31st week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 55 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110190874 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR REDUCING VENOUS PRESSURE - Devices and method are disclosed for reducing pressure in a patient's vena cava and in the right atrium of a patient's heart. A valve is implanted in the inferior vena cava (IFC) between the patient's renal veins and hepatic veins. When pressure in a patient's IFC reaches high levels, i.e., the pressure differential across the valve reaches high levels, the valve automatically closes or begins to close. The closing is caused by the pressure of the patient's blood moving one or more flaps in the valve to a closed or near-closed position. This prevents excessive pressure in the upper or superior vena cava and the right atrium of the patient's heart. The device also includes a pressure relief feature that opens and allows retrograde flow of blood if the pressure differential exceeds a yet higher pressure. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190875 | Drug Delivery After Biodegradation Of The Stent Scaffolding - Disclosed herein is a stent comprising: a bioabsorbable polymeric scaffolding; and a coating comprising a bioabsorbable material on at least a portion of the scaffolding, wherein the degradation rate of all or substantially all of the bioabsorbable polymer of the scaffolding is faster than the degradation rate of all or substantially all of the bioabsorbable material of the coating. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190876 | DEVICE FOR LOCAL AND/OR REGIONAL DELIVERY EMPLOYING LIQUID FORMULATIONS OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - Medical devices may be utilized for local and regional therapeutic agent delivery. These therapeutic agents or compounds may reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. In addition, these therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds may be utilized to promote healing, including the prevention of thrombosis. The drugs, agents, and/or compounds may also be utilized to treat specific disorders, including restenosis, vulnerable plaque, and atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients. In regional delivery, liquid formulations may be desirable to increase the efficacy and deliverability of the particular drug. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190877 | Two-Piece Prosthetic Valves with Snap-In Connection and Methods for Use - A prosthetic heart valve assembly includes a gasket member and a valve member including a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of engagement members corresponding to the fasteners. The fasteners and/or engagement members may be configured to guide the engagement members into engagement with the fasteners. For example, the fasteners may include U-shaped spring-biased clips, e.g., attached to a core or other portion of a sewing cuff of the gasket member, and the engagement members may include latches or barbed protrusions that engage one or more holes in the fasteners. During use, the gasket member is introduced into a tissue annulus, and secured to the annulus, e.g., using a plurality of clips directed through the sewing cuff. The valve member is then introduced into the annulus and the engagement members are snapped or otherwise guided into engagement with the fasteners to secure the valve member relative to the gasket member. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190878 | Suture Locking Assembly and Method of Use - A suture locking assembly for use with a heart valve repair device. The suture locking assembly including a rim and a suture band. The rim defines a first flange and a second flange spaced from the first flange. The rim is configured to extend at least partially around a periphery of the heart valve repair device. The suture band is maintained between the first flange and the second flange. The suture locking assembly is configured to securely maintain a suture segment that is pulled from a first position to a second position relative the suture locking assembly, the second position being at least partially defined near an outer periphery of the rim. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190879 | Devices and Methods for Treating a Heart - Devices and related methods of use are provided for improving heart function. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a device includes a ring-like structure configured to be secured to a heart valve; at least one elongate member extending from the ring-like structure, wherein an end of the elongate member is configured to be secured to heart geometry other than a heart valve; and an adjustment mechanism for simultaneously altering a dimension of the ring-like structure and a length of the elongate member. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190880 | Wholly implantable non-natural heart for humans - A wholly implantable non-natural heart for humans includes a pumping unit, a power generating unit, and a controller. An I beam type chassis with matching holes is provided for supporting valve mounting bodies of the non-natural heart. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190881 | Artificial Larynx - This invention relates to a means for compensating for a whole or partial loss of speech. The means has a sensor unit in the form of a Logometrix pseudo palate and a palatometer which sense the position of a user's tongue while endeavouring to articulate words or sounds. The sensor unit is connected to a comparator which makes use of suitable artificial intelligence algorithms (such as Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Networks and Hidden Markov Models) together with a library of stored words and sounds as well as tongue positions and signals related to jaw and lip movement as well as inhalation and exhalation to match words or sounds and transmit the matched words or sounds to a loudspeaker. Preferably the output of the loudspeaker will simulate the natural voice of the user. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190882 | OBJECTIVE FITTING OF A HEARING PROSTHESIS - A system for fitting a hearing prosthesis to a recipient. The system comprises a stimulation arrangement configured to at least one of mechanically and acoustically stimulate the recipient's inner ear based on an input signal; a neural response detection arrangement configured to detect the recipient's neural responses to the stimulation; and a processor configured to assess the recipient's neural responses, and to adjust operation of the hearing prosthesis based on the assessment of the neural responses. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190883 | NASAL VALVE TREATMENT METHOD & APPARATUS - A method and apparatus for treating a nasal valve condition including surgically forming an access path to create a pocket on a side of the patient's nose. The pocket is positioned between a soft tissue layer and opposing surfaces of upper and lower cartilages of the nose. The pocket spans a junction between the upper and lower cartilages. An implant is placed through the access path into the pocket with a length oriented to span the junction. A delivery system for placement of the implant includes a surgical tool for forming the access path and for delivering the implant into the access path. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190884 | NASAL VALVE TREATMENT METHOD & APPARATUS - A method and apparatus for treating a nasal valve condition including surgically forming an access path to create a pocket on a side of the patient's nose. The pocket is positioned between a soft tissue layer and opposing surfaces of upper and lower cartilages of the nose. The pocket spans a junction between the upper and lower cartilages. An implant is placed through the access path into the pocket with a length oriented to span the junction. A delivery system for placement of the implant includes a surgical tool for forming the access path and for delivering the implant into the access path. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190885 | METHOD FOR SINTERING ELECTRICAL BUSHINGS - One aspect relates to a method for producing an electrical bushing for an implantable device, a corresponding electrical bushing, and a corresponding implantable device. The method according to one embodiment is characterized in that a green blank is produced and sintered from an electrically insulating base body green blank made of a ceramic slurry or powder and at least one electrically conductive bushing body green blank made of a cermet material. The at least one bushing body green blank is inserted into a bushing opening of the base body green blank to form a composite green blank, a shape of the at least one bushing body green blank and a shape of the at least one bushing opening are complementary to each other at least in sections thereof and prevent slippage of the bushing body green blank through the bushing opening. The composite green blank is sintered while applying a force that keeps the bodies together. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190886 | BRAIDED TERTIARY NANOFIBROUS STRUCTURE FOR LIGAMENT, TENDON, AND MUSCLE TISSUE IMPLANT - A fabricated braided nanofibrous structure having nanofiber bundles that independently have nanofibers oriented in a uniaxial direction and methods of preparing braided nanofibrous structures. More specifically, the braided nanofibrous structures have at least three nanofiber bundles, wherein the nanofiber bundles are braided together and each nanofiber bundle independently includes at least two nanofibers oriented in a uniaxial direction. The braided nanofibrous structures may be inserted into a region of damaged ligament, tendon, or muscle in a subject. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190887 | SURGICAL TECHNIQUE USING A CONTOURED ALLOGRAFT CARTILAGE AS A SPACER OF THE CARPO-METACARPAL JOINT OF THE THUMB OR CARPO-METATARSAL JOINT OF THE TOE - A spacer for implantation into a subject is provided that includes a sterilized piece of cartilaginous allograft tissue. The piece forms a Y-shape with a base adapted to insert within a first carpo-metacarpal joint or carpo-metatarsal joint of the subject, and has a first arm adapted to secure to a trapezium bone adjoining the joint, and a second arm adapted to secure to a proximal metacarpal or metatarsal bone adjoining the joint. A procedure for implanting the spacer includes exposing a target joint and abrading a bone surface interior to the joint to induce surface bleeding. The spacer base is then inserted into the joint. The spacer first arm is adhered to the first bone of the joint and the spacer second arm is adhered to the second bone of the joint. A kit is also provided for surgical implantation of the spacer. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190888 | Composite Interbody Device And Method of Manufacture - A composite interbody device includes superior and inferior endplates with a plastic core molded therebetween. The core includes one or more features for permitting bone growth through the core. Each endplate includes a bone interface side coated with hydroxyapatite, for promoting bone on-growth. Pores in the bone interface sides permit bone in-growth. Core interface sides of the endplates include relatively larger pores for accepting molten material from the core, for example during injection molding, to enhance bonding of the endplates with the core. Each endplate has a central barrier layer for preventing the molten core material from extruding through the core interface pores into the bone interface pores, reserving the bone interface pores for bone in-growth. A method of manufacturing the composite interbody device is also disclosed. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190889 | LORDOTIC INTERBODY DEVICE WITH DIFFERENT SIZES RAILS - A vertebral implant for installation in a disc space is disclosed that includes a body defining a first vertebral support rail and a second vertebral support rail extending along a vertical axis. Each vertebral support rail is separated by a channel running circumferentially around at least a portion of the body along a longitudinal axis of the body. The first vertebral support rail has a first height and the second vertebral support rail has a second height. The first height is smaller than the second height. The height or apex of each vertebral support rail is sized and configured to match the concave nature of the endplates of vertebra of the spine. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190890 | END CAP FOR A VERTEBRAL IMPLANT - An implant for insertion between adjacent vertebral members, comprising an implant body with a base section having positioning teeth, and an end cap for positioning at a selected point on the base section via adjustment of an approach direction. The end cap comprises a seating surface which contacts the base section when positioned on the implant body, an end cap angulation, and positioning passages for receiving positioning teeth. The implant may comprise a locking mechanism for lockingly engaging the end cap and base section and preventing end cap axial movement. The positioning passages and positioning teeth configured to facilitate end cap slideable positioning on the base section. And, a positioning passage comprising a locking tenon for lockingly engaging a positioning tooth in the positioning passage. The implant body and end cap combination imparting angulation to an adjacent vertebral body at the selected point when positioned in the intervertebral space. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190891 | Device for Stabilizing a Vertebral Joint and Method for Anterior Insertion Thereof - A prosthetic device can be used as a prosthesis following a discectomy or a corpectomy. The prosthetic device includes two endplates with staggered motion limiting members. The device can be configured to allow six degrees of motion when comparing one endplate relative to the other. The endplates can be configured to fix the joint by changing the body held within the device and by adding a locking plate and fasteners. A method teaches how to insert a device to an intervertebral space via an anterior incision. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190892 | SPINAL IMPLANT CO-INSERTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for substantially simultaneous co-insertion of an implant, such as a cage and plate. An inserter is secured to the cage and plate and is used to hold the components while implanting the components during a surgical procedure. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190893 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISC TREATMENT METHODS AND APPARATUS - Instrumentation and methods facilitate reconstruction of the anulus fibrosus (AF) and the nucleus pulposus (NP). An intra-aperture component is dimensioned for positioning within a defect in the AF, with one or more components being used to maintain the intra-aperture component in position. The intra-aperture component may be porous and flexible while being intentionally non-expandable in cross section following its positioning within the defect. A component used to maintain the intra-aperture component within the defect includes a flexible longitudinal fixation component that passes through the intra-aperture component and a region of the AF apart from the defect. If available, this may be a region of the AF having overlapping layers with intact fibers in different directions. The flexible longitudinal fixation component may be anchored to one of the upper and lower vertebral bodies. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190894 | Mechanical Apparatus and Method for Artificial Disc Replacement - The present invention relates to a device and method to 1) facilitate disk fusion, 2) perform an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) perform an artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4, perform an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus. The device is designed to be placed into the inter-vertebral space following discectomy. The invention includes a delivery catheter and an expandable continuous mesh loop that has a torus configuration with a lumen within the mesh and a central hole. The mesh loop can be diametrically increased or contracted in diameter by the control element acting on the mesh loop. The mesh loop maybe formed of a woven or braided material from a polymer such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), nylon, polyurethane, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene or any other biocompatible polymer, or formed from a metallic braid of stainless steel, Elgiloy, Nitinol, or any other biocompatible metal. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190895 | Mechanical Apparatus and Method for Artificial Disc Replacement - The present invention relates to a device and method to 1) facilitate disk fusion, 2) perform an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) perform an artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4, perform an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus. The device is designed to be placed into the inter-vertebral space following discectomy. The invention includes a delivery catheter and an expandable continuous mesh loop that has a torus configuration with a lumen within the mesh and a central hole. The mesh loop can be diametrically increased or contracted in diameter by the control element acting on the mesh loop. The mesh loop may be formed of a woven or braided material from a polymer such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), nylon, polyurethane, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene or any other biocompatible polymer, or formed from a metallic braid of stainless steel, Elgiloy, Nitinol, or any other biocompatible metal. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190896 | APPARATUS FOR ENHANCED DELIVERY OF TREATMENT DEVICE TO THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISC ANNULUS - The present invention provides methods and devices for enhancing the delivery of treatment devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices may employ delivery support elements to delivery tools used to deliver expandable treatment devices to the intervertebral disc. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which may help to secure the treatment device in place. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190897 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JOINT ARTHROPLASTY - An orthopaedic joint prosthesis may include a first component, a bearing component, and a third component. The first component has a base and a keel protruding from the base to extend into a first bone. The keel's longitudinal axis is offset from a geometric center of the base. The base has a first articular surface and the bearing component has a second articular surface shaped to articulate with the first articular surface. A feature unitary with the first component reversibly attaches to the bearing component. The bearing component has a third articular surface shaped to articulate with a fourth articular surface on the third component. A distraction feature of the bearing component is shaped to provide alignment and/or distraction between the first articular surface and the fourth articular surface during insertion of the bearing component into a joint space between the first and second bones. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190898 | CRUCIATE-RETAINING KNEE PROSTHESIS - Certain embodiments generally provide an improved tibial base member comprising keel portions that allow one or both cruciate ligaments to be preserved. Other embodiments provide improved lateral and/or medial inserts having a mesial lip that helps relieve and/or prevent impingement between the femoral component and the tibial eminence. Other embodiments provide improved femoral components having various chamfers to provide additional clearance with respect to the tibial eminence and posterior cruciate ligament without decreasing bone coverage. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190899 | PATIENT-SPECIFIC AUGMENTS - A patient-specific augment can be attached to an implant component for a bone of a joint of a patient. The patient-specific augment has first and second surfaces. The first surface is a three-dimensional patient-specific surface that closely matches and can mate to a substantially unaltered and unresected surface of a bone defect of the specific patient only in one position. The second surface is designed to engage a non-custom surface of the implant. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190900 | HIP-JOINT PROSTHESIS WITH A SHAFT TO BE INSERTED INTO THE FEMUR - A hip-joint prosthesis includes a shaft which is configured to be inserted into the femur and whose surface has an osteoinductive finish. This finish is provided exclusively in the metaphyseal portion of the shaft and laterally from the line delineating the maximum antero-posterior dimension of the shaft cross section. This ensures a better involvement of the metaphyseal spongiosa in the flow of forces, without compromising the ability to perform follow-up surgery on the prosthesis. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190901 | Acetabular Prosthetic Devices and Associated Methods - Devices, apparatus, and systems for replacing at least some of the functionality of the natural hip joint and associated methods of implantation are disclosed. In one aspect a prosthetic acetabular cup system is provided. The system includes a metal shell comprising an outer surface for securely engaging a prepared portion of an acetabulum and an opposing inner surface. In some instances, portions of the inner and outer surfaces define an anchoring section that is deformable between an insertion configuration—where the anchoring section projects inwardly from the inner surface—and an anchoring configuration—where the anchoring section projects outwardly from the outer surface to define an anchoring protrusion for engaging the prepared portion of the acetabulum. In some embodiments, the system also includes a pliable articulating component having an outer surface including at least one engagement feature sized and shaped to engage with the metal shell. The pliable articulating component includes an inner surface for articulatingly receiving a femoral head. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190902 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR IMPLANTS WITH IMPROVED CEMENT ADHESION - Biomedical implants (e.g., orthopedic implants) with modified surfaces that can enhance a cement bond's strength (e.g., tensile, shear, and/or fatigue) are disclosed, along with methods of manufacturing and using such implants. The implants can exhibit a variety of physical, chemical, or process-derived features which can enhance cement bonding. For instance, the implant surface can exhibit particular roughness values, and/or be substantially free of non native material. Processes for producing such implants can include providing a first roughened implant surface, which can be produced, for example, by particle blasting. A treatment formulation can be applied to the first roughened surface to create a second roughened surface that exhibits enhanced cement bonding properties relative to the first roughened surface. In some instances, the first roughened surface and the second roughened surface can exhibit substantially similar R | 2011-08-04 |
20110190903 | CONTINUOUS PHASE COMPOSITE FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL REPAIR - A composite material for positioning in the anatomy to form a selected function therein. The composite may be resorbable over a selected period of time. The composite may allow for selected bone ingrowth as absorption of the composite occurs. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190904 | INTEGRATED MULTI-MATERIAL IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - Provided are methods and systems for fabricating multimaterial bodies in a layer-wise fashion, which bodies may be used bone-stabilizing implants. The multimaterial bodies include rigid and flexible portions that are integrally formed with one another. The multimaterial bodies may be softened or stiffened in specific areas to match the biological or anatomical features of a bone. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190905 | GASTROINTESTINAL IMPLANT - A gastrointestinal implant device comprises a sleeve for extending into the duodenum and an artificial valve for placement at the pylorus to control flow from the stomach into the duodenal sleeve. The implant device also comprises a support structure for the valve. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190906 | Connection Adapter - A connection adapter between a rigid transcutaneous implant can be anchored intracorporeally in a femoral stump, and a part of an extracorporeal orthopedic knee joint. The connection adapter comprises a first coupling part for connection to the transcutaneous implant and a second coupling part for connection to the knee joint. The second coupling can be connected releasably to the first coupling part. A safety coupling is arranged in the interior of the second coupling part and transfers a torsional moment between the first coupling part and the second coupling part and slips through when an adjustable maximum value of the torsional moment is exceeded. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190907 | Transdermal Intraosseous Device - A transdermal intraosseous device includes a transdermal adapter for an external prosthetic device for a bone of a patient and a bone fixator including a distal portion coupled to the transdermal adapter and a proximal portion for anchoring into the bone. The transdermal adapter includes a dome-shaped portion for transcutaneous implantation and an external shaft extending from the dome-shaped portion. A dermal transition structure is configured to include a controlled roughness gradient from the external shaft to the dome-shaped portion and configured for use in infection control at a dermis layer of the patient. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190908 | VIRTUAL ELECTRONIC SWITCH SYSTEM - A virtual electronic switch system for a vehicle is provided. In one example, the system includes a switch assembly, a switch interface, and a computer. The switch assembly provides actuators that interface with non-contact sensors in the switch interface. The computer is coupled to the switch interface and assigns functions to each of the actuators. The non-contact sensors detect movement of the actuators and signal the computer, which manipulates an electrical system in the vehicle based on the assigned function. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190909 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INCREASING FEEDBACK CONTROLLER RESPONSE TIMES - A device for adjusting a signal normally provided by a proportional plus integral (PI) control module to a process system includes a processing circuit configured to modify the signal of the PI control module by exaggerating the rate of change of the signal and an output for providing the modified signal to the process system. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190910 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WEB-ENABLED ENTERPRISE ENVIRONMENT CONTROL AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT - A system and method for an environment control and energy management. The system includes a server computer, at least one environment control device (ECD) and at least one mobile device communicatively coupled via a web-based communication system. A mobile device, also having a touch screen display, may be configured to display a replica screen of the touch screen user interface of the ECD, and allows modification of the control program accessed at the ECD. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190911 | DATA TRANSMITTING APPARATUS, DATA TRANSMITTING METHOD, AUDIO-VISUAL ENVIRONMENT CONTROLLING APPARATUS, AUDIO-VISUAL ENVIRONMENT CONTROLLING SYSTEM, AND AUDIO-VISUAL ENVIRONMENT CONTROLLING METHOD - Provided are a data transmission device, a method for transmitting data, an audio-video environment control device, a method for controlling audio-visual environment, an audio-video environment control system, wherein peripheral devices can be appropriately controlled in accordance with the layout of the peripheral devices in an actual audio-visual environment so that a high realistic sensation is obtained. A data reception device ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190912 | REAL TIME PITCH CLASSIFICATION - A method for performing pitch classification includes receiving, at a computing device, one or more pitch properties corresponding to a ball thrown by a pitcher. Pitcher information corresponding to the pitcher is also received. The pitcher information includes at least an identification of one or more pitches that are in a repertoire of the pitcher. A classification of the pitch is determined using at least a pitch classification algorithm, where the classification of the pitch is based at least in part on the one or more pitch properties and at least in part on the pitcher information. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190913 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE SUITED TO SOCIAL SETTING AND MOOD IN AN ENVIRONMENT - The invention relates to the automatic creation of an atmosphere such as a lighting atmosphere combined with music, which is suited to social setting and mood in an environment such as a room. An embodiment of the invention provides a system ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190914 | METHOD FOR MANAGING DIGITAL AUDIO FLOWS - A process for managing digital audio streams of a musical work, includes creating digital audio streams called tracks (p | 2011-08-04 |
20110190915 | METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING MACHINE TOOL FOR RESTARTING AUTOMATIC OPERATION - A machine tool is controlled to restart automatic operation thereof for machining a workpiece from an interrupted point after the machine tool, which has been automatically operated by NC program commands output from an NC apparatus, is caused to interrupt the automatic operation. The NC program commands are classified into a plurality of main groups with respect to the contents of motions for changing the machine state of the machine tool. When the automatic operation of the machine tool restarts after the automatic operation has been interrupted halfway, an order of execution of the NC program commands is determined such that the main groups are arranged in a prescribed order of execution, for automatically generating a machine state restoration command. After the machine tool has been caused to interrupt its automatic operation under NC program commands, the automatic operation of the machine tool can restart from the interrupted point without the need for the operator to manually generate or correct a command for restoring the machine tool to its machine state upon interruption and also with safety free from physical interference between the workpiece and a tool during their movement. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190916 | System and Method for Management of Parameters Using Options and Variants in a Product Lifecycle Management System - A system, method, and computer program product for managing parameters in a product lifecycle management data processing system. A method includes creating a variant-specific project from a master dictionary, where the variant-specific project includes a plurality of parameter value objects. The method includes identifying a required parameter value corresponding to a first parameter value object, and assigning a task to a user to provide the required parameter value. The method includes receiving the required parameter value and storing the parameter value in the first parameter value object. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190917 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEVELOPING, IMPROVING AND VERIFYING VIRTUAL METROLOGY MODELS IN A MANUFACTURING SYSTEM - A computing device develops a first non-adaptive virtual metrology (VM) model for a manufacturing process based on performing a non-adaptive regression using a first data set. Upon determining that an accuracy of the first non-adaptive VM model satisfies a first quality criterion, the computing device develops an adaptive VM model for the manufacturing process based on performing an adaptive regression using at least one of the first data set or a second data set. The computing device evaluates an accuracy of the adaptive VM model using a third data set that is larger than the first data set and the second data set. The computing device determines that the adaptive VM model is ready for use in production upon determining that an accuracy of the first adaptive VM model satisfies a second quality criterion that is more stringent than the first quality criterion. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190918 | Automated Logistics Support System Incorporating a Product Integrity Analysis System - A computer implemented system includes an integrated logistics support system and a product integrity analysis system that utilize an integrated database. The product integrity analysis system includes a failure mode effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) application that is operable to access a plurality of distribution references, analyze a first and a second distribution reference from the plurality of distribution references, and calculate a particular distribution for a particular part type in the first distribution reference using an associated distribution of the particular part type in the second distribution reference. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190919 | Method of Controlling Semiconductor Device Fabrication - A semiconductor wafer fabrication metrology method in which process steps are characterised by a change in wafer mass, whereby during fabrication mass is used as a measurable parameter to implement statistical process control on the one or more of process steps. In one aspect, the shape of a measured mass distribution is compared with the shape of a predetermined characteristic mass distribution to monitor the process. An determined empirical relationship between a control variable of the process and the characteristic mass change may enable differences between the measured mass distribution and characteristic mass distribution to provide information about the control variable. In another aspect, the relative position of an individual measured wafer mass change in a current distribution provides information about individual wafer problems independently from general process problems. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190920 | PRODUCT AUTHENTICATION - The present invention provides methods, reagents, and apparatus for authenticating products. Methods of the invention are easy to implement but difficult to replicate, simulate, alter, transpose, or tamper with. In particular, the present invention relates to a product authentication code defined by a signature array of a population of entities, and its use thereof. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190921 | FLEXIBLE PROCESS CONDITION MONITORING - The present invention generally relates to a method for flexible process condition monitoring. In a process that utilizes RF power, the RF power may be applied at different levels during different points in the process. Software may be programmed to facilitate the monitoring of the different points in the process so that the acceptable deviation range of the RF power for each point in the process may be set to different values. For example, one phase of the process may permit a greater range of RF power deviation while a second phase may be much more particular and permit very little deviation. By programming software to permit each phase of the process to be uniquely monitored, a more precise RF process may be obtained. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190922 | COMPUTER CONTROLLED WORK TOOL APPARATUS AND METHOD - A polishing machine is described in which a surface treatment tool is moved across the surface of a workpiece in accordance with a predefined tool-path, in order to carry out the desired treatment process. The tool-path is non-periodic and preferably pseudo-random. Various techniques are described for generating data representing the tool-path to be followed. A technique is also described for determining optimum control parameters used to control the polishing machine for a given tool-path. The surface treatment may be a shaping technique in which material is removed from the surface, or a technique for adding material to the surface of the workpiece, or a technique for modifying the surface or a region under the surface of the workpiece. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190923 | Three-dimensional modeling apparatus, method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object, and three-dimensional object - A three-dimensional modeling apparatus includes a stage, a movement mechanism, first and second supply mechanisms, and a head. To the stage, a modeling material is supplied. The movement mechanism moves the stage in a predetermined direction. The first supply mechanism and the second supply mechanism are disposed along the predetermined direction. The first and second supply mechanisms supply the modeling material onto the stage that is moved by the movement mechanism. The head discharges a liquid to the modeling material on the stage. The liquid is capable of hardening the modeling material supplied from at least one of the first supply mechanism and the second supply mechanism. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190924 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREFOR - An EC includes a substrate processing execution unit that executes an etching process on a product substrate, a dummy processing execution unit that executes a dummy process on a dummy substrate and a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether the dummy process is to be executed based upon a temperature-related condition. The decision-making unit obtains temperature-related information to be used to regulate the atmosphere inside the individual PM processing containers and makes a decision as to whether the temperature status inside each processing container is regulated based upon the obtained temperature information. If it is decided by the decision-making unit that the temperature status in the processing container has been regulated, the substrate processing execution unit executes the etching process on a product substrate without executing the dummy process. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190925 | Controller for Machine Tool - A controller for machine tool | 2011-08-04 |
20110190926 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THERMALLY BONDING A FLEXIBLE COATING TO A SUPPORT - A device for the thermal bonding of a flexible covering ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190927 | SUBSTRATE CARRYING DEVICE, SUBSTRATE CARRYING METHOD AND STORAGE MEDIUM - A substrate carrying device decides whether or not a substrate received from a substrate supporting device is supported therein in a correct position. A support arm provided with support lugs and strain gages attached to the support lugs, respectively, is advanced to a forward position, and then the support arm is raised relative to lifting pins supporting a wafer to receive the wafer from the lifting pins. The strain gages measure strains produced in the support lugs, respectively, when load is placed on the support lugs. Decision about whether or not the wafer is supported in a correct position on the support lugs is made on the basis of strains measured by the strain gages. When it is decided that the wafer is supported in an incorrect position on the support lugs, the retraction of the support arm is inhibited. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190928 | System method and apparatus for medication scheduling - A dispensing kit for medicine bottlecaps that includes a first bottlecap with a first preprogrammed timer programmed for a first time interval, a second bottlecap with a second preprogrammed timer programmed for a second time interval and a dispensing device for independently dispensing the first and second bottlecaps. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190929 | CASH DISPENSING APPARATUS - Disclosed is a cash dispensing apparatus ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190930 | ROBOT USER INTERFACE FOR TELEPRESENCE ROBOT SYSTEM - A robot system that includes a remote control station and a robot that has a camera, a monitor and a microphone. The robot includes a user interface that allows a user to link the remote control station to access the robot. By way of example, the user interface may include a list of remote control stations that can be selected by a user at the robot site to link the robot to the selected control station. The user interface can display a connectivity prompt that allows a user at the robot site to grant access to the robot. The connectivity prompt is generated in response to a request for access by a remote control station. The robot may include a laser pointer and a button that allows a user at the robot site to turn the laser pointer on and off. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190931 | PHEROMONE FOR ROBOTIC BOUNDARY - A method for regenerating a boundary of an area for containing a mobile machine is provided. An emitter is detected in an area designated to contain the mobile machine. In response to detecting the emitter, a function is performed. In addition, the emitter is reapplied on a predetermined time interval basis over an existing detected emitter to minimize deterioration of a strength of the emitter due to time and environmental factors. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190932 | CONTROL APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD FOR ROBOT ARM, ASSEMBLY ROBOT, CONTROL PROGRAM FOR ROBOT ARM, AND CONTROL-PURPOSE INTEGRATED ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT FOR ROBOT ARM - A control apparatus for a robot arm that performs assembly, includes an operation database recording therein information as to an operation of the robot arm, a correction operation type determining unit that determines a correction type for the operation, a force detecting unit that detects a force of a person, and an operation correction unit that corrects an operation in accordance with the force of the person and the correction type, while the robot arm is performing a task. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190933 | Robotic Vehicle - A mobile robot that includes a chassis, a drive system disposed on the chassis and configured to maneuver the robot over a work surface, a deck system, and a control system connected to the drive system and the deck system. The deck system includes a payload deck configured to receive a removable payload and a deck shifter configured to move the payload deck relative to the chassis. The control system includes a control arbitration system and a behavior system in communication with each other. The behavior system executes a behavior that evaluates and provides an outcome evaluation on a predicted outcome of a robot command. The control arbitration system selects and executes a robot command based at least in part on the outcome evaluation. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190934 | ARCHITECTURE FOR ROBUST FORCE AND IMPEDANCE CONTROL OF SERIES ELASTIC ACTUATORS - An SEA architecture for controlling the torque applied by an SEA that has particular application for controlling the position of a robot link. The SEA architecture includes a motor coupled to one end of an elastic spring and a load coupled to an opposite end of the elastic spring, where the motor drives the load through the spring. The orientation of the shaft of the motor and the load are measured by position sensors. Position signals from the position sensors are sent to an embedded processor that determines the orientation of the load relative to the motor shaft to determine the torque on the spring. The embedded processor receives reference torque signals from a remote controller, and the embedded processor operates a high-speed servo loop about the desired joint torque. The remote controller determines the desired joint torque based on higher order objectives by their impedance or positioning objectives. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190935 | RECONFIGURABLE BALANCING ROBOT AND METHOD FOR MOVING OVER LARGE OBSTACLES - An apparatus and a method for robotic control that allows an unbalanced pendulum robot to raise its Center of Mass and balance on two motorized wheels. The robot includes a pair of arms that are connected to the upper body of the robot through motorized joints. The method consists of a series of movements employing the arms of the robot to raise the robot to the upright position. The method comprises a control loop in which the motorized drives are included for dynamic balance of the robot and the control of the arm apparatus. The robot is first configured as a low Center of Mass four-wheeled vehicle, then its Center of Mass is raised using a combination of its wheels and the joint located at the attachment point of the arm apparatus and the robot body, between the rear and front wheels; the method then applies accelerations to the rear wheels to dynamically pivot and further raise the Center of Mass up and over the main drive wheels bringing the robot into a balancing pendulum configuration. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190936 | Portable Power Tool - The present invention relates to a portable power tool ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190937 | Medical Work Station And Operating Device For Manually Moving A Robot Arm Of A Medical Work Station - The invention relates to a medical work station and to an operating device ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190938 | Robot teach pendant unit - The present invention relates to a robot teach pendant unit ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190939 | CONTROL AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHEMICAL LOOPING PROCESSES - A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190940 | Linear Drive For Sliding Doors or the Like - The invention relates to linear drives ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190941 | Systems and Methods for Structure Contour Control - Systems and methods provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during assembly, machining, manufacturing, and/or transportation operations. According to embodiments described herein, a contour control system includes a number of force control modules that are communicatively linked to a control system. The control system receives or retrieves data indicating the shape of the structure and a shape associated with a desired structure, and determines if the structure is consistent with the design specifications and any associated tolerances. The control system controls the force control modules to apply calculated forces to the structure to control the contours of the structure and/or to maintain the structure in a desired configuration. According to embodiments, the force control modules include support cradles, air cushion pads, vacuum cups, and/or other structures for selectively applying dynamic and/or static forces to the structure. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190942 | Lift arm and implement control system - A system for a loader stores a signal indicative of a desired inclination of an implement. Upon receiving an operator interface actuation signal, a controller transmits a signal to move the implement to the stored inclination. The controller further transmits a lift arm command signal to move a lift arm towards a lower limit of travel of the lift arm. The lift arm command signal is terminated after the controller receives a signal from a sensor on the lift arm indicating that the lift arm is near its lower limit of travel. After the command signal is terminated, the controller may transmit a second lift arm command signal to further move the lift arm. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190943 | FACILITIES CONTROL SYSTEM AND OPERATING METHOD OF THE SAME - A system and method for controlling one or more facilities based on one or more operation logic parameters is provided. An operation scenario is generated, taking into consideration actual operation of one or more facilities of a particular system, actual control orders, a time interval between data inputs, and other such factors. Operation logic parameters, or algorithms, are then tested based on the generated operation scenario. This system and method may reduce testing time and costs, and may prevent abnormal operation of the facilities of the system. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190944 | MOTOR CONTROLLER FOR AIR-CONDITIONER FAN AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AIR-CONDITIONER FAN - A motor controller for an air-conditioner fan, including at least a central processor, a power drive module, a power supply module, and a communication interface circuit. The power supply module supply working power to the central processor and the power drive module. Multiple instruction input ports are connected to the central processor. Multiple parameters N are set in the central processor and corresponding to the instruction input ports. The central processor controls the power drive module to drive a motor of the air-conditioner fan to operate at a parameter N corresponding to an instruction input port as the instruction input port is connected. The communication interface circuit is communicated with an external communication device. The external communication device changes the parameters N in the central processor corresponding to the instruction input ports via the communication interface circuit. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190945 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL APPARATUS - An air-conditioning-control apparatus of an air-conditioning system, which includes a plurality of air conditioners respectively provided in a plurality of sections obtained by virtually dividing a space to be air-conditioned, the conditioners configured to set the sections at desired temperatures, respectively, includes: a people-detection unit to detect presence or absence of a person in each of the sections; a memory to store temperature-adjustment data, for adjusting a setting temperature in each of the air conditioners, which is of a plurality of types each in accordance with a pattern of presence or absence of a person in each of the sections; and an adjustment unit to select the temperature-adjustment data of a pattern corresponding to a detection result of the people-detection unit from among the temperature-adjustment data of a plurality of types, and adjust the setting temperature of each of the air conditioners in accordance with the selected temperature-adjustment data. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190946 | Method And System Of Energy-Efficient Control For Central Chiller Plant Systems - A method of energy-efficient control for central chiller plant systems includes the following steps: collecting performance characteristics of each piece of equipment in central chiller plant systems and establishing energy models for each piece of equipment in central chiller plant systems and establishing energy models for each piece of equipment according to performance characteristics; sampling, with a predetermined time interval, actual cooling load of central chiller plant systems, computing optimized system working conditions based on actual cooling load and energy models of each piece of equipment, wherein optimized system working conditions ensure the least global energy consumption of all of equipment in central chiller plant systems; adjusting working conditions for each piece of equipment according to optimized system working conditions; and repeating steps of collecting, sampling and adjusting. An energy-efficient control system for central chiller plant system is also disclosed. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190947 | Irrigation flow converter, monitoring system and intelligent water management system - The present invention is directed to an intelligent water management irrigation system for monitoring the total water usage for a billing site and preventing cumulative water usage from exceeding a water budget by adjusting the amount of water used for irrigation. Irrigation zone priority values are selected for each irrigation zone that specify a percentage of the full water need that the foliage in the zone can survive and are saved in an intelligent water management irrigation (IWMI) controller. The IWMI controller receives water usage information originating from a property's water meter and compares the measured water usage with the allowable water budget. Water usage is tracked separately for the household use and landscape use (irrigation). Prior to each irrigation cycle, the IWMI controller estimates the amount of water that will be needed by the landscape and for household use during the remainder of a billing cycle; household use is given precedence over landscape use. If the water budget will support both, irrigation can proceed normally. If the budget will not support both, the IWMI controller estimates the amount of water needed for the remainder of the billing cycle if only a priority watering amount is allocated for each landscape zone. If the water budget will support priority irrigation, landscape watering can proceed in priority irrigation mode. If the water budget will not support priority irrigation watering, the irrigation cycle is skipped and the water usage estimations are recalculated prior to the next irrigation cycle. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190948 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIRELESS IRRIGATION UTILIZING A CENTRALIZED CONTROL SERVER AND FIELD MODULE MATRIX - The invention is a centralized server-based system containing a database with relevant information regarding features, parameters, and characteristics of a particular irrigation system, which utilizes proprietary irrigation software to control a plurality of field modules, at one or more remote locations, via a network bridge adapter. An irrigation system may comprise a single server, or multiple servers that may be configured so that control of the entire system is centralized, and control of one or multiple irrigation locations may be accomplished remotely by wirelessly accessing, monitoring and controlling a location's field module matrix. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190949 | Method and Device For Assigning Addresses in a System Having a Plurality of Generator Units Positioned in Parallel - A method for assigning addresses in a system having a first generator unit and at least one further generator unit positioned in parallel to the first generator unit. Each of the generator units has a control-signal input and a control-signal output. The control-signal input of each further generator unit is connected in each instance to the control-signal output of another of the generator units. Each of the further generator units receives an identification signal output at the control-signal output of a generator unit upstream of it, and assigns itself an individual address as a function of the respective identification signal received, the address depending on the length of the identification signal received. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190950 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING VARIABLE GEOMETRY EQUIPMENT OF A GAS TURBINE ENGINE ESPECIALLY COMPRISING A GUIDING TRACK CONNECTION - A system for controlling at least two sets of variable geometry equipment of a gas turbine engine including at least one first body and a second body, the first set of equipment being a stage of variable stator vanes of a compressor of the first body moving between a closed position during idling and an open position at high speed, and the second set of equipment being at least one bleed valve of a compressor of the second body moving between an open position during idling and a closed position at high speed. An actuator actuates the two sets of equipment. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190951 | ASSESSING, FORECASTING AND SIMULATING ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF BUILDINGS USING ENERGY EFFICIENCY COEFFICIENTS - Energy consumption data of a building and temperature data outside the building collected over a period of time are correlated and segmented into a plurality of segments including at least a heating consumption segment, a cooling segment, and temperature-insensitive segment. An energy efficiency coefficient for heating from the heating consumption segment, an energy efficiency coefficient for cooling from the cooling consumption segment, an energy efficiency coefficient for other energy consuming activities from the temperature insensitive segment are determined, and scaled. The energy efficiency coefficient for heating, the energy efficiency coefficient for cooling and the energy efficiency coefficient for other energy consuming activities are used to assess energy efficiency among one or more buildings, forecast future consumption of energy in the building based on forecasted temperature and simulate impact of hypothetical temperature and hypothetical energy efficiency on energy consumption in the building. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190952 | Method and System for an Integrated Intelligent Building - Described herein are systems and methods for integrated intelligent buildings, improved building security, and cost-efficient energy management. An exemplary embodiment relates to a method comprising monitoring energy usage within a facility to generate energy usage data (“EUD”), analyzing the EUD to determine a short-term energy requirement (“STER”) and a long-term energy requirement (“LTER”) of the facility, obtaining energy market data (“EMD”) of energy, the EMD including energy rate fluctuation data, and obtaining a pre-determined amount of energy from a utility provider, the pre-determined amount being determined as a function of at least one of the STER, the LTER, and the EMD. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190953 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING OPERATIONS OF DEVICES BASED ON INFORMATION ABOUT POWER CONSUMPTION OF THE DEVICES - A method and apparatus for controlling operations of a controlled devices in a network including a control device and at least one controlled device are provided. The method includes: receiving information about a device usage history of a user for the at least one controlled device from the at least one controlled device; setting an optimum power consumption level corresponding to the controlled device from among a plurality of power consumption levels classified based on power consumption of the controlled device, based on the received information about the device usage history and information about time-based price; and controlling operations of the controlled device based on the set optimum power consumption level. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190954 | ENERGY SAVING SUPPORT DEVICE - An energy saving support device supports energy saving of an air conditioner and includes an acquiring unit, a first energy calculating unit, a second energy calculating unit, an information generating unit and a reporting unit. The acquiring unit acquires operating data regarding the air conditioner. The first energy calculating unit determines a total consumed energy or a standard consumed energy of the air conditioner as a comparison target energy based on the operating data acquired by the acquiring unit. The second energy calculating unit determines a low-COP consumed energy based on the operating data acquired by the acquiring unit. The information generating unit generates room-for-energy-saving information in order to determine a potential for energy saving based on the comparison target energy and the low-COP consumed energy. The reporting unit reports the room-for-energy-saving information. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190955 | Electrical Communications Circuit With Spur Diagnostics - An electrical communications circuit comprising a power supply, a trunk section, a spur section, isolation means disposed between the trunk section and the spur section, diagnostics apparatus connected to the trunk section and a field device connected to the spur section, in which the field device is adapted to send data signals over the communications circuit, which data signals comprise one or more core functions, in which the communications circuit and/or the data signals function under one or more pre-determined normal operating parameters, in which the diagnostics apparatus is adapted to detect one or more pre-determined breaches of said normal operating parameters, in which a spur diagnostics module is connected to the spur section and is adapted to monitor electrical characteristics of the spur section, in which the spur diagnostics module comprises interference means adapted to interfere with the communications circuit and/or the data signals sent thereon such that said one or more pre-determined breaches of the normal operating parameters are detectable by the diagnostics apparatus, but such that said one or more core functions of the data signals are not effected, and in which the spur diagnostics module is adapted to activate said interference means when it detects one or more pre-determined electrical events in the spur section. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190956 | Prognostic-Enabled Power System - A prognostics-enabled power system includes a power source and a removably connected load. A sensor is connected to the power source and situated to identify at least one characteristic produced in response to the removably connected load on the power source. A programmable system is in communication with the sensor, the programmable system situated to calculate a value from the at least one characteristic, wherein the calculated value is indicative of a health status of the power source. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190957 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL APPARATUS - An electronic control apparatus is provided in which a supervisory control circuit part capable of mutual communication with a main control circuit part, which is operated by a high speed clock signal of high precision, is operated by a medium speed clock signal, which is low in cost and precision, such that they can operate mutually independently of each other. The main control circuit part supplies a medium speed communication synchronization signal frequency divided to the supervisory control circuit part. The supervisory control circuit part is operated by the medium speed clock signal to supervise the control operation of the main control circuit part. An error measuring circuit calculates an error correction coefficient which is the ratio of the signal cycle of the communication synchronization signal to that of the medium speed clock signal. The value of the error correction coefficient is reversely supervised by the main control circuit part. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190958 | Grid responsive control device - A load control device which is responsive to a physical variable representing the balance between load and generation on an electricity grid. The control device varies the energy consumption of the load based on the current value of the physical variable of the grid relative to a central value of that physical variable, which is derived from past readings of the physical variable of the grid. The grid responsive control device also takes into account the time since the load last varied its energy consumption in determining whether or not the grid variable load control should be provided. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190959 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM - Even in a case where a rapid variance is demanded as to the input voltage of a converter and the output terminal voltage of a fuel cell, stable converter control is realized. On judging that the change ratio of the demand power of a fuel cell exceeds a set threshold value, a controller executes converter stabilization processing. First, the controller controls a battery converter so that an input voltage of an inverter becomes a set target input voltage. Then, after the input voltage of the inverter reaches the target input voltage, the controller controls an FC converter so that an output terminal voltage of the fuel cell becomes a set target output terminal voltage. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190960 | APPARATUS EQUIPPED WITH MOTOR - An apparatus includes a driven object, a motor configured to function as a driving source of the driven object, a scanning unit configured to cause the driven object to move, and include a first pulley to which the motor is connected, a second pulley disposed opposing to the first pulley, and a member stretched around the first pulley and the second pulley, an acquisition unit configured to acquire position information of the driven object, and a signal generation unit configured to generate a periodic signal for controlling driving of the motor based on the position information acquired by the acquisition unit, wherein the signal generation unit increases a period of the signal to be generated, as a length of the member to which a pulling force is applied becomes shorter. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190961 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND OPERATOR CONTROL CONCEPT THEREFOR - A driver assistance system having a predefined number of driver assistance functions has a device for defining, storing and implementing a predefined number of driver assistance packages, wherein each driver assistance package comprises one or more driver assistance functions and each driver assistance package has a predetermined functional scope. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190962 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWER WINDOWS OF A VEHICLE - A system and method for controlling power windows of a vehicle includes a receiver mounted on the vehicle for receiving an open window request signal wirelessly from a portable device, at least one exterior condition sensor mounted on the vehicle for detecting an adverse exterior condition relative to the vehicle, and a controller mounted on the vehicle for communicating with the receiver and the at least one exterior condition sensor. The controller commands opening of the one or more power windows when the receiver receives the open window request signal provided the at least one exterior condition sensor does not detect an adverse exterior condition relative to the vehicle. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190963 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN OPTIMIZED UTILIZATION OF ENERGY RESOURCES OF AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - A method for optimized utilization of available energy resources/sources ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190964 | TURNING-STABILIZED ESTIMATION OF THE ATTITUDE ANGLES OF AN AIRCRAFT - The present invention relates to estimating the attitude angles of an aircraft ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190965 | System and Method for an Integrated Backup Control System - Embodiments of the invention relate to a flight control system for controlling an aircraft in flight having a backup control system integrated into an active control stick. The actuated control stick may include a processing unit that includes independent and separate hardware and/or software dedicated to the primary control system and the backup control system. For the primary control system, the processing unit may receive a sensed primary control stick signal and communicate with a primary processor, which may be configured to generate a primary control signal. For the backup control system, the processing unit may receive a sensed backup control stick signal and generate a backup control signal. The processing unit may also generate tactile signal for use by the actuated control stick to adjust the feel of a pilot's control stick. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190966 | Control System For An Aircraft Propeller Drive - The invention relates to a control system for an aircraft propeller drive for controlling the power of a diesel engine ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190967 | Power line communication system and method - Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a power line communication (PLC) system. For example, the PLC system may include a PLC server configured to provide electrical power and electronic communications through a PLC bus to a number of electronic devices, such as an instrument cluster, infotainment interface, rear-seat entertainment console, aftermarket accessories, and the like. The PLC system may also include a power system that may be coupled to an electrical grid for charging a battery associated with one or more of the electronic devices. The power system may be communicatively coupled to the PLC bus, enabling the devices coupled to the PLC bus to communicate with a service provider through the electrical grid. The communications between the devices coupled to the PLC bus and remote devices coupled through the electrical grid may be conducted using a common communication protocol. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190968 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MORE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES - The present invention relates to a more efficient and/or flexible operation of plug-in electric vehicles. The present invention includes an automobile having an energy conversion unit, an energy storage unit, a user selection unit, a global positioning system, and a control unit. The automobile can operate in a default charging mode, which is either the charge depletion mode or the charge sustaining mode. Upon a user input, the energy conversation unit and/or the energy storage unit can operate in an extended charging mode or a forced charging mode. In the extended charging mode, the SOC is increased or decreased over a predetermined charging range. In the forced charging mode, the SOC is increased until a predetermined charge limit is reached. The present invention can also use global positioning system signals to operate in the charge depletion mode, the charge sustaining mode, the extended charging mode, and/or the forced charging mode. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190969 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AND/OR REGULATING AT LEAST ONE PARTIAL LOAD TRANSFER IN A HYBRID DRIVE ARRANGEMENT - The invention relates to a method for controlling and/or regulating at least one partial load transfer in a hybrid drive arrangement of a motor vehicle. According to said method, a driver's desired torque (M | 2011-08-04 |
20110190970 | POWER GENERATION DEVICE EQUIPPED ON VEHICLE - A structure for controlling an engine is simplified in a power generation device equipped on a vehicle which generates power by a driving force of an engine. An operation unit ( | 2011-08-04 |
20110190971 | Hybrid vehicles - A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a traction motor, a starter motor, and a battery bank, all controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with the vehicle's instantaneous torque demands so that the engine is run only under conditions of high efficiency, typically only when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine's maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbocharger may be provided, activated only when the load exceeds the engine's maximum torque output for an extended period; a two-speed transmission may further be provided, to further broaden the vehicle's load range. A hybrid brake system provides regenerative braking, with mechanical braking available in the event the battery bank is fully charged, in emergencies, or at rest; a control mechanism is provided to control the brake system to provide linear brake feel under varying circumstances. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190972 | GRID UNLOCK - A method to operate a vehicle during a grid-lock traffic condition includes monitoring a vehicle speed, tracking a target vehicle in proximity of the vehicle including monitoring a range to the target vehicle, monitoring activation of a grid unlock mode when the vehicle speed is less than a threshold grid-lock speed, monitoring a location of the vehicle based upon data from a GPS device, monitoring a distance envelope with respect to the vehicle, and controlling operation of the vehicle while the vehicle speed remains less than the threshold grid-lock speed based upon the vehicle speed, the range to the target vehicle, the location of the vehicle, and the distance envelope. Controlling operation of the vehicle includes controlling acceleration of the vehicle, controlling braking of the vehicle, and controlling steering of the vehicle. | 2011-08-04 |
20110190973 | DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING CONTINUOUS AND INTERMITTENT FAULTS - A diagnostic system diagnoses a device and includes fault declaring module that selects one of a normal control mode, a temporary default action and a permanent default action. A counter module tracks a first number of successive test samples, a second number of failed samples that occur during the successive test samples, a third number of successive failed samples, a fourth number of failed samples, and a fifth number of samples since a last failed sample. The fault declaring module transitions to a temporary default action when at least one of the third number of successive failed samples is greater than a first value and the fourth number of failed samples is greater than a second value. The fault declaring module transitions to a permanent default action that is different than the temporary default action when the second number of failed samples is greater than a third value. | 2011-08-04 |