22nd week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 48 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120136429 | DEVICE FOR REGULATING BLOOD FLOW - An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel includes an elongated support. The support includes axially spaced apart first and second substantially annular support portions, and an x-shaped linking member linking the axially spaced apart portions to one another. The device also includes a valve membrane extending between the axially spaced apart support portions and having an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate portion. The valve membrane includes a first region and a second lower region. The first region is folded over the linking member for attachment and the second region is adjacent the first region and unattached to the linking member. The second region is movable between a first position to enable blood flow and a second position to inhibit blood flow. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136430 | TWO VALVE CAVAL STENT FOR FUNCTIONAL REPLACEMENT OF INCOMPETENT TRICUSPID VALVE - A two valve caval stent for functional replacement of an incompetent tricuspid valve. The device is designed for minimally invasive percutaneous transcatheter placement and includes two stents connected by a bridge sized to span the right atrium, and two valves anchored by the stents in the superior and inferior vena cavas. Each of the valves optionally has a conical shape divided by supporting struts into three cusps that simulate the action of a native tricuspid valve. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136431 | Stent Graft System - The stent graft system in accordance with the present invention has a trunk, a left subclavian tube, a left common carotid tube and a brachiocephalic tube. The trunk is tubular and expandable and has a descending end, an ascending end, a left subclavian mount, a left common carotid mount and a brachiocephalic mount, for receiving the aforementioned branch tubes that are elastic and self-expandable for respectively connecting the left subclavian artery, the left common carotid artery and the brachiocephalic artery to the trunk. With the above-described structure, the present invention allows fast determination of a suitable trunk and branch tubes for a patient and allows a medical institute to prepare compatible branch tubes and trunks for a composite stent graft system instead of numerous stent grafts of various combinations of differently sized tubular bodies and branches, wherein the former requires significantly less warehousing cost than the latter. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136432 | Prosthetic Heart Valves, Scaffolding Structures, and Systems and Methods for Implantation of Same - Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136433 | INTRAOPERATIVE AND POST-OPERATIVE ADJUSTMENT OF AN ANNULOPLASTY RING - An intraoperative adjustment device is described. In some embodiments, the device includes an elongate body including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end configured to penetrate an outer surface of an adjustable cardiac implant implanted in a patient's heart, and the proximal end and the distal end connected by at least one energy-transfer member. In some embodiments, the distal end includes at least one electrode coupled to the energy-transfer member and configured to deliver an activation energy to the adjustable cardiac implant. In some embodiments, the proximal end is configured to attach to an energy source that provides the activation energy. In some embodiments, the proximal end is configured to be located outside the patient's body while the distal end is coupled to the adjustable cardiac implant that is implanted in the patient's heart. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136434 | ERGONOMIC MITRAL HEART VALVE HOLDERS - A holder for a prosthetic mitral heart valve that attaches to an inflow end of the valve and includes a simple tensioning mechanism that flexes the heart valve commissure posts inward to help prevent suture looping. The tensioning mechanism may include relatively movable rings of the holder or a generally unitary holder with a tensor, or rotatable knob. Connecting sutures thread through internal passages in the holder and travel in the outflow direction along valve commissure posts, emerging at the post tips and mutually crossing over the outflow side of the valve. A handle attaches off-center on the holder to increase visualization of and access to the heart valve through a central window. The holder is constructed of non-metallic materials so as to avoid interfering with imaging devices, and the handle is ergonomically curved and shaped to facilitate manipulation. The holder may be shaped as a ring with an open inner diameter for enhanced access to the commissure posts and leaflets. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136435 | Reduced Dehiscence Annuloplasty Ring - A prosthetic remodeling annuloplasty ring for use in tricuspid or mitral valve repairs to provide support after annuloplasty surgery. The annuloplasty ring includes a relatively rigid core extending around an axis that is discontinuous to define two free ends. A suture-permeable interface surrounding the core includes floppy regions adjacent both free ends of the core. Sutures are used to attach the annuloplasty ring to the annulus, including at least one suture through each of the floppy regions to secure the free ends of the ring and minimize the risk of ring dehiscence, or pull through of the sutures through the annulus tissue. The floppy regions may project from each free end into the gap toward each other, be radially enlarged such as paddle-like extensions, or may comprise outwardly lateral extensions at the free ends of the core. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136436 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY DEVICES AND ADJUSTMENT MECHANISMS THEREFOR - Apparatus is provided including an implant structure ( | 2012-05-31 |
20120136437 | HYDROPHOBIC PSEUDO-ENDOTHELIAL IMPLANTS FOR TREATING CORNEAL EDEMA - An ocular implant including a hydrophobic pseudo-endothelial implant and a binding agent applied thereto, the binding agent capable of bonding the implant to a posterior portion of a cornea such that the implant serves as a water barrier enabling dehydration of the cornea. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136438 | INTRAOCULAR LENS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An intraocular lens ( | 2012-05-31 |
20120136439 | Ocular Implant Architectures - An ocular implant having a first spine; a second spine; a first strut extending in an axial direction Z between the first spine and the second spine; a second strut extending in an axial direction Z between the first spine and the second spine; wherein an angular dimension θ of a first edge of each strut undulates as the strut extends in the axial direction Z between the first spine and the second spine; and wherein a radius r of an outer surface of each strut remains substantially constant as the strut extends the axial direction Z between the first spine and the second spine. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136440 | Method And Apparatus For Treating Airway Obstruction - Methods and Devices for treating airway openings and breathing disorders including obstructive sleep apnea are disclosed. Structures and methods disclosed herein maintain and preserve airway openings against posterior collapse of the tongue. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136441 | POLYLACTIC ACID/CALCIUM SULFATE SCAFFOLD - The invention relates to a method of preparing a composite or porous composite used as a biodegradable scaffold, the composite prepared therefrom and the use of the composite. In particular, the composite is a calcium sulfate-polylactic acid composite or porous composite and the composite can be especially used as an in situ pore forming scaffold. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136442 | FUSION CAGE WITH COMBINED BIOLOGICAL DELIVERY SYSTEM - The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may selectably detach the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136443 | IMPLANT SYSTEM HAVING AT LEAST THREE SUPPORT ELEMENTS - An implant system that includes a concave spherical-segment-shaped socket part and a corresponding convex spherical-segment-shaped joint part is provided. The joint part rests in the socket part, wherein at least three support elements that describe a spherical triangle or a spherical polygon are arranged on the surface of the joint part or on the surface of the socket part. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136444 | TWO-COMPONENT ARTIFICIAL DISC REPLACEMENTS - Artificial disc replacements (ADRs) and total disc replacements (TDRs) are based upon two, directly articulating components, resulting in a restricted-motion system that better approximates more normal spinal flexion, extension, and lateral bending. One component may have a concave articulating surface, and the other a convex articulating surface. The radius of curvature of the articulating surface may be smaller in the anterior-to-posterior direction of the ADR than the radius of curvature of the articulating surface in the left-to-right direction of the ADR. Both components are preferably made of a hard material and are highly polished to reduce friction. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136445 | POSTERIOR SPINAL ARTHROPLASTY SYSTEM - A lumbar disc prosthesis is provided including a first member with a vertebral disc contact surface and a recessed portion on an opposing surface thereof; a second member with a vertebral disc contact surface and a protruding portion on an opposing surface thereof. The protruding portion of the second member engages with the recessed portion of the first member in use. A facet joint prosthesis is provided, including a first member for attachment to a first posterior lumbar disc in use and a second member for attachment to a second posterior lumbar disc in use, where at least a part of the first member is telescopically mounted in at least a part of the second member in use. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136446 | SPINAL PROSTHESIS AND FACET JOINT PROSTHESIS - A lumbar disc prosthesis is provided including a first member with a vertebral disc contact surface and a recessed portion on an opposing surface thereof; a second member with a vertebral disc contact surface and a protruding portion on an opposing surface thereof. The protruding portion of the second member engages with the recessed portion of the first member in use. A facet joint prosthesis is provided, including a first member for attachment to a first posterior lumbar disc in use and a second member for attachment to a second posterior lumbar disc in use, where at least a part of the first member is telescopically mounted in at least a part of the second member in use. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136447 | PROSTHESES FOR SPINE DISCS HAVING FUSION CAPABILITY - The present invention provides both a device and a method. The device is a human made replacement for the soft discs in the spine. A fabric pouch encloses a central hydraulic element made up of small soft beads. Two pouches with beads are implanted into a prepared disc space to function as an intervertebral disc. The method is conversion of the device into a fusion element. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136448 | Devices and Methods for Treating Bone - A device is disclosed for reducing a vertebral compression fracture, comprising a superior end plate and an inferior end plate disposed along a vertical axis. The superior end plate and the inferior end plate are slidably separable in a vertical direction along the vertical axis. An interior chamber is provided in fluid communication with a port extending from an exterior to the interior chamber. The device is deployable within a vertebral body and expandable within the vertebral body by injecting a flowable material into the interior chamber thereby displacing the superior and inferior end plates along the vertical axis. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136449 | Adjustable Absorber Designs For Implantable Device - A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136450 | ELBOW JOINT PROSTHESIS AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTATION - A modular elbow prosthesis is disclosed, as well as a surgical approach and implantation technique, for using the prosthesis. The system is the first and only to allow for a, Biomechanically Anatomical, Nonconstrained, Compartmental (BANC) Elbow Arthroplasty. The modularity of the system allows it to be implanted as an unicompartmental or partial elbow replacement or a total elbow replacement. The modular elbow prosthesis for partial elbow replacement includes a cylindrical medial humeral component, a polyethylene ring thereon, and a semicircular medial ulnar component which mates with the polyethylene ring. Additionally, for total elbow replacement, the modular elbow prosthesis also includes a circular lateral humeral component, a polyethylene ring thereon, a semicircular lateral ulnar component, and a radial component. Implantation of the prosthesis is through a minimally invasive medial surgical approach with the aid of precision biomechanical guides. The application is well suited for canines, other quadrupeds, and people. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136451 | BONE PROTECTOR, KIT AND METHOD - A surgical kit includes an orthopaedic implant, an orthropaedic trial and a bone protector. All three components have bone-contacting surfaces sized and shaped to be placed against a resected bone surface. The orthopaedic implant and trial are thicker than the bone protector. The bone protector has a flat bearing surface while the implant and trial have curved articulating surfaces. In use, the bone protector is temporarily mounted on the resected bone surface to cover and protect the resected bone surface while other bones of the joint are resected. A retractor can be placed against the bone protector and used as a lever to move other bones of the joint for greater access during surgery. The bone protector serves as the fulcrum of the lever and protects the resected bone from damage. The kit, bone protector and method should be useful in minimally invasive total joint arthroplasty. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136452 | KNEE JOINT PROSTHESIS AND RELATED METHOD - The present invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis having a tibial component and a femoral component. The tibial component includes a fixation portion fixed to an upper end of a prepared tibia and a ceramic bearing portion presenting articulation surface(s). The femoral component is fixed to a lower end of a prepared femur and comprises a ceramic body portion presenting articulation surface(s). The respective articulation surfaces of the tibial and femoral components are configured for essentially congruent engagement over a full range of movement of the prosthesis, and the bearing portion of the tibial component is adapted for movement relative to the fixation portion. Also disclosed is an apparatus and a method for finishing articulation surfaces of ceramic components of a knee joint prosthesis, including the steps of combining the ceramic bearing portion and the ceramic body portion, and imparting relative movement to the bearing portion and/or the body portion. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136453 | WRIST PROSTHESIS - A carpal plate for use in a wrist replacement prosthesis includes at least three non-linearly aligned, internally threaded openings, each opening defining a thread-screw axis with at least one thread-screw axis divergent from the other two thread-screw axes; and further including hollow core screws for the injection of a cement compound to aid in anchoring the screws into the cancellous portion of the carpal bones. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136454 | Hip Prosthesis With Monoblock Ceramic Acetabular Cup - An improved hlp prosthesis includes an acetabular cup bearing component constructed from a relatively hard and high strength ceramic material for articulation with a ball-shaped femoral head component which may be constructed from a compatible ceramic or metal material. In one form, the acetabular cup further includes a ceramic porous bone ingrowth surface adhered thereto for secure ingrowth attachment to natural patient bone. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136455 | PROSTHETIC HIP IMPLANTS - Prosthetic hip stems and acetabular cups for use in prosthetic hip joints. The hip stem may include a core having a stem portion and a neck portion, a polymer matrix layer substantially covering the stem portion of the core, and a porous metal layer substantially covering the polymer matrix layer. The polymer matrix layer connects the core and the porous metal layer and provides a stiffness for the hip stem which more closely mimics the stiffness of bone than do known hip stems. The hip stems and acetabular cups additionally include a number of improvements adapted for more optimized results with certain types of patient anatomy, such as the anatomy of female patients, for example. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136456 | CERAMIC FOAM ARTIFICIAL BONE - A sterile artificial bone product is provided. The sterile artificial bone product comprises a sintered porous ceramic foam material having a density of 0.3 to 1.5 g/cc, and a porosity of 40 to 95%, pores of the material having a pore diameter distribution of 10-500 microns. Additionally, a bioactive compound is coupled to the ceramic foam material. Other embodiments are also described. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136457 | PYLORIC VALVE DEVICES AND METHODS - A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a disc-shaped inlet and a helical flange. The helical flange may be disposed in a contracted position defining a contracted length and a contracted diameter and an extended position defining an extended length and an extended diameter, wherein the extended length is longer than the contracted length and the extended diameter is smaller than the contracted diameter. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its contracted and extended positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136458 | ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED PROSTHETIC SYSTEM - A prosthetic joint system for users comprising a housing having an interior cavity, a center axis in said interior cavity, and an attachment means for fixedly connecting said housing to said user; an inner cylinder disposed in said housing interior cavity wherein said inner cylinder rotates around said center axis of said housing; an appendage attached to said inner cylinder; a sensor system attached to said appendage; and a dampening system, having a power source, in communication with said sensor system, said inner cylinder, and said housing for controlling dampening of the rotation of said inner cylinder around said center axis of said housing. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136459 | ACTIVE ANKLE FOOT ORTHOSIS - An Active Ankle Foot Orthosis (AAFO) is provided where the impedance of an orthotic joint is modulated throughout the walking cycle to treat ankle foot gait pathology, such as drop foot gait. During controlled plantar flexion, a biomimetic torsional spring control is applied where orthotic joint stiffness is actively adjusted to minimize forefoot collisions with the ground. Throughout late stance, joint impedance is minimized so as not to impede powered plantar flexion movements, and during the swing phase, a torsional spring-damper (PD) control lifts the foot to provide toe clearance. To assess the clinical effects of variable-impedance control, kinetic and kinematic gait data were collected on two drop foot participants wearing the AAFO. It has been found that actively adjusting joint impedance reduces the occurrence of slap foot, allows greater powered plantar flexion, and provides for less kinematic difference during swing when compared to normals. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136460 | SCALABLE MACHINE - A food processing machine, such as a filling machine and/or twisting line for the manufacture of foods, particularly sausages, and a corresponding operating method, having at least one function module and at least one control section for controlling the corresponding function modules. Through at least one activation device, and after the input of an access authorization, at least one function module can be activated and/or one performance range from a plurality of possible performance ranges of at least one function module can be activated. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136461 | REMOTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, REMOTELY-MANAGED DEVICE, AND MEDIATION DEVICE - A remote management system includes: a remotely-managed device; a mediation device; and a remote management device that remotely manages the remotely-managed device via the mediation device. The remotely-managed device includes: a first communication unit that transmits predetermined identification information held in the remotely-managed device to the remote management device, and receives an address of the mediation device from the remote management device as a response; a second communication unit that notifies the mediation device of information on the remotely-managed device using the address of the mediation device having been received from the remote management device; and a control unit that causes the first communication unit and the second communication unit to perform a series of communication processing each time the remotely-managed device is booted. The mediation device includes: a fourth communication unit that receives the information on the remotely-managed device notified by the remotely-managed device. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136462 | METHOD, ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE, AND SYSTEM FOR CONFIGURING CONTROLLER IN SLIDING-MODE CONTROL SCHEME - Method, article of manufacture and system using minimum data to determine whether a sliding-mode control should be applied in a plant. First measure the plant in an open-loop control fashion, and using the measured data, describe a state equation of the plant by system identification and order determination methods. Then design a switching hyperplane for sliding-mode control. Next, calculate higher order statistics on the difference between an output of a linear model on the hyperplane and an output of the sliding-mode control model in the measured data; When any of the higher order moments is larger than a predetermined threshold, configure a controller as a sum of the linear control input term and the nonlinear control input term. If both higher-order moments are smaller than the threshold, then configure the controller using only a linear control input term. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136463 | Method for Quantifying the Productivity of Basketball Players, Teams and Coaches - A method for determining objective basketball productivity ratings for players, teams and coaches that includes using nine of the twenty-four statistics tracked in basketball. Each of the selected statistics is assigned a parity constant value based on the overall impact the statistic has on the outcome of the basketball game. Through a series of calculations, the offensive basketball productivity rating and the defensive productivity rating of an individual, team and/or coach are combined to determine the overall basketball productivity. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136464 | GOLF SWING CLASSIFICATION METHOD, SYSTEM, DEVICE, AND PROGRAM - An object of the present invention is to provide a golf club classification method capable of classifying a golf swing precisely. Specifically, the present invention provides a classification method comprising steps of: partitioning the golf swing of the golfer into golf swing trajectories of a back swing, a down swing, and a follow through so as to determine a stable point in the golf swing trajectories as an origin for any two of the trajectories and to assign a two dimensional coordinate to the two golf swing trajectories; determining straight lines connecting each of one point selected within each of the two golf swing trajectories and the origin; calculating angles between each of the determined straight lines and the horizontal line respectively for the two golf swing trajectories; and classifying the golf swing based on a difference between the calculated angles. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136465 | WAGERING GAME LEADERBOARDS - Embodiments include a method that aggregates, for each of a plurality of players, data of different wagering games based, at least in part, on criteria for an aggregate leaderboard. Values for each of the plurality of players are computed based, at least in part, on the data aggregated for each of the plurality of players and the criteria for the aggregate leaderboard. Ranks of the plurality of players are determined based, at least in part, on the computed values. A subset of the plurality of players with ranks above a threshold rank is determined. Indications of the subset of the plurality of players are supplied for updating the aggregate leaderboard. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136466 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING A BROADCAST SOURCE OF AMBIENT AUDIO - A method and system for identifying a source of broadcast audio based on an identification of a sequence of audio clips that are collected in an ambient audio. An audio clip in the ambient audio is identified by comparing characteristics of the ambient audio with characteristics of known or pre-defined broadcast audio clips such as jingles or advertisements that are known to be broadcast by a broadcaster. A recognized clip is associated with a time of its broadcast or collection. A digital representation of a sequence of recognized audio clips collected at time is compared to audio clips that were broadcast by various broadcasters at such time. A match of the clips may be deemed an indication that the broadcaster was listened to at such time. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136467 | INSULIN PUMP WITH VOICE MESSAGE CAPABILITY - An insulin pump with voice message capability including a controller having a processor and memory, a voice recording system having a microphone, digital sampler and digital storage and a voice playback system having an audio amplifier and a speaker. The pump has a user interface configured to supply the controller with control inputs and a measurement system electrically coupled to an insulin pump measurement system. The controller is operatively coupled to the voice recording system, the voice playback system and the measurement system. The controller directs the measurement system to transmit a test measurement to the controller, which transmits the test measurement to the voice playback system and the voice playback system plays a prerecorded message corresponding to the test measurement. In an embodiment, the voice recording and playback system is replaced with a braille display. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136468 | Apparatus and Method for Testing Electromigration in Semiconductor Devices - An apparatus and method for testing electromigration in semiconductor devices includes providing an electromigration test structure, where the electromigration test structure includes a first metal line; a metal bridge operatively coupled to the first metal line; a second metal line operatively coupled to the metal bridge; a barrier layer surrounding the electromigration test structure; current contact pads; and voltage contact pads. The current contact pads are connected to a current source and the voltage contact pads are connected to a voltage source. The barrier layer is exposed to the elevated current density as current travels from the first metal line across the barrier layer through the metal bridge to the second metal line. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136469 | PRINTING PRESS CONTROL SYSTEM (XINK) - A system for controlling the operation of a printing press used to apply an aqueous printable electrically conductive ink onto a substrate to create electrically conductive traces of such ink includes a probe for contacting the electrical traces and for obtaining a resistance measurement therefrom. A computer receives the resistance measurement, compares such measurement with pre-selected data correlating resistance with acceptable performance criteria for such traces, determines whether such resistance measurement signifies acceptable performance, and signals an appropriate mechanism for identifying those electrical traces which do not meet the acceptable performance criteria. Unacceptable traces are removed from the press prior to further processing. The computer can also signal an ink replenishment or conditioning system, contained in a replaceable cartridge, to correct any abnormalities in the ink properties. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136470 | PROCESS FOR IMPROVING THE PRODUCTION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PRODUCTS - Methods and apparatuses for manufacturing photovoltaic products include an assessment of each product in a production line for suitability, and assigning a grade based either on assessment of the product at that step, comparison to statistical analysis of assessment results of previous products at that step or comparison of previous assessment results of past steps compared to statistical analysis of cumulative assessment results of past products at those steps. Products can be associated into groups for processing as a group based on the grades and downstream equipment can be adjusted based on the grade of the group to bring the group within determined tolerances. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136471 | SUBSTRATE APPARATUS CALIBRATION AND SYNCHRONIZATION PROCEDURE - A method for positioning substrates in a substrate processing apparatus having a substrate alignment device, a first substrate transport apparatus and a second substrate transport apparatus, includes calibrating the substrate alignment device with a motion of the first substrate transport apparatus, and calibrating a coordinate system of the second substrate transport apparatus with the substrate alignment device. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136472 | DUAL-ARM TYPE ROBOTIC ARM AND ITS METHOD OF TRANSPORTING PANELS - The present invention provides a dual-arm type robotic arm and its method of transporting panels, and mainly has a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm which simultaneously extend into a processing equipment. When the second robotic arm takes out a second panel from the processing equipment, the first robotic arm simultaneously executes a stabilization operation and executes a fastening-suction release operation of a carried first panel. Then, the first robotic arm is lowered for placing the first panel in the processing equipment. Thus, the present invention can prevent from occurring a breakage risk of the first panel during being placed, and save the operation time during the first robotic arm waits to be stable and then release the fastening-suction. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136473 | METHOD FOR MAKING MECHANICAL LINKS - A method of making a mechanical multishear link includes sizing the multishear link by breaking down a system comprised by the link into as many subassemblies as there are simple shear interfaces, defining the subassemblies around each shear interface, describing each shear by its stiffness, and applying the mechanical relationships to achieve a system of equations for a computer-assisted resolution by applying the Huth method to each shear interface. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136474 | Method Of Control Of Rotation of Spindle and Control System Of Machine Tool - A method of control of rotation of a spindle device and a control system of a machine tool which enable machining without generation of chatter vibration without using special tools of variable pitch cutting edges or chatter vibration detecting means. The method of control of rotation of a spindle device and control system of a machine tool according to the present invention store spindle rotational speed change data, which determines how to change a rotational speed of a spindle in accordance with an instructed speed, linked with machining conditions and stability limit data, select, from an instructed spindle rotational speed and machining conditions and the stored stability limit data, spindle rotational speed change data giving less vibration, and use the selected spindle rotational speed change data as the basis to change the rotational speed of the spindle. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136475 | SYSTEM FOR POSITIONING A TOOL IN A WORK SPACE - A system for assisting in the use by an operator of the operating element of a tool at desired locations at a worksite, includes a stationary control and a position sensor secured to the tool. The stationary control is located at the worksite, and has data stored therein specifying one or more desired locations for operation of the operating element of the tool at the worksite. A position sensor is mounted on the tool. The position sensor determines the position of the operating element of the tool. The position sensor includes a communication device for communicating with said stationary control, a sensor for determining its relative position with respect to said stationary control, and a display for providing indications to the user of the tool of the desired location for the operating element of the tool and of the actual location of the operating element of the tool. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136476 | DAMAGED SUBSTRATE HANDLING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SUBSTRATE PROCESSING SYSTEMS - Embodiments of the invention generally provide apparatus and methods of handling a damaged substrate in substrate processing systems, such as screen printing systems for solar cell devices. The damaged substrate handling apparatus includes a container mounted centrally on a rotary actuator assembly. A plurality of substrate supports are arranged around the periphery of the rotary actuator assembly. Damaged substrates are transferred to the container from the substrate supports. Both automated and manual apparatus and methods are disclosed. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136477 | Storage Device Transport, Clamping And Testing - A storage device transporter ( | 2012-05-31 |
20120136478 | System and Method for Human Interface To A Vending Machine - A system and a method for human interface to a vending machine are provided. The system includes sensing devices located in a vending machine that are capable of detecting user actions such as knocking, thumping or slapping on the vending machine. The system also includes similar sensing devices in interface devices possessed by the user. The signals generated in the sensing devices located in the vending machine and the sensing devices in interface devices are compared and matched according to several criteria in a server computer. Based upon a successful match, vending services are enabled and the user is charged to an account for the products dispensed. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136479 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING NETWORK ACCESS - Some embodiments are associated with receiving, by a vending machine, a request from a customer to initiate a communication session, establishing a first communication link between the vending machine and a device associated with the customer, and establishing a second communication link between the vending machine and a remote network device, such that a communication session is established between the device associated with the customer and the remote network device. Some embodiments are associated with receiving, by a vending machine, an indication of a selection of a product sold by the vending machine, receiving, from a customer, payment for the selected product, dispensing the product to the customer, the product comprising an indication of a communication session activation code, receiving, by the vending machine, an indication of the communication session activation code, and establishing a communication session between a device associated with the customer and a remote network device. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136480 | Method to control medical equipment - A method to control medical equipment that moves along at least one axis or performs joint movement is provided. While the medical equipment is passively moved as operated by the operator, the operation intention of the operator is determined using a force sensor, a torque sensor, or the like, and motor control is performed taking into consideration the determined operation intention to reduce load (or drive power) of the operator. To accomplish this, the method determines a direction and magnitude of force that an operator applies to the medical equipment to move the medical equipment and generates auxiliary force having a magnitude proportional to the force applied by the operator and having the same direction as the direction of the force applied by the operator such that the medical equipment is easily moved. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136481 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EDITING AND CONTROLLING THE BEHAVIOR OF A MOBILE ROBOT - The invention relates to a system and a method for editing and controlling actions of a mobile robot. It notably allows for the creation and modification of behaviors and of motions both according to an event logic and according to a time logic, the latter controlling the event logic and thus allowing for the synchronization of the behaviors and motions of the different robot subassemblies. To this end, the system is organized in behavior and motion layers which comprise action sequences and a timeline. The actions can be programmed in boxes interconnected by signals which convey information. The boxes are organized in a hierarchical structure, the lowest level of which comprises a script that can be interpreted by a virtual robot which simulates the execution of the commands and, where appropriate, by a physical robot. The motions of the robot can also be controlled graphically by motion screens. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136482 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A POLYMERIZATION REACTOR - The present invention provides methods of controlling a gas-phase polymerization process. The method includes determining a difference between a control variable of the polymerization process, such as the production rate, and the desired value of the control variable; adjusting or maintaining a first manipulated variable to at least partially compensate for the difference between the control variable and the desired value; and adjusting or maintaining a second manipulated variable to at least partially compensate for the effect of adjusting or maintaining the first manipulated variable. The first and second manipulated variables can include process variables such as the fluidized bed weight, the catalyst concentration, the concentration of one or more monomers, the flow of one or more comonomers, the ratio of one comonomer to another comonomer, the activator concentration, the ratio of an activator to selectivity control agent, the concentration of a chain transfer agent, and the retardant concentration. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136483 | METHOD OF ANALYZING AND CONTROLLING A COMBUSTION PROCESS IN A GAS TURBINE AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING THE METHOD - A method is provided for the measurement of parameters of a gas present in a gas turbine combustion chamber. The method includes tuning a laser to a range containing the absorption lines of species to be analyzed in the gas, and directing the laser light through the combustion chamber and detecting laser light reflected off boundary walls of the combustion chamber. In order to analyze the absorption spectrum measured at high temperatures and pressures, a signature recognition algorithm is applied to the spectrum. The measured absorption spectrum is cross-correlated with a calibration absorption model spectrum for the absorption lines at several temperatures, pressures, and concentrations generated prior to the measurement. Values for pressure, temperature, and concentrations of selected species in the gas are determined simultaneously allowing direct control of the combustion chamber process. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136484 | DATA CENTER - A data center is provided. The data center includes a plurality of racks, a container management network and a container management module. Each of the racks includes a rack management module and a plurality of server modules. The rack management module is used for receiving an operation status of the corresponding server module. The container management network is connected to the rack management module and the server module. The container management module is connected to each rack through container management network to receive the operation status for controlling and managing each rack according to the operation status. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136485 | Control System and Method for Managing Wireless and Wired Components - System and method provide wireless distributed lighting control systems implementing a secure peer-to-peer, self-organizing and self-healing mesh network of actuators and system inputs. The system and method can be designed specifically for indoor and outdoor lighting where actuators include in-fixture, on-fixture and circuit control modules with ON/OFF and full range dimming capabilities, and system inputs include occupancy/vacancy sensors, daylight sensors and switches. A unique messaging protocol facilitates wireless and wired communication between actuators and system inputs, and provides web-based commissioning and monitoring of the lighting control system using a wireless access point accessible from a local network or Internet which can provide an intuitive and easy to use Graphical User Interface (GUI). | 2012-05-31 |
20120136486 | Mitigation of Brake Failure - A method and system for mitigations brake failure in a medical device. The method and system includes a motion system for at least one movable load. Each movable load has a drive, a controller for the drive, and a brake. The controller is adapted to monitor positional parameters of the drive or electrical parameters of the brake or a combination of both. The method involves the step of monitoring the parameters and evaluating the parameters to detect a brake failure of the brake. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136487 | MODULIZED HEAT-DISSIPATION CONTROL METHOD FOR DATACENTER - A modulized heat-dissipation control method for a datacenter is provided. In this method, a temperature sensor is used to sense inner temperatures of multiple servers and CPU temperatures in the multiple servers. If any one of the CPU temperatures is abnormal, a flow of a first coolant is adjusted. If any one of the inner temperatures is abnormal, a rotating speed of a fan module is adjusted. If the rotating speed of the fan module has reached its maximum, a flow of a second coolant is adjusted. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136488 | HEAT DISSIPATION APPARATUS, HEAT DISSIPATION METHOD THEREOF, AND CONTAINER DATA CENTER UTILIZING THE HEAT DISSIPATION APPARATUS - A heat dissipation apparatus includes an air conditioning unit, a plurality of temperature sensors, a plurality of adjustable air outlet boards, a plurality of actuators, and a control unit. The temperature sensors determine the temperature of server racks. The adjustable air outlet boards guide airflow from the air conditioning device to the corresponding server racks. The actuator adjusts the corresponding adjustable air outlet board to alter the airflow to the corresponding server rack. The control unit receives the temperature detected by the temperature sensors to submit corresponding control signals, altering power supplied to the air conditioning unit and adjust the adjustable air outlet boards through the actuators. The present disclosure further provides a heat dissipation method and a container data center including the heat dissipation apparatus as disclosed. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136489 | RACK SERVER SYSTEM - A rack server system is provided. The rack server system includes a plurality of server modules, a plurality of fan modules, a rack management network and a rack management module. Each of the server modules comprises a baseboard management controller (BMC) to monitor and manage a work status of the corresponding server module. Each of the fan modules includes a plurality of fans. The rack management network is connected to the BMC of each server module. The rack management module receives the work status from the BMC of each server module through the rack management network to control and manage the server modules and to control speed of the fan modules. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136490 | FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM - A fluid control platform that may control various fluid control components and is scalable by connecting with additional substantially identical platforms, as well as related systems, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of fluid control are disclosed. the platform may include a programmable controller, a power supply, a data input, a data output device, and/or a networking connection, among other things. A coordinated fluid control system may include multiple networked platforms, which may be networked to each other in, for example, a ring. The programmable controller may be provided with hardware that permits operation of each of a plurality of fluid control components, some of which may be intelligent fluid control components. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136491 | MODULAR FLOW INJECTION ANALYSIS SYSTEM - A modular flow injection analysis system has a sample connection, a reagent inflow and a media discharge. The analysis system is formed of a plurality of functional modules stacked one on top of the other. These functional modules include a metering module including a metering channel having an inlet and an outlet, a mixing module including a mixing channel having an inlet and an outlet, an analysis module including a media chamber connected to the outlet of the mixing channel, and a media control module. The modules are connected by aligned media channels. These media channels replace the conventional tube connections. They are connected automatically when the modules are fitted together. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136492 | Variable Volume Mixing and Automatic Fluid Management for Programmable Microfluids - A microfluidic arrangement including a fluid channel configured to receive a first fluid from a first inlet and a second fluid from a second inlet, and a mixer connected to the fluid channel, the mixer including a mixer channel configured to receive a volume of the first fluid and a volume of the second fluid from the fluid channel, the mixer channel defining a mixer capacity, wherein the mixer is (i) configured to mix the volume of the first fluid and the volume of the second fluid in order to provide a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid when the combined volume of the first fluid and the second fluid is less than the mixer capacity, and (ii) further configured to mix the volume of the first fluid and the volume of the second fluid in order to provide a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid when the combined volume of the first fluid and the second fluid is equal to the mixer capacity. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136493 | Battery Pack Control Circuit for Handheld Battery Operated Device - A heat sink for a handheld device is formed as a one piece chassis for supporting heat-producing circuits inside the device while having heat radiating surfaces outside the device. In another embodiment a battery pack control circuit under microprocessor control allows battery packs having different battery chemistries and characteristics to be interchanged in the same device without switches or adapters. Control of operating modes of the device despite changes in the battery pack including battery chemistry, state of charge, available voltage, or desired operating mode are automatic. The microprocessor measures the battery pack characteristics, using look up tables in a suitable program to adjust the circuit operating modes. The microprocessor also responds to sequential switch contact closures in setting operating modes. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136494 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING REACTIVE POWER IN A WIND FARM - A method of controlling a wind farm is provided. The method includes providing a wind farm grid connected to a utility grid and including at least two sub-grids and a collector portion, wherein at least one wind turbine is connected to each sub-grid, wherein the at least two sub-grids are connected to the collector portion and wherein the collector portion establishes the connection to the utility grid. Electrical power is generated with at least one of said wind turbines and fed to the sub-grid to which the at least one wind turbine is connected. Then an actual reactive power value at the collector portion is determined and at least one of said wind turbines is controlled on basis of the determined actual reactive power value such that a desired reactive power value is attained. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136495 | MONITORING OF AN INSTALLATION ON THE BASIS OF THE DANGEROUSNESS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INTERACTION BETWEEN SAID INSTALLATION AND AN ANIMAL SPECIES - Disclosed is a method for monitoring an installation having a first level of dangerousness for an animal species in a first operating state (E | 2012-05-31 |
20120136496 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING DEMAND RESPONSE IN ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS - A system and method for use in a network of utility customers to estimate demand response for various utility DR programs. The system first aggregates the premises into clusters based upon customer information for each of the premises. A response estimation function is developed for each of the clusters. The demand response event request is then processed according to the clusters and the response estimation functions. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136497 | COMPUTER BASED ENERGY MANAGEMENT - Computer based energy management including an adaptor having a server network interface and a control device interface. The server network interface receives commands from the energy management host software, the commands specify a control device and include control instructions and requests for energy usage data. The control device interface transmits the commands to the control device and receives energy usage data from the control device. The server network interface transmits the energy usage data to the energy management software in response to receiving the energy usage data from the control device. In this manner, the adaptor provides a bridge between the server network and the copper wire network to provide control and measurement of energy usage at a control device level in response to commands from a remote computer system. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136498 | RACK SERVER SYSTEM - A rack server system includes a plurality of servers, a plurality of cooling modules, a power supply device, and a monitoring management module. Each of the servers includes a sensor so that the sensor can provide the temperature information of each of the servers to the monitoring management module. The power supply device includes a plurality of power supply modules. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136499 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH USER INTERFACE - An energy management apparatus and a user interface method thereof, an electric device controlled by the energy management apparatus, and an energy management apparatus including the same are disclosed. A user interface that intuitively and simply displays a user input for controlling energy consumption of the electric device and a degree of inconvenience that a user experiences when the electric device operates according to the user input is provided to allow the user to be intuitively aware of the degree of inconvenience due to the user input, thereby enabling more intuitive user interaction. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136500 | OPERATOR INTERFACE FOR AUTOMATION SYSTEMS - Automation system based on communication network, installed to provides facilities for on-site personnel to monitor/control/configure system and connect equipment required to test system. Can automate specific procedures for activities to eliminate human error. Provides necessary commands to the system, other devices and individual functions which enable/disable operation, change operating configuration or send/retrieve certain information. Independent of other devices which provide real time operation of the system to maintain safe and reliable operation of system whilst changes are being made to system regardless of operating condition of other devices. As an independent device to the system, can be standardized at a particular installation and across multiple installations to reduce personnel training and reduce possibilities of human error due to variability of features provided in other devices. Provides authorization facilities to permit activities by authorized operators or only permit communication to system of equipment connected to the device authorized to do so. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136501 | COMPUTER CHASSIS SYSTEM - A computer system contains motherboards, chassis management board and functional components. The motherboards have a micro control unit, and the functional components are electrically connected to the chassis management board, in which the micro control unit processes the data and passes the processed data to the chassis management board through a transmission line. The chassis management board receives and decodes the information from the micro control unit, then the chassis management board transmits the decoded information to the functional elements. The chassis management board also receives and passes the information returned from the functional components to the micro control unit through the transmission line. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136502 | FAN SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM AND FAN SPEED READING METHOD THEREOF - A fan speed control system includes a rack and a plurality of servers disposed on the rack. The fan speed control system further includes the management module and the fan module. The management module is coupled to the servers, and the fan module is coupled to the management module for dissipating the heat from the servers. The fan module contains the fan, the speed control module, and the main control module. The speed control module is coupled to the fans. The main control module has a primary communication port. The main module which enters the interrupt sequence receives the control signals sent from the management module through the primary communication port when any one of the main modules enters the interrupt sequence. The control signal is delivered to the speed control module for reading the fan speed. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136503 | Methods and Apparatus for Activating Applications - A computer-implemented method of application control includes receiving a list of applications available on a wireless device in communication with a vehicle computing system (VCS). The method also includes storing a list of applications, including triggers associated with one or more of the applications, in a local memory. The method further includes monitoring, via the VCS, one or more vehicle sensors or other input mechanisms for a state which corresponds to a trigger. This method also includes comparing, via the VCS, the trigger to the triggers associated with one or more of the applications upon detection of a state which corresponds to a trigger. Finally, the method includes recommending at least one application having an associated trigger that is the same as the trigger to which the state corresponds for activation, via the VCS. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136504 | METHOD FOR DRIVING A GROUP OF VEHICLE MEMBERS ON THE BASIS OF DRIVING SITUATIONS, AND CORRESPONDING DEVICE - A driving method considering driving situations using at least one effective control signal of a member or group of members of an automobile, the method: making an arbitration between different control strategies each corresponding to a driving context, each control strategy being marked with an identifier continuously calculating an optimal control signal corresponding to each of the strategies; continuously transmitting a value representative of the identifier of the selected strategy; detecting if a strategy identifier change has occurred; when a change is detected, generating a time function x(t) increasing from 0 to 1 over a finite time interval starting when the strategy change has been detected; when a strategy identifier change has been detected, transmitting, during at least one time interval following the identifier change, an effective control signal which is the sum of the optimal signal of the control strategy following the last identifier change weighed by the value x(t) and of the optimal signal of the control strategy preceding the last identifier change weighed by the value (1−x(t)). | 2012-05-31 |
20120136505 | GUIDING APPARATUS, GUIDING METHOD, AND GUIDING PROGRAM PRODUCT - In a guiding method, an object of interest existing in a vicinity of a guidance point, at which a driver of a vehicle needs guidance, on a travel path of the vehicle is retrieved. A recognizable range the driver will have is estimated based on at least one of (a) time required to provide guidance with respect to the object of interest and (b) time required for the driver to visually check the object of interest after receiving the guidance. The guidance with respect to the object of interest is provided when the object of interest exists in the estimated recognizable range. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136506 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A vehicle control system capable of improving drivability by reflecting driving environment and driving preference accurately on driving characteristics. The vehicle control system is configured to change an index for setting driving characteristics of the vehicle. When accelerations Gx and Gy are changed, a sportiness index is changed in a different manner depending on a detail of an operation for changing accelerations Gx and Gy executed by a driver, thereby reflecting the driving preference of the driver appearing on the operation can be reflected on sportiness of the vehicle. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136507 | System and Method for Controlling a Machine at a Worksite - A system for controlling operation of at least one machine at a worksite includes controls operable under the control of a first entity to operate a first machine to perform one or more tasks at the worksite. The system may also include a portable communication device having a user interface operable to receive a machine-stop command from a second entity. The portable communication device may be operable to transmit a machine-stop signal in response to receiving the machine-stop command from the second entity. The system may also include at least one information processor configured to stop the first machine in response to the transmission of the machine-stop signal from the portable communication device. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136508 | SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED EXCAVATION PLANNING AND CONTROL - A control system is disclosed for a mobile excavation machine operating at a worksite. The control system may have a locating device configured to generate a first signal indicative of a position of the mobile excavation machine, and a position sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a position of a work tool. The control system may also have an offboard planner configured to receive a first input indicative of a characteristic of an intended work area, a second input indicative of a characteristic of the mobile excavation machine, and a third input indicative of a desired change in the intended work area. The offboard planner may also be configured to generate an excavation plan based on the first, second, and third inputs. The control system may further have a controller configured to autonomously control the mobile excavation machine based on the first and second signals and based on the excavation plan. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136509 | MACHINE CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING AUTONOMOUS RESOURCE QUEUING - A control system is disclosed for use with a plurality of mobile machines operating at a worksite having a resource. The control system may have a worksite controller configured to divide a common travel path into a plurality of segments, including at least a spot segment at the resource and a stage segment. The worksite control may further be configured to receive a first input indicative of a desire for a first of the plurality of mobile machines to leave the spot segment, and to direct the first of the plurality of mobile machines out of the spot segment based on the first input. The worksite controller may be further configured to receive first location information for the first of the plurality of mobile machines, and to direct the second of the plurality of mobile machines from the stage segment into the spot segment based on the first location information. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136510 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING VEHICLES USING LASER SCANNER SENSORS - Disclosed herein is an apparatus for detecting vehicles using laser scanner sensors. The apparatus includes a vehicle location detection unit, a shadow area detection unit, an estimation unit, and a control unit. The vehicle location detection unit detects information about locations and headings of target vehicles located in a local detection area from sensors arranged on the road. The shadow area detection unit calculates shadow areas corresponding to the respective sensors based on the information about the locations of the target vehicles and information about types of the target vehicles. The estimation unit estimates the locations and shadow areas of the target vehicles which will be obtained after a predetermined time has elapsed. When a specific target vehicle tries to enter one of the estimated shadow areas, the control unit outputs a speed control command used to decrease the speed of the specific target vehicle. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136511 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNALS AND CONTROLLING VEHICLE OPERATIONS IN RESPONSE THERETO - In at least one embodiment, a system for determining the location of a wireless device with respect to a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a plurality of antennas positioned about the vehicle for receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal from the wireless device. The RF signal corresponds to at least one of a command and status related to a predetermined vehicle operation. The system further comprises a controller operably coupled to each antenna. The controller is configured to generate a location signal indicative of the location of the wireless device based on the arrival time of the RF signal at one or more antennas of the plurality of antennas and to control the operation of the predetermined vehicle operation based on the location signal. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136512 | External Load Inverse Plant - A method of controlling the flight of a rotorcraft in a feed-forward/feedback architecture includes utilizing an aircraft plant model to control the rotorcraft performance; determining when an external load is coupled to the rotorcraft; and modifying an inverse plant when the external load is present. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136513 | Accelerometer autopilot system - The Accelerometer Autopilot System is an airplane and helicopter autopilot system that functions by a specially programmed software. The computer program directs aircraft navigation using accelerometer generated coordinates of altitude, latitude, longitude and distance travelled. The system uses four accelerometers that are specifically aligned by a solid-state compass to True North. Using fundamental Dynamics equations, the accellerations or decellerations are timed by an atomic clock and converted into velocities and distances. The distances are then either added to or subtracted from the departure point coordinates to obtain the new position coordinates. These new position coordinates will identify the real-time position of the aircraft as it is flying. When these coordinates are recorded during a programming flight the autopilot will track these coordinates as will be shown on the dashboard display screen. The pre-recorded coordinate course and the course azimuth will guide the aircraft to the destination point. This is accomplished without the use of gyros, GPS, or a VOR radio signal. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136514 | COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR A RAIL VEHICLE CONSIST AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING WITH A RAIL VEHICLE CONSIST - A communication system for a rail vehicle consist includes antenna modules, routing modules, and an arbitration module. The antenna modules are disposed at spaced apart locations along the consist and receive network data from an off-board device. The routing modules are communicatively coupled with the antenna modules and receive the network data from the antenna modules. The routing modules are communicatively coupled with a network connection extending along the rail vehicle consist. The arbitration module is communicatively coupled with the network connection. The arbitration module forms a message represented by the network data. One or more of the routing modules transmits the network data received from the off-board device to the arbitration module over the network connection. The arbitration module receives the network data to form the message and transmits the message to one or more powered units of the rail vehicle consist through the network connection. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136515 | COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR A RAIL VEHICLE CONSIST AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING WITH A RAIL VEHICLE CONSIST - A communication system for a rail vehicle consist includes antenna modules, routing modules, and an arbitration module. The antenna modules are disposed at spaced apart locations and receive a trip profile from an off-board device. The trip profile is related to tractive and/or braking effort supplied by one or more powered units of the rail vehicle consist. The routing modules are disposed on the powered units and are communicatively coupled with the antenna modules. The routing modules are communicatively coupled with a network connection extending along the rail vehicle consist between the powered units. The arbitration module is communicatively coupled with the routing modules by the network connection. The routing modules transmit the received trip profile to the arbitration module. The arbitration module reconstitutes the trip profile into a message that is transmitted to a propulsion subsystem of one or more of the powered units. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136516 | Traveling Vehicle System - A traveling vehicle system ( | 2012-05-31 |
20120136517 | Power generation method and apparatus - A method and apparatus is provided for obtaining improved power generation efficiency by operating the primary power source, such as an ICE, only at the most efficient operating modes for a given engine, and simultaneously supplementing the power provided by the ICE with additional power stored in an accumulator, such as an ultra capacitor, as the load demands would otherwise cause that ICE to operate outside of the more efficient operating modes. In the case of a hybrid electric vehicle, the present invention would use banks of ultra-capacitors instead of batteries not just to start the ICE but also to supplement the electric power available for wheel drive motors when the ICE is in operation. According to the present invention, a control device would maintain the ICE at specific operational modes, either off, idle, or specific fuel efficient operating conditions over the entire range of vehicle operation. When the vehicle needs more power than the ICE would otherwise provide at a given operational mode, the controller would enable the additional power to be drawn from the ultracapacitors until such time as the ICE could be efficiently switched to a different mode. Excess power from the ICE when at an efficient operating mode would be used to recharge the ultracapacitors. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136518 | SELECTABLE ONE-WAY CLUTCH OPERATION IN A HYBRID POWERTRAIN - A hybrid powertrain includes a plurality of torque generative devices, a transmission input shaft, and a planetary gear set connecting the torque generative devices to the transmission input shaft. A method to control the powertrain includes monitoring a desired configuration of the powertrain and selectively grounding a gear of the planetary gear set with a selectable one way clutch based upon the desired configuration of the powertrain. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136519 | MOTOR VEHICLE - When cooling water temperature of the engine is not less than the water temperature threshold value, the target drive point of the engine is set based on the fuel economy optimized operation curve and the power demand of the engine, without allowing selection of the operation curve between the fuel economy optimized operation curve to drive the engine efficiently and the operation curve to drive the engine with less efficiency than the efficiency on the fuel economy optimized operation curve in at least a part of the operating area to avoid operation in the muffled area. Then, the engine is driven at the target drive point and the hybrid vehicle is driven with a torque corresponding to the torque demand. This effectively prevents the temperature rise in the cooling water for cooling of the engine due to increase in heat loss of the engine, and prevents overheating of the engine. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136520 | Method for Controlling a HEV Fuel Pump - The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling an engine fuel pump in a hybrid-electric vehicle. The method includes: cycling a vehicle powertrain between an electric mode, where an engine is commanded off, and a mechanical mode, where the engine is commanded on; and depowering an engine fuel pump when the engine is commanded off. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136521 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method for operating a hybrid drive in a vehicle with an internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine connected thereto which is in connection with at least one energy storage device including operating the internal combustion engine is operated in overload mode in at least one preferably exceptional operating situation of the hybrid drive in order to avoid power losses at low loading state of the energy storage device. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136522 | HYBRID DINGHY PUSHER - A hybrid dinghy pusher for pushing motorhomes is provided. A hybrid vehicle can be connected to a motorhome by a tow bar for towing the hybrid vehicle. When being towed behind a motorhome, the hybrid vehicle can be switched into hybrid dinghy pusher mode. In this mode, during acceleration of the motorhome, the electrical batteries and motors of the hybrid vehicle can provide a propulsive force through the tow bar to the motorhome, which assists the motorhome in accelerating and improves fuel efficiency. Additionally, the dinghy motors can act as generators when appropriate, creating energy which can be stored in batteries for later use during acceleration. The resistance created by the hybrid vehicle can also provide an additional braking force to the motorhome via the tow bar. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136523 | MACHINE CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING AUTONOMOUS DUMP QUEUING - A control system for use at a dump location having a plurality of dump sites is disclosed. The control system may have a control module associated with a mobile machine and a worksite controller. The worksite controller may be configured to receive a signal from the control module indicative of the mobile machine crossing a boundary at a dump location, and assign a travel route for the mobile machine based on the signal. The travel route may include a travel segment on a common entrance row, a first single-use path from the common entrance row to a particular one of the plurality of dump sites, a second single-use path from the particular one of the plurality of dump sites to a common exit row, and a travel segment on the common exit row. The worksite controller may be further configured to communicate the travel route to the control module as the mobile machine moves toward the dump location. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136524 | SYSTEM FOR AUTONOMOUS PATH PLANNING AND MACHINE CONTROL - A control system is disclosed for use with a mobile loading machine operating at a first location and a plurality of mobile haul machines configured to move material received at the first location to a second location. The control system may have a plurality of control modules, each associated with one of the mobile loading machine and the plurality of mobile haul machines, and a worksite controller. The worksite controller may be configured to make a determination that a position of the mobile loading machine has changed, and to generate a new travel path for the plurality of mobile haul machines based on the determination. The worksite controller may also be configured to selectively communicate the new travel path to each of the plurality of control modules. The new travel path between the first and second locations may be automatically determined in accordance with at least one user-selected goal. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136525 | CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING TOOL TRACKING - A control system is disclosed for use with a machine having a work tool and operating at a work site. The control system may have a sensor associated with the work tool and configured to generate a signal indicative of a position of the work tool, an offboard worksite controller, and an onboard controller in communication with the sensor and the offboard worksite controller. The onboard controller may be configured to receive from an operator an input indicative of a current task being performed by the machine, and track movement of a portion of the work tool corresponding with the operator input. The onboard controller may also be configured to communicate the tracked movement to the offboard worksite controller. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136526 | VEHICULAR ACTION DATA RECORD APPARATUS - When anomalous vehicle actions occur in a vehicle multiple times, it is determined whether each action data is included in a series of action data sets that are closely related mutually or an irrelevant independent action data set. When it is included in the series of action data sets, the ECUs record the series of action data sets in respective own memories according to a predetermined recording order. In contrast, when it is included in the independent action data set, an earliest ECU that is earliest in the recording order records the action data by overwriting its own memory. In this case, the earliest ECU transmits an instruction to other ECUs to delete all past action data that are recorded in own memories of the other ECUs. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136527 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OBTAINING COMPETITIVE PRICING FOR VEHICLE SERVICES - In order to obtain competitive pricing for vehicle servicing, a pricing service provider is used to obtain pricing data from a plurality of service vendors. In at least some embodiments, one or more of the following types of additional information for each vendor will be provided along with the pricing data, to enable the consumer (the owner or operator of the vehicle) to make an informed selection: a rating of the vendor, a relative distance between the consumer (or known vehicle location) and the vendor, and a time period defining when the vendor will be able to accommodate the service. In at least some embodiments, a pricing service provider hosts a reverse auction for the benefit of the consumer. In at least some embodiment, the pricing service provider hosts a webpage upon which results of the service requests from the plurality of vendors are displayed. | 2012-05-31 |
20120136528 | APPARATUS FOR EMERGENCY DRIVING OF VEHICLE AND METHOD THEREOF - An apparatus for emergency driving of a vehicle includes an engine fail recognizing unit monitoring an operational state of an engine in real time and outputting an engine fail recognition signal when a failure of the engine is recognized; an emergency driving switch operation recognizing unit recognizing an operation of an emergency driving switch disposed in the vehicle and outputting an emergency driving switch operation signal; an emergency driving condition verifying unit verifying whether emergency driving of the vehicle is possible by comparing predetermined registered emergency drivable condition information with a current state of the vehicle when any one of the engine fail recognition signal and the emergency driving switch operation signal is inputted; and a driving unit forcibly driving the engine of the vehicle by driving a belt driven or other suitable starter according to a verification result of the emergency driving condition verifying unit. | 2012-05-31 |