12th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 56 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130073143 | VEHICLE NAVIGATION APPARATUS - When a vehicle state changes from an off-road state (STEP S | 2013-03-21 |
20130073144 | CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DIMMING LIGHTS FOR VEHICLES DURING TURNING MANEUVERS - A control device for a first motor vehicle, and for dimming lights for vehicles ahead and/or oncoming vehicles during turning maneuvers includes a first interface with a recognition device, for the purpose of recognizing vehicles ahead and/or oncoming vehicles, a second interface with headlights, wherein the control device selects different light distributions of the headlights, and generates an adjusting signal the second interface, for adjusting the selected light distribution, at the headlights to dim the headlights if a signal is present at the first interface, indicating at least one vehicle ahead or oncoming. The control device has a third interface for indicating the start of the recognition of a turning maneuver of a vehicle ahead, wherein the dimmed light distribution of the headlights remains set for a predetermined distance or a predetermined time if the signal is present. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073145 | VEHICLE DAMPING CONTROL DEVICE - A correction torque command is outputted to a driving/braking torque producing means in accordance with a correction torque to suppress vehicle body sprung vibration. When a state of the correction torque amplitude being greater than or equal to a predetermined amplitude continues for a predetermined time, a control apparatus outputs a hunting time correction torque command smaller than a normal time correction toque command. When a state of the correction torque amplitude being smaller than or equal to the predetermined amplitude continues for a first predetermined time, the control apparatus returns the output of correction torque command from the hunting time correction torque command to the normal time correction torque command. The control apparatus continues the output of the hunting time correction torque command if the state in which the correction torque amplitude exceeds the predetermined amplitude continues for the predetermined time, before the expiration of the first time period. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073146 | STEERING SYSTEM AND STEERING CONTROL APPARATUS - A steering system including a steering member provided in a vehicle and configured to be rotated, an adjustment apparatus configured to adjust a rotary direction vibration of the steering member, and a steering control apparatus configured to control the adjustment apparatus, in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle, so as to adjust the vibration. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073147 | VEHICLE STEERING SYSTEM AND LOADING VEHICLE - A vehicle steering system includes a steering angle detecting unit; a reaction force actuator; and a reaction force actuator control unit. The reaction force actuator control unit determines whether the steering angle detected by the steering angle detecting unit is within a first steering angle range where the steering angle is smaller than or equal to a first change angle or a second steering angle range where the steering angle is larger than the first change angle, and controls the reaction force actuator such that the steering reaction force is increased to a maximum value with an increase in the steering angle when the steering angle is within the first steering angle range and the steering reaction force is monotonically decreased from the maximum value with an increase in the steering angle when the steering angle is within the second steering angle range. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073148 | METHOD OF OPTIMIZING THRESHOLD FOR AN AIRBAG SUPPRESSION SYSTEM IN A VEHICLE - A method is presented of optimizing an airbag suppression threshold for an airbag suppression system in a vehicle. The method includes defining a first value as the airbag suppression threshold such that deployment of an airbag is suppressed above the first value. Next, one or more factors indicative of a presence of a child restraint seat in the vehicle seat are determined. The airbag suppression threshold is set to a predefined second value when each of the factors are met. The factors include determining whether a locking feature in a set belt webbing retractor is in a first state configured to prevent withdrawal of the seat belt webbing. Other factors may include determining whether a speed of the vehicle is within a predetermined speed range and whether a load applied to the vehicle seat is within a predetermined seatload range. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073149 | Methods and Devices for Controlling a Precrash Safety System in a Motor Vehicle - In a method for controlling at least one reversible occupant protection measure of a precrash safety system, in particular a reversible belt tensioner, a plurality of input signals are received, wherein the input signals indicate a potential risk of an accident. The input signals are mapped onto a plurality of different precrash severity indicators. Each precrash severity indicator indicates an expected probability and/or severity of the accident. The precrash severity indicators are additionally filtered such that upon occurrence of a precrash severity indicator, a subsequent precrash severity indicator is suppressed for a period of time. Then, the at least one reversible occupant protection measure, for example, the belt tensioning, is triggered as a function of the filtered precrash severity indicators. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073150 | ADJUSTABLE GRILL SHUTTER SYSTEM - An adjustable grill shutter system is provided. In one embodiment, adjustment of the grill shutter system can be provided by a method of adjusting a grill shutter system for a vehicle, the method comprising adjusting opening of one or more grill shutters located at a front end opening of the vehicle in response to a non-driven vehicle condition. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073151 | DAMPER OPERATION CONTROL DEVICE AND DAMPER OPERATION CONTROL METHOD FOR WORKING VEHICLE - A damper operation control device of a working vehicle, includes: a boom pivotably supported on a vehicle body; a bucket pivotably supported on a tip end of the boom; a lift cylinder which drives the boom; an accumulator connected to the lift cylinder through a branched oil passage; a switching valve connected to the branched oil passage between the lift cylinder and the accumulator, the switching valve switching between a connected state and a disconnected state between the lift cylinder and the accumulator; and a controller which performs switch control of the switching valve, wherein the controller includes: a state detecting unit which detects whether the bucket is in a loaded state; and a switching valve control unit which switches the switching valve to the connected state when the state detecting unit detects that the bucket is in the loaded state. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073152 | FORKLIFT ENGINE CONTROL DEVICE - A control device of a forklift engine that secures operability by keeping down fuel consumption when the accelerator pedal is floored in an unloaded or lightly loaded state, and once a heavy cargo is loaded, by lifting the cargo at a maximum lifting speed and traveling with maximum travel performance without acceleration problems. At least two maximum torque curves of different magnitudes are set in advance on a torque curve diagram. Then, the weight the cargo loaded on an attachment is measured. A threshold value for selecting at least two maximum torque curves is determined. If the measured weight is less than the threshold value, the maximum torque curve with a smaller maximum torque value is selected. If the measured weight is not less than the threshold value, the maximum torque curve with a larger maximum torque value is selected. The engine is controlled using the selected maximum torque curve. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073153 | SHIFT CONTROLLING APPARATUS - A shift controlling apparatus includes an automatic shift mode returning member with a manual shift mode wherein a transmission is manually shifted and an automatic shift mode wherein the transmission is automatically shifted based on an automatic shift map and changes over. When a manual shift operation is carried out in the automatic shift mode, the shift mode moves to the manual shift mode and then automatically returns to the automatic shift mode after the manual shift operation. The automatic shift mode returning member includes a manual operational detection member for detecting a manual shift operation for shift up or shift down of the transmission during the automatic shift mode, first operational state discrimination member for discriminating an operational state of a vehicle when the manual shift operation is carried out, and second operational state discrimination member for discriminating an operational state of the vehicle after the manual shift operation. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073154 | AUTOMATIC CLUTCH CONTROL DEVICE AND GEAR CHANGE CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - An automatic clutch control device comprises a clutch interposed between a prime move and an input shaft of a transmission; a target clutch torque calculation section; a gear change control section; an accelerator pressing-down speed detecting section; a judging section for judging whether or not the accelerator pressing-down speed exceeds at least one predetermined pressing-down speed threshold value; a prime mover rotational speed increasing control section operated when the accelerator pressing-down speed exceeds the threshold value, for disconnecting the input shaft and the prime mover and then for controlling the prime mover rotational speed to increase and come to be equal to the input shaft rotational speed which has been increased by a lower speed gear stage having been established; and a target clutch torque change calculation section for calculating a change amount that changes the target clutch torque in dependence on the magnitude of the accelerator pressing-down speed. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073155 | AUTOFUNCTION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES - An autofunction control system for motor vehicles comprising an engine, a transmission and an accelerator, the position of the accelerator defining a set ERPM, the system configured to define a desired percentage of maximum available power for each set ERPM, the system configured to control the transmission ratio of the transmission to load the engine at least to the desired percentage of power, wherein the desired percentage of power is a function of the set ERPM when the set ERPM is between a low threshold and a high threshold, and wherein the system is configured to control the transmission ratio to load the engine closest to the maximum available absolute power for the engine for a set ERPM above the high threshold ERPM. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073156 | SHIFT CONTROLLING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - Shift controlling apparatus for a vehicle which automatically carries out changeover between a plurality of shift gear stages based on an automatic shift map including a drive mode shift map and a sport mode shift map having an increased region in which a speed change ratio is low compared to the drive mode shift map and corresponds to more sporty operation than that of the drive mode shift map. The drive mode shift map has a first mode portion and a second mode portion having an increased region in which the change gear ratio is low compared to the first mode portion, but smaller than the increased region of the sport mode shift map. Changeover between the first and second mode portions is carried out based on an acceleration history in accordance with a throttle opening of the vehicle. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073157 | ENHANCED TORQUE MODEL FOR VEHICLE HAVING A CVT - A vehicle (e.g., an ATV/UTV) comprising a body, at least two wheels supporting the body, a power source providing torque to at least one of the wheels, a torque control system for controlling the torque provided to the wheels. The torque control system has a plurality of slip modes, including a low-slip mode and a high-slip mode. A mode selector is provided for selecting one of the plurality of slip modes, and the torque control system defaults to the low-slip mode on vehicle start up. Preferably, the torque control system further includes a medium-slip mode. In another aspect, the vehicle has a continuously-variable transmission including a drive member and a driven member, and a torque control system for controlling the torque provided to the wheels. The torque control system is programmed to calculate an estimated primary torque factor and an estimated secondary torque factor for modifying as base engine torque. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073158 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF A MEANS OF MECHANICALLY COUPLING THE FIRST AND SECOND AXLES OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method controlling operation of a mechanism mechanically coupling first and second axles of a transmission system of a motor vehicle, the first axle being driven as standard and the second axle being driven as an option depending on a status of the coupling mechanism, the transmission system being capable of operating in a first mode in which a value of transmittable torque that can be transmitted by the mechanical coupling mechanism is fixed, or in a second mode in which the value of the transmittable torque that can be transmitted by the mechanical coupling mechanism is higher than the value of the transmittable torque for the first mode. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073159 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A TORQUE TRANSFER ACTUATOR WITH MULTIPLE MODES OF OPERATION - A system for controlling a torque transfer actuator for a four-wheel drive motor vehicle, including: a determining mechanism and a system for preventing the wheels from locking; a controller preventing the wheels from locking; and a controller for the torque transfer actuator, configured to interact to transmit a torque transfer command destined for the torque transfer actuator. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073160 | LEFT-RIGHT WHEEL DRIVE FORCE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE - When a rear wheel total drive force is smaller than a rear wheel drive force difference and the rear wheel drive force difference cannot be accomplished by dividing the rear wheel total drive force between the left and right rear wheels, an inside wheel target drive force is not set to 0 and an outside wheel target drive force is not set to. Instead, the inside wheel target drive force is set to a default drive force that is a minimum value required to prevent a three-wheel drive state from occurring, and the outside wheel target drive force is set a value equal to the sum of the default drive force and the rear wheel drive force difference, which is a value with which the rear wheel drive force difference can be achieved under the condition of the inside wheel target drive force being equal to the default drive force. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073161 | LEFT-RIGHT WHEEL DRIVE FORCE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE - A rear wheel drive force difference setting gain is multiplied by a basic left-right rear wheel drive force difference steady-state control computation value for achieving a vehicle turning behavior steadily requested by a driver in order to calculate a final left-right rear wheel drive force difference steady-state control amount. The final left-right rear wheel drive force difference steady-state control amount is added to a left-right rear wheel drive force difference transient control amount to obtain left-right rear wheel rear wheel drive force difference. This difference is multiplied by feedback control coefficient to obtain a final rear wheel drive force difference. During an initial stage of turning in which a lateral acceleration is smaller than a turn initial stage determining value, the rear wheel drive force difference setting gain is set to A, which is larger than 1 and increases as the lateral acceleration decreases. As a result, the final rear wheel drive force difference is increased during the initial stage of turning and an initial turning response can be improved. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073162 | SENSING VEHICLE WHEEL SPEED USING IN-WHEEL MOTOR - The present invention provides a device and method for sensing a wheel speed using an in-wheel motor for a vehicle, in which a wheel speed sensor is replaced with a resolver of an in-wheel motor for driving a vehicle such as an environmentally friendly vehicle. To this end, the present invention provides a device for sensing a wheel speed using an in-wheel motor for a vehicle, the device including: a resolver of a drive motor connected to an axle and mounted in a wheel; an inverter for receiving motor speed information sensed by the resolver and converting the motor speed information into wheel speed information; and a control unit for receiving the wheel speed information from the inverter and controlling an operating component based on the wheel speed information, and a method for the same. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073163 | ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM, ASSISTANT STARTING METHOD THEREOF FOR MOTOR VEHICLE - An electronic parking brake system and assistant starting method thereof for a motor vehicle are provided, wherein, the electronic parking brake system receives all sensor signals and detection signals of the motor vehicle; when any one of the following conditions is satisfied, the brake will be released to assist the driver in starting: condition (1): a torque T | 2013-03-21 |
20130073164 | METHOD OF AVOIDING BRAKE DISC SCORING IN A VEHICLE - A method for avoiding reducing scoring of the brake disc or the brake drum of a vehicle driven under rainy conditions calculates a product of three parameters, and activates an automatic braking operation for the vehicle, regularly, whenever the product exceeds the pre-determined threshold level. The first parameter is a rain intensity based parameter, a measure of the current raining intensity. The second parameter is a brake-activation-free driving time parameter, representing the time elapsed since the braking system of the vehicle was activated last. The third parameter is a speed parameter, which represents a current speed of the vehicle. As the automatic braking operation is carried out, the particles of dust, water, snow and de-icing substances, adhered to the brake disc of the vehicle, and causing scoring of the brake disc, are quickly removed, thus, reducing disc scoring. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073165 | MODULARLY DESIGNED PRESSURE CONTROL DEVICE OF A FLUID PRESSURE BRAKE SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE - A pressure control device of a vehicle, including a pressure controller of a fluid pressure brake system for brake slip-dependent control, including a relay valve having a supply port supplied by a supply pressure, a venting port connected to a pressure sink, a control port and at least two working ports, in which a working port is assigned to at least one brake cylinder and the other working port is assigned to at least one brake cylinder of another wheel, in which each working port of the relay valve is connected to a 2/2-way valve controlled by a control unit and assigned to a respective vehicle side and establishes a connection between the relevant working port and the assigned brake cylinder or blocks the connection, depending on control unit actuation, and in which the control port of the relay valve is connectable to a brake control pressure formed in accordance with the braking input, to a supply pressure of a pressure reservoir or to a pressure sink by a valve system formed by one 3/2-way or two 2/2-way solenoid valves and controlled by the control unit. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073166 | METHOD FOR DETECTING A BURNOUT STATE DURING WHICH DRIVEN WHEELS ARE CAUSED TO SPIN - A method for detecting a burnout state during which driven wheels of a motor vehicle are caused to spin is provided. The method includes detecting a rotational wheel speed of a first driven wheel and a rotational wheel speed of a second driven wheel and comparing the rotational wheel speed of the faster turning wheel with a first constant. A vehicle speed is detected and compared with a second constant. An engine rotational speed is detected and compared with a third constant. The burnout state is detected when the rotational wheel speed of the faster turning wheel is greater than the first constant, the vehicle speed is less than the second constant, and the engine rotational speed is greater than the third constant. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073167 | TORQUE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL METHOD FOR A FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MOTOR VEHICLE AND CORRESPONDING VEHICLE - A motor vehicle with four drive wheels mounted on first and second axles, including: a transfer shaft connected to the first axle and a controlled coupling that can transfer part of the torque from the transfer shaft to the second axle; a mechanism determining respective speeds of the first and second axles, and a torque distribution control system configured to determine a slip value representative of the speed difference between the first and second axles and to control the coupling. The torque distribution control system is further configured to control the coupling such as to suppress any torque transfer via the coupling when the average slip value over a pre-determined period exceeds a threshold. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073168 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COASTING OF HYBRID VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATED MANUAL TRANSMISSION - A technique for controlling coasting of a hybrid vehicle equipped with an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is disclosed herein. First, the amount of regenerative braking is varied based on the degree of manipulation of an accelerator pedal within the predetermined control range of a total degree of manipulation of the accelerator pedal from when the accelerator pedal is not being manipulated. The amount of regenerative braking decreases as the degree of manipulation of the accelerator pedal increases. The control range is used to perform control in such a way as to vary the amount of regenerative braking according to the amount of manipulation of the accelerator pedal. Further, the control range is set to within a range of initial 5 to 20% of the total degree of manipulation of the accelerator pedal. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073169 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING THE FUEL ECONOMY OF A VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE - A secondary controller for controlling the performance of a moving automobile is described. The secondary controller can be configured to communicate with one or more vehicle controllers, such as the engine control unit, while the automobile is being driven. The secondary controller can send control commands, such as self-test or diagnostic commands to the vehicle controller to effect the operation of the vehicle's power train. The secondary controller can receive power train related data from the engine control unit and based upon the received power train data determine when to send the control commands. In one embodiment, the secondary controller communicates with the vehicle controller via the vehicle's diagnostic port, such as an OBD-II port. In another embodiment, the secondary controller can be configured to control a variable displacement engine in a vehicle to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle while it is driven. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073170 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULATING A GAS TURBINE COMPRESSOR - A method for simulating a compressor of a gas turbine is disclosed. The method may generally include determining a predicted pressure ratio and a predicted mass flow of the compressor based on a model of the gas turbine, monitoring an actual pressure ratio and an actual mass flow of the compressor, determining difference values between at least one of the predicted pressure ratio and the actual pressure ratio and the predicted mass flow and the actual mass flow, modifying the difference values using an error correction system to generate a compressor flow modifier and using the compressor flow modifier to adjust the predicted pressure ratio and the predicted mass flow. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073171 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTION OF CONTAMINATION BY FUEL OF THE OIL CIRCUIT OF A TURBINE - A method for detection of contamination, by another fluid, of the oil circuit of a turbomachine fitted on an aircraft, the oil circuit including a tank provided with a device for measuring its oil level, piping which connects the tank to the various units of the turbomachine to be lubricated, and a device for putting the oil into circulation between the tank and the units, the turbomachine including a device for measuring its engine speed and a device for measuring the temperature of the oil at one point at least of the oil circuit. The oil level in the tank is monitored, an alert is triggered if the decrease in the oil level, measured over a given interval of time, becomes lower than a set minimum decrease. The decrease can be replaced by a simple increase in the oil level, without taking a duration of the monitoring into account. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073172 | DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A detector ( | 2013-03-21 |
20130073173 | DYNAMIC ESTIMATOR FOR DETERMINING OPERATING CONDITIONS IN AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for estimating engine performance information for a combustion cycle of an internal combustion engine. Estimated performance information for a previous combustion cycle is retrieved from memory. The estimated performance information includes an estimated value of at least one engine performance variable. Actuator settings applied to engine actuators are also received. The performance information for the current combustion cycle is then estimated based, at least in part, on the estimated performance information for the previous combustion cycle and the actuator settings applied during the previous combustion cycle. The estimated performance information for the current combustion cycle is then stored to the memory to be used in estimating performance information for a subsequent combustion cycle. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073174 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING AN ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for an engine including a crankcase. A condition of the engine may be diagnosed based on frequency content of crankcase pressure. Different types of degradation may be distinguished based on a frequency content of multiple frequencies of the crankcase pressure. Thus, a degraded engine component may be identified in a manner that reduces service induced delay. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073175 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING AN ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for an engine. A condition of the engine may be diagnosed based on information provided by signals from a generator operationally connected to the engine and/or other signals associated with the engine. Different types of degradation may be distinguished based on discerning characteristics within the information. Thus, a degraded engine component may be identified in a manner that reduces service induced delay. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073176 | METHOD TO OPERATE AN ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method and computer readable medium are disclosed to control operation of an internal combustion engine having an electronic control unit (ECU) with memory to burn off HC in an engine exhaust system and limit hydrocarbon and NOx content in the engine exhaust stream while operating the engine in idle mode. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073177 | METHOD TO OPERATE AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method to operate a vehicle equipped an internal combustion engine and a transmission coupled to drive wheels. The vehicle is equipped with a parking brake and has an electronic control unit with memory and the engine in fluid communication with an exhaust aftertreatment system. The method includes the steps of determining whether the engine is operating in idle mode for a predetermined period of time; determining whether NOx emissions exceed a predetermined level after the predetermined period of time; and limiting the engine speed not to exceed a predetermined engine speed until an operator engages the parking brake and engages an engine ignition switch. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073178 | DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VARIABLE VALVE LIFT MECHANISM - A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a timing control module and a diagnostic module. The timing control module controls engine valve timing by sending fluid to an advancing chamber of a cam phaser to adjust the cam phaser to an advanced position and by sending fluid to a retarding chamber of the cam phaser to adjust the cam phaser to a retarded position. The diagnostic module identifies a fault in a variable valve lift (VVL) mechanism based on a first difference between an advancing pressure of the advancing chamber and a retarding pressure of the retarding chamber. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073179 | SELECTIVE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for a vehicle includes a first exhaust gas flow rate (EGF) estimation module, a second EGF estimation module, and an EGF fault detection module. The first EGF estimation module estimates a first flow rate of exhaust re-circulated back to an intake manifold based on a concentration of oxygen in the intake manifold. The second EGF estimation module estimates a second flow rate of exhaust re-circulated back to the intake manifold based on an engine speed and an engine load. The EGF fault detection module selectively indicates a fault is present in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system based on the first flow rate and the second flow rate. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073180 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An object of this invention is to appropriately control the state of a corona discharge in accordance with an exhaust air-fuel ratio, and always purify particulate matter (PM) in exhaust gas efficiently. An engine is equipped with a corona discharge-type exhaust emission control device. The exhaust emission control device purifies PM in exhaust gas by generating a corona discharge between a center electrode and an earth electrode. When the air-fuel ratio is in a rich region, an ECU controls an applied voltage that is applied between the electrodes. It is thereby possible to obtain a maximum PM purification rate while preventing an arc discharge. When the air-fuel ratio is in a lean region, a discharge current flowing between the electrodes is controlled. It is thereby possible to suppress power consumption while compensating for a decrease in the PM purification rate caused by a reduction in the PM amount in the exhaust gas. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073181 | CONTROL APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes at least one air-fuel ratio detection unit; a feedback control unit configured to determine a fuel injection amount for each of cylinders by performing air-fuel ratio feedback control using a feedback control amount; a learning unit configured to learn the feedback control amount so as to obtain a learned value, and to update the learned value at an update rate; an estimation unit configured to estimate a degree of imbalance in the air-fuel ratio among the cylinders based on a detected air-fuel ratio; an initialization unit configured to initialize the learned value when a deviation between the estimated degree of imbalance and a previous value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; and an update rate change unit configured to increase the update rate, relative to a standard value after initialization of the learned value. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073182 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING FUEL ECONOMY AND CONTROLLING ENGINE EMISSIONS - An engine controller for an engine configured for improving fuel economy and decreasing negative emission characteristics. The engine controller is operatively coupled to the engine and configured to intercept angular position sensor signals and generate an adjustable angular position sensor signal and output the adjusted signal to the engine control module operatively coupled to the engine. The engine control module is configured to control the fuel injector for the engine and is responsive to the adjusted angular position sensor signal. The engine controller is operatively coupled to a hydrogen injection module configured to deliver hydrogen to the engine in conjunction with the operation of the engine controller. According to another aspect, the engine controller is configured to intercept valve actuator signals from the engine control module intended to control variable valve actuators in the engine. The engine controller includes a module configured to adjust or modify the valve actuator signals in response to changes in the angular position of the engine and output the adjusted valve actuator signals to control the variable valve actuators in the engine. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073183 | Open-valve Port Fuel Injection Of Alcohol In Multiple Injector Engines - An engine having two or more fuel injectors is disclosed, where at least one of the injectors is used to port fuel inject fuel into the cylinder when the air intake valve is open. The open valve port fuel injector is used to inject a fuel that has alcohol as a constituent and is the same fuel injected by another fuel injector. In other embodiments, the open valve fuel injector is used to inject an anti-knock fuel containing alcohol while a primary fuel, is introduced by another injector. The operation of the open valve fuel injector can be optimized to maximize the vaporization cooling. In other embodiments, the open valve fuel injector may be used in conjunction with direct injection of the primary fuel or the anti-knock fuel. Heavy EGR can be optimally used with the various embodiments. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073184 | INTER-CYLINDER AIR-FUEL RATIO IMBALANCE DETERMINING APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An inter-cylinder air-fuel ratio imbalance determining apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an air-fuel ratio sensor; fuel injection valves; an instructed fuel injection amount control unit; and an imbalance determination unit configured: to acquire a time-differential-value corresponding value that is an amount of change per predetermined time in an output value of the sensor or a detected air-fuel ratio represented by the output value; to acquire a positive gradient corresponding value based on a positive value of the time-differential-value corresponding value; to acquire a negative gradient corresponding value based on a negative value of the time-differential-value corresponding value; to determine an imbalance determination threshold based on a magnitude of a ratio of the negative gradient corresponding value to the positive gradient corresponding value; and to determine whether inter-cylinder air-fuel ratio imbalance has occurred by comparing a magnitude of the negative gradient corresponding value with the imbalance determination threshold. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073185 | PREDICTIVE MODELING AND REDUCING CYCLIC VARIABILITY IN AUTOIGNITION ENGINES - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine to reduce cycle-to-cycle combustion variation. A predictive model is applied to predict cycle-to-cycle combustion behaviour of an engine based on observed engine performance variables. Conditions are identified, based on the predicted cycle-to-cycle combustion behaviour, that indicate high cycle-to-cycle combustion variation. Corrective measures are then applied to prevent the predicted high cycle-to-cycle combustion variation. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073186 | DIESEL ENGINE FOR AUTOMOBILE, CONTROL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD - A geometric compression ratio in an engine main body | 2013-03-21 |
20130073187 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, AND INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method for operating an internal combustion engine, having an exhaust gas turbocharger, during a load change of the internal combustion engine, includes initiation of a closing process of a throttle valve of the internal combustion engine, disposed in an induction tract or intake section of the internal combustion engine, as a function of an air pressure which is present upstream of the throttle valve, in such a way that the air pressure always falls short of a surge limit or pumping limit of a compressor, disposed in the induction tract, of the exhaust gas turbocharger. A staged or stepped reduction in a torque of the internal combustion engine is performed by shutting off fuel injections at predetermined cylinders of the internal combustion engine. An internal combustion engine with an exhaust gas turbocharger is also provided. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073188 | Determining the Closing Point in Time of an Injection Valve on the Basis of an Analysis of the Actuation Voltage Using an Adapted Reference Voltage Signal - A method for determining a closing time of a valve having a coil drive may include switching off a current flow through a coil of the coil drive so that the coil is depowered, measuring a time curve of a voltage induced in the non-powered coil, wherein the induced voltage is generated at least partially by a motion of the armature relative to the coil, evaluating the measured time curve of the voltage induced in the coil, wherein the evaluation comprises comparing the measured time curve of the voltage induced in the depowered coil to a reference voltage curve stored in an engine controller, and determining the closing time based on the evaluated time curve. The reference voltage curve is thereby adapted to current operating conditions of the valve. A corresponding device and computer program for determining the closing time of a valve comprising a coil drive are also disclosed. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073189 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided that can correct a shift in an output value of an in-cylinder pressure sensor that occurs for a predetermined time period after occurrence of abnormal combustion. A pre-occurrence output characteristic indicating a relationship between in-cylinder pressure and an actual sensor output value of the in-cylinder pressure sensor in a pre-occurrence cycle before occurrence of abnormal combustion is previously stored. Estimated in-cylinder pressure in a post-occurrence cycle after occurrence of abnormal combustion is acquired. A post-occurrence output characteristic is calculated from the estimated in-cylinder pressure and the sensor output value in the post-occurrence cycle. A difference between outputs of the in-cylinder pressure sensor before and after occurrence of the abnormal combustion is calculated from the pre-occurrence output characteristic and the post-occurrence output characteristic. The sensor output value in the post-occurrence cycle is calibrated using the difference between outputs. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073190 | Engine Start Up Control For A Motor Vehicle - A method of controlling an engine during starting is disclosed. During cold starting and following a refueling, a default alcohol value is used to control various systems associated with the engine, including fuel injection and ignition timing. The default alcohol value is used to ensure reliable starting. During non-cold starting and following a refueling, the current alcohol value is used to minimize fuel inefficiencies. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073191 | ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE AND VEHICLE INCORPORATING SAME - An engine control apparatus includes a control unit configured to perform a feedback control based on a second amount of intake air until a engine speed reaches a target idle speed. The engine control apparatus then regulates the amount of intake air to an amount smaller than a predetermined second amount of intake air for a predetermined period when the engine speed exceeds the target idle speed, and then performs a feedback control based on a first amount of intake air. Such engine control apparatus minimizes variation in engine speed by reducing a convergence time of the engine speed to a target idle speed in switching control of the amount of intake air in a case where engine friction at a low temperature is high. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073192 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ON-ROAD TRAFFIC DENSITY ANALYTICS USING VIDEO STREAM MINING AND STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES - A method and system for analyzing on-road traffic density are provided. The method involves allowing a user to select a video image capturing device and coordinates in a video image frame captured by the video image capturing device such that the coordinates form a region of interest (ROI). The ROI is processed to generate a confidence value and a traffic density value. The traffic density value is compared with a first set of threshold values. Based on the comparison, the traffic density values at different instants in a time window are displayed to enable monitoring of the traffic trend. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073193 | COLLABORATIVE TRAFFIC MONITORING - A collaborative traffic monitoring method is described. In an embodiment, a collaborative traffic monitoring system for use in a vehicle comprises an input for receiving GPS location data and a processing unit which generates speed data for a vehicle based on the received GPS location data. The system also includes a transmitter which broadcasts the speed data and a receiver which receives speed data broadcast by other vehicles. The received speed data is then used to display an indication of the road speeds ahead. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073194 | VEHICLE SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR RECOGNIZING EXTERNAL WORLDS - Preferably, an object such as a vehicle is detected regardless of a distance up to the object. A device for recognizing external worlds that analyzes an image acquired by capturing the vicinity of a self-vehicle includes: a processing area setting unit setting a first area of the image indicating a short range and a second area of the image indicating a long range, a first object detecting unit detecting the object by means of a first classifier in the set first area, a second object detecting unit detecting the object by considering even a background pattern by means of a second classifier in the set second area, a rectangular correction unit correcting a detected object rectangular shape and a time to collision (TTC) computing unit computing a prediction time up to a collision based on the detected object rectangular shape. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073195 | IDENTIFYING A ROUTE CONFIGURED TO TRAVEL THROUGH MULTIPLE POINTS OF INTEREST - A computer-implemented method for identifying a route that is configured to travel through multiple points of interest includes receiving a query that includes an origin location, a destination location, and at least a first point of interest and a second point of interest. The method also includes identifying a perimeter that surrounds the received origin and destination locations in response to the query. The perimeter is then used to identify a set of locations for each of the first and second points of interest. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073196 | GENERATION OF MACHINE READABLE CODES BY A NAVIGATION SYSTEM THAT INDICATES INFORMATION TO A MOBILE DEVICE - Systems and methods are disclosed for generating machine readable codes by a navigation system that indicates information for a point of interest on a map. In one embodiment, a system includes a controller, a GPS receiver, and a user interface. The GPS receiver identifies location data. The user interface displays a map based on the location data, displays a plurality of points of interest on the map, and receives a selection of one of the plurality of points of interest from a user. The controller identifies information for a selected point of interest, generates a machine readable code that indicates the information for the selection, and provides the machine readable code to the user interface for capture by a mobile device. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073197 | NAVIGATION DEVICE - Disclosed is a navigation device including a guidance route calculation unit | 2013-03-21 |
20130073198 | Meeting Notification and Modification Service - Techniques are described for providing a meeting notification and automatic modification service. A system may be configured to identify an appointment in a calendar application, identify a geographic location of the appointment, and identify, before the appointment time, a geographic location of a first participant of the appointment. Based on the geographic information, the system may identify a route extending from the geographic location of the first participant to the geographic location of the appointment, and may identify a travel time associated with the route. Based on the travel time and the appointment time, the system may determine whether the first participant is estimated to arrive at the appointment on time and, based on the determination, the system may send a message to participants of the appointment or dynamically reschedule the appointment. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073199 | Meeting Notification and Modification Service - Techniques are described for providing a meeting notification and automatic modification service. A system may be configured to identify an appointment in a calendar application, identify a geographic location of the appointment, and identify, before the appointment time, a geographic location of a first participant of the appointment. Based on the geographic information, the system may identify a route extending from the geographic location of the first participant to the geographic location of the appointment, and may identify a travel time associated with the route. Based on the travel time and the appointment time, the system may determine whether the first participant is estimated to arrive at the appointment on time and, based on the determination, the system may send a message to participants of the appointment or dynamically reschedule the appointment. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073200 | Meeting Notification and Modification Service - Techniques are described for providing a meeting notification and automatic modification service. A system may be configured to identify an appointment in a calendar application, identify a geographic location of the appointment, and identify, before the appointment time, a geographic location of a first participant of the appointment. Based on the geographic information, the system may identify a route extending from the geographic location of the first participant to the geographic location of the appointment, and may identify a travel time associated with the route. Based on the travel time and the appointment time, the system may determine whether the first participant is estimated to arrive at the appointment on time and, based on the determination, the system may send a message to participants of the appointment or dynamically reschedule the appointment. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073201 | Meeting Notification and Modification Service - Techniques are described for providing a meeting notification and automatic modification service. A system may be configured to identify an appointment in a calendar application, identify a geographic location of the appointment, and identify, before the appointment time, a geographic location of a first participant of the appointment. Based on the geographic information, the system may identify a route extending from the geographic location of the first participant to the geographic location of the appointment, and may identify a travel time associated with the route. Based on the travel time and the appointment time, the system may determine whether the first participant is estimated to arrive at the appointment on time and, based on the determination, the system may send a message to participants of the appointment or dynamically reschedule the appointment. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073202 | LEARNING TRANSPORTATION MODES FROM RAW GPS DATA - Described is a technology by which raw GPS data is processed into segments of a trip, with a predicted mode of transportation (e.g., walking, car, bus, bicycling) determined for each segment. The determined transportation modes may be used to tag the GPS data with transportation mode information, and/or dynamically used. Segments are first characterized as walk segments or non-walk segments based on velocity and/or acceleration. Features corresponding to each of those walk segments or non-walk segments are extracted, and analyzed with an inference model to determine probabilities for the possible modes of transportation for each segment. Post-processing may be used to modify the probabilities based on transitioning considerations with respect to the transportation mode of an adjacent segment. The most probable transportation mode for each segment is selected. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073203 | PRESENTING A TRAVEL ROUTE - Techniques are provided for presenting a route using a route presentation that provides both a context map and one or more detail route maps. Narrative instructions for the route also may be presented. The presentation of the context map and the one or more detail route maps may be interactive. The route presentation also may be user controllable such that a user may control the portions of a route that are printed. The route presentation also may include a re-routing feature that allows a user to request that a new route be identified that avoids a particular maneuver or maneuvers in a route. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073204 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING DISTANCE FOR GENERATING MANEUVER INSTRUCTION FOR NAVIGATION SYSTEM - A distance adjustment method and apparatus for a navigation system produces a maneuver instruction for an intersection at the most appropriate timing and location during the route guidance. The method includes the steps of: searching an upcoming intersection on the calculated route that requires the user to make a turn therein; retrieving data concerning the upcoming intersection from a map database; adjusting a final distance from a reference point of the intersection by evaluating the retrieved data concerning the intersection; and generating a maneuver instruction at a timing when the user has reached the adjusted final distance from the reference point of the intersection, thereby notifying the user to make a turning maneuver at the intersection. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073205 | USABILITY OF STANDS MARKED FOR CUTTING IN TIMBER SUPPLY TO FACTORIES - A data system and a method for determining the harvestability and transportability of a stand marked for cutting, the method comprising: maintaining data on the properties of the soil of the stand; determining a value for the harvestability and transportability of the stand, which value is dependent on said properties; defining said value also on the basis of such conditions of said stand which affects said properties; maintaining data on the harvestability and transportability defined for the stand. Said property is one or more of the following: soil type, auxiliary attributes of the soil type, other permanent factors. Said conditions are one or more of the following: snow depth, frost depth, soil moisture content, temperature, amount of rainfall, quantity of growing stock, relations between tree species, other variable factors. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073206 | Multi-Step Borehole Correction Scheme for Multi-Component Induction Tools - Various resistivity logging tools, systems, and methods are disclosed. At least some system embodiments include a logging tool and at least one processor. The logging tool provides transmitter-receiver coupling measurements that include at least direct coupling along the longitudinal tool axis (Czz), direct coupling along the perpendicular axis (Cxx or Cyy), and cross coupling along the longitudinal and perpendicular axes (Cxz, Cyz, Czx, or Czy). The processor performs a multi-step inversion of said transmitter-receiver coupling measurements to obtain values for model parameters. Based at least in part on the model parameters, the processor determines borehole corrections for the transmitter-receiver coupling measurements and may further provide one or more logs derived from the borehole corrected transmitter-receiver coupling measurements. In at least some embodiments the logging tool assembly further collects borehole size measurements and measurements of borehole fluid resistivity for use in performing the inversion and determining the borehole corrections. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073207 | Characterization Of Subterranean Formation Properties Derived From Quantitative X-Ray CT Scans Of Drill Cuttings - A method and a system are provided to characterize subterranean formations, which includes extracting drill cuttings from a drilling fluid, and grouping the drill cuttings into a group of cuttings based on a time of arrival of the drill cuttings at the Earth's surface, wherein these steps can be repeated at least once to provide a plurality of groups of drill cuttings that arrive sequentially at different recorded times that correspond to different downhole locations. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073208 | Method of Measuring Parameters of a Porous Medium Using Nanoparticle Injection - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for evaluating a porous earth formation. The method may include estimating at least one parameter of interest of the earth formation using a displacement velocity of nanoparticles injected into the porous earth formation and exposed to an alternating magnetic field. The method may include using at least one processor to estimate the value of the at least one parameter. The apparatus may include an alternating magnetic field source, nanoparticles responsive to a magnetic field, and a sensor configured to measure the motion of the nanoparticles. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073209 | Systems and Methods for Positioning Horizontal Wells Within Boundaries - Systems and methods for positioning horizontal wells within a limited-pre-defined boundary. The systems and methods include an automated process for creating jointed target pairs or horizontal laterals to be utilized for planning horizontal wells in order to position the horizontal laterals within limited pre-defined boundary(ies). | 2013-03-21 |
20130073210 | Method and System for Passive Electroseismic Surveying - A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073211 | MICROCONTROLLER BASED PEDIATRIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF NOURISHMENT EVALUATION - A microcontroller based breast milk flow meter and child milk volume intake detection and measuring method means comprising a silicone encapsulated flexible microcontroller circuit means with a plurality of on-board dielectric detector plate means and a piezo-resistive force sensor means. Where the dielectric detector plates function electrically, as a passive device means to determine the presence or absence of a quantity of milk in a holding chamber means and a piezo-resistive force sensor function electrically, as a passive device means to determine a continuous or sporadic flow quantity of milk from said chamber means. A special microcontroller algorithm is used to monitor, detect, and measure breast milk flow and quantity from mother to child. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073212 | DETECTION OF RISK OF PRE-ECLAMPSIA - A method for the early prediction of risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnant women, including for example eclampsia, mild pre-eclampsia, chronic hypertension, EPH gestosis, gestational hypertension, superimposed pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, or nephropathy. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073213 | Gene Expression-Based Differential Diagnostic Model for Rheumatoid Arthritis - Biomarkers useful for differential diagnosis for rheumatoid arthritis from samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cells are provided, along with kits for measuring their expression. The invention also provides predictive models, based on the biomarkers, as well as computer systems, and software embodiments of the models for scoring and optionally classifying samples. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073214 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING SEQUENCE VARIATION - Systems and method for determining variants can receive mapped reads, and call variants. In embodiments, flow space information for the reads can be aligned to a flow space representation of a corresponding portion of the reference. Reads spanning a position with a potential variant can be grouped and a score can be calculated for the variant. Based on the scores, a list of probable variants can be provided. In various embodiments, low frequency variants can be identified where multiple potential variants are present at a position. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073215 | Heart Age Assessment - An automated method of determining a measure of a subject's heart age comprising the steps of: prompting a user for a plurality of inputs, each relating to an attribute of the subject, each attribute defining one or more of a demographic status of the subject, a lifestyle status of the subject, a physical condition of the subject and a medical history of the subject: receiving, from the user, a plurality of said inputs: determining from said received inputs, a set of parameters for which input data has been received as input from the user; selecting a heart age calculation algorithm from a predetermined set of heart age calculation algorithms according to said set of parameters; and calculating a heart age for the subject according to the selected algorithm; and providing as output said calculated heart age. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073216 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS TO PREDICT AND/OR RECOGNIZE AND/OR CLASSIFY BIOLOGICAL SEQUENCES - A method, a system and an apparatus for predicting and/or recognizing and/or classifying biological sequences, specially sequence families with binding site recognition motifs poorly conserved, comprising, advantageously, the use of neural networks rules; providing enhanced and more accurate results; and is preferably used when the biological sequence is a promoter. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073217 | Phased Whole Genome Genetic Risk In A Family Quartet - In an embodiment of the present invention, three novel human reference genome sequences were developed based on the most common population-specific DNA sequence (“major allele”). Methods were developed for their integration into interpretation pipelines for highthroughput whole genome sequencing. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073218 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING SUBSTANCES AND FOR ASCERTAINING AND/OR COMPUTING DATA PERTAINING TO MEASURED SUBSTANCES - This invention pertains to methods and means for measuring substances and for ascertaining and/or computing data pertaining to measured substances. Various embodiments of the methods and means of the invention may be performed by and/or implemented in hardware, in software, by one or more entities, and/or by some combination of hardware, software and/or one or more entities. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073219 | METHOD COMPUTER PROGRAM AND SYSTEM TO ANALYZE MASS SPECTRA - A method, computer program and system to identify peaks generated by different physical ions in a solution including substances by analyzing mass and intensity coordinates of all peaks in a set of mass spectra measured with errors for a certain concentration c of the solution is here disclosed. The peaks in different mass spectra are associated to a same ion if they are sufficiently ‘close’ according to specific discrimination criteria that go beyond the proximity of mass values. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073220 | CONCENTRATION MEASUREMENT METHOD AND CONCENTRATION MEASUREMENT APPARATUS - A concentration measurement method of measuring at least including processes of: causing a set of lights having first and second different wavelengths in which change amounts of absorption coefficients of the water due to a change in water temperature are substantially the same to be incident on the solution, and measuring an absorption coefficient in the first wavelength and a absorption coefficient in the second wavelength in the solution; referencing an absorption coefficient of the water in the first wavelength and an absorption coefficient of the water in the second wavelength; referencing an absorption coefficient of the solute in the first wavelength and an absorption coefficient of the solute in the second wavelength; and applying a simultaneous equation to obtain a volume fraction of an unknown solute and a volume fraction of the water based on the above absorption coefficients. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073221 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF FLUID AND SUBSTRATE COMPOSITION OR PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES - Techniques for identifying a composition of a target fluid using a set of vectors representing known residue patterns for a two or more fluids including said target fluid is provided. An exemplary method includes storing one or more digital measurements of residue for the target fluid, extracting one or more descriptive features from the measurements; and processing descriptive features to identify the composition of the target fluid. The processing includes using a machine learning algorithm trained with data linking residue morphology to fluid composition. A distance between a vector representing said one or more descriptive features and said set of vectors representing known residue patterns is determined, and a residue is assigned to one or more of the known residue patterns. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073222 | COST-OPTIMIZED MODEL-BASED EXTENSION OF SYSTEM LIFE - A method includes recording a current performance signature for first and second components in a system, recording a calibrated baseline performance signature for the components, and processing the performance signatures through an aging model to determine a future performance signature for each component. The future performance signatures are processed through a system function model to determine the state of function of the system for each possible repair case. A cost-optimal repair case is then determined from among the possible repair cases, and recorded in memory. An apparatus includes first and second components of a system, and a host machine configured for processing the current and baseline performance signatures through the aging and system function models as noted above. The cost-optimal repair case is determined from among all possible repair cases, and then recorded in memory. An example system may be a cranking system with a starter motor and battery. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073223 | Turbine-To-Turbine Prognostics Technique For Wind Farms - Methods and systems for predicting an end of life of a wind turbine component including receiving environmental conditions indicative of natural surroundings of wind turbines within a wind turbine farm, receiving component performance metrics indicative of an operation of wind turbines within a wind turbine farm, and distributing the wind turbines into peer-clusters such that the wind turbines within each of the peer-clusters have similar environmental conditions. The methods and systems further include identifying a low performing wind turbine and a remaining portion of wind turbines within one of the peer-clusters based upon a predicted performance model, processing the component performance metrics of the low performing wind turbine, identifying a critical component of the low performing wind turbine and predicting the end of life of the critical component of the low performing wind turbine. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073224 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CHARACTERIZING VEHICLE TIRES - A system for characterizing a vehicle tire is provided. The system includes a testing assembly configured to support the vehicle tire. The assembly includes a force-moment transducer configured to gather force information from the vehicle tire in response to a stimulus on the vehicle tire. The system further includes an accelerometer coupled to the vehicle tire and configured to gather vibration information from the vehicle tire in response to the stimulus on the vehicle tire. The system further includes a post-processing system configured to receive the vibration information from the accelerometer and the force information from the force-moment transducer. The post-processing system is further configured to extract resonant frequencies from the vibration information and the force information. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073225 | PRESSURE GAUGE AND METHOD OF MEASURING PRESSURE - The present invention provides a pressure gauge for measuring a pressure of a source. The pressure gauge includes a case, a flexible film, a magnetic device, a coil, a processor, and a screen. The case has a bore connecting the source. The coil is provided in the case. The flexible film is provided on an inner side of the case to cover the bore that the flexible film is expandable by the pressure of the source. The magnetic device is received in the case to be moved relative to the coil by the flexible film. The movement of the magnetic device causes the coil to generate an induced electromotive force, and the processor may find the gas pressure according to the induced electromotive force, and show it on the screen. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073226 | Abnormal Pressure Real-Time Monitoring and High Speed Recording Device - An abnormal pressure real-time monitoring and high speed recording device is disclosed. It operates essentially by first using a pressure sensor to convert various pressures (e.g., liquid pressure, air pressure or oil pressure) to the weak voltage signal within 0.0001 second, and then, through a pressure signal amplifying module, inputting the readable signal respectively to a pressure surge detecting module, a negative pressure detecting module and a pressure alarm upper/lower limit module in order to detect the occurrence of abnormal signals due to high speed surge pressure, negative pressure or exceeding of upper/lower pressure limit and the like. In case the detected signal exceeds the criteria value, it immediately awakes a microprocessor within 0.0001 second to perform continuous signal pressure reading at 0.001 second and save to the memory, and then sends the alarm message to a remote monitoring device by way of a network module or else directly controls the in-field equipment for adequate emergent processes. Upon detecting the disappearance of abnormal signals by the pressure surge detecting module, negative pressure detecting module and pressure alarm upper/lower limit detecting module, it terminates the actions of pressure value reading and signal storage and then controls the microprocessor to enter into a sleeping mode to achieve the purpose of power saving. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073227 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING FLUID SEALS FOR LEAKS - A system and method for testing a fluid seal in a device can include pumping fluid to the device and a control device simultaneously, while measuring the pressure of the fluid pumping to both devices. A change in volume of the fluid in the control device can be initiated, a change in pressure difference associated with the change in volume can be determined, and a leak test ratio can be formed therefrom. Changes in the pressure difference can be used to determine the presence of fluid leaks, which can be presented as test results to users connected to a network. A leak volume can be determined using the change in pressure difference and the leak test ratio. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073228 | System Responsive to Machine Vibrations and Method of Use - A first embodiment of a system for measuring and analyzing a machine property includes a detector with a vibration sensor, power source, a data transmitter, a first data processor configured and adapted to obtain sensed vibration data from the sensor and convert it into digital data to be transmitted through the data transmitter, and a system server operatively in communication with the detector. The system server has software that can process and analyze data such as the sensed vibration data received via the data receiver. In a second embodiment, the system includes a vibration sensor, a terminal comprising a user interface unit and a first data processor that can obtain sensed vibration data from the sensor and convert it into digital data to be transmitted through the first data transceiver. In this embodiment, data may be presented visually on the user display area and user input received input from the user input area. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073229 | Detection of High Voltage Electrolysis of Coolant in a Battery Pack - An apparatus and method providing for detecting and responding to high voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery enclosure to limit possible excessive thermal condition of the individual battery cells and modules. The present invention includes embodiments directed towards detection algorithms and apparatus for promoting the use of voltage, current, humidity, temperature, and pressure sensors for the purpose of detecting high voltage electrolysis. Additionally, the present invention includes response processes and structures to address high-voltage electrolysis. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073230 | ENERGY DECOMPOSITION CALCULATING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREFOR, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - There is provided a decomposition calculating apparatus in which the first storage stores therein a connection configuration of a plurality of elements in an electric power system, the second storage stores therein possible ranges of respective quantities of consumed energy of the elements, the solution region generator develops the ranges of the quantities of consumed energy, in a space formed by axes indicative of the respective quantities of consumed energy of the elements and obtains a solution region being a region common to the ranges of the quantities of consumed energy in the space, the enclosing ball calculator obtains a ball which encloses the solution region and has a smallest radius, and acquires a central coordinate of the ball, and the proportional division determiner determines quantities of consumed energy of the elements to values of the axes corresponding to the central coordinate in the space. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073231 | IN-SITU DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Data acquisition systems and methods for acquiring test data associated with standard insulated power cables and/or power equipment such as switchgears, transformers, electric motors, etc are disclosed. The test data may then be subsequently analyzed for defects, such as the presence of faults, discharges (e.g., PD, coronas, arcing, etc.). The systems may store the acquired test data on removable, non volatile memory, such as Flash memory. The removable memory may be retrieved by an un-skilled technician periodically and returned to a lab or other test facility for subsequent analysis by highly trained analysts. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073232 | Source Power Anomaly and Load Power Consumption Monitoring and Analysis - Power data are collected from one or more power modules that control power to a connected load. The power data may include indications of source electricity measurements and of load power consumption measurements. These measurements are correlated in space or time and a set of the correlated source electricity measurements or the correlated load power measurements is selected for presentation. The selected set of measurements is presented on a presentation device such that deviations from specified values are indicated to a user. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073233 | Detection of Low Voltage Electrolysis in a Battery Pack - An apparatus and method providing for detecting and responding to low voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery detecting and responding to low voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery enclosure to limit a possible hazard condition of battery enclosure. The present invention includes embodiments directed towards detection algorithms and apparatus for promoting the use of sensors (e.g., hydrogen, voltage, current, and immersion sensors) for the purpose of detecting low voltage electrolysis. Additionally, the present invention includes response processes and structures to address low voltage electrolysis. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073234 | Response to Low Voltage Electrolysis in a Battery Pack - An apparatus and method providing for detecting and responding to low voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery detecting and responding to low voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery enclosure to limit a possible hazard condition of battery enclosure. A microprocessor-implemented response system for low voltage electrolysis in a battery pack, includes an evaluator to monitor, using the microprocessor, a low voltage electrolysis flag indicative of a possible low voltage electrolysis of fluid within an enclosure that generates a flammable gas including a plurality of electrically-coupled battery modules storing energy for the battery pack; and a remediation system, coupled to the enclosure and responsive to the possible low voltage electrolysis when the evaluator detects a likelihood of the possible low voltage electrolysis, to decrease risks associated with the possible low voltage electrolysis when the remediation system is active. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073235 | BATTERY MONITORING DEVICES - Described herein is a battery monitoring device that can easily be mounted on a cable or electrical connection associated with a battery pack for monitoring voltage and/or current of the battery pack. A pair of clamp elements ( | 2013-03-21 |
20130073236 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A REMAINING BATTERY CAPACITY OF A BATTERY DEVICE - A system for determining a remaining battery capacity includes a detection circuitry and a controller. The detection circuitry is coupled to a battery device at a detection node for detecting a closed circuit voltage of the battery device. The controller is coupled to the detection circuitry, derives an amount of current drawn out from the battery device based on the closed circuit voltage, calculates an open circuit voltage of the battery device based on the current, and determines the remaining battery capacity of the battery device based on the open circuit voltage. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073237 | SUBMERSION DETECTION CIRCUIT AND SUBMERSION DETECTION APPARATUS USING THE SAME - A submersion detection circuit includes a power source unit, a reference resistor connected between the power source unit and a voltage measurement node, a submersion unit configured to include a plurality of submersion measurement resistors connected in parallel to the voltage measurement node. Submersion contact terminals are formed at respective ends of the submersion measurement resistors, and a voltage measurement unit connected to the voltage measurement node and configured to measure voltage divided by the reference resistor and the submersion unit when the submersion contact terminals submerge. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073238 | CURRENT SENSOR AND ATTACHMENT STRUCTURE OF THE SAME - In a current sensor for detecting an electric current flowing in a current path, a magnetic field generating element generates a second magnetic field perpendicular to a first magnetic field generated by the electric current of the current path, and a magnetic sensor generates at least one of a first signal containing a sine value according to an angle defined between the second magnetic field and a synthetic magnetic field composed of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field and a second signal containing a cosine value according to the angle. A signal processing unit includes a calculation circuit that calculates a tangential value according to the angle using the at least one of the first signal and the second signal, and outputs a sensor signal containing the tangential value. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073239 | Systems and Methods for Mobile Electrofishing Monitoring - A mobile electric field monitor with a floatable housing, an electric field probe, and a computer processor to measure the electric field generated by an electrofisher while the electrofisher is being used in a body of water, this mobile electric field monitor is coupled to computing system to generate a three dimensional map of electric field. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073240 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND TEMPERATURE SENSOR SYSTEM - A temperature sensor in a semiconductor device includes a temperature detection circuit for outputting a voltage according to the chip temperature, a reference voltage generating circuit for generating a plurality of reference voltages, and a plurality of voltage comparators for comparing each reference voltage with an output voltage of the temperature detection circuit and thereby generating a chip temperature detection signal configured with multiple bits. Further, the temperature sensor includes a control circuit for controlling the reference voltages generated by the reference voltage generating circuit based on the chip temperature detection signal and thereby changing correspondence between the chip temperature detection signal and the chip temperature to shift a chip temperature detection range. It is possible to expand the chip temperature detection range by changing the correspondence between the chip temperature detection signal and the chip temperature, without increasing the number of voltage comparators. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073241 | Application Of Wideband Sampling For Arc Detection With A Probabilistic Model For Quantitatively Measuring Arc Events - An arc detection system for a plasma generation system includes a radio frequency (RF) sensor that generates first and second signals based on a respective electrical properties of (RF) power that is in communication with a plasma chamber. A correlation module generates an arc detect signal based on the first and second signals. The arc detect signal indicates whether an arc is occurring in the plasma chamber and is employed to vary an aspect of the RF power to extinguish the arc. | 2013-03-21 |
20130073242 | SMALL VOLUME PROVER APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING FLOW RATE - A small volume prover apparatus and method for precisely measuring the flow rate of a fluid via a cylindrical component such as a flow tube. A precision bore cylinder and a piston can be configured with a valve arrangement in order to permit fluid to pass through an annular passage when the piston travels from one position to an opposite position. An accelerometer sensor can be mounted to the piston for continuously detecting the velocity of the piston traveling in the pipe by integrating acceleration data with respect to time data. The volumetric flow rate can be automatically calculated by multiplying the velocity with respect to the area of the flow tube. | 2013-03-21 |