14th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 48 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090088832 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF VARIABLE LENGTH STENTS - Blood vessels and other body lumens are stented using multiple, discrete stent structures, or continuous coiled or mesh stent structures. Stent structures may be a balloon expandable or self-expanding and are delivered by a delivery catheter which is repositioned to spaced-apart delivery sites. By coating the stents with particular biologically active substances, hyperplasia within and between the implanted stents can be inhibited. An exemplary delivery catheter comprises a catheter body having a deployment mechanism for deploying one or more stents of selectable length into the vessel. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088833 | DOUBLE WALL STENT WITH RETRIEVAL MEMBER - A double wall stent assembly is described in which an inner stent is deployed within an outer stent. The inner stent may be attached to the outer stent by various mechanisms, including a male and female receiving end or by an adhesive. After the inner stent has become clogged, a retrieval member may be inserted into the lumen of the inner stent to detach the inner stent from the outer stent. The clogged inner stent is thereafter removed from the body lumen leaving the outer stent in place. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088834 | STENT FORMED FROM BIOERODIBLE METAL-BIOCERAMIC COMPOSITE - Medical devices and methods of fabricating such medical devices, such as stents, formed at least in part from a metal matrix composite including bioceramic particles dispersed within an erodible metal are disclosed. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088835 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES FABRICATED FROM BLOCK COPOLYMERS - Medical devices, such as stents, fabricated at least in part from a polymer composite including a biodegradable elastomeric phase dispersed within a biodegradable polymeric matrix are disclosed. The composite is composed of a block copolymer including an elastomeric homopolymer block and a glassy polymer block. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088836 | TRANSLUMENALLY IMPLANTABLE HEART VALVE WITH FORMED IN PLACE SUPPORT - A cardiovascular prosthetic valve, the valve comprising an inflatable cuff comprising at least one inflatable channel that forms, at least in part, an inflatable structure, and a valve coupled to the inflatable cuff, the valve configured to permit flow in a first axial direction and to inhibit flow in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction, the valve comprising a plurality of tissue supports that extend generally in the axial direction and that are flexible and/or movable throughout a range in a radial direction. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088837 | PROSTHETIC CHORDAE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE - A prosthetic chordae assembly includes a plurality of equally-sized, interconnected loop members formed from a single strand of a biocompatible material. Each of the loop members includes first and second ends respectively defining a first arcuate junction and a second arcuate junction. The prosthetic chordae assembly is adjustable to a pre-determined length by removing one of the loop members. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088838 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING AND ACTIVATION SYSTEM - An adjustable annuloplasty device is described. In some embodiments, the device includes a body member having a surface that conforms at least partially to a cardiac valve annulus. The body member comprises a shape-memory member that transforms from a first configuration to a second configuration in response to an applied energy. In some embodiments, the device further includes a first electrode assembly, coupled to the shape-memory member, that transfers energy to the shape-memory member, and a second electrode assembly, coupled to the shape-memory member, that transfers at least a portion of the energy away from the shape-memory member. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088839 | POLYMER COMPOSITIONS SUITABLE FOR INTRAOCULAR LENSES AND RELATED METHODS - A polymeric material with a molecular response time that makes it suitable for use near fragile body tissues. The polymeric material is useful for both low modulus and high modulus applications thereby simplifying the multi-part polymeric article manufacturing process and creating better integrated multi-part polymeric articles. Cross-linked polymers with different moduli may be obtained utilizing the same or similar starting materials but modifying the amount of catalyst, the amount of cross-linking agent, and/or the amount of methyl vinyl cyclics. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088840 | ZONAL DIFFRACTIVE MULTIFOCAL INTRAOCULAR LENSES - The present invention generally provides multifocal ophthalmic lenses, e.g., multifocal intraocular lenses, that employ a central refractive region for providing a refractive focusing power and a diffractive region for providing two diffractive focusing powers. In many cases, the refractive focusing power provided by the lens's central region corresponds to a far-focusing power that is substantially equal to one of the diffractive focusing powers while the other diffractive power corresponds to a near-focusing power. As such, in many cases, the focusing properties of the lenses are dominated by the far-focus ability, especially for small pupil sizes. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088841 | TWO-ELEMENT SYSTEM TO PROVIDE AN EASE OF ACCOMMODATION WITH VARIABLE-SPHERICAL ABERRATION CONTROL - In one aspect, the present invention provides a two-element ophthalmic lens in which a lateral shift of the elements relative to one another can cause a variation not only in a spherical power provided by the lens but also in spherical aberration exhibited by that lens. In some implementations, the thickness profiles of the two elements are designed such that the variation in spherical aberration is positively correlated with that of the spherical power of the lens. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088842 | Intraocular Lens - An IOL having a depressed inner optic area and a thickened or raised peripheral outer lip or rim integrally formed with the optic. Such a design reduces the mass of the IOL, making the lens easier to insert in a very small incision, without damaging the optic or compromising the stability of the IOL. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088843 | FUNCTIONAL ABIOTIC NANOSYSTEMS - The invention relates to imparting photoreactivity to target cells, e.g., retinal cells, by introducing photoresponsive functional abiotic nanosystems (FANs), nanometer-scale semiconductor/metal or semiconductor/semiconductor hetero-junctions that in this case include a photovoltaic effect. The invention further provides methods of making and using FANs, where the hetero-junctions bear surface functionalization that localizes them in cell membranes. Illumination of these hetero-junctions incorporated in cell membranes generates photovoltages that depolarize the membranes, such as those of nerve cells, in which FANs photogenerate action potentials. Incorporating FANs into the cells of a retina with damaged photoreceptor cells reintroduces photoresponsiveness to the retina, so that light creates action potentials that the brain interprets as sight. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088844 | DRUG-ELUTING STAPES PROSTHESIS - A medical implant device includes a prosthesis adapted to replace at least a portion of a bone. The prosthesis includes a drug-eluting polymer adapted to deliver a drug to at least a portion of an area surrounding the prosthesis. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088845 | TITANIUM TANTALUM OXYGEN ALLOYS FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - The present disclosure relates to alloys of titanium, tantalum, and oxygen that include from greater than 0 to about 60 weight % tantalum, from greater than or equal to about 0.10 weight % oxygen, and the balance titanium and other impurities. Also disclosed are methods of making such alloys. In addition, articles of manufacture including such alloys, such as biomedical implants, are disclosed. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088846 | Hydrogel arthroplasty device - An arthroplasty device is provided having an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel that is strain-hardened by swelling and adapted to be held in place in a joint by conforming to a bone geometry. The strain-hardened IPN hydrogel is based on two different networks: (1) a non-silicone network of preformed hydrophilic non-ionic telechelic macromonomers chemically cross-linked by polymerization of its end-groups, and (2) a non-silicone network of ionizable monomers. The second network was polymerized and chemically cross-linked in the presence of the first network and has formed physical cross-links with the first network. Within the IPN, the degree of chemical cross-linking in the second network is less than in the first network. An aqueous salt solution (neutral pH) is used to ionize and swell the second network. The swelling of the second network is constrained by the first network resulting in an increase in effective physical cross-links within the IPN. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088847 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM - The present invention provides a surgical instrument system including a first instrument defining a track extending along a length thereof, a second instrument releasably engageable with a prosthesis and having an engagement structure slidably engageable with the track of the first instrument, a third instrument having a cutting element and an engagement structure slidably engageable with the track of the first instrument, and a fourth instrument having a prosthesis trial element sized and shaped substantially similar to the prosthesis, and including an engagement structure slidably engageable with the track of the first instrument. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088848 | INSTRUMENT SET AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING SPINAL NUCLECTOMY - A nuclectomy method for creating a nuclear cavity in an annulus located in an intervertebral disc space and for preparing the nuclear cavity to receive an intervertebral prosthesis. The method involves identifying a plurality of regions in at least a portion of the nucleus. A sequence for removing the regions is also determined. At least one annulotomy is formed in the annulus along an annular axis to provide access to the nucleus. A guide system is positioned relative to the annulotomy. The guide system is configured to limit motion of at least one surgical tool relative to the guide system. A portion of the nucleus is removed from a first region using the surgical tool. At least one of the guide system and the surgical tool are configured to remove a portion of the nucleus from a second region. A portion of the nucleus is removed from a second region using the surgical tool. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088849 | Intervertebral Implant - The present application is directed to implants for positioned between vertebral members. The implant may include a superior surface to contact against a first vertebral member, and an inferior surface to contact against a second vertebral member. The implant may include a central web that extends between first and second flanges. The flanges may be shaped to form gaps that extend the height of the implant. Spaces in communication with the gaps may be formed in an interior of the implant to hold bone growth material. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088850 | INTERVERTEBRAL ENDOPROSTHESIS - An intervertebral endoprosthesis for insertion into the intervertebral space between two adjacent vertebrae is provided that includes first and second base members, each having a first surface configured to engage one of the vertebrae and a second opposite surface and a resilient insert disposed between the base members. The insert includes an outer shell defining an interior chamber and is disposed in contacting engagement with the second surface of each of the base members. The resilient insert further includes a core disposed within the chamber and connected to the outer shell. The intervertebral endoprosthesis further includes first and second coupling members, each of the coupling members extending between the core of the resilient insert and one of the base members. The first and second coupling members independently couple the first and second base members to the resilient insert, wherein the first and second base members are movable independently of one another and the adjacent vertebrae are movable independently of one another when the intervertebral endoprosthesis is inserted into the disc space. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088851 | COMBINATION PLATE AND DISC PROSTHESIS - Orthopedic medical devices for use in orthopedic procedures are provided, having in certain embodiments a first member and a second member configured to replace a disk between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. Additionally, the second member is also configured to fuse the second vertebra to at least a third vertebra. In one embodiment, the second member has a first portion that is elastic and a second portion that is substantially rigid. In other embodiments, the second member is substantially rigid. In yet another embodiment, the first member and second member are configured to replace a disk between the first vertebra and the second vertebra, and the second member and a third member are configured to replace a second disk between the third vertebra and a fourth vertebra. In this embodiment, the first, second, and third members may be connected to vertebrae by various anchors. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088852 | Prosthetic Intervertebral Discs That Are Implantable By Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques And That Have Cores That Are Insertable In Situ Using End Plate Guideways - The described devices are spinal implants that may be surgically implanted into the spine to replace damaged or diseased discs using a posterior approach. The discs are prosthetic devices that approach or mimic the physiological motion and reaction of the natural disc. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088853 | ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE ASSEMBLY WITH ELEMENTS COUPLED BY A RETAINING STRUCTURE - The present invention provides an orthopedic device assembly comprising a first assembly element, a second assembly element, and a retaining mechanism. The first assembly element has a recess that receives the second assembly element, and the retaining mechanism holds the second element in an assembled state with the first assembly element. The retaining mechanism includes a retaining member with an angular cross-section defined by a base portion and a lateral flange portion projecting from the base portion. The retaining member is inserted through an aperture of the first assembly element into a groove in a wall of the recess of the first assembly element, with the flange portion projecting laterally of the groove and overhanging a shoulder portion of the second assembly element so as to retain the second assembly element in the assembled state with the first assembly element. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088854 | SPACING DEVICE AND METHOD - A spinal device generally includes a spacing member and a fixing member. The spacing member is configured to maintain a space between adjacent vertebrae. The fixing member is adapted to maintain a position of the spacing member relative to the adjacent vertebrae. In addition, the fixing member includes a bendable portion releasably connected to the spacing member. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088855 | POSTERIOR ROD CAPTURING SPACER DEVICE AND METHOD - An implantable device includes a spacing member and an elongate member. The elongate member includes a body portion having a first end coupled to the spacing member and a second end having a retention member. In a system for maintaining disc space between adjacent vertebrae, the implantable device is used in conjunction with a spine fixation member. The spine fixation member includes bone anchors and a spinal rod for releasably securing the retention member of the elongate member thereto in order to prevent expulsion of the spacing member from the disc space. Methods of using the system include unilaterally and bilaterally replacing diseased or damaged intervertebral discs from a posterior or transformational approach. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088856 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISK PROSTHESES - Intervertebral disc prosthesis includes an upper plateau ( | 2009-04-02 |
20090088857 | Implant for the delivery of electrical current to promote bone growth between adjacent bone masses - An electrical bone growth promotion apparatus for the delivery of electrical current to an implant surgically implanted between adjacent bone masses to promote bone growth to areas adjacent to the implant is disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a self contained implant having a surgically implantable, renewable power supply and related control circuitry for delivering electrical current directly to the implant and thus directly to the area in which the promotion of bone growth is desired. The desired areas of bone growth promotion may be controlled by conducting negative charge only to the desired location of bone growth promotion. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088858 | Method Of Surface Finishing A Bone Implant - A method of surface finishing a bone implant comprises the steps of roughening a surface of the implant by blasting with abrasive particles and then pickling the surface-roughened implant in a pickling solution in order to loosen any partially embedded abrasive blasting particles that may be contaminating the surface of the implant. Thereafter the roughened surface of the implant is cleaned by mechanical action to detach the loosened abrasive particles there from. The pickling and cleaning steps are not intended to produce any additional roughening of the treated surface, which should be structured to the required roughness by the initial abrasive blasting, typically such that the Ra and Rt roughness parameters are 3≦Ra≦7 μm and 20≦Rt≦70 μm respectively. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088859 | FIXED-BEARING KNEE PROSTHESIS HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS - A fixed-bearing prosthesis includes a femoral component having a medial condyle surface and a lateral condyle surface. The knee prosthesis also includes a bearing having a medial bearing surface configured to articulate with the medial condyle surface of the femoral component, and a lateral bearing surface configured to articulate with the lateral condyle surface of the femoral component. A tibial tray is secured to the bearing. The tibial tray has a platform with an elongated stem extending downwardly from a lower surface thereof. A posterior buttress extends along a posterior section of the perimeter of the tray's platform, and an anterior buttress extends along an anterior section of the perimeter of the tray's platform. Differently-sized tibial trays are interchangeable with differently-sized bearings. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088860 | HINGED ORTHOPAEDIC PROSTHESIS - An orthopaedic prosthesis includes a tibial bearing, a femoral component, and a hinge post coupled to the tibial bearing and the femoral component. The hinge post includes a medial and lateral axle. A pair of bushings are coupled to the axles and received in an internal chamber of the femoral component. The prosthesis may also include a plug received in the internal chamber and positioned to secure the hinge post to the femoral component. The femoral component is configured to rotate about an axis defined by the axles. In some embodiments, the femoral component may include a housing and a patella bearing separate from the housing. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088861 | PROSTHESIS - A mobile bearing tibial implant is described which comprises a tibial component and a mediscal bearing component. The tibial component comprises a tibial plate having a proximal face and a distal face. A tibial post extends from the distal face of the tibial plate which in use will anchor the tibial plate to the proximal end of a resected tibia. The tibial compent additionally includes a generally rectangular tibial projection extending upwardly from the proximal face of the tibial plate, the central longitudinal plane of the said tibial projection being co-linearly located on the sagittal plane passing substantially through the center of the knee. The meniscal bearing component has a substantially flat distal face for glidable seating on the tibial plate and a proximal face configured to receive in use an articulating condylar surface of a femoral component. The meniscal component has a recess therein opening on the distal face of the component, the recess being shaped to receive the tibial projection and to allow the meniscal bearing component to rotate about a center of rotation passing through the tibial projection but to prevent or limit anterior/posterior translation of the meniscal bearing component on the tibial plate. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088862 | STEM EXTENSION AND ADAPTOR FOR USE WITH A KNEE ORTHOPAEDIC IMPLANT - An orthopaedic implant includes a knee prosthetic component, adaptor, and stem extension. The adaptor includes a first mounting end and a second mounting end. The first mounting end is coupled to the knee prosthetic component, and the second mounting end is coupled to the stem extension. The first mounting end of the adaptor defines a first axis, and the second mounting end of the adaptor defines a second axis. The first axis is offset from and parallel to the second axis when viewed in a first anatomical plane. Additionally, the first axis and second axis define an angle therebetween when viewed in a second anatomical plane. In some embodiments, the second mounting end may be movable with respect to the first mounting end. In other embodiments, the adaptor may be integral with the stem extension. Additionally, in some embodiments, the adaptor may be embodied as multi-piece adaptor. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088863 | Femoral prosthesis - A prosthetic femoral implant has a stem having a proximal end and a distal end. A circumferential collar is formed on the proximal end of the stem having a proximally facing surface in the form of a circular disc extending radially inwardly and proximally from a maximum outer circumference to a central neck region. The collar has a distally facing surface extending radially inwardly and distally at an included angle with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the neck region of between 120 and 140°. The distal surface of the collar is v-shaped and may be conical in form. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088864 | Acetabular prosthesis having an orientable face - A prosthetic component assembly, such as an acetabular cup, includes a shell, a bearing positioner and a bearing. The shell and bearing positioner are configured to facilitate orienting the bearing positioner in multiple orientations relative to the shell and for securing the bearing positioner in a selected orientation of the multiple orientations relative to the shell. The bearing is configured to be received in the bearing positioner at multiple rotational orientations for optimal joint biomechanics. The bearing positioner is selected from among a plurality of lateralized positioners to accommodate the joint anatomy. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088865 | Modular Hip Implant - A modular hip implant is disclosed that includes a base member that is to be attached to a pelvic bone, and a cup for accommodating a hip joint prosthesis. The base member is provided with fasteners for mounting the base member on the pelvic bone as well as a concave accommodation portion for the cup. The cup has a convex outer shape which is complementary to the accommodation portion such that the radii of curvature determining the concave accommodation portion and the convex outer form essentially correspond to each other and the cup can be attached within the base member. The base member and/or the cup include adjustment means for adjusting the position of the cup relative to the base member. The invention allows the inclination and anteversion to be adjusted by arranging the cup in the base. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088866 | METHOD FOR MAKING A METAL-BACKED ACETABULAR IMPLANT - A metal-backed acetabular implant and a method of forming the same. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088867 | Swing-Phase Controller With an Artificial Joint - An artificial joint including a stance-phase control means having a flexing axis and a control axis and a swing-phase control means adapted to engage the stance-phase control means. The perpendicular distance between the flexing axis and the swing-phase control means and the perpendicular distance between the control axis and the swing-phase control means are equal when the artificial joint rotates about the flexing axis up to 65°. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088868 | Low-profile lower leg prosthetic devices - A lower leg prosthetic device includes an ankle assembly coupled to a foot assembly via a rigid pin extending through an oversized shaft having a pair of resilient bushings partially seated therein, which resiliently limit the relative pivot of the foot and ankle assemblies about axes orthogonal to that of the pin. A pair of cushions disposed between the assemblies forward and rearward of the pin resiliently limits relative pivot of the assemblies about the pin axis. The foot assembly includes an elongate, planar plantar member mounted to and extending forwardly of a support element having a comparatively lower elastic modulus. The foot assembly cooperates with the coupling assembly to absorb stride-related forces in a graduated manner by relative forward pivoting of the ankle assembly relative in a first phase of striding motion, and by upward flexion of the forward end of the plantar member in a second phase. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088869 | Sample processing apparatus and data processing apparatus - A sample processing apparatus, comprising: a sample processing unit for processing a sample, wherein the sample processing unit comprises an operating device for processing a sample, a drive circuit for driving the operating device, and a first communication part which is configured so as to be capable of external communication; and a data processing unit for processing data output from the sample processing unit, wherein the data processing unit comprises a processor for generating control data for controlling the operating device, and a second communication part which is configured so as to be capable of communicating with the first communication part for transmitting the control data generated by the processor to the first communication part, wherein the drive circuit is configured so as to drive the operating device based on the control data received by the first communication part, is disclosed. A data processing apparatus is also disclosed. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088870 | MES APPLIANCE INTEGRATED WITH CONTROL MODULES - Activities within various environments (e.g., industrial control environment) can be automated through a number of interchangeable modules configured to perform an action or series of actions. Each interchangeable module can be dedicated to a specific function or task (e.g., quality control, performance) and can take into consideration various business aspects. A sequence in which the actions should be performed can be assigned and the appropriate module automatically initiated based on the sequence. A user can manually select a module in order to have a particular function automatically implemented, such as inserting a quality control module into a rack so that functions relating to quality control are automatically implemented. When a different task is desired, the quality control module can be removed and replaced with a different module. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088871 | HISTORIAN INTEGRATED WITH MES APPLIANCE - A simulation that integrates historical data and real-time data as a test or simulation tool can capture an entry that relates to a desired output as function points. A determination can intellectually be made as to which activities can achieve the desired output. The activities can be process steps that can represent a workflow that can be automatically implemented by an MES Appliance or other enterprise components. If a simulation reveals that the desired output might not be achieved, a change to one or more function points can be analyzed in an attempt to achieve the desired result. This change can be input into a simulation tool through a feedback loop, for example. Another simulation can performed on the modified data until a determination is made that the desired output can be achieved. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088872 | Method and apparatus for producing a linearized amplified continuous wave (CW) signal - In one embodiment, at least one parameter set for at least one harmonic of a continuous wave (CW) signal is digitally generated in response to a parameter set for the CW signal. In response to the parameter set for the CW signal, the CW signal is synthesized; and in response to the at least one parameter set for the at least one harmonic of the CW signal, at least one nulling tone is synthesized. The CW signal and the at least one nulling tone are amplified; and the amplified CW signal and the at least one amplified nulling tone are summed to produce a linearized amplified CW signal. Other embodiments are also described. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088873 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a thermal management device having a controller to monitor pressure parameters for hot and cold rooms where the hot and cold rooms are divided by a rack for electronic devices and are substantially isolated from each other, and adjust a flow of cooling air to the cold room where the adjustment of the flow of cooling air to the cold room is based at least in part on the pressure parameters and maintaining a target pressure differential between the hot and cold rooms and where the target pressure differential induces a flow of the cooling air through one or more electronic devices in the rack. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088874 | Valve manifold assemblies and method of operating valve manifold assemblies - A fieldbus valve station with a valve manifold and a communications module having a bus communication unit mounted therein for using a fieldbus protocol and connectable to a fieldbus network and to provide local and peer to peer network control by the valve station if a fault is detected or there is a break from the main fieldbus network. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088875 | VISUALIZATION OF WORKFLOW IN AN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION ENVIRONMENT - A visualization system that generates a visualization of manufacturing operations and corresponding workflow is provided. An interface component receives input concerning displayed objects and information. A context component can detect, infer or determine context information regarding an entity or application. A workflow component binds workflow information to industrial automation manufacturing-related information. A visualization component dynamically generates a visualization from a set of display objects to present to a user that is a function of the received context information, workflow information, and industrial automation manufacturing-related information. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088876 | PORTABLE, DIGITAL MEDIA PLAYER AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The present media player includes alternative indicators, other than a graphical user interface, to facilitate user control. In one embodiment the player includes an illuminable indicator comprising a plurality of LED's. The LED's are configured to illuminate and dim according to a variety of different illumination patterns to indicate, for example, an operational mode of the player. In some embodiments the player is configured to generate auditory signals to indicate to the user that it is tuned to a particular preset station. In some embodiments the player includes apparatus for tracking one or more user parameters, such as heart rate. In some embodiments the player may be configured with a play list matching a tempo profile of an exercise program. Several methods related to the player are also disclosed. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088877 | Musical Content Reproducing Device and Musical Content Reproducing Method - An apparatus is provided which is capable of easily reconstructing (arranging) a piece of music depending on, for example, a feeling of a user listening to the piece of music. First acquisition means acquires data of a specific music content to be played back, from a music content data storage unit in which data of a plurality of music contents are stored. Second acquisition means acquires attribute information associated with the music content in units of music constituent elements from an attribute information storage unit. Third acquisition means acquires arrangement information associated with the music content and associated with the music construction information. In accordance with an arrangement request command issued by the user, the data of the music content being output as audio playback output data is reconstructed on the basis of the music construction information acquired by the second acquisition means and the arrangement information acquired by the third acquisition means. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088878 | Method and Device for Detecting Music Segment, and Method and Device for Recording Data - The present invention is to provide a method of efficiently detecting music scenes from television broadcasts. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088879 | AUDIO REPRODUCTION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR AUDIO REPRODUCTION - According to one embodiment, the invention provides an audio reproduction device including a generation module which generates selection information used for dividing input audio information into an audio channel which can be reproduced by a first audio reproduction device and an audio channel which cannot be reproduced by the first audio reproduction device, and a division module which separates an audio channel, which cannot be reproduced by the first audio reproduction device, from the input audio information, on the basis of the selection information generated by the generation module, and outputs the audio information, acquired by the separation, to an external second audio reproduction device to reproduce the audio information. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088880 | Synchronization and Mixing of Audio and Video Streams in Network-Based Video Conferencing Call Systems - In one aspect, audio streams are added to a mix until the mix is either complete (i.e., all audio streams have been added) or the mix is closed early (i.e., before the mix is complete). In another aspect, audio and video streams are synchronized by playing back the audio stream and then synchronizing display of the video frames to the playback of the audio stream. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088881 | SIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD - An exemplary simulation system for manufacturing a printed circuit board is provided. The simulation system includes at least one simulation sub-system. The simulation sub-system includes an input module, a storing module, a processing module, and an output module. The input module is configured for acquiring a number of processing parameters associated with steps of a process for manufacturing the printed circuit board. The storing module is configured for storing a number of simulation functions relating to the steps of the process for manufacturing the printed circuit board. The processing module is configured for selecting and performing the corresponding simulation function according to the acquired parameters, thereby obtaining a simulation result. The output module is configured for output the simulation result. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088882 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RANDOMIZING DISPATCH ORDER FOR SINGLE WAFER PROCESSING - A method for dispatching wafers for processing in a tool includes identifying a queue of wafers available to be processed in the tool. One of the wafers is randomly selected based at least in part on a length of time each wafer has been in the queue. The selected wafer is dispatched for processing in the tool. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088883 | SURFACE-BASED COMPUTING IN AN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION ENVIRONMENT - An industrial automation surface-based computing system is provided. A computing surface component receives input via placing items thereon. A detection component determines when an object is place on the computing surface component, identifies the object, analyzes the object, and takes action in connection with the object. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088884 | MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION SYSTEM COMPONENTS COMPATIBILITY AND PERFORMANCE TESTING WITH INTEGRATED VIRTUAL AND REAL ENVIRONMENT - A system and method for providing an integrated virtual and real emulation environment for a manufacturing process to provide component compatibility testing and system performance prediction. In one embodiment, a real manufacturing system includes one or more real components that are controlled by a programmable logic controller. The real component can be replaced with a virtual component to determine whether it is compatible in the process, where the programmable controller sends signals to and receive signals from the virtual component as if it were the real component. For system performance prediction, a virtual manufacturing process is provided that includes virtual components where the virtual process is controlled by a programmable logic control as if it were a real process to determine the performance of a real system using the virtual process. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088885 | METHODS OF INTEGRATING REAL AND VIRTUAL WORLD USING VIRTUAL SENSOR/ACTUATOR - An integrated real and virtual manufacturing automation system that employs a programmable logic controller that controls part flow between a real machine in the real world part of the system and a virtual machine in the virtual world part of the system using virtually coupled sensors and actuators. A real world sensor senses the position of the real world machine and a real world actuator actuates the real world machine. Likewise, a virtual world sensor senses the position of the virtual world machine and a virtual world actuator actuates the virtual world machine. An interface device transfers signals between the virtual world part of the system and the real world part of the system, and an input/output device processes signals sent to the programmable logic controller and signals sent from the programmable logic controller. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088886 | Milling head in tricepts with electro-mechanical depth control - It comprises a nozzle ( | 2009-04-02 |
20090088887 | OFFSET CORRECTION TECHNIQUES FOR POSITIONING SUBSTRATES WITHIN A PROCESSING CHAMBER - A method for aligning a substrate to a process center of a support mechanism is provided. The method includes determining substrate thickness after substrate processing at a plurality of orientations and at a plurality of radial distances from a geometric center of the substrate. The method also includes deriving a set of process rate values from substrate thickness and process duration. The method further includes creating for a process rate an off-centered plot which represents a substantially concentric circle whose points are a circumference of the off-centered plot having substantially the first process rate. The method yet also includes applying a curve-fitting equation to the off-centered plot to determine a set of parameters. The method yet further includes teaching a set of robot arms the set of parameters, thereby enabling the set of robot arms to align another substrate that is supported by the support mechanism with the process center. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088888 | COMPONENT MOUNTING METHOD - The component mounter ( | 2009-04-02 |
20090088889 | Accurate Tracking Of Web Features Through Converting Processes - There is described a method and apparatus for tracking the location of web features through a converting process, one application of which can involve tracking paper defects from a paper machine as detected by a camera system, to a winder where the sheet is wound to rolls so that the web defects can be repaired in the winder before making the rolls. The method to track web features is based on pattern identification of inherent sheet variability or defects. The apparatus involves two or more sheet property or defect monitoring web sensors arranged at the same cross directional location at different stages of the converting operation, augmented by tachometers and/or roll diameter sensors. A full automation system for drive control on the winder based on this information is preferably added to make maximum advantage of this information. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088890 | Method and apparatus for the manufacture of a surface on a gas turbine blade - A process and apparatus for the manufacture of adapted, fluidic surfaces on a gas turbine blade is disclosed. In an embodiment, the process includes: (a) generating a nominal milling program for the manufacture of fluidic surfaces in the region of one flow inlet edge and/or one flow outlet edge for an ideal gas turbine blade; (b) measuring the area of an actual gas turbine blade in the region of one flow inlet edge and/or one flow outlet edge thereof; (c) generating a milling program adapted to the actual gas turbine blade, where measured values determined in step (b) are used to adapt the nominal milling program generated in step (a) to the milling program for the actual gas turbine blade; and (d) manufacturing of the fluidic surfaces on the actual gas turbine blades by milling with the use of the milling program generated in step (c). | 2009-04-02 |
20090088891 | METHOD AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR GUIDING THE MOVEMENT OF A MOVABLE MACHINE ELEMENT OF A MACHINE - The invention relates to a method and a control unit ( | 2009-04-02 |
20090088892 | CONTROL SYSTEM OF ELECTRIC ACTUATOR AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - In an aspect of the present invention, each of plural control units which controls drive of an electric actuator diagnoses existence of abnormality in drive control of the electric actuator, the abnormality differing from control unit to control unit; the control unit transmits diagnostic result thereof to another control unit; the control unit outputs an abnormal determination signal as a signal indicating diagnostic result therefrom when at least one of the diagnostic result thereof and the diagnostic result of another control unit indicates abnormality; and the control unit transfers the drive control of the electric actuator to an abnormal use control state when the abnormal determination signal is output from at least one of the plural control units. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088893 | DYNAMIC SELECTION OF FOLD-ADDRESS TO MATCH DOCUMENT LAYOUT - A method for coding the address location on a document or in a data base so that two or more electronic mailings with differing address placements may be combined together and sorted while the mailings are still in electronic form in order to take advantage of workshare discounts, delivery sequence efficiency, desired delivery date, class of delivery service, etc. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088894 | TRANSPORT SYSTEM CAPABLE OF OPTIMIZING TRANSPORT TIME - A transport system includes a plurality of automated guided vehicles that run on a first track to transport an article, a second track connected to the first track on which the plurality of automated guided vehicles wait, a transport controlling apparatus which calculates transport time by using transport completion information received from the automated guided vehicle, and a vehicle managing apparatus which controls the number of automated guided vehicles running on the first track according to a result of calculation by using transport implementation information containing the transport time and historical data containing a list of the transport implementation information. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088895 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING TRANSPORT SEQUENCING IN A PROCESS TOOL BY A LOOK-AHEAD MODE - By providing a look-ahead functionality for a tool internal substrate handling system of process tools on the basis of a process history, the tool internal substrate sequencing may be significantly enhanced. The look-ahead functionality enables a prediction of process time of substrates currently being processed in a respective process module, thereby enabling the initiation of transport activity for substrate load operations in order to significantly reduce the overall idle time of process modules occurring during substrate exchange. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088896 | MODULAR ROTARY MULTI-SENSOR SENSOR RING - An intelligent modular rotary multi-sensor sensor ring platform for such uses as in mobile robotics allows a few sensors to scan the local area and environment, provides a cost saving, volume and a power savings as well as reducing calibration and maintenance costs. The sensor ring platform has a large internal diameter allowing a maximum area for the chassis structural elements as well as other equipment located in the chassis. Local sensor signal processing is combined with time, rotation speed and position data stamps to allow processed data to be used locally as well as to be transferred to other systems or subsystems or for data logging purposes. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088897 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ROBOTIC INSTRUMENT TOOL TRACKING - In one embodiment of the invention, a method for a robotic system is disclosed to track one or more robotic instruments. The method includes generating kinematics information for the robotic instrument within a field of view of a camera; capturing image information in the field of view of the camera; and adaptively fusing the kinematics information and the image information together to determine pose information of the robotic instrument. Additionally disclosed is a robotic medical system with a tool tracking sub-system. The tool tracking sub-system receives raw kinematics information and video image information of the robotic instrument to generate corrected kinematics information for the robotic instrument by adaptively fusing the raw kinematics information and the video image information together. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088898 | ROBOT CONTROLLER FOR HALTING A ROBOT BASED ON THE SPEED OF A ROBOT HAND PORTION - A robot includes a traveling rail supported by struts, and a robot body attached to a slider that slides on the traveling rail. A robot controller comprises speed calculation means for calculating moving speeds of the robot hand portion on the coordinate axes of a rectangular coordinate system set for the robot controller; comparator means for comparing the moving speeds on the coordinate axes calculated by the speed calculation means with threshold values on the coordinate axes of the rectangular coordinate system, respectively; and halting means for halting the robot in case at least any one of the moving speeds is higher than the corresponding threshold value. The strength required for the struts can be lowered without limiting the dynamic capability of the robot. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088899 | Industrial robot - An industrial robot including a tool flange at an end of an outer arm of the robot. A tool is secured to the tool flange. A sensor is configured to sense forces and/or torques applied to a tool secured to the tool flange. The sensor is built into the structure of the robot in the region of the tool flange. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088900 | Ultrasonic distance sensor and robot cleaner using the same - Disclosed herein are an ultrasonic distance sensor that is capable of extending an ultrasonic wave transmitted from a wave transmitter to sense the distance between an object located in a wide region and an installation body having the sensor installed therein and a robot cleaner using the same. The ultrasonic distance sensor includes a wave transmitter to transmit an ultrasonic wave, an ultrasonic wave extender to extend the ultrasonic wave, and a wave receiver to receive the ultrasonic wave reflected from an object. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088901 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING A COMMUNICATING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONING NETWORK - A method for configuring a communicating environmental conditioning network having a plurality of environmental interactive units communicatingly coupled with a plurality of space interactive units, each respective space interactive unit presenting a conditioned output when engaged with a particular environmental interactive unit, includes: (a) turning on selected delivery elements associated with selected space interactive units; (b) establishing baseline data indicating conditioned outputs of the selected space interactive units; (c) engaging at least one respective space interactive unit with at least one respective environmental interactive unit; (d) waiting a predetermined time interval; (e) measuring a conditioned output associated with each the selected delivery element; and (f) selecting the respective selected space interactive unit associated with the largest change in the conditioned output as assigned to the respective environmental interactive unit. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088902 | UNITARY CONTROL MODULE WITH ADJUSTABLE INPUT/OUTPUT MAPPING - A unitary control module having adjustable input and output mapping functionality, including methods of configuring such devices for use in different applications, are disclosed. The unitary control module can include a unit type selector such as a DIP-switch that can be used by an installer to configure the control module to emulate a particular type of controller. The control module can be configured to run a selection algorithm for configuring the mapping of the input terminals and output terminals for the device based on the controller type selected. In use, the control module may run different control algorithms for controlling the system components based on the controller type selected. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088903 | CONTROL STRUCTURE FOR SETTING A SET POINT OF A TEMPERATURE OF A SPACE - The invention provides a system adapted to modify a temperature of a space based on a user selected set-point for the temperature of the space, e.g. a refrigerator, a sauna or a regular building with a HVAC system. The set-point is selected via a control structure which includes a handle being movable relative to a base. In order to simplify the installation and the structure of the space, and further to enable better thermal isolation of the space, the handle comprises a temperature sensing structure. Accordingly, no additional installation work, cabling, and penetration of the wall into the space are necessary for installing separate temperature sensing devices. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088904 | Pneumatic automation system for mobile screens - A pneumatic automation system ( | 2009-04-02 |
20090088905 | MATERIAL-SENSITIVE ROUTING FOR SHARED CONDUIT SYSTEMS - A routing system for shared conduits used in industrial applications is sensitive to material types and material flow histories to allow compatible materials to flow through shared conduits without cleaning while preventing contamination of materials in those shared conduits. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088906 | KNOWLEDGE BASED VALVE CONTROL METHOD - A method associated with a valve controller configured to capture dynamic process conditions for monitoring, diagnosing and maintaining a valve assembly through knowledge-based valve performance criteria. The method includes determining the open and closed positions of a process valve. Measuring the peak torque value required by an actuator to open and close the process valve. Measuring the supply and exhaust pressure required by an actuator to open and close the valve. Determining a deviation zone associated with the peak torque value to open the valve where an alarm is triggered when the torque value falls outside the deviation zone. Creating the dynamic baseline over N | 2009-04-02 |
20090088907 | MODULAR ELECTRICAL GRID INTERFACE DEVICE - A smart grid gateway which includes a onboard computer programmed to provide load measurement and control of at least one local resource or asset. At least one metrology module is configured to provide metering of the at least one local resource or asset. At least one LAN module is configured to communicate with the at least one local resource or asset. At least one WAN module is configured to communicate with a network operations center. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088908 | Low-power ethernet device - In accordance with the teachings of this disclosure, an Ethernet device is provided that draws current below a predetermined voltage, and as the voltage across the device exceeds the threshold, the device transforms into a high-impedance state, appearing as a high impedance device. Once in the high-impedance state, the discovery process proceeds normally as the current drawn through the high-impedance device is no more than normally occurs due to leakage or other typical conditions. Thus, the IEEE discovery now proceeds normally in the higher voltage ranges (6V to 9V) where the device of this disclosure is effectively out of the circuit, causing no interference. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088909 | Batch processing apparatus for processing work pieces - In a batch cleaning apparatus having a one-bath-type cleaning tank, control is performed such that an average temperature of cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank is uniform among different batches. The one-bath-type cleaning tank has a megasonic oscillator for cleaning objects to be cleaned. A control computer controls the supply temperature of pure water supplied from a pure water heating device to dilute chemical solution so that variation in solution temperature occurring during application of megasonic waves is compensated. The objects to be cleaned are cleaned with an average solution temperature kept at a fixed level for all the batches, while maintaining a high cleaning efficiency. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088910 | Method to Prevent Excessive Current Drain of Telematics Unit Network Access Device - The disclosed examples illustrate a system and method that prevent excessive current drain through the network access device (NAD) of a telematics unit and provide flexible discontinuous-receive management. Normally, when in a Standby State and where communication service is unavailable, the NAD may dissipate current at rate many times more than where communication service is available. A Standby Counter provides the length of the time interval for Standby State or the sleep cycle. Certain of the disclosed examples prevent excessive vehicle battery drain by operating the telematics unit in a first mode wherein a sleep cycle value of the telematics unit is above a first predetermined threshold, and if the communication service is available, operating the telematics unit in a second mode wherein a sleep cycle value is in a range from zero to the first predetermined threshold. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088911 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANEUVERING AN AIRCRAFT BY SHIFTING ITS CENTER OF GRAVITY - A method to maneuver an aircraft in flight, in which the center of gravity of the aircraft is shifted by transferring fuel from at least one first fuel tank to at least one second fuel tank of the aircraft. A system implementing this method, the system including: at least one first fuel tank and at least one second fuel tank, a flight control unit capable of sending out a maneuver command upon being handled. A computer capable, as a function of this command, of determining a quantity of fuel to be transferred from the first tank to the second tank, at least one means of transfer connecting the first and second tanks and being controlled by the computer, to transfer the fuel from the first tank to the second tank | 2009-04-02 |
20090088912 | LINEAR DRIVEN X-Z ROBOT - Systems and methods of positioning a tool using a linear motor with a plurality of stages on a single path. A single rail and a plurality of trucks containing stages can comprise a linear motor. The trucks can connect to a tool through a linkage such as a four bar linkage or a scissor jack. The global position of the stages can be manipulated to effectuate motion along the path; the relative position, velocity, and acceleration of the trucks can be manipulated to effectuate motion in another direction such as a direction perpendicular to the path. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088913 | HYBRID VEHICLE AND CONTROL METHOD OF HYBRID VEHICLE - The drive control of the invention adopted in a hybrid vehicle specifies an operation line L to give a greater torque in a low rotation speed area of an engine with an increase in vehicle speed and controls the operation of the engine according to the specified operation line L. The engine can thus be driven at a higher-efficiency drive point, while the driving-related background noise effectively masks some abnormal noise or muffled noise, which may be caused by the operation of the engine in a low rotation speed-high torque area. This arrangement desirably prevents the driver and the other passenger from feeling odd and uncomfortable due to the abnormal noise or muffled noise and enhances the energy efficiency of the hybrid vehicle. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088914 | Driving Power Control Apparatus for Four Wheel Drive Vehicle - Front left and right wheel units (FL, FR) are driven by an engine (ENG) and a motor generator (MG | 2009-04-02 |
20090088915 | VEHICLE ASSISTANCE SYSTEM - There is disclosed a vehicle assistance system including an assistance vehicle provided with a power source; an assisted vehicle driven by power; and an electric cable which electrically connects the assistance vehicle to the assisted vehicle, wherein the power of the power source is supplied from the assistance vehicle to the assisted vehicle via the electric cable. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088916 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC PATH PLANNING AND OBSTACLE/COLLISION AVOIDANCE OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES - Method and systems of traversing through a domain is provided. One method comprises getting a set of widely spaced waypoints, assigning the next waypoint to be the goal, then using a Laplacian path planner to construct a desired finely detailed path towards the goal, through the domain that avoids boundaries and objects in the domain. Assigning a potential value of v(r)=0 for r on boundaries and obstacles. Assigning a potential value of v(r)=−1 for r on a goal region, wherein the goal is a point on a planned path. Obtaining a numerical solution to the desired path with a Laplace's equation by gridding up the domain with a multi-sized cell grid, wherein the cells near an object are denser then the cells away from the objects. Iteratively setting a potential at each interior point equal to the average of its nearest neighbors and following the numerical solution provided by the Laplace's equation to the goal region. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088917 | STEERING ARRANGEMENT FOR A DRIVERLESS VEHICLE - A driverless vehicle, for example for a passenger rapid transport (PRT) system, comprises steered wheels ( | 2009-04-02 |
20090088918 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE - A control means for controlling actuators of a vehicle creates a time series of a future behavior of the vehicle using a vehicle model. A state amount of the vehicle model is initialized on the basis of a state amount of the vehicle, and the future behavior is created starting from the initial state amount. The future behavior is created such that operation commands of the actuators in the vehicle model at the current time coincide with or approximate basic values based on operation of a manipulating device, such as a steering wheel of the vehicle. It is evaluated whether vehicle motion, road surface reaction force, and wheel sliding, in the created future behavior satisfy predetermined restrictive conditions. Based on the evaluation result, the operation commands of the actuators are successively decided. This permits ideal travel of the vehicle to be achieved by properly predicting future behaviors of the vehicle. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088919 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR VEHICLE, AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A drive force control portion ( | 2009-04-02 |
20090088920 | VEHICLE LOAD BACKUP CIRCUIT - A load backup device includes an abnormality detection part which detects an abnormal operation of a processing part, and a backup driving part which drives a load based on an output from the abnormality detection part when the abnormality detection part detects the abnormal operation of the processing part. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088921 | MODULE FOR DETECTING A VEHICLE CRASH AND AN AIRBAG DEPLOYING SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME - Embodiments of the present invention may provide a module for detecting a vehicle crash. The module includes a housing mounted to a vehicular frame member at one end portion thereof. The module includes first and second rods housed in the housing. The first rod is contacted to the frame member at one end thereof through the one end portion of the housing. The second rod is contacted to the opposite end of the first rod and being disposed between the first rod and the opposite end portion of the housing. The module includes first and second sensors mounted to the first and second rods respectively for detecting a crash by sequentially measuring stress wave caused by the crash. The first sensor detects a stress wave propagating through the first rod and outputting a signal. The second sensor detects a stress wave propagating through the second rod and outputting a signal. The module includes a biasing member disposed between the second rod and the opposite end portion of the housing for biasing the first and second rods toward the frame member. A magnitude of impedance of the first rod is larger than that of the second rod and the magnitude of impedance of the second rod is larger than that of the biasing member. The module can remarkably reduce the elapsed time required for detecting a crash by measuring a stress wave, which propagates very rapidly through a vehicular frame member. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088922 | Method to detect mechanical faults and dynamic instability in rotor systems of helicopters, tilt rotor aircraft, and whirl towers - This method uses revolution to revolution blade track height and timing data to determine mechanical and dynamic stability, mal-adjustment, and faults in a vertical lift aircraft rotor system with a plurality of blades. Raw data are processed from tracking devices to improve their resolution then sorted in a way as to remove the chaotic character of the data and provide coherent and/or relatively linear data sets. Faults and failure can be discovered in a plurality of ways including graphic displays presentations of the data. Graphic displays provide a significant amount of information to even those with little experience in the art. Data collection and analysis is very rapid. The data can be used within moments after collection. Most of the data required to access the rotor system can be taken at hover and/or on the ground. Significant operational, safety, and cost saving are achieved. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088923 | VEHICULAR CONTROL APPARATUS AND PROGRAM STORAGE MEDIUM - Whether an anomaly occurs in a data-rewritable second nonvolatile memory is determined by comparison between (i) a diagnosis code stored in the second nonvolatile memory and (ii) data contents stored as a diagnosis table in a first nonvolatile memory. The first nonvolatile memory previously stores the diagnosis table for listing diagnosis codes. If the diagnosis codes are appropriately registered in the diagnosis table, it is thereafter unnecessary to take into consideration whether the diagnosis codes are normally stored in the first nonvolatile memory. This configuration requires no further rewriting of information in the first nonvolatile memory unlike other memories, and thus decreases a possibility of an occurrence of an anomaly to garble the information in the first nonvolatile memory in comparison with other memories. Whether an anomaly occurs in the second nonvolatile memory can be thus performed more appropriately. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088924 | Vehicle tracking, communication and fleet management system - A vehicle fleet management information system identifies location and direction of movement of each vehicle in a fleet in real-time, and automatically reports such information, as well as status of predetermined events in which the vehicle is engaged, directly to the fleet manager. Each fleet vehicle has an assigned time slot to transmit its reporting information over a communications network without interfering with transmissions from other vehicles in their own respective time slots. A timing control phase lock loop (PLL) provides precise time synchronization for timing corrections from a global positioning system (GPS) based time reference. A dual band full-duplex interface of the network has TDMA on one-half and broadcast on the other half. Microprocessor time processing units in components of the network perform precise clock synchronization. Space diversity performed on received vehicle transmitted messages avoids data corruption. Different vehicles have different periodic transmission intervals, by dynamically allocating the slots for various update rates. Auxiliary reporting slots enable prompt reporting of important data by the respective vehicle transmitters independent of the slower periodic transmission intervals. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088925 | Drive Assist System - A drive assist system includes an assist starting part starting assist, a detection part detecting relative distances and speeds between a vehicles, a calculation part calculating collision risks when changing a lane by the basis of the relative distances and speeds, a first judgment part judging whether the lane can be changed by the relative distances, speeds and the collision risks, a decision part deciding a target space for lane change by the relative distances and speeds when the lane cannot be changed, a second judgment part judging whether a lane changeable space is in the target space, a setting part setting a target speed for the vehicle go to a lane change waiting position when no space and to setting a target speed the vehicle enters a lane changeable position when there is the space, and a control part controlling a speed of the vehicle reaches the target speed. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088926 | Tilt Angle Detecting Apparatus for Vehicle, and Rollover Judging Apparatus Using This Tilt Angle Detecting Apparatus for Vehicle - A tilt angle detecting apparatus removes an unnecessary component included in an angular velocity detecting signal (an input ω) inputted from an angular velocity sensor | 2009-04-02 |
20090088927 | STEERING CONTROL METHOD, STEERING CONTROL DEVICE, AND WATERCRAFT - A watercraft includes an operating method in which a present steering wheel rotational angle is detected, and a steering wheel rotational angle variation is calculated by subtracting a steering wheel rotational angle in a preceding control period from the steering wheel rotational angle. Next, a steering angle ratio is set. A target steering angle variation is calculated by multiplying the steering wheel rotational angle variation by the steering angle ratio. Finally, a target steering angle in a present period is calculated by adding the target steering angle variation to a target steering angle in a preceding control period. A steering device is steered based on the target steering angle. The operating method operates to prevent a rider of a watercraft from feeling uncomfortable in the watercraft which has an electric steering mechanism when either a steering wheel or a steering device is turned in a state when a power supply is turned off or a case when steering wheel rotational angles of a plurality of operating stations differ from each other. | 2009-04-02 |
20090088928 | OCCUPANT BASED NAVIGATION AID LOCK-OUT FUNCTION - A vehicle navigation aid (nav-aid) system and method are provided to un-lock nav-aid functions in a moving vehicle. Sensors within the vehicle provide vehicle speed S and whether a person other the driver is present. For S greater than predetermined threshold speed S | 2009-04-02 |
20090088929 | Method for determining the morphology of an occupant in an automotive seat with capacitive sensors - The present invention relates to a method determining the morphology of the occupant of an automotive car, characterized in that it comprises the steps of collecting ( | 2009-04-02 |
20090088930 | DRIVING POSTURE ADJUSTING APPARATUS - Disclosed is a driving posture adjusting apparatus comprising: a seat-position adjusting mechanism ( | 2009-04-02 |
20090088931 | Linkage control system with position estimator backup - A linkage control system for a machine having a linkage and a work implement is disclosed. The linkage control system has an operator input device configured to control the movement of the linkage, at least one actuator configured to respond to the operator input device to control the movement of the linkage, and at least one sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of sensor data on at least one actuator. The linkage control system has a controller in communication with at least one actuator, at least one sensor, and the operator input device. The controller is configured to calculate the position of the linkage, to detect anomalous sensor data from at least one sensor, and to predict the position of the linkage and work implement based on a last known accurate position, a last known accurate sensor data, and the operator input device. | 2009-04-02 |