49th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 52 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110301684 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING ANGIOGRAPHY AND STENTING - An integrated catheter system for performing angiography on a human patient, the integrated catheter system consisting of an angiographic catheter onto which a thin-walled sheath is co-axially mounted. The angiographic catheter having an essentially straight and elongated proximal section in the form of a cylindrical shaft that is surrounded for less than one-half of its length by the thin-walled sheath that has an outer diameter that is less than 0.25 mm greater than the outside diameter of the angiography catheter. The strength to prevent buckling of the thin-walled sheath being provided by the shaft of the angiographic catheter. The integrated catheter system also being ideal for the placement of stents using small diameter stent delivery systems such as the stent-on-a-wire system. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301685 | BI-DIRECTIONAL STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A bi-directional stent delivery system includes an inner elongate shaft, a radially expandable prosthesis disposed over the inner elongate shaft, an outer elongate shaft, and a shuttle sheath disposed over the radially expandable prosthesis. The distal portion of the inner shaft is releasably coupled to the distal portion of the shuttle sheath, and the distal portion of the outer shaft is releasably coupled the proximal portion of the shuttle sheath. Distal advancement of the inner shaft advances the shuttle sheath distally when the outer shaft is uncoupled from the shuttle sheath, thereby allowing the prosthesis to radially expand from a proximal end to a distal end. Proximal retraction of the outer shaft retracts the shuttle sheath proximally when the inner shaft is uncoupled from the shuttle sheath, thereby allowing the prosthesis to radially expand from a distal end to a proximal end thereof. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301686 | Implant Delivery Device - A system for delivering an implant within a patient is disclosed. The activation of the heater coil causes the degradation, melting or reduction of a component that brings the heater coil into or out of electrical contact with another component, or causes the individual loops of the coil to contact each other, thereby resulting a notable change in resistance in the circuit supplying the heater coil with electricity. A core wire terminates prior to the distal end of the device, allowing for greater flexibility. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301687 | DEVICE SUITABLE FOR IMPLANTATION AT A DESIRED POSITION IN A LUMEN OF WARM-BLOODED LIVING BEING, AS WELL AS A HOLDER SUITABLE FOR SUCH A DEVICE - A device suitable for implantation at a desired position in a lumen of a warm-blooded living being, which device comprises a tubular holder to be fixed in the lumen and at least one function element to be detachably fitted in the holder. The holder comprises a deformable tube which, in a first form thereof, is provided with slits, which holder can be made to expand in use from the first form to a second, expanded form once it has been implanted at the desired position in the lumen, with the slits forming mesh-shaped openings. The holder, in the expanded form thereof, further comprises a first portion having a reduced first diameter, in which the function element can be detachably fitted. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301688 | Prosthetic Valve Delivery System - A prosthetic valve delivery system for percutaneously delivering and deploying a prosthetic valve within an existing valve is disclosed. The delivery system includes a stented prosthetic valve having a balloon-expandable stent portion with a prosthetic valve disposed therein and at least one self-expanding stent portion. The delivery system further includes a dual balloon catheter having a first balloon on which the stented prosthetic valve is disposed during delivery and a second balloon. Upon delivery within the existing valve, the self-expanding stent portion contacts the existing valve and the first balloon expands the balloon-expandable stent portion to a first diameter such that the stented prosthetic valve is in a first stage deployment configuration. The second balloon then expands the balloon-expandable stent portion to a second diameter, greater than the first diameter, such that the stented prosthetic valve is in a second stage deployment configuration being fully deployed within the existing valve. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301689 | Stent Delivery Device - A delivery device is provided for delivering a stent device. The stent device ( | 2011-12-08 |
20110301690 | ENDOVASCULAR STAPLE - A plaque tack can be used for holding plaque against blood vessel walls such as in treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease. The plaque tack can be formed as a thin, annular band for holding loose plaque under a spring or other expansion force against a blood vessel wall. Focal elevating elements and/or other features, such as anchors, can be used to exert a holding force on a plaque position while minimizing the amount of material surface area in contact with the plaque or blood vessel wall and reducing the potential of friction with the endoluminal surface. This approach offers clinicians the ability to perform a minimally invasive post-angioplasty treatment and produce a stent-like result without using a stent. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301691 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING TUBULAR STRUCTURE, AND STENT - A method of manufacturing a tubular structure is implemented by housing a tubular base, which has a side circumference surface formed in a bellows-like shape, in a polishing container, causing magnetic particles to flow along a circumferential direction of the tubular base due to action of magnetic poles, and supplying abrasive particles to the polishing container so that the abrasive particles flow along an axial direction of the tubular base, thereby polishing a surface of the tubular base. The method includes: a first polishing step of polishing an exposed surface of the tubular base by causing the magnetic particles and the abrasive particles to flow while an inner surface of the tubular base remains covered; and a second polishing step of polishing an exposed surface of the tubular base by causing the magnetic particles and the abrasive particles to flow while an outer surface of the tubular base remains covered. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301692 | Assembly for Placing a Prosthetic Valve in a Duct in the Body - A prosthetic valve assembly can include a radially expandable stent. The stent can includea first expandable annular portion that is configured, in an expanded state, to bear against a wall of a native body lumen, a second expandable annular portion that is configured, in an expanded state, to bear against a wall of a native body lumen. The stent can also include a plurality of rods extending between the first annular portion and the second annular portion. The prosthetic valve assembly can further include an implantable prosthetic valve mounted to the stent such that the valve is between the first annular portion and the second annular portion. The prosthetic valve assembly is configured to be delivered by catheterization. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301693 | ILIAC EXTENSION WITH FLARED CUFF - A leg extension ( | 2011-12-08 |
20110301694 | METALLIC IMPLANT WHICH IS DEGRADABLE IN VIVO - The invention relates to a medical implant made of a metallic material. After fulfilling its temporary support function, the implant is degraded by corrosion at a predetermined rate. Negative long-term effects are thus avoided. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301695 | OPTIMUM COATINGS FOR VASCULAR STENTS - Disclosed is a stent that allows rapid coverage of the stent's luminal surface with endothelial cells while eluting enough anti-restenosis drug from the stent's abluminal surface to eliminate restenosis. A delay in the release of the anti-restenosis drug from the abluminal surface of the stent struts is created by a drug-free biodegradable polymer that covers that abluminal surface of the stent The anti-restenosis drug being only on the abluminal surface of the stent and the release of that drug being delayed by the outer polymer covering of that abluminal surface allows endothelial cells to have unconstrained mitosis so that they quickly cover the stent's luminal surface. It is further conceived to cover the luminal surface of the stent with an anti-thrombogenic coating such as carbon to further encourage endothelial cell coverage while deterring the deposition of platelets. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301696 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF ANEURISM, PERFORATION AND OTHER VASCULAR ABNORMALITIES - This application is directed to a device comprising a covering attached to the device. A process of making a device with a specific covering attached is also disclosed. The application further discloses a method for the treatment of perforations, fistulas, ruptures, dehiscence and aneurisms in luminal vessels and organs of a subject. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301697 | MANUFACTURE, METHOD AND USE OF DRUG-ELUTING MEDICAL DEVICES FOR PERMANENTLY KEEPING BLOOD VESSELS OPEN - The invention relates to stents and catheter balloons having optimized coatings for eluting rapamycin as well as methods for manufacturing these coatings. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301698 | METHOD FOR GUIDE-WIRE BASED ADVANCEMENT OF A ROTATION ASSEMBLY - A method is provided including coupling a tissue-engaging element to a first portion of cardiac tissue of a heart of a patient and advancing toward the tissue-engaging element an adjustment mechanism along at least one guide member that is removably coupled to the tissue-engaging element. The adjustment mechanism engages a first portion of a first flexible longitudinal member. A second portion of the first flexible longitudinal member is coupled to a second portion of cardiac tissue. Following the coupling of the second portion of the first flexible longitudinal member to the second portion of cardiac tissue, the adjustment mechanism is slid further along the guide member and coupled to the tissue-engaging element. Using the adjustment mechanism, a length of the first flexible longitudinal member is adjusted between the first and second portions of cardiac tissue. Other applications are also described. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301699 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING TISSUE - Apparatus and methods are provided for thermally and/or mechanically treating tissue, such as valvular structures, to reconfigure or shrink the tissue in a controlled manner. Mechanical clips are implanted over the leaflets of a valve, e.g., in the heart, either alone or after thermal treatment to cause the valve to close more tightly. The clips are delivered by a catheter and may be configured to traverse directly over the valve itself or to lie partially over the periphery of the valve to prevent obstruction of the valve channel. The clips can be coated with drugs or a radiopaque coating. Alternatively, individual anchors with a tensioning element, like a suture, may be used to approximate the valves towards each other. The catheter can also incorporate sensors or energy delivery devices, e.g., transducers, on its distal end. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301700 | PERCUTANEOUSLY DELIVERABLE HEART VALVE AND METHODS ASSOCIATED THEREWITH - A prosthetic heart valve implantable by catheter without surgery includes a substantially “dry” membrane or tissue material. In at least one embodiment, the tissue is folded in a dry state to form a tissue leaflet assembly that is then attached to a frame to form an implantable prosthetic heart valve. Alternatively, one or more tissue leaflets are operatively associated with a frame to form an implantable prosthetic heart valve. The implantable prosthetic heart valve is subsequently pre-mounted on an integrated catheter delivery system. The catheter delivery system that includes the implantable prosthetic heart valve is then packaged and transported while the tissue remains dry. The implantable prosthetic heart valve, while remaining substantially dry, can then be implanted into the receiving patient. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301701 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE HEART VALVE PROCEDURES - An apparatus ( | 2011-12-08 |
20110301702 | Transcatheter Delivery System and Method with Controlled Expansion and Contraction of Prosthetic Heart Valve - A delivery system for use with a prosthetic heart valve having a stent frame to which a valve structure is attached, includes a shaft assembly including a distal end and a coupling structure disposed near the distal end and configured to be coupled to a distal end of the prosthetic heart valve. The system includes a sheath assembly defining a lumen sized to slidably receive the shaft assembly. The delivery system is configured to transition from a loaded state in which the sheath assembly encompasses the prosthetic heart valve to a deployed state in which the sheath assembly is withdrawn from the prosthetic heart valve. The coupling structure is configured to provide a controlled expansion or contraction of the distal end of the prosthetic heart valve based on longitudinal movement of the distal end of the shaft assembly. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301703 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR COLLAPSING PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - A crimping tool for use with a collapsible prosthetic valve having a stent frame with a plurality of cell openings, and a valve structure assembled in the stent frame. The crimping tool includes a plurality of resilient tines defining an array around a longitudinal axis of the crimping tool. The array has a first cross-section in an expanded state and a second cross-section less than the first cross-section in a collapsed state. The plurality of tines are adapted to intersect the plurality of cell openings in an assembled position of the crimping tool on the prosthetic valve to prevent pinching of the valve structure by the stent frame as the prosthetic valve is collapsed. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301704 | Annuloplasty Rings for Repair of Abnormal Mitral Valves - A remodeling mitral annuloplasty ring with a reduced anterior-to-posterior dimension to restore coaptation between the mitral leaflets in mitral valve insufficiency (IMVI). The ring has a generally oval shaped body with a major axis perpendicular to a minor axis, both perpendicular to a blood flow axis. An anterior section lies between anteriolateral and posteriomedial trigones, while a posterior section defines the remaining ring body and is divided into P | 2011-12-08 |
20110301705 | Cardiac Valve, System, and Method - A cardiac valve with a support frame having a first end member and a second end member opposing the first end member in a substantially fixed distance relationship, and a cover extending over the support frame to allow for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301706 | Breast Reconstruction Device And Methods - A novel human breast implant and method for using the same comprising a bioabsorbable implant into which native, autologous vascularized tissue and autologous fat is placed and propagated within a patient's chest as a breast implant. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301707 | Soft and Calcified Tissue Implants - Disclosed herein is processed dermis graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a processed dermis graft comprising one or more bone blacks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of processing dermis that results in a dermis derived implant suitable to replace a tendon or ligament in a recipient in need thereof. Other compositions and applications of a dermis derived implant, and methods of manufacture and use, are disclosed. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301708 | Method and Apparatus for Soft Tissue Fixation - An anchor assembly for retaining a graft in an anatomy. The anchor assembly includes an anchor body, a flexible connector, and a graft holding member. The anchor body includes a first connector bore defined by the anchor body. The flexible connector extends through the first connector bore. The graft holding member is attached to the flexible connector and is configured to hold the graft. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301709 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT - The embodiments herein are directed to bone-joining or bone-bridging intervertebral implants with an inner channel-type structure of channels, which extend from a bone contacting-surface of the implant to the inside of the implant, whereby the vertical channels are connected by horizontal channels which allow a X-ray beam to go through the implant by passing through a horizontal channel. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301710 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT FACILITATING UNILATERAL PLACEMENT, INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS - Implants, tools and methods for performing unilateral posterior lumbar interbody fusion are provided. An interbody implant includes a body having a top and bottom surface extending along a length thereof; and first and second side surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces on opposite sides of the body. The height of the first side surface is greater than the height of the second side surface. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301711 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR A LATERALLY EXPANDING IMPLANT - An implant for a spinal column and a method for inserting the same into a patient is disclosed. The implant includes an elongated body positionable in a spinal disc space. The body comprises a first body member and a second body member that each include at least one wedge extending into an interior cavity. A front bracket is connected with a leading portion of the first and second body members and a rear bracket connected with a trailing portion of said first and second body members. The brackets allow the first and second body members to move between an expanded state and an unexpanded state. An expansion component is positioned within the interior cavity when the implant is in an expanded state and the implant is then positioned in an unexpanded state. The expansion component includes at least one inverted wedge in engagement with the wedge of the first and second body members. The inverted wedge is operable to cause the first and second body members to expand way from one another to the expanded state. A bone graft member is then inserted into the interior cavity defined by the first and second body members. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301712 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR A LATERALLY EXPANDING IMPLANT - An implant for a spinal column and a method for inserting the same into a patient is disclosed. The implant includes an elongated body positionable in a spinal disc space. The body comprises a first body member and a second body member that each include at least one wedge extending into an interior cavity. A front bracket is connected with a leading portion of the first and second body members and a rear bracket connected with a trailing portion of said first and second body members. The brackets allow the first and second body members to move between an expanded state and an unexpanded state. An expansion component is positioned within the interior cavity when the implant is in an expanded state and the implant is then positioned in an unexpanded state. The expansion component includes at least one inverted wedge in engagement with the wedge of the first and second body members. The inverted wedge is operable to cause the first and second body members to expand way from one another to the expanded state. A bone graft member is then inserted into the interior cavity defined by the first and second body members. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301713 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT AND FACE PLATE COMBINATION - An intervertebral implant assembly includes an implant member and a retention member. The implant member includes a body portion and an attaching portion. The body portion includes first and second surfaces adapted to engage first and second vertebral bodies, respectively. The attaching portion defines a first guide portion that leads into the first surface. The retention member is detachably coupled to the attaching portion of the implant member. In particular, the attaching portion of the implant member is at least partially disposed in the retention member. The retention member defines an access bore configured and dimensioned to receive a bone screw therein. The access bore is in communication with the first guide portion, whereby when the bone screw is inserted through the access bore the bone screw is directed to the first vertebral body through the first guide portion. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301714 | EXPANDABLE INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT - An intervertebral implant assembly includes first and second support members and a retention member. The first and second support members are configured to engage first and second vertebral bodies, respectively. The first and second support members define first and second guide portions, respectively. In particular, the first and second support members are slidably movable relative to each other. The retention member includes a face plate and an arm member extending from the face plate. The arm member is disposed between the first and second support members to maintain a relative position of the first and second support members. The face plate defines an access through hole in communication with the first and second guide portions. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301715 | DYNAMIC GUARD AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF - A guard and method for guiding a bone removal device to form an implantation space in the human spine and, if desired, for inserting a spinal implant into the implantation space. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301716 | METHOD TO ENHANCE OSTEOBLAST FUNCTIONALITY AND MEASURE ELECTROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES FOR A MEDICAL IMPLANT - A method to enhance osteoblast functionality of a medical implant. The method may include obtaining the medical implant and treating a surface of the medical implant to modify the surface characteristics causing increase functionality of adjacent positioned osteoblasts. A method of increasing cellular activity of a medical implant is also disclosed. A medical device having enhanced cytocompatibility capabilities includes a metallic substrate with an outer surface. Attached to the outer surface is a composition of nanosized structures. A biosensor for use with a medical device, includes an electrode that is attached to an outer surface of the medical device. The biosensor measures electrochemical changes adjacent to the medical implant. Further, a method of manufacturing a medical implant with a biosensor for use in vivo and a method of integrating a biosensor with a medical implant for use in monitoring conductivity and electrochemical changes adjacent to the medical implant are disclosed. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301717 | Supporting and Forming Transitional Material for Use in Supporting Prosthesis Devices, Implants and to Provide Structure in a Human Body - A transitional mesh and thread for use in the human body is dissolved. The transitional mesh being comprised of sections of non-absorbable mesh fabric with sections of absorbable mesh fabric, such that each non-absorbable section is attached to absorbable mesh fabric. The non-absorbable mesh sections can be overlaid with absorbable mesh which after it is absorbed leaves the non-absorbable mesh in an array without connection to each other. The thread to be used to create the mesh has non-absorbable fibers that can be discontinuous, loosely woven or embedded in an absorbable material. The fabric mesh itself can be loosely woven and coated with absorbable material. The patterns of non-absorbable mesh and space between non-absorbable mesh sections can be varied to provide various strengths and degrees of motion and movement. The mesh can also be coated with materials to reduce infection, provide tissue growth, reduce scar tissue or other medicinal purposes. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301718 | EXERCISE DEVICE FOR USE WITH A PROSTHESIS - The present invention provides an armband designed for wearing by a person who uses a hand prosthesis or a person with impaired hand function. The armband both stabilizes the attachment of the prosthesis thereby allowing pulling exercises that would otherwise be impossible and provides connection to exercise machines allowing the wearer to carry out exercises that would otherwise require the wearer to grasp an operational portion of the exercise machine. The armband is constructed from a sheet of flexible material that is sized to be wrapped around a wearer's arm enclosing substantially all of the arm and the wrist or base portion of any hand prosthesis. The wrapped armband is tightened by attached cinching straps and D-rings are provided attached to the surface of the armband for attachment of portions of exercise machines. An optional shoulder harness can be attached to the armband for additional stability. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301719 | PARAMETER SETTING DEVICE - To collectively set multi-CPU parameters included in a project of each CPU having a multi-CPU relationship, a parameter setting device includes: unit configuration information used for managing, for each PLC, unit information in which a CPU and a project allocated to the CPU are associated with each other; a unit-configuration analyzing unit that extracts a list of unit information on CPUs provided in a same PLC that includes a CPU specified by a user from the unit configuration information; and a parameter writing unit that acquires each project of CPUs provided in a same PLC that includes the CPU based on the extracted list of unit information when a parameter of a project of the specified CPU is set, and sets a setting content, which is same as a setting content regarding a project of the specified CPU, to each of the acquired projects. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301720 | SAFETY CONTROLLER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AUTOMATED INSTALLATION - A safety controller for controlling an automated installation which has a plurality of sensors and a plurality of actuators, comprises a control unit to which a plurality of control input signals are supplied by the sensors. The control unit produces a plurality of control output signals in an automatic mode on the basis of the control input signals in accordance with a user program running in said control unit. The plurality of control output signals is used to actuate the plurality of actuators. The safety controller also has a diagnosis evaluation unit to which a number of diagnoses input signals are supplied. The diagnosis evaluation unit takes the diagnosis input signals as a basis for ascertaining which of a plurality of operating states is present at a defined instant of time. The diagnosis evaluation unit produces an operating state data record which represents an ascertained operating state. The safety controller also has an interface for a display unit in order to display diagnosis reports. The operating state data record includes a plurality of diagnosis data and a Boolean status indicator. The control unit actuates at least one actuator on the basis of the Boolean status indicator contained in the operating state data record. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301721 | Process Control System and Method for Configuring a Process Control System - A process control system includes a programmable automation controller and at least one process control peripheral, each process control peripheral in data and control communication with the programmable automation controller such that, upon configuration of the process control system, the programmable automation controller executes a single software program to assist a user to define prescribed information in respect of the process control peripheral, including configuration information, define trigger conditions, if any, associated with the process control peripheral, and define alarm conditions, if any, associated with the process control peripheral. The software program thereafter is operable to provide information in respect of the process control system to the user. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301722 | CONTROL DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - A control device, which handles a network system in which electronic devices installed in each of multiple rooms are connected via a communication network and each electronic device can perform communication via the communication network, includes: a control unit to selectively set a first control mode in which operation control according to operation input is performed as to a particular single electronic device, a second control mode in which operation control according to operation input is performed in common as to electronic devices installed in the same room, and a third control mode in which operation control according to operation input is performed in common as to electronic devices connected to the communication network, as an operation control mode according to predetermined operation input, and to generate a control command; and a transmission unit to transmit a control command that the control unit has generated according to the control mode. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301723 | USING MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL TO OPTIMIZE VARIABLE TRAJECTORIES AND SYSTEM CONTROL - A method and system of predictive model control of a controlled system with one or more physical components using a model predictive control (MPC) model, determining an iterative, finite horizon optimization of a system model of the controlled system, in order to generate a manipulated value trajectory as part of a control process. At time t sampling a current state of the controlled system a cost function minimizing manipulated variables trajectories is computed with the MPC model for a relatively short time horizon in the future, wherein the MPC uses a quadratic programming (QP) algorithm to find the optimal solution, and wherein the QP algorithm is solved using an Active Sets solver (AS) class algorithm with simple constraints based on gradient projection and using Newton step projection. A move of the manipulated value trajectory is implemented and the control process is moved forward by continuing to shift the prediction horizon forward. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301724 | MODIFIED PROPORTIONAL INTEGRAL DERIVATIVE CONTROLLER - A method and device for controlling a process variable based upon a set point is disclosed. A process variable is measured, and a proportional term is assigned to a manipulated variable that is based upon a product of a proportional gain coefficient and an error magnitude between the process variable and the set point. An integral term is added to the manipulated variable under a first set of conditions, and a derivative term is added to the manipulated variable under a second set of conditions different from the first set of conditions. The sum of the proportional term, the integral term, and the derivative term is output, resulting in the process variable being responsively adjusted thereto. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301725 | SYNCHRONIZATION OF EXECUTION OF SEQUENTIAL FUNCTION CHARTS USING TRANSITION GROUPS - Systems and methods are provided that are capable of synchronizing an industrial process. The industrial process may include a plurality of process levels. A visualization group may be displayed, showing the various levels of a process. A transition group may be graphically defined that allows for the linking of the transitions between the various process levels. In certain embodiments, sequential function charts (SFC) may include expanded capabilities that allow for the visual definition, editing, and review of the transition groups. Such SFC embodiments may be capable of process flow synchronization across any levels of the modeled process. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301726 | COMPUTERIZED BOWLING SYSTEM - A computerized bowling system having an approach and an adjustable length bowling lane with a lane sensor arrangement in communication with a pin sensor area that collectively provide data on the release, spin and travel of the bowling ball down the lane is disclosed. The far end of the bowling lane includes a backstop area having a display as well as a ball return for returning the ball along a return gutter that runs adjacent the bowling lane. A processor communicates with the lane sensor arrangement and pin sensor area to collect and analyze data for providing corrective feedback to the user. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301727 | INTERNET-SOURCED BEDTIME AUDIO - Sleep sound audio (natural or soothing sounds such as fan, airplane, ocean waves, birds, rainforest, etc.) are streamed over the Internet from an audio server to enabled products for the purpose of helping people fall asleep or for other aural therapy. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301728 | CONTINUOUS AUDIO INTERACTION WITH INTERRUPTIVE AUDIO - According to an example implementation, a method may include playing, by a computing device, first audio generated by a first application, determining that the first audio generated by the first application should be interrupted based on a notification associated with a second application, pausing the first audio generated by the first application, playing interruptive audio generated by the second application during the pausing of the first audio, identifying a portion of the first audio that was previously played before the first audio was paused, and resuming the playing of the first audio so that the portion of the first audio that was previously played is replayed. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301729 | SOUND SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR PROVIDING SOUND - A sound system, the sound system including: (a) a signal processor that is adapted to generate a first sound signal and a second sound signal, to provide the first sound signal to a loudspeaker; and to provide the second sound signal to a bone conduction speaker; and (b) the bone conduction speaker that is adapted to transduce the second signal to a bone conductible sound signal that is carried in a bone of a user. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301730 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING A PROCESSED AUDIO SIGNAL AND A HANDHELD DEVICE - A method for determining a processed audio signal, comprising: establishing an ad-hoc network between a plurality of handheld devices, each handheld device having a microphone; picking up a plurality of audio signals with each microphone of the plurality of handheld devices; distributing the plurality of audio signals within the ad-hoc network such that in at least one handheld device at least two of the plurality of audio signals are available; combining, in said at least one handheld device, the at least two of the plurality of audio signals to obtain said processed audio signal. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301731 | AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS AND AUDIO SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD - An audio signal processing apparatus includes a signal processing unit, an output unit, a retention unit, and a coefficient setting unit. The signal processing unit is configured to perform signal processing on an audio signal by a digital filter. The output unit is configured to be connected to an external speaker and output the audio signal to the speaker. The retention unit is configured to retain a plurality of filter coefficients that are impulse responses having reverse characteristics of a plurality of speakers having different speaker characteristics. The coefficient setting unit is configured to select one of the filter coefficients that corresponds to the speaker connected to the output unit from the retention unit and set the filter coefficient in the digital filter. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301732 | METHOD AND SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT PLANNING AND SURGICAL GUIDE CAD/CAM - A method and interactive software system for treatment planning and surgical guide design. In the heart of the method is a fully associative workflow integrating image processing, treatment planning, surgical kit configuration and surgical guide CAD/CAM, wherein any changes in the earlier stage will be automatically propagated to the downstream. This characteristic is referred as associativity. The software system is built upon this concept and a corresponding data model. The status, as well as the display, of the workflow at certain time point is recorded as a snapshot, with which the system can always re-enter into the status of certain point of the saved operation history. Such a snapshot is called re-enterable snapshot. In this invention, the design of surgical guides is driven by a universal surgical kit configuration tool. This approach drives surgical guide design with kit parameters and enables the professionals to plan their cases according to the kit. It also serves as a tool for the users and suppliers to define their own surgical kits as well. It supports the concept of choosing surgical kits for individual implants in a single case. This invention also includes an image processing and geometric modeling approach that is characterized as design for manufacturability and applicability. It is integrated with the feature-based CAD module and rapid prototyping technology to constitute a complete CAD/CAM solution, which is also fully associative. The surgical guides resulted from this design can better fit the patients' anatomy and can be manufactured with other CAM technologies through standard format file exporting. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301733 | WELDING METHOD AND WELDING SYSTEM - The movement of a single electrode by a welding robot system (a) is followed by the movement of a single electrode by another welding robot system (b). By constructing the single electrode of one welding robot system (a) and the single electrode of the another welding robot system (b) to perform welding simultaneously in the same direction on the same welding line, the degrees of freedom of the robots are not restricted, the available welding range becomes wide, and constraints on the posture of the robots are eliminated, compared with a case where a tandem welding-dedicated torch is used. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301734 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MODELING INTERDEPENDENCIES IN BATCH PROCESSES - According to various embodiments, an interdependency modeling method for controlling a batch process with an industrial automation system includes evaluating an input parameter expression residing in a level of a supervisory system of the industrial automation system to determine a value, transferring the value of the input parameter expression to a level of an equipment control system of the industrial automation system, transferring data from the level of the equipment control system to the level of the supervisory system, and evaluating an output parameter expression residing in the level of the supervisory system based on the data from the level of the equipment control system. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301735 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A PACED PRODUCTION LINE - A method is used for controlling a paced production line for processing airplane structural components, wherein the production line comprises at least one workstation having at least one processing machine. It is provided that the processing sequence in the workstation is determined for a production step by determining the expected or actual occupation of the working area by structural component(s) or structural component section(s) for the production step, and, on the basis of the occupation, all of the operations to be performed in this workstation in this production step are determined, and the processing sequence of these operations is optimized. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301736 | APC Model Extension Using Existing APC Models - A method of extending advanced process control (APC) models includes constructing an APC model table including APC model parameters of a plurality of products and a plurality of work stations. The APC model table includes empty cells and cells filled with existing APC model parameters. Average APC model parameters of the existing APC model parameters are calculated, and filled into the empty cells as initial values. An iterative calculation is performed to update the empty cells with updated values. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301737 | INSTANT PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE IMPROVING METHOD - The invention discloses a real-time production performance improving method comprising a real-time monitoring step, a performance satisfaction determination step and a real-time performance improving step. The real-time monitoring step monitors an operation status of a production machine via a monitoring unit, records the monitored operation status into a database and determines whether the operation status of the production machine has changed. The performance satisfaction determination step determines whether the change in the operation status meets a required performance level. This involves the monitoring unit monitoring the at least one production machine to detect a next change in the operation status of the at least one production machine, and the performance satisfaction determination step determining whether the next change in the operation status meets the required performance level. The real-time performance improving step sends information illustrating the problem to an assigned task team. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301738 | FULLY AUTOMATIC SELF-SERVICE KEY DUPLICATING KIOSK - A self-service, fully-automatic kiosk for duplicating keys includes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving payment from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer's key. A key analysis system within the housing analyzes the blade of a key inserted in the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key matches one of a group of preselected key types and, if so, which preselected key type is matched. A key blank extraction system extracts from a magazine within the kiosk a key blank for the preselected key type matched by the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating system within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank. The kiosk includes a processor coupled to sensors and controllable devices within the kiosk and to a communications port for communicating with a remote central server. The processor displays multiple available manual commands in response to an input signal requesting such a display, and, in response to manual selection of the commands, produces signals that energize and de-energize selected devices within the kiosk, thereby permitting remote manual control of the devices and mechanisms associated with those devices. The processor also transmits signals from a video camera within the kiosk, and signals representing the status of multiple devices within the kiosk. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301739 | CONTROL SYSTEM OF SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS, COLLECTING UNIT, SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD OF THE SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS - There is provided a control system of a substrate processing apparatus, comprising: a collecting unit for collecting data from each component that constitutes a substrate processing apparatus, the collecting unit further comprising at least: a buffer for temporarily storing collected data; and a sorting part for rearranging the collected data, based on time data attached to the collected data. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301740 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A LENS, SUCH AS AN OPHTHALMIC LENS - A system and method for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens is described. In some examples, the system applies a back surface to a lens blank that includes an aspherical curve having two radii of curvature. In some examples, a back surface of a peripheral portion of the lens follows the curvature of a front surface of the lens in order to establish a rounded, non-sharp edge to a lens blank used during the manufacturing process of a prescription eyeglass lens. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301741 | AIRCRAFT COMPONENT MANUFACTURING METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method of manufacturing in which a robot arm is used to pick up a workpiece which is subsequently scanned by a scanner and positioned relative to a manufacturing system for manufacturing in order to eliminate the use of a bespoke jig. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301742 | ADAPTIVE CONTROL OF A MACHINING PROCESS - A method of determining a desired power level (P) as a function of relative tool to workpiece position, thereby enabling adaptive control advantages that were previously inaccessible for machining, such as bevel gear grinding, from solid applications. Preferably, set point power is expressed as a function of specific power (P′, P″) and roll position (Q) for a generated gear or as a function of specific power and plunge position for a non-generated (i.e. Formate) gear. Specific power is defined and preferably remains as defined during machining even as process conditions vary during machining. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301743 | PROCESSING DEVICE AND PROCESSING METHOD - A first servomotor drives a first portion in a moving radius rotational direction. A second portion is supported by the first portion such that the second portion is movable in a moving radius direction. A second servomotor drives the second portion in the moving radius direction. The second portion supports a tool for processing a work. A control device generates measurement data indicating relationships between coordinates in the moving radius rotational direction of a plurality of points on a reference surface of the work and distances from the plurality of points to a distance sensor based on a distance signal from the distance sensor, determines a coordinate range in the moving radius rotational direction of a step formed on the reference surface based on the measurement data, generates control data indicating a locus of the tool based on the measurement data and the step coordinate range, and numerically controls the first and second servomotors based on the control data. The control device selectively uses a plurality of offset values based on the coordinate range of the step when generating the control data. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301744 | TRANSFER APPARATUS - A transfer apparatus includes a container that contains workpieces to be transferred, a sensor that detects a position and a posture of the workpiece existing in a predetermined detection area, and a robot that takes out the workpiece and transfers the workpiece to a transfer destination on the basis of a detection result of the sensor. The sensor includes an area storage that stores a plurality of detection areas, a condition storage that stores a switching condition for switching the detection areas, and a controller that switches the detection areas in a predetermined order when the switching condition is satisfied. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301745 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SORTING ITEMS - A system and associated method is provided for sorting parts, which includes a conveyor system for receiving and circulating a plurality of randomly presented parts, a sorting buffer for accumulating selected parts from the plurality of randomly presented parts in an assigned buffer location, and a sequencing system for sequencing the accumulated selected parts. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301746 | COMPUTER-CONTROLLED CONVEYOR SYSTEM AND CONVEYING METHOD - In a computer-controlled conveying system ( | 2011-12-08 |
20110301747 | Automatic Pill Dispensing Device and Method of Use Thereof - Devices, systems, and methods for automatic pill dispensing are disclosed herein. An exemplary automatic pill dispensing device includes a temporary storage compartment, a lateral transport assembly, a feeding assembly, a dispensing route, a plurality of optical sensors, and a controller. The temporary storage compartment stores pills to be dispensed. The lateral transport assembly transports pills from the temporary storage compartment to the feeding assembly, which can move or stop the flow of pills into the dispensing route, where the plurality of optical sensors counts the pills as they pass by the light beams thereof. The controller receives a count from the plurality of optical sensors and stops the feeding assembly when a predetermined count of pills has been reached. Systems and methods utilizing the pill dispensing devices include incorporating a centralized computer and a conveyor belt system to accurately and efficiently dispense a plurality of pill types into pill bottles. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301748 | UNIT FOR CHARGING A BATTERY OF A PORTABLE ELECTRIC DEVICE - The invention relates to a unit for charging a battery of a portable electric device, said unit including: an electric power supply unit; at least one charging area that is provided with at least two different types of coupling interfaces, each of which is suitable for enabling a connection or a coupling between a portable electric device and the supply unit; a selection means for enabling the selection, by a user, of at least one of the coupling interfaces; and a control unit for controlling the electric power supply unit according to the selection made by the user. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301749 | NETWORKED VENDOR FOR WORKPLACE OR CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT - Aspects of the invention described herein provide an apparatus and method for networked vending. According to embodiments described herein, a vending machine is provided that may be installed and managed by the venue in which it is installed. Consumers may purchase vending products from the vending machine using cashless accounts managed by an external device in communication with the vendor. The venue may manage the inventory for the vending machine by placing orders for single product inserts to be loaded in the vending machine. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301750 | AUTOMATIC CARD RECEIVER/DISPENSER - An apparatus for receiving and dispensing cards automatically includes a card receiving and dispensing main body ( | 2011-12-08 |
20110301751 | Low noise humanoid robotic head system - A low-noise humanoid robotic head system, which can effectively mimic motion of human head, is presented in this invention. The system is a four-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) head that has a 3DOF neck and 1DOF lip. Because the involved mechanical components are limited to cables, cable housings, shaft, fixed pulleys, ball bearing, compression springs, rods, and static base plate, the measured a-weighted noise level of the robotic head system is no more than 30 dB. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301752 | Reversing Mechanism For A Programmable Steerable Robot - A self-propelled programmable steerable robot ( | 2011-12-08 |
20110301753 | ROBOT CONTROLLER - A controller for a robot has a receiver to receive safety information via a network data connection and safety arrangement that executes at least one safety function based on at least one received item of safety information. The safety arrangement includes a deactivation arrangement to deactivate at least one safety function. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301754 | Tool Memory-Based Software Upgrades for Robotic Surgery - Robotic devices, systems, and methods for use in robotic surgery and other robotic applications, and/or medical instrument devices, systems, and methods includes both a reusable processor and a limited-use robotic tool or medical treatment probe. A memory the limited-use component includes machine readable code with data and/or programming instructions to be implemented by the processor. Programming of the processor can be updated by shipping of new data once downloaded by the processor from a component, subsequent components can take advantage of the updated processor without repeated downloading. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301755 | Robotic Watering Unit - The different illustrative embodiments provide a method and system for watering plants. A map of an area is received and a determination is made using a processing unit as to whether the area needs water. If the area needs water, current constraints are identified and a determination is made using the processing system as to whether the current constraints allow for watering. If the current constraints allow for watering, a watering solution application plan is generated using the processing system, and the watering solution application plan is executed using a mobile utility vehicle. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301756 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR LEGGED MOBILE ROBOT - In a legged mobile robot | 2011-12-08 |
20110301757 | ADAPTABLE CONTAINER HANDLING ROBOT WITH BOUNDARY SENSING SUBSYSTEM - An adaptable container handling robot includes a chassis, a container transport mechanism, a drive subsystem for maneuvering the chassis, a boundary sensing subsystem configured to reduce adverse effects of outdoor deployment, and a controller subsystem responsive to the boundary sensing subsystem. The controller subsystem is configured to detect a boundary, control the drive subsystem to turn in a given direction to align the robot with the boundary, and control the drive subsystem to follow the boundary. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301758 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING ROBOT ARM | 2011-12-08 |
20110301759 | GRAPHICAL INTERFACE FOR A REMOTE PRESENCE SYSTEM - A robot system that includes a robot and a remote station. The remote station may be a personal computer coupled to the robot through a broadband network. A user at the remote station may receive both video and audio from a camera and microphone of the robot, respectively. The remote station may include a display user interface that has a variety of viewable fields and selectable buttons. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301760 | CREATION AND USE OF VIRTUAL PLACES - An apparatus, method and system facilitate efficient creation of virtual places and provide tools for using the virtual places. The virtual places include a virtual real estate listing, newsworthy place and a virtual box seat. Tools are provided including an automatic declutter tool and a staging tool. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301761 | CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A DRY FEED SYSTEM TO CONVEY A SOLID FUEL - A control system for controlling a dry feed system to convey a solid fuel includes multiple sensors, a pressurizing gas controller, at least one assistant gas controller and multiple gas valves. The sensors generate multiple measurement signals signifying characteristics of the dry feed system. The pressuring gas controller calculates a feed tank pressure bias or/and a pressuring gas flow bias based on a solid flow rate and generates a first control signal based on the pressure bias or/and the pressurizing gas flow bias. The assistant gas controller calculates an assistant gas bias based on a solid loading ratio and generates a second control signal based on the assistant gas bias. The gas valves are driven by the first or/and second control signals to regulate the solid fuel. A control method is also described. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301762 | ELECTRIC TRANSPORT REFRIGERATION UNIT WITH TEMPERATURE-BASED DIESEL OPERATION - A method of operating a transport refrigeration unit that is operable to regulate a temperature of a cargo space. The method includes providing a controller, driving a refrigerant compressor of the transport refrigeration unit with an internal combustion engine to compress a refrigerant defining an engine operating state of the transport refrigeration unit, and driving the refrigerant compressor of the transport refrigeration unit with an electric motor to compress the refrigerant defining a motor operating state of the transport refrigeration unit. The method further includes sensing the temperature of the cargo space, receiving into the controller a signal indicative of the temperature of the cargo space, determining the temperature of the cargo space using the controller, and switching between the engine operating state and the motor operating state in response to a signal generated by the controller based on the temperature of the cargo space. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301763 | Controller Structure for Multiple Mechanically Coupled Drive Units - A controller structure for more than two drive units coupled mechanically to a movable element includes a position measuring device for determining an actual position of the movable element and a position controller for calculating a setpoint speed from a setpoint position and the actual position, the position measuring device and the position controller jointly serving all drive units. Each drive unit, however, has a speed controller of its own. The drive units are configured either as master or as slave, individual drive units also being able to assume both functions. A torque-master-slave controller ensures a compensation of the torques between the drive units. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301764 | Method of learning a device for controlling home-automation equipment of a building - Method of training a device for controlling home-automation equipment of a building, comprising—a viewing screen; —on which each item of home-automation equipment is represented by an equipment icon, an equipment name being associated with each equipment icon, —and on which are displayed location icons, a location icon representing a set of home-automation equipment installed in one and the same place of the building such as a room or a group of rooms, a location name being associated with each location icon, —a first selection means able to select one of the location icons, a second selection means able to select one of the equipment icons, characterized in that it comprises a step of association between an item of equipment and a location in the course of which the equipment name is automatically modified when an equipment icon is associated with a location icon. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301765 | Integrated Micromachining Proximity Switch Sensors in Air/Oil Lubricators - An apparatus integrated with micromachined (a.k.a. MEMS, Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) silicon thermal sensor as a proximity switch sensor in air/oil Lubricators is disclosed in the present invention. The present invention relates to mass flow sensing and measurement for both gas and liquid phase and relates to air/oil lubrication process for multi-point lubrication machine. The invented apparatus is utilized as an alarm device to prevent mechanical system failures caused by the discontinuity of oil lubrication. The MEMS silicon thermal sensor is distinguished with a variety of advantages of small size, low power consumption, high reliability and high accuracy. In addition to the above benefits, the most significant and critical advantage is its fast response time of less than 20 msec, which makes the proximity switch control become viable for preventing equipment damage from oil lubricants discontinuity. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301766 | Device and Method for Optimization of Chilled Water Plant System Operation - A demand flow device configured to interface with a chilled water plant controller to optimize performance of one or more chilled water plant components over a range of demand conditions is disclosed. The demand flow device includes a communication device configured to receive sensor data associated with the one or more chilled water plant components, wherein the sensor data measures operational variables of the chilled water plant. The demand flow device further includes a demand flow controller in communication with the communication device. The demand flow controller is configured to utilize the received sensor data to: determine an optimal pressure setpoint as a function of a desired chilled water delta T; control a chilled water flow rate through the one or more chiller water plant components as a function of the optimal pressure setpoint and the desired chilled water delta T; and adjust, via the chilled water plant controller, the optimal pressure setpoint, in response to one or more detected triggering events, to perform a critical zone reset of the desired chilled water delta T. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301767 | AUTOMATED LANDSCAPE WATERING RESTRICTIONS - Many water districts, municipalities and other governmental authorities have implemented local irrigation and watering restrictions to conserve water. These watering restrictions generally change from season to season, with different schedules being effective at different time periods during the year. Embodiments of the present invention provide for automatic implementation of these seasonal or periodic watering restrictions to prevent watering when it is not allowed, and include the capability of updating the currently implemented restrictions according to the date or time of year. Embodiments of the present invention may be provided in controllers, in modules that are added on to existing controllers, or in modules that are plugged into existing controllers with or without smart technology. Other embodiments provide for broadcast of the watering restrictions and/or signals that are received and implemented by controllers, add-ons or plug-ins of the present invention. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301768 | System and Method for Rapid Reconfiguration of Post-Mix Beverage Dispenser - A beverage dispenser receives a fluid container at an installation position and includes a data reader configured to scan product indicia on an installed container. Based on data from that scan data, a controller operates a pump and a valve to mix beverage concentrate from the installed container with a diluent that corresponds to the desired beverage. The controller mixes the concentrate and diluent at a ratio that is based on the scan data. The controller may also select the correct diluent based on the scan data. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301769 | CONTROL OF A WIND POWER PLANT - Methods for controlling a wind power plant that includes a plurality of wind turbines being operatively connected to a plant collector grid a power plant controller, a wind power plant, and a computer program product. The method may include generating an actual power reference signal in response to a determination of the power production of the wind power plant and comparing a desired power reference signal with the actual power reference signal. The method may include either applying a first filter characteristic as part of a generation of a wind turbine power reference if the desired power reference signal exceeds the actual power reference signal, or applying a second filter characteristic as part of the generation of the wind turbine power reference if the actual power reference signal exceeds the desired power reference signal. The first filter characteristic is different from the second filter characteristic. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301770 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELF-POWERED COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS - Techniques for providing localized power infrastructure and data infrastructure are disclosed. A transportable system for providing localized power infrastructure and data infrastructure can include: a data network service engine configured to function as a local data network service provider; a power generation engine configured to function as a local power service provider that generates and distributes power locally; a deployment engine configured to assist in deploying one or more components of the transportable system; and a maintenance engine configured to maintain operation and security of the transportable system. In some embodiments, multiple transportable systems can be deployed and then centrally monitored or controlled as a single, utility system and/or a single data delivery infrastructure. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301771 | HIGH-VOLTAGE STEP-CHARGE CONTROL FOR USE IN NETWORK-POWERED APPLICATIONS - An over-current input conditioning limiter is disclosed for remote equipment. The over-current input conditioning limiter includes a current sensing apparatus, a semiconductor switch, and a programmable controller for controlling the peak current drawn from a pair of supply lines. The over-current input conditioning limiter is particularly useful for overcoming voltage collapse and over-current shutdowns of network power supplies feeding remote apparatus known in the art. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301772 | PROTECTION, MONITORING OR INDICATION APPARATUS FOR A DIRECT CURRENT ELECTRICAL GENERATING APPARATUS OR A PLURALITY OF STRINGS - A protection apparatus is for a direct current electrical generating apparatus. The protection apparatus includes a first terminal; a second terminal; a third terminal; a fourth terminal; at least one current sensor structured to sense current flowing between the first and second terminals or between the third and fourth terminals; a voltage sensor structured to sense a voltage between the first terminal and the third terminal; at least one switch structured to interrupt the current flowing between the first and second terminals or between the third and fourth terminals; and a processor cooperating with the at least one current sensor, the voltage sensor and the at least one switch, and being structured to provide feed forward fault protection for the direct current electrical generating apparatus. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301773 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING OVERLOADS OF POWER DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS - Systems and methods for monitoring power in power distribution systems are provided. In one aspect, a system for monitoring power includes a power monitoring device that measures a value of at least one characteristic of power provided to a branch of a power distribution system. The power monitoring device includes an output that provides the value measured. The system further includes a controller having an input to receive the value measured and an output that couples to a first device powered by the branch to send a maximum power signal to the first device to command the first device to operate at a percentage of maximum power. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301774 | SYSTEM FOR USING ATTRIBUTES TO DEPLOY DEMAND RESPONSE RESOURCES - A system for using attributes to deploy demand response resources. A service provider may provide energy to customers. The provider may via interactions modify consumption of the energy by the customers. Customers that participate in these interactions may be regarded as demand response resources. Interactions may incorporate demand response signals sent to the resources at their respective facilities. Each resource may have a demand response client which has an association with a customer account in a demand response management system of the provider. The association may be regarded as a binding of the demand response client. The binding may involve inputting an attribute of the demand response client, which can be correlated to the customer account. The attribute may be, for example, a location of the demand response client. Such attribute may be used for the association of the demand response client with a proper customer account. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301775 | POWER SUPPLY CONTROL DEVICE AND VENTILATIING DEVICE USING SAME - A power supply control device including a power supply and a switching control system. The power supply includes a solar power supply unit and an electric network power supply unit. The solar power supply unit includes solar cells and a DC-DC boosting circuit; an output terminal of the solar cells is connected with an input terminal of the DC-DC boosting circuit and the output terminal of the DC-DC boosting circuit supplies power to the exterior. The electric network power supply unit includes an AC-DC rectifying circuit; an input terminal of the AC-DC rectifying circuit is connected to an electric network alternating current input and an output terminal thereof supplies power to the exterior. A ventilating device using the power supply device is also provided. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301776 | In-Wall Occupancy Sensor with Mode Selection Features - An electrical wiring device operates in more than one operating mode and includes a microcontroller, an occupancy detection sensor communicably coupled to the microcontroller, and at least one accessible user interface communicably coupled to the microcontroller. The accessible user interface is accessible to an end-user without having to disassemble any portion of the device. The accessible user interface is manipulated to select one of several operating modes. In some embodiments, the device includes a night light that also can be an accessible user interface. In some of those embodiments, one of the operating modes includes a night light operating mode, wherein the device's operation is dependent upon the status of the night light. In some embodiments, an indicator is included to inform the end-user when to stop manipulating the accessible user interface. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301777 | ADJUSTING THE THERMAL BEHAVIOR OF A COMPUTING SYSTEM USING INDIRECT INFORMATION ABOUT AMBIENT TEMPERATURE - A computing system has a thermal manager that changes a power consuming activity limit in the device based on an estimate of temperature of a target location in the system. There are several temperature sensors that are not at the target location. An estimator computes the target location temperature estimate using a thermal model and, as input to the thermal model, data from the sensors. The thermal model produces different estimates of the target location temperature at different ambient temperatures but without computing or measuring the ambient temperatures. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301778 | THERMAL ZONE MONITORING IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A predefined mathematical relationship that is stored in the memory of a computing system is accessed, wherein the relationship refers to temperatures of a number of points in the system, wherein the points together define a zone. The mathematical relationship yields a representative temperature for the zone. Temperature data from sensors in the system is obtained and applied to thermal models, to estimate the temperatures of at least some of the points that define the zone. The representative temperature for the zone is computed using the estimated temperatures as input to the mathematical relationship. A decision is then made on whether or not to change a power consuming activity limit in the system, based on the computed representative temperature. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301779 | VEHICLE RELATIVE POSITION ESTIMATION APPARATUS AND VEHICLE RELATIVE POSITION ESTIMATION METHOD - A vehicle relative position estimation apparatus includes: a motional state acquiring unit that acquires vehicle control information for controlling the motional state of a vehicle or the motional state of the vehicle detected by an in-vehicle apparatus of the vehicle, and vehicle control information for controlling the motional state of another vehicle or the motional state of another vehicle detected by an in-vehicle apparatus of another vehicle; a relative position acquiring unit that acquires the relative position detected by the in-vehicle apparatus provided in the vehicle or another vehicle; an estimation unit that receives the vehicle control information or the motional state of the vehicle, and the vehicle control information or the motional state of another vehicle acquired by the motional state acquiring unit and estimates the relative position with a Kalman filter using the relative position acquired by the relative position acquiring unit as the amount of observation. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301780 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING THE LOCATION OF A COMMUNICATION DEVICE IN A VEHICLE - In at least one embodiment, a system for locating a personal communication device (PCD) in a vehicle is provided. The system includes a controller that is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a location of at least one PCD in a vehicle and to determine whether the at least one PCD is located within one of a driver zone and a passenger zone. The driver zone corresponds to a location in the vehicle generally occupied by a driver and the passenger zone corresponds to a location in the vehicle generally occupied by at least one passenger. The controller is further configured to receive a second signal indicative of at least one occupant being positioned in at least one of the driver zone and the passenger zone and to store data corresponding to a modified driver zone that includes the driver zone and at least a portion of the passenger zone in response to determining that the at least one PCD is located in the driver zone and the second signal indicating that a first occupant is in the driver zone and a second occupant is not detected within the passenger zone. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301781 | METHOD FOR CALIBRATING AN ANGLE SENSOR AND VEHICLE WITH AN ANGLE SENSOR - A method for calibration of at least one angle sensor sensing an angular position of a pivotable element rotatable from a first position to a maximum position is provided, wherein during an operation time of the pivotable element at least one adjustable angle corresponding to an extreme value of the angle sensor is automatically maintained or updated depending on at least one measured angle determined by the at least one angle sensor. | 2011-12-08 |
20110301782 | SEAT WEIGHT DETECTING SUBSYSTEM - It is provided a subsystem for seat weight detection, the configuration of which enables improved assemblability and economization of space in layout. A seat weight detecting subsystem is provided for each seat | 2011-12-08 |
20110301783 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INERTIALLY CONTROLLING A HOVERING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES - Systems and methods for inertially controlling a hovering unmanned aerial vehicle (HUAV) are provided. One inertial controller includes a frame and a sensor for detecting a change in an orientation and/or motion of the frame with respect to a predetermined neutral position. The inertial controller also includes a processor for generating commands to the HUAV to modify its current orientation and/or motion in accordance with the change. A system includes the above inertial controller and a sensor for determining a second change for an orientation and/or motion for the HUAV based on the change, and a processor for generating a signal commanding an HUAV control system to orient and/or move the HUAV in accordance with the second change. One method includes detecting a change in an orientation and/or motion of an inertial controller frame and commanding the HUAV to modify its current orientation and/or motion in accordance with the change. | 2011-12-08 |