38th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 56 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080228277 | Intervertebral prosthesis - An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein, and a core located between the plates. The core has opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in articulated manner over the core. The opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates have cooperating spherical curvatures. The recess of each plate surrounds a locating peg projecting centrally from the base of the recess and is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims of the plates are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core. The peg locates loosely in an opening located centrally in a curved surface of the core, whereby the plates can slide over the core in all directions while the peg holds the core captive. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228278 | Modular Prosthesis For Mandibular Reconstruction - A prosthetic module for a mandible bone includes a body having a form corresponding to the mandible bone and extending between a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end. A first stem extends from the body at the first end and is configured to extend into and couple the body to a mandible bone in replacement of a resected section thereof. At least one of a second stem, a hole, or a geometry similar to a condyle-ramus-angle part of a mandible bone is located at the second end thereof. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228279 | ARRANGEMENT OF TWO OR MORE IMPLANTS PROVIDED WITH GROWTH-STIMULATING SUBSTANCE(S) - Two or more implants ( | 2008-09-18 |
20080228280 | Tribological Applications of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers - One aspect of the present invention relates to an implantable medical device comprising a surface coated with a polyelectrolyte multilayer, wherein said surface is glass, metal, plastic, polymer, or fiberglass. Another aspect of the present invention involves a method of preparing a PEM-coated implantable medical device, comprising the step of applying a film to a surface of an implantable medical device, wherein said film comprises a polyelectrolyte multilayer and said surface is glass, metal, plastic, polymer, or fiberglass. Another aspect of the present invention involves a method of reducing the wear between two contacting materials, comprising the step of moving a first material in contact with a second material in an environment, wherein a first surface of said first material is in contact with a second surface of said second material, wherein said first surface, said second surface, or both is coated with a polyelectrolyte multilayer, thereby decreasing the wear of said first material, said second material, or both compared to the wear in the absence of said polyelectrolyte multilayer. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228281 | Insert and Shell of a Joint Ball Receptacle - An insert ( | 2008-09-18 |
20080228282 | Artificial hip with grooved ball or cup for improved lubrication by capillary action - Prosthetic hips are well known in the arts and have been successfully used for many years. There are, however, some inherent health problems associated with present art designs. All of the prosthetic hip designs utilize a variety of materials. Most used are plastic, ceramic and metal materials. One of the main problems associated with prior art prosthetic hips involves friction generated between cup and ball. Friction dislodges, from cup and ball surfaces, plastic, ceramic or metallic fragments during a patient's normal motor functions. These particles interact with the body's chemistry and may cause deleterious health side effects. Rubbing action between cup and ball also produces ions which can adversely affect the patient's health. It is therefore essential that friction between prosthetic hip cup and ball is reduced to a minimum. The design of the prosthetic hip presented herewith will alleviate some of the unwanted friction between cup and ball. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228283 | FEMUR COMPONENT FOR A HIP JOINT PROSTHESIS - The specified implant for use as a femur component in a hip joint prosthesis comprises a shaft, being intended for the implantation in a cavity of a proximal femur, a head section, for fastening a femoral head prosthesis and a femoral neck section, being arranged between the shaft and the head section. The femoral neck section comprises a femoral head axis and a contour in a cross-section perpendicular to the femoral neck axis, tapering in a V-shape or wedge-shape to medial and at least an anterior straight section and at least a posterior straight section, wherein the straight sections define the tapering. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228284 | Specific Polyphosphazene-Containing Three-Dimensional Bone Support Implants and Methods for Their Use - The present invention relates to expandable semi-compliant devices that may be used for the treatment of diseased or injured bone tissues, and methods of using the same. The semi-compliant device of the present invention is inserted into an interior space of a cancellous bone tissue, and is filled with a suitable material to provide internal structural support to the bone. The semi-compliant device may further comprise a polymer or a polymer surface coating of a biocompatible polyphosphazene polymer such as poly[bis-(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] or derivatives thereof. Such semi-compliant devices or surface coatings may also act as carriers for medicinal, radiological, or thermal treatments of diseased bone. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228285 | Transoral endoscopic gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device, assembly, system and method - The invention provides a device, assembly, and method for transoral endoscopic restoration of a gastroesophageal flap valve. The invention also provides a self-steering and self-closing tissue fixation device for tissue fixation and an invaginator device for gripping and maneuvering tissue. The restoration device includes a longitudinal member arranged for transoral placement into a stomach, a tissue shaper carried on the longitudinal member that causes stomach tissue to assume a shape related to a gastroesophageal flap, and a tissue fixation device that maintains the shaped stomach tissue in a shape approximating a gastroesophageal flap. The tissue shaper may include a mold. The device may include the invaginator device for gripping and maneuvering esophageal tissue to aid restoration of the gastroesophageal flap, and may include the tissue fixation device. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228286 | Liner - The invention relates to a liner for connecting a prosthesis with the stump of an amputated lower leg. The liner comprises a stocking from a substantially flexible material for surrounding the stump with a first, open end for receiving the stump there through and a second, closed end which is, on the outside, provided with coupling means for coupling to the prosthesis. The liner is, on the inside, provided with a substantially form-retaining disc for supporting the end of the stump. Further, the substantially form-retaining disc is substantially non-round in a view from the open end of the stocking. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228287 | Prosthetic leg - In a prosthetic leg installed with a hydraulic cylinder for adjusting bending and extension resistance of a knee joint portion, a buffer device is provided between a lower leg portion and a foot portion below the knee joint portion for displacing movably in opposite directions when the toe and the heel of the foot portion contact the ground, respectively. An extension passage and a bending passage are provided in the hydraulic cylinder, a toe grounding closing valve is provided in the bending passage, and a heel grounding closing valve is provided in the bending passage. The toe grounding closing valve and the heel grounding closing valve are connected in an interlocking manner by a closing valve connecting/operating member such that valve open/close orientations thereof are set in opposite directions. A grounding detection member is provided for detecting movable displacement of the buffer device and displacing movably when the toe or heel on the foot portion of the prosthetic leg contacts the ground, and a grounding transmission member is provided for transmitting the movable displacement of the grounding detection member to the closing valve connecting/operating member to cause the closing valve connecting/operating member to displace movably. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228288 | Composite Prosthetic Foot - A prosthetic foot is provided with an ankle plate for attachment to a lower leg prosthesis and supporting a composite frame having a hollow composite biasing structure, preferably in the form of a generally helical spring curved about a vertical axis. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228289 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING MACRO COMMAND AND INPUTTING MACRO COMMAND - Disclosed is provided an apparatus and a method for operating a macro command and inputting a macro command, wherein the apparatus including a storing unit storing control signals received from a control device for selecting of a menu item of a host device, a creating unit creating the macro command combined with the control signals, and an executing unit reading the macro command and executing functions corresponding to the respective menu item of the host device according to a combination sequence of the control signals included in the read macro command. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228290 | Method, control device and control system for the control of an automation system - In order to be able, for control of an automation system, to project, establish, process and/or simulate device functions of the control devices used in a simple and flexible way, the invention provides a method by means of which at least one software module is made available in an execution environment ( | 2008-09-18 |
20080228291 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENERGY SAVING FUNCTIONALITY - Systems and methods applicable, for example, in energy saving functionality. A host device and a connected device might, for instance, exchange data within an instance of an activity period. The host device might, for example, send a request to the connected device. The host device and/or the connected device might, for instance, terminate and/or place hardware into one or more reduced energy consumption modes. Such termination might, for example, allow for data exchange during a subsequent activity period instance. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228292 | System and method for pre-distorting a device input - A method for pre-distorting an input for a device is provided. A partial set of known data pairs is acquired during a closed-loop device calibration period. The partial set of known data pairs is searched for at least one missing data pair, and at least one data value is interpolated for the missing data pair. An augmented set of data pairs, including the known data pairs and the interpolated data value, is stored in a lookup table. During an open-loop operation period subsequent to the closed-loop device calibration period, the device input is pre-distorted based on the augmented set of data pairs stored in the lookup table. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228293 | System and method for tuning positioning mechanisms for printing apparatus - A method of controlling parameters of a positioning mechanism of a printer comprises calculating a deceleration profile of decaying velocity versus position function by defining the function to represent a specimen motor velocity decay from a maximum velocity to zero velocity over a period during which zero voltage is applied to the specimen motor; and moving a load using the positioning mechanism and the calculated deceleration profile between positions and determining parameter values based on an iterative process. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228294 | MARKING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH LOCATION AND/OR TIME TRACKING - A system may dispense a marker, determine location data or time data, and substantially simultaneously trigger the dispensing of the marker and logging of the location data that identifies a geographic location at which the marker is dispensed or the time data that identifies a time at which the marker is dispensed. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228295 | Production program creating system - A production program creating system creates a production program having a module in which a processing for producing a board is described. The board is produced by mounting an electronic component supplied from a component feeding device onto the board by means of a component mounting device. The component mounting device is described in model form, and a configuration information of the component mounting device is stored in a database. The module is created such that the module works with respect to the component mounting device that is described in model form, and such that the module performs a generalized processing by acquiring the configuration information of the component mounting device from the database. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228296 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERIC ANALYTICS - A method and apparatus for revealing business or organizational aspects of an organization in audio signals captured from interactions, broadcasts or other sources. The method and apparatus activate an efficient process to detect events within the audio signal, and then activate a more resource-consuming additional process around the detected events, thus enhancing efficiency of the process. The detected events and the output of the additional process are analyzed by an analysis process to reveal business aspects, terms, or other events in the audio signal. The analysis results, and possibly the events and output of the additional processing are optionally presented to a user. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228297 | AUDIO PLAYBACK DEVICE HAVING FUNCTION FOR ADJUSTING PLAYBACK SPEED AND A METHOD THEREOF - An audio playback device having a function for adjusting a playback speed, and a method thereof includes, in the audio playback device, stored audio data is decoded and converted into an audio stream in a PCM format, and the audio stream is divided into a high frequency band and a low frequency band at cut-off frequency. The audio stream of the high frequency band is signal-processed using an overlap add (OLA) algorithm, and the audio stream of the low frequency band is down-sampled and signal-processed using a synchronized overlap and add (SOLA) algorithm. Accordingly, calculation time of the stream processor | 2008-09-18 |
20080228298 | PORTABLE MULTI-MEDIA DEVICE - A portable multi-media device, preferably a hand held device used to capture digital images, digital video, and audio. The portable multi-media device comprising a sensor, operation members, an integral display, a speaker, a microphone, a memory card, and an integrated circuit. The portable multi-media device further has the capability to manipulate and edit data captured by the sensor and microphone and to organize and access the data based on user inputs. In addition to executing functions on the integral display, the device may also communicate with a personal computer or external display for interaction thereon. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228299 | Audio Reproducing Apparatus And Audio Reproducing Method, Allowing Efficient Data Selection - In a music selection mode, a reproduction object deciding unit in an audio reproducing apparatus selects a plurality of pieces of candidate music from music data stored in a storage unit and has a reproducing unit reproduce them simultaneously. An assigned position deciding unit controls an audio processing unit in such a manner as to assign the sound images of the pieces of candidate music respectively to different positions. An input by which one unit of sound is selected from among a plurality of sounds that a user hears from the different positions is entered to an input unit. Then the reproduction object deciding unit determines that music data corresponding to the sound has been selected. This causes a changeover to a normal mode and the selected music data only is reproduced. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228300 | SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY CARD, PLAYBACK APPARATUS, RECORDING APPARATUS, PLAYBACK METHOD, RECORDING METHOD AND A COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM - A semiconductor memory card stores a plurality of audio objects (AOBs) that compose a plurality of tracks and playlist information showing a reproduction order for the tracks. The semiconductor memory card also stores, as resume information (PLMG_RSM_PL), (1) a Playlist_Number showing which playlist information was used the last time playback was performed for the semiconductor memory card, (2) a Track_Number showing the last track to be played back, and (3) a Playback_Time showing a position at which where playback was stopped as a time expressed in relation to the start of the track. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228301 | SYSTEM TO OPTIMIZE A SEMICONDUCTOR PROBE CARD - A novel information system for optimizing a phase in the lifespan of a probe card for semiconductor wafer testing, by receiving, storing, and disseminating probe card data over a network between the probe card customer and supplier. The system optimizes the ordering of a probe card by a customer, the manufacture of the probe card by a supplier, and the performance and repair of the probe card during its lifespan. The information system includes at least one server that is coupled to a network, where the server receives, stores, and disseminates historical information gathered during the order, manufacture, performance, and repair phases of many probe cards. An application on the server receives current information from a probe card customer or supplier, calculates a variety of metrics based on this information, compares the metric to historical data already stored in the system, and communicates the results of the comparison and the historical data to a system user. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228302 | METHOD FOR GENERATING CONTROL DATA FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A PRODUCT - A method and a corresponding computer program product for generating control data for the manufacture of a product including a processing unit and a data-input unit, wherein the processing unit processes into a data structure data which are entered via the data-input unit and suitable for controlling production equipment for the manufacture of a product or can be transformed into such control data, the processing unit comprises at least two processing modules, a first processing module generates first control data having a first data structure and the second processing module generates second control data having a second data structure, the first processing module processes first input data from a first user and the second processing module requires second input data from a second user, and the first control data are generated for use by the second user while the second control data are generated for use for the first user. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228303 | DIRECT MANUFACTURE OF DENTAL AND MEDICAL DEVICES - A method of making a medical or dental part may comprise creating a first digital model, manufacturing an initial embodiment of the part based on the first digital model using a layered manufacturing process, creating a second digital model of the initial embodiment of the part, determining the difference between the second digital model and the first digital model, and machining the initial embodiment of the part to create a final embodiment of the part by removing an amount of material substantially representative of the difference. A computer readable medium for performing such method is also disclosed. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228304 | Line Balance Control Method, Line Balance Control Apparatus, and Component Mounting Machine - To provide a line balance control method, a line balance control apparatus, and a component mounting machine, which do not require a higher-level device. A production line | 2008-09-18 |
20080228305 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PRODUCT QUALITY - A computer-based method for controlling product quality is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: detecting whether a quality of raw materials bought from at least one supplier are acceptable; detecting whether a quality of using materials used at a processing procedure are acceptable; detecting whether a quality of products being manufactured at the processing procedure are acceptable; receiving and storing a post-procedure report obtained by sampling the products after the processing procedure; repeating steps of detecting materials used at a processing procedure, detecting products being manufactured at the processing procedure, detecting the sampling products after the processing procedure, and completing the manufacturing if all the products are finished. A related system is also disclosed. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228306 | DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM - A sensor network collects time-series data from a process tool and supplies the data to an analysis system where pattern analysis techniques are used to identify structures and to monitor subsequent data based on analysis instructions or a composite model. Time-series data from multiple process runs are used to form a composite model of a data structure including variation. Comparison with the composite model gives an indication of tool health. A sensor network may have distributed memory for easy configuration. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228307 | QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM - A quality improvement system using an FMEA table of the invention includes a defect data collecting unit to collect defect data about a defect in a manufacturing or inspection process and an FMEA table update unit to update the FMEA table online based on the data collected by the defect data collecting unit. The FMEA table includes a failure mode, the number of occurrences of the failure mode, and an effect caused by the failure mode. The FMEA table update unit includes an FMEA table editing unit to edit the FMEA table. The FMEA table editing unit edits the number of occurrences of the failure mode when a row including a set of an occurred failure mode and an effect corresponding to the occurred failure mode is previously defined in the FMEA table, and inserts the row into the FMEA table when the row is not defined in the FMEA table. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228308 | CRITICAL DIMENSION UNIFORMITY OPTIMIZATION - Embodiments of an apparatus and methods for providing critical dimensions of a pattern. Pattern parameters and process history from a first substrate are used to create a thermal modes. The thermal mode is employed to established intelligent set points for zones of a substrate heater. A second substrate is position proximate the heater. The actual temperature of each zone is controlled using the corresponding intelligent setpoint. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228309 | Method and System for Reducing Critical Dimension Side-to-Side Tilting Error - A method for reducing a critical dimension error of a substrate is provided. A first function is identified for correlating a critical dimension error with a first effect. A second function is identified for correlating a critical dimension error with a scan speed. An optimal scan speed for minimizing the critical dimension error is identified by substantially equating the first function and the second function. The substrate may be a mask or a wafer. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228310 | Automated material handling system and method - An automated material handling system (AMHS) includes a plurality of first stockers for material storage and a plurality of second stockers for material storage, wherein the second stockers are smaller than the first stockers. A method of operating an AMHS, wherein the AMHS includes a plurality of first stockers for material storage and a plurality of second stockers for material storage and the second stockers are smaller than the first stockers, includes selecting one of the first stockers and the second stockers after a step of a process is performed with one or more pieces of material at a piece of processing equipment; unloading the one or more pieces of material from the piece of processing equipment; and transporting the one or more pieces of material to the selected one of the first stockers and the second stockers. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228311 | SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD FOR THE APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD - A substrate processing apparatus, according to which inspection of various devices in the substrate processing apparatus can be carried out with improved reliability, while reducing the burden on a user. A processing chamber processes semiconductor wafers therein. A transfer chamber transfers the semiconductor wafers. A FOUP (front opening unified pod) houses a plurality of dummy wafers for inspection of the processing chamber or the transfer chamber. A CPU causes an HDD (hard disk drive) to store a housing state relating to the arrangement of the dummy wafers in the FOUP before replacement of dummy wafers in the FOUP and that after the replacement as dummy wafer setup information. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228312 | Control Method for Garment Sewing - Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and device for making garment. One embodiment, for example, includes a system that comprises a processing device and a sewing module that sews garment material to facilitate making the garment. The system further comprises memory that includes a thread count manager having instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executed by the processing device and include logic configured to instruct the sewing module to sew the garment material based on counting threads of the garment material rather than using the geometric shape of pieces of garment material. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228313 | Device and Method for Turning In Virtual Planes - Disclosed are a turning method and apparatus. The apparatus, which otherwise may be conventional, includes a tool holding mechanism, such as a turret, and a workpiece holder, typically a chuck disposed on a main machine spindle. The tool holding mechanism may be translated in three directions relative to the workpiece holder, including a Z direction that is along the axis of the rotation of the workpiece holder and X and Y directions orthogonal thereto. Under the control of the computer control system, the tool holding mechanism is moved in a direction having both an X- and Y-component relative to the workpiece holder. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228314 | Dynamic maintenance plan for an industrial robot - A method for establishing a dynamic maintenance scheduling tool for a specific part of a machinery based on condensed prior knowledge of the part of the machinery in a population of machineries. The scheduling tool is in turn used in a method for establishing a dynamic maintenance schedule for a specific part of a specific machinery, wherein parameters related to the usage, including relevant parameters representing factors influencing the lifetime of the specific parts, are utilized as input data to the dynamic maintenance scheduling tool for the specific part of the machinery, whereupon a dynamic maintenance schedule for the specific part of the specific machinery is achieved as output data from the scheduling tool. The method is in particular dedicated to industrial robot systems. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228315 | Display and Operating Unit for a Machine in the Tobacco Processing Industry - A display and operating unit for a machine in the tobacco-processing industry includes a visual display unit for the display of a graphic user interface consisting of a plurality of screen displays, and a computer which is designed to generate the graphic user interface by means of a computer program, essentially all the screen displays having at least the following regions: an operating region that can be operated by the operator for the display of a plurality of different operating-region displays that can be selected by the operator, with machine- and/or product-related display and operating elements; and a message region for the display of machine- or product-related stop and warning messages. The screen displays have at least one further region which includes machine- and/or product-related display and/or operating elements concerning the production mode, display of the further region being independent of the respectively selected operating-region display of the operating region. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228316 | Tote-Based Warehousing System and Method - A warehousing system includes a container for storing at least one item, a first electronic (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID)) module associated with the first container, and a controller which wirelessly communicates with first electronic module, for directing a transfer of said at least one item to and/or from said first container. The inventive system may include, for example, a hybrid retail/warehouse system which includes a facility having a shelving area, and a picking area adjacent to the shelving area, and a layout so as to minimize a picking area and a walking distance between a picking area and a shelving area. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228317 | Method, system and apparatus for controlling patient access to medicaments - A method, system and apparatus for controlling patient access to medicaments are disclosed. A method, system and apparatus can include an interfacing system such as an IVR system that can receive identifying data from a user of a medicament dispensing device. The interfacing system can also communicate limited-use access authorization data to the user via a communicative intermediary. The limited-use access authorization data enables the dispensing device to dispense a medicament up to a certain limit in response to entering the access authorization data into the dispensing device. The dispensing device may not be connected to a network, but is capable of computing and storing a limited-use access authorization data as well as validating an inputted access authorization data. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228318 | Device and Method of Controlling Dispenser For Refrigerator - The present invention relates to an device and method for controlling a dispenser for a refrigerator. The present invention comprises an input unit including a switch for generating a dispensing-start signal to initiate the dispensing of ice, water or both through the dispenser, a dispensing button for inputting an operation signal to allow ice, water or both to be selectively dispensed through the dispenser, and dispensing amount-setting and dispensing time-setting buttons for inputting an operation signal to set a dispensing time and amount per unit time of ice, water or both through the dispenser, respectively; and a control unit for receiving the dispensing-start signal from the switch and controlling ice, water or both corresponding to the dispensing amount per unit time inputted through the dispensing amount-setting button to be dispensed through the dispenser for the dispensing time inputted through the dispensing time-setting button in response to the operation signal inputted through the dispensing button. According to the present invention, there is an advantage in that ice and/or water can be selectively dispensed more conveniently. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228319 | ROBOTIC ARM ALIGNMENT - A method for aligning the position of a movable arm includes: providing an alignment element on the apparatus projecting a distance above the apparatus in the z-direction and having a surface lying in a plane formed by an x and y axis; providing a movable arm having a tool at the free end; positioning the object such that the surface of the element faces the tool; moving the tool in a direction towards the surface of the element; sensing when the tool reaches a predetermined point on or above the surface of the element, whereby the position of the tool in the z-direction is determined based on the relationship between the measured response of the tool and the height of the tool above the surface of the alignment element; placing the tool on or at a distance in the z-direction from the surface; moving the tool in the x-direction while sensing the surface of the element; moving the tool in the x-direction until an edge of the element is sensed; determining the center in the x-direction based on the known distance the tool has moved and the known dimensions of the element in the x-direction; placing the tool on or at a distance in the z-direction from the surface; moving the tool in the y-direction while sensing the surface of the element; moving the tool in the y-direction until an edge of the element is sensed; determining the center in the y-direction based on the known distance the tool has moved and the known dimensions of the element in the y-direction. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is a metering probe having a disposable tip on the end thereof. In another preferred embodiment, the measured response is the air pressure in the probe and the metering probe has a source of compressed air for expelling air out of the end of the probe and a pressure transducer for measuring the air pressure inside the metering probe. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228320 | Robot - To provide a robot whose degree of freedom of design is not limited, and which has simple structure and further reduces load of an actuator of a neck part, the present invention provides a robot at least including a head part, a body part, and a neck link which connects the head part and the body part, wherein a surrounding object distance measurement means is provided adjacently to the neck link and in an upper portion of the body part between the head part and the body part, and a distance scanning field of the surrounding object distance measurement means is provided in parallel with a horizontal plane. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228321 | Apparatus and method for controlling an ammonia production system - An apparatus, method, and computer program for controlling an ammonia production system are provided. At least one model is associated with production equipment operable to produce ammonia, where the production equipment includes a reformer section, a carbon dioxide wash section, and an ammonia synthesis reactor section. The production equipment is controlled using the at least one model. The at least one model is associated with a plurality of controlled variables and a plurality of manipulated variables. At least some of the controlled variables are associated with the reformer section, the carbon dioxide wash section, and/or the ammonia synthesis reactor section. At least some of the manipulated variables are associated with the reformer section, the carbon dioxide wash section, and/or the ammonia synthesis reactor section. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228322 | Actuator drive system having smart sensor module and smart actuator module - Disclosed is an actuator drive system including a smart sensor module including a sensor, a sensor input unit, and a controller; a smart actuator module including a drive output unit and an actuator; and a battery for supplying each of the smart sensor module and the smart actuator module with power. Advantageously, the conventional ECU is replaced with the smart sensor module and the smart actuator module, and the smart sensor module and the smart actuator module are connected to each other by a cable. Therefore, noise or heat generated by the smart actuator module is not transferred to the smart sensor module. When one of the smart sensor module and the smart actuator module malfunctions, only the malfunctioning module is replaced. In addition, when the specification of the sensor (or actuator) is modified, the design of the smart sensor module (or smart actuator module) alone is modified. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228323 | Hydraulic Actuator Control System - A system for controlling motion of a hydraulic actuator during a portion of its range of motion is described, including a sensor on the hydraulic actuator for providing a signal indicating that the actuator is near a portion of its range of motion, and a pneumatic control valve that is configured to selectively modify a pressurized air control signal to in turn restrict flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator control system further includes an electronic controller for controlling the pneumatic control valve in response to a signal from the sensor. The hydraulic actuator control system thereby slows the motion of the hydraulic actuator near the portion of its range of motion. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228324 | Control system of no-fuse breaker using power frequency carrier - A system uses power frequency carrier to control no-fuse breaker. In the system, a controller has a power frequency carrier device. And an other power frequency carrier device is connected with the no-fuse breaker. The two power frequency carrier devices are connected through an indoor power line. The power frequency carrier is sent along the indoor power line so that the controller can remotely control the no-fuse breaker. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228325 | Utility demand forecasting using utility demand matrix - One embodiment of the application provides a method of forecasting utility demand of a utility consuming entity for a future time period. The method includes: selecting a utility demand matrix from a set of utility demand matrixes as a function of a future date, wherein the set of utility demand matrixes are classified by type-of-day, and representing a relation of past utility demand of the entity to time-in-day interval and outdoor temperature in the vicinity of the entity during the type-of-day; identifying a utility demand element from the utility demand matrix as a function of a future time-in-day and a known factor (e.g., future outdoor temperature) thereof; and generating a utility demand forecast of the entity for the future time period as a function of the identified utility demand element. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228326 | PARALLEL CONNECTION DEVICE AND POWER SUPPLY DEVICE USING THE SAME - A parallel connection device for a personal computer is provided. The personal computer includes a motherboard, a first power supplier, and a second power supplier. The parallel connection device includes a first power plug, a second power socket, and a third power socket. The first power plug is connected to a first power socket of the motherboard. Through a second power plug, the first power supplier is connected to the second power socket. Through a third power plug, the second power supplier is connected to the third power socket. Therefore, the load of the first and the second power suppliers can be reduced. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228327 | Solar cell outdoor control system - The present invention discloses a solar cell outdoor control system comprising an outdoor under control device (OUCD) and a solar cell array coupled to the outdoor under control device to provide electricity to the outdoor under control device in a first state. A non-solar power is coupled to the outdoor under control device to provide electricity to the outdoor under control device in a second state; and a switch coupled to the solar cell array and non-solar power for switching there-between. The outdoor under control system includes traffic signal control system, outdoor bill board, outdoor monitoring system or outdoor wireless network access point. The solar cell outdoor control system further comprises a wireless transceiver to transmit and/or receive data to/from an external device. The solar cell outdoor control system further comprises a sensor to detect the first state or the second state. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228328 | OMNIDIRECTIONAL MOVEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - The present invention discloses an omnidirectional movement control system, having a move signal generator for generating a plurality of movement signals based on a plurality of first position signals and a plurality of second position signals, and an omnidirectional movement controller for generating a plurality of pulse width modulation signals and a plurality of motor direction change signals based on the movement signals and a plurality of motor encoding disc signals, and a driving circuit for driving motors to rotate a plurality of omnidirectional wheels based on the pulse width modulation signals and the motor direction change signals, such that a mobile platform can be moved in any direction and rotated in different directions, so as to provide excellent mobility and flexibility to the mobile platform. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228329 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FRICTION DETECTION AND SLIPPAGE CONTROL - Systems and methods for friction detection and slippage control are provided. In one embodiment, a method for detection and slippage control comprises: measuring vehicle motion, the motion providing data including at least lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration and yaw; measuring wheel rotation rates; estimating wheel rotation rates based on the measured vehicle motion, the measured wheel rotation rates, and a vehicle model; estimating a wheel coefficient of friction based the estimated wheel rotation rates, the measured wheel rotation rates, and the vehicle motion; calculating one or both of a road coefficient of friction and a wheel slippage; and producing an output signal representing on one or both of the road coefficient of friction and wheel slippage. When measuring vehicle motion provides less than six-degree-of-freedom measurements, the method further comprises at least one of: detecting driver input; and determining vehicle position from a GNSS signal. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228330 | On-Demand Flight Data Service - A flight data service subscription system allows personnel to subscribe to flight data services using an electronic devices such as a multifunctional display (MFD) onboard an aircraft. The MFD is used to select regional areas of coverage and generate requests for subscriptions to flight data services. Flight data application software running on the MFD manages flight data and the subscription requests. A server operated by a flight data service provider receives the subscription requests from the MFD and dispatches flight data responsive to the requests for the selected region. A wireless local area network on the ground transfers flight data and subscription requests between the MFD and the flight data subscription server. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228331 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING PARAMETERS AT AIRCRAFT LOCI - A system for measuring parameters at a plurality of loci associated with an aircraft includes: (a) a central unit; (b) a plurality of communicating nodes coupled with the central unit; and (c) a respective plurality of sensing units associated with each respective communicating node of the plurality of communicating nodes; at least one selected sensing unit of at least one respective plurality of sensing units being a remote sensing unit. The at least one remote sensing unit communicates wirelessly with the respective communicating node. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228332 | ACTIVE CONTROL OF SOFT HYBRID ISOLATION SYSTEMS - Apparatus, Systems, and Methods are provided for controlling motion of a spacecraft. One apparatus includes a non-contacting actuator and a passive mechanical system coupled in parallel with one another. A system includes a payload, a bus, and a hybrid actuator including a non-contacting actuator and a passive mechanical system coupled in parallel, and coupled between the bus and the payload. The system also includes an inertial actuator configured to maneuver the bus to maintain a relative position and/or attitude of the bus with respect to the payload. One method includes receiving a signal instructing a first controller to change the position and/or attitude of a payload and utilizing a hybrid system to change the position and/or attitude of the payload. The method also includes receiving the signal at a second controller and utilizing a system to change a position and/or attitude of the bus independent of the payload. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228333 | METHOD AND DEVICE TO ASSIST IN THE GUIDANCE OF AN AIRPLANE - The device ( | 2008-09-18 |
20080228334 | Hybrid vehicle and control method thereof - During execution of an auto cruise function, in response to selection of a power mode, when an measured accelerator opening Acc is less than a preset opening Accref, a hybrid vehicle of the invention sets a power mode cancellation flag Fpmc to 1 and a power mode enabling flag Fpm to 0 (steps S540 and S550). This prohibits the use of an accelerator opening setting map in the power mode for execution of the auto cruise function. In the power mode, in response to an instruction for enabling the auto cruise function, the hybrid vehicle keeps the power mode enabling flag Fpm to the setting of 1 (step S560) as long as the measured accelerator opening Acc is not less than the preset opening Accref. This allows the use of the accelerator opening setting map in the power mode for execution of the auto cruise function. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228335 | NAVIGATING A UAV HAVING AN ON-BOARD DIGITAL CAMERA TO CAPTURE DESIRED GEOGRAPHIC AREA - Methods, systems, and products for navigating a UAV having an on-board digital camera are provided. Embodiments include identifying a geographic area not captured by the digital camera while the UAV is flying in a current flying pattern, and modifying the current flying pattern to capture an image of the identified geographic area. Identifying a geographic area not captured by the digital camera while the UAV is flying in a current flying pattern may be carried out by determining an area captured by the onboard camera, extrapolating the area captured by the onboard camera along the flying pattern to determine a perimeter of uncaptured geographic area, and determining the area of the uncaptured geographic area in dependence upon the perimeter. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228336 | METHOD AND MEANS FOR SELF CALIBRATING A VALID OPERATING RANGE - A method of calibrating a valid operating range. The method includes loading a default calibration limit and then monitoring an input for new calibration limits provided by an input device. An algorithm then detects if the new calibration limits provide a fault and if not the algorithm rescales the output based upon the new calibration limits to increase the valid operating range. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228337 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE UNDER LOW VOLTAGE CONDITIONS - A fault clearing system and method for an engine control system includes a plurality of processor modules to control and monitor the engine and set a plurality of faults. The plurality of processor modules includes an electronic throttle control (ETC) module to control and monitor a throttle of the engine, and a plurality of engine sensors and ETC sensors. An ETC diagnostic module monitors the ETC sensors and engine sensors, with the ETC diagnostic module setting a low voltage induced fault. The ETC diagnostic module will also enter one of a plurality of low voltage states in response to the low voltage induced fault. The ETC diagnostic module selectively controls the ETC module and selectively clears the faults in the ETC module and plurality of processor modules upon entry into one of the low voltage states. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228338 | AUTOMATED ENGINE DATA DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS - A method for diagnosing potential faults reflected in operational data for a turbine engine includes the steps of generating a diagnostic pattern for the operational data and comparing the diagnostic pattern with a plurality of historical patterns, to thereby identify one or more likely potential faults reflected in the operational data. The diagnostic pattern comprises a plurality of scalars. Each scalar represents an arithmetic relationship between values of the operational data and values predicted by a baseline thermodynamic model. Each historical pattern is linked to one or more specific faults. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228339 | Apparatus and Method for Determining Remaining Transmission Oil Life - An improved method for predicting the remaining useful life of transmission oil and an apparatus for practicing the same are provided. The method includes: detecting if the transmission has completed a new shift; if yes, determining a total shift count; determining accumulated distance and accumulated time parameters; determining a transmission temperature degradation factor; detecting if the lockup clutch is open and if the transmission is in range; if yes, determining a converter degradation factor; determining a total degradation factor based at least in part upon the transmission temperature degradation factor and converter degradation factor; determining an oil life time limit and oil life distance limit; determining if either the accumulated time parameter is greater than the oil life time limit or the accumulated distance parameter is greater than the oil life distance limit; if yes, activating a service indicator to notify vehicle occupants that transmission oil service is required. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228340 | Apparatus and Method for Predicting the Health of a Power Transmission - An improved method for predicting the health of a power transmission and an apparatus for practicing the same are provided. The method includes: monitoring a total number of converged shifts after a first shift has converged; determining if the total number of converged shifts is greater then a calibrated number of completed converged shifts; if yes, determining an initial clutch volume, an initial free running clearance, a free running clearance, and a free running clearance per face and monitoring a change in free running clearance per face; determining if either the free running clearance per face is greater than a calibrated free running clearance per friction surface for failure or if the change in free running clearance per face is greater than a calibrated change in free running clearance per friction surface for failure; if yes, activating a service indicator configured to warn vehicle occupants that transmission service is required. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228341 | Vehicle diagnosis system and method - A method for determining a fault condition of a fuel system of an engine, the engine comprising at least one cylinder (C | 2008-09-18 |
20080228342 | Vehicle diagnosis device and method - A diagnostic unit for determining the operational status of a fuel delivery system of an engine, the engine comprising a plurality of cylinders, each one of the cylinders comprising a combustion chamber into which fuel is injected by an associated fuel injector and within which, in use, combustion events repeatedly occur to define a combustion cycle of the cylinder between successive combustion events, the diagnostic unit comprising: inputs for receiving data related to engine rotation; processing means arranged: (i) to determine, from the data received at the inputs, a first engine rotation parameter for a cylinder under test at a first point within the combustion cycle of the cylinder and to determine a second engine rotation parameter for the cylinder under test at a second, different point within the combustion cycle of the cylinder; and (ii) to compare the two engine rotation parameters for the test cylinder in order to identify the operational status of the fuel delivery system associated with the cylinder under test. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228343 | Change Time Notifying Device for Notifying Change Time of a Consumable - A change time notifying device for notifying a change time of a consumable used on a vehicle. A control device counts a mileage accumulated from the last change of engine oil that must be changed according to the mileage of a vehicle as a mileage after the change. A change time notification processing section notifies a rider when a change time of the engine oil has come. A mileage display section displays mileage information based on the mileage after the change. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228344 | Programmable Function Key on Wireless OBDII Interface - A vehicle diagnostic device is provided that includes a programmable function to control a function on an emission computer workstation. The function key can be programmed to interact and manipulate with the workstation. The vehicle diagnostic device allows a user to wirelessly communicate with the workstation while located in the vehicle. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228345 | Change Recognition And Change Protection Device And A Process For The Control Data Of A Controlled Motor Vehicle Device - The control data stored in an engine control device of an agricultural utility vehicle are stored in a further control device in a redundant manner as reference data. At system initialization and in operation, a comparison is made between the control data and the reference data. If irregular deviations are determined between control data and reference data, then, as a basis for processing of the control signals, instead of the control data, the reference data or a fraction of it is used, or the control data is changed in the engine control device. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228346 | Apparatus, systems and methods for managing vehicle assets - The inventive subject matter relates to an apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products relating to tracking and managing vehicle assets. More particularly, the invention relates, preferably, to using wireless systems to track and manage vehicle assets, vehicle inventory, parts inventory, parts and/or equipment installed on said asset, a vehicle operator, a vehicle owner, or a combination thereof. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228347 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORING AND RETRIEVING EQUIPMENT INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE DATA - An inspection and maintenance data storage and retrieval system features uniquely identified read/write memory buttons mounted in or on an equipment unit such as an aircraft, in association with specific components of the equipment unit. Technical information useful for inspection and maintenance of the components, plus historical inspection and maintenance information, is stored in a central database computer remote from the equipment unit. A memory button probe, used in conjunction with a portable computer, enables storage on the memory buttons of information relating to inspection and maintenance carried out on the corresponding equipment components, as well as technical information related to the components. The portable computer is connected to the central database computer, preferably through a wireless Internet connection, thus enabling downloading of technical information from the central database to the portable computer at the point of inspection or maintenance. Information relating to each inspection and maintenance task may be downloaded to the central database computer via the portable computer. The central database computer may be a network server providing authorized users with access to current maintenance and operational status information for the equipment units supported by the system. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228348 | METHOD FOR MANAGING VEHICLE STATE USING CAR MEDIA PLAYER AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM HAVING THEREON PROGRAM PERFORMING FUNCTION EMBODYING THE SAME - Provided is a method for managing a vehicle state using a car media player. The method includes the steps of: (a) acquiring information on states of vehicle parts from a plurality of sensors, installed in the respective vehicle parts, through a dedicated vehicle network; (b) generating vehicle management information based on the acquired information on the states of the vehicle parts; and (c) notifying information necessary for repair of the vehicle based on the vehicle management information. Information on a vehicle state is received from a dedicated vehicle network using a typical car media player, and a vehicle state management such as replacement of vehicle parts is performed based on the information on the vehicle state. Therefore, a driver can reduce a cost of installing a separate vehicle state management device and need not separately perform a vehicle state management such as replacement time of vehicle parts. A vehicle repair shop can reduce time and cost of inspecting a vehicle state, and can minimize resource waste and cost loss, which are caused by too frequent replacement of vehicle parts. Due to the timely replacement of vehicle parts, the vehicle state can be optimally managed. Thus, the risk of vehicle accidents can decrease and the life span of the vehicle can increase. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228349 | On-board emergency reporting apparatus - An on-board emergency reporting apparatus includes a collision detection sensor, an airbag inflator for inflating an airbag in the event of collision detection, an airbag deflator for deflating the inflated airbag, a camera for capturing an image of an occupant seated on a seat provided with the airbag, a controller for transmitting the captured image to an emergency reporting center through a communication device, and a deflation sensor for detecting whether the volume of the inflated airbag is reduced to a predetermined threshold value. The controller causes the camera to start capturing upon detection of a reduction in the volume of the inflated airbag to the predetermined threshold value. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228350 | Communication System For a Technical Device, in Particular For a Motor Vehicle - A communication system for a technical device, in particular for a motor vehicle, contains a plurality of functional systems that are used to monitor and control various functions of the technical device. The functional systems each contain an evaluation unit and at least one functional component that is coupled to the evaluation unit in order to exchange signals. At least one of the functional systems is embodied such that it can detect a functional disturbance and/or a functional failure of at least one of the other functional systems, and in the event of a functional disturbance and/or a functional failure of the at least one other functional system it takes on at least part of the functionality of the at least one other functional systems. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228351 | SPEED-LIMITING ACCESSORY DRIVE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SPEED OF A DRIVEN ACCESSORY - A speed-limiting accessory drive system is provided that limits the speed range over which an engine-driven accessory operates while maintaining the operating speed range of the engine. A torque-transmitting mechanism is selectively engagable to operatively connect the engine and the accessory. A controller is configured to maintain the torque-transmitting mechanism in an engaged state only when monitored engine speed is within a predetermined speed range and to control a drive motor to drive the driven accessory when the monitored engine speed is not within the predetermined range. A method of controlling the speed of at least one driven accessory, which may be carried out using the speed-limiting accessory drive system, is also provided. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228352 | VEHICLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - A suspension system for use on a vehicle having two or more rear axles. The suspension system includes a plurality of gas springs and plurality of height sensors capable of outputting signals having a relation to distances between the respective ends of the respective first and second rear axles and the sprung mass of the vehicle. A control system adapted to selectively inflate or deflate respective ones of the plurality of gas springs to thereby adjust a leveled orientation of the sprung mass. The control system includes a controller that is adapted to determine a rear axle vertical offset and a rear axle articulation offset. The controller is adapted to determine whether conditions are appropriate for adjusting the suspension system by comparing the rear axle vertical offset and/or the rear axle articulation offset to a corresponding vertical offset threshold and/or an articulation offset threshold. A method is also included. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228353 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF STEERING FOR A WORK VEHICLE TOWING A TOWED IMPLEMENT ON LATERAL SLOPES - A steering system for a work vehicle towing a towed implement is described. A steering control unit is coupled to a location signal generation arrangement on the vehicle, a steering actuator, a memory for storing desired path data of the implement and a slope sensor for detecting a lateral inclination of the work vehicle or the implement. The steering control unit calculates a lateral offset compensation value to steer the work vehicle such that the implement is moved on the desired path and a slope offset compensation value based upon a signal from the tilt sensor to compensate for slope forces pulling the implement down a lateral slope. A steering signal is sent to the steering actuator based upon the lateral offset compensation value and the slope offset compensation value. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228354 | ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CONTROL APPARATUS - An electric power steering control apparatus can reduce steering torque even in a steering holding state or a slight steering state without providing an unpleasant feeling to a driver. The apparatus includes a torque sensor for detecting steering torque generated by the driver for a vehicle, a motor for generating assist torque to assist the steering torque, a rotational speed detector for detecting the rotational speed of the motor, a torque controller for calculating an assist torque current corresponding to the assist torque based on the steering torque, and a damping control section for calculating a damping current to be added to the assist torque current to suppress vibrations generated in a steering system of the vehicle. The damping controller reduces a damping control gain to calculate the damping current when the rotational speed of the motor is equal to or less than a predetermined speed. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228355 | VEHICLE GOVERNANCE SYSTEM - Disclosed are a method and system for preventing the unauthorized use of a vehicle. A set of vehicle operating parameters is entered onto a person's driver's license, and that person registers as an authorized user of a specified vehicle. When that person enters the vehicle, the person inserts the driver's license into a card reader, and the card reader reads the operating parameters and enters those parameters onto a computing platform. The computing platform receives these operating parameters and checks to determine if the person is an authorized user of the vehicle. If the computing platform determines that the person is an authorized user, the computing platform sends the operating parameters to a control module within the vehicle. If the person then operates the vehicle, the control module controls the vehicle to maintain that operation within the operating parameters. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228356 | SAFETY DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A safety device for a motor vehicle includes a deformation element which is arranged between a bumper beam and a side rail and moves into the side rail in the event of an impact. The deformation element is configured in the form of an evertable tubular member having a side-rail-proximal rear end provided with an abutment ring. Operatively connected to the deformation element is an actuator which is provided to release a displacement of the deformation element into the side rail in a predefined speed range by liberating the abutment ring in relation to the side rail in a release position, and to block the displacement of the deformation element into the side rail, when the speed range is exceeded or a vehicle speed is below the speed range, by locking the abutment ring in relation to the side rail in an engagement position. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228357 | OVERTURN PREVENTION CONTROL DEVICE - An overturn prevention control device includes a bicycle robot capable of freely laterally inclining, an angular velocity sensor mounted on the bicycle robot such that a detection axis thereof extends in a substantially longitudinal direction of the bicycle robot, a motor mounted on the body such that a rotating shaft thereof extends in a substantially longitudinal direction of the body, a rotation sensor that detects a rotational position or a rotational speed of the motor, and an inertial rotor coupled to the rotating shaft of the motor. The overturn prevention control device corrects inclination of the bicycle robot by rotating the inertial rotor using the motor and by utilizing a reaction torque occurring when the inertial rotor is rotated. The overturn prevention control device further includes an inclination angle estimating portion arranged to estimate an inclination angle relative to a balanced state from an angular velocity output ω | 2008-09-18 |
20080228358 | Vehicle Personalization System - A vehicle includes at least one reconfigurable system having a plurality of selectively variable parameters, and a controller that is operatively connected to the at least one reconfigurable system to control the values of the plurality of selectively variable parameters. The controller is also configured to receive data indicative of physical characteristics of a person from at least one data storage medium, and configured to determine values of the selectively variable parameters according to a predetermined algorithm based on the data indicative of physical characteristics of a person. The controller is also configured to cause the selectively variable parameters to assume the determined values. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228359 | HEADREST CONTROL APPARATUS, HEADREST CONTROL METHOD AND ACTIVE HEADREST - A headrest control apparatus includes: a headrest moving mechanism that supports a headrest in such a manner that at least one of a rotation of the headrest about an axis of the headrest, which extends in the vehicle-height direction, and a movement of the headrest in the vehicle-width direction is permitted; a drive unit that causes at least one of the rotation and the movement of the headrest; and a control unit that controls the drive unit. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228360 | METHOD, CONTROLLER AND VEHICLE FOR PERFORMING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS ON A FIELD WITH PARALLEL ARRANGED ROWS - A method, a controller and a vehicle for performing agricultural operations on a field with parallel arranged rows having ends. The operations are performed at positions related to the positions of the rows under control of the controller, based upon stored information about the orientation of the rows, stored information about a distance between adjacent rows, a distance signal related to a distance traveled by the vehicle and a direction signal related to the heading of the vehicle. The invention is particularly suited for providing dams to prevent water from a head ditch to enter into pre-selected, dry furrows on a field with an irrigation arrangement with raised rows and lower furrows between the rows, or dams matching up with adjacent raised rows so that water runs down each furrow. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228361 | METHOD FOR COMPUTING A TARGET SETTING VALUE - In a method for computing a target setting value—which is adapted to a harvesting process—for a control parameter of a working unit of a harvesting machine, operating-result curves are plotted for a plurality of different operating-result parameters as a function of the related control parameter, a target setting value of the control parameter is subsequently computed based on a combination of the plotted operating-result curves, and a method and a corresponding control unit for controlling a working unit of a harvesting machine, and a harvesting machine with a control unit of this type are also provided. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228362 | Method for Controlling a Drive Train of a Vehicle, with a Drive Motor and a Gearbox - A method for controlling a vehicles drivetrain including an engine and automatic transmission, such that transmission ratios are shifted within a range of transmission ratios in a continuous and/or stepped manner as function of preset target speeds that are adjustable via a vehicle speed control and actual vehicle inclinations in relation to the vehicles longitudinal axis. When the actual speed of the vehicle differs from a preset threshold speed, a request to change an actual ratio of the transmission is generated, if it has been determined that the output torque is smaller than a threshold value or an output torque required to adjust the preset threshold speed of the vehicle. The ratio of the transmission is shifted so the torque applied to the output is modified toward the output torque required to adjust the threshold speed. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228363 | ENGINE START CONTROL SYSTEM FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - An engine start control system for starting the engine of a hybrid vehicle operated in an EV drive mode. The system responds quickly to an acceleration request while limiting unpleasant deceleration sensations. The hybrid vehicle has a first clutch disposed between the engine and motor/generator. An electric drive mode exists in which the first clutch is disengaged and the driving torque is provided only by the motor/generator, and a hybrid drive mode exists in which the first clutch is engaged and the driving torque is provided by both the engine and motor/generator. The system uses an engine start shift pattern that is high-geared as compared with a normal shift pattern. Shift control of the transmission is performed using the engine start shift pattern when an engine start request arises. The engine is started by controlling the engagement of the first clutch after performing the shift control. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228364 | Method for engaging a clutch - A method for coupling a load to a power source by means of a clutch, the method having the steps of:
| 2008-09-18 |
20080228365 | VEHICLE POWER INHIBITER - A method and system for inhibiting power of a vehicle given to a third party. The system includes a mode-indicating, an authenticator coupled to the mode-indicating device, and a power inhibiting device coupled to the mode-indicating device and adapted to selectively inhibit the power of the vehicle. Here, the mode-indicating device is adapted to communicate a power restriction signal to the power inhibiting device to inhibit the power of the vehicle upon an activation of the mode-indicating device by an authenticated driver and until a deactivation of the mode-indicating device by the authenticated driver, and the authenticator is adapted to restrict the activation and the deactivation of the mode-indicating device unless the driver has been authenticated by the authenticator. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228366 | MODEL BASED VEHICLE OVERSPEED ALGORITHM - A system for limiting the speed of a vehicle includes a first module that generates a first torque signal based on a vehicle speed, a second module that generates a second torque signal based on a difference between a predetermined vehicle speed limit and the vehicle speed, and a third module that generates an output torque signal based on the first and second torque signals. The output torque signal is adapted to control the output torque of a motor. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228367 | Vehicle regeneration cooperative braking system - In a four wheel simultaneous control mode when a regeneration cooperative braking is implemented, a pair of electromagnetic control valves | 2008-09-18 |
20080228368 | Method for Controlling a Brake System of a Motor Vehicle with All-Wheel Drive - A method of controlling a brake system of an all-wheel driven motor vehicle, which includes an electro-regenerative brake and a number of friction brakes such that a total brake torque comprises brake torque components of the friction brakes and of the electro-regenerative brake; the brake torque of the electro-regenerative brake is subdivided between the front axle and rear axle in predetermined ratios. The brake torque generated by the electro-regenerative brake is limited to such an extent that the brake slip of one axle of the motor vehicle does not exceed a selectable maximum value. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228369 | ACCELERATOR/BRAKE PEDAL MANAGEMENT FOR TORQUE-BASED ENGINE CONTROL - A method and system for regulating a drive torque provided to a driveline of a vehicle includes monitoring an accelerator pedal position and a brake pedal position. An adjusted accelerator pedal position is determined based on the accelerator pedal position and the brake pedal position and a drive torque request is determined based on the adjusted accelerator pedal position. Drive torque is generated based on the drive torque request. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228370 | SYSTEM FOR DETECTING IGNITION FAILURE IN A GAS TURBINE ENGINE - A method of operating a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes introducing a fuel into a combustor, detecting a failure of ignition of the fuel, and preventing ignition until the introduced fuel is substantially removed from the gas turbine engine. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228371 | Device for Determining the Position of an Internal Combustion Engine | 2008-09-18 |
20080228372 | OPTIMIZED FLEX FUEL POWERTRAIN - A fuel system and powertrain for a flexible fuel system vehicle utilizes a controller system to control variables in an engine and the final drive optimize operating efficiency of the vehicle while using an alcohol-gasoline blend. The controller system regulates engine operating variables such as fuel pressure, fuel flow, air-fuel flow, air-fuel temperature, and valve timing. The controller system regulates engine operating variables such as transmission gear selection and gear changing as well as differential ratio changes. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228373 | Control device and control method of internal combustion engine - An ECU executes a program including steps of estimating an oil temperature based on a water temperature sensed by a water temperature sensor, setting NE( | 2008-09-18 |
20080228374 | FUEL INJECTION DEVICE AND ADJUSTMENT METHOD THEREOF - A fuel injection device (fuel supply system) of a common rail type fuel injection system for an engine includes a pressure sensor disposed in a fuel inlet of an injector for measuring a fuel pressure at a position where the sensor is disposed and an ECU for sensing various kinds of pressure fluctuations associated with the injection including a pressure leak due to an injection operation of the injector and waving characteristics due to actual injection thereof based on sensor outputs from the pressure sensor. The ECU serially obtains the sensor outputs from the pressure sensor at intervals of 20 μsec. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228375 | SPARK IGNITION TYPE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A spark-ignition type internal combustion engine, including a main tank for storing a to-be-determined fuel having an unknown self-ignition property, an auxiliary tank for accumulating a reference fuel having a known self-ignition property, and a controller. The controller is programmed to supply to a combustion chamber a blended fuel prepared by blending the to-be-determined fuel and the reference fuel at a predetermined ratio, measure a self-ignition property of the blended fuel, and determine the unknown self-ignition property of the to-be-determined fuel based on the measured self-ignition property of the blended fuel, the known self-ignition property of the reference fuel and the ratio of the blended fuel. The controller is also programmed to introduce the to-be-determined fuel after the determination from the main tank to the auxiliary tank, and store the to-be-determined fuel in the auxiliary tank such that the to-be-determined fuel serves as a next reference fuel having a known self-ignition property. | 2008-09-18 |
20080228376 | ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM AND INITIALIZATION METHOD OF THE SAME - An engine control system and an engine control method for improving the ability to start an engine by changing the execution timings of predetermined sumchecks in ROM to shorten the time required for initialization of the system. Upon starting an ECU with a power supply supplied from an AC generator as a result of an operation of a kick starter, a CPU initialization, which includes a hardware reset and a software initialization, is executed. An ignition timing calculation sumcheck, which is required for the calculation of an ignition timing, and injection timing calculation sumcheck, which is required for the calculation of an injection timing, are not executed in a period of the software initialization. Instead, they are executed during BG (background) processing after a movement to routine processing, which upon completion of the software initialization, starts the ECU to permit driving and controlling an igniter and a fuel injector. | 2008-09-18 |