurality of display modules, wherein the transmitters, receivers and/or transceivers are configured so that each transmitter or transceiver on a given display module is adjacent to a receiver or transceiver on an adjacent display module, wherein the transmitters or transceivers on a given display module transmit information about that display module to the adjacent receivers or transceivers, wherein the receivers or transceivers on a given display module receive information about the adjacent display module from the adjacent transmitters or transceivers, and wherein the information is used by the display modules and/or a main controller to determine the location of the display module within a display panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Jason E. Kay, Bryan L. Robertus, Brett D. Swimley, Jason A. Daughenbaugh, Jon D. Koon, Anthony J. Lukes
  • Patent number: 7236099
    Abstract: A household appliance, includes an appliance cabinet, an appliance user interface having multiple settings. Each setting has multiple selection options. There is a bi-color LED associated with each of the selection options. The bi-colored LEDs are used to indicate the current settings of the appliance and the availability of appliance selection options. The bi-colored LEDs can also be used to provide feedback during programming of the settings of the household appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Denise L. Schult
  • Patent number: 7210407
    Abstract: Franchising an on-demand wallpaper printing business comprises a number of steps. Franchisees are provided with an on-demand printer. The printer is built into a cabinet in which is located a media path which extends from a media loading area to a printhead and from the printhead to a dispensing slot. The printer has one or more printer input devices which communicate with a processor to capture data regarding one or more customer requirements such as a customer selected pattern, or roll length or width. The franchisee may be provided with patterns in a digital storage medium that can be read by the printer, in lieu of new inventory. This enables the franchisee to print a roll of wallpaper, onto a web of blank media, on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Tobin Allen King, Janette Faye Lee
  • Patent number: 7197408
    Abstract: A modular system and method is provided for enabling remote configuring and ordering of flowmeters in a client-server environment. The system includes a meter selection module configured to enable a user to select from a plurality of flowmeter types. A process data module receives process data from a client and a fluid selection module coupled to the process module is configured to receive a process fluid selection and to calculate properties thereof. A sizing module generates parameters of at least one sized flowmeter, sized in accordance with the received process data. A material selection module provides a list of materials from which the sized flowmeter may be fabricated, and a fluid rating module rates compatibility of the various materials with the process fluid selection. A results module is configured to generate data corresponding to expected performance of the sized flowmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Ferreira, Wade M. Mattar
  • Patent number: 7187987
    Abstract: Operation of movable members such as wing or sash parts of openable windows or facade sections forming part of a natural ventilation system is controlled by communication of operating commands from centralized and/or distributed control means to operator units for movement of said movable members. Concurrent operation of operator units of a sub-group (1, 2, 8–11) of operator units (3) associated with a single movable member is coordinated by interface means (6, 7) interconnected between the sub-group and the centralized and/or distributed control means (4, 16). The interface unit (6, 7) communicates an operating command from said central and/or distributed control means (4, 16) to the operator units (3), receives actual position and/or status information from each operator unit (3) of the sub-group and uses this information for communication of coordinated individual control commands to the operator units (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventor: Kim Arthur Stück Andersen
  • Patent number: 7187988
    Abstract: An automated method and system that uses a Web service to make real-time production status available to customers from a manufacturing environment. Each time Work in Process (WIP) data is updated from manufacturing execution systems to a central database, a database trigger checks the alert conditions. These conditions are automatically compared to the WIP data to see if the user-defined conditions have been met. If so, a function is called which automatically sends an alert to the customer via the internet and either e-mail, pager, or mobile phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsu Ming Ta
  • Patent number: 7096073
    Abstract: A configurable controller, comprising a configurable digital unit having a synchronization control module; a plurality of signal acquisition modules connected with said synchronization control module for receiving reference control data therefrom; and a control logic connected with said plurality of signal acquisition modules; a plurality of identical input cells respectively connected with said plurality of signal acquisition modules, each input cell additionally connected with a respective input pin of said controller; and a synchronizing signal generator connected with said synchronization control module and with said plurality of input cells, for sending synchronization signals to said input cells, wherein each input cell is operable to convert input signal parameters to time-based parameters; and wherein each signal acquisition module is configured to convert said time-based parameters to a required digital form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Creo IL, Ltd.
    Inventor: Vitaly Burkatovsky
  • Patent number: 6975919
    Abstract: In a monitoring system for the process-accompanying monitoring or detection of collision or overstress situations in machine tools (1), comprising a machine control (2) with one or more sensors (4) for detecting measured signals or measured signal curves, a monitoring means (6) in which a comparison of the measured signals or measured signal curves of at least one sensor (4) with stored monitoring thresholds is performed, and a bidirectional interface (8) between the monitoring means (6) and the machine control (2), it is provided that the monitoring means (6), apart from detecting collision or overstress situations in a machine tool (1) and transferring machine stop or machine reaction instructions to the machine control (2), also permanently stores the measured signals or measured signal curves of the sensors (4) as measured by the sensors (4) before, during and after a collision or overstress situation and the data and statuses of the machine control (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Werner Kluft
  • Patent number: 6965806
    Abstract: A process control system uses an asset utilization expert to collect data or information pertaining to the assets of a process plant from various sources or functional areas of the plant including, for example, the process control functional areas, the maintenance functional areas and the business systems functional areas. This data and information is manipulated in a coordinated manner by tools, such as optimization and modeling tools and is redistributed to other areas or tools where it is used to perform overall better or more optimal control, maintenance and business activities. Information or data may be collected by maintenance functions pertaining to the health, variability, performance or utilization of a device, loop, unit, etc. and this information may then be sent to and displayed to a process operator or maintenance person to inform that person of a current or future problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Evren Eryurek, Stuart Harris, Lester (David) Marschall, Scott Nels Hokeness