27th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 46 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110166640 | STENT HAVING LESS INVASIVE ENDS AND IMPROVED RADIAL FORCE - The present invention provides a stent having less invasive ends and improved radial force. In one embodiment, the stent comprises a series of proximal apices disposed at a proximal end of the stent, a series of distal apices disposed at a distal end of the stent, and at least one angled strut segment disposed between the proximal and distal apices of the stent. At least one apex of the stent may comprise multiple curved portions. In one example, the radius of curvature of one of the curved portions is significantly greater, for example, at least 10 times greater, than each of the other radii of curvature of the apex. The curved portion having the significantly greater radius of curvature may be configured to engage a vessel wall in a less invasive manner. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166641 | HIGHLY FLEXIBLE STENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - Preferred embodiments of a stent with a high degree of flexibility are shown and described. The stent can include a continuous helical winding having interconnected struts joined at vertices, and having bridges connecting sections of the helical winding to each other. An annular ring can be provided at one or both ends of the helical winding, and the annular ring can have extensions extending to connect to the helical winding. One of the extensions can connect to a bridge and another extension can connect to a vertex. The struts at the ends of the helical winding can have strut lengths that differ from the strut lengths of the struts Po. in a central portion of the winding between the ends of the winding. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166642 | Stent Configurations - The invention is directed to an expandable stent which is longitudinally flexible in both the unexpanded and expanded conditions. The stent includes spiral structures which at least partially unwind upon expansion of the stent to limit stent recoil. Regions of low strain in the stent during expansion are provided by the spiral structures. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166643 | Stent - A stent shaped as a three-dimensional body which is formed by interlaced threads ( | 2011-07-07 |
20110166644 | BLOOD VESSEL PROSTHESIS AND DELIVERY APPARATUS - A prosthesis for locating at a branch region of a blood vessel. The prosthesis comprises a main conduit ( | 2011-07-07 |
20110166645 | DEVICE VIEWABLE UNDER AN IMAGING BEAM - The invention provides a stent made from a material operable to perform a stent's desired therapeutic functions, and also made from a material that has a radiopacity that substantially preserves the appearance of the stent when the stent is viewed under a CT imaging beam. Such a stent can allow for follow-up of the stent and the surrounding blood-vessel on CT. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166646 | Drug Eluting Stent and Method of Making the Same - A drug eluting stent comprising a multilayer tubular structure which includes at least one intermediate layer having reservoirs therein for deposition of a drug, the intermediate layer eluting drug in a lateral direction, and methods of making the same. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166647 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - The invention provides an implantable medical device comprising a fibrous polymer body comprising a plurality of electrospun poly(urethane) fibers, a support filament wrapped around the body, an outer layer around the filament for adhering the filament to the body, the outer layer comprising a plurality of electrospun poly(urethane) fibers, and a polymer primer coating at least the fibers of the body. The polymer primer comprises poly(lactide) and is attached to a heparin residue through a link. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166648 | PROFILE REDUCTION OF VALVE IMPLANT - A method for reducing an axial profile of a valve implant includes providing a valve implant having a longitudinal axis and a delivery catheter having a central axis and a distal receiving section. The method further includes helically rolling the valve implant around a rolling axis that is offset at an angle of about 15 degrees to about 60 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis to form a rolled valve implant having a rolled axis, where the rolled axis is the same as the rolling axis. The method further includes aligning the rolled axis of the rolled valve implant with the central axis of the delivery catheter. The method further includes inserting the rolled valve implant into the distal receiving section of the delivery catheter. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166649 | ANNULOPLASTY DEVICES AND METHODS OF DELIVER THEREFOR - Apparatus is provided, including a tube ( | 2011-07-07 |
20110166650 | NEW TECHNIQUE FOR PREPARING, STORING AND TRANSPLANTING ENDOTHELIAL GRAFTS - The present invention relates to a new isolated cornea wherein the Descemet's membrane is separated from the overlying corneal stroma by an air cushion. For “DMEK” surgery a spatula ( | 2011-07-07 |
20110166651 | Lens Having Independent Non-Interfering Partial Zones - A lens, particularly a contact lens or intraocular lens, for improving the image quality of incident polychromatic light exhibiting wave front errors, including a central zone and at least one annular zone, is characterized in that such that positive or negative optical wavelength differences exist between adjoining zones of the lens in the direction of the lens axis, said differences being at least as large as the coherence length of polychromatic light. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166652 | TORIC LENS WITH DECREASED SENSITIVITY TO CYLINDER POWER AND ROTATION AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A method, system and apparatus for vision correction are disclosed. The method, system and apparatus include a toric intraocular element for correcting astigmatism and having a cylinder power, and a depth of focus extender coupled to the toric intraocular element, the depth of focus extender extending a depth of focus. The extended depth of focus may reduce sensitivity of the toric intraocular element to at least one of rotation and selected cylinder power. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166653 | MEDICAL DEVICES - Medical devices comprising an anti-connexin agent suitable for introduction into a subject. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166654 | SPINE IMPLANT INSERTION DEVICE AND METHOD - A spinal implant include a top, wherein at least a portion of the top is configured to contact a first vertebra, a bottom, wherein at least a portion of the bottom is configured to contact a second vertebra, a side having a releasable attachment to receive an insertion device and a cam surface to engage a cam on the insertion device | 2011-07-07 |
20110166655 | SPINAL IMPLANT HAVING DEPLOYABLE BONE ENGAGING PROJECTIONS - Instrumentation is disclosed for inserting an interbody spinal fusion implant for implantation at least in part within and across the generally restored height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine. The implant has an external housing and a substantially hollow internal rotatable member having bone engaging projections that are deployable through the housing to penetrably engage the adjacent vertebral bodies. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166656 | SPINAL IMPLANT CONFIGURED FOR MIDLINE INSERTION - The embodiments provide a spinal implant that is configured for midline insertion into a patient's intervertebral disc space. The spinal implant may have a body and the body comprises one or more apertures. The apertures receive fixation elements, such as a screw and the like. The fixation element may comprise one or more anti-backout features, such as a split ring. In addition, at least some of the apertures are designed to permit a predetermined amount of nutation by a fixation element. The apertures that allow nutation enable the fixation element to toggle from one position to another, for example, during subsidence of the implant in situ. Some of the apertures may be configured to rigidly lock with the fixation elements. Moreover, the spinal implant may include features, such as one or more bores, that can accommodate imaging marks to help guide a surgeon. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166657 | SPINAL IMPLANT CONFIGURED FOR LATERAL INSERTION - The embodiments provide a spinal implant that is configured for lateral insertion into a patient's intervertebral disc space. The spinal implant may have a body having a tapered anterior portion and one or more apertures. The tapered anterior portion allows for concomitant distraction of soft tissue during insertion of the implant. In addition, at least some of the apertures are designed to permit a predetermined amount of nutation by a fixation element. The fixations elements that allow nutation enable the fixation element to toggle from one position to another, for example, during subsidence of the implant in situ. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166658 | SPINAL IMPLANT WITH ATTACHMENT SYSTEM - The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a spinal implant assembly having features to prevent or minimize fixation elements, such as screws, from being dislodged, or from backing out over time and with use. The spinal implant assembly may comprise an implantable body having first apertures for receiving fixation elements. A plate configured to nest against the posterior portion of the implantable body and comprising one or more second apertures can be provided. These second apertures permit access to the head portions of the fixation elements. One or more locking elements are then passed through the second apertures and engage the head portions of the fixation elements. In addition, the plate may comprise an adjustable arm to allow the plate to be used with implantable bodies of different size. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166659 | Implant Device - The present invention is directed to an implant device, in particular an implant device placed between bony, cartilaginous or soft tissues or between prosthetic surfaces to restore or create a gap. More particular the present invention is directed to an implant device made from polymeric material and having a stiffness gradient as well as a limited dimensional deformation, wherein the implant device has a stiffness gradient and a limited dimensional deformation and preferably is at least partially anisotropic. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166660 | IMPLANT WITH SPIRAL ANCHOR - An intervertebral implant ( | 2011-07-07 |
20110166661 | APPARATUS FOR FITTING A SHOULDER PROSTHESIS - Method and set of surgical instruments for fitting a shoulder prosthesis, and the shoulder prosthesis. The proposed method seeks to interpose a bone graft between the previously prepared glenoid surface of a scapula of a patient's shoulder and the face of a glenoid prosthetic component opposite the articular surface. The set of instruments permit the bone graft to be taken from the upper epiphysis of the humerus, either in situ or ex vivo. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166662 | HUMERAL COMPONENT - The invention relates to a humeral component of a shoulder joint prosthesis, comprising a bearing body ( | 2011-07-07 |
20110166663 | LATERAL ELBOW PROSTHESIS - PROXIMAL RADIOULNAR JOINT - A proximal radioulnar joint (lateral elbow) prosthesis includes an ulnar brace member to be secured to the outer surface of the ulna bone. The ulnar brace member defines a bearing surface for supporting the radius. The prosthesis may also include a radial brace member which cooperates with the ulnar brace member. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166664 | SOCKET HAVING PHYSIOLOGICAL LOAD TRANSMISSION - The invention relates to a joint socket ( | 2011-07-07 |
20110166665 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT - Methods and apparatus of the present invention provide for orthopaedic total replacement of the hip while substantially preserving muscles and soft tissues around the hip joint resulting in reduced healing time and decreased risk of dislocation following the procedure. In an exemplary embodiment, the acetabulum is prepared and fitted with a prosthetic acetabular cup | 2011-07-07 |
20110166666 | MODULAR ORTHOPAEDIC COMPONENT CASE - A case for modular neck components for hip implants. The case may include indicators based on independent variables associated with physical characteristics of the implant, including leg length, offset, and anteversion. During surgery, the surgeon may be confronted with a need to change a preoperatively-chosen modular neck. For example, the surgeon may desire a change in at least one of the variables, e.g., leg length, offset, and/or anteversion. The case allows the surgeon to quickly and easily select a different modular neck based on an evaluation of one of the variables without requiring reevaluation of the other variables. A method described herein may include preoperative planning in which a template including a grid coordinate system is used, which advantageously provides an intuitive system for the surgeon both preoperatively and during surgery. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166667 | PROSTHETIC BALL-AND-SOCKET JOINT - A prosthetic joint includes: (a) first member having a balanced centroidal axis, and comprising a rigid material and a concave interior defining a cup surface, the cup surface including: (i) a cantilevered first flange defining a wear-resistant protruding first contact rim, the first flange being asymmetric relative to the balanced centroidal axis; and (ii) a cantilevered second flange defining a wear-resistant protruding second contact rim; (b) a second member comprising a rigid material with a wear-resistant, convex contact surface; (c) where the first and second contact rims bear against the contact surface of the second member, to transfer loads between the first and second members, while allowing pivoting motion therebetween; and (d) wherein the flanges are shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and permit the first and second contact rims to conform in an irregular shape to the contact surface, when the joint is under load. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166668 | PROSTHETIC HIP IMPLANTS - Prosthetic hip stems for use in prosthetic hip joints and, in particular, provides prosthetic hip stems that are designed to achieve more optimized outcomes with certain types of patient anatomy, such as the anatomy of female patients and/or patients having osteoporosis. Each hip stem in a family or set of hip stems has diaphyseal width, metaphyseal width, offset, and head height dimensions. In a set of hip stems of increasing nominal size, the diaphyseal width dimension increases substantially non-proportionally to the corresponding increase of the metaphyseal width, offset, and head height dimensions, thereby providing a family or set of hip stems that is particularly adapted for patients having osteoporosis, in which the cortical bone of the diaphysis of the femur becomes thinner with progression of the osteoporosis. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166669 | Cancellous constructs, cartilage particles and combinations of cancellous constructs and cartilage particles - Constructs that are at least partially constructed of allograft cancellous bone are disclosed, along with cartilage particles that may be used with the constructs for repairing articular cartilage defects. A multi-piece construct includes a base member, a cap member and at least one pin that secures the cap member to the base member. The base member may be constructed of mineralized cancellous bone, and is used to replace the subchondral bone removed when a surgeon cuts a bore in the area of an adjacent cartilage defect. The base member includes a blind bore and first and second through-going transverse bores in opposite sides of a wall of the base member. The cap member includes an upper section that has a thickness that is similar to that of a patient's surrounding articular cartilage layer and a stem depending from the upper section that is dimensioned to be received in and by the blind bore of the base member. The stem includes a transverse through-going bore, which may be aligned with the transverse through-going bores of the base member to receive the pin therein when the construct has been assembled. The cap member is at least partially formed of demineralized allograft cancellous bone, into which a mixture containing lyophilized, freeze-milled allograft cartilage particles may be infused for the repair of articular cartilage defects. The cartilage particles have a size within a range of from about 10 microns to about 210 microns. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166670 | PUFA COVERED IMPLANTS - A medical or dental implant which contains a metal material selected from the group consisting of titanium or an alloy thereof, wherein at least part of the surface of the metal material is coated with a layer of a polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In a preferred embodiment, the implant has been exposed to UV radiation for at least 30 seconds before, simultaneously with and/or after the coating with PUFA. Depending on the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the surface, at least parts of the implant exhibits improved effect on adhesion of mineralized and/or hard tissue, such as on bone remodeling and/or improved biocompatibility, or alternatively inhibits adhesion of mineralized and/or hard tissue to the implant. The metal material is preferably titanium, the polyunsaturated fatty acid is preferably EPA. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166671 | PROSTHETIC JOINT - A prosthetic joint has a central axis and includes: (a) a first member of rigid material and including a body having a cantilevered perimeter flange extending therefrom, the flange defining a wear-resistant, concave first contact surface having a protruding rim and a recessed central portion; and (b) a second member of rigid material with a wear-resistant, convex second contact surface. The first and second contact surfaces bear directly against each other so as to transfer axial and lateral loads from one of the members to the other, while allowing pivoting motion between the two members. The flange is shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and permit the first contact surface to conform in an irregular shape to the second contact surface when the joint is placed under a predetermined load. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166672 | BONE DEFECT FILLER NOT ADSORBING BONE GROWTH FACTOR AND NOT INHIBITING THE ACTIVITY OF THE SAME - An object of the invention is to provide a bone filling material capable of promoting the bone regeneration effect of a growth factor such as platelet rich plasma (PRP). | 2011-07-07 |
20110166673 | QUILTED IMPLANTABLE GRAFT - Described are embodiments of a multilaminate or multiple layer implantable surgical graft with an illustrative graft comprising a remodelable collagenous sheet material, the graft including one or more interweaving members to stitch together the graft to help prevent the layers from delaminating or separating during handling and the initial stages of remodeling. The interweaving members may comprise lines of suture, thread, individual stitches, strips of material, etc. that are woven through the layers of biomaterial in a desired pattern. In one embodiment, the interweaving members comprise a pharmacologically active substance, such as a drug, growth factors, etc. to elicit a desired biological response in the host tissue. In another embodiment, the graft further comprises a reinforcing material, such as a synthetic mesh, within the layers of remodelable biomaterial and stitched together by one or more interweaving members. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166674 | ANKLE PROSTHESIS - The invention relates to a prosthetic or orthetic device ( | 2011-07-07 |
20110166675 | Function Module And Coupling Module For A Switch Device Control And System For Switch Device Control - A functional module for a switch device control is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the functional module includes—a communication unit having a communication interface for communicating with at least one further functional module and/or at least one coupling module,—a control unit connected to the communication unit and designed to receive signals transmitted from the at least one further functional module and/or the at least one coupling module to the communication unit and to transmit switch commands via the communication unit to the at least one further functional module and/or the at least one coupling module,—a first control current interface for the electric connection to a first switch device or an external energy supply unit, and—a second control current interface for supplying control current to the at least one further functional module and/or the at least one coupling module. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166676 | Fault Detection in a System Under Control | 2011-07-07 |
20110166677 | GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE - The present invention relates to systems and methods that facilitates rendering of data in an industrial automation environment. According to an aspect of the invention, a device analyzer can determine properties associated with a plurality of devices intended for delivery of data. An HMI generator can format the data respectively in accordance with the determined properties of the devices and deliver the formatted data to the respective devices. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166678 | ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD INVOLVING CONVERSION OF WAVELENGTH SIGNALS TO AUDIO SIGNALS AND DEVICE RELATED TO THE SAME - An entertainment system and method is provided that enables receiving of a sequenced sensor reading reflective of indicia in the visible spectrum on a rotating substrate and generating a sequenced audio signal reflective of the indicia. An operative system includes an operating circuit containing at least a photo sensor system and a converter operatively linked to a controlling processor system. A speaker is linked to the controlling processor system to generate the sequenced audio signals upon receipt of a digital signal from the processor. An operative electronic memory linked with the controlling processor system allows comparison of received signal data with a predetermined audio data set. The operative electronic memory also optionally stores multiple series of matched indicia and audio data sets, such that an entire musical song may be related to an externally recognizable image comprising such indicia in the visible spectrum. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166679 | AUDIO FILE EDITING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An audio file editing system enabling creation and editing of audio content within a single multi-layer audio file. The audio editor and method of the invention enables “layering” of audio content relative to other audio content within a single file to create a multi-layered audio file. This enables audio information to be combined in a way that keeps all content active and editable until the final product. An unlimited number of layers can be assembled within a file, constrained only by practical file size limits and system capabilities. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166680 | SOUND REPRODUCTION SYSTEM, CARRIER, METHOD FOR GENERATING A CORRECTION PROFILE AND SOUND REPRODUCTION METHOD - A sound reproduction system includes an audio source ( | 2011-07-07 |
20110166681 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING/RECEIVING OBJECT-BASED AUDIO - Provided is a system and method for transmitting/receiving an object-based audio. The system includes: a pre-processing unit for receiving an audio signal from diverse sources of outside and creating an object-based audio signal through a pre-processing procedure; an object-based audio editing unit for editing the object-based audio signal from the pre-processing unit and organizing an audio scene; an object-based audio coding unit for coding/multiplexing information on the object-based audio signal and the audio scene from the object-based audio editing unit and creating object-based audio contents; and a transmitting unit for transmitting the object-based audio contents from the object-based audio coding unit. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166682 | AUTOMATED GENERATION OF GARMENT CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATION - Sketches, notes and 2D computer drawings of a designed garment can be input into a computing device. The computing device can apply optical character recognition, shape inference, figure recognition, domain intelligence and inferred knowledge to automatically generate a garment construction specification from the input information. The garment construction specification can include a detailed description of each component of the garment, followed by step-by-step instructions, such as could be consumed by a computer-controlled device, regarding the joining of the components to create the garment. A virtual garment generation mechanism can create a 3D rendering of the garment by constructing each component and then joining them together to act as a single 3D piece. Material behavioral properties can also be applied to the 3D rendering. User feedback regarding the 3D rendering can be utilized to create a modified garment construction specification which can ultimately, when approved, be provided to a garment manufacturer. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166683 | Real Time WIP Optimizer - A method identifies a real time downstream to processing capability within a production environment using a computerized device. The processing sequences perform operations utilizing one or more tools. The method also determines if an upstream tool capacity is greater than a downstream tool capacity. When the upstream tool capacity is greater than the downstream tool capacity the method calculates an overlap value. The method then adjusts the run rate for the upstream tool to by dividing the run rate of the upstream tool by the overlap value. The method is a centralized system that references tool processing parameters to determine processing capability. In the cases where the upstream tool has a significantly shorter processing time than the downstream tool, the system is used to determine if value should be added at the upstream tool to avoid WIP build up at the downstream tool. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166684 | YIELD PREDICTION FEEDBACK FOR CONTROLLING AN EQUIPMENT ENGINEERING SYSTEM - A yield prediction is received by a strategy engine. The strategy engine compares the end-of-line yield prediction to a plurality of rules. The strategy engine then instructs a component of an equipment engineering system to perform an action included in a rule that corresponds to the end-of-line yield prediction. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166685 | PRESS-FORMING DEVICE, PRESS-FORMING METHOD, COMPUTER PROGRAM/SOFTWARE ARRANGEMENT AND STORAGE MEDIUM - Exemplary embodiments of a press-forming device, press-forming method, computer program/software arrangement and storage medium can be provided. The exemplary press-forming device can include a material characteristic input configured to input material characteristics. A state variable detector can be configured to measure a state variable comprising a metal mold distortion amount. A processing condition computer arrangement can be configured to determine from a first moment to a second moment at least one particular processing condition. Further, a processing condition controller can be configured to control the at least one processing condition from processing conditions. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166686 | AUTOMATED SENSITIVITY DEFINITION AND CALIBRATION FOR DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURING TOOLS - A method of automatic calibration of a design for manufacturing (DfM) simulation tool includes providing, as a first input, one or more defined rules for each of one or more semiconductor device levels to be simulated by the tool, and providing, as a second input, a plurality of defined feature size threshold ranges and increments for use in histogram generation of a number of failures with respect to a reference circuit; providing, as a third input, the reference circuit; executing the defined rules for the semiconductor device levels to be simulated, and outputting a fail count for the reference circuit at each defined threshold value, thereby generating histogram data of fail count versus threshold for the reference circuit; and providing, as a fourth input, a defined fail count metric, thereby calibrating the DfM tool for use with respect to a target circuit. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166687 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE PRODUCTION PARAMETERS FOR A SUBSTRATE COATING PROCESS - A method to evaluate, determine and optimize production parameters for a coating application of a UV cationic polymerizable coating system to a substrate is provided. The method is based on a simulation model which includes both shadow and dark cure processes. Both of an active center generation process and the active center diffusion process are mathematically described. In the model, the two processes are considered separately since they are driven by different fundamental phenomena and occur on different timescales. Evaluation or prediction of the effect of process variables on the curing of a cationic coating of a complex substrate according to the described method allows characterization and understanding of process variables which may save set-up costs and improve production efficiency. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166688 | YIELD PREDICTION FEEDBACK FOR CONTROLLING AN EQUIPMENT ENGINEERING SYSTEM - A yield prediction is received by a run-to-run controller that includes an intra-process run-to-run control module that specifies process performance targets, wherein the yield prediction is associated with at least one of a manufacturing tool, a product or a process. The run-to-run control module adjusts first parameters associated with intra-process run-to-run control based on the yield prediction, wherein the first parameters include processing parameters of a process recipe. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166689 | CONCRETE MATERIAL DISPENSING SYSTEM - A control system for a concrete plant adds intelligent capabilities in the concrete plant that may enhance safety, localize control of the concrete plant, and assist with troubleshooting. The control system may also enhance accuracy for determining an amount of mixed concrete dispensed, or amounts of concrete ingredients to dispense, and may eliminate the need for equipment used to verify the amount of mixed concrete or concrete ingredients dispensed. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166690 | HANDHELD COMPUTING DEVICE - A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include at least a single piece housing. The single piece housing including a plurality of steps. The plurality of mounting steps is formed by at least removing a preselected amount of housing material at predetermined locations on the interior surface. At least some of the mounting steps are used to mount at least some of the plurality of internal operating components to the housing. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166691 | METHOD OF MONITORING THE CLEAN/RINSE/DRY PROCESSES OF PATTERNED WAFERS USING AN ELECTRO-CHEMICAL RESIDUE SENSOR (ECRS) - A method of improving the clean, rinse and dry processes during the manufacture of ICs, MEMS and other micro-devices to conserve solution and energy while completing the process within a specified time. An electro-chemical residue sensor (ECRS) provides in-situ and real-time measurement of residual contamination on a surface or inside void micro features within the sensor representative of conditions on production wafers. The measured impedance can be used to determine what process variables and specifically how process conditions affect the rate of change of the measured impedance. The in-situ measurements are used to design and optimize a production process and/or to monitor the production run in real-time to control the process conditions and transfer of a patterned wafer through the processes. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166692 | METHOD FOR COOLING AND LUBRICATING A TOOL AND FOR CLEANING THE MACHINED SURFACE - In a method for cooling and lubricating a tool during a chip-producing machining of a workpiece and for cleaning the machined surface, a cooling and lubricating agent is fed to the machined surface via the tool during machining, and after machining, supercritical CO | 2011-07-07 |
20110166693 | NUMERICAL CONTROL DEVICE - A main control process is made common to all machine tools by describing in a NC program a tool trajectory including a change in posture in a coordinate system ( | 2011-07-07 |
20110166694 | Computer controlled object locating system - A system for using digital imaging means and or projected light means (for example laser beams, focused light, projected images comprised of a plurality of computer controlled pixels) for locating a position in a storage means for placing an object (or person) and or for retrieving an object (or a person) and or for performing an operation on an object at said storage location The system has particular application for use with—a wine cellar or other wine storage means, the storage of alcoholic mixer drinks, identifying lock keys (eg in a storage cabinet or on a key ring), matching pairs of socks and or other garment sets, locating a particular chocolate in a box of chocolates, finding the position of a vehicle in a car park, locating household items, locating items in a retail store, locating herbs/spices stored in a herb/spice rack, determining a location to place a game piece on a board game (eg monopoly). Enhanced means for preparing alcoholic cocktails are also disclosed as is an illuminated wine cellar. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166695 | System and method for producing and arranging sheet material for use in a mailpiece inserter - A system and method for producing printed sheet material for use in a mailpiece inserter. The system comprises an input module for supplying the printed sheet material associated with a mailpiece fabrication job of the mailpiece inserter and a transfer module adapted to receive the printed sheet material from the input module and dispense the printed sheet material. An output module is adapted to receive the printed sheet material from the transfer module and convey the printed sheet material along the transport deck. A processor is operatively coupled to a mail run data file of the mailpiece fabrication job for controlling the input, transfer and output modules to stack the printed sheet material in accordance with the mail run data file. In the method, the output module includes at least two transport decks which may be repositioned such that one of the transport decks receives/stacks the printed sheet material in a manner which is best suited for subsequent use by the mailpiece inserter. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166696 | METHOD OF TREATING OBJECTS ACCORDING TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL WEIGHTS - A method of distributing objects, having a random distribution of weights, according to their weights. In the method, the presence of one of the objects is detected, the detected object is grasped by a robot, and the object grasped is weighed by a sensor. The weight measured is associated with the object and stored. The process is repeated for the objects. The weight distribution obtained from the weights measured is used in filling containers with objects so that containers are optimally filled. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166697 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A LIFTING LOAD - A control method implemented in a variable speed drive for controlling a lifting load, the load control being carried out according to a first control profile that includes the following: accelerating the load with a view to reaching a first speed, decelerating the load upon receiving a deceleration order, and stopping the load. When the load receives a deceleration order when it is at a current speed lower than the first speed, the method determines a second speed lower than the first speed and higher than the current speed, the second speed having an optimal value for minimizing the load running time until stopping. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166698 | DELIVERY OF MEDICATION REGIMEN IN MEDICATION REMINDER DEVICE - In healthcare scenarios, medication may be provided to an individual by a caregiver delivering a prescription to the individual or to a medication source (e.g., a pharmacist), the medication source providing the medication to the individual in a simple container, and the individual self-managing the medication. However, many opportunities for miscommunication, misunderstanding, or simple errors may arise in these human interactions, resulting in noncompliance with the medication regimen. Instead, the caregiver may provide the medication regimen to the medication source, who may (possibly with the assistance of automated processes) insert the medication into a medication reminder device that regulates the administration of medication doses according to the medication regimen, and send the medication reminder device to the individual. By reducing human involvement (particularly the self-management of the medication regimen by the individual), these processes may improve compliance with the medication regimen and reduce the incidence of medication errors. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166699 | Liquid Level Measuring Device - A liquid level sensing and reporting system for bar keepers is proposed, having a liquid level sensor in wireless communication with a remote computer having software algorithms for calculating and reporting volume. The sensor is substantially in the form of a liquor bottle spout, and includes a means for measuring the height of the liquid in a bottle, sensing inversion of the spout, and sending the data wirelessly to a receiver. The receiver is associated with the computer, and transmits the data to the computer which calculates liquor volumes based on the changing height of the liquid in a bottle from pre-pour to post-pour status. The software extrapolates this information to produce a variety of real-time beverage consumption reports, including error reports caused by over pours, under pours, and skimming. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166700 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POINT-OF-USE MEDICATION CONTROL - Devices, systems and methods for controlling dispensing of medication are provided. A dispenser device used, for example, in the systems and methods can include a housing for storing units of medication. A dispensing well can reside within the housing with the dispensing well having an opening therein to permit removal of units of medication therefrom. The dispenser device can include a first slide having an opening therein that is configured to funnel a unit of medication toward the opening in the dispensing well. The dispenser device can also include a second slide disposed between the opening in the dispensing well and the first slide. The second slide can have an opening therein that is alignable with the opening in the dispensing well and the opening in the first slide. The opening in the first slide can be configured to funnel a unit of medication to the opening of the second slide while the second slide can be configured to funnel the unit of medication to the opening in the dispensing well upon movement of the second slide into a position that is aligned with the opening in the dispensing well. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166701 | ADAPTIVE SCHEDULING OF A SERVICE ROBOT - A method for scheduling mowing tasks by a robotic mower is provided. An estimated height of grass cut by the robotic mower is determined for a predetermined number of past mowing tasks. The estimated height of grass cut is compared with a predicted height of grass in an operating environment for the robotic mower. Then, a mowing schedule for the robotic mower is adjusted by decreasing a time between mowing tasks in response to the estimated height of grass cut being greater than the predicted height of grass. Alternatively, the mowing schedule for the robotic mower is adjusted by increasing the time between mowing tasks in response to the estimated height of grass cut being less than the predicted height of grass. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166702 | ELECTRONIC BOARD AND SYSTEM COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF SUCH BOARDS - The invention relates to an electronic board (C) comprising: a microcontroller; a first interface means ( | 2011-07-07 |
20110166703 | CONTROL METHOD DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR ROBOT APPLICATIONS - A method, controller and control system for controlling a robot that is used in concert with at least one other robot to perform an operation on one or more work objects. Each robot controller checks whether a common reference value is not acceptable, and if so, provides a signal for the robot to wait before proceeding to the next task. Each robot controller also checks whether the target object is in the correct position or not; and also checks whether or not another robot has stopped. If either another robot has stopped and/or if the work object is not in the right position, the robot waits. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166704 | MONITORING APPARATUS FOR ROBOT - The invention is a monitoring apparatus for monitoring a condition of an end-effector of a robot having a vacuum absorption pad to hold an article. The pad is elastically supported by the end-effector. The apparatus includes a pad receiving part having a front surface and a through hole, the pad receiving part being movable in a direction perpendicular to the front surface; an elastically supporting unit for elastically supporting the pad receiving part in a direction perpendicular to the front surface; a movement detection unit for detecting a movement of the pad receiving part; a vacuum sensor connected to the through hole; and a judging unit for judging conditions of an elastic support of the pad and a vacuum absorption of the pad based on detection results of the movement detection unit and the vacuum sensor. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166705 | AUTONOMOUS CUTTING ELEMENT FOR SCULPTING GRASS - An apparatus comprises a vehicle, a sensing unit, and a control unit. The vehicle is movable in a path and has a first number of cutting elements. The sensing unit detects an obstacle in the path. The control unit is connected to the first number of cutting elements and is configured to autonomously adjust a height of a second number of cutting elements of the first number of cutting elements in response to the sensing unit detecting the obstacle in the path. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166706 | MEDICAL ROBOTIC SYSTEM WITH SLIDING MODE CONTROL - A medical robotic system has a joint coupled to medical device or a slave manipulator or robotic arm adapted to hold and/or move the medical device for performing a medical procedure, and a control system for controlling movement of the joint according to user manipulation of a master manipulator. The control system includes at least one joint controller having a sliding mode control for reducing stick-slip behavior on its controlled joint during fine motions of the joint. The sliding mode control computes a distance to a sliding surface, computes a reaching law gain, and processes the distance and reaching law gain to generate a sliding mode control action that is in absolute value less that a maximum desired feedback control action. The sliding mode control action is then further processed to generate a feedback torque command for the joint motor. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166707 | SYSTEM FOR LOCALIZATION AND OBSTACLE DETECTION USING A COMMON RECEIVER - A localization and obstacle detection system comprising a first signal projector configured to project a first signal into an environment and a robot configured to move in the environment. The robot comprises a second signal projector configured to project a second signal into the environment; a signal receiver configured to receive the first signal and the second signal; a localizer configured to determine a location of the robot in the environment based at least in part on the received first signal; and a detector configured to determine the presence of an obstacle in the environment based at least in part on the intensity and bearing of the received second signal and without touching the obstacle; wherein the second signal is distinct from the first signal in at least one characteristic. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166708 | PAINTING DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - Exemplary painting devices for painting components, e.g., motor vehicle bodies or parts thereof, and associated exemplary methods are disclosed. An exemplary painting device may include a multi-axis painting robot positioning an atomizer, a robot controller for controlling the painting robot, and a controls enclosure comprising the robot controller. An exemplary controls enclosure may be a load-bearing column that mechanically supports the painting robot. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166709 | ROBOT AND CONTROL METHOD - A robot one of transfers an article to an external subject and receives the article from the human subject and flexibly copes with changes in human intention. If a pushing force applied to robot hands is sensed, the robot hands grip and pull the article to inform the external subject that the robot hands are prepared to receive the article from the external subject, and transfers the article to the external subject or takes the article from the external subject according to whether the pushing force or a pulling force applied to the robot hands is sensed. If the pulling force applied to a robot hands is sensed, the robot pushes the article to inform the external subject that the robot hands are prepared to transfer the article to the external subject, and transfers the article to the external subject or takes the article from the external subject according to whether the pushing force or the pulling force applied to the robot hands is sensed. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166710 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO SIMULATE AND OPTIMIZE WHOLE BUILDING COMFORT AND ENERGY PERFORMANCE - A method and system for balancing user comfort with energy conservation in an energy management system having a plurality of electrical devices includes a dial system in communication with the energy management system. Movement of a movable member of the dial system between the first extreme and the second extreme commands the energy management system to change the operating settings of the plurality of electrical devices. A method for optimizing energy conservation in a building having an energy management system with a plurality of electrical devices includes inputting and defining fixed and variable building parameters, as well as building usage conditions predicting building usage. The variable building parameters are varied to minimizing energy consumption by the energy management system in accordance with the fixed building parameters and the predicted building usage. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166711 | METHOD FOR MOTOR VEHICLE INTERIOR CLIMATE CONTROL - A method for climate control for an interior of a motor vehicle includes acquiring climatically relevant data of the interior and/or surroundings of the vehicle, creating a thermodynamic model of a vehicle climate system, the model including at least one of a first thermal capacity of the interior and a first heat loss of the interior, introducing into the interior a quantity of air having a temperature different from an existing interior temperature, calculating at least one of a second thermal capacity of the interior and a second heat loss of the interior existing after the air quantity is introduced into the interior, and adapting the thermodynamic model to include at least one the second thermal capacity and the second heat loss. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166712 | DEADBAND CONTROL OF PNEUMATIC CONTROL DEVICES - Apparatuses and methods of deadband setpoint control of pneumatic controllers are described. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166713 | FALLING PREVENTION CONTROLLING DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - A falling prevention controlling device includes a wheel, and a main body arranged to swing in a pitch direction and a roll direction above the wheel, an advance/retreat command receiving unit arranged to receive an advance or a retreat command of the wheel, a target pitch angle calculating unit arranged to calculate a target pitch angle based on the received command and a rotation velocity deviation in the pitch direction derived from the detected rotation angle, a pitch inclined angle estimating unit arranged to estimate a pitch inclined angle with respect to a balanced state, from the detected pitch angular velocity and a pitch torque command generated based on the target pitch angle, and a pitch torque command generating unit arranged to generate the pitch torque command based on the target pitch angle and the pitch inclined angle. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166714 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING WATER FLOW OF PREMISES - A water flow control system ensures that water does not undesirably flow through water lines of the premises when the premises is unoccupied or when water usage is not desired (e.g., during sleeping hours). The water flow control system is generally operable with an alarm system to control water flow through the water lines of the premises. For example, the alarm system may include a user interface operable to receive input that establishes a state of occupancy for the premises and arms the alarm system. A sensor may detect occupancy of the premises regardless of the established state of occupancy. The water flow control system communicates with the sensors of to determine the actual occupancy within the premises and restrict the water flow to the premises when it is not desired. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166715 | VARYING IRRIGATION SCHEDULING BASED ON HEIGHT OF VEGETATION - A method of controlling application of a substance to vegetation using data obtained via a mobile machine is provided. A height of the vegetation is measured during a scheduled task of the mobile machine. The measured height of the vegetation is compared with a calculated height of the vegetation. Then, an amount of the substance applied by an irrigation system to an area containing the vegetation is adjusted based on a difference between the measured height of the vegetation and the calculated height of the vegetation. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166716 | INTEGRATED AND OPTIMIZED DISTRIBUTED GENERATION AND INTERCONNECT SYSTEM CONTROLLER - Systems and methods for designing and controlling distributed generation resources are disclosed. Monolithic or distributed controllers control the power requests sent to each distributed generation resource to achieve optimal efficiency using rule-based and/or fuzzy logic-based control techniques. High-impedance fault (HIF) detection circuitry allows power export to the utility grid in normal operating circumstances, and when an islanding condition is detected, ceases that export within two seconds and prevents further export until the condition is cleared. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166717 | Real power control in wind farm - A method is provided for controlling real powers supplied from a plurality of wind farms each provided with a plurality of wind turbine generators to the utility grid. The method includes: performing control for reducing real powers supplied from a plurality of wind farms to a utility grid, down to limit values set for the respective wind farms, in response to increase in a grid frequency of the utility grid; and increasing the real power supplied from a first wind farm out of the plurality of wind farms to the utility grid than the limit value set for the first wind farm when the real power actually supplied from a second wind farm out of the plurality of wind farms to the utility grid does not reach the limit value set for the second wind farm. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166718 | CONTROLLER FOR ENERGY SUPPLY SYSTEMS - The present invention relates to energy supply systems which comprise an energy storage unit and an energy production unit. Control methods according to the invention advantageously allow to calculate an operational cost of the energy supply system based on the energy flux that can be supplied by the system and the energy flux that is demanded externally from the system. The operational cost can be calculated for all possible values of the above parameters in advance. The calculated parameters can be stored in an array in a device implementing methods of the invention. Methods of the invention allow to operate an energy supply system so as to guarantee that at any instant a predetermined (nonzero) amount of energy flux can be supplied by the energy storage unit. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166719 | Monitoring Power Usage - Disclosed are various embodiments for monitoring power usage. A plurality of power usage cycles are monitored using a controller. Each of the power usage cycles includes a plurality of current draw periods. Each of the current draw periods has a different average current draw. A current draw reading is determined to be abnormal when the current draw reading meets a threshold associated with one of the current draw periods, while the one of the current draw periods is predicted to be active. An action is performed when the current draw reading is determined to be abnormal. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166720 | FAST POWER SWING UNBLOCKING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTANCE PROTECTION IN POWER SYSTEM - The present invention discloses a fast power swing unblocking method and apparatus for a distance protection in a power system, which is able to ensure fast phase-segregated tripping of distance protection for faults during a power swing (3-phase or 2-phase swing). The power swing unblocking method in a power system according to the present invention comprises calculating changing rates of impedances for all operating loops of the distance protection in the power system; and determining a fault loop based on the calculated changing rates. If there is a fault loop, a blocked distance zone for the fault loop is unblocked. Before calculating the changing rates, whether the power system is under a power swing is checked and a distance zone that might mal-operate under the power swing is blocked if it is checked that the power system is under the power swing. By applying this invention, the performance of the distance protection during power swings can be improved, and the distance protection can ensure faster and phase-segregated operation, which are very beneficial for the system reliability. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166721 | OBJECT TRACKING AND STEER MANEUVERS FOR MATERIALS HANDLING VEHICLES - A materials handling vehicle automatically implements steer maneuvers when objects enter one or more zones proximate the vehicle, wherein the zones are monitored by a controller associated with the vehicle. The controller tracks objects in the zones via sensor data obtained from at least one obstacle sensor located on the vehicle and via dead reckoning. The objects are tracked by the controller until they are no longer in an environment proximate the vehicle. Different zones result in different steer maneuvers being implemented by the controller. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166722 | ALTITUDE MEASUREMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD - Provided is an altitude measurement apparatus and method that may measure an altitude of an aircraft without using a separate altimeter. The altitude measurement apparatus may include a camera unit being provided to a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft to collect an image of a circular mark formed on the ground, and a calculation unit to calculate an altitude of the VTOL aircraft based on the collected image. Accordingly, the altitude measurement apparatus may measure the altitude using a simple structure such as the circular mark formed on the ground, and be configured at inexpensive costs. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166723 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AIDING THE PILOTING OF AN AIRCRAFT DURING A LANDING - Method and device for aiding the piloting of an aircraft during a landing phase. The device ( | 2011-07-07 |
20110166724 | MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION CONTROL APPARATUS AND MARINE VESSEL - A marine vessel propulsion control apparatus is arranged to control a propulsion unit and a steering unit. The marine vessel propulsion control apparatus includes a joystick unit, and a control unit programmed to control an output of the propulsion unit and a steering angle of the steering unit in accordance with an output signal of the joystick unit. The joystick unit includes a lever that is tiltable from a neutral position and arranged to be operated by a marine vessel operator to command a heading direction and stem turning of a hull. The control unit is programmed to maintain the steering angle of the steering unit when the output of the propulsion unit is stopped. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166725 | CHARGE UTILIZATION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A charge utilization control system for an electric vehicle includes a controller, an electric motor connected to the controller, a battery connected to the electric motor and an internal combustion engine connected to the controller. The controller is adapted to minimize electric charge stored in the battery as the electric vehicle approaches a charging destination for the battery. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166726 | MOTOR VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system for controlling a vehicle with a hybrid drive comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric motor and a plurality of functional components each divided into at least a strategy sub-component, a control sub-component and an actuator sub-component, the functional components including at least an engine functional component, a transmission functional component and a hybrid functional component, such that the strategy sub-component ( | 2011-07-07 |
20110166727 | Method And System For Controlling Operation Of An Electric Oil Pump In A Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) - A system and method is provided for controlling operation of an electric oil pump in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The HEV includes an engine and a transaxle including an electric motor coupled to a traction battery. A commanded speed for the electric oil pump is determined and whether the engine in the HEV is in an off state is determined. When the engine is in the off state, the electric oil pump is controlled to operate at the commanded speed. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166728 | System And Method For Controlling Chassis Coupling Current - An automotive vehicle may include a battery charger that receives electrical energy, via an electrical connection including a ground wire, from an electrical source remote from the vehicle, and outputs the electrical energy to at least one electrical load. The vehicle may also include at least one controller that commands a change in the electrical energy output by the battery charger. The battery charger, in response to the command, may control a rate of change in the electrical energy output such that a coupling current to the ground wire resulting from the change in the electrical energy output by the battery charger has a magnitude less than a predetermined threshold. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166729 | Method And System For Enhancing Fuel Economy Of A Hybrid Electric Vehicle - A method and system is disclosed for enhancing fuel economy of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) with a high-voltage storage battery and a heat transfer device. Whether a user has elected to enhance the fuel economy of the HEV is determined. When the user has elected to enhance the fuel economy, a command signal is generated increasing operation of the heat transfer device to reduce a temperature of the high-voltage storage battery. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166730 | ENGINE TRANSIENT MITIGATION FOR HYBRID VEHICLES - A method and system for limiting a fast transient in an engine in a hybrid vehicle is provided. The predicted fuel loss percentage is calculated from an inferred air-fuel ratio (inferred lambda). The rate limit term is calculated from a measured air-fuel ratio (measured lambda) and an engine torque command change rate. The predicted fuel loss percentage and the rate limit term are inputs into a calibration table to determine an engine power rate limit and an engine torque rate limit. An engine torque command is limited using the engine torque rate limit to control a fast engine torque transient for an engine. An engine power command is limited using the engine power rate limit to control the fast engine power transient for the engine. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166731 | Energy Management Control of a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle - A drive-home button is provided in the dashboard of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The driver presses this button when heading home or to other predetermined destination at which charging is routinely performed. The actual route, the driving style, and other relevant vehicle/road information during the trip home are stored to build up a statistical database. During a present trip home, a highly probably route is predicted based on prior trips and an energy management profile is calculated. The commands to the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are selected to cause the vehicle's battery to be substantially discharged upon arriving at home based on actual data of energy usage by the operator of the vehicle during prior trips. By using actual data, the prediction of energy usage is more accurate allowing more complete discharge of the battery. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166732 | DISTANCE BASED BATTERY CHARGE DEPLETION CONTROL FOR PHEV ENERGY MANAGEMENT - In a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the vehicle may be operated in a charge-(CD) mode to ensure that the battery is effectively discharged or in a charge-sustaining (CS) mode in which the battery state of charge is maintained by operating the internal combustion engine predominantly for propulsion. In trips that are longer than that which fully depletes the battery storage, it is possible to control the proportion in a manner that is between CS and CD modes to provide overall higher efficiency while still effectively discharging the battery over the course of the trip. Such higher efficiency operation is possible when information about the distance until the next charging event is available. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166733 | PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE HOLD FUNCTION AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT - A plugin hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a battery, an electric machine, and a controller. The vehicle is operable in a primary electric vehicle driving mode (EV mode) and in a hybrid electric vehicle driving mode (HEV mode). The controller is programmed to receive input from the driver representing a desired operating mode and a desired energy reservation. If the desired operating mode is HEV mode, then a state of charge (SOC) offset is established as the smaller of a maximum SOC offset and an allowable SOC offset, otherwise, the SOC offset is established based on the desired energy reservation. The vehicle is operated based on the SOC offset. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166734 | SILENT KEY START CLIMATE CONTROL DEMAND - A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a high voltage traction battery, an electric motor powered by the traction battery, an electric air conditioning (AC) system, and a controller. The controller is programmed to start the vehicle. The vehicle is started by, if a climate control demand requires cooling: (a) if a vehicle start request is a remote start request, starting the engine; (b) if the vehicle start request is a local start request, avoiding starting the engine to provide a silent start. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166735 | Method for setting a motor drive unit in a motor vehicle - In a method for setting a motor drive device in a motor vehicle having at least two drive units whose torques are separately settable, in order to determine a consumption-optimal torque distribution, the sum of the individual consumption values of the drive units is ascertained for a plurality of differently distributed drive torques, and the optimum consumption value is determined from the sum of the individual consumption values. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166736 | PROPULSION CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A propulsion control apparatus for an electric vehicle includes an inverter that converts a direct-current voltage into an alternating-current voltage, a power storage element, and a DCDC converter connected to the power storage element. The control apparatus further includes a circuit selector unit that selects any one of power supplied from an external power supply via a power collecting device and power supplied from the power storage element and outputs it to the inverter. A linkage control unit controls at least the DCDC converter and the circuit selector unit in a linked manner, in which the linkage control unit inputs control signals at least to the DCDC converter and the circuit selector unit and controls them in a linked manner, in accordance with each of a case where the electric vehicle travels by receiving power from the external power supply and a case where the electric vehicle travels by power from the power storage element. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166737 | ROUTE PLANNING METHOD, ROUTE PLANNING DEVICE AND AUTONOMOUS MOBILE DEVICE - A route planning device that is capable of comprehending, in advance, a route clearance at a pass-through point on a planned travel route, includes a global map acquisition unit arranged to generate a global map showing an obstacle area in which an obstacle exists, an extended area generation unit arranged to generate an extended obstacle area and three extended area by extending stepwise an outline of the obstacle area contained in the global map, an integrated map generation unit arranged to generate an integrated map by superposing for integration of the extended obstacle area with the three extended areas; a movable area extraction unit arranged to extract a movable area from the integrated map and thinning the same, and a route planning unit arranged to acquire a route clearance at a sub goal according to the extended areas on the integrated map to which the sub goal on the travel route belongs, upon planning the travel route from the thinned movable area. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166738 | VEHICLE MOTION CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD - The objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle motion control device capable of controlling the driving force distribution to the wheels with superior stability and response while effectively utilizing the tire grip. Specifically, the present invention provides a vehicle motion control device for a vehicle, the vehicle having a plurality of wheels and a driving device for driving the wheels based on a driving force/load distribution ratio, having: a force detection unit for detecting forces that act on the wheels; a target distribution ratio calculating unit for obtaining nonlinear terms by use of a group of parameters including the forces detected by the force detection unit, and obtaining a target value of the driving force/load distribution ratio so as to minimize the nonlinear terms, the nonlinear terms being included in elements of a system matrix of equations of state that describe a state of motion of the vehicle; and a driving device control unit for controlling the driving device based on the target value of the driving force/load distribution ratio. | 2011-07-07 |
20110166739 | VEHICLE MAINTENANCE EVENT REPORTING SYSTEM - A vehicle maintenance event reporting system and method that utilizes a vehicle email notification system in which triggers are used to initiate the generation and transmission of email messages that provide diverse types of dynamic vehicle information to the owner or other authorized subscriber. The email notifications are triggered by different events, some of which are independent of the vehicle (e.g., a monthly trigger), and others of which occur at the vehicle, such as a mileage or low oil life trigger. The notification system builds and sends to the subscriber an email message that contains the dynamic vehicle information. Maintenance service events such as an oil change reset are detected and used to trigger email reporting to the subscriber as well as to transmit the oil change reset event back to a central data system where it is included in a vehicle maintenance record. | 2011-07-07 |