11th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 56 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090069899 | Antibiotic bone cement spacer - A temporary femoral implant system has a porous mold and a femoral component. The system fits at least partially in a femoral cavity. The mold has a wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface forming an interior space for receiving an antibiotic bone cement. The mold allows the antibiotic to diffuse through the wall to the exterior surface. The femoral component has a stem portion received within the mold. A method of using the implant system includes providing an implant system comprising a mold and a femoral component, inserting the mold into the femoral cavity with the exterior surface facing the femoral cavity, inserting the stem portion of a femoral component into the interior space of the mold and filling the interior space of the mold with an antibiotic bone cement. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069900 | Method for forming a bioresorbable composite implant in a bone - A method for forming a composite implant in a bone cavity is disclosed, which includes i) forming a first bone filler in a bone cavity; and ii) inserting a second bone filler into an unfilled space in the bone cavity, wherein the first bone filler has a higher compressive strength and slower bioresorption rate in comparison with the second bone filler. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069901 | CARTILAGE ALLOGRAFT PLUG - The invention is directed toward a cartilage repair assembly comprising a shaped allograft structure of subchondral bone with an integral overlying cartilage cap which is treated to remove cellular debris and proteoglycans and milled allograft cartilage in a bioabsorbable carrier. The shaped structure is dimensioned to fit in a drilled bore in a cartilage defect area so that either the shaped bone or the cartilage cap engage the side wall of the drilled bore in an interference fit and is in contact with a milled cartilage and biocompatible carrier mixture allowing cell transfer throughout the defect area. A method for inserting the shaped allograft structure into a cartilage defect area is also disclosed. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069902 | ARTIFICIAL CONTRACTILE TISSUE - Artificial contractile tissue including a structure (b,f) and several fibers (a,g) of variable length which are fixed at their ends to the structure (b,f). The fibers (a,g) are made of a contractile material which can be activated by an activator in such a way as to provide a tissue in a rest or in an activated position, the rest position being defined with non-rectilinear fibers (a,g) and the activated position being defined with fibers (a,g) of reduced length; the transition from the rest towards the activated position or vice-versa being defined by a fiber movement along a lateral direction which is perpendicular with respect to the fiber length. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069903 | Method For Improvement Of Differentiation Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using A Double-Structured Tissue Implant - A double-structured tissue implant (DSTI) and a method for preparation and use thereof for implantation into tissue defects. The double-structured tissue implant for differentiation, growth and transformation of cells, stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells and bone marrow stem cells. DSTI comprising a primary scaffold and a secondary scaffold consisting of a soluble collagen solution in combination with a non-ionic surfactant generated and positioned within the primary scaffold. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069904 | BIOMATERIAL INCLUDING MICROPORES - A biomaterial including a designed pattern of micropores one at least one surface of the biomaterial is described. The micropores can be provided in a regular or irregular pattern, and can be either continuous or discontinuous. The biomaterial may be formed from a variety of materials, such as a biocompatible polymer or biocompatible tissue. The biomaterial including micropores on a surface may be used for a variety of medical applications such as tissue scaffolding, drug delivery, or tissue fixation. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069905 | System and Method for Analyzing a Production Process - The invention relates to a system and a method for analyzing a production process. In order to make it possible to analyze the production process in an improved manner for the purpose of production planning, the invention proposes a method for analyzing a production process in which at least one production device that is controlled by a control program is involved, wherein the method has the following method steps: at least one part of the control program is simulated using a simulation program and instructions which are executed in this case are logged, and an associated data record, in which the real-time requirement of an action caused by the logged instruction on the production device is respectively assigned to the logged instructions, is generated. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069906 | Method For Comparing, An Automation System And A Controller - The invention relates to a method for comparing variable values obtained from different versions of an application program in an automated system. An input signal obtained from an automated process is inputted to at least two different versions of the application program residing within a same controller. The same tasks are executed based on the input signal for the different versions, and process related variable values obtained from the execution of the versions are stored in memory locations known by the controller. Variable values from the different versions and derived from corresponding execution steps of the versions are retrieved from the memory locations, and compared during an idle time. An improved way of revising an automation system is thereby achieved. The invention also relates to such controller and an automation system. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069907 | PUNCHING TOOL PROVIDED WITH A TOOL IDENTIFICATION MEDIUM AND PUNCH PRESS PROVIDED WITH A TOOL IDENTIFICATION MEDIUM READER - A processing program preparing apparatus for a numerically controlled punch press includes a processing intention data generator for generating, on the basis of product shape data, processing intention data for specifying a processing region to be processed to manufacture a product. The processing program preparing apparatus also includes a tool data adding section for adding, to the processing intention data, data for specifying a punch and a die to be used to process the processing region. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069908 | METHODS FOR SELECTING GOLF CLUB HEAD CONFIGURATION - Methods for fitting a golf club to a golfer are described. An optimum club head configuration is determined based on the golfer's swing characteristics, ball flight trajectory tendency information, course and weather conditions, golf ball dynamic flight characteristics and personal preferences. Lookup tables or mathematical algorithms, such as impact and trajectory simulations, may be used in determining the optimum head configuration. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069909 | METHOD OF GENERATING A FOOTPRINT FOR AN AUDIO SIGNAL - Method of generating a footprint for a useful signal, wherein the useful signal represents the evolution of a spectrum comprising useful signal frequencies, for example audio frequencies, over time, which allows automatic detection of identical or similar useful signals in a cost-efficient way and where the footprint is robust against modifications of the useful signal not perceptible to human users, wherein at least one data set comprising a part of the useful signal is processed by an analyzer according to a predetermined analyzing instruction, where the analyzer outputs as a result of the processing a footprint data vector depending on and identifying the processed data set. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069910 | ENCAPSULATION OF HIGH DEFINITION AUDIO DATA OVER AN INPUT/OUTPUT INTERCONNECT - Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for encapsulation of high definition audio data over an input/output interconnect. In some embodiments, a system includes tunneling logic coupled with a high definition (HD) audio controller. The tunneling logic may receive digital audio data from the HD audio controller, encapsulate the digital audio data in a message suitable for an in-band input/output (IO) interconnect, and send the message to an add-in graphics card via the in-band input/output IO interconnect. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069911 | DIGITAL MEDIA PLAYER AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING SOCIAL MUSIC DISCOVERY AND COMMERCE - A portable digital media player and method for providing convenient music discovery are presented. Music is maintained and includes a multiplicity of music stored in digital media form on a portable digital media player. A music recommendation is displayed to a recipient. A message included is processed for information to describe the music recommended, to identify the recommender, to capture a context of the recommendation, and to specify a rating for the music recommended. At least part of the information is integrated into a display of the music on the portable digital media player. The information is displayed to the recipient as integrated. Action upon the music recommended is facilitated through one or more of playback and addition of the music to the music on the portable digital media player through an external source. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069912 | Digital Media Player And Method For Facilitating Music Recommendation - A portable digital media player and method for providing convenient music recommendation are presented. A collection of music is maintained and includes a multiplicity of music stored in digital media form. A music recommendation is automatically generated in response to a recommender input. An identifier for a recipient is provided. Music to be recommended is identified from one of the music collection and a sample of music in an ambient environment. Information to the music recommendation to describe the music to be recommended, to identify the recommender, to capture a context of the recommendation, and to specify a rating for the music to be recommended is ascertained and added to the music recommendation. The music recommendation is sent for electronic receipt by the recipient. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069913 | DIGITAL MEDIA PLAYER AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING SOCIAL MUSIC DISCOVERY THROUGH SAMPLING, IDENTIFICATION, AND LOGGING - A portable digital media player and method for providing convenient music logging is provided. A music collection is maintained and includes music stored in digital media form on a portable digital media player. A music sample is recorded from an ambient environment and is encoded in digital media form. Information is added to the music recommendation to describe the music sample, to identify the recommender, to capture a context of the music sample, and to optionally specify a rating. A sampling event is saved, which includes the music sample and the information, in a log file on the player. At least part of the information from the sampling event is integrated into a display of the music collection on the player. The information is displayed as integrated. Action upon the music sample is facilitated through playback or addition of the music to the music collection through an external source. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069914 | METHOD FOR CLASSIFYING AUDIO DATA - A method for classifying audio data. For a given piece of audio data a location or position for the given audio data within a mood space is generated and compared to a comparison mood space location. As a result of the comparison, comparison data are generated and provided as a classification result with respect to the given audio data. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069915 | AUDIO VISUAL PLAYER APPARATUS AND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTENT DISTRIBUTION USING THE SAME - A system is presented providing content to a plurality of handheld devices (including musical selections). The devices can access a server over the Internet via a WIFI or other similar wireless interconnection and can download songs requested by a user from the server or from other users using, e,g, a P2P protocol. All downloads are governed by applicable DRM rules. Content and playlists may also be pushed by a server from other sources and means including, e.g., podcasting, based on predetermined rules, favorite preferences of users, and other criteria. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069916 | Patch time out for use in a media application - A media application for providing outputs (e.g., audio outputs) in response to inputs received from an input device is provided. The media application may connect input mechanisms of an input device with parameters of channel strips (e.g., which may define output sounds) using an intermediate screen object. The media application may first assign an input mechanism to a screen object, and separately map a screen object to a channel strip parameter. The media application may map a screen object to several channel strips simultaneously such that, based on the value of the screen object, the volume of each of the several channel strips changes. The media application may provide a graphical representation of available channel strips using layers. As the media application accesses a channel strip, the appearance of the portion of the layer associated with the channel strip may change. The media application may also allow the patches, which may include several channel strips, to survive after a new patch is selected instead. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069917 | AUDIO PLAYER AND AUDIO FAST-FORWARD PLAYBACK METHOD CAPABLE OF HIGH-SPEED FAST-FORWARD PLAYBACK AND ALLOWING RECOGNITION OF MUSIC PIECES - Audio data to be played back is associated with meta data indicating the timing of beat that serves as a basis for a rhythm of a music piece. In a fast-forward playback mode, the associated meta data is read. A portion of the audio data containing the timing of beat is determined as a playback portion A and the remaining portion in a beat-to-beat interval C is determined as a non-playback portion B. Only the playback portion A is sequentially played back and output. The relative duration of a playback portion A and a non-playback portion B is determined according to a playback speed required in fast-forward playback. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069918 | PORTABLE DIGITAL DEVICE - The present invention relates to a portable digital device. According to an embodiment, the method comprises a main unit including a display provided on the main unit and a terminal insertion portion; and an auxiliary unit including a terminal portion configured to be electrically connectable to the terminal insertion portion to allow communication between the main unit and the auxiliary unit, the auxiliary unit being configured to control operation of the main unit when being mounted to the main unit, the auxiliary unit being capable of independently reproducing audio and/or video data when being separated from the main unit. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069919 | INTELLIGENT MASS PRODUCTION PLANNING AND ROUTING SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to manufacturing production and provide a method, system and computer program product for mass production planning and routing. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for mass production planning and routing can be provided. The method can include initiating a production process sequence to produce a product according to an initial routing receiving a request to change the initial routing to a new routing, dynamically comparing the initial routing to the new routing, removing each production process from the new routing that had already been completed in the initial routing, and resuming the production process sequence with the new routing. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069920 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WORK INSTRUCTION GENERATION - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for manufacturing a product. In response to receiving an identification of the product, a process object associated with the product may be identified. A completed instance of the process object may be created for the product. A set of instructions may be presented to manufacture the product using the completed instance of the process object. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069921 | Method of implementing a production execution system - In a method of implementing a production process in an industrial production system having control equipment, a plant model of the industrial production system is created, and based on the plant model, at least one interface (SFC type) for external access to the control equipment is defined. A strategy is defined for the interface representing a single function of a functionality provided by the interface. A method call is defined for activating the functionality provided by the interface. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069922 | PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method and computer program product for monitoring one or more processes occurring during a first portion of a multi-portion recipe being executed on a processing device to obtain data concerning at least of portion of the one or more processes. At least a portion of the data is stored. The availability of the at least a portion of the data is enabled to one or more processes occurring during a second portion of the multi-portion recipe. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069923 | Method of managing a machine for manufacturing tobacco products - A method of managing a machine for manufacturing tobacco products ( | 2009-03-12 |
20090069924 | COMBINATORIAL PROCESS SYSTEM - A combinatorial processing chamber is provided. The combinatorial processing chamber is configured to isolate a radial portion of a rotatable substrate support, which in turn is configured to support a substrate. The chamber includes a plurality of clusters process heads in one embodiment. An insert having a base plate disposed between the substrate support and the process heads defines a confinement region for a deposition process in one embodiment. The base plate has an opening to enable access of the deposition material to the substrate. Through rotation of the substrate and movement of the opening, multiple regions of the substrate are accessible for performing combinatorial processing on a single substrate. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069925 | RFID SYSTEM AND METHOD - An RFID system includes an RFID antenna assembly configured to be positioned on a product module assembly of a processing system. The product module assembly is configured to releasably engage at least one product container. A first RFID tag assembly configured to be positioned on the at least one product container. The at least one product container is configured to position the first RFID tag assembly within a detection zone of the RFID antenna assembly whenever the product module assembly releasably engages the at least one product container. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069926 | CNC apparatus with mechanism for controlling length variation of lead screw due to thermal expansion and method therefor - CNC apparatus having a mechanism for controlling length variation of a lead screw due to thermal expansion and method therefore when the apparatus is rotating in high speed and/or when load is high are disclosed. The lead screw is supported by two spaced ball bearing sets and is hollow to permit cooling fluid to flow through. A deflection detecting unit is disposed proximate one ball bearing set for detecting its deflection. In one embodiment, an adjusting nut is operatively connected to one end of the lead screw and is adapted to pre-stress the ball bearing set. The method includes pre-stressing the ball bearing set for deflecting in one direction and in operation in response to detecting the ball bearing set deflected in an opposite direction cooling the lead screw for substantially maintaining its length unchanged with respect to a bed. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069927 | VIBRATION SUPPRESSING DEVICE FOR MACHINE TOOL - A calculating member carries out Fourier analysis of a vibrational acceleration to calculate a maximum acceleration and frequency thereof. The calculating member then compares the maximum acceleration with a threshold value, and when the acceleration exceeds the threshold value, the calculating member calculates a k-value and phase information, and stores each calculated value. When retrying is selected, the calculating member determines a type of a current chatter vibration from the phase information, determines the existence of a chatter vibration which is different from the determined chatter vibration, and calculates each new phase information according to the determined chatter vibration and an existence of a different chatter vibration which had been generated before generation of the current vibration. The calculating member then calculates a k1-value from new phase information, calculates the optimum rotation speed by using the k1-value, and changes the rotation speed to the optimum rotation speed. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069928 | VIRTUAL CODE FOR DELIVERY TO THE NEAREST BUILDING OF ORGANIZATIONS HAVING MULTIPLE BUILDINGS - A method that enables the post to deliver mail addressed to a recipient nearest location virtual address to be delivery directly to the recipient's nearest designated location or facility to the place the mail was posted. Mail addressed to the nearest location virtual address (mapping to a street address or post office box) would be captured by the post during the post's sortation process and routed to the nearest location or facility to the place the mail was posted. This enables the recipient to receive their mail more quickly since the amount of delivery time is reduced. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069929 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING CUSTOMIZED MULTI-MEDIA GREETING CARDS VIA A KIOSK - The subject application is directed to a system and method for creating customized, multimedia greeting cards via a kiosk. Template data, associated with greeting card templates, and multimedia data files are first stored in an associated data storage. Indicia are then generated on an associated display corresponding to the greeting card templates. Selection data is received corresponding to a selected greeting card template and a multimedia file is associated with the selected greeting card template. Customization data corresponding to user selected content associated with the selected greeting card template is then received. A greeting card output is thereafter generated in accordance with the received selection data, customization data, and the associated multimedia data file. The greeting card output also includes a visual representation of the selected greeting card template and customization data, as well as an encoding of the multimedia data file | 2009-03-12 |
20090069930 | Systems and Methods for Dispensing Consumable Products - Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. One embodiment of the invention can provide a product dispenser. The product dispenser can include an ingredient matrix operable to receive a plurality of product ingredients. In addition, the product dispenser can include a controller in communication with the ingredient matrix, and operable to execute a set of instructions to receive product data associated with the plurality of product ingredients. Moreover, the controller can further comprise a set of instructions to track usage of the plurality of product ingredients when at least one product is dispensed. Furthermore, the controller can further comprise a set of instructions to update the product data during or after dispensing of a product or installation of one or more product ingredients in the ingredient matrix. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069931 | Systems and Methods for Facilitating Consumer-Dispenser Interactions - Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. In one embodiment, a system comprising a product dispenser and processor can be provided. The processor can be operable to execute a set of instructions operable to receive a consumer preference to receive a notification associated with a product. The set of instructions can be further operable to determine whether the product is being offered, and based at least in part on the consumer preference, notify the consumer regarding availability of the product from the product dispenser. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069932 | Method and Apparatuses for Providing a Selectable Beverage - Methods and apparatuses for providing a selectable beverage from a post-mix beverage dispenser are provided. In one embodiment, the method for providing a beverage having a separately selected color from a post-mix beverage dispensing system comprises: (a) providing at least two beverage bases for dispense from the post-mix beverage dispensing system; (b) separately storing at least two colorants in the post-mix beverage dispensing system; (c) receiving a request for a selected beverage base and the separately selected color with a computer processor; and (d) in response to the selection of the selected beverage base and the separately selected color, automatically dispensing through a single faucet of the post-mix beverage dispensing system, continuously in a predetermined ratio for any volume of the beverage dispensed, the selected beverage base and at least one of the colorants to provide the beverage having the separately selected color. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069933 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF SELECTING AND DISPENSING PRODUCTS - Embodiments of a dispensing system for dispensing a number of products to a user are disclosed. The dispensing system may include an input/output device and a dispenser. The input/output device may be adapted to receive a selection of one of the products from the user. The dispenser may be adapted to dispense a plurality of diluent components, the diluent components and a ratio of the diluent components corresponding at least in part to the selection of the user. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069934 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING THE DISPENSE OF A PLURALITY OF PRODUCT FORMING INGREDIENTS - Systems and methods for dispensing a product are provided. A plurality of product ingredients are associated with a product dispenser that is operable to form a plurality of selectable products from the plurality of products ingredients. Input for a selected product is received and a recipe that defines the ratio of product ingredients for forming the selected product is identified. The dispense of each of the respective product ingredients is commenced based at least in part on the identified recipe, and the dispense of each of the respective product ingredients is independently monitored during the dispense of the selected product. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069935 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DISTRIBUTED CONTROL OF AN INTERACTIVE ANIMATRONIC SHOW - A system and method of distributed control of an interactive animatronic show is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of animatronic actors, at least one of the actors comprising a processor and one or more motors controlled by the processor. The system also includes a network interconnecting each of the actors, and a plurality of sensors providing messages to the network, where the messages are indicative of processed information. Each processor executes software that schedules and/or coordinates an action of the actor corresponding to the processor in accordance with the sensor messages representative of attributes of an audience viewing the show and the readiness of the corresponding actor. Actions of the corresponding actor can comprise animation movements of the actor, responding to another actor and/or responding to a member of the audience. The actions can result in movement of at least a component of the actor caused by control of the motor. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069936 | CONTROL METHOD FOR ROBOTS - A method of an industrial robot including a control unit and a manipulator including a tool including a defined tool center point and a device for determining a distance error between an inaccurately programmed position for a spot on a surface of a work piece and a corresponding actual position. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069937 | Method and Device for The Fully Authomatic Final Inspection of Components and/or Their Functional Units - The object of the present invention is equipment ( | 2009-03-12 |
20090069938 | AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE AND PLANAR OBSTACLE RECOGNITION METHOD - In an autonomous vehicle, position of a planar obstacle such as a wall or a fence having apertures is determined. A horizontal plane is scanned with a laser range tinder so as to acquire positional coordinates of a plurality of scanning points. An element vector is formed with each two scanning points so that one acquired former is used as a start point and the other acquired later as an end point of the vector. A plurality of continuous element vectors which satisfy predetermined conditions is selected among the element vectors, and a scanning segment vector is formed by composition of the selected element vectors. When a length of the scanning segment vector is equal to or longer than a predetermined length, it is possible to recognize that a planar obstacle exists along the scanning segment vector. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069939 | ROBOT PROGRAMMING DEVICE FOR PALLETIZING OPERATION BY ROBOT - A robot programming device capable of reducing the operation of a robot in the field required for generating a program for palletizing operation, and shortening a time to generate the palletizing program. The robot programming device includes a storing part for storing three-dimensional models of the plurality kinds of units, a conveyor, a recognition device, a robot and a plurality of pallets; a layout making part for making a layout, in a virtual space, of the three-dimensional models stored in the storing part; a displaying part for displaying the layout made by the layout making part; an information setting part for setting information regarding each component displayed on the displaying part; and a program generating part for generating a palletizing program for the robot based on the layout of the three-dimensional models and the information set by the information setting part. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069940 | LEGGED ROBOT AND ITS CONTROL METHOD - There is provided a legged robot that performs motion by changing a joint angle, which includes a section of generating a center-of-gravity trajectory of the legged robot based on a trinomial equation obtained by discretizing a ZMP equation and a target ZMP, a section of calculating time-varying data of a target value of the joint angle based on the generated center-of-gravity trajectory, and a section of rotating a joint of the legged robot based on the calculated time-varying data of a target value of the joint angle, wherein the ZMP equation involves an angular momentum according to a center-of-gravity velocity. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069941 | LEGGED ROBOT AND ITS CONTROL METHOD - There is provided a legged robot that performs motion by changing a joint angle, which includes a trajectory generating section to calculate a center-of-gravity trajectory in designated stepping motion from the stepping motion including at least one of walking motion, running motion and stopping motion, and generate a center-of-gravity trajectory by superimposing a designated travel velocity onto a travel velocity of a center of gravity in the calculated center-of-gravity trajectory in stepping motion, and a trajectory updating section to store the generated center-of-gravity trajectory and update all the stored center-of-gravity trajectories so as to be continuous, and a trajectory reproducing section to calculate time-varying data of a target value of the joint angle based on the updated center-of-gravity trajectory, and a joint driving section to rotate a joint of the legged robot based on the calculated time-varying data of a target value of the joint angle. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069942 | ROBOT APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A robot apparatus having a multi-link structure including a plurality of links and joints serving as link movable sections, and in which at least some of the links are driven by combination of position control and force control is disclosed. The apparatus includes: position control means for performing the position control on the links, which are driven by position control and force control; position control means with force constraint for placing the force control before the position control so as not to cause the magnitude of an external force to exceed a set value; force control means for performing the force control on the links; and integrated force/position control means for controlling driving of the joints by switching the position control means, the position control means with force constraint, and the force control means, and unifies the position control and the force control. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069943 | ROBOT SYSTEM - The safety of an operator which may be endangered by an erroneous instruction by the operator or a robot control system is ensured by making more stringent a condition regarding the separation of the operator from the vicinity of a robot when an operation program of the robot is activated. An interlock to which a condition regarding activation of the operation program of the robot is added is provided in a feeding unit which is connected to a robot controlling unit by wireless connection for charging a teaching unit, so as to provide a robot system which improves the safety of the operator. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069944 | CHEMICAL PROCESS OPTIMIZATION METHOD THAT CONSIDERS CHEMICAL PROCESS PLANT SAFETY - A method for assuring safety of a particular chemical process plant includes measuring, for each of a plurality of sets of proposed process conditions for a particular chemical process within the particular chemical process plant, a pressure rise rate following a deliberate contained ignition of at least one material used within the particular chemical process. From the resulting plurality of pressure rise rates that corresponds with the plurality of sets of proposed process conditions a particular pressure rise rate that allows for a safe operation of the particular chemical reaction within the particular chemical process plant may be selected. The particular chemical process may be implemented within the particular chemical process plant while using a particular set of process conditions from the plurality of sets of process conditions that corresponds with the selected pressure rise rate. As an adjunct, the particular chemical reaction may also be subsequently and additionally optimized with respect to an ancillary parameter, such as product yield or feedstock utilization. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069945 | Adjusting and Guiding System for Tools - The invention relates to an adjusting and guiding system for guiding tools ( | 2009-03-12 |
20090069946 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ISOLATING A TEMPERATURE SENSING DEVICE IN A THERMOSTAT - An improved thermostat is provided that comprises a first wall disposed within the thermostat, which partitions off a portion of the interior space to form a compartment along a side wall of the thermostat that is separated from the rest of the thermostat's interior space. The thermostat includes a second wall that is adjacent to and spaced from the first wall, so as to define an insulating space between the compartment and the rest of the interior space. The thermostat further includes a first aperture that permits communication of airflow in a lower portion of the compartment, and a second aperture that permits communication of airflow at an upper portion of the compartment. A temperature sensing element is disposed within the compartment defined by the first wall. The temperature sensing device is thermally insulated from heat generated in the interior of the thermostat by the insulating space between the compartment and interior space. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069947 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING PORTION CONTROL PROGRAMMING IN A PRODUCT FORMING DISPENSER - Disclosed are systems and methods for configuring portion control for a dispenser apparatus. A plurality of beverage ingredients may be associated with the dispenser apparatus, and a plurality of selectable beverages may be formed from the plurality of beverage ingredients. Input for one or more preferences associated with portion control may be received. Stored information associated with at least one of the plurality of selectable beverages may be accessed. At least one portion control for at least one of the plurality of selectable beverages may be determined based at least in part on at least a portion of the received input and at least a portion of the accessed information. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069948 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FLUID FLOW - A method for controlling the flow of fluid in an appliance includes permitting a fluid to flow to an appliance for a first length of time, measuring a volume of the fluid flowing to the appliance during the first length of time, determining a second length of time based on the volume of fluid measured during the first length of time and a final volume of fluid to be provided to the appliance, permitting the fluid to flow to the appliance for the second length of time, and preventing the fluid from flowing to the appliance upon expiration of the second length of time. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069949 | Systems and Methods for Providing Dynamic Ingredient Matrix Reconfiguration in a Product Dispenser - Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for providing dynamic ingredient matrix reconfiguration in a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a system can include an ingredient matrix operable to receive one or more ingredient packages within respective locations. In addition, the system can include a controller in communication with the ingredient matrix and operable to execute a set of instructions operable to receive information associated with one or more ingredient packages. Furthermore, the controller can be operable to determine at least one location within the ingredient matrix for a selected one or more ingredient packages, and output the at least one location within the ingredient matrix for insertion of selected one or more ingredient packages. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069950 | Electric power control apparatus, power generation system and power grid system - An electric power control apparatus outputs output from a power generation apparatus to a power system has a power converter that converts power output from the power generation apparatus and a power storage apparatus that stores output from the power generation apparatus or output from the power converter as well as discharges stored electric power as necessary detects an amount of electric power generated at the power generation apparatus within a predetermined time period, sets an output pattern of the electric power control apparatus in a next predetermined time period based on the amount of electric power of each predetermined time period, and controls the output of the electric power control apparatus in accordance with the output pattern. By so doing, for example, even where the output from the power generation apparatus fluctuates, the amount of electric power output to the power system is decided in advance, and electric power equivalent to the difference between the predetermined amount and the output amount is stored in a power storage apparatus or discharged from the power storage apparatus. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069951 | METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE LOAD TRANSFERRED FROM A SEMI-TRAILER TO A FIRST AXLE OF A TOWING VEHICLE - A method and a system determine the load transferred from a semi-trailer to a first axle of a towing vehicle which has at least one further, second axle. The semi-trailer is partly supported by the towing vehicle at a “fifth wheel”. A first value representing the load transferred from the semi-trailer to the second axle is determined by a load sensor and a second value representing the position of the “fifth wheel” in relation to said axles are also determined. Based on these first and second values a value representing the load transferred from the semi-trailer to the first axle is calculated by a calculator. The calculation may be based on the equation L1*d1=L2*d2 or L1=L2*d2/d1. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069952 | CONTROL TARGET RECOGNITION SYSTEM AND VEHICLE OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM - There is provided a system in which when a gate having a reflection level of a threshold or higher and having been recognized as a control target by last time is not recognized as the control target this time, the gate is assumed to be actually detected, and extrapolation device extrapolates the gate (see ◯) up to a predetermined number of times (five times), wherein when the gate is a stationary object, and a reflection level of the gate at the next detection (Time | 2009-03-12 |
20090069953 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODOLOGY OF DYNAMICALLY CONFORMING A VEHICLE OPERATION - An electronic control system for a vehicle and an associated method of dynamically conforming a vehicle operation recommendation to an environment external to a vehicle are provided. Input parameters relating to the environment external to the vehicle are received. The vehicle operation recommendation is then adjusted based on the input parameters of the environment. The vehicle operation recommendation is then delivered to an interface of the vehicle. The adjustment conforms the vehicle operation recommendation to the environment to alert an operator of the vehicle of environmental conditions. The adjusted vehicle operation recommendation identifies a suggested manner of operating a vehicle control to account for the environment. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069954 | CONTROL AND SYSTEM NOTIFICATIONS USING REMOTE ACCESS - The present system provides a method to allow vehicle users to locate, monitor, and control their vehicle and receive notifications of constraint violations by using a hand-held device and/or internet web browser. Such constraints may be customized by vehicle or group of vehicles, over the air or by a user using a host. In the case of constraint notifications, the vehicle device receives and processes vehicle data and constraint data and sends this information to the host. In the case of vehicle location, monitoring and/or control, the host receives the solicitation and sends an instruction to the vehicle device, the vehicle device will receive and process the instruction and interact with the vehicle accordingly. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069955 | Remote control method for a motion heading by referring to a relative angle between a receiving end and a transmission end - A method to control a motion heading at a receiving end by referring to a relative angle between the receiving end and a transmission end includes the following steps: Step A: solving a command angle, α, between an original heading and a user inputted direction of transmission end; Step B: having a signal-receiving unit at the receiving end to pick up signals sent from the transmission end; Step C: determining a signal source orientation according to strength of the signals received by the signal-receiving unit which comprises multiple sensors or a position sensitive device arranged in a form to pick up the signals from the transmission end; Step D: solving a relative angle, β, between the signal source orientation and an original motion heading of the receiving end; and Step E: solving a new motion heading according to the angles α and β. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069956 | Central control system of wireless remote-control model - A central control system of a wireless remote-control model is capable of controlling a flight safety and effectively according to an operation control instruction signal data or a detector detection data instead of a single control value. Information such as the control, movement and abnormal detection of an electronic control machine installed on the wireless remote-control model are managed, determined and controlled jointly, so as to improve the safety and operability of the wireless remote-control model. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069957 | UNMANNED HELICOPTER - GPS devices (GPS receivers and corresponding GPS antennas) for detecting a location of an airframe are provided. An autonomous control section (e.g., an autonomous control box) including a data communication device for communicating with the ground and a control board having a built-in control program is provided. An unmanned helicopter flies depending on airframe data such as an attitude and a speed of the airframe, engine speed, and a throttle angle and flight data such as a location and a direction of the airframe. The autonomous control section is provided with a plurality of different type of GPS devices. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069958 | SYSTEME DE FREINAGE DIFFERENTIEL - A braking system for the landing gear of an aircraft, which landing gear includes a bogey containing at least four wheels, each equipped with a brake, with the bogey having at least two axles that are connected to the aircraft by a telescoping strut, wherein when the aircraft makes a low-speed turn around a center of rotation, the straight line linking the center of rotation of the turn to the barycenter of the landing gear does not pass between the front wheels and the rear wheels of the landing gear which system further includes means for applying differential braking between the front wheels and the rear wheels of the landing gear. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069959 | ALTITUDE RANGE FILTER FOR COCKPIT TRAFFIC DISPLAY - A system and method for filtering various targets (such as ground vehicles, stationary objects, and aircraft) from display on a display screen within the cockpit of an “Own Ship” aircraft. The system and method withhold from display any non-exempt targets that have an altitude that is either: (1) greater than an upper-threshold altitude; or (2) less than a lower-threshold altitude. The upper-threshold altitude and the lower-threshold altitude may be set to user-specified, customized values as desired to accommodate current flying conditions. In addition, the system and method may also be configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes, each of which features a different upper threshold altitude/lower threshold altitude combination. The system and method are preferably configured to reset certain threshold altitudes to pre-defined default altitudes in response to the aircraft landing. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069960 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING ANOMALIES IN LANDING SYSTEMS UTILIZING A GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM - A method, apparatus, and computer program product for detecting anomalies in a landing system. In one embodiment, a magnitude difference between a blended inertial deviation magnitude and a raw deviation magnitude is identified to form a magnitude difference. The magnitude difference is compared to a magnitude threshold. If the magnitude difference exceeds the magnitude threshold, an anomaly in the data is detected. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069961 | CHANGE OVER VALVE FOR A TRANSITION SYSTEM - The present interface system includes a controller monitoring pressure on a locomotive brake pipe port, controlling pressure on a train brake pipe port in response to the pressure on a locomotive brake pipe port, providing ECP commands on an ECP trainline via a train electrical terminal in response to the pressure on the locomotive brake pipe port, and providing electrical power on the ECP trainline via an train electrical trainline terminal from the locomotive electrical trainline terminal. The system includes a three position change over valve. The system also includes a wireless display unit which communicates via a transceiver with the controller and displays information from the controller to the operator remote from the interface system. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069962 | GUIDANCE OF MARINE VESSELS - A method for controlling the cruise of an autonomous vessel incorporates using a subsystem of a payload of the vessel functional in generating locational data relating to a target. A controller for controlling the cruise control subsystems determining the bearing and the velocity of said vessel. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069963 | FUEL CELL VEHICLE - To provide a fuel cell vehicle capable of reducing power consumption during a time of stopping of the vehicle. The fuel cell vehicle includes a scavenging execution determination unit | 2009-03-12 |
20090069964 | Electric Drive Vehicle Control System - Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle. These features include a power take-off timeout, automatic fail-safe brake (parking), and customized drive characteristics. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069965 | VEHICULAR DRIVE SYSTEM - Vehicular drive system which is small-sized and/or improved in its fuel economy. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069966 | VEHICULAR DRIVE SYSTEM - Vehicular drive system which is small-sized and/or improved in its fuel economy. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069967 | Method and apparatus for vehicle auto-guidance - Methods and apparatus are disclose for auto-steering of an auto-guided vehicle. A sensor coupled to a steering shaft detects when an operator requests control of the vehicle. The sensor then transmits information indicative of the request to one or more controllers of an auto-guidance system, which initiates a shutdown of auto-steering functions. In this way, the system quickly reverts to manual steering in an automatically guided and steered vehicle. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069968 | UNMANNED AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE FOR DISPLACING FEED - An unmanned autonomous vehicle for displacing feed lying on a floor is provided with two wheels that are separately drivable, a distance determining device for determining the distance from the vehicle to a wall portion, an orientation determining device for determining the orientation of the centre line of the vehicle relative to the wall portion, a torque difference determining device for determining the torque difference between the wheels, a control unit for controlling the vehicle and moving it in a direction of travel, and a feed displacing arrangement for displacing feed substantially sidewardly. The control unit may be programmed in such a way that during operation the vehicle will maintain a distance determined by the distance determining device to the wall portion, which distance is greater than or equal to a pre-adjusted minimum distance to the wall portion. During operation the centre line of the vehicle may be maintained with an orientation determined by the orientation determining device relative to the wall portion, which orientation is at least almost equal to a pre-adjusted orientation. During operation the drivable wheels of the vehicle may show a torque difference determined by the torque difference determining device, which difference can then be maintained at a value smaller than or equal to a pre-adjusted maximum torque. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069969 | TIRE SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tire sensor system includes a first sensor and a second sensor spaced apart from the first sensor. The first and second sensors are mounted to a tire. A processor receives input signals from the first and second sensors, and is programmed to determine the length of a contact patch of the tire in response to the input signals. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069970 | COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed are a system and a method for identifying components in an assembly. The system comprises an assembly including one or more components and a power harvesting device, and a reader. The power harvesting device provides power to the one or more components and queries component identification information from the one or more components. The one or more components provide the power harvesting device with the component identification information which is relayed to the reader by the power harvesting device. The system allows determination of the components of the assembly while precluding the need for dismantling the assembly or powering on the assembly to run diagnostic software. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069971 | DRIVING FORCE CONTROLLER OF VEHICLE - A driving force control apparatus includes a driver model which is a functional block adjusting characteristics relevant to human senses and a powertrain manger which is a functional block adjusting vehicle's hardware characteristics. The driver model includes a target base driving force calculation unit (static characteristics) calculating a target driving force from an accelerator pedal position using a base driving force map or the like, and a target transient characteristics addition unit calculating a final target driving force from the target driving force using transient characteristics represented by a transfer function. The powertrain manager includes a target engine torque and AT gear calculation unit and a characteristics compensator compensating for response of the vehicle. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069972 | GPS TRIGGERED NARRATION AND RECORDING FOR DRIVE EVENTS - Automatically presenting content to an occupant of a vehicle as the vehicle traverses a route (e.g., during a test drive or other drive event). Content items are associated with GPS coordinates the route. A GPS device on the vehicle identifies the vehicle location as the vehicle traverses the route, and content item associated with particular locations is presented to the occupant of the vehicle. In an embodiment, audio and/or video of the occupant is captured and stored on a computing device remote from the vehicle. The captured audio and/or video represents feedback from the occupant during the drive event. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069973 | WARNING METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DEVIATION OF A MOVING VEHICLE - A warning method for deviation of a moving vehicle and the device of the same uses a video camera to continuously capture road images behind the vehicle and generates a video signal. A graphics processor analyzes a static background of the road based on the video signal, analyzes whether the vehicle deviates from its original path, and decides whether any moving object approaches the vehicle. In any abnormal circumstance, the graphics processor outputs a signal to a microprocessor. The microprocessor then drives an alarm to set off a warning signal to notify the driver. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069974 | DISPLAY CONTROL DEVICE - It is an object of the present invention to provide a display control device that can assist a driver to check a blind spot more appropriately. In a control device | 2009-03-12 |
20090069975 | Fuel Cell Vehicle Performance Mode - A system and method for putting a fuel cell vehicle into a performance mode by preloading sub-systems in the fuel cell system so that high power is available from the fuel cell stack quicker than during normal fuel cell system operation. For example, if a driver activates a vehicle performance mode, the fuel cell system can respond by, for example, increasing the compressor speed, increasing anode recirculation, increasing air and cooling fluid flow through the radiator, increasing battery state-of-charge, etc. Thus, when the driver requests the high power after the system is in the performance mode, the system is able to deliver the desired power immediately or at least quicker and for a longer time period. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069976 | CONTROL APPROPRIATENESS ILLUMINATION FOR CORRECTIVE RESPONSE - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer code product for a data processing system provide feedback to an operator of a vehicle indicating the appropriateness of an attempted actuation of a vehicle control. A current operating state of the vehicle is first identified. Responsive to identifying the current operating state, preferred control actions corresponding to the current operating state are identified. Responsive to receiving a notification of an attempted actuation of the vehicle control, the attempted actuation is compared to the preferred control actions. If the attempted actuation is one of the preferred control actions, an indicator is illuminated with a first color. If the attempted actuation is not one of the preferred control actions, the indicator is illuminated with a second color. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069977 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATING A MOTOR VEHICLE TURN SIGNAL LAMP - Motor vehicles and methods are provided for automatically activating a motor vehicle turn signal. One motor vehicle includes a navigation system configured to determine a route to a destination, the route having a turn. The navigation system is also configured to monitor a present location of the motor vehicle and automatically activate a turn signal when the motor vehicle approaches the turn. A navigation system includes means for receiving a destination from a user, means for generating a route to the destination, the route having a turn, and means for activating the turn signal. The activating means is configured to automatically activate the turn signal when the motor vehicle approaches the turn. One method includes determining a motor vehicle route to a destination, the destination having a turn, monitoring the present location of the motor vehicle, and automatically activating a turn signal when the motor vehicle approaches the turn. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069978 | VEHICLE BEHAVIOR CONTROL APPARATUS - A control section includes a first turning direction estimating mechanism for estimating a first turning direction from a sign of the first yaw rate when an absolute value of the first yaw rate is a first threshold value or more, a second turning direction estimating mechanism for estimating a second turning direction from a sign of a difference between the second yaw rate and the second threshold value when the second yaw rate is not less than or not more than the second threshold value, a vehicle turning direction judging mechanism for judging that the direction when the first and second turning directions are the same is a turning direction of the vehicle and an abnormality judging mechanism for judging that the yaw rate sensor is abnormal when the turning direction and the direction of the actual yaw rate differs from each other. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069979 | STEERING ASSISTANCE DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - A steering assist apparatus for a vehicle includes an electric motor for steering assist. Rotation output of the electric motor is reduced in speed by a ball-screw mechanism and converted to rectilinear motion, which is transmitted to a rack bar. An electronic control unit determines a target current value in accordance with a steering torque detected by a steering torque sensor and a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor. While using an actual current value of the electric motor detected by a current sensor as a feedback, the electronic control unit controls the current flowing through the electric motor to be equal to the target current value. The electronic control unit changes the feedback gain of the feedback control in accordance with a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor, to thereby suppress abnormal noise generated at a steering mechanism, without deteriorating steering feel. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069980 | Electric Power Steering System - The electric power steering system detects a steering torque Ts applied to a steering member (not shown), determines a q-axis current i*q and a d-axis current i*d of a motor in dq coordinates, on the basis of the detected steering torque Ts, determines a q-axis voltage V*q and a d-axis voltage V*d, on the basis of a power supply voltage Ed, such that the determined q-axis current i*q and d-axis current i*d flow through the motor, converts the q-axis voltage V*q and the d-axis voltage V*d into three-phase voltages V*u, V*v, and V*w, and applies the three-phase voltages V*u, V*v, and V*w to drive the motor, thereby assisting steering. The electric power steering system includes a limiter unit which limits the q-axis voltage V*q to be smaller than √{square root over ((3n | 2009-03-12 |
20090069981 | Method for Determining in Real Time, the Grip on a Steering Wheel of an Electric Power-Assisted Steering System for an Automobile - The invention concerns a method which includes: filtering the torque signal using a low-pass filter of the first order at a variable cut-off frequency which takes on, respectively, a minimum value or a maximum value depending on whether the amplitude of the torque signal is, respectively, lower or higher than a predetermined threshold; then in producing a signal indicating, respectively, a steering wheel release or a steering wheel grip depending on whether the amplitude of the filtered torque signal is, respectively, lower or higher than a predetermined threshold. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069982 | Method for Monitoring the Vehicle Handling of a Two Track Vehicle - A method monitors the vehicle handling of a vehicle with respect to vehicle stability by comparing a measured variable, which reflects the yaw rate or the lateral acceleration, with a comparison value, which is derived from the steering angle, specified by the driver. The gradients of the regression lines, which are normalized in relation to each other, of the measured variable, on the one hand, and the comparison value, which represents the steering angle, on the other hand, are compared continuously over a number of analysis time windows. Upon finding a significant deviation between these gradients, an unstable driving condition is concluded. The difference between the gradients of the regression lines, which may be determined by a first order least squares method and normalized to the same units by a suitably applied amplification factor, are determined and compared with a suitably determined limit value, above which an instability is inferred. Alternatively, the measured variable and the comparison value, which represents the steering angle, can be analyzed for a linear or nonlinear dependence within an analysis time window by a coherence analysis; and on detection of a noteworthy nonlinearity, an unstable driving condition can be concluded. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069983 | OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR USE IN MILITARY LAND VEHICLES AND OTHER VEHICLES - Occupant restraint systems for use in land vehicles and other vehicles are disclosed herein. A restraint system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes an elongate belt or web configured to extend across an occupant seated in a vehicle, such as a military land vehicle. A proximal end portion of the elongate web is operably coupled to a web retractor. The web retractor carries an electrically actuated web locking device operably coupled to an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor sends an electrical signal to the web locking device in response to vehicle acceleration in, for example, a vertical direction above a preset magnitude. The web locking device responds to the electrical signal by at least temporarily preventing the retractor from paying out web. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069984 | AUTOMATIC WINDOW REPOSITIONING TO RELIEVE VEHICLE PASSENGER CABIN WIND PRESSURE PULSATION - Methods and apparatus are provided for the detection of conditions indicative of a wind pressure pulsation within the passenger cabin of a vehicle, and for the reduction of the intensity of the pressure pulsation via automatic window repositioning. The apparatus comprises vehicle sensors for detection of a pressure pulsation condition, controllers to process sensor data and issue commands, and power-operated vehicle windows. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069985 | Headrest Apparatus for Vehicle - A headrest apparatus for a vehicle includes a headrest rear portion supported at a seatback, a headrest front portion movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position, a driving device for moving the headrest front portion, a capacitance sensor detecting a change in capacitance in association with an approach of the head of an occupant, and a controlling device for controlling the headrest front portion to move to the fully open position in response to information that a vehicle is approaching from the rear, the controlling device controlling the driving device to stop a movement of the headrest front portion when the head of the occupant is detected on the basis of a detection signal from the capacitance sensor, the controlling device including a first filter having a first cutoff frequency and a second filter having a second cutoff frequency lower than the first cutoff frequency. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069986 | APPARATUS AND METHOD USING IMAGING IN BUILDING A COTTON MODULE - A cotton module building apparatus, utilizing imaging apparatus operable for capturing real-time images of the module building process, including accumulated cotton in the module building chamber, cotton inflow, and the in-process cotton module, and a method for building a cotton module using the images. The imaging apparatus includes a camera or cameras disposed at advantageous locations about the module building chamber, and cotton is distributed and moved within the chamber responsive to the images, for advantageous placement and distribution for forming a module having a desired consistency and top shape. Imaging apparatus can also be provided for observing unloading of a module from the chamber, and for facilitating maneuvering and positioning the unloading apparatus. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069987 | Automatic Blade Control System with Integrated Global Navigation Satellite System and Inertial Sensors - Disclosed are method and apparatus for controlling the blade elevation and blade slope angle of a dozer blade. Elevation and slope angle measurements are calculated from measurements received from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) antenna and an inertial measurement unit mounted on the dozer blade. The inertial measurement unit includes three orthogonally placed accelerometers and three orthogonally placed rate gyros. The measurements are processed by algorithms to calculate estimates of the blade elevation, blade vertical velocity, blade slope angle, and blade slope angular velocity. These estimates are then provided as inputs to a control algorithm which provides control signals to control a dozer hydraulic system which controls the blade elevation and blade slope angle. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069988 | AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION FOR A HEADER FLOTATION SYSTEM - A system and method for calibrating a header flotation system of an agricultural vehicle that can be employed while the vehicle is in motion, including when traversing a field, which does not rely on, or require calibration of, height and/or pressure sensors. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069989 | METHOD AND CONTROL ARCHITECTURE FOR SELECTION OF OPTIMAL ENGINE INPUT TORQUE FOR A POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A method and article of manufacture are provided for operating an internal combustion engine adapted to transmit torque to a hybrid transmission. The method comprises determining engine input torque transmittable to the hybrid transmission for each of a plurality of engine states. Costs are determined for operating the engine and hybrid transmission in the engine states to substantially meet an operator torque request. A preferred engine state is selected based upon the determined costs. The engine is controlled based upon the preferred engine state to substantially meet an operator torque request. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069990 | PROCEDURE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR FEEDBACK CONTROL OF A DRIVE - The invention relates to a method for regulating a drive ( | 2009-03-12 |
20090069991 | VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL DEVICE - A vehicle device control device includes an automatic drive control device for executing an automatic drive control by controlling at least a driving torque generating device, which applies a driving torque on a vehicle, so that a vehicle speed reaches a preset target vehicle speed, and a shift position determination portion for determining a shift position of a gear lever of the vehicle, wherein in a case where the shift position determination portion determines that the gear lever is set at a neutral position on the basis of a determination result of the shift position determination portion while the automatic drive control is executed, the automatic drive control device controls the driving torque generating device so that the driving torque applied to the vehicle becomes zero while continuously executing the automatic drive control. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069992 | Method and device for adapting the control of the clutches of a double clutch transmission - A method of adapting control of clutches of a double clutch transmission, including: during a shifting process, controlling torque transmittable by an opening clutch and torque transmittable by a closing clutch according to nominal curves; during a shifting process, determining a difference between a nominal value and an actual value; and adapting a nominal curve of at least one of the clutches for a following shifting process by reducing a difference between the nominal value and the actual value. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069993 | Running road determination device, vehicle running control apparatus and vehicle running control method - A vehicle running control apparatus, which performs automatic running control by controlling an engine for applying a driving torque to a vehicle C and a brake device for applying a braking torque to the vehicle C such that a vehicle speed of the vehicle C becomes equal to a preset target vehicle speed, determines, on the basis of a target driving torque ETo calculated to apply the driving torque to the vehicle C and a target braking torque BTo calculated to apply the braking torque to the vehicle C, whether or not the vehicle C is running on a road difficult to run on, when automatic running control is performed. When it is determined that the vehicle C is running on the road difficult to run on, automatic running control is terminated. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069994 | OPERATION ASSIST APPARATUS - An operation assist apparatus including: an assist controller that assists a driver of a vehicle in operating the vehicle before a stop point; and a watching action detector that detects a watching action of the driver for watching the stop point. The assist controller changes an assist manner in which to assist the vehicle operation by the driver in accordance with whether the watching action is detected by the watching action detector during deceleration of the vehicle. Thus configured, the operation assist apparatus can accurately determine whether the driver will stop the vehicle at the stop point and thus can perform the vehicle operation assist appropriately. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069995 | VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL DEVICE - A vehicle drive control device includes a wheel speed detecting means for detecting a rotational speed of a plurality of wheels of a vehicle, a vehicle speed calculating means for calculating a vehicle speed on the basis of the rotational speed of the plurality of wheels detected by the wheel speed detecting means, and an automatic drive controlling means for performing an automatic drive control for controlling the vehicle speed to be a predetermined target speed by controlling a driving force generating means and a vehicle speed reducing means for the vehicle. The automatic drive controlling means further performs a driving force reducing control for reducing a driving force of the vehicle to be generated by the driving force generating means when the rotational speed of at least one of the plurality of wheels detected by the wheel speed detecting means exceeds a predetermined value. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069996 | VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS - A vehicle control apparatus controlling a driving force or a braking force to be applied to a vehicle and conducting a vehicle control based on wheel speeds includes a detecting means detecting the wheel speed of each wheel provided at the vehicle, a storing means storing a predetermined valid wheel speed for each wheel, a determining means determining whether a difference between the detected wheel speed and a maximum wheel speed of the wheel speeds lies in a predetermined range, and an updating means updating the valid wheel speed based on the detected wheel speed of the wheel, when the detected wheel speed is lower than the predetermined valid wheel speed which is currently stored, in case that a result determined by the determining means is positive. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069997 | Vehicle control device and vehicle control method - A vehicle control device for controlling the driving force and braking force that is applies to a vehicle to maintain a target wheel speed includes: a plurality of determination parts each of which determines the wheel speed of a corresponding one of a plurality of wheels of the vehicle; a calculation part that calculates the wheel speed validity threshold for each wheel based on the determined wheel speeds; a decision part that decides whether the wheel speed validity threshold calculated for each wheel is below a specific threshold speed; a setting part that resets the target wheel speed depending on the result of the decision by the decision part; and an estimation part that estimates the vehicle speed based on the determined wheel speeds. | 2009-03-12 |
20090069998 | Event-driven starter controller - An event-driven starter controller regulates the speed of a gas turbine engine based on detected events. The event-driven starter controller is used to supply motive force to the gas turbine engine, prior such that the gas turbine engine is able to ignite (i.e., achieve light-off). In particular, in response to engine speed reaching a defined threshold, the event-driven starter controller causes the speed of the starter motor to ramp or increase through a defined range of speeds suitable for engine light-off (i.e, light-off window). Upon reaching an upper threshold of the light-off window, the event-driven starter controller causes the speed of the starter motor to decrease through the range of speeds suitable for engine light-off. If at any time during the light-off window the event-driven starter controller detects a successful light-off condition, the event-driven starter controller causes the speed of the gas turbine engine to increase toward a second threshold. | 2009-03-12 |