48th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 57 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120303120 | FLUSH PATCH FOR ELASTOMERIC IMPLANT SHELL - An elastomeric prosthetic breast implant is provided having a shell and a patch forming a flush interface with the shell and no sudden surface steps on both interior and exterior surfaces of the shell. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303121 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SECURING A LIGATURE TO AN OSSEOUS STRUCTURE - Embodiments disclosed herein provide a device for securing a ligature to an osseous structure, the device comprising a first part, a second part, a flexible elongate member for engaging the osseous structure, a closure element, and a deformable element between the first and second parts for holding open a gap G between them. The flexible elongate member is threaded through an orifice in the first part and the gap G. The closure element is configured for clamping the first and second parts against each other, overcoming the resilience of the deformable element, so as to frictionally lock the flexible elongate member threaded through the gap G. Embodiments disclosed herein also provide a method for using the device. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303122 | PROSTHETIC IMPLANT AND ASSOCIATED INSTRUMENTS - A prosthetic implant comprises an articular surface and a bone contacting surface. The articular surface has a first concavity extending along a first curved axis and the bone contacting surface has a convexity extending along a second curved axis. Geometric relationships between the concavity of the articular surface and convexity of the bone contacting surface are described. A resulting feature of this implant is a bone contacting surface including both planar and non-planar geometries. Instrumentation and a method for the preparation of the non-planar bone surface are also described. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303123 | SPINAL IMPLANT - A spinal implant as provided having a porous body that includes a leading end, a convex trailing end and first and second sides extending between the leading and trailing ends. At least a portion of the leading end is generally straight. The body further includes a generally dome-shaped superior surface and a generally planar inferior surface. The superior surface is convex between the leading and trailing ends and is convex between the first and second sides. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303124 | BONE FUSION DEVICE - A bone fusion device provides stability to bones during a bone fusion period. The bones include, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs attached to the bone fusion device by associated rotating means. The bone fusion device is preferably inserted by using an arthroscopic surgical procedure. During arthroscopic insertion of the device, the tabs are pre-configured for compactness. In this compact configuration, the tabs are preferably deposed along and/or within an exterior surface of the bone fusion device. After the bone fusion device has been positioned between the bones, one or more tab(s) are extended. In the preferred embodiment, the position of each tab is related to a positioning element and extending blocks. Typically, the tabs advantageously position and brace the bone fusion device in the confined space between the bones until the bones have fused. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303125 | System And Methods For Performing Surgical Procedures and Assessments - The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments, including the use of neurophysiology-based monitoring to: (a) determine nerve proximity and nerve direction to surgical instruments employed in accessing a surgical target site; (b) assess the pathology (health or status) of a nerve or nerve root before, during, or after a surgical procedure; and/or (c) assess pedicle integrity before, during or after pedicle screw placement, all in an automated, easy to use, and easy to interpret fashion so as to provide a surgeon-driven system. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303126 | FUSION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FUSING SPINAL BONES - This invention relates to a spinal fusion system and method for use as a prosthetic implant. The system and method includes a housing dimensioned to be situated between adjacent spinal bones, such as adjacent vertebrae. The housing cooperates with the spinal bones to define a graft area for receiving graft material, which may be inserted anteriorly into the housing during a surgical operation such as a vertebrectomy or discectomy. A housing may have various features such as migration preventers to prevent the housing from migrating posteriorly towards a spinal column and can be used with a cover that permits the housing to “float” relative thereto. Screws are provided in one embodiment and are dimensioned or configured to lock against each other to retain the screws and, consequently, the cover in place. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303127 | IMPLANTS HAVING INTERNAL FEATURES FOR GRAFT RETENTION AND LOAD TRANSFER BETWEEN IMPLANT AND VERTEBRAE - An interbody spinal implant, such as a solid-body or composite implant, includes at least one graft contact surface as one or more of the internal surfaces of the implant. The graft contact surface, for example, having at least one ridge or groove is designed to contact and promote retention and stabilization of bone growth-inducing materials placed within the internal openings of the implant body. In addition, the ridges or grooves may influence the biological processes to promote bone healing and fusion. Also disclosed are processes of fabricating the graft contact surfaces and other surface topographies on the implant. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303128 | SPINAL IMPLANT AND INTEGRATION PLATE FOR OPTIMIZING VERTEBRAL ENDPLATE CONTACT LOAD-BEARING EDGES - An interbody spinal implant including a body and an integration plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, opposing anterior and posterior portions, and a substantially hollow center in communication with a vertical aperture. The body is recessed in a way that portions of the integration plate protrude above the top and/or bottom surface of the body to enhance the resistance of the implant to expulsion from the intervertebral space. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303129 | COMPOSITE INTERBODY SPINAL IMPLANT HAVING OPENINGS OF PREDETERMINED SIZE AND SHAPE - An interbody spinal implant including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, opposing anterior and posterior portions, a substantially hollow center, and a single vertical aperture. The single vertical aperture extends from the top surface to the bottom surface, has a size and shape predetermined to maximize the surface area of the top surface and the bottom surface available proximate the anterior and posterior portions while maximizing both radiographic visualization and access to the substantially hollow center, and defines a transverse rim. The body may be non-metallic and may form one component of a composite implant; the other component is a metal plate disposed on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the body. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303130 | Spring Base Glenosphere - A reverse modular humeral implant for implantation into a humerus that includes a natural humeral shaft and a natural humeral head. The implant includes a humeral stem implantable into the natural humeral shaft, and an adapter couplable to the humeral stem, the adapter including an anchoring projection configured to be coupled to a convex bearing. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303131 | SURGICAL APPARATUS - A single use cutting jig for use in cutting a bone in orthopaedic surgery, the cutting jig having: a first face shaped to receive the end of the bone to be cut, a second face provided with one or more cutting slot, the or each slot extending through the cutting jig from the second face to the first face and being shaped for receiving a cutting device, wherein the cutting jig is molded from plastic, and wherein the interior surface of the or each cutting slot is provided with a metal coating. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303132 | STENT FOR BILE DUCT - The present invention relates to a stent which is inserted into a stenosed bile duct to enlarge the bile duct. The stent includes a plurality of hooks which extend outwards from the main body of the stent at a predetermined angle and are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, when the stent is inserted into the bile duct, the hooks that extend outwards from the main body at a predetermined angle are hooked to the inner surface of the bile duct, thus preventing the stent from slipping relative to the bile duct. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303133 | POROUS URETERAL STENT - In some embodiments, a stent includes an elongate member and a distal retention member. The elongate member is configured to be disposed within a ureter of a patient and has a first portion, a second portion and a plurality of beads bonded together. The plurality of beads define a plurality of spaces between the plurality of beads. The plurality of spaces are configured to allow fluid to flow from the first portion of the elongate member to the second portion of the elongate member. The distal retention member is configured to help maintain a portion of the stent within a kidney of the patient. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303134 | STENT WITH SOLUBLE BLADDER RETENTION MEMBER - Ureteral stents having at least a portion of a proximal end of the ureteral stent constructed with a material that dissolves after being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time are disclosed herein. At least a portion of the proximal end portion of the elongate member includes a dissolving portion configured to dissolve in response to being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time. The elongate member also includes a non-dissolving portion that includes the entire retention member of the distal end portion and is substantially stable in the bodily fluid of the urinary tract of the patient. In some embodiments, a medial portion of the ureteral stent is also constructed with one or more dissolving materials. In some implementations, the proximal and/or the medial portions of the ureteral stent are constructed using various combinations of dissolving and non-dissolving materials. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303135 | Prosthetic Devices and Methods of Making and Using the Same - Prosthetic devices are disclosed. Methods of making and using prosthetic devices are also disclosed. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303136 | MECHANICAL PROSTHETIC FINGER DEVICE - A prosthetic finger that is able to provide independent natural movement to mimic a real finger. The present invention utilizes unique connections to provide users with natural movement and restore their ability to perform activities that require the full dexterity of their hands. Additionally, the present invention also allows users to interact with touch screens that normally would not work due to the insulating properties of other traditional prosthetic fingers. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303137 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING DEVICES AND/OR APPLIANCES BEING INSTALLED AND/OR IMPLEMENTED IN A USER NETWORK - A method for controlling devices and/or appliances being installed and/or implemented in a user network, includes the steps of providing a management application, and associating one or more UEs with the management application, providing location information of the associated UEs to the management application, and, based on the location information and configured policy rules, performing control actions on the devices and/or appliances. Furthermore, a corresponding system is described. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303138 | COMPANION CONTROL INTERFACE FOR SMART DEVICES - A companion remote control system is usable with smart devices for controlling a plurality of controlled components. An overall control system includes: a companion remote configured for remote communication, and providing command options for a user desiring to interact with a controlled component; a software application configured for running on smart devices, which typically includes a graphical interface for the user to select desired controlled component from plurality of controlled components; and a control processor capable of communicating with companion remote, smart device and controlled components. The control processor is programmed to correlate user commands received from companion remote to appropriate instructions for a specific controlled component selection received from smart device. The control processor instructing the controlled component based on those commands, thereby allowing user to interact with selected controlled component using companion remote as if it was dedicated to that controlled component. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303139 | JOG PUSH BUTTON - Systems and methods are provided to facilitate correct execution of a machine jog operation where a plurality of interfaces can generate a machine jog command, which is received by an industrial controller. One or more machine jog commands can be received and state data is maintained regarding whether a machine jog command has been received. An OR gate logic operation is performed on the state data to determine whether a machine jog operation has been received from any of the plurality of interfaces, and in the event of receiving a machine jog operation, a control command is generated to effect a machine jog operation. The plurality of interfaces enable interaction with the controller, to facilitate control of a machine from a plurality of locations. The system can be expanded to include further interfaces. Also, information regarding a machine jog command can be published to the plurality of interfaces. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303140 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING CUSTOMIZED APPLICATIONS TO OPERATE A HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE - An apparatus includes at least one functional device configured to perform at least one specified task, and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one functional device and communicatively coupled to a remote server via a network. The controller is configured to control display of a human machine interface (HMI) via a display device, receive a user input via the HMI to identify a desired application, initiate direct communication with the remote server via the network, and, in response to the initiated communication, to receive data files associated with the identified application from the remote server via the network in response to the user input, wherein the data files include predetermined operation settings associated with the at least one specified task associated with the identified application. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303141 | AUTO-TUNING ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC VALVE - A flow control valve includes a housing that includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a first work port and a second work port. The housing defines a spool bore and a pilot spool bore. A main stage spool is disposed in the spool bore. A pilot stage spool is disposed in the pilot spool bore. The pilot stage spool is in selective fluid communication with the main stage spool. A microprocessor includes a controller having a restricted structured controller and a compensation controller. Outputs of the restricted structured controller and the compensation controller are summed to form an electrical signal that is communicated to the pilot stage spool. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303142 | AUTOMATED MODEL BUILDING AND MODEL UPDATING - A system and computer-implemented method for creating a new model or updating a previously-created model based on a template are described. A template is generated from a previously-created model. The previously-created model specifies a set of parameters associated with a manufacturing process, a process tool or chamber. Variables associated with the manufacturing process are acquired, monitored, and analyzed. A statistical analysis (or multivariate statistical analysis) is employed to analyze the monitored variables and the set of parameters. When any of the monitored variables satisfy a threshold condition, a new model is created or the parameters of the previously-created model are updated, adjusted, or modified based on the template and the monitored variables. A user interface facilitating communication between a user and the systems and display of information is also described. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303143 | SAFETY-EXTENSION BASE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A safety-extension base connected to a main base and a control method thereof are disclosed, the base includes a communication unit, a system state monitoring unit, a module control unit, a memory unit, a state conversion unit and a safety-processing unit. The communication unit performs data communication with the main base. The system state monitoring unit monitors a state of the PLC system. The module control unit controls a general operation of the safety-extension base and outputs different cases of control signals. The memory unit stores the data transmitted from the main base and a program and information. The state conversion unit converts the state of the safety-extension base into the normal state or safety state. The safety-processing unit performs a control of the safety-extension base. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303144 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE UNIFORM NAMING OF IDENTICAL PARAMETERS OF DIFFERENT FIELD DEVICES OF AN AUTOMATION SYSTEM - Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method and device for unifying differing designations of physically identical parameters of different field devices of the same type in an automation system. The field devices being parameterized from at least one central control unit via a communication network. A control unit, in each of the different field devices of the same type, identifies the physically identical parameters by semantic analysis of the differing designations, after which, in each case, an identical identification is attached to the differing designations. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303145 | CONTROL OF SAFETY CRITICAL OPERATIONS - A system wherein control of a safety-critical system operation is effected by sending a plurality of keywords via a low integrity transmission means. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303146 | Sound Enhancer For Portable Media Player - In one embodiment, a sound enhancer is couplable to a portable media player and is configured to redirect sound from a speaker of the portable media player towards a user for enhancing the user's audio experience. The sound enhancer may direct sound from a side-mounted or back-mounted speaker, and include features such as a loudspeaker to amplify the sound, and various reflectors, directing channels and resonant cavities. A gripper is provided to provide secure attachment to the portable media player. Alternatively, the sound enhancer can be formed integrally with accessories of the portable media player such as a hard or soft case, a docking station, and holder or stand and the like. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303147 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO RESOURCES THROUGH ENHANCED AUDIO SIGNALS - Systems and methods are provided for using a hidden audio signal. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes registering, at a central database, one or more of an identifier and a destination resource associated with the identifier, and encoding the one or more of the identifier and the destination resource in a hidden audio signal. The method further includes transmitting the hidden audio signal, including the one or more of the identifier and the destination resource, in connection with an acoustic signal, and receiving the acoustic signal at a user device. In addition, the method includes decoding the encoded one or more of the identifier and the destination resource at the user device; and requesting, from the central database, information associated with the one or more of the identifier and the destination resource. Further, the method includes receiving, at the user device, the requested information. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303148 | MOBILE DEVICE HAVING MULTI-AUDIO OUTPUT FUNCTION - A mobile device playing and outputting audio data having various formats. The mobile device includes a memory storing audio data having different formats; a plurality of audio-playing units, each having a codec that corresponds a respective format and restoring respective analog sound signals from the corresponding audio data; a processor receiving a hardware interrupt from some or all of the audio-playing units to provide corresponding data of the stored audio data to a corresponding audio playing unit; and an output unit mixing the restored analog sound signals in order to be output. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303149 | FABRICATION AND TRACKING - A method of fabrication for a component to be installed in a facility, the facility being represented by an electronic design model, the method including extracting, at a computing device and from the model, details of the component and controlling a plurality of stations with the computing device to fabricate and track the component. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303150 | LARGE-SCALE COMPREHENSIVE REAL-TIME MONITORING FRAMEWORK FOR INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES - A method includes associating multiple real-time applications with a framework. The real-time applications include applications for monitoring or controlling equipment in at least one industrial facility. Each application has at least one input variable and at least one output variable. The method also includes identifying relationships between the input and output variables of the applications to identify data dependencies. The method further includes receiving data updates at the framework and notifying at least one of the applications of the data updates based on the data dependencies to support data-driven operation of the framework. The data-driven operation of the framework provides data to the applications to support performance monitoring of the equipment, analysis of the equipment's operation, and/or identification of abnormal equipment conditions. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303151 | Computational Process Control - The present invention provides a number of innovations in the area of computational process control (CPC). CPC offers unique diagnostic capability during chip manufacturing cycle by analyzing temporal drift of a lithography apparatus/ process, and provides a solution towards achieving performance stability of the lithography apparatus/process. Embodiments of the present invention enable optimized process windows and higher yields by keeping performance of a lithography apparatus and/or parameters of a lithography process substantially close to a pre-defined baseline condition. This is done by comparing the measured temporal drift to a baseline performance using a lithography process simulation model. Once in manufacturing, CPC optimizes a scanner for specific patterns or reticles by leveraging wafer metrology techniques and feedback loop, and monitors and controls, among other things, overlay and/or CD uniformity (CDU) performance over time to continuously maintain the system close to the baseline condition. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303152 | EMBROIDERY DATA GENERATION APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - An embroidery data generation apparatus that generates embroidery data based on image data of an image that is an aggregate of pixels includes a thread color number setting portion that sets a number of use thread colors as a set number, a representable color identifying portion that identifies available thread colors and at least one intermediate color as representable colors, a first usage frequency calculating portion that calculates first usage frequencies of the representable colors, each of the first usage frequencies being a usage frequency of each of the representable colors in the image that is color-reduced using, as representative colors, the representable colors, and a use thread color determining portion that, based on the first usage frequencies, determines, as the use thread colors, available thread colors of the set number, from among the available thread colors. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303153 | Methods and Apparatus for Online Calorimetry - In exemplary implementations of this invention, a network of nodes controls and senses the cure of a thermosetting plastic in a component that is made of fiber composite material. The network comprises multiple nodes, which are separated spatially from each other. Each of the nodes, respectively, comprises a heat transfer device for actively transferring thermal energy, a temperature sensor for taking local temperature measurements, and a processor. In each of the nodes, respectively: (a) the processor locally performs closed loop control over the temperature of the heat transfer device, and (b) the closed loop control is based at least in part on the local temperature measurements and on estimated or measured input current to the heat transfer device. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303154 | RETAIL LOCATION ROBOTIC WALL SYSTEM - A robotic retail wall is presented allowing for the dispensing of merchandise within a retail location. The robotic wall includes commodity products and robotics that pick and deliver products to consumers in response to input at a kiosk. The robotics and products are separated from a retail space by a transparent barrier, allowing consumers in the retail space to view the actions of the robotics in retrieving a product. Behind the robotic wall is a product stocking area, where commodity products can be added to the robotic wall with assistance from the robotics. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303155 | STORAGE METHOD FOR DIGITAL MEDIA ITEMS - A storage method for digital media items which optimizes delivery time. An example storage method includes determining transport times for transporting the digital media items from a plurality of primary storage locations within the entertainment kiosk to a dispense aperture of the entertainment kiosk, obtaining expected transaction rates of the digital media items, assigning the digital media items to the primary storage locations such that digital media items having expected transaction rates that are greater than expected transaction rates of other digital media items are stored in primary storage locations having transport times that are shorter than transport times of other primary storage locations. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303156 | Method and apparatus for optimized shipping strategies accounting for endpoint requirements - The cartonization process in a distribution center can be modified to account for factors which influence the efficiency with which the products distributed from the distribution center can be stocked onto store shelves, such as layout (i.e., planogram) information indicating where the various products will actually be located in a store. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303157 | REJECTION OF DEFECTIVE VEGETABLE WITH SCATTERING AND REFRACTING LIGHT - A defective vegetable rejecting device, including methodology, has a transparent of semi-transparent conveyor, a set of light sources mounted offset from a centerline of the conveyor, light blocking plates mounted proximate and aligned with the light source and the conveyor, a light receiver mounted on a side of the conveyor opposite from the light source; and nozzles for rejecting a defective vegetable. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303158 | VACUUM PROCESS DEVICE AND VACUUM PROCESS METHOD - An efficient method of controlling transportation in a linear tool type vacuum process device in a state that a length of time required for a process is not stable. For each process chamber, the number of unprocessed wafers that are in process or are being transported to the process chamber is counted, and in deciding a transport destination of a wafer, when the number of unprocessed wafers is equal to or larger than a charge limit amount, a transport destination of a wafer is decided excluding the process chamber. Also, a wafer holding mechanism on a transport path to a process chamber is reserved, and a transport destination of a processed member to be transported next is decided according to a status of reservation. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303159 | TIMED DISPENSER AND AUDIT SYSTEM - A chemical product dispenser includes one or more timing features. The chemical product may include cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, or other chemical products typically dispensed using a conventional spray bottle or other chemical product applicator used in the cleaning industry. The timed dispenser includes a timer and one or more indicators that are activated when one or more predetermined periods of time (such as a contact time or cure time) have elapsed. A timed dispenser audit system further monitors and analyzes use of the timed dispensers throughout one or more facilities, and may generate reports based on the analysis. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303160 | COMPANION ROBOT FOR PERSONAL INTERACTION - A mobile robot guest for interacting with a human resident performs a room-traversing search procedure prior to interacting with the resident, and may verbally query whether the resident being sought is present. Upon finding the resident, the mobile robot may facilitate a teleconferencing session with a remote third party, or interact with the resident in a number of ways. For example, the robot may carry on a dialogue with the resident, reinforce compliance with medication or other schedules, etc. In addition, the robot incorporates safety features for preventing collisions with the resident; and the robot may audibly announce and/or visibly indicate its presence in order to avoid becoming a dangerous obstacle. Furthermore, the mobile robot behaves in accordance with an integral privacy policy, such that any sensor recording or transmission must be approved by the resident. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303161 | ROBOT CONTROLLER - An element | 2012-11-29 |
20120303162 | MOBILE OBJECT CONTROLLER AND FLOOR SURFACE ESTIMATOR - A total floor reaction force required correction amount by which an error between an observed value of a total floor reaction force acting on a mobile object | 2012-11-29 |
20120303163 | METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A SPINNING SPEED OF A DRUM OF A HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE FOR CARING FOR LAUNDRY ITEMS - In a method for setting a spin speed of a drum of a household laundry care appliance, which is installed on a base, a gradient of an actual speed of the drum is detected during a spin operation and a determination is made as to whether the speed gradient is rising or falling. Vibrations caused by the household appliance during a spin operation as a function of the base in respect of frequency and/or amplitude are detected and compared with reference values. The spin speed is then changed as a function of the determined speed gradient if parameter values characterizing the vibrations deviate from the reference values. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303164 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COMPUTER ROOM AIR CONDITIONING UNITS (CRACs) IN DATA CENTERS - Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for controlling computer room air conditioning units (CRACs) in data centers. An example embodiment includes: receiving an alert message from a reporting wireless network sensor of a plurality of wireless network sensors via a wireless sensor network, the alert message including information indicative of a modification needed to an environmental condition, the alert message including an indication of stability or instability of a computer room air conditioning unit (CRAC) in a data center; and using the information indicative of a modification needed to an environmental condition at a networked controller to command a device capable of modifying the environmental condition to modify the environmental condition in a manner corresponding to the information in the alert message, commanding the device including controlling fan speed in the CRAC to correct an indication of instability. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303165 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BOTH ENERGY SAVING AND COMFORT CONTROL IN AN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM - A control system and method for controlling both temperature and humidity in an air conditioning system having a variable-speed compressor and a variable-speed indoor blower. In one embodiment, the control system includes: (1) a temperature control loop in which a target speed of the compressor is determined based on sensed and setpoint temperatures and (2) a humidity control loop, located in the temperature control loop, in which a target speed of the indoor blower is determined based on sensed and setpoint humidities, the target speed of the compressor employable to control the compressor and the target speed of the indoor blower employable to control the indoor blower of the air conditioning system. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303166 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SAFE AND EFFECTIVE ENGERGY USAGE AND CONSERVATION FOR DATA CENTERS WITH RACK POWER DISTRIBUTION UNITS - A system and method for improving energy usage and conservation of at least one air-management unit in a data center where a multiplicity of rack mounted power distribution units are used for power distribution to a multiplicity of electronic devices mounted on a plurality of racks in at least one computer room of the data center. A group of power load, temperature, humidity and differential pressure sensors are provided throughout the racks, and coupled to a computer through a network interface for automatically calculating multiple air-management effectiveness and energy efficiency indices (e.g., rack cooling index RCI, rack humidity index RHI, rack airflow index RAI, rack differential pressure index RPI and return temperature index RTI) based on the data from the sensors, such that the operation of the air-management unit can be adjusted accordingly to achieve an optimal efficiency of safe energy usage and conservation. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303167 | COORDINATING INJECTOR-VALVE SWITCHING WITH PUMP-STROKE TIMING TO MITIGATE EFFECTS OF PRESSURE PULSES - A liquid chromatography system includes an autosampler with an injector valve by which a sample at low pressure within a sample loop is introduced into a high-pressure solvent mixture stream. A solvent delivery system includes a pump in fluidic communication with the injector valve of the autosampler to deliver the solvent mixture stream thereto. The solvent delivery system further comprises a processor that calculates a number of strokes of the pump needed to deliver the solvent mixture stream to the injector valve of the autosampler. The processor counts strokes of the pump during delivery of the solvent mixture stream. In response to a stroke count equaling the calculated number of strokes, the processor signals the autosampler to switch the injector valve to introduce the sample to the solvent mixture stream during a pump transfer period within which the pump performs pressure control to compensate for a drop in pressure. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303168 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SMART IRRIGATION - A smart irrigation system for an irrigation controller associated with an irrigation site is described herein. The smart irrigation system comprises a central control system having a user interface and a smart scheduler. The central control system is configured to derive and send an irrigation schedule for the irrigation site. The smart scheduler comprises a data receiver, a processor, and a signal interface. The data receiver is configured to receive the irrigation schedule. The processor is configured to convert the irrigation schedule to a series of control signals that the irrigation controller recognizes. The signal interface is configured to connect to the irrigation controller and to send the series of control signals to the irrigation controller. The system uses weather data and irrigation site-specific information to automatically apply the optimal irrigation schedule. Users are able to remotely control the irrigation via networks such as Internet. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303169 | DATA COMMUNICATION IN A MULTI-WIRE IRRIGATION CONTROL SYSTEM - An irrigation control device having a modulator that modulates data onto an alternating power signal by distorting amplitude of a first leading portion of selected cycles of the alternating power signal, and permit effectively a full amplitude of the alternating power signal on a following portion of the selected cycles, wherein the first leading portion and the following portion are either both on a high side of a cycle or both on a low side of a cycle of the alternating power signal. The irrigation control device further includes an interface configured to couple the modulator to a multi-wire interface coupled to a plurality of irrigation devices to permit the alternating power signal to be applied to the multi-wire interface. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303170 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AND SIMULATING ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM - A power system power flow simulator includes a power system power flow calculator using load power in local voltage transformers to calculate power flow in power system extending from a transformer substation to local power transformers, customer load imitators which calculate time change of load power used by customers, dispersed power source imitators which calculate time change of power generated by dispersed power sources and a system status manager which manages operation procedure. The system status manager advances processing while supplying a load power request message with time information attached thereto to the customer load imitators and the dispersed power source imitators, and decides time intervals of supply of the load power request message in accordance with the power load temporal change rate calculated by the customer load imitators and the dispersed power source imitators. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303171 | DYNAMIC FEATURE-AWARE POWER MANAGEMENT - This disclosure relates to reducing battery usage in handheld communication devices due to operation of variable managed features, such as a location determination feature and other features that consume variable amounts of time and power. The techniques of this disclosure include dynamically managing a power budget allocated to one or more variable managed features of the handheld communication device based on power consumption over time by the variable managed features. More specifically, the techniques include, for each variable managed feature, recalculating a frequency for performing power events based on an amount of remaining power after one or more power events. The techniques also include reallocating the power budget to the one or more variable managed features based on an amount of remaining power after one or more power events of the variable managed features, a pre-determined period of time, or reaching a threshold level of power consumption jitter. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303172 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING NETWORK SYSTEM - Provided is a method of controlling a network system. In the method, information about an electric product comprising a communication modem is recognized to make the electric product join a power management network. The electric product is registered in the power management network by allocating an ID (identification) to the electric product. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303173 | SMART POWER DEVICE - A power device may include channels coupled to conductors in lines, where each one of the channels is coupled to a different one of the lines than the other channels and where the channels deliver direct current power signals over the conductors to the load devices. Each one of the load devices may be powered by a different one of the direct current power signals. The power device may include a power communicator that communicates with the load devices over the conductors that propagate the direct current power signals. The power communicator may determine a target power level for the load devices based on the communication over the conductors. The load device may adjust an amount of power in the direct current power signals in order to match the target power level. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303174 | Green Data Center and the Method for Achieving Power Usage Efficiency less than 1 - A green data center is provided, which comprises: a utility power source for providing utility power; a facility electrically connected to the utility power source; a renewable energy provider electrically connected to the facility for providing renewable energy; an IT equipment electrically connected to the renewable energy provider; wherein the total power received by the IT equipment is not less to the utility power provided by the utility power source, so that the PUE (Power Usage Efficiency) can be less than one, thereby achieving the effect of carbon-reducing and energy-saving. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303175 | MODIFICATION OF CONTROL PARAMETERS BASED ON OUTPUT POWER - A system and method is provided for calculating a power output and coordinating the reduction of voltage and wire speed; if the computed power output does exceed the power supply capacity. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303176 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ACCURATE LOCALIZATION FOR AN INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE - A method and apparatus for providing accurate localization for an industrial vehicle is described; including processing at least one sensor input message from a plurality of sensor devices, wherein the at least one sensor input message includes information regarding observed environmental features; determining position measurements associated with the industrial vehicle in response to at least one sensor input message, wherein the plurality of sensor devices comprises a two-dimensional laser scanner, and at least one other sensor device selected from an odometer, an ultrasonic sensor, a compass, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an inertial measurement unit, or an imaging sensor; and updating a vehicle state using the position measurements. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303177 | DOCKING TERMINAL AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE FUNCTIONS - A docking terminal for controlling a plurality of vehicle functions of a motor vehicle by a control device connected to the vehicle, including a wireless data exchange with a control device, an input unit, and an energy store. A greater range of functions, which can also include control of safety-relevant vehicle functions, is facilitated by the connection of the wireless data exchange to a data processing system integrated in the docking terminal. The system is designed to use at least one cryptologic method. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303178 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ESTABLISHING USER SETTINGS OF VEHICLE COMPONENTS - A system and method for reinstating settings of at least one vehicle component of a vehicle is disclosed. A request to establish a communications link between a communications module of the vehicle and an external device associated with a user of the vehicle from the external device is received by a communications module. Based on the request to establish the communications link, the settings of the at least one vehicle component of the vehicle a retrieved from a data store associated with the at least one vehicle component. The settings of the at least one vehicle component are adjusted based on the retrieved settings. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303179 | Robot surveillance system and method - A robot surveillance system includes a robot chassis, a drive subsystem for the chassis, a dock on the chassis, and a payout device associated with the chassis. A flying module is configured to be received in the dock and includes at least one rotor powered by a motor and a body portion including an imager. A tether is coupled to the payout device of the robot and to the flying module for allowing the flying module to climb out of the dock when powered to gain elevation for surveillance and imaging via the imager and for retracting the flying module to land on the robot and reside in the chassis dock after surveillance. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303180 | SERVER AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLES - A server communicates with one or more work machines and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) via a wireless network. When receiving a request signal for desired material, the server analyzes the request signal to determine a location of the work machine, and searches for an AGV according to basic information of a production scene stored a storage device. The server further generates a control command according to the location of the work machine, a starting location of the searched AGV, and arrangement information of AGV tracks obtained from the basic information, and controls the searched AGV to move to the location of the work machine according to the control command, to delivered the desired material carried by the searched AGV to the work machine. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303181 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE CONTROL USING HUMAN BODY COMMUNICATION - A mobile terminal capable of performing a human body communication is provided. The mobile terminal includes an authentication information storage unit, a control unit, and a human body communication unit. The authentication information storage unit stores authentication information of each authentication level. The control unit transmits authentication information of a preset authentication level to a human body communication unit when a communication path is established between the human body communication unit and a vehicle control apparatus externally located. The human body communication unit transmits the authentication information received from the control unit to the vehicle control apparatus. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303182 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING VEHICLE THROUGH THE WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS RELAY OF A VEHICLE REMOTE CONTROLLER - The present invention relates to a system and method for managing a vehicle through a wireless communications relay of a vehicle remote controller, which save additional communication costs by using an inexpensive and universal communication module such as a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module instead of an existing mobile communication network, and are greatly economically beneficial and have high market adaptability by applying the existing communication module as-is to an existing mobile communication terminal and to an existing vehicle control means, in the management of the vehicle through a vehicle control terminal such as a mobile communication terminal capable of executing various applications. Especially for this purpose, the system for managing a vehicle through a wireless communications relay of a vehicle remote controller includes: a vehicle control terminal ( | 2012-11-29 |
20120303183 | NETWORK, IN PARTICULAR FOR AN AIRCRAFT AND SPACECRAFT, METHOD AND AIRCRAFT AND SPACECRAFT - The present invention provides a network, in particular for an aircraft and spacecraft, comprising a network line and at least two network access devices which are interconnected by the network line and between which data of different levels of priority can be transmitted, the network access devices being formed so as allocate data with a level of priority allocated to the respective data, at least two different levels of priority being provided for the data depending on the relevance of the respective data, and the data being transmitted on the network line in fixed time slots depending on the level of priority assigned in each case. The present invention further provides a method and an aircraft and spacecraft. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303184 | Combined Stand-by Instrument and Method for Calibrating the Combined Stand-by Instrument - A combined stand-by instrument intended to be fitted to the instrument panel of an aircraft, and a method for calibrating the combined stand-by instrument, comprises anemobarometric sensors, inertial sensors, a magnetic field sensor, a screen and a computer making it possible to determine and to display on the screen an altitude, a speed, an attitude and a current heading of the aircraft on the basis of the sensors and to calibrate the magnetic field sensor. The computer is configured to allow the simultaneous display on the screen of the altitude, of the speed and of the attitude of the aircraft as well as a guide for the calibration of the magnetic field sensor. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303185 | SPACECRAFT MOMENTUM MANAGEMENT USING SOLAR ARRAY - Stored momentum on a spacecraft is managed by determining a target profile of stored momentum as a function of time for the spacecraft; measuring a difference between a momentum value actually stored on the spacecraft and a desired momentum value, where the desired momentum value substantially conforms to the target profile at a particular time; reducing the difference by producing a torque on the spacecraft, where the torque results from selectively controlling at least one solar array position offset angle, the offset angle being an offset of at least one solar array of the spacecraft from a nominal sun pointing direction. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303186 | Method And System For Aiding The Piloting Of An Airplane During An Approach - The system ( | 2012-11-29 |
20120303187 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING RAIL VEHICLE CONSIST - A system is provided including a control unit and an input unit. The control unit is configured to interface with a first vehicle in a vehicle consist, and to generate first control signals for controlling operations of at least one of the first vehicle or the vehicle consist based on a stored consist configuration data set including information regarding a distribution of vehicles. The control unit receives consist change information from the input unit. The consist change information includes positional information representative of a location of at least one change in the vehicle consist. The control unit is configured to use the consist change information to generate an updated stored consist configuration data set, and to generate additional, second control signals for controlling at least one of the first vehicle or the vehicle consist based on the updated stored consist configuration data set. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303188 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING TRAIN INTEGRITY - A method and device for monitoring train integrity wherein train integrity modules—TIM—arranged in at least some of the cars of the train recognize shunting regions in accordance with a digital map. The TIMs exchange data upon exiting a first shunting region in a calibration phase and, based on predefined data stability criteria, recognize the affiliation thereof to the exiting train and the TIMs cyclically exchange sensor data, in particular in respect of velocity, position and travel direction, until entry into a second shunting region. The TIMs recognize a train separation on the basis of predefined logic criteria and optionally transmit the sensor data to an operating control center as applicable. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303189 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO OPERATE A POWERTRAIN SYSTEM INCLUDING AN ELECTRIC MACHINE HAVING A DISCONNECTED HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY - A powertrain system includes an electric motor/generator unit. Upon detecting an open high-voltage switch associated with a high-voltage DC electrical bus, low-voltage electrical power is employed to energize the high-voltage DC electrical bus, control parameters are adjusted to operate the electric motor/generator unit in a fault tolerant electric generation mode, an internal combustion engine is operated to spin the electric motor/generator unit, and the electric motor/generator unit is operated in the fault tolerant electric generation mode. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303190 | DOCKING STATIONS FOR AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLES - A docking station for an automated guided vehicle includes a station base unit and a shift unit adapted to move relative to the station base unit between an extended position and a retracted position, where movement of the shift unit from the extended position to the retracted position defines a shift unit movement direction. The docking station further includes an actuator coupled to the station base unit and the shift unit, where the actuator is adapted to move the shift unit between the extended position and the retracted position and at least one locator block coupled to the shift unit. The docking station stops an automated guided vehicle travelling in the shift unit movement direction when a portion of the automated guided vehicle contacts the at least one locator block with the shift unit in the extended position. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303191 | Method of Prioritizing Output Torque And Off-Going Clutch Torque Constraints During A Torque Phase - A system for a vehicle includes a constraint module that generates a plurality of constraints. An output torque module generates a commanded output torque based on a torque request and the plurality of constraints. A split torque module determines a first torque and a second torque to be applied to a transmission of the vehicle based on the plurality of constraints and the commanded output torque. A first one of the plurality of constraints corresponding to a first clutch is adjusted from a first range of values to a second range of values that is different from the first range of values in response to a command to offload the first clutch. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303192 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TRAVEL OF HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY - Disclosed herein is a method of controlling the travel of a hybrid electric vehicle in an emergency. It is determined whether an abnormality has occurred in a low voltage Direct Current-Direct Current (DC-DC) converter. When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the low voltage DC-DC converter, it is determined whether the voltage of a low voltage battery has deviated from the operational voltage range of a braking device. When the voltage of the low voltage battery has deviated from the operational voltage range of the braking device, a restricted vehicle speed is set to take into account mechanical braking power. A maximum torque used to restrict the torque of a driving motor is set based on the set restricted vehicle speed. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303193 | ELECTRICITY GENERATING SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR HYBRID AND ELECTRIC AUTOMOBILES - The invention relates to vehicles for transporting persons and/or goods, which vehicles travel on roads or alternatively on rails and at least partially use electrical energy using electric motors as drive units, wherein the electrical energy used is predominantly or substantially produced within the vehicle by converting kinetic energy, in particular components of the kinetic energy that are caused on the vehicle bodywork as gravitation effects and components of the kinetic energy from curve centrifugal forces and acceleration motions of the vehicle body, the vertical dynamic acceleration motions of the wheels and wheel suspensions, and other components, wherein the electrical energy generated in such away is temporarily stored in chemical energy stores (batteries) and/or other suitable storage media, for example, high-power capacitors or flywheel stores, until the electricity is used in the vehicle drive motors and/or other loads. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303194 | VEHICLE, AND CONTROL METHOD AND CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a second MG provided such that torque is transmitted between the second MG and a wheel, a brake system that applies braking force to the vehicle via friction force, and a control unit that controls the engine, the electric motor and the braking device. The control unit executes control for decelerating the vehicle through regenerative braking by the electric motor and braking by the braking device, executes control for either starting or stopping the engine, and due to execution of one control, restricts execution of the other control. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303195 | Pedal Assist Sensor - Apparatus and method for controlling an electric motor providing assistance to a bicycle rider based on measuring the mechanical power generated by the rider. The power generated by the rider is measured by measuring tension in a bicycle chain (or belt) and RPM. A chain (or belt) roller is carried at the free end of a cantilevered beam and the chain (or belt) rides over the roller. The resulting deflection of the cantilevered beam provides a measurement of chain tension. A control signal for the electric motor is generated based on a smoother version of the power generated by the rider. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303196 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR VERIFYING A DRIVE TORQUE APPLIED BY AN ELECTRIC MACHINE IN A HYBRID DRIVE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for verifying a drive torque applied by an electric machine in a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle being propelled by the electric machine and/or an internal combustion engine, and it being checked if the drive torque applied by the electric machine is determined accurately. In order to ensure that the operating strategy is correctly implemented and a shift in load level in the power train functions reliably during operation of the motor vehicle, the drive torque applied by the electric machine is evaluated with regard to its accuracy, using a drag torque generated by the combustion engine during an overrun fuel cut off. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303197 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE IDLE SPEED IN A HYBRID VEHICLE - A method for controlling the idle speed in a hybrid vehicle in which at least two power plants contribute together or separately to driving the hybrid vehicle, and a setpoint value is compared to an actual value for controlling the idle speed, the setpoint rotational speed being set as a function of the comparison by changing at least one intensification factor of the control. To adapt the control dynamics to the actual transmission characteristics of the first of the two power plants, the idle speed control for the at least two power plants is carried out simultaneously, the at least one intensification factor being continuously adapted to the power output of a first of the two power plants. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303198 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE - An electric vehicle is provided with an electric energy consumption calculating unit for calculating the electric energy consumption of a battery for supplying electric energy to a motor for traveling, a virtual gasoline consumption estimating unit for estimating the virtual gasoline consumption corresponding to the electric energy consumption, an electric energy fee calculating unit for calculating the electric energy fee corresponding to the electric energy consumption, a virtual gasoline fee calculating unit for calculating the virtual gasoline fee corresponding to the virtual gasoline consumption, and a fee comparison information output means for outputting information about the comparison between the electric energy fee and the virtual gasoline fee in the form of an image or a speech. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303199 | CONTROL DEVICE OF VEHICLE DRIVE APPARATUS - It is provided a control device of a vehicle drive apparatus in a vehicle including an electric motor for driving drive wheels, the control device controlling an output torque of the electric motor in accordance with a predetermined electric motor torque control characteristic making the output torque of the electric motor larger when a requested drive force is greater such that a drive force of the vehicle becomes equal to the requested drive force requested by a driver, wherein when the stopped vehicle is started, if the requested drive force is equal to or less than a requested drive force judgment value set equal to or less than a necessary start-up drive force necessary for start-up of the vehicle, the control device provides electric motor torque suppression control suppressing the output torque of the electric motor below an output torque determined from the electric motor torque control characteristic. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303200 | HYBRID VEHICLE - A hybrid vehicle includes: a catalytic device configured to be electrically heatable to purify exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine; a main power supply device that supplies the motor drive unit with power supply voltage; a power supply device provided for a catalyst, and receiving electric power from the main power supply device and supplying the catalytic device with electric power to heat the catalytic device; and a control device. The control device has a first control mode and a second control mode more immune to variation of the power supply voltage than the first control mode as modes applied to control the motor drive unit. If electric power supplied to the catalytic device from the power supply device for the catalyst is to be changed, the control device previously controls the motor drive unit in the second control mode. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303201 | HYBRID VEHICLE - A hybrid vehicle is equipped with a required driving force acquiring element | 2012-11-29 |
20120303202 | ROBOTIC VEHICLE CONTROLLER - A control system is provided for automatically moving at least one machine along a desired path. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303203 | METHOD OF DETERMINING A STATUS OF A VEHICLE ON A ROADWAY AND METHOD AND SYSTEM OF COMMUNICATING THE SAME - A method of determining a status of a vehicle on a roadway, in one example, includes monitoring a then-current vehicle speed by an in-vehicle processor, and during the monitoring, determining that the speed has exceeded a pre-established threshold speed. When the speed exceeds the threshold speed, an algorithm is triggered. Upon triggering the algorithm, a sub-routine is initiated that determines if the vehicle is caught in a traffic jam. Also disclosed herein is a method and system for communicating the vehicle status determination to an outside entity. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303204 | FUEL FILTER DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND FILTER CARTRIDGE - An electronic tag is attached to a filter cartridge, which includes a filter. The electronic tag stores individual product information of the filter and wirelessly transmits the individual product information. A wireless receiver device is installed to a predetermined location of a vehicle, which is other than the filter cartridge and receives the individual product information transmitted from the electronic tag. A diagnostic device diagnoses whether the individual product information is received by the wireless receiver device or whether the filter cartridge installed in the vehicle has a desired filtering performance based on contents of the individual product information received by the wireless receiver device. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303205 | DETECTING ANOMALIES IN FAULT CODE SETTINGS AND ENHANCING SERVICE DOCUMENTS USING ANALYTICAL SYMPTOMS - A method is provided for identifying a root cause of a fault in a serviced vehicle based on analytical symptoms. Parameter identification data associated with identified DTCs is retrieved. Parameter identification data from a plurality of vehicles experiencing the DTCs is collected. A first set of diagnostic rules is generated that identify vehicle operating parameters for executing a DTC algorithm or for triggering a DTC. A second set of diagnostic rules is generated that identify vehicle operating parameters used for selecting field failure data obtained when the DTC is triggered. Statistically significant rules are extracted from the second set of diagnostic rules. The first set of rules and the statistically significant rules are cooperatively applied to the parameter identification data for identifying a subset of the parameter identification data that represents anomalies. A subject matter expert analyzes the anomalies for identifying a root cause of the fault. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303206 | GAIN/AMPLITUDE DIAGNOSTICS OF NOx SENSORS - A method that includes in-vehicle systems and practices for determining whether a NOx sensor in an exhaust stream is performing properly. The method uses the gain and/or the offset of the NOx sensor to determine its accuracy. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303207 | GOLF BALL TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHODS THEREFOR - A golf ball tracking system comprising at least one golf ball including an RFID device, wherein the RFID device contains golf ball information, such as a unique identifier. The system includes an RFID reader capable of reading the golf ball information from the RFID device. A positioning system, such as GPS, is associated with the reader and is capable of determining the location of the reader. A computer is interconnected with the RFID reader and the positioning system that is capable of receiving the golf ball information from the reader and location information from the positioning system. The computer is operative to record the golf ball information and associated location information. The system may further comprise a plurality of readers separated by at least one blocker that is made of metal screen. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303208 | BATTERY RECHARGE ESTIMATOR USING BATTERY IMPEDANCE RESPONSE - An exemplary embodiment includes a method for determining a time to recharge a rechargeable battery system including providing impedance data over a frequency range, said impedance data characterizing operation a rechargeable battery within a selected time window; analyzing said impedance data for predetermined behavior of said impedance data indicating an approaching state of discharge of said battery; and, determining from said predetermined behavior of said impedance data whether a recharge of said rechargeable battery is indicated. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303209 | ENGINE FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM AND WATERCRAFT HAVING THE SAME - An engine failure diagnosis system simply performs failure diagnosis of engine components, which are driven while an engine is operating, even at the time when the engine is stopped, and identifies a component that has failed and a location where a failure has occurred. The engine failure diagnosis system includes an ECM arranged to control an engine provided in an outboard motor of a watercraft. The ECM includes an actuation command section arranged to actuate engine components, which are driven while the engine is running, in a given manner, and a failure diagnosis section arranged to diagnose the presence of a failure in the engine components. The engine components of the engine are provided with actuated condition detecting sections arranged to detect a predetermined actuated condition. When the actuation command section outputs an actuation command while the engine is stopped, the engine components are actuated in a given manner. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303210 | SUPPRESSING ELECTRICAL FAILURE EFFECTS IN SERVO CONTROL SYSTEMS - Systems to manage servo controls are disclosed. In some embodiments servo controls may implemented in systems to deflect control surfaces in aircraft. In one embodiment, a system to manage the output of a servo valve comprises a first plurality of feedback loops to receive a plurality of commands representative of a desired piston position and to generate, from the plurality of commands, a plurality of position difference signals which represent a difference between a desired piston position and a current piston position, a plurality of amplifiers to generate, from the plurality of position difference signals, a corresponding plurality of magnetic flux target signals, a second plurality of feedback loops to receive, from the plurality of amplifiers, the plurality of magnetic flux target signals, wherein the magnetic flux target signals represent a desired magnetic flux measurement in the servo valve, and to generate, from the plurality of magnetic flux target signals, a plurality of magnetic flux difference signals which represent a difference between a desired magnetic flux measurement and a current magnetic flux measurement, and an assembly to regulate the servo valve using the plurality of magnetic flux target signals. Other embodiments may be described. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303211 | Safety evacuation system for drivers and passengers of ground and water vehicles - A safety evacuation system for drivers and passengers of ground and water vehicles is proposed. The system is comprised of a sensor system, computer implemented model of risk assessments from collisions with surrounding objects, control system, safety escape channels, and ejection seats. The sensor system measures directions, speeds and distances of a vehicle to all objects, which may collide with the vehicle and pose risk of deaths or injures to humans in the vehicle. The computer-implemented model assesses the risk of deaths and injuries for humans, based on the measurements of the sensor system. The control system opens the escape channel and activates ejection seats based on the risk assessments from the computer-implemented model. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303212 | PROGRAMMABLE CONTROL FOR SIREN AND LIGHTS - A system comprising a power supply, an emergency warning light and a speaker, in combination with a control head. One or more processors controls operation of the system in response to received user input and provides system status for display. Storage media encoded with emergency warning light system instructions for execution by one or more of the processors controls the actuation of the emergency warning light system and controls light patterns generated by the emergency warning light system. The storage media is further encoded with siren system instructions for execution by one or more of the processors for controlling the actuation of the siren system and for controlling audible sounds generated by the siren system. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303213 | Charging Service Vehicles and Methods with Output Points and Cables - Charging service vehicles and methods with output points and cables are disclosed. The service vehicles are vehicles having electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and output points affixed. The output points are configured as power outputs of the charging equipment to which connectors may be attached. Output points are located on multiple sides of the vehicle and can receive charging cables to connect the charging equipment to an EV. The charging cables, and potentially extension cables, may be limited in size and weight to allow a user to reach the charging port of an EV without mechanical assistance. In some cases the vehicle may be connected to multiple EVs at once to provide charging services from multiple output points. These embodiments permit a service vehicle operator to quickly and safely reach EVs in remote roadside environments that would otherwise be inaccessible to vehicles with limited ports and fixed charging connection devices. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303214 | Vehicle glare reducing systems - A vehicle glare reducing system comprising detecting when an oncoming vehicle with lit headlights is approaching the driver and operating a glare reducing means attached to the driver's side of a vehicle's windshield to block the glare, and detecting when no oncoming vehicle with lit headlights is approaching the driver and operating the glare reducing means to allow the driver to see through the glare reducing means, with part of an inside edge of the glare reducing means substantially vertically aligned with substantially the horizontal center of the vehicle's steering wheel. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303215 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VIDEO RECORDING IN BLACK BOX FOR VEHICLE - Provided are an apparatus and a method for controlling a video recording in a black box for vehicle. The method for controlling the video recording in the black box for a vehicle according to the present invention, for example, comprises the steps of: storing a video including images of a driving vehicle; obtaining the possibility of an accident with the vehicle; and variably adjusting one or more image quality, resolution, and a frame accident possibility. The limited capacity of storage can be used by adopting the configuration. In addition, the monitoring and storage performance of the black box for a vehicle can be improved by correctly determining causes of a vehicle accident. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303216 | EMBEDDED CONTROL DEVICE - There is provided an embedded control device having high real time performance and capable of securing data concurrency. The embedded control device according to the present invention includes disclosure data and stored data as control data to be disclosed to a data reference component. The embedded control device changes over a reference destination for the data reference component either to the disclosure data or to the stored data, depending on which of the execution priority of the data disclosing source component and the execution priority of the data reference component is higher. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303217 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN AUTOMOBILE AND AN AUTOMOBILE WITH AN ENVIRONMENTAL DETECTION DEVICE - A method for operating an automobile includes the steps of a) detecting an object in an environment of the automobile with an environmental detection device; b) evaluating a collision risk of the automobile with the object; and c) depending on the evaluation, adjusting the steering angle of the automobile with a steering angle actuating device. The steering wheel is decoupled with the decoupling device depending on the adjustment performed in step c), so that the rotation of the steering wheel caused by the adjustment of the steering angle is smaller than if the same adjustment were made when the steering wheel is not decoupled. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303218 | ELECTRIC STEERING DEVICE - An electric steering device is provided which enables a stable steering correction operation expected by a driver. An electric power steering device having a motor, which is controlled by a control device based on steering torque and generates steering assist force, further includes operation switches which are provided at a steering wheel and which output electric signals based on an operation given by a driver, and an additional current computing unit that calculates and outputs an additional current value waveform for adding a current for driving the motor in accordance with the electric signals from the operation switches. The additional current computing unit generates and outputs the current waveform of a predetermined additional current value in accordance with the driving condition information on a vehicle in response to an operation to the operation switch regardless of the time length of the ON state of the operation switches. | 2012-11-29 |
20120303219 | SEAT BELT RETRACTOR AND SEAT BELT DEVICE USING THE SAME - A seat belt retractor that functions to cancel both a function of a vehicle sensor and a function of a webbing sensor on a predetermined condition with a simple structure and a small number of components. When a seat belt is fully retracted, a cam follower of a first lever comes into contact with a second cam portion of a cam plate. An actuator pressing portion of the first lever presses an actuator of a vehicle sensor to a non-operation position. The function of the vehicle sensor is thereby cancelled. Further, when an engaging claw of a second lever separates from a ratchet tooth of a ring gear, the ring gear is allowed to rotate in a seat belt withdrawing direction. Therefore, the function of the webbing sensor is cancelled. | 2012-11-29 |