05th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 61 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120029645 | SPINE SURGERY METHOD AND INSTRUMENTATION - Surgical instrumentation for use in placing an implant into a disc space between a pair of spinal vertebrae may include: (a) a distractor having a distal end that may be placed into the disc space between the pair of spinal vertebrae; (b) an inserter for use in moving the implant toward the disc space between the pair of spinal vertebrae; and, (c) a distractor/inserter rail/groove interconnection that interconnects the distractor and the inserter for relative movement thereby. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029646 | Mandible reconstruction system and method - A system, method and devices for mandible reconstruction wherein a replacement mandible, either full or partial, is formed by cutting and reconnecting a donor bone, the devices comprising guide or template members that provide the correct angles needed for cutting the donor bone in order to replicate the configuration of the mandible being reconstructed. The system comprises a plurality of wedge-shaped members. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029647 | Shoulder Implant Assemby - An implant assembly and associated method for selectively performing reverse and traditional arthroplasty for a shoulder joint that includes a humerus and a glenoid. The implant assembly may include a head, a cup, a humeral stem and an adaptor. The method includes inserting the humeral stem to the humerus and connecting a male taper of the adaptor to a female taper of the head. For reverse arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adaptor to the glenoid and the cup to the stem. For traditional arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adaptor to the humeral stem and the cup to the glenoid. The method also includes articulating the head with the cup. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029648 | KNEE PROSTHESIS WITH ROTATABLE POST - A knee joint prosthesis for implantation to replace a portion of a knee joint. The knee joint prosthesis includes a tibial tray and a bearing member that engages the tibial tray. The prosthesis also includes an insert with a base that is fixed to the bearing member and an extension portion that extends away from the bearing member and the tibial tray. The extension portion has an axis, and the extension portion includes a threaded portion. The prosthesis further includes a post that is rotatably coupled to the extension portion, and the post is rotatable about the axis of the extension portion relative to the insert. Furthermore, the prosthesis includes a retention member that threadably couples to the threaded portion of the insert to limit movement of the post along the axis away from the bearing member and the tibial tray. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029649 | STABILIZED KNEE PROSTHESIS - A knee prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial component, and a coupling component interconnecting the femoral component and the tibial component. The tibial component includes ball. The femoral component is configured to move relative to the tibial component. The coupling component defines an internal cavity including a first spherical end portion and a second spherical end portion. The internal cavity is dimensioned to receive the ball of the tibial component. The ball is repositioned between the first spherical end portion and the second spherical end portion of the internal cavity upon movement of the femoral component relative to the tibial component. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029650 | MEDICAL DEVICE - An implant, comprising: a head having a central axis; and a stem having a stem axis, wherein the head central axis and the stem axis are not co-linear. A method for resurfacing a femoral head, comprising the steps of: providing an implant according to the present invention; and implanting the implant with reference to the centre of the femoral neck. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029651 | MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD - A receptacle for receiving a mating member in an orthopaedic joint, wherein the receptacle comprises: a first portion shaped so as to contact with the mating member, in normal use; a second portion shaped so as to not contact with the mating member, in normal use, wherein the first portion comprises a non-spherical surface. A mating member for being received by a receptacle, wherein the mating member comprises: a first portion shaped so as to contact with the receptacle, in normal use; a second portion shaped so as to not contact with the receptacle, in normal use, wherein the first portion comprises a non-spherical surface. Also disclosed are receptacles and heads of generally elliptical shape. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029652 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR IMPLANTING GASTROINTESTINAL STENTS - In one embodiment, a surgical device includes a stent deployment device that includes a stent, a dilator, and a cutting element that can be selectively extended from and retracted into the surgical device. In some embodiments, the surgical device can be used to implant a stent in a patient by passing the surgical device through a natural orifice of the patient, accessing the peritoneal cavity with the surgical device, translumenally accessing the lumen of the small intestine with the surgical device, passing a stent deployment device into the lumen with the surgical device, and expanding the stent within the lumen using the surgical device. In other embodiments, the surgical device can be used to perform endoscopic translumenal pancreatic pseudocyst drainage. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029653 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING DEFECTS IN THE TISSUE OF A LIVING BEING - An implant for deployment in select locations or select tissue for regeneration of tissue is disclosed. The implant includes collagen and or other bio-resorbable materials, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029654 | ARTIFICIAL DURA MATER AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed are an artificial dura mater and manufacturing method thereof. The artificial dura mater includes electrospun layers prepared by electrostatic spinning, at least one of which is a hydrophobic electrospun layer. Further, above the hydrophobic electrospun layer, there can be at least one hydrophilic electrospun layer. A transition layer can be further included between the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic electrospun layers. Additionally, cytokines and/or medicines can be affixed to either or both of the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic electrospun layers, by way of bio-printing. The disclosed artificial dura mater shows good biocompatibility, enhances dural tissue regeneration, achieves excellent repairing effects, prevents adhesion, allows complete absorption, has good mechanical properties, ensures low infection rates, and can be loaded with therapeutic agents. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029655 | IMPLANTABLE XENOGRAFT PREPARED FROM A NON-HUMAN TISSUE PORTION - An implantable xenograft intended for human recipients for correcting cardiovascular abnormalities. The xenografts are prepared from a non-human native tissue portion and are completely sterilized, acellular and exhibit a tensile strength generally higher than that of the native tissue. The uniqueness of the xenografts is that the outer surface of the tissue portion is impregnated with collagen nano-fibers. The implantable xenograft exhibits excellent storage stability, non-immunogenicity, non-thrombogenicity, non-cytotoxicity and non-calcifying properties. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029656 | METHOD FOR DEVELOPING A MULTI-AGENT SYSTEM AND MULTI-AGENT SYSTEM - A method for developing a multi-agent system and a multi-agent system, such as an automation and/or production system, including software and/or hardware components, the resources and functions of these components being represented and/or controlled through software agents, each of the software agents having the capability of achieving goals through interaction with the environment and with other agents. In order to increase reconfigurability and flexibility, the resources and functions of the software agents are depicted as services, where each software agent, in order to achieve its own goals, calls up services of other software agents and offers its own resources and functions to other software agents as services. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029657 | SEQUENCE CONTROLLER - A sequence controller includes a periodic execution type sequence control module configured to execute each regular processing function block in a predetermined control period, an irregular processing function block storage configured to hold an irregular processing function block generated by a user, and a time-sharing execution type sequence control module configured to execute the irregular processing function block called from the irregular processing function block storage in free time of the control period. The periodic execution type sequence control module is configured to call the irregular processing function block from the irregular processing function block storage and to execute the irregular processing function block in the control period. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029658 | OPERATION CONTROLLING SYSTEM AND OPERATION CONTROLLING DEVICE AND METHOD - An operation controlling system is provided with an operation controlling device that is installed removably in a facility equipment, and an operating terminal for sending an instruction signal to the operation controlling device. The operation controlling device not only has communicating means for receiving the instruction signal sent from the operating terminal, but also operation controlling means for turning ON/OFF, in accordance with the instruction signal, the facility equipment that is connected locally, and/or output controlling means for controlling, in accordance with the instruction signal, an output value of the facility equipment that is connected locally. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029659 | SAFETY CONTROLLER AND SAFETY CONTROL METHOD - The present invention relates to time partitioning to enable execution of tasks in a constant cycle while guaranteeing dependence of a safety-related system. A safety controller includes a processor and a system program for controlling allocation of an execution time of the processor to tasks. The processor executes the system program to schedule tasks in accordance with scheduling information indicating, in a constant cycle, a period of one of a safety-related TP to which a safety-related task belongs and a non-safety-related TP to which a non-safety-related task belongs. In a task of a TP in the constant cycle, the processor stores the end information upon completion of processing in the task and brings the task into a ready state. In the scheduling, when the end information is stored, the processor inhibits allocation of the execution time even when the task in the TP in the constant cycle is in the ready state, and deletes the end information during a period between an end of the period of the TP in the constant cycle and a start of a period in a next cycle of the TP. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029660 | SPRINKLER CONTROLLER WITH DIAL POSITION FOR EACH FUNCTION AND PROGRAM CONTENT DISPLAY POSITION - A controller for use in an irrigation system includes a selector, an indicator associated with the selector for identifying parameters selected to be set for use in controlling the irrigation system, indicia positioned on a top surface of the controller which cooperate with the selector to indicate the parameter being selected and a display for displaying information regarding the selected parameters; wherein the indicator includes a program display position for displaying information regarding all parameters related to a selected program of operation of the controller. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029661 | Dynamic User Interface for Configuring and Managing a Process Control System - A process control management method in a computer system for configuring and supervising a process plant includes providing an interactive user interface to manage a plurality of objects in the process plant, where each of the plurality of objects corresponds to a physical or logical entity in the process plant, including generating a navigation pane to display a set of selectable items, each in the set of selectable items corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of objects, and generating a command pane to display a set of selectable controls, each in the set of selectable controls corresponding to a task to be performed on at least one of the plurality of objects in the process plant; receiving a selection of one of an item in the set of selectable items via the navigation panel and a control in the set of selectable controls via the command panel; determining an operational context based on the received selection, wherein the operational context corresponds to one of a range of actions applicable to the selection if the selection is an item selection, or a range of items to which the selection is applicable if the selection is a control selection; and adjusting one of the navigation pane or the command pane according to the operational context, including displaying a subset of selectable items in the navigational pane, wherein each in the subset of selectable items is within the range applicable to the selection, if the selection is a control selection, and displaying a subset of selectable controls in the command pane, wherein each in the subset of selectable controls is within the range applicable to the selection, if the selection is an item selection. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029662 | ADVANCED PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD UTILIZING VIRTUAL METROLOGY WITH RELIANCE INDEX - An advanced process control (APC) system, an APC method, and a computer program product, which, when executed, performs an APC method are provided for incorporating virtual metrology (VM) into APC. The present inventions uses a reliance index (RI) and a global similarity index (GSI) to adjust at least one controller gain of a run-to-run (R2R) controller when the VM value of a workpiece is adopted to replace the actual measurement value of the workpiece. The RI is used for gauging the reliability of the VM value, and the GSI is used for assessing the degree of similarity between the set of process data for generating the VM value and all the sets of historical process data used for building the conjecturing model. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029663 | COORDINATED JOINT MOTION CONTROL SYSTEM WITH POSITION ERROR CORRECTION - Disclosed are an articulated hydraulic machine supporting, control system and control method for same. The articulated hydraulic machine has an end effector for performing useful work. The control system is capable of controlling the end effector for automated movement along a preselected trajectory. The control system has a position error correction system to correct discrepancies between an actual end effector trajectory and a desired end effector trajectory. The correction system can employ one or more absolute position signals provided by one or more acceleration sensors supported by one or more movable machine elements. Good trajectory positioning and repeatability can be obtained. A two joystick controller system is enabled, which can in some cases facilitate the operator's task and enhance their work quality and productivity. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029664 | EDITING LIFECYCLE AND DEPLOYMENT OF OBJECTS IN AN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION ENVIRONMENT - An editor in an industrial automation environment comprises an input component that receives modification data relating to at least one of lifecycle and deployment of an object, the object is associated with a programmable logic controller and configured in accordance with a hierarchically structured data model. An implementation component can implement the modification data with respect to the object. The editor can further comprise a security component that determines that an entity providing the data to the input component is authorized to implement the modification data. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029665 | Intelligent Device Control System & Method - Embodiments of the present invention provide capabilities of ascertaining, distinguishing, responding to, and interacting with usage and/or users of an area. A controller is realizable in a variety of manners, including purpose-built state machines; software realizable controllers engenderable as physically individual or virtual machines; protocols and/or procedures, habitually computer executable, that are integratable or performable by other programs. Among the primary facets of many embodiments of the present invention is the use of an operative motion detector's ongoing lack of a motion detection as actually a positive detection of a lack of motion that provides useful and actionable information. Additional manners of sensing and/or interacting with potential usage are also employed to provide further capacities for intelligent occupancy analysis and response. Many embodiments of the present invention are effectible as at least partially hard-wired and/or at least partially software based alternates, and can include virtual executions. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029666 | MONITORING OF PHYSICAL TRAINING EVENTS - A computer-implemented athletic performance analysis method includes obtaining, at a computer system, first motion data generated by a test subject moving a test ball containing motion sensors through a predetermined exercise; analyzing in the first motion data, with the computer system, the data from the inertial sensors; and providing to a remote computer at a location of the subject a report regarding the first motion data, the report reflecting a comparison of the first motion data with corresponding motion data of other users who have performed the predetermined exercise. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029667 | ELECTRONIC SCORING SYSTEM, METHOD AND ARMOR FOR USE IN MARTIAL ARTS - An electronic scoring system for use in a variety of martial arts (including traditional styles of martial arts, mixed martial arts, weapons based martial arts or the fighting arts generally). The scoring system allows an objective determination of the force, location and effectiveness of forces applied during competition, without the need for electric weaponry. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029668 | AUDIO PLAYING METHOD AND APPARATUS - Provided are a method and apparatus thereof for setting a marker within audio information, the method including: receiving the audio information including a silent portion and a non-silent portion; receiving a selection for a selected marker insertion point; determining, based on the received selection and received audio information, whether the selected marker insertion point occurs during the non-silent portion; and if the selected marker insertion point occurs during the non-silent portion, determining a time of the silent portion, and setting the marker to correspond to the determined time of the silent portion. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029669 | RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS - A recording and reproducing apparatus includes a revolving switch capable of selecting a predetermined folder from among a plurality of folders in a recording medium corresponding to a revolved position, a recording setter which sets, upon a recording mode, a first folder corresponding to a revolved position of the revolving switch, as an allocation destination of content data to be recorded on the recording medium, and a reproducing setter which sets the content data allocated to a second folder corresponding to a revolved position of the revolving switch, as a reproducing destination. The first folder and the second folder become the same folder out of the plurality of folders in the recording medium on the condition that the revolved position of the revolving switch in the recording mode is the same as the revolved position of the revolving switch in the reproduction mode. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029670 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONTINUOUS AUDIO MATCHING - The present invention relates to the continuous monitoring of an audio signal and identification of audio items within an audio signal. The technology disclosed utilizes predictive caching of fingerprints to improve efficiency. Fingerprints are cached for tracking an audio signal with known alignment and for watching an audio signal without known alignment, based on already identified fingerprints extracted from the audio signal. Software running on a smart phone or other battery-powered device cooperates with software running on an audio identification server. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029671 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZING OPERATIONS AMONG A PLURALITY OF INDEPENDENTLY CLOCKED DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING DEVICES WITHOUT A VOLTAGE CONTROLLED CRYSTAL OSCILLATOR - Exemplary systems and methods include a distribution device that maintains a dock rate and distributes a series of tasks to a group of execution devices. Each task has a plurality of samples per frame associated with a time stamp indicating when the task is to be executed. The execution devices execute the series of tasks at the times indicated and adjust the number of samples per frame in relation to the dock rate maintained by the distribution device. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029672 | CONTINUOUS AUDIO INTERACTION WITH INTERRUPTIVE AUDIO - According to an example implementation, a method may include playing, by a computing device, first audio generated by a first application, determining that the first audio generated by the first application should be interrupted based on a notification associated with a second application, pausing the first audio generated by the first application, playing interruptive audio generated by the second application during the pausing of the first audio, identifying a portion of the first audio that was previously played before the first audio was paused, and resuming the playing of the first audio so that the portion of the first audio that was previously played is replayed. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029673 | PORTABLE SOUND REPRODUCTING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A portable audio device suitable for reproducing MPEG encoded data includes a plurality of inputs, a data storage, a display, an audio output, at least one processor, and a battery. The plurality of inputs includes a forward input, a play control input, and a random input. The data storage stores compressed digitized audio data. The at least one processor is responsive to selection of at least one of the plurality of inputs to convert selected compressed digitized audio data stored in the data storage for reproduction by the audio output and to provide information to the display. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029674 | WELDING-LINE SELECTING METHOD - A welding line can be rapidly extracted using three-dimensional CAD data constituted of a large number of line sections containing welding line candidates. The method of choosing a welding line includes: a step (S | 2012-02-02 |
20120029675 | NUMERICAL CONTROL PROGRAMMING METHOD, APPARATUS THEREFOR, AND PROGRAM FOR CAUSING A COMPUTER TO EXECUTE THE METHOD - A level difference or a uncut portion is prevented from being left between adjoining worked regions without forming any useless worked region. A lathe sectional shape forming unit ( | 2012-02-02 |
20120029676 | SELF DRAWING TOOL FOR A COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED AUTOMATED DESIGN, MODELING AND MANUFACTURING SYSTEM - A method and system for automatically generating a co-ordination drawing of a project is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes inputting parametric information, and accessing a file associated with a schematic drawing of a project and identifying a plurality of elements in the schematic drawing from the file. The method further includes obtaining geometrical and connectivity information associated with each of the plurality of elements by analyzing each of the plurality of elements. Additionally, the method includes selecting one or more predefined objects from a spatial database based on the geometrical and connectivity information associated with each of the plurality of elements and the inputted parametric information. The method further includes automatically generating a co-ordination drawing of the project using the one or more predefined objects, wherein the co-ordination drawing provides routing information of the plurality of elements in the project. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029677 | CONTROL ASSET COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY - A system and method is provided for determining the variability induced on a process output. The method includes the analysis of input variable values to determine the total variability. A series of processes may be analyzed and ranked so that a process owner may gain an understanding of how a target process performs relative to the processes of other process owners. The method includes the generation of graphical process comparisons and advice regarding asset performance. The method also includes the estimation of cost impacts due to changes in induced variability. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029678 | INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION INTERFACES INTEGRATED WITH ENTERPRISE MANUFACTURING INTELLIGENCE (EMI) SYSTEMS - A visualization system integrated with an enterprise manufacturing intelligence (EMI) system utilizing preconfigured EMI data models, workflow reports and process event notifications to optimize a manufacturing process. The visualization system and the EMI system exchange data and information providing both systems with a broader process view than either system has independently. The visualization system can specifically target information and action requests to different classes of manufacturing personnel such as operators and engineers. Additionally, the visualization system maintains an audit log of all production identities, raw material usage, and requested corrective actions. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029679 | DEFECT ANALYSIS METHOD OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - A defect analysis method of semiconductor device, wherein defect percentage data for each of inspection units within a wafer and information pieces regarding manufacturing conditions for the wafer are loaded into a computer; statistical testing of the defect percentage data with respect to the manufacturing conditions is performed using the computer; and results of the statistical testing are collected for each of the information pieces on the manufacturing conditions and outputted from the computer. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029680 | INTELLIGENT PRODUCTION STATION AND PRODUCTION METHOD - One aspect related to design of systems and methods for manufacturing products that include technology in skilled areas is configuring a production station for use by an operator without specialized skills. The present invention contemplates an approach to designing a station configurable to perform one or more of incoming inspection, assembly, testing, and branding. A preferred approach includes verifying data associated with units prior to accepting them for incorporation, preventing incorporation of an incorrect unit, and guiding an operator in possible remedial action. This approach includes storing data in a server and making such data substantially instantly accessible to production stations once written in the server. Such data preferably includes software to configure the production station such that the operator need not have specialized skills. A production station designed using this approach is particularly useful in the manufacture of an outdoor unit of a split-mount microwave radio system. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029681 | IMAGE ENGRAVING DEVICE - The present invention provides an image engraving device for engraving a special composite paper or a thin plastic plate by moving an engraving needle and a target plate to be engraved relative to each other such that the engraving needle scans the target plate, the image engraving device operating only if a license code is input and is certified correct. The image engraving device has a license code input part for inputting a license code, a license code certifying part certifying whether the input license code is correct or not, and a controller controlling to allow the image engraving device to operate only if the license code is certified correct. With this configuration, the image engraving device solves the problem. In order to secure the certification of the license code, an engraving needle driver and a target plate driver are provided certifying parts, respectively. The operation of the certifying parts is hard-coded to prevent the image engraving device from fraudulently certifying. This configuration allows the authenticated image engraving device to operate, and it secure reliability of engraved plates that are target plates having been engraved. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029682 | BLANK FOR PRODUCING DENTAL SHAPED PARTS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SHAPED PART - A method for producing a dental shaped part includes checking an outer contour of a tool of machining equipment, using least one gauge provided on a blank formed from a tooth restoration material from which a dental shaped part is to be machined using the machining equipment. The method also includes machining the dental shaped part from the blank using the tool of the machining equipment, when the outer contour of the tool corresponds to the at least one gauge provided on the blank. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029683 | ROBOTIC PICKING LINE FOR SERIALIZED PRODUCTS - Various embodiments are directed to a system for managing an inventory comprising serialized products. A computer system may receive from an intake sensor a first tray identifier describing a first tray present on an intake transport system. The computer system may also associate the first tray identifier with a first serial identifier of a first product unit present on a product transport system and instructing the product transport system, by the computer system, to transport the first product unit to the first tray. Additionally, the computer system may instruct a robot to place the first tray containing the first product unit at a first bin selected from a plurality of robot-accessible bins. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029684 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF AUTOMATED OPTICAL CONTAINER CODE RECOGNITION WITH POSITIONAL IDENTIFICATION FOR A TRANSFER CONTAINER CRANE - A method and system providing a transfer container crane with container code recognition of a container identified by a container code to a container inventory management system is disclosed. The system and method are capable of performing these tasks without the use of non-standard container tagging. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029685 | FULFILLING ORDERS FOR SERIALIZED PRODUCTS - Various embodiments are directed to a method for fulfilling orders from an inventory comprising serialized products. For example, a computer system may receive an order and derive from the order a plurality of products, a unit quantity for each of the plurality of products, and a serial identifier referencing a first product unit of at least one of the plurality of products. At least one of the plurality of products may be a non-reserved product. Also, the computer system may determine a first bin selected from a plurality of non-reserved product bins that is associated with product units of the non-reserved product and generate a pick instruction specifying the first bin and the unit quantity of the non-reserved product specified by the order. The computer system may also instruct a robot to retrieve the first product unit from one of the plurality of robot accessible bins. The robot may be programmed to load product units to the plurality of robot-accessible bins and retrieve product units from the plurality of robot-accessible bins. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029686 | WORKPIECE REMOVING DEVICE AND METHOD - A workpiece removing device including a camera for imaging a workpiece loading area including a plurality of workpieces loaded in bulk; a workpiece detection section for detecting a workpiece, based on a camera image taken with the camera; a workpiece selection section for selecting a workpiece adapted to be removed, based on a detection result by the workpiece detection section; a robot for removing the workpiece selected by the workpiece selection section; a loading state determination section for determining whether a loading state of the workpieces in the workpiece loading area has changed due to a operation of the robot; and an area setting section for setting a workpiece detection area where the workpiece detection section detects a workpiece. If the loading state determination section determines that the loading state of the workpieces has changed, the area setting section sets the workpiece detection area in a peripheral area of a changing position of the loading state, i.e., in a portion of the workpiece loading area. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029687 | ROBOTIC STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS - A robotic storage and retrieval system is provided. The robotic storage and retrieval system may include a three-dimensional storage rack, a set of article holders, and a robot. In one embodiment, the storage rack has a plurality of rows, a plurality of columns, and one or more support members at each unique row and column position. Each set of article holders is located at one of the unique row and column positions, and each article holder within a set is vertically supported by the one or more support members. The robot is configured to store the article holders to the storage rack and to retrieve the article holders from the storage rack. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029688 | ROBOT SYSTEM - A robot system is disclosed which includes at least two robots, each having a related processing unit. The processing units are connected to each other via a network bus for data transmission, and distributed sensors are provided for gathering first and/or second measurement data within a local extension of the robot system. First measurement data gathered by at least one first sensor are transmissible to at least one processing unit related thereto. Second measurement data gathered by at least one second sensor are feedable into the network bus and provided to the at least two processing units connected thereto. The processing units can analyze the second measurement data as a variable dynamic share of workload for feeding result-data of the analysis into the network bus. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029689 | LOAD-DEPENDENT ROUTING IN MATERIAL FLOW SYSTEMS - In a method for determining the route of transport units, especially in material flow systems (e.g. luggage conveyor systems in airports), a prognosis is established as to how many transport units arrive at each module (e.g. points, conveyor track) within a window of time, an evaluation function is defined based on the prognosis for each module, an edge weight is allocated to each module according to its load predicted in the window of time, and a route is determined for each transported unit (e.g. piece of luggage) in a temporally successive manner. The method enables an automation of the fine adjustment (tuning) of an installation according to the current and expected load situation. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029690 | Bulk vending apparatus, system and method - A vending machine is provided that includes optional modules. A first module includes a plurality of bins, each sized to contain a consumable product, each bin including a pivotable product container. An optional capsule dispensing apparatus is sized to fit on a side of the first module, the optional capsule dispensing apparatus including a plurality of capsules, each containing either a consumable product or a non-consumable product. An optional second module includes a second plurality of bins, each also sized to contain a consumable product, each bin also having a pivotable product container, the optional second module sized to be removeably attachable to the first module. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029691 | MOBILE DEVICE ASSISTED RETAIL SYSTEM AND PROCESS IN A VENDING UNIT, RETAIL DISPLAY OR AUTOMATED RETAIL STORE - Systems and methods for users of an automated retail store, vending unit, digital signage or interactive retail display (self-service units) to interact with such display/unit, collectively referred to in this text as a machine, directly and/or simultaneously using a one or more mobile devices. In addition, system and methods are provided that can recognize registered users within a set proximity to the machine and broadcast messages and notifications such as machine information, inventory information, rewards, discounts and free products, all of which could be tailored to the specific user based on understanding gathered through analysis of prior interactions. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029692 | AUTOMATED PILL DISPENSING SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING CHARACTERISTICS OF BOTTLES IN OUTPUT CHUTES USING MODULATED LIGHT SOURCES AND RELATED METHODS OF OPERATION - A method of operating a detection system includes receiving a detection signal representing aggregate light emission received from a plurality of optical emitter elements at an optical detector, and determining, from the detection signal, respective light emission received from one of the optical emitter elements based on a respective signature thereof in the detection signal. The respective signature is independent of an emission wavelength of the respective light emission. Related detection systems and automated pill dispensing systems are also discussed. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029693 | MEDICATION DISPENSER WITH INTEGRATED MONITORING SYSTEM - Devices, systems, and methods are provided for remote visualization of the storage compartments in a medication dispenser device, to monitor a patient's compliance with a medication dosage schedule and for verifying the proper loading of medication into the patient's medication dispenser device. The device may include a plurality of storage compartments, each having an interior space for storing at least one medication or medication reminder marker; an image capturing device (e.g., a camera) positionable to capture an image of the interior space of each storage compartment; and a communications module for electronically transmitting the captured image to a central monitoring station. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029694 | Medical Work Station - The invention relates to a medical work station ( | 2012-02-02 |
20120029695 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING AND CONTROLLING ROBOT COMPETITION - A system and method for operating robots in a robot competition. One embodiment of the system may include operator interfaces, where each operator interface is operable to control movement of a respective robot. A respective operator interface may be in communication with an associated operator radio, where each radio may have a low power RF output signal. A robot controller may be coupled to each robot in the robot competition. A robot radio may be coupled to a respective robot and in communication with a respective robot controller and operator radio. The robot radios may have a low power RF output signal while communicating with the respective operator radios. Alternatively, the radios may be short range radios, where a distance of communication may be a maximum of approximately 500 feet. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029696 | ROBOTIC CANE DEVICES - A robotic cane may include a grip handle, a cane body extending from the grip handle at a first end, a motorized omni-directional wheel coupled to a second end of the cane body, a balance control sensor, and a controller module. The balance control sensor provides a balance signal corresponding to an orientation of the robotic cane. The controller module may receive the balance signal from the balance control sensor and calculate a balancing velocity of the motorized omni-directional wheel based at least in part on the balance signal and an inverted pendulum control algorithm. The controller module may further provide a drive signal to the motorized omni-directional wheel in accordance with the calculated balancing velocity. The calculated balancing velocity is a speed and direction of the motorized omni-directional wheel to retain the robotic cane in an substantially upright position. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029697 | ROBOTIC TRANSPORTATION DEVICES AND SYSTEMS - A robotic transportation device may include a device body, two docking arms, and a controller module. The device body may include at least one motorized wheel, and the two docking arms may include an adjustable wheel locking device. The two docking arms may extend horizontally from the device body and may be adjustable along first and second directions. The adjustable wheel locking devices comprise two adjustable wheel stops extending laterally from the docking arm. The controller module may cause the robotic transportation device to autonomously approach a target device, detect a device type, and adjust a position of the two docking arms and the two wheel stops in accordance with the device type. The controller module may move each adjustable wheel locking device under a target wheel of the target device to lock and lift the target wheels, and cause the robotic transportation device to autonomously transport the target device. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029698 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND MEDIUM FOR ESTIMATING POSE OF MOBILE ROBOT USING PARTICLE FILTER - Disclosed is a method, apparatus, and medium for estimating a pose of a moving robot using a particle filter. A method for estimating a pose of a moving robot using a particle filter according to an embodiment of the invention includes a detecting a change in pose of the mobile robot and calculating a pose of the current particle by applying the detected change in pose to the previous particle, predicting the probability of the pose of the current particle and obtaining a weight of the current particle on the basis of range data obtained by a sensor and map information, resampling the current particle on the basis of the weight, and adjusting the weight in consideration of an error of the sensor. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029699 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROBOT TRAJECTORY GENERATION WITH CONTINUOUS ACCELERATIONS - A method for robot trajectory generation with continuous acceleration, Receiving a user's motion command through a motion command interface, and sending the user's motion command to Cartesian trajectory generator; Converting the user's command to a trajectory path points of robot end effector in Cartesian space; Transforming the trajectory path points of robot end effector in Cartesian space into a robot trajectory path points in a joint space; Calculating positions, velocities and accelerations of robot joints in each motion servo cycle; Comparing the positions, velocities and accelerations of the robot joints generated by a joint Trajectory Interpolator with a velocity's limit value and an acceleration's limit value of each robot joint stored in a robot parameter database respectively. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029700 | Method for offline programming of an nc-controlled manipulator - In a method for the offline programming of an NC-controlled manipulator which follows at least one real trajectory, possibly in a sensor-supported manner, with tool center point thereof in the real working mode, a kinematic manipulator model and, possibly, an environmental model are stored in an offline programming environment with user interface, at least one virtual trajectory of the manipulator and a virtual tolerance zone assigned to said trajectory are defined using the offline programming environment in a definition routine, and the offline programming environment is used to check, in a check routine, the previously defined tolerance zone at least in part in terms of kinematic singularities of the manipulator, the occurrence of which prompts a singularity routine to be executed. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029701 | DOOR OPERATOR WITH ELECTRICAL BACK CHECK FEATURE - A door operator with an electrical back check feature is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention are realized by a motorized door operator that electrically creates a back check force for an opening door. The door operator simulates the back check normally created by hydraulic means in convention door closers, but without the use of pistons, springs or hydraulic fluid. The door operator includes a motor disposed to operatively connect to a door so that the door will open when the motor moves, and a position sensor to determine a position of the door. A processor is programmed to exert a closing force on the door in the back check region. In some embodiments, the closing force is exerted by injecting a voltage into the electric motor of the door operator. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029702 | WELLBORE MACHINING DEVICE - A wellbore machining device is proposed for machining a tubular component of a wellbore. The device includes a control unit at the surface level of the wellbore and a down-hole tool unit connected to the control unit through a wire line. The tool unit includes an elongated guide member, a tool member movably supported on the guide member with respect to at least three axes of motion and a plurality of actuators controlled by the control unit and adapted to move the tool member with respect to the axes of motion. The tool unit further includes two anchor members each mounted to an axial end of the guide member and adapted to releasably clamp the tool unit to the tubular component. The control unit and the tool unit form a computer numerical control device (CNC device) wherein the actuators are electric servo motors controlling an actual position of the tool member with respect to a path and/or a sequence of desired position defined by the control unit. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029703 | MOVEMENT SIMULATOR - A movement simulator includes a base; a platform movable relative to the base; a plurality of actuators each having a controllably variable length, each of the actuators being coupled with the base and carrying the platform, wherein the dimensions of the base and the platform, and the variable lengths of the actuators determine a workspace within which the platform can move. A controller is operable to provide a motion cueing algorithm having a demanded platform state as output and a washout controller having a washout adaptation as output, which washout controller keeps the platform within its workspace by adapting the demanded platform state to a commanded platform state using the washout adaptation. The commanded platform state controls, via a kinematic transformation, the lengths of the actuators. The washout adaptation is calculated using a model predictive control algorithm. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029704 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A SHADING DEVICE - The invention describes a system for controlling a shading device with a plurality of controllable shading elements. To provide a system for controlling a shading device, which reduces direct sunlight transmission and enhances thermal comfort and lighting conditions, the system comprises at least one detector unit for providing an image signal of a shading area and a control unit ( | 2012-02-02 |
20120029705 | HOME ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INCORPORATING A POOL PUMP - An energy management system for a home network comprising a plurality of power consuming devices including a pool pump is provided. The system comprises a central controller operatively connected to the power consuming devices and configured to receive and process a signal indicative of the current state of an associated utility, including at least a peak demand state and an off-peak demand state, and a display device. The central controller further includes a scheduling algorithm configured to enable a user to program a schedule for the pool pump. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029706 | Simulation-Supported Method for Controlling and Regulating Compressed Air Stations - The invention relates to a method for controlling and/or regulating a compressed air station comprising at least one plurality of interconnected compressors, optionally having different technical specifications, and further optional compressed air system devices, which is optionally able to implement control cycles as well as switching strategies by means of an electronic system controller to influence the amount of a pressurized fluid in the compressed air station available at all times to one or more consumers of the compressed air station as well as adaptively adjust the amount of pressurized fluid available at all times to one or more consumers of the compressed air station to the future operating conditions of the compressed air station based on the amount of pressurized fluid withdrawn from the compressed air station, wherein before a switching strategy is initiated, different switching strategies are analyzed in a prior simulation method based on a model of the compressed air station and the comparatively most advantageous switching strategy is selected from among the analyzed switching strategies on the basis of at least one fixed performance criterion and the selected switching strategy is relayed to the system controller for implementing in the compressed air station. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029707 | SUPPLY WATER TEMPERATURE CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF - A heat source device control apparatus (a supply water temperature control apparatus) periodically collects and accumulates, during the operation of a heat source device, the actual values of the amount of energy used by the heat source device, the amount of energy used by a cold/hot water pump, a supply water temperature of cold/hot water supplied from the heat source device and an outside air temperature as relevant parameters related to a current load situation. Every time when the relevant parameters are collected, the actual values of the relevant parameters thus collected are plotted in a multidimensional space, and a response surface model is created by the technology of RSM-S, then a current optimal supply water temperature is determined from the response surface model thus created. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029708 | User Profile Backup System For an Infusion Pump Device - Some embodiments of an infusion pump system can include a controller device that communicates with a pump device, the pump device having a memory device. The controller device can be configured to record controller-related data, such as user profile data on the memory device of the pump device. This user profile data that is stored in the memory of the pump device can serves as a data backup system that permits the user to program a new controller device in a situation where the original controller device is lost or damaged. In addition or in the alternative, the controller device can be configured to receive controller-related data, such as software update programs or backup controller data, from the memory device of the pump device. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029709 | SMART SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL/AQUACULTURAL SYSTEM AND METHODS - An agricultural/aquacultural system for use with a plurality of growth reservoirs containing a fluid. The system involves a main control unit for receiving feedback and providing control, at least one pump control unit in electronic communication with the main control unit, and at least one gate control unit in electronic communication with the main control unit. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029710 | INTELLIGENT CORE ENGINE - A central management authority for a system, such as a power utility system, is disclosed. The central management authority communicates with a plurality of meter data management systems and with a plurality of headend systems, the meter data management systems generating commands and the headend systems communicating with one or more meters (such as one or more smart meters). The central management authority includes a gateway layer and a core layer. The gateway layer includes a plurality of input connector routines to communicate with each of the plurality of source systems and a plurality of output connector routines to communicate with each of the plurality of target systems. The core layer includes a plurality of core adapters, with the core adapters performing a one-to-one translation of communications from the plurality of meter data management systems generating commands to the plurality of the head end systems. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029711 | GENERATOR DEMAND RESPONSE BEHAVIOR - A household energy management system is provided comprising a controller for managing power consumption of multiple devices within a household wherein the controller monitors energy usage data from a utility. The system further provides a utility meter for measuring an amount of energy usage by the household and a user interface through which a user can enter a parameter of the energy usage. The system yet further provides a local generator for generating energy for one or more of the energy consuming devices wherein the controller initiates the generator and changes at least some of the energy usage from the utility to the local generator when the energy usage level is within a predetermined percentage range of the parameter. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029712 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INDEXING AND PREDICTING WIND POWER OUTPUT FROM VIRTUAL WIND FARMS - This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for predicting electrical power output from wind farms using statistical methods and measured wind speeds near boundaries of control volumes that encompass the wind turbines of interest. These systems, methods, and apparatus can provide electrical power output predictions of up to 6, 12, 24, or 48 hours in advance of actual power reaching the grid. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029713 | LOAD SHED SYSTEM FOR DEMAND RESPONSE WITHOUT AMI/AMR SYSTEM - An apparatus and methods are disclosed for controlling load shedding and payback spikes of a population by segregating the population into subsets based on predicted energy consumption usage and peak load profiles. Subset populations respond independently from another based on a communication message sent to the population. Each subset population of homes with one or more energy consuming devices responds based on a generated value generated from a randomizing distribution routine. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029714 | HEG - SINGLE PRIMARY NETWORK TO MULTIPLE SECONDARY NETWORK ENERGY MANAGEMENT - A method and system is disclosed that includes a central controller that communicates data available from an Energy Services Interface (ESI) to devices over multiple secondary networks of a home in different communication protocols. The controller is a home energy gateway that includes multiple communication modules for binding to a meter on a primary network and to form multiple secondary networks. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029715 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A DEMAND MANAGEMENT MONITORING SYSTEM - A demand management monitoring system including a remote measurement device including a microprocessor for calculating RMS voltage data from digital samples and a wireless communications device, and a server system including a database configured to store the RMS voltage data from the remote measurement device. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029716 | SUPERVISORY CONTROL METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR SMART GRIDS - Supervisory control equipment for smart grids provided with a plurality of generators and loads and operated in interconnection with a commercial power system through an interconnected circuit breaker, comprising a frequency control ability calculation part for calculating the frequency control ability of the interconnected system by using a total power demand and a bus bar frequency; and an islanding and interconnection detection part for calculating frequency control ability of the commercial power system according to the frequency control ability of the system of the frequency control ability calculation part to discriminate between the interconnected and islanding operations according to the magnitude of the frequency control ability. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029717 | RECONFIGURABLE LOAD-CONTROL RECEIVER - A reconfigurable load-control receiver for communication with a first long-haul network and selectively adaptable to be reconfigured and in communication with a second long-haul network, a short-haul network and an electrical load. The reconfigurable load-control receiver includes a switching device adapted to control power to the electrical load, and a controller coupled to the switching device and adapted to switch between operating as a gateway and operating as a node. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029718 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING AND UTILIZING ELECTRICAL SIGNATURES FOR ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT - A PeakPower Energy Management and Control System having one or more roll-lock snap-on current transformer power monitoring devices, each to avoid interrupting power when installing current and/or power monitors. Each roll-lock snap-on current transformer power monitoring device may be snapped onto existing power wires inside a power panel or near equipment being monitored without disconnecting any wires or turning off power. Each roll-lock snap-on current transformer power monitoring device may be utilized in standalone mode as well as within a PeakPower Energy Management and Control System in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Each roll-lock snap-on current transformer power monitoring device may communicate via the power lines (Power Line Controller) or communicate via wireless using an integrated microprocessor based RF transceiver. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029719 | DSM ENABLING OF ELECTRO MECHANICALLY CONTROLLED REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS - A system for reducing the peak power consumption in an electromechanically controlled refrigerator is provided. The system comprises a cold control device including a housing and a counter spring having at least one spring tension position corresponding to a temperature set point, a bourdon tube having a first end comprising an elastomeric diaphragm operatively associated with the counter spring, and a second end, opposite the first end, located in the compartment, wherein the counter spring is capable of providing a force against the diaphragm, and a DSM switching device operatively controlled by an associated DSM module. The DSM module is configured to receive a signal indicative of at least one of a peak or non-peak demand period of an associated utility. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029720 | DYNAMIC DISTRIBUTED POWER GRID CONTROL SYSTEM - A distributive and decentralized power grid control system passes aggregate information to and from hierarchal nodes. A particular node can operates without knowing anything about which specific assets are available for control below it in the hierarchy or the individual capabilities of those assets. Moreover the objective function is distributed in that parent nodes may or may not have access to all local goals of its children nodes. The computational burden for building a control solution is spread among many computational nodes within the system. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029721 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ENERGY SUPPLY - A method and apparatus for controlling energy supply to energy consuming devices are provided. The method includes acquiring a first amount of energy to be used in at least one energy consuming device, determining the amount of energy stored in an energy storage, and optionally transmitting an energy supply request message to an energy supplier based on the amount of energy to be consumed in an energy consuming device and the amount of stored energy. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029722 | Method And System For Load Sharing In A Multiple Power Supply System - Method and system for load sharing in a multiple power supply system. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are power supply units including a switching circuit, a coarse adjustment circuit coupled to the switching circuit (the coarse adjustment circuit configured to send an internal command to the switching circuit to modify a pulse width modulated signal that controls output current of the power supply unit), and a communication port coupled to the switching circuit. The power supply unit configured to receive from an external device over the communication port an external command to modify the pulse width modulated signal of the switching circuit. The power supply unit is also configured to modify the output current, the amount of modification based on the external command, and the internal command from the coarse adjustment circuit. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029723 | CENTRALIZED POWER CONDITIONING - A power plant for providing electric power to a power grid includes energy sources; power conditioning units and a controller configured to cause power provided to the grid to have selected electrical characteristics. The controller is in high speed real-time communication with the power conditioning units and programmed to provide instructions to the power conditioning units. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029724 | BATTERY THERMAL SYSTEM CONTROL STRATEGY - A method and system for controlling temperature in an electric vehicle battery pack which preserves battery pack performance and longevity while maximizing vehicle driving range. A controller prescribes a minimum allowable operating temperature in the battery pack, where the minimum operating temperature increases as battery pack state of charge and remaining useful life decrease. During vehicle driving operations, the minimum allowable temperature is computed, and a thermal management system is used to warm the battery pack only if necessary to raise its temperature above the calculated minimum level. By minimizing use of the thermal management system to warm the battery pack, energy consumption is reduced and vehicle driving range is increased, while not adversely affecting battery pack performance or durability. The same strategy is employed during charging, which reduces the amount of energy consumed from the grid for warming the battery pack. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029725 | SMART HYBRID THERMOSTAT - A system and method for controlling operation of a hybrid heating system that includes a heat pump and a gas heater is disclosed. Peak demand or pricing information is received from gas and electric utilities, and outdoor ambient temperature data is also fed to a smart hybrid thermostat. A controller processes this data and calculates overall efficiency of operating the heat pump versus the gas heater by accessing stored performance data relating to the heat pump in memory. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029726 | ON-LINE COMPENSATION APPARATUS FOR FEEDBACK POSITIONS OF ENCODER AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME - An on-line compensation apparatus for feedback positions of an encoder and method for operating the same are applied to a motor driven to rotate at a constant speed by a driver, thus compensating the errors of feedback positions of the encoder. First, a compensation quantity calculation unit is used to calculate the compensation quantity of feedback positions of the encoder. Afterward, a position interval judgment unit is used to determine the position interval of the compensation quantity. Finally, a compensation quantity modification unit is used to modify the compensation quantity by using different weightings. Therefore, the compensation quantity is modified by an iteration calculation to achieve that an error between the feedback position and an ideal position is in an acceptable region, thus increasing accuracy of the feedback position compensation of the encoder. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029727 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING VEHICLE MOTION - A control system for a vehicle includes a period determination module and a motion detection module. The period determination module determines a period for the vehicle to travel a predetermined distance based on a desired transmission output shaft speed (TOSS), a target transmission output shaft position, a final drive ratio of the vehicle, and a tire size of the vehicle. The motion detection module detects whether the vehicle is moving based on the TOSS during the determined period. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029728 | CHARGING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE AND VEHICLE - A charging device for a vehicle includes a device-side power line communication (PLC) modem, a device-side control pilot (CPLT) signal generating circuit, a device-side CPLT signal detecting circuit and a device-side low-pass filter (LPF). The device-side PLC modem is used for PLC between the vehicle and the charging device. The device-side CPLT signal generating circuit is used for generating CPLT signals. The device-side CPLT signal detecting circuit is used for detecting the CPLT signals transmitted from the vehicle through the signal line to determine whether or not the vehicle is ready for charging and whether or not the charging is completed. The device-side LPF is connected to an input of the device-side CPLT signal detecting circuit and has such a frequency characteristics that allows the CPLT signals to pass through the device-side LPF but removes signals having frequencies in a frequency band used for PLC. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029729 | REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE - A remote control system for a hybrid vehicle includes an input device for selection of one or more features of the hybrid vehicle. The one or more features include control of an electric motor within the vehicle. The system also includes a remote device. The system also includes a configurable remote control module for control of the one or more features based on the selection. The remote control module promotes control of the one or more features in response to a signal from the remote device. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029730 | Engine automatic control system - A roadside communicator in a roadside around an intersection transmits, to vehicles around the intersection, traffic light information on traffic light at the intersection and mobile object information on vehicles and pedestrians around the intersection. An in-vehicle communicator mounted in a subject vehicle acquires the traffic light information and the mobile object information. An in-vehicle engine start determination section mounted in the subject vehicle determines a permission or prohibition of a start of an engine of the subject vehicle based on the traffic light information and mobile object information. The engine start determination section determines an engine start time in consideration of a display of the traffic light, and states of mobile objects that pass through the intersection. An in-vehicle engine control section in the subject vehicle starts the engine when the engine start determination section permits the start of the engine. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029731 | TOUCH-SCREEN VEHICLE REMOTE CONTROL - A vehicle remote control device includes a communications device for transferring vehicle movement control signals to a remote vehicle and a touch-screen interface configured to present a graphical representation of the remote vehicle and to allow a user to manipulate the graphical representation on the touch-screen. A conversion component converts the manipulation of the graphical representation into vehicle control signals for transfer by the communications device. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029732 | HARVESTER WITH A SENSOR MOUNTED ON AN AIRCRAFT - A sensor for monitoring a plant population in front of a harvester and a transfer process of the crop from the harvester to a transport vehicle is arranged on an unmanned aircraft. The aircraft moves in the vicinity of the harvester in the harvesting mode and communicates in a wireless fashion with a control unit that controls an actuator for influencing an operating parameter of the harvester and/or the transport vehicle (in real time based on signals of the sensor in the harvesting mode. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029733 | T-HARNESS CONNECTION FOR VEHICLE REMOTE STARTERS - In one embodiment there is a remote starter system for a vehicle having an ignition connected to vehicle controllers by a serial data interface. The remote starter system includes a T-Harness connector having at least a first, second, and third serial data connectors and a remote starter module. The remote starter module having at least a remote starter connector, wherein the first serial data connector of the T-Harness connector is coupled to the remote starter connector, and the second and third serial data connectors are separately coupled between the pair of interconnected vehicle serial data connectors. Data from the remote starter module is thereby communicated to the vehicle controller modules and the ignition module. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029734 | VEHCILE REMOTE STARTER USING AN ELECTRONIC IGNIION MODULE EMULATOR - A remote starter system for a vehicle having an electronic ignition module connected to vehicle controller modules by a serial data interface. The electronic ignition module is capable of receiving at least one keycode from a cryptographic controller vehicle key for verification before changing the state of at least one vehicle controller module. The remote starter system is defined in one embodiment to include a remote starter module having at least a memory for storing at least one keycode and having the ability to send the at least one keycode for verification and the ability to request modification of a state of at least one vehicle controller module. Wherein when the at least one keycode is verified, the state of at least one vehicle controller module is modified as requested by the remote starter module. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029735 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VERTICAL NAVIGATION USING TIME-OF-ARRIVAL CONTROL - A method and systems for controlling an aircraft during descent are provided. The control system includes an input device configured to receive a speed margin for the vehicle and a processor communicatively coupled to the input device wherein the processor is programmed to automatically determine a flight path of the vehicle that is shallower than an idle flight path for the vehicle and generate a flight control surface control signal configured to maintain the determined flight path using the received speed margin. The control system further includes an output device communicatively coupled to the processor. The output device is configured to transmit the flight control surface control signal to a flight control system of the vehicle. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029736 | Method for Dynamically Consolidating Items of an Aeronautical Procedure - A method is provided for dynamically consolidating items of an aeronautical procedure in order to present to the operator the best action to perform according to the context of all the systems, in order to reduce his cognitive workload faced with an action to be carried out. The method consists, for each item of a procedure, in determining the text of the requested action, in choosing the text of the corresponding response that the crew must perform according to the general state and the configuration of the aircraft, in incorporating in the corresponding item the texts of the requested action and of the corresponding response, in displaying this duly enriched item, in detecting whether the requested action has indeed been accomplished and in displaying the result of this detection. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029737 | CENTRALIZED NAVIGATION INFORMATION MANAGEMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - In a centralized navigation information management system installed on board an aircraft which is in a current position at a current time, the aircraft having a warning management system and a route management system with means for creating a route plan, the route plan having a future route plan corresponding with the part of the route plan beginning at the current position and at the current time, the system includes: means for creating a task comprising at least one task parameter relating to an item of navigation information, including a task variable corresponding to a condition of execution of the said task, the means for creating a task having means for determining a predicted time meeting the execution condition; and means for detecting a possible inconsistency between the created task and the route plan or the future route plan and for transmitting, when an inconsistency is detected, a message relating to the inconsistency to a first display means of a centralized warning management system to display the inconsistency message on a first man-machine interface. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029738 | AIRCRAFT CAPABLE OF HOVERING, AIRCRAFT MANEUVERING ASSIST METHOD, AND INTERFACE - An aircraft capable of hovering, and characterized by having at least one sensor, which has a plane sweep region and is designed to acquire, when the aircraft is manoeuvring, values of respective distances between first points on an obstacle within the plane sweep region, and a second point on the aircraft; and a control unit designed to generate an alarm signal when at least one of the first points lies within a safety region containing the second point on the aircraft. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029739 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HANDLING THE DISPLAY AND RECEIPT OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL INFORMATION - Methods and systems for handling aircraft control information are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a display medium coupleable to a flight manager, with the flight manager configured to receive and direct instructions for automatically controlling aircraft functions at a future time during flight of the aircraft. The system can further include a display controller coupled to the display medium to present at least one operator activatable element at the display medium and update information presented at the display medium when the operator activates the operator activatable element. For example, the operator activatable element can include an icon presented at a computer display screen, and can be activated by a keystroke. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029740 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING SPEED - A method and a corresponding device enable monitoring the speed of rail vehicles. In order to enable a reduction and simplification of the required system components and a speed monitoring that is not only intermittent, it is provided that the rail vehicle emits a signal, the propagation time of which is evaluated on the track side with regard to the speed. The evaluated signal is transmitted back to the rail vehicle. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029741 | POWER MODULE ACTIVE CURRENT MANAGEMENT FOR EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT - A vehicle includes a motor, an alternating current (AC) power bus, a power inverter module (PIM), and a controller. The PIM includes a semiconductor die assembly with semiconductor power switches arranged in electrical parallel for delivering AC power to the motor via the bus. The controller determines an operating mode of the vehicle, selects and activates a designated one of the switches during a threshold low-current state of the PIM, and selects and activates all of the switches during a high-current state of the PIM. A PIM assembly for the vehicle includes the die assembly and controller. A method for optimizing energy efficiency of the vehicle includes providing the die assembly noted above, automatically determining the operating mode, and selecting and activating one of the switches when the operating mode corresponds to the threshold low-current state, and all of the electrical switches during the threshold high-current state of the PIM. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029742 | HYBRID POWERTRAIN WITH ELECTRONIC THROTTLE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THROTTLE POSITION - A hybrid powertrain and a method of controlling a throttle in an engine of the hybrid powertrain are provided. A throttle system has a throttle at an optimal position for the engine to power a first motor/generator when an electric throttle motor is de-energized to minimize current consumption by the throttle motor. The electric throttle motor is energizable to adjust the position of the throttle. A biasing member biases the throttle to a default position when the electric throttle motor is not energized. The hybrid powertrain has a first motor/generator operatively connected to the engine, and a second motor/generator operatively connected to the generator and operable for providing output power. The engine is operable in a predetermined optimal state to provide power to the generator for powering the first motor/generator. The throttle is at a predetermined position when the engine is in the predetermined optimal state. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029743 | Shift Control System Of Hybrid Vehicle With Automatic Transmission And Method Thereof - A shift control system of a hybrid vehicle with an automatic transmission may include a fuzzy function calculator that receives an accel position sensor (APS) signal that may be an input variable, and outputs a severity value by determining a driver's driving severity value through a plurality of fuzzy rules including a fuzzy function for the APS signal, a sporty degree calculator that may be electrically connected with the fuzzy function calculator and determines a sporty degree corresponding to the severity value, and a mode determiner that may be electrically connected with the sporty degree calculator and determines whether an engine operates in accordance with the sporty degree. | 2012-02-02 |
20120029744 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - An electric vehicle and a method of controlling the electric vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, the electric vehicle includes i) a battery configured to provide electric energy to the motor, ii) a remaining energy-amount detector configured to detect a remaining energy-amount of the battery and iii) a manipulation unit configured to receive target information from a user. The vehicle also includes a guide information generator configured to generate driving guide information based at least in part on the remaining energy-amount of the battery and the target information and a display unit configured to display the driving guide information. | 2012-02-02 |