Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090063202 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING A REQUEST TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AN ITEM COVERED BY INSURANCE - A method of providing insurance to a customer that comprises the steps of: (1) selling a service contract to the customer that provides protection against the mechanical breakdown or other failure of an item (and in some cases, accidental damage); and (2) in response to the customer purchasing the service contract, providing, at no cost to the customer, third-party-paid insurance coverage that protects the customer against damage to the item, which, in some cases, includes accidental damage. In one embodiment of the invention, the step of providing the third-party-paid insurance coverage is done in order to permit the provision of insurance without the use of a licensed insurance agent. | 03-05-2009 |
20090157437 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING INSURANCE AND NON-INSURANCE PRODUCTS - A method of providing insurance to a customer that comprises the steps of: (1) selling a service contract to the customer that provides protection against the mechanical breakdown or other failure of an item (and in some cases, accidental damage); and (2) in response to the customer purchasing the service contract, providing, at no cost to the customer, third-party-paid insurance coverage that protects the customer against damage to the item, which, in some cases, includes accidental damage. In one embodiment of the invention, the step of providing the third-party-paid insurance coverage is done in order to permit the provision of insurance without the use of a licensed insurance agent. | 06-18-2009 |
20090304172 | Call processing system - A system that is configured for determining the value of one or at least one incoming call and routing the call for processing based on this determined value. In one embodiment, the system routes very low value calls to an automated system for processing, and directs all other calls to human operators for processing. In another embodiment, the system assigns at least one agent to one or more of a plurality of groups of agents based on the agent's past performance in executing a particular task. For example, the highest performing agents at handling a particular type of call are assigned to a first group, and the second highest performing agents at handling this type of call are assigned to a second group. In one embodiment, the most important calls are routed to the first, “highest performing” group for processing, and less important calls are routed to the second group for processing. | 12-10-2009 |
20100100400 | FINANCIAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING LOANS TO INDIVIDUALS IN RESPONSE TO THE OCCURRENCE OF A QUALIFYING EVENT - Computer systems that, in various embodiments, are configured for: (A) storing policy information within the system's memory, the policy information indicating that a particular individual holds a policy that provides the individual with the option to, upon the occurrence of a qualifying event, receive a loan at a below-market rate (e.g., 0%); (B) receiving data indicating that the qualifying event has occurred; and (C) at least partially in response to receiving the data indicating that the qualifying event has occurred, facilitating the provision of the loan to the particular individual at the below-market rate. The qualifying event may be, for example: (A) the death of a specified individual (e.g., the policy holder); (B) the disability of the specified individual; (C) the involuntary unemployment of the specified individual; (D) the birth of the specified individual's child; or (E) the adoption of a child by the specified individual. | 04-22-2010 |
20100145734 | Automated claims processing system - A computer system-based automated loss verification system for evaluating the validity of claims filed under an insurance policy or debt protection contract is provided by this invention. Instead of requiring the claimant to contact the insurance company or lender to file the claim and provide exhaustive documentary proof of the validity of the claimed loss, the system pre-scores the relative risk of the claim using a risk assessment tool based upon predictive modeling and a number of potential risk factors. The associated automated loss verification tool uses this risk score and other information connected with the claim to assign a relative confidence level of proof of valid loss that must be satisfied before the claim can be approved through the adjudication process, and assigns a third-party supplied source or combination of sources of proof that can be automatically accessed by the system to validate the claim. | 06-10-2010 |
20100228651 | Systems and Methods for Providing Loans in Response to the Occurrence of Predetermined Events - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided that allow customers to build equity (e.g., by adding money to their selected savings vehicle) feeling secure in knowing that, should they undergo one of the pre-determined events, they will have access to a low/no interest loan (or other loan) that will help them get through that period of crisis. The financial product may offer customers a collateralized loan during a time of need, the ability to set and redefine savings goals to reflect changes in a customer's life, savings on fees as collateral grows, the waiver of monthly fees during benefit period and for a one-month grace period, and a manageable payback schedule once the benefit period begins. | 09-09-2010 |
20120252403 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR PROVIDING TARGETED FULFILLMENT WITH RESPECT TO WIRELESS DEVICE PROTECTION PROGRAM - A method for providing targeted fulfillment with respect to a wireless device protection program may include receiving claim information associated with a subscriber, the claim information indicative of a claim associated with a wireless device protection program, employing a predictive model to determine a plurality of options for fulfillment of the claim, the predictive model defining a weighted value for each option where the weighted value considers cost and a corresponding predicted benefit associated with each option, and enabling ranking of the plurality of options based on the weighted value of each option. A corresponding computer program product and apparatus are also provided. | 10-04-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080265887 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING GAMMA RAYS IN A PET/MRI SCANNER - A gamma ray detector ring for a combined positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is integrated into a radio frequency (RF) coil assembly such that the detector ring is integrated with a RF shield. Each gamma ray detector in the detector ring includes a scintillator component that emits light when a gamma ray is detected and a photodetector component designed to be sensitive to the frequency of light produced by the scintillator. A RF shield may be integrated into a detector ring such that the RF shield is positioned between the scintillator and photodetector components of each detector, thereby saving valuable radial space within the imaging system. Multiple such detector rings may be located adjacent to one another to increase axial coverage and enable three-dimensional PET imaging techniques. | 10-30-2008 |
20130147484 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHARACTERIZING AND OPTIMIZING AN RF COIL IN A MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SYSTEM - An MRI apparatus includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system having a plurality of gradient coils positioned about a bore of a magnet, an RF coil assembly having at least a first port and a second port, an RF transceiver system having a pulse module and configured to transmit RF signals to the first port and the second port, and a computer programmed to drive the RF coil assembly in quadrature through the at least first port and the second port, measure a B | 06-13-2013 |
20130335086 | DISTRIBUTED CAPACITANCE RADIO FREQUNCY (RF) COIL AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME - A radio frequency (RF) birdcage coil includes a first distributed capacitance end ring, a second distributed capacitance end ring, and a plurality of rungs connected between the first and second end rings, wherein at least one of the first and second distributed capacitance end rings includes a substrate having a first side and a second side, a first plurality of conductors formed on the first side, a second plurality of conductors formed on the second side, and an insulating material deposited on the first side such that the insulating material substantially covers the first plurality of conductors. | 12-19-2013 |
20130335087 | RADIO FREQUNCY (RF) BODY COIL AND METHOD FOR TUNING AN RF BODY COIL FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - A radio frequency (RF) body coil includes a first end ring, a second end ring, a plurality of rungs connected between the first and second end rings, at least one shim holder coupled to the first end ring, and a RF shim configured to be at least partially inserted within the shim holder, the RF shim being repositionable within the shim holder to vary an operational frequency of the RF body coil. A magnetic resonance imaging system and a method of tuning the RF body coil are also described. | 12-19-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090274563 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATIC ROTATION DIRECTION DETERMINATION OF ELECTRONICALLY COMMUTATED MOTOR - A method for determining a direction of rotation for an electronically commutated motor (ECM) is described. The motor is configured to rotate a blower and the method comprises rotating the blower using the ECM and determining if the resulting blower rotation is indicative of the desired direction of rotation for the blower. | 11-05-2009 |
20100033119 | RETROFIT MOTOR SYSTEM FOR HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING APPLICATIONS - A motor control system for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications is described. The motor control system includes a thermostat and an electronically commutated motor (ECM) coupled to the thermostat. The ECM is configured to retrofit an existing non-ECM electric motor included in an HVAC application and to operate in one of a plurality of HVAC modes. The HVAC modes include at least one of a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a continuous fan mode. The HVAC mode is determined based at least partially on outputs provided by the thermostat. | 02-11-2010 |
20120133312 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATIC ROTATION DIRECTION DETERMINATION OF ELECTRONICALLY COMMUTATED MOTOR - A method for determining a direction of rotation for an electronically commutated motor (ECM) is described. The motor is configured to rotate a blower and the method comprises rotating the blower using the ECM and determining if the resulting blower rotation is indicative of the desired direction of rotation for the blower. | 05-31-2012 |
20120161682 | RETROFIT MOTOR SYSTEM FOR HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING APPLICATIONS - A motor control system for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications is described. The motor control system includes a thermostat and an electronically commutated motor (ECM) coupled to the thermostat. The ECM is configured to retrofit an existing non-ECM electric motor included in an HVAC application and to operate in one of a plurality of HVAC modes. The HVAC modes include at least one of a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a continuous fan mode. The HVAC mode is determined based at least partially on outputs provided by the thermostat. | 06-28-2012 |
20130069467 | AXIAL FLUX ELECTRIC MACHINE AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLING THE SAME - An electric machine is described. The electric machine includes a rotor comprising a rotor disk and a plurality of permanent magnets magnetically coupled to the rotor disk. The plurality of permanent magnets include a substantially flat profile and are aligned in a substantially planar array. The electric machine also includes a stator comprising a solid stator core and a plurality of coils each wound around a coil insulating member. The stator core includes a plurality of stator teeth extending substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotor. | 03-21-2013 |
20130103206 | SYSTEMS FOR HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING APPLICATIONS - A motor control system for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications is described. The motor control system includes a thermostat and an electronically commutated motor (ECM) coupled to the thermostat. The ECM is configured to retrofit an existing non-ECM electric motor included in an HVAC application and to operate in one of a plurality of HVAC modes. The HVAC modes include at least one of a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a continuous fan mode. The HVAC mode is determined based at least partially on outputs provided by the thermostat. | 04-25-2013 |
20130334994 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATIC ROTATION DIRECTION DETERMINATION OF ELECTRONICALLY COMMUTATED MOTOR - A method for determining a direction of rotation for an electronically commutated motor (ECM) is described. The motor is configured to rotate a blower and the method comprises rotating the blower using the ECM and determining if the resulting blower rotation is indicative of the desired direction of rotation for the blower. | 12-19-2013 |
20140257576 | SYSTEMS FOR HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING APPLICATIONS - A motor control system for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications is described. The motor control system includes a thermostat and an electronically commutated motor (ECM) coupled to the thermostat. The ECM is configured to retrofit an existing non-ECM electric motor included in an HVAC application and to operate in one of a plurality of HVAC modes. The HVAC modes include at least one of a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a continuous fan mode. The HVAC mode is determined based at least partially on outputs provided by the thermostat. | 09-11-2014 |
20140265987 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INDUCTIVE ENERGY MANAGEMENT - A controller configured to be coupled to an electric motor. The controller including a processor programmed to receive a signal indicating a stopping command of the electric motor, and control a current such that a capacitor coupled to the electric motor is not overcharged by regenerative energy when a stopping of the electric motor has commenced, wherein controlling the current includes one of the following: upon receiving the signal indicating the stopping command of the electric motor, ramping the current down below a threshold level, or upon receiving the signal indicating the stopping command of the electric motor, forcing the current to circulate in motor windings to prevent regeneration of energy in the capacitor. | 09-18-2014 |
20140361716 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATIC ROTATION DIRECTION DETERMINATION OF ELECTRONICALLY COMMUTATED MOTOR - A method for determining a direction of rotation for an electronically commutated motor (ECM) is described. The motor is configured to rotate a blower and the method comprises rotating the blower using the ECM and determining if the resulting blower rotation is indicative of the desired direction of rotation for the blower. | 12-11-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120297819 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING COMBINED BLOWER MOTOR AND DRAFT INDUCER MOTOR CONTROL - A control system is described that includes a first rotating machine, a second rotating machine, and a motor controller physically mounted to and communicatively coupled with the first rotating machine and communicatively coupled with the second rotating machine. The motor controller includes a first PWM generator operable to generate a first set of pulse width modulated signals for application to the first rotating machine, and a second PWM generator operable to generate a second set of pulse modulated signals for application to the second rotating machine. | 11-29-2012 |
20130026962 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING A MOTOR - A control system for a motor includes an inverter coupled to the motor. The control system further includes a microcontroller coupled to the inverter. The microcontroller includes a processor programmed to measure an input voltage and acquire a back EMF voltage of the motor. The processor is also programmed to control the inverter to regulate the motor voltage based on the input voltage and the back EMF voltage to facilitate controlling the motor. | 01-31-2013 |
20130036756 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING A MOTOR - An electric motor configured to drive an air moving device included within a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is described. The air moving device is configured to draw air through a condensing coil of the HVAC system from a first side of the condensing coil to a second side of the condensing coil. The motor includes a temperature sensor configured to measure an exhaust air temperature at the second side of the condensing coil and to generate a temperature signal that includes measured temperature information. The motor also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to receive the temperature signal and to control operation of the motor based at least partially on the temperature signal. | 02-14-2013 |
20140070744 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REDUCING CONDUCTED ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE - A drive circuit is provided for reducing conducted electromagnetic interference provided by a power line to a motor controller. The power line includes a first alternating current (AC) line output and a second AC line output. The drive circuit includes an EMI filter having a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The first input terminal is configured to be coupled to the first AC line output and the second input terminal is configured to be coupled to the second AC line output. The drive circuit further includes at least two series-coupled filter capacitors positioned after the EMI filter and a power factor correction (PFC) choke. The PFC choke is coupled at a first end to the second output terminal and at a second end between the series-coupled filter capacitors. | 03-13-2014 |
20140079564 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR WIRELESSLY COMMUNICATING WITH ELECTRIC MOTORS - An electric motor communication system for use with a fluid moving system is provided. The electric motor communication system includes an electric motor including a wireless communication device configured to transmit and receive wireless signals, and a processing device coupled to the wireless communication device and configured to control the electric motor based at least in part on wireless signals received at the wireless communication device. The electric motor communication system further includes at least one external device configured to communicate wirelessly with the electric motor. | 03-20-2014 |
20140118867 | DRIVE CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR CONTROLLER PROTECTION - Protection of a motor controller from a transient voltage and/or an over-voltage condition is described. A drive circuit includes a rectifier portion and at least one inductive device coupled to the rectifier portion. The drive circuit further includes at least one voltage clamping device coupled in parallel with the at least one inductive device, and at least one switching device configured to open as a function of a direct current (DC) link voltage value. | 05-01-2014 |
20140203755 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - An electric motor controller is configured to be coupled to an electric motor. The controller includes an inverter and a control unit coupled to the inverter. The inverter is configured to receive an input voltage and to provide a conditioned output voltage to the electric motor. The control unit is configured to control the electric motor to produce positive torque when direct current (DC) link voltage has a 100% voltage ripple. Methods for controlling an electric motor using the electric motor controller are also provided. | 07-24-2014 |
20140260410 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING POWER TO AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - Methods and systems for controlling an electric motor are provided herein. The system is configured to be coupled to a power supply. The electric motor system includes a rectifier, an electric motor, and a microcontroller. The rectifier is configured to convert an alternating current (AC) voltage input to a direct current (DC) voltage. The microcontroller is configured to extract power from a generator device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265989 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROGRAMMING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - Methods and systems for programming an electric motor are provided. An electric motor controller configured to be coupled to an electric motor is configured to control the electric motor to produce torque when direct current (DC) link voltage has up to 100% voltage ripple. The controller includes a first power input, a second power input, and a third power input, an energized line detection device, and a microprocessor. Each power input is configured to receive power from an alternating current (AC) power source. The energized line detection device is configured to sense which power input has received power from the AC power source and output an isolated signal. The microprocessor is coupled downstream from the energized line detection device and is configured to determine an operating profile for the electric motor based on the isolated signal. | 09-18-2014 |
20150054442 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING A MOTOR - A control system for a motor includes an inverter coupled to the motor. The control system further includes a microcontroller coupled to the inverter. The microcontroller includes a processor programmed to measure an input voltage and acquire a back EMF voltage of the motor. The processor is also programmed to control the inverter to regulate the motor voltage based on the input voltage and the back EMF voltage to facilitate controlling the motor. | 02-26-2015 |
20150084562 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REDUCING CONDUCTED ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE - A drive circuit is provided for reducing conducted electromagnetic interference provided by a power line to a motor controller. The drive circuit includes an EMI filter having first and second EMI filter input terminals, and first and second EMI filter output terminals. The first input terminal is configured to be coupled to a first AC line output and the second input terminal is configured to be coupled to a second AC line output. The drive circuit includes a rectifier portion having first and rectifier input terminals coupled to the first and second EMI output terminals, respectively. The drive circuit includes at least two series-coupled filter capacitors after the rectifier portion and a PFC choke coupled at a first end to one of the EMI filter output terminals and to one of the first and second rectifier input terminals, and at a second end between the series-coupled filter capacitors. | 03-26-2015 |
20150162859 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - Methods and systems for controlling an electric motor are provided. An electric motor controller is configured to be coupled to an electric motor. The controller includes a rectifier, an inverter coupled to the rectifier, and a control unit coupled to the inverter. The rectifier is configured to rectify an alternating current (AC) input voltage to produce a pulsed direct current (DC) voltage that drops to approximately zero during each cycle when the AC input voltage transits zero. Energy is stored on a load coupled to the motor when AC input voltage is available. The inverter is configured to receive the DC voltage and to provide a conditioned output voltage to the motor. The control unit is configured to manage energy transfer between the motor and the load such that the motor generates positive torque when the DC voltage supplied to the inverter has approximately 100% voltage ripple. | 06-11-2015 |
20150207449 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRANSIENT VOLTAGE PROTECTION - Protection of an electric motor drive controller from a transient voltage is described herein. The transient voltage is provided by an alternating current (AC) power line that includes a line conductor, a neutral conductor, and a ground conductor. The transient voltage protection system includes a first stage protection device coupled to an input of a rectifier of the motor drive controller. The first stage protection device is configured to suppress the transient voltage to prevent damage to the motor drive controller. The transient voltage protection system also includes a second stage protection device coupled between the rectifier and an inverter of the motor drive controller. The second stage protection device is configured to further suppress the transient voltage to prevent damage to the inverter. | 07-23-2015 |
20150326152 | ELECTRIC MOTOR CONTROLLER AND METHODS OF DETERMINING INPUT POWER LINE ENERGIZATION - An electric motor controller and methods of determining which input power line of a plurality of input power lines of a motor drive controller has been energized are provided. An electric motor controller configured to be coupled to an electric motor includes a plurality of power input lines configured to receive an alternating current (AC) input voltage from an AC power source, an energized line detection device configured to sense that a power input line has been energized by the AC power source, and configured to output an isolated signal, and a rectifier configured to convert the AC input voltage having a frequency to a direct current (DC) voltage. The controller also includes a computing device coupled downstream from the energized line detection device and configured to determine which input power line has been energized. | 11-12-2015 |
20160061479 | SYSTEMS FOR HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING APPLICATIONS - A motor control system for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) applications is described. The motor control system includes a thermostat and an electronically commutated motor (ECM) coupled to the thermostat. The ECM is configured to retrofit an existing non-ECM electric motor included in an HVAC application and to operate in one of a plurality of HVAC modes. The HVAC modes include at least one of a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a continuous fan mode. The HVAC mode is determined based at least partially on outputs provided by the thermostat. | 03-03-2016 |
20160079888 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MOTOR - An interleaved bridgeless power factor correction (PFC) converter-based motor drive system is provided. The system includes a first inductor coupled to a second inductor. The coupled first and second inductors are coupled to a first input configured to be coupled to a first line of an alternating current (AC) power supply. The system also includes a third inductor coupled to a fourth inductor. The coupled third and fourth inductors are coupled to a second input configured to be coupled to a second line of the AC power supply. The system further includes a digital active power factor correction (PFC) controller configured to cause current in at least one of the coupled first and second inductors and the coupled third and fourth inductors to be interleaved. | 03-17-2016 |
20160097394 | FLUID FLOW APPARATUS, FAN ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A fluid flow system is provided. The system includes a rotation producing device, a first fluid flow device coupled to the rotation producing device and a second fluid flow device coupled to the rotation producing device and spaced from the first fluid flow device. | 04-07-2016 |