Specific Operation Control System Patents (Class 702/31)
  • Patent number: 11891938
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a performance variable of an engine system are provided. An apparatus includes a response model circuit structured to apply a constraint to a response model that represents a relationship regarding a manipulated variable or a relationship between the performance variable and the manipulated variable. The apparatus further includes an optimization circuit structured to determine a target for the manipulated variable via the response model such that the target of the manipulated variable satisfies the constraint of the response model. The performance variable is indicative of performance of operation of the engine system and the manipulated variable is capable of affecting the performance variable. Operation of the engine system is adjusted based upon the target of the manipulated variable by controlling at least one of a fuel system or an air handling system of the engine system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Gayatri Adi, Kartavya Neema, Paul V. Moonjelly, Karla Carale Stricker Fuhs, Chinmay Rao
  • Patent number: 11872014
    Abstract: An optical detection device for physiological characteristic identification includes a substrate, a light source and an optical receiver. The light source includes a plurality of first lighting units and a plurality of second lighting units symmetrically arranged on the substrate. The optical receiver is disposed on the substrate and adapted to analyze optical signals emitted by the light source for acquiring a result of the physiological characteristic identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Nan Tsai
  • Patent number: 11815819
    Abstract: A system and methods for Advance Process Control (APC) in semiconductor manufacturing include: for each of a plurality of waiter sites, receiving a pre-process set of scatterometric training data, measured before implementation of a processing step, receiving a corresponding post-process set of scatterometric training data measured after implementation of the process step, and receiving a set of process control knob training data indicative of process control knob settings applied during implementation of the process step; and generating a machine learning model correlating variations in the pre-process sets of scatterometric training data and the corresponding process control knob training data with the corresponding post-process sets of scatterometric training data, to train the machine learning model to recommend changes to process control knob settings to compensate for variations in the pre-process scatterometric data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: NOVA LTD.
    Inventors: Barak Bringoltz, Ran Yacoby, Noam Tal, Shay Yogev, Boaz Sturlesi, Oded Cohen
  • Patent number: 11719714
    Abstract: The automatic analyzer includes: a liquid dispensing mechanism that performs suction of a liquid; a pressure sensor that measures a change of an internal pressure of a probe provided at the liquid dispensing mechanism; a determination section that determines whether the suction of the liquid by the probe is normal suction or air suction abnormality; an analysis section; a storage section that stores a cumulative number of times of air suction abnormality per liquid and an allowable cumulative number for the cumulative number of times of air suction abnormality; and a controller that exercises operation control over the liquid dispensing mechanism, the determination section, and the analysis section. The controller exercises control such that the cumulative number of times of air suction abnormality is updated and the updated cumulative number is stored in the storage section even if the air suction abnormality occurs non-consecutively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignees: HITACHI HIGH-TECH CORPORATION, ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Sayaka Sarwar, Masaharu Nishida, Yoko Inoue, Masafumi Shimada, Kenichi Yagi, Naohiko Fukaya, Andrew McCaughey
  • Patent number: 11606653
    Abstract: A system for validation of a hearing aid performance, especially in small children is disclosed. The validation of the performance of hearing aids after having being fitted to a small child who is not able to subjectively provide responses to sounds presented to the child via the hearing aids, is instead done in an objective manner, by using a naturally occurring signal, which has been modulated in order to create an ASSR evoking speech stimulus which is not considered as noise by a hearing aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Interacoustics A/S
    Inventors: Søren Laugesen, Bue Kristensen
  • Patent number: 11308129
    Abstract: Implementations provide for container clustering in a container-based architecture. A method of the disclosure includes generating by a processing device executing a container deploying an instance of an application image, a domain name server (DNS) query to request identification of other containers in a container cluster. The other containers deploy other instances of the application image. The method also includes in responsive to the DNS query, receiving the identification of each of the other containers in the container cluster. The method further includes configuring, without manual intervention, the container as a member of the container cluster in view of the identification of each of the other containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Red Hat, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Michael Parees, Martin Nagy, Michal Fojtik, Rodolfo Henrique Carvalho
  • Patent number: 10601902
    Abstract: Scientific instruments can be network-enabled by adding a wireless communication capability to the computers associated with those scientific instruments. Through this wireless communication capability, the scientific data acquired by a scientific instrument and metadata about that scientific data can be wirelessly transferred from the instrument-associated computer to a data hub. By way of example, a wireless personal area network (PAN) can be established between the instrument-associated computer and the data hub. From the data hub, the scientific data can be further communicated to remote servers via another network connection. Furthermore, in another example embodiment, the wireless communication capability between the instrument-associated computer and the data hub can be leveraged as a conduit for passing commands from the data hub or other devices in communication with the data hub to the instrument-associated computer for controlling the operation of the scientific instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: FlowJo, LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Stadnisky
  • Patent number: 10482108
    Abstract: Implementations provide for container clustering in a container-based architecture. A method of the disclosure includes generating by a processing device executing a container deploying an instance of an application image, a domain name server (DNS) query to request identification of other containers in a container cluster. The other containers deploy other instances of the application image. The method also includes in responsive to the DNS query, receiving the identification of each of the other containers in the container cluster. The method further includes configuring, without manual intervention, the container as a member of the container cluster in view of the identification of each of the other containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Red Hat, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Michael Parees, Martin Nagy, Michal Fojtik, Rodolfo Henrique Carvalho
  • Patent number: 10408803
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mass spectrometric detection and analysis method, comprising the steps of: selecting, as a perturbation condition, one or more parameters of a mass spectrometer during detection, setting a set of different numeric values for the perturbation condition, detecting by the mass spectrometer a substance to be detected under the different numeric values of the perturbation condition to obtain a set of mass spectrometric data; calculating the set of obtained mass spectrometric data by an entropy minimization algorithm to obtain independent ions in the mass spectrometric data and kinetic processes thereof; and performing mass spectrometric analysis on the basis of the obtained independent ions and kinetic processes thereof. The method of the present invention can quickly and accurately perform qualitative analysis on the substances to be detected, especially on substances that are difficult to distinguish with existing mass spectrometric techniques such as isomers and homologs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Huajun Zhang
  • Patent number: 10345882
    Abstract: A dynamic power meter circuit receives a set of clock signals. The clock signals are summed by a clock sum adder, thereby generating a clock sum value. A dynamic power meter output value is generated based at least in part on the clock sum value. In one particular example, a dynamic power meter circuit receives clock signals and from them generates a clock sum model sub-value. The dynamic power meter circuit also receives event signals, and from them generates an architectural event model sub-value. A corresponding pair of clock sum model sub-value and architectural event model sub-value are then ratiometrically combined, thereby generating a dynamic power meter output value. Due to the use of both event signals and clock signals, a stream of dynamic power meter output values is generated that more closely tracks actual dynamic power of a circuit being monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: MEDIATEK INC.
    Inventors: Huajun Wen, Hugh Thomas Mair, Hsin-Chen Chen, Brian King Flachs
  • Patent number: 10145713
    Abstract: The optical fiber sensor device comprises a probe light supply unit, an optical fiber sensor unit, and a polarization state measuring unit. The probe light supply unit generates and outputs a polarization switched light beam by alternately switching a polarized CW light beam in polarization directions orthogonal to each other with elapse of time. The optical fiber sensor unit includes a loop-state optical fiber into which the polarization switched light beam is input and which outputs a light wave reflecting a change of birefringence according to a stress applied from an outside in the polarization switched light beam. The polarization state measuring unit observes polarization states of the respective light waves propagating clockwise and counterclockwise through the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Kanda
  • Patent number: 10106051
    Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing a state of a fuel cell stack is provided. The apparatus may diagnose the state of the fuel cell stack without including the DC-DC converter which boosts the DC voltage and the inverter which converts the boosted DC voltage into the AC voltage. In particular, the apparatus may diagnose the state of the fuel cell by applying the rectangular wave of the single frequency having a duty ration of about 0.5 to the fuel cell stack, measuring the voltage of the fuel cell stack, detecting the even multiple harmonic component of the frequency of the rectangular wave by performing the frequency conversion on the measured voltage, and then diagnosing the state of the fuel cell stack based on the magnitude of the detected harmonic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kwi Seong Jeong, Sang Bok Won, Young Bum Kum, Jae Jun Ko
  • Patent number: 10073070
    Abstract: Chromatographic separation devices are described that include a chromatographic separation module and a memory component. The memory component is attached to the chromatographic separation module, contains information related to use history of the chromatographic separation module with respect to the entire lifetime of the module, and includes a write-once-read-many (WORM) area where the information is written and where the information, once written, cannot be deleted or modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William G. Foley, Greg P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9970955
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting the depth, flow rate, and other properties of regions of blood flow in biological tissue by illuminating the biological tissue with beams of coherent light and detecting responsively emitted light. This includes detecting lights emitted from the tissue having a plurality of respective different exposure times. The relationship between the intensity of the received light and the exposure times is determined and used to determine the depth, flow velocity, or other properties of regions of flow within the biological tissue. This can include determining a spatial and/or temporal contrast of the received light intensity. Determining the depth of a region of flow can include comparing determined properties of light received from the tissue at two different polarizations. Determining the depth of a region of flow can include comparing determined properties of light received from the tissue at two different locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Homyk, Jason Donald Thompson
  • Patent number: 9720406
    Abstract: A measuring system including: at least one sensor module having a measuring transducer and an electronics module. The electronics module has a data memory, and a superordinated control unit, connected to the at least one sensor module via an interface module. The interface module has a signal processing, and communication, electronics, which converts received signals from a control unit into signals processable by the sensor module and outputs these signals to the sensor module. The control unit is embodied to execute an operating program; the operating program is embodied to read out sensor specific data and, based on the data read out, to provide to a user a guiding through a sequence of steps for performing at least one calibration procedure associated with the sensor module and to operate the sensor module for performing the calibration procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventor: Jessica Nentwich
  • Patent number: 9435908
    Abstract: A subsea system for producing or processing a hydrocarbon production fluid comprises a plurality of sensors, each of which generates a sensor signal that is representative of a condition of a component of the system or a property of a fluid. A base unit mounted on or adjacent the system is in wireless communication with each of the sensors, and a subsea control module is in communication with the base unit. In operation, the sensor signals are transmitted wirelessly from the sensors to the base unit and are then transmitted from the base unit to the subsea control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel McStay, John J. Mulholland, David Kane
  • Patent number: 9423468
    Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for a fuel cell stack that diagnoses the state and/or failure of the fuel cell stack. More specifically, the diagnostic control analyzer diagnoses and analyzes the state of the fuel cell stack by measuring the voltage and the current received from the fuel cell stack. To do this, an AC signal generator cogenerates a diagnostic AC signal according to the control upon receiving a control command form the analyzer, and an AC component driving element is then driven upon receiving the AC signal that is output from the AC signal generator in order to include a diagnostic AC component within the current of the fuel cell stack. In particular, the diagnostic control analyzer diagnoses the fuel cell stack based on a voltage and a current received from the fuel cell stack that includes the AC component via a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kangnam University Industry-Academia Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Kwi Seong Jeong, Sae Hoon Kim, Uck-Soo Kim, Hyun-Seok Park, Young-Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 9297812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic tests and diagnostic tools. Specifically, contemplated is to a method for diagnosing cancer in a sample of a subject suspected to suffer from cancer comprising contacting the sample with an antibody which specifically binds to the epitope characterized by SEQ ID NO 1 on a BRAF polypeptide under conditions which allow for binding of said antibody to the epitope and determining binding of the antibody to the epitope, whereby cancer is diagnosed. Further contemplated are antibodies which specifically bind to the epitope characterized by SEQ ID NO 1 on a BRAF polypeptide and a device or kit comprising such antibodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignees: Deutsches Krebsforschungzentrum, Ruprecht-Karl-Universität Heidelberg
    Inventors: Hanswalter Zentgraf, Ulrike Zentgraf, Andreas Von Deimling, David Capper
  • Patent number: 9229016
    Abstract: A sample processing system that may be automated and methods are disclosed where samples are arranged on a carrier element and a process operation control system automatically processes the samples perhaps robotically with an operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information monitor or a data capture element. Significant process details as well as operationally-influential exteriorly-consequential information may be monitored and an automatic notice element may cause notification of a person at some display that may be remote. Various people may be notified, such as an administrator, a supplier, or a manufacturer of an opportunity for some action such as reagent reordering or the like. A simulated motion display may be included to “watch” simulated operation in real time or long after completion of the actual processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Dako Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Gordon Feingold, Marc Key, John Favuzzi, Rosanne Welcher
  • Publication number: 20150127270
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laboratory instrument, a system and a method for the instrument-controlled treatment of at least one laboratory sample using at least one consumable, by means of which information is obtained automatically as first data during a treatment, wherein the system and/or the laboratory instrument comprises a communication apparatus for establishing a data connection to at least one data processing apparatus, wherein the communication apparatus is suitable for transmitting these at least some first data to the data processing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Wolfgang GOEMANN-THOSS, Wolf WENTE, Andreas THIEME, Jan-Gerd FRERICHS, Christiane MARKAU, Jan-Hendrik HACKER
  • Patent number: 9015003
    Abstract: An Anti-Terrorism water quality monitoring system for continuously monitoring a potable water treatment system and related potable water distribution network that provides potable water to a municipality, city, housing development or other potable water consumer. The system includes the collection of data from the water distribution system and from the water treatment facility and from advanced separation processes which are integrated into analytical instruments. The data collected are stored in a remote database on a remote server computer or bank of computers and accessible by Homeland Security or its designated agency. Preferred parameters of monitoring include the turbidity and disinfectant such as chlorine, hypochlorous acid, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventor: Thomas D. Wolfe
  • Publication number: 20150100250
    Abstract: The device relates to a method and a device (10) for determining an irradiation plan for a particle irradiation unit (20). In the method, a target volume (6) within a test object (14; 18) is irradiated with a particle beam (16) using the particle irradiation unit (20) according to the irradiation plan. The radiation plan is determined in order to apply the energy of the particle beam (16) according to a predetermined dose distribution in the target volume (6), the target volume (6) and the predetermined dose distribution being pre-set. When determining the irradiation plan, irradiation duration is also taken into account, the irradiation plan being determined such that the irradiation duration is as short as possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Thilo Elsässer, Alexander Gemmel, Thomas Hansmann, Eike Rietzel
  • Patent number: 8996178
    Abstract: A system that generates brewed beverages may receive requests to produce specified brewed beverages. The system may include a scheduler that initiates and controls the performance of one or more chemical or mechanical processes to produce the beverages. While one chemical or mechanical process for producing a beverage is being performed, other processes may be performed for production of the beverage or another beverage. The scheduler may determine the time at which to perform each process, the time at which a beverage should be presented, the resources to be used to perform the processes, or the time at which to perform a cleaning process, dependent on an actual or expected demand for beverages, or dependent on a target time for beverage retrieval. Shared resources may be applied to the production of beverages for high priority orders, while partially completed beverages for lower priority orders are staged for subsequent advancement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Briggo, LLC
    Inventors: Charles F. Studor, J. Kevin Nater, Marwan M. Hassoun
  • Patent number: 8983783
    Abstract: The described embodiments may provide a chemical detection circuit that may comprise a plurality of first output circuits at a first side and a plurality of second output circuits at a second side of the chemical detection circuit. The chemical detection circuit may further comprise a plurality of tiles of pixels each placed between respective pairs of first and second output circuits. Each tile may include four quadrants of pixels. Each quadrant may have columns with designated first columns interleaved with second columns. Each first column may be coupled to a respective first output circuit in first and second quadrants, and to a respective second output circuit in third and fourth quadrants. Each second column may be coupled to a respective second output circuit in first and second quadrants, and to a respective first output circuit in third and fourth quadrants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kim L. Johnson, Jeremy Jordan, Peter M. Levine, Mark James Milgrew
  • Publication number: 20150066388
    Abstract: A control device for automatic analysis including a unit which stores an analysis parameter file in which setting values of multiple setting items related to analytical equipment control are specified; a unit which describes at least identification information for the sample to be analyzed and the analytical parameters file to be used for analysis, for multiple analyses to be executed in the analysis device, and generates an analysis schedule table which describes setting values relating to one or more of the multiple setting items contained in the analytical parameters file for each analysis; and a control unit which controls the operation of the analytical equipment according to the analysis schedule table. The control unit is made such that the setting values specified in the analysis schedule table are applied preferentially for setting items for which the setting value is described in both the analytical parameter file and analysis schedule table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuji KATSUYAMA
  • Patent number: 8956567
    Abstract: A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Xinsheng Lou, Abhinaya Joshi, Hao Lei
  • Patent number: 8958917
    Abstract: The present invention provides a remote monitoring system for monitoring the operation of a fluid treatment system and/or the qualities, characteristics, properties, etc., of the fluid being processed or treated by the fluid treatment system. The system includes a remote computer that may be associated with a database that accesses data transmitted from the fluid treatment system with the data collected, acquired, etc., from one or more sensors placed in the fluid treatment system for measuring fluid quality and/or equipment operation in a fluid treatment system. The remote computer may then analyze or manipulate the data to generate an analysis result or analysis report that may be sent or communicated along with the data and/or any historical or expected information or data to a remote viewing device for viewing by a user. A method is further provided for the operation of the remote monitoring system of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wolfe, Charles Scholpp
  • Patent number: 8942852
    Abstract: A sample processing system comprising: a sample processing apparatus configured to process a sample in a sample container; a transporting apparatus configured to transport a sample container to the sample processing apparatus; a first computer configured to perform information processing for the sample processing apparatus; a second computer connected to the first computer through a communication network and configured to control a transporting operation performed by the transporting apparatus; an input unit and a display commonly used for the first and second computers, wherein the first computer configured to control the display to show a first computer screen image, and to control the display to show a second computer screen image upon receiving a switching instruction via the input unit, and the second computer receives an input from the input unit via the second computer screen image shown on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroo Tatsutani, Shunsuke Ariyoshi
  • Patent number: 8936826
    Abstract: A method of coating a stent involves modifying a spray coating parameter until a target mass per coating layer is achieved. A method for coating involves spraying a batch of stents according to spraying parameters that were previously determined to provide a target mass per coating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Jow, Daniel A. Castro
  • Patent number: 8936755
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for analyzing the composition of bodily fluid. The apparatus can include a fluid handling network including a patient end configured to maintain fluid communication with a bodily fluid in a patient and a pump unit in operative engagement with the fluid handling network. The pump unit can have an infusion mode, in which the pump unit is operable to deliver infusion fluid to the patient through the patient end, and a sample draw mode, in which the pump unit is operable to draw a sample of the bodily fluid from the patient through the patient end. The apparatus can include a spectroscopic analyzer positioned to analyze at least a portion of the sample; a processor in communication with or incorporated into the spectroscopic analyzer; and stored program instructions executable by the processor to obtain measurements of two or more properties of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: OptiScan Biomedical Corporation
    Inventors: Jennifer H. Gable, James R. Braig, Kenneth I. Li, Mark Wechsler, Peng Zheng, Richard Keenan
  • Patent number: 8930028
    Abstract: A processor module includes memory having instructions for executing functions of a handheld diabetes management device and a processor that selectively executes the instructions. Battery terminals electrically connect the processor module with a re-chargeable battery. A receptacle is configured in accordance with a universal serial bus (USB) standard. A component is included for communicating information from the handheld diabetes management device to a user or another device. A multiplexer module relays power from the receptacle to a bus voltage node. A first switching device is connected between the bus voltage node and a second voltage node. The component receives power from the second voltage node. A second switching device is connected between the bus voltage node and a third voltage node. The processor module is directly connected to the bus voltage node and to the third voltage node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. McKee, Michael G. Nicholas, Blaine E. Ramey
  • Patent number: 8918217
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis separation process is disclosed, such as for desalination and waste water reuse process, wherein an effectiveness of membrane cleaning can be estimated. Exemplary embodiments operate the reverse osmosis membrane cleaning process for a controlled time for cleaning and with a controlled value of chemical concentration in a chemical liquor prepared for cleaning the membrane. A method can include estimating fouling status of the membrane and determining a controlled value of chemical concentration in the chemical liquor, and a controlled time for cleaning based on the fouling status of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Senthilmurugan Subbiah, Mekapati Srinivas, Naveen Bhutani
  • Patent number: 8895311
    Abstract: The present invention provides control methods, control systems, and control software for microfluidic devices that operate by moving discrete micro-droplets through a sequence of determined configurations. Such microfluidic devices are preferably constructed in a hierarchical and modular fashion which is reflected in the preferred structure of the provided methods and systems. In particular, the methods are structured into low-level device component control functions, middle-level actuator control functions, and high-level micro-droplet control functions. Advantageously, a microfluidic device may thereby be instructed to perform an intended reaction or analysis by invoking micro-droplet control function that perform intuitive tasks like measuring, mixing, heating, and so forth. The systems are preferably programmable and capable of accommodating microfluidic devices controlled by low voltages and constructed in standardized configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: HandyLab, Inc.
    Inventors: Kalyan Handique, Karthik Ganesan, Sundaresh N. Brahmasandra
  • Patent number: 8886466
    Abstract: A method of autoverifying clinical test results comprises displaying an autoverification process as a flowchart on a graphical user interface. The autoverification process is defined by a plurality of nodes and a plurality of edges connecting the nodes. The autoverification process is configured to evaluate a result and determine if the test result meets a predetermined criteria. The method further comprises receiving the test result and automatically performing the autoverification process on the test result. A system for creating and implementing the autoverification processes comprises a graphical user interface configured to display the autoverification process as a flowchart. The system includes an input configured to receive the clinical test result from a laboratory analyzer. The system also includes a processor configured to analyze the clinical test result according to the defined autoverification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Parkhurst, John M. Ashley
  • Patent number: 8855942
    Abstract: A control strategy for bleeding an anode side of fuel cell stack in a fuel cell system that improves water management and addresses durability and performance concerns. The method includes determining when to begin the anode bleed, typically by estimating or measuring the amount of nitrogen in the anode side of the stack. The method also includes determining when to end the anode bleed based on the volume of gas that has been bled. The method determines the mole flow rate of the anode gas flowing through a bleed valve, integrates the mole flow rate to get the number of moles of the gas that have passed through the bleed valve, determines a desired amount of moles to be bled, and ends the bleed when the actual number of moles of the gas equals the desired number of moles of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Prasad Gade, Manish Sinha, Jon R. Sienkowski, Balasubramanian Lakshmanan
  • Publication number: 20140288854
    Abstract: In an analysis system having an analysis apparatus using a reagent container having a memory to store reagent information concerning the reagent in the reagent container and a remote computer, the following steps are executed: reading out the reagent information from the memory of the reagent container; judging, based on the read reagent information, whether or not the reagent in the reagent container is usable; when it is judged that the reagent in the reagent container is unusable, writing data representing the reagent is unusable into the memory of the reagent container; and when it is judged that the reagent in the reagent container is unusable, registering the data representing the reagent is unusable, into a reagent database managed by the remote computer in association with identification information to identify the reagent container. Thus, it is possible to automatically identify the reagent, which should not be used, and to manage the reagent not so as to use it for the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Masahiro SATOMURA, Hishiri KOMIYAMA
  • Patent number: 8828728
    Abstract: An aquatic environment monitoring system and method that includes correction for adverse conditions in the monitoring system involving the development of confidence levels for certain conditions in the monitoring system using stored information related to the aquatic environment and/or the monitoring system. Corrections to adverse conditions may be made by the environment monitoring system automatically by the monitoring system and manually via communications to a user of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Step Ahead Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Clark
  • Patent number: 8825214
    Abstract: A method is provided for the measurement of parameters of a gas present in a gas turbine combustion chamber. The method includes tuning a laser to a range containing the absorption lines of species to be analyzed in the gas, and directing the laser light through the combustion chamber and detecting laser light reflected off boundary walls of the combustion chamber. In order to analyze the absorption spectrum measured at high temperatures and pressures, a signature recognition algorithm is applied to the spectrum. The measured absorption spectrum is cross-correlated with a calibration absorption model spectrum for the absorption lines at several temperatures, pressures, and concentrations generated prior to the measurement. Values for pressure, temperature, and concentrations of selected species in the gas are determined simultaneously allowing direct control of the combustion chamber process. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Yves Haffner
  • Patent number: 8805586
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing and controlling the particle size distribution and scale-up of production of nanoparticle in an aerosol flame reactor. The method provides nanoparticles with desired, optimized and controlled particle size and the specific surface area in aerosol reactors using a simulation tool with programmed instructions. The simulation tool couples flame dynamics model and particle population balance model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Tata Consultancy Services Limited
    Inventors: Venkataramana Runkana, Venkata Sudheendra Buddhiraju, Nagaravi Kumar Varma Nadimpalli
  • Patent number: 8798938
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a gas concentration in a measuring gas by means of a gas sensor. In a first mode of operation of an internal combustion engine, in which the gas concentration in the measuring gas is known, a gas concentration signal and a pressure signal are detected. A compensation parameter of the gas sensor is determined from said signals. The thus determined compensation parameter is taken into account in at least one of the two modes of operation of the internal combustion engine for determining the gas concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Walter, Joachim Palmer, Thiebaut Beyrath
  • Patent number: 8790599
    Abstract: A system for analyzing, manipulating, and recording data associated with a microtiter plate is provided. The system provides a touch screen element provided proximal to the microtiter plate such that data pertaining to events and conditions observed within one or more wells of the microtiter plate may be easily and accurately recorded. Data display, storage, and manipulation features are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventors: David Childs, Michael Sharer
  • Patent number: 8781632
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a fluid containing one or more analytes of interest includes; measuring a plurality of properties of a sample fluid with unknown concentrations of the one or more analytes of interest; and using the measurements and a model of the relationship between the plurality of properties and concentrations of the one or more analytes to calculate the concentration of at least one of the analytes of interest. The model may be an artificial neural network. The method may be used to monitor the concentration of inhibitors of gas hydrate formation in a fluid. Apparatus for use in the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Heriot-Watt University
    Inventors: Bahman Tohidi, Jinhai Yang, Antonin Chapoy
  • Publication number: 20140188404
    Abstract: This invention encompasses embodiments for multi-modal integrated simultaneous measurement of various aspects of fluids contained in circulating systems such as automotive reciprocating engines and vehicle transmissions. These circulating systems perform constant internal lubrication, and heat and contaminant removal to protect the internal moving parts from the inherent friction and damage in normal operation. Most commonly this is achieved with fluids based on hydrocarbon and/or related synthetics, which, over time, can lose their protective properties, and vary in their performance or breakdown/decay due to internal and external events. Several components within the lubricant fluid can be measured and can provide insight into the efficacy of the system to perform its designed mission. Described herein is a real-time, simultaneous, integrated, multi-modal sensor system for early warning notification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Brian VON HERZEN, Steven VAN FLEET
  • Patent number: 8761941
    Abstract: A medical device and a method for displaying medical data by the medical device are disclosed. In one aspect of the disclosure, a method for displaying medical data by a medical device having a display device and one or more processors is disclosed. The method includes monitoring a condition of the display device and determining, at the medical device, whether the display device is in a failure state based on the monitoring, the failure state being indicative of a malfunction of the display device. When the display device is a failure state, the method includes commanding a slave device to display the medical data and providing the medical data from the medical device to the slave device for display by the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol J. Batman, Michel A. Cadio, Randy J. Gardner, Paul S. Rutkowski, Mark W. Voth
  • Patent number: 8761943
    Abstract: A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Xinsheng Lou, Abhinaya Joshi, Hao Lei
  • Patent number: 8761940
    Abstract: The present teachings provide a system for modifying insulin therapy support parameters such as warning limit data and time block data on a hand-held diabetes management device. The system can include a graphical user interface module that creates a graphical user interface having a plurality of bar structures positionable on or between a first line that indicates an upper limit and a second line that illustrates a lower limit. Each of the bar structures can have a first side that indicates a start time of a time window opposite a second side that indicates an end time of the time window and a third side that indicates a lower target value for a blood glucose level opposite a fourth side that indicates an upper target value for the blood glucose level. The bar structures, the first line and the second line can be adjustable by a user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Long, D. Bradley Markisohn, William Levy, Leon R. Organ, III, Jason M. Bush, Kristin M. Westerfield, Hans P. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8755941
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a temperature of an exhaust gas being introduced to a catalyst is provided. Using an adjustable flow controller, an adjustable amount of tempering fluid is provided to the exhaust gas prior to the exhaust gas proceeding to the catalyst. A sensor senses a parameter indicative of a temperature of the exhaust gas being introduced to the catalyst. A computer processor uses a relationship to relate the parameter to an adjustment of the adjustable flow controller that will adjust the amount of tempering fluid provided to the exhaust gas and change the temperature of the exhaust gas being introduced to the catalyst toward a target temperature. Adjustment of the adjustable flow controller is initiated by the computer processor to change the flow of the tempering fluid, and the relationship between the parameter and the adjustment of the adjustable flow controller is updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Larry William Swanson, Douglas Frank Beadie, Neil Colin Widmer, Hua Zhang, Gilbert Otto Kraemer
  • Patent number: 8755916
    Abstract: A control system for optimizing an oxy-fuel power plant comprises an optimizer in communication with the oxy-fuel power plant; the oxy-fuel power plant being operative to recycle carbon dioxide from a flue gas stream to a boiler; a control platform; the control platform being operative to control the oxy-fuel power plant; and a simulator; the simulator being operative to simulate performance of the oxy-fuel power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Xinsheng Lou
  • Patent number: 8755938
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods of querying a diabetic patient regarding compliance with adherence criteria comprises instructing the diabetic patient to collect at least one sample in a sampling set of biomarker data, wherein each sampling set comprises a sufficient plurality of samples recorded over a collection period, comparing the collected samples to an acceptable range, wherein the acceptable range encompasses biomarker values that would be expected upon compliance with the adherence criteria, and informing the diabetic patient if at least one sample is an unacceptable value which falls outside of the acceptable range, and performing at least one additional task after detecting the unacceptable value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Weinert, Steven Bousamra, David L. Duke, Paul J. Galley, Alan M. Greenburg
  • Patent number: 8731863
    Abstract: An analyzing system, data processing apparatus, and application program are provided that can display the measurement results and/or analysis results of a plurality of different types of measuring apparatuses on a user interface that is easily comprehended by the user. The data processing apparatus is capable of displaying on a screen the measurement results and analysis results of a plurality of measuring apparatuses that perform mutually different kinds of measurements of specimens. A plurality of measurement item group switching buttons are provided on the display screen, and specimen information tables that correspond to each measurement item can be displayed by a user clicking on the buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Mishima, Terutaka Yauchi