Flow Control (e.g., Valve Or Pump Control) Patents (Class 700/282)
  • Patent number: 11122669
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Potucek, James Murdock, James Carter, Gregory Fournier, Arthur W. Johnson, III, David Blaine, Jason DeBruin, Bruce Aubrey, Jason Parcell, Craig Horrocks
  • Patent number: 11106191
    Abstract: A method and system utilizing multi-sensor analysis and data point correlation is provided for predictive monitoring and maintenance of a pressurized fluid cutting system. In a disclosed aspect, multiple sensed characteristics of system operation are correlated to determine a particular failure mode. Identification of the failure mode through active sensor data analysis and correlation facilitates predictive maintenance, minimizes system downtime, and optimizes system output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
  • Patent number: 11099547
    Abstract: A communication device for control interaction between operating electronics and an actuator to set a process fluid flow of a process-engineering plant can include a first communication interface configured to receive electrical signals from the operating electronics, a second communication interface configured to provide electrical actuator commands to the actuator, and a permissibility processor having a data memory that stores permissible actuator commands, the permissibility processor being configured to cause the second communication interface to provide one of the permissible actuator commands to the actuator based on an electrical signal of the electrical signals received via the first communication interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSON AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Rainer Oberheim, Joerg Kiesbauer
  • Patent number: 11099098
    Abstract: An improved sensor system is provided that monitors and controls a dendritic fluid system. A dendritic fluid system can include artificial components and/or natural components that carry fluid from a source to a destination through a series of paths. The sensor system can include magnetic field sensors, acoustic sensors, encapsulated sensor systems, pressure regulators, and valve controllers to monitor and control the dendritic fluid system. For example, magnetic field sensors, acoustic sensors, and/or pressure regulators can be used to measure the flow of fluid within a dendritic fluid subsystem and/or to detect potential leaks. The encapsulated sensor systems and/or valve controllers can be used to detect fluid levels in a contained system and control valves to adjust the fluid levels in the contained system to a desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Richard Andrew DeVerse
  • Patent number: 11092614
    Abstract: A method for measuring airflow for a plurality of computing devices may include characterizing the fan performance of a selected computing device of the plurality of computing devices to provide characterized RPM information. Each of the computing devices may include a cooling fan configured to exhaust heat into a hot aisle. Each cooling fan may include a rotor and a tachometer. The method may also include connecting the computing devices via a network, distributing computing workloads to the plurality of computing devices, and/or performing work on the computing workloads on the plurality of computing devices. Additionally, the method may include reading RPM information from the selected computing device's fan's tachometer and/or comparing the read RPM information with the characterized RPM information to determine a backpressure value for the selected computing device. The power to the selected computing device's fan may be reduced prior to reading the RPM information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Core Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Kom, Thomas Fuller
  • Patent number: 11088651
    Abstract: Compressors in a refrigerant loop are driven by variable frequency drives. The variable frequency drives are configured to demand current from an alternating current power source at different phases relative to one another such that at least one current harmonic frequency at the alternating current power source is cancelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventors: Lin Sun, HuaiYu Lin
  • Patent number: 11080127
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying anomalies in data may operate in conjunction with a processing system and an output. The system may receive actual data and generate nominal data according to the actual data. The system may compare the actual data to the nominal data and identify an outlier in the actual data compared to the nominal data. The output may provide information relating to the identified outlier. In various embodiments, the system may include a neural network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Arizona Public Service Company
    Inventors: Jerrold Vincent, Bradley Fox
  • Patent number: 11060778
    Abstract: A universal controller for integration of cryogenic equipment, requiring different control mechanisms, onto a single operating platform. The universal controller may include a power supply element that is configured to simultaneously drive a plurality PV of cryogenic devices that have different power supply requirements and a protocol translator element that is configured to enable communication between a plurality' of cryogenic devices that use different, incompatible communication protocols, wherein the protocol translator element translates communications sent by a first type of cryogenic device from a first cryogenic device communication protocol into a second cryogenic device communication protocol and translates communications sent by a second type of cryogenic device from a second cryogenic device communication protocol into the first cryogenic device communication protocol, enabling the first type of cryogenic device and the second type of cryogenic device to communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: SUMITOMO (SHI) CRYOGENIC OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Frank P. Jankowsky, III, Craig Hollabaugh, Gary S. Ash
  • Patent number: 11060753
    Abstract: A draft perceived by a user under an indoor unit is reduced. A controller makes each of a plurality of indoor units perform a partial supply operation. In the partial supply operation, the controller controls an airflow blocking mechanism such that, regarding the indoor units adjacent to each other with a predetermined distance ? interposed therebetween, no air current is blown from one of the outlet openings which face each other with the predetermined distance ? interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kojima, Ryouta Suhara
  • Patent number: 11052504
    Abstract: A temperature regulation system and a temperature regulation method are applicable to a machine tool. The temperature regulation system includes a cooling fluid storage tank, a heating fluid storage tank, an internal circulation subsystem, an external circulation subsystem and a computing unit. The internal circulation subsystem includes a first valve. The external circulation subsystem includes a plurality of flow channels and a second valve and a third valve disposed on the plurality of the flow channels. The computing unit controls the first valve, the second valve and the third valve to switch flow directions of the plurality of the flow channels among the cooling fluid storage tank, the heating fluid storage tank and machine tool. Therefore, a thermal balance of the machine tool can be effectively maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Shi-Jie Luo, Hsi-Hung Hsiao, Kun-Ying Li, Shih-Jie Wei, Yan-Sin Liao, Szu-Chia Lin, Yu-Hsuan Wu
  • Patent number: 11045385
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Potucek, James Murdock, James Carter, Gregory Fournier, Arthur W. Johnson, III, David Blaine, Jason DeBruin, Bruce Aubrey, Jason Parcell, Craig Horrocks
  • Patent number: 11047118
    Abstract: The present inventive concept relates to a water recirculating device (100) comprising: a heating arrangement (120); and a flow path divider (122) placed in a water recirculating path (116) upstream from the heating arrangement (120), wherein the flow path divider (122) is arranged to divide the water recirculating path (116) into a heating path (124) and a non-heating path (126); and wherein a first mixing valve (106) is configured to mix water from the heating path (124) having a first temperature and water from the non-heating path (126) having a second temperature in order to form first temperature regulated water, and wherein a second mixing valve (112) is configured to mix water from the heating path (124) having the first temperature with water from the non-heating path (126) having the second temperature in order to form second temperature regulated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: ORBITAL SYSTEMS AB
    Inventor: Michael Ridell
  • Patent number: 11007319
    Abstract: A method to dispense medication using one or more fillable medical dispensers by providing the medical dispenser with a first predetermined medication dosage sufficient for a first predetermined dispensing period, wherein the first dispensing period ends on a first repetitive day of the week for ease of remembrance by a user; providing the medical dispenser with a second predetermined medication dosage sufficient for a second predetermined dispensing period, wherein the dispensing period ends on a second repetitive day of the week for ease of remembrance; and installing the medical dispenser at least twice a week at a repetitive weekly replacement schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: EOFLOW INC.
    Inventors: Luis Malave, Jesse Jaejin Kim
  • Patent number: 11002629
    Abstract: An analysis system includes a fluidic system includes a number of components that are interconnected to form a fluidic system having a plurality of flow paths. An example method of pressure testing the fluidic system includes (a) selecting a flow path from the plurality of flow paths through a flow cell in accordance with a prescribed test protocol; (b) actuating a pump to pressurize a fluid in the selected flow path; (c) generating pressure data representative of the pressure in the selected flow path; and (d) processing the pressure data to determine whether the selected flow path maintains pressure in a desired manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: ILLUMINA, INC.
    Inventors: Bradley Kent Drews, Kevin James Cappa
  • Patent number: 10995967
    Abstract: A control apparatus controls at least one of a wind direction and a wind volume of a plurality of air conditioners provided with air outlets. The control apparatus includes: a storage unit that stores arrangement information indicating an arrangement of each air conditioner and function information indicating a function of each air conditioner; a display unit that displays a layout screen including the arrangement information; and an input unit that receives an operation specifying a reach position of wind blown out from two or more of the air outlets in association with the layout screen. The control apparatus also includes a controller that controls at least one of the wind direction and the wind volume of two or more of the air outlets based on the information indicating the reach position received by the input unit, the arrangement information, and the function information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Kazutaka Ogura
  • Patent number: 10988992
    Abstract: A sheave wheel includes a housing; a wheel attached to the housing and configured to rotate relative to the housing; a depth and tension measurement system attached to the housing and configured to measure a parameter associated with the wheel; and a local control system attached to the housing and configured to exchange information associated with the measured parameter in a wireless manner with a ground control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Phillip Phelps, Rick Wallace
  • Patent number: 10982516
    Abstract: Provided are techniques for operating a hydrocarbon well having inflow control valves (ICVs) and an electrical submersible pump (ESP) disposed in a wellbore of the well. Baseline production data is acquired for a relatively small subset of the possible operating configurations of ICVs in the well, the baseline data is assessed to model fluid pressure gradients in the wellbore, and the modeled fluid pressure gradients are used to estimate an ESP intake pressure for one or more configurations of the ICVs, and the ICVs are controlled to operate in accordance with an ICV configuration associated with an estimated ESP intake pressure that is within an operating intake pressure range for the ESP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: James Ohioma Arukhe, Obiomalotaoso Leonard Isichei, Faisal Khelaiwi
  • Patent number: 10977750
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of Internet of Things (IoT), and provides a gas pricing method based on a compound IoT and an IoT system. The method is applied to the system. The system includes a user platform, a service platform, a plurality of management sub-platforms, a sensor network platform and a plurality of object sub-platforms; and each of the object sub-platforms includes a gas meter. According to the gas pricing method based on the compound IoT and the IoT system, a user can sense the benefit of gas saving directly from a fee, thereby helping push a gas-saving social morality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Chengdu Qinchuan loT Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zehua Shao
  • Patent number: 10966379
    Abstract: The present system identifies leaks in irrigation systems by monitoring the overall flow at an irrigation system valve. The system may monitor typical flow rates and may send a signal to shut off an irrigation system valve if an unexpected or excessive flow rate is detected. The present technology can be used in traditional sprinklers, drip irrigation systems, and other irrigation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Richard Alan Darnold
  • Patent number: 10966291
    Abstract: A power conversion apparatus and a power conversion method are provided. The power conversion apparatus includes a rectifier configured to convert AC power to DC power, a smoothing filter configured to control the DC power received from the rectifier to be constant, an inverter configured to convert the DC power received from the smoothing filter into high-frequency power by turning the DC power on and off using a switching device, and a control unit configured to control the rectifier and the inverter. A rating of output power from the inverter is determined in accordance with a frequency of the high-frequency power output from the inverter, a current-applying time, and an operation rate obtained by dividing the current-applying time by a sum of the current-applying time and a non-current-applying time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: NETUREN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiko Kanai, Tetsuya Ono, Junya Ito
  • Patent number: 10956350
    Abstract: The application discloses an electronic device with a USB Type-C connector, which is able to be coupled to another electronic device. The electronic device includes a control unit, a switch unit and a charge conversion unit. The control unit outputs a first control signal according to a result of power supply handshaking between the electronic device and the other electronic device. The state of the first control signal determines whether the other electronic device supplies power to the electronic device. The switch unit is coupled to the control unit, and receives a supply voltage output by the other electronic device, and the switch unit determines whether to output the supply voltage according to the state of the first control signal. The charge conversion unit is coupled to the switch unit. The charge conversion unit converts the supply voltage into a target voltage to supply power to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Pegatron Corporation
    Inventor: Chi-Yu Wu
  • Patent number: 10955804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking a compatibility of a functional module for an installation for process automation. An input specification is provided for an input interface of the functional module, the input specification indicating for an input signal all input values that the functional module respectively accepts as valid. An output specification is provided, the output specification indicating for an output signal of the functional module all output values that the functional module provides as intended when the input specification is fulfilled. Operation of the functional module on the installation is preceded by an analysis device checking whether the functional module produces, for each input signal produced on the input interface in accordance with the input specification, the output signal on an output interface in accordance with the output specification. When an output value of the output signal violates the output specification, a module error is signaled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellchaft
    Inventor: Martin Richard Neuhäusser
  • Patent number: 10941954
    Abstract: Occurrence of a phenomenon in which an air current that has just been blown from any indoor unit is drawn into an adjacent indoor unit is reduced. A controller makes each of a plurality of indoor units perform a partial supply operation. In the partial supply operation, the controller controls an airflow direction adjusting flap such that, regarding the indoor units adjacent to each other with a predetermined distance ? interposed therebetween, air currents are blown from both outlet openings which face each other with the predetermined distance ? interposed therebetween, and that the air currents collide with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kojima, Akira Komatsu, Ryouta Suhara
  • Patent number: 10915119
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dynamically controlling a fluidic network with a supervising module, the method including: an operation-forecasting step that generates a forecast datum relating to operation of the fluidic network; a step of selecting a control strategy for the fluidic network on the basis of a metrological datum and/or a meteorological datum and/or the forecast datum; a step of generating setpoints intended for an actuator of a unit for regulating the fluidic network, on the basis of the selected control strategy, the metrological datum or the meteorological datum or the forecast datum; and transmitting the regulation setpoint to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: SUEZ GROUPE
    Inventors: Jérôme Schoorens, Jean-Jacques Perarnaud
  • Patent number: 10914427
    Abstract: A method of automated pipeline chemical batch treatment includes receiving treatment information at a control system of a pipeline. If the treatment information includes an instruction to activate a pump system, the method includes transmitting an activation signal from the control system to the pump system in accordance with the treatment information. The activation signal causes the pump system to pump one or more chemicals from a chemical feed system into the pipeline. If the treatment information includes an instruction to deactivate the pump system, the method includes transmitting a deactivation signal from the control system to the pump system in accordance with the treatment information, wherein the deactivation signal causes the pump system to stop pumping one or more chemicals from the chemical feed system into the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: OIL AND GAS SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Long, III
  • Patent number: 10890929
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a remote monitoring system for a fluid applicator system is disclosed. The fluid applicator system is disposed to heat and pump spray fluid, and to transmit reports including sensed temperatures, pressures, and other operational parameters of the fluid applicator system via a wireless network. The remote monitoring system comprises a data storage server, and an end user interface. The data storage server is configured to receive and archive the reports. The end user interface is configured to provide a graphical user interface based on the reports. The graphical user interface illustrates a status of the fluid handling system, sensed and commanded temperatures of the fluid handling system, sensed and commanded pressures of the fluid handling system, and usage statistics of the fluid handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Lange, Nicholas A. Pagano
  • Patent number: 10883866
    Abstract: The pressure-type flow rate control device includes: a restriction part interposed in a flow channel; an upstream-side pressure sensor detecting a fluid pressure on the upstream side of the restriction part; a downstream-side pressure sensor detecting a fluid pressure on the downstream side of the restriction part; a flow control valve provided in the flow channel on the upstream side of the upstream-side pressure sensor; and computation control circuit controlling the flow control valve based on detected values of the upstream-side pressure sensor and the downstream-side pressure sensor, thereby controlling the flow. Under conditions where no fluid flow occurs in the flow channel, the computation control circuit computes the difference between the detected value of the upstream-side pressure sensor and the detected value of the downstream-side pressure sensor, and outputs a signal for pressure sensor malfunction determination based on the computed difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Sugita, Kouji Nishino, Kaoru Hirata, Masahiko Takimoto, Nobukazu Ikeda
  • Patent number: 10877465
    Abstract: Securing communications from a process plant to a remote system includes a data diode disposed there between that allows data to egress from the plant but prevents ingress of data into the plant and its associated systems. Process plant data from the secure communications is then analyzed to detect conditions occurring at process plant entities in the process plant using various machine learning techniques. When the process plant entity is a valve, the mode of operation for the valve is determined and a different analysis is applied for each mode in which a valve operates. Additionally, the process plant data for each valve is compared to other valves in the same process plant, enterprise, industry, etc. Accordingly, the health of each of the valves is ranked relative to each other and the process plant data for each valve is displayed in a side-by-side comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: FISHER-ROSEMOUNT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark J. Nixon, Joshua B. Kidd, Michael J. Boudreaux, Shawn W. Anderson, Eric Rotvold
  • Patent number: 10861113
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of the Internet of things (IoT) and allows to remotely control the energy resource consumption parameters (electricity, cold and hot water, heat energy and gas) in the communal field. The controlled parameters include the amount of energy resources received from each source of resources, their quality (water, coolant or gas temperature, pressure in the water or gas pipeline, availability of power from the grid, peak voltage, RMS voltage, frequency deviation, distortion of the current waveform), as well as environmental parameters (temperature and composition of ambient air, air humidity, the smoke presence, opening and closing of doors and windows, the presence of moving objects, illumination, water leakage, gas leakage).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventors: Sergey Surnov, Igor Bychkovskiy, Grigory Surnov, Sergey Krasnov
  • Patent number: 10843018
    Abstract: In an example, an electronic device may monitor a rate of change of water pressure associated with a charged fire sprinkler system. The electronic device may determine whether the rate of change of water pressure is greater than a threshold. The electronic device may, in response to determining that the rate of change is not greater than the threshold, initiate a system recharge in which a fire pump of the fire sprinkler system is activated to attempt to recharge the water pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Gary Ike
  • Patent number: 10845770
    Abstract: The inventions comprises a computer implemented method for generating control signals adapted to be sent to actuators, such as gates and pumps, in a water drainage network DN in an area, said method comprising —receiving DN data comprising one or more of DN topology of the area, rain intensity measures, water level measures, from the sensors or from an external source, —generating or receiving objective functions to optimize, —receiving a selection of a multi-objective optimization method, this multi-objective optimization preferably comprising lexicographic method or weighted sum method, —generating an optimization problem, —solving the optimization problem thereby generating the strategies to be sent to actuators in the water drainage network DN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: SUEZ GROUPE
    Inventors: Gabriela Cembrano, Bernat Joseph Duran, Joseba Quevedo, Vicenc Puig, Maria Salamero, Joaquim Marti, Jaume Figueras Jove
  • Patent number: 10846800
    Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically mitigating risks of insurance-related events to a property are provided. According to certain aspects, a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may analyze data received from a plurality of smart devices disposed on, within, or proximate to a property, as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an actual or potential risk of property damage exists, the smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may automatically issue commands to one or more smart devices to take actions that mitigate the risk. The smart home controller may also transmit information about the actual or potential risks and any mitigative actions to an insurance provider. The insurance provider remote processor may interpret the transmitted data to perform insurance activities, such as providing a discount and/or adjusting an insurance premium or policy associated with the property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronny S. Bryant, Shawn M. Call, Daryoush Hakimi-Boushehri, John H. Weekes, Jennifer Criswell, Todd Binion, Jackie O. Jordan, II, Elisabeth McDermeit, John Donovan
  • Patent number: 10822171
    Abstract: A quality control system includes a control device, an output device, and an input device placed at at least an end point of a distribution channel of articles; the input device includes an input unit for receiving data on a changed environment portion and a communication unit that transmits the data, information about an input location, and an input time to the control device. The control device includes a storage unit for storing the mode of packing of the articles in the distribution channel, a reception unit for receiving the information from the input device, an arithmetic operation unit that calculates the number of articles deviating from the storage environment and estimates the stage of the distribution channel deviating from the storage environment, and a transmission unit for transmitting calculation result to the output device that is provided with a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Kohhei Aida, Masahiro Kawasaki, Shunsuke Mori, Hiroshi Sasaki, Yuya Tokuda
  • Patent number: 10818945
    Abstract: A voltage control system includes a converter device, and a controller configured to set a duty ratio according to a current target value so as to cause the converter device to repeatedly perform a boost operation according to the duty ratio. The controller is configured to set the duty ratio by use of a basic term including a feedforward term, and an additional term, the feedforward term being derived by use of a measured value of a magnitude of an input of a reactor provided in the converter device and a measured value of a magnitude of an output of the reactor or by use of respective target values of the magnitude of the input and the magnitude of the output in the reactor, the additional term being derived by use of the variation of the current target value during one cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Tano, Kenji Umayahara, Takahiro Umehara, Tomoya Ogawa
  • Patent number: 10764093
    Abstract: Described are methods and circuits for margin testing digital receivers. These methods and circuits prevent margins from collapsing in response to erroneously received data, and can thus be used in receivers that employ historical data to reduce intersymbol interference (ISI). Some embodiments allows feedback timing to be adjusted independent of the sample timing to measure the effects of some forms of phase misalignment and jitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Leibowitz, Bruno W. Garlepp
  • Patent number: 10739755
    Abstract: In one implementation, a method can include receiving historical data characterizing a detected operational characteristic of a first industrial machine of a plurality of industrial machines in a cluster. The method can also include determining an operational envelop associated with the first industrial machine from the historical data. The operational envelop can be indicative of a range of values of an operating parameter of the first industrial machine. The method can further include determining an operating parameter recommendation, the determining can include using the operational envelop and a user input as operational constraints associated with one or more of the plurality of industrial machines. The method can also include rendering, in a graphical user interface display space, a visual representation of the operating parameter recommendation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dehao Zhu, Stanley Thomas Denney
  • Patent number: 10732631
    Abstract: A method for alleviating and protecting loads of a lifting surface of an aircraft based on control of structural distortions of the lifting surface. The lifting surface includes a control surface, a maneuvering system for displacing the control surface and sensors which measure a dimensional characteristic linked to the distortion of the lifting surface. The method acquires characteristic data linked to the distortion of the lifting surface, determines a set of values of the shape, analyzes the value of the strain attribute and compares the set of values characterizing the shape to the values of the tolerance interval associated with the lifting surface. If the set of values characterizing the shape is outside of the interval, the process triggers an activation of the maneuvering system to displace the control surface from an initial position in order to alleviate the loads on the lifting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Bernard Barriety, Robin Vernay, Fabio Vetrano, Davide Cantiani
  • Patent number: 10728086
    Abstract: A server rack may include a chassis controller for the server rack and a set of baseboard management controllers (BMCs) corresponding to servers stored in the server rack. Each BMC is communicatively connected to the chassis controller internal to the server rack. Each BMC is also communicatively connected to a network switch located external to the server rack to communicate with the set of BMCs using the network switch. When a first BMC loses communication with the chassis controller internal to the server rack, the first BMC communicates with the chassis controller via a second BMC and the network switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Balaji Bapu Gururaja Rao, Elie A. Jreij, Pushkala Iyer, Cyril Jose
  • Patent number: 10712790
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include a circuit board, a device communicatively coupled to the circuit board via an electrical interface, a temperature sensor for sensing a measured temperature associated with the device, an air mover, a heating element thermally coupled to the electrical interface, and a thermal control system. The thermal control system may be configured to receive a temperature signal from the temperature sensor indicative of the measured temperature, responsive to the measured temperature being above a maximum threshold temperature, control the air mover to generate airflow sufficient to at least reduce the measured temperature to below the maximum threshold temperature, and responsive to the measured temperature being below a minimum threshold temperature, control the heating element to cause the measured temperature to be maintained above the minimum threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Hasnain Shabbir, Donald L. Petersen
  • Patent number: 10705544
    Abstract: In order to restrain generation of a peak in the measured flow rate, a fluid control unit measures a flow rate of a fluid in a channel and outputs a signal indicating a valve operation amount of a fluid control valve obtained based on a deviation between a preset flow rate and a measured flow rate and a control coefficient, and the control coefficient for a stable state and the control coefficient for a transitional state are so set to moderate fluctuation of the valve operation amount to the deviation more in the transitional state than in the stable state. At or shortly after a timing when the stable state is switched to the transitional state, a signal is output that indicates an operation amount for a switching time calculated based on each of the operation amounts output at a plurality of timings in the stable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Matsuura, Masao Yamaguchi, Kentaro Nagai
  • Patent number: 10663984
    Abstract: An electronic flowmeter includes a body defining an interior, an inlet port in communication with the interior, an outlet port in communication with the interior, and a valve selectively adjustable between open and closed positions for communication between the outlet port and the interior. A flow sensor is associated with the valve and sensing a flowrate therethrough, and a digital indicator displays the flowrate sensed by the flow sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Medtec Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Kilcran
  • Patent number: 10628371
    Abstract: A USB detecting method for use with a controlling and processing unit, a USB input/output port, at least one switch and at least one USB peripheral device is provided. The at least one switch is arranged between the controlling and processing unit and the USB input/output port and/or arranged between the USB input/output port and the at least one USB peripheral device that is electrically connected with the USB input/output port. Firstly, a USB detection signal of the at least one USB peripheral device is provided to the controlling and processing unit. According to a result of receiving the USB detection signal, the controlling and processing unit determines whether the switch is reset. For resetting the at least one switch, the controlling and processing unit simulates the action of plugging and pulling out the USB peripheral device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: FLYTECH TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yun-Ping Liu, Hsiao-Hui Lee, Shuei-Jin Tsai
  • Patent number: 10626653
    Abstract: In a method for the commissioning of a door or window closer which comprises an energy accumulator, a damping device with an electric motor being operable as a generator and a transmission element, the leaf is opened and/or closed at least once in a teach-in process, the angular position of the motor shaft is detected during opening and/or closing, a functional relationship is determined between the angular position of the motor shaft and an angular position of the rotatable leaf at least over an area of the opening width of the leaf and the functional connection is automatically taken as a basis for a subsequent actuation of the electric motor for the damping of the closing movement of the leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Geze GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Hucker
  • Patent number: 10620595
    Abstract: A consumable-goods reordering system in which a system controller has access to the signals transmitted by each smart appliance relevant to the environment being monitored, such as a home. Each appliance monitors a particular physical condition that is related to the appliance's usage of a consumable good, senses changes in the condition being monitored, and reports states of the condition. Meanwhile, the system controller memorizes and maintains the states of various processing events, such as when an appliance reported a particular state of the monitored condition. By considering the information reported by the multiple smart appliances, as well as by accounting for the states corresponding to the various events, the system controller is able to continually update a representation of the state of the monitored environment. Having such context awareness enables the system controller to generate intelligently various reorder messages for transmission to the various suppliers of the consumables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Silvair Sp. z o.o.
    Inventors: Szymon Slupik, Adam Gembala
  • Patent number: 10610951
    Abstract: Device (1) for the provision of electric power, wherein the device (1) comprises: at least one integrated temperature sensor (3-1, 3-2) which detects an operating temperature progression of at least one component (2-1, 2-2) of the device (1) and a monitoring unit (5) which, on the basis of the at least one detected operating temperature progression and the adjusted power, monitors the operating state of a device cooling arrangement of the device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Fronius International GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Lanz, Alexander Eder, Andreas Lugmayr
  • Patent number: 10603248
    Abstract: A flow control apparatus adapted for a feeding set includes a housing capable of receiving at least a portion of the feeding set and a pumping device for acting on the feeding set to produce fluid flow in the feeding set for delivery of fluid. The apparatus has a sensor arranged with respect to the pumping device to produce a signal indicative of a rotational position of a rotor, and a control circuit in communication with the sensor for receiving the sensor signal from the sensor indicative of the rotational position of the rotor and in communication with the pumping device to control operation thereof. The control circuit controls operation of a motor at a first output to rotate the rotor to produce fluid flow in the feeding set and at a second output effectively less than the first output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: KPR U.S., LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Hudson
  • Patent number: 10598532
    Abstract: A meter electronics (100) for two or more meter assemblies (10a, 10b). The meter electronics (100) includes a processor (110) and one or more signal processors (120) communicatively coupled to the processor (110). The one or more signal processors (120) are configured to communicatively couple to a first meter assembly (10a) and a second meter assembly (10b). Accordingly, only one meter electronics can be employed to control the two or more meter assemblies, which may reduce the costs associated with employing two meter electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Kai Shen, Richard L. Maginnis, Fengchuan Gao, Huan Liu
  • Patent number: 10591161
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a gas valve assembly and/or combustion appliance may include identifying a flow rate of gas to a burner of a combustion appliance and determining if the flow rate is sufficient for a burner load of the combustion appliance. If the flow rate is sufficient for a burner load, a position of the valve member of the valve assembly and/or the burner load may be adjusted such that the flow rate of gas meets a target flow rate of gas for the current burner load. If the flow rate is insufficient to meet the current burner load, the valve member of the valve assembly may be positioned in a fully open position to at least partially meet the current burner load. If the flow rate is below a minimum flow rate threshold, the valve member may be moved to a fully closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Willem Super, Jos Praat, Hans van der Mei, Frank van Prooijen
  • Patent number: 10590836
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving surge control in a boosted engine system configured with an electric motor to provide electrical boost assistance. Tip-in and tip-out surge are addressed by increasing the opening of a compressor recirculation valve and coordinating the recirculation valve opening with adjustments to an exhaust waste-gate position and a power output by the electric motor. The adjustments enable an intake airflow to be provided that operates the compressor outside a surge region while providing a target boost pressure as operator torque demand increases or decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Patrick McConville, Julia Helen Buckland
  • Patent number: 10571880
    Abstract: An industrial controller that controls operation of an industrial system. The industrial controller comprises a processor and a memory storing instruction, wherein the instructions cause the processor to perform certain functions. In particular, the instructions cause the processor to communicate high speed data in a first industrial protocol between the industrial controller and a high speed device during a first frame section but not during a second frame section of a controller frame of the industrial controller and communicate linking device data in a second industrial protocol between the industrial controller and a linking device during the second frame section but not during the first frame section or during the third frame section of the controller frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Alexander Petzen, III, Timothy John Kolb, Dana Robert Kreft, Isaac Millen Rushing