42nd week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 52 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080255646 | Non-rectilinear lead and a system for deep electrical neurostimulation including such a lead - A lead for deep brain electrical stimulation, to be inserted into liquid cavities, such as ventricles, or cysternae or subarachnoidal spaces, the lead comprising: a tubular body of biocompatible material having a side wall defining a lumen, said tubular body being suitable for being inserted over at least a fraction of its length into the inside of a patient's body in order to reach a region for stimulation; electrodes disposed close to a distal end of the tubular body; and a rigid stylet for inserting removably into the lumen of said tubular body; the lead being wherein said tubular body has an equilibrium shape that is not rectilinear, being different from the shape of the stylet and presenting one and only one bend, and that is sufficiently flexible and elastic to follow the shape of said stylet by deforming reversibly when the stylet is inserted into the lumen. A deep electrical neurostimulation system comprising an electrical pulse generator and at least one such lead having its electrodes electrically connected to said generator. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255647 | Implantable Addressable Segmented Electrodes - Implantable addressable segmented electrode devices, as well as methods for making and using the same, are provided. The subject devices include segmented electrode structures made up of an integrated circuit electrically coupled to two or more electrodes, where each electrode can be individually activated. Also provided are implantable devices and systems, as well as kits containing such devices and systems or components thereof, which include the segmented electrode structures. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255648 | Accessory for Muscle Maintenance and/or Muscle Development - The invention concerns an accessory ( | 2008-10-16 |
20080255649 | Electrode Module for Muscle Maintenance and/or Muscle Development - The invention concerns an electrode module ( | 2008-10-16 |
20080255650 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SURGICAL ANASTOMOSIS - Methods and apparatus for anastomosis of a lumen according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with an impermeable stent. The impermeable stent may comprise a scaffold and, if needed, a sealant, such as a membrane and/or adhesive. In one embodiment, the scaffold, membrane and/or adhesive comprise biocompatible materials suitable for bio-absorption and/or degradation. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255651 | Telescoping Stability Sheath and Method of Use - A telescoping stability sheath and method of use, including a telescoping stability sheath for use with a stent delivery system having a delivery catheter and an introducer, the delivery catheter having a retractable sheath and a stability sheath stop axially slidable on the retractable sheath, the introducer having an introducer fitting slidably tightenable about the retractable sheath axially slidable within a sheath stop. The telescoping stability sheath includes a first segment slidably disposed about the retractable sheath, a second segment slidably disposed about the first segment, and a stability fitting attached to at least one of the first segment and the second segment. The stability fitting fixes a set length between the introducer fitting and the stability sheath stop when the stability fitting is engaged to lock the first segment to the second segment. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255652 | Expandable Tip Delivery System and Method - A method of deploying a stent-graft in a curved vessel includes deploying an expandable tip to center a proximal end of the catheter containing a stent-graft in the curved vessel. A sheath is retracted to expose the stent-graft and the stent-graft self-expands into the curved vessel. By centering the catheter containing the stent-graft prior to deployment with the expandable tip, the accuracy of stent graft placement within the curved vessel is improved. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255653 | Multiple Stent Delivery System and Method - A method of deploying multiple stents using a multiple stent delivery system includes moving a distal stent into contact with a stent-holding surface of a compressible expanded tip of an inner member. A sheath is retracted relative to the inner member to deploy the distal stent by holding the distal stent stationary with the inner member and retracting the sheath. The sheath is advanced relative to the inner member to reposition a proximal stent to capture, be positioned behind a next stent to be deployed by being compressed and passing the compressible expanded tip through the next proximal stent. The sheath is retracted relative to the inner member to bring the next stent to a pre-deployment position and then deployment of the next proximal stent can take place as already performed for the first deployed stent. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255654 | SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING A STENT - A stent delivery system including an elongate member having a proximal segment and a distal segment, the distal segment having a first coil section, a second coil section, an intermediate coil section located between the first and second coil sections and a plastic material overlying one or more of the coil sections. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255655 | STRETCHABLE STENT AND DELIVERY SYSTEM - An implant delivery catheter enables permanent modification of the implant length in the vicinity of the treatment site prior to radial expansion thereof. The implant is releasable carried between inner and outer tubular members of the delivery catheter which, upon repositioning relative to one another using an actuator mechanism, impart any of tensile, compressile or torquing forces to the implant causing permanent modification of the implant length. In one embodiment, the circumference of the implant is substantially similar both before and after modification of the implant length. In another embodiment, the implant includes a plurality of strut sections interconnected by bridges which are capable of the deformation along the longitudinal axis of the implant. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255656 | Apparatus and method for implantation of bifurcated endovascular prosthesis - A stent graft for animal or human implantation and method of delivery thereof. The device stent graft employs a first component having an axial passage communicating with the axial cavities of a cuff and longer first leg. A separate leg extension is engageable to an aperture in the distal end of the cuff. A first catheter engages the first component for translation to the implantation site along a first guide wire. A guide member extending from the distal end of a second catheter and adapted for sizeable contact along the first guide wire when pushed by a translatable core shaft extending from the first catheter or by the second catheter is provided as a pre-positioned guide for subsequent engagement of the leg extension to the aperture in the distal end of the cuff. Translation of the core shaft while in contact with the guide member pulls a third guide engaged with the second catheter into the cuff to provide a track for proper and speedy positioning and engagement of the leg extension with the cuff. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255657 | STENT WITH UNCONNECTED STENT SEGMENTS - This invention generally relates to stents, such as intravascular stents. More particularly, the invention is directed to stents comprising expandable stent segments, such as unconnected expandable stent segments. The invention is also directed to methods for making such stents. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255658 | Degradation Associated Drug Delivery for Drug Eluting Stent and Medical Device Coatings - A system for treating a vascular condition includes a stent having a biodegradable coating on the stent framework. The coating releases a therapeutically effective amount of therapeutic agent as a function of degradation of the coating. Also provided is a method of treating a vascular condition by placing a stent having a biodegradable coating at a treatment site and delivering a therapeutically effective amount of therapeutic agent at the treatment site as a function of degradation of the coating. Also provided is a method of improving the performance of a medical device by including a biodegradable coating on the surface of the device and releasing a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic agent at the treatment site as a function of degradation of the coating. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255659 | Fabrication method for drug-eluting stent with medicine-compatible loading mechanisms - A MEMS-based fabrication process is disclosed to fabricate a hollow seamless drug-eluting stent. This stent fabrication process is characterized by using a photolithography process, a composite electroplating process, and a polishing process to mass-produce drug-eluting seamless stents. Combining a multi-layers photolithography process with a multi-layers composite electroforming process could make the formation of micro-holes, micro-caves, or micro-trenches integrated with this hollow seamless eluting-stent for any anti-thrombosis drug loading or filling. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255660 | Medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency - A medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency, with an endoprosthesis which can be introduced into a patient's body and expanded to secure a heart valve prosthesis in the patient's aorta. In an embodiment, the endoprosthesis has at plurality of positioning arches configured to be positioned with respect to a patient's aorta and a plurality of retaining arches to support a heart valve prosthesis. The endoprosthesis includes a first collapsed mode during the process of introducing it into the patient's body and a second expanded mode when it is implanted. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255661 | Medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency or stenosis - A medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency, with an endoprosthesis which can be introduced into a patient's body and expanded to secure a heart valve prosthesis in the patient's aorta with a catheter. In an embodiment, the endoprosthesis has a plurality of positioning arches configured to be positioned with respect to a patient's aorta and a plurality of retaining arches to support a heart valve prosthesis. The endoprosthesis includes a collapsed mode during the process of introducing it into the patient's body and an expanded mode when it is implanted. The endoprosthesis may be introduced into a patient's body and expanded via a catheter. In an embodiment, the catheter has first and second slide mechanisms configured to independently manipulate first and second sleeve elements to sequentially expand the endoprosthesis from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255662 | MINIMALLY-INVASIVE CARDIAC-VALVE PROSTHESIS - A cardiac-valve prosthesis is adapted for percutaneous implantation. The prosthesis includes an armature adapted for deployment in a radially expanded implantation position, the armature including a support portion and an anchor portion, which are substantially axially coextensive with respect to one another. A set of leaflets is coupled to the support portion. The leaflets can be deployed with the armature in the implantation position. The leaflets define, in the implantation position, a flow duct that is selectably obstructable. The anchor portion can be deployed to enable anchorage of the cardiac-valve prosthesis at an implantation site. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255663 | Artificial Cornea and Method of Making Same - The present invention is an artificial cornea designed to restore vision in patients who are not candidates to receive a natural cornea transplant (allograft). The present device construction involves the use of a biocompatible, non-porous optic disk intimately bonded to one or more anchoring layers of porous polymeric material, and a unique sealing region which enhances sealing of the artificial cornea in the recipient's eye. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255664 | PERCUTANEOUSLY DELIVERABLE ORTHOPEDIC JOINT DEVICE - A percutaneously implantable orthopedic device is a shape-changing joint prosthesis with a generally arcuate or generally rectilinear configuration which is delivered through a delivery device in a substantially straightened or slightly curved configuration into a joint in a patient. The generally arcuate configuration may include an open ring or spiral shape. The generally rectilinear configuration may include a polygon or zig-zag shape. The delivery and retrieval device can be a syringe, hypodermic needle or cannula. The orthopedic device is moveable into its generally arcuate or generally rectilinear configuration in the joint by manipulation or a shape memory set. The orthopedic device acts as a soft compliant bearing surface or cushion that minimizes the bone-on-bone wear from articulation and loading. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255665 | ANCHORED PROSTHETIC MENISCUS DEVICE - A human implantable meniscus device having a unique anchoring system for locking the device into a bone and reinforcing fibers in order to mimic the mechanical characteristics of natural meniscus. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255666 | FACET FIXATION AND FUSION WEDGE AND METHOD OF USE - A spinal implant including an at least one screw disposed within a wedge body is herein provided. The implant can be configured for placement with a facet joint in an intra-facet delivery. Furthermore, the implant can include a fusion-promoting bioactive material thereby providing a single device capable of spinal stabilization and/or fusion. Furthermore, a method of placing such an implant within a facet joint in an intra-facet orientation is hereby provided. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255667 | ALLOGRAFT SPINAL FACET FUSION SYSTEM - A method for fusing a spinal facet joint and a surgical kit for use therein. The kit preferably comprises an allograft implant, a facet finder, a drill, a drill guide, and an implant inserter. The method preferably comprises the steps of locating the facet joint with a facet finer, sliding a drill guide over the facet finder until the drill guide engages the facet joint, removing the facet finder from within the drill guide, inserting a drill through the drill guide and drilling a socket within the facet joint to a predetermined depth, removing the drill from within the drill guide, securing an allograft implant within an implant inserter, inserting the implant inserter through the drill guide until the implant engages the socket, tapping the implant inserter to push the implant completely within the socket, removing the implant inserter from within the drill guide, and removing the drill guide. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255668 | INTERSPINOUS PROCESS SPACERS - Interspinous implants including a spacer configured to fit between first and second adjacent spinous processes of a human spine, to maintain a minimum separation between the spinous processes. An implant also includes a fixation portion coupled to the spacer, in which the fixation portion engages at least one spinous process to hold the spacer in a stable position relative to the spinous process. An implant may be monolithic, non-fillable, and may be inserted between the spinous process from a lateral approach. The fixation portion may be configured as a bracket which can substantially encircle the spinous process, or as flanges which engage lateral sides of the spinous process(es). The spacer may be resilient, and may be expandable along the anterior/posterior direction between the spinous processes. An implant may provide resilient resistance during extension, and/or a uniform extension stop between the spinous processes. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255669 | INTERSPINOUS PROCESS SPACERS - Interspinous implants including a spacer configured to fit between first and second adjacent spinous processes of a human spine, to maintain a minimum separation between the spinous processes. An implant also includes a fixation portion coupled to the spacer, in which the fixation portion engages at least one spinous process to hold the spacer in a stable position relative to the spinous process. An implant may be monolithic, non-fillable, and may be inserted between the spinous process from a lateral approach. The fixation portion may be configured as a bracket which can substantially encircle the spinous process, or as flanges which engage lateral sides of the spinous process(es). The spacer may be resilient, and may be expandable along the anterior/posterior direction between the spinous processes. An implant may provide resilient resistance during extension, and/or a uniform extension stop between the spinous processes. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255670 | PROSTHETIC OR ORTHOTIC JOINT - Prosthetic or orthotic joint with at least two joint segments that are mounted rotatably to each other around a joint axis, and a pivotal piston mounted in torque-proof fashion in one of the upper or lower joint segments. The pivotal piston is received in a displacement chamber containing a fluid, with the pivotal piston subdividing the displacement chamber into two partial chambers that are connected with each other via a connecting channel at least across a selected pivoting angle range of the pivotal piston. At least one flow section determining contour is formed between the pivotal piston and one selected displacement chamber wall, which is in a fluidic connection with the connecting channel and the displacement chamber across a selected rotation angle. The contour also provides a varying free flow section for the passage of the fluid dependent on the rotational position of the pivotal piston. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255671 | Joint Devices - A joint device is disclosed for use as a prosthesis in a human or animal body. The joint device comprises a T-shaped member having a transverse pin fixedly connected to a column member and a pair of transverse sleeves configured to receive the pin and allow the pin to rotate about its longitudinal axis within the sleeves. The sleeves engage a bore in a first bone and the column member is coupled to a second bone so that the first and second bones are pivotably interconnected by the joint device. The sleeves are compressible so as to allow multi-directional movement of the bones in the joint. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255672 | ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANT - An orthopedic implant is disclosed and can include a first component and a second component that can be installed in the first component. The orthopedic implant can further include a seal that can be installed between the first component and the second component. The seal can substantially prevent debris from the second component from migrating through the first component. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255673 | Bearing Shell - A bearing shell made of plastic material is provided for a ball and socket joint for mounting a ball and socket joint pivot mounted rotatably and pivotably in the bearing shell with at least two shell parts | 2008-10-16 |
20080255674 | FEMORAL HEAD AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF - A femoral head made from a ceramic-metal composite having a multi-layered construction and related method of manufacture is disclosed. The femoral head includes an inner metal core bonded to a relatively thin ceramic outer layer that is used as the articulating surface with an acetabular cup during total hip arthoplasty. In another embodiment, an interface layer having a ceramic and metal mixture may be laminated between the inner metal core and the exterior ceramic layer. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255675 | Bone-compliant femoral stem - A femoral stem for canines or humans is made bone-compliant by use of a thick sintered titanium body in a proximal bone contacting region and a polymeric or ceramic body in a distal bone contacting region of the femoral stem. An elastic modulus is thereby engineered to match that of bone tissue. The porous sintered titanium body is created by sintering spheres of titanium. It is bonded to a central solid biocompatible metallic body by diffusion bonding. The distal region has a biocompatible polymeric body or biocompatible cement body. When compression molded the distal region develops an elastic modulus matching that of bone tissue. The proximal region has a porosity designed to encourage bone ingrowth. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255676 | Two piece cancellous construct for cartilage repair - The invention is directed toward a cartilage repair assembly comprising a shaped allograft two piece construct with a demineralized cancellous cap and a mineralized cylindrical base member defining a blind bore with a through going transverse bore intersecting the blind bore. The demineralized cancellous cap has a cylindrical top portion and a smaller diameter cylindrical stem extending away from the top portion which fits into the blind bore of the mineralized base member. The cap stem defines a transverse through going bore which is aligned with the through going bore of the base member to receive a cylindrical cortical pin holding the cap within the base member. The shaped structure is dimensioned to fit in a drilled bore in a cartilage defect area so that the assembly engages the side wall of the drilled bore in an interference fit. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255677 | Surfaces differentially adhesive to bacteria and eukaryotic cells - A surface coating comprises a primer coat that permits adhesion of eukaryotic cells thereto, and a plurality of macromolecular structures attached to the primer coat. At least some of the macromolecular structures have a cell-resistant character, meaning that cells generally will not adhere to them. The macromolecular structures are distributed across an area of the primer coat so that the surface coating permits adhesion of the eukaryotic cells to the primer layer and resists the adhesion of non-eukaryotic cells. Typically, the primer coat comprises a self-assembled polymeric monolayer and the macromolecular structures comprise nanoscale hydrogels. Such surface coatings may be formed on articles of manufacture for insertion into the body, such as orthopedic devices. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255678 | Medical apparatus and method of making the same - The invention relates to a medical apparatus including a device used in the treatment of weight loss, obesity and potentially other associated health problems, e.g., type II diabetes. The device is used to impede absorption of nutrients within the gastrointestinal tract, i.e., bypassing a portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The medical apparatus enables implantation of the device using minimally invasive techniques, such a transesophageal approach under visualization. The device may be implanted via a working channel of a medical scope, e.g., an endoscope or in combination with a medical scope. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255679 | URETERAL STENT WITH CONFORMING RETENTION STRUCTURE - A ureteral stent includes an elongate member defining an axis and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. A first extension member and a second extension member extend from the proximal end portion and each include a first portion, a second portion, a third portion and an end portion. In an unconstrained configuration, the first portion is arcuate and extends away from the axis, the second portion extends from the first portion in a distal direction, and the third portion extends from the second portion in a direction away from the axis. In the unconstrained configuration, the end portions of the first and second extension members are spaced apart from each other sufficiently, and the first extension member and the second extension member are sufficiently rigid, to collectively help retain at least a portion of the ureteral stent within a bladder of a patient. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255680 | MATERIAL RESERVATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present invention relates to a system and methodology facilitating material-driven processing in an industrial controller environment. Various models supported by database objects are provided to automatically and dynamically map inventory systems/processes to control systems/process such as in batch or recipe operations. A material model is provided that tracks to an inventory database and includes such aspects as defining material types and containers to house such materials. An area model maps the material model to possible units and equipment modules to process the materials. These models include phased-based parameters that define amounts of material that flow into and out of a determined area for processing the materials. Before, during and/or after automated manufacturing operations, object binding operations occur between material-based servers associated with an inventory system and batch servers associated with a process-control system. Such binding includes Just-In-Time or on-demand binding at run time, and relates material requirements of a recipe (or batch) to the units and equipment that are available to produce the recipe. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255681 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO MANAGE PROCESS PLANT ALARMS - Methods and apparatus to manage process plant alarms are disclosed. An example disclosed method comprises performing a first data structure query to obtain an alarm state for a process plant alarm based on a process plant operating state, and configuring handling of the process plant alarm based on the obtained alarm state. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255682 | Online Fault Detection and Avoidance Framework for Distributed Factory Control Systems - An on-line fault detection and avoidance method is provided for industrial control systems that include multiple interacting process controllers. The method addresses the problem that not all faults can be determined and removed at the time of system design and testing. When a fault translates into a time-out condition in one or more controllers, symptoms are identified, persistence is measured, other involved controllers are identified, the fault condition is identified and control laws are reconfigured to avoid the fault condition in the future. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255683 | Heat processing apparatus, method of automatically tuning control constants, and storage medium - A heat processing apparatus comprises: a reaction vessel; a heating unit disposed in the reaction vessel and configured to heat the processing region; a temperature detection part configured to detect a temperature of the processing region; and a control part configured to control the heating unit by a PID control. The control part includes: a rule table that is prepared such that predicted change amounts of a temperature property item when a temperature of the processing region is increased up to a target value, and change ratios of PID constants are correspondingly related to each other; a performance unit configured to repeatedly perform: a step of obtaining a temperature profile based on a temperature detected value of the temperature detection part and calculating a difference between an actually measured value and a target value of the temperature property item based on the temperature profile; and a step of, when the difference is over an allowable range and larger than a prescribed value, referring to the rule table and changing the PID constants to reset new PID constants by a change ratio corresponding to an predicted change amount of the temperature property item relative to the difference; until the difference can fall within the allowable range. The control part also includes an updating unit configured to update, when there is a difference between an actually measured change amount of the temperature property item with reference to the rule table and an predicted change amount of the temperature property item that has been predicted in the preceding cycle, the corresponding relationship between the PID constants and the predicted change amounts of the temperature property item described in the rule table, based on the actually measured change amount. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255684 | ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DEVICE AND CORRESPONDING METHODS FOR SELECTING MACHINABILITY DATA - The present invention describes a device incorporating artificial intelligence and corresponding methods for recommending an optimal machinability data selection, especially with machine performance degradation. The device comprises of a first component, which feeds the system with necessary inputs. A second component, which is the main processing unit, acts as an inference engine to predict the outputs. The last component interprets the outputs, conveys the processed outputs to target location and converts them into necessary tasks. The inputs are identified as the machining operations, work piece material, machining tool type, and depth of cut. The input includes machine performance characteristics as well, that is the degradation level of the machine which interrelates with machine vibration and surface finishing. The outputs are the machining parameters, comprising of the optimal cutting speed and feed rate. The inference engine can be established with fuzzy logic, neural network or neural-fuzzy. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255685 | Audio Information Output Apparatus, Audio Information Output Method, and Computer Product - A sound information output apparatus includes a data reading unit, a processor, a memory, a sound generator unit, a sound output unit, and a speaker. The apparatus assigns an identification sound to each CD, and outputs the identification sound prior to the contents of the CD when the CD is played. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255686 | Delivering Podcast Content - Systems and methods for delivering audio content to listeners. In general, one aspect can be a method that includes receiving a request to download a podcast, and determining a targeted advertisement to be inserted into the podcast. The method also includes inserting the targeted advertisement into the podcast dynamically at a predetermined time. Other implementations of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255687 | Multi-Take Compositing of Digital Media Assets - Methods, graphical user interfaces, computer apparatus and computer readable medium for producing media content are disclosed. For example, a user of a computing device can utilize the methods, graphical user interfaces, computer apparatus, and computer readable medium to edit the media content. In one embodiment, the media content pertains to media tracks, such as audio or video tracks. The media content can be a plurality of individual media tracks that can be segmented and the resulting segments from different media tracks can be combined into a composite media track. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255688 | Changing a display based on transients in audio data - A method and apparatus for changing a visual display in response to transients in audio data is provided. Transients, or sudden changes in frequency, in audio data is correlated to abrupt sounds in the audio data such as beats that cannot be easily detected by analyzing the audio data's amplitude or frequency alone. Detecting transients provides a user with a way to change a visual display based on the abrupt changes in audio data. The user can also specify various frequency ranges of interest within which transient detection is performed and correlate these detections with different changes in the visual display. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255689 | Audio System - In one aspect of the present invention, an audio system connectable to a portable audio player for playing audio contents includes an audio content narrowing unit for narrowing the audio contents stored in the connected portable audio player down to a processing target audio content according to an attribute of the audio content selected by a user, a preset information registering unit for registering, in response to a user preset registration operation, a procedure of the narrowing performed by the audio content narrowing unit as preset information, and a preset playback controlling unit for performing, in response to a user preset playback operation, a narrowing procedure equivalent to the procedure of the narrowing that is registered as the preset information, and causing the portable audio player to play back the audio content narrowed down from the audio contents stored in the connected portable audio player. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255690 | AUDIO ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY TURNING OFF - An audio electronic device includes a player, an output device, a detector, and an automatic turn-off module. The player is for reproducing audio data. The output device is for transforming the audio data to audible sound. The detector is for detecting positional shift of the output device. The automatic turn-off module is for turning off the player based on the positional shift. An automatic turn-off method is also disclosed. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255691 | Apparatus, method, and computer program for recording and reproducing digital data - A media player/recorder includes a wireless receiver to receive a signal representing media data, a storage device to store the media data, a storage controller to retrieve the media data from the storage device, and an output circuit to output the media data. The storage device stores a list of identifiers of desired media selections. The wireless receiver receives a signal representing an identifier of an offered media selection. The storage device stores the offered media selection when the identifier of the offered media selection corresponds to the identifier of one of the desired media selections. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255692 | Content and application download based on a home network system configuration profile - A system and method is provided for identifying, accessing, and managing service applications for use with associated consumer electronic devices in a home network system. A client side process, executed by a client computing system in the home network system, operates in conjunction with a server side process executed by a server computing system that is coupled with the client computing system via the Internet. The client computing system is implemented by a gateway device coupled with each of the devices via the home network. The client side process includes the steps of: determining device ID information associated with at least one selected one of the consumer electronic devices in the home network system; determining a home network system configuration profile based at least on the device ID information; providing the home network system configuration profile to a selected server computing system via the Internet; downloading an application from the selected server computing system, the application being operative to provide a process associated with the selected electronic devices; and executing the downloaded application at the gateway device to provide a remote interactive process associated with the selected electronic devices. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255693 | Software Factory Readiness Review - A computer-implemented method, system, and computer-readable medium for determining if a software factory is ready to take on a software project is presented. In a preferred embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes the steps of: determining if an infrastructure for a software factory has been procured; determining if operational software needed to assemble work packets in an assembly line in the software factory has been installed; determining if a workflow event model for an assembly line in the software factory has been configured; determining if workload in the assembly line has been balanced; determining if communication channels between the software factory and a customer's computer system have been defined and cleared for data transmission; and in response to determining that any element described above has been determined not to have occurred, prohibiting an induction of a software project into the software factory. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255694 | Evaluating supplier capacity - Methods and systems evaluate a capacity of a supplier to meet a capacity requirement for a part for a time period. In one implementation, a method is provided. According to the method, a forecast is transmitted to a supplier that indicates the capacity requirement. The method receives an actual capacity of the supplier to produce the part for the time period and determines whether the actual capacity of the supplier meets the capacity requirement. When the actual capacity of the supplier does not meet the capacity requirement, the method receives, from the supplier, a plan specifying how the supplier plans to meet the capacity requirement. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255695 | METHOD FOR MANAGING WIRELESS DEVICES USING LIFECYCLE ANALYSIS - An improved solution for managing wireless devices that uses lifecycle analysis is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, the method for managing wireless devices includes obtaining data regarding at least one new wireless device; automatically evaluating a feasibility of redeploying at least one of a plurality of pre-existing wireless devices, based on the data regarding the at least one new wireless device; and identifying a distribution for the at least one of the plurality of pre-existing wireless devices, based on the automatically evaluating. In another embodiment, the distribution may include cascading and/or retiring the pre-existing wireless device(s). | 2008-10-16 |
20080255696 | Software Factory Health Monitoring - A method, system, and computer-readable medium for maintaining a health of a software factory that creates custom software in a standardized manner is presented. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of: defining work packets to perform sub-functions of a custom software; tracking a transmission of the work packets to an assembly line in a software factory; monitoring any retrieval of software artifacts that are used to create the work packets; monitoring any on-going changes of work activities that are contained in the work packets; determining if execution of the work packets conforms to governance guidelines for the software factory; monitoring the software factory to ensure that the work packets comply with an architecture of the software factory; tracking quality metrics for an execution of the work packets in an assembly line in the software factory; and transmitting all tracked and monitored information described above to a dashboard. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255697 | VERTICAL FURNACE HAVING LOT-UNIT TRANSFER FUNCTION AND RELATED TRANSFER CONTROL METHOD - A system and method of transferring wafers by the lot to a vertical furnace are disclosed. The method includes receiving batch information related to a track-in operation and storing the batch information in a memory associated with the vertical furnace, wherein the batch information identifies a plurality of lots, sequentially transferring a plurality of carriers associated with the plurality of lots from an 1/0 port of the vertical furnace to a carrier stocker, transferring at least one of the plurality of carriers from the stock carrier to a wafer transfer stage before the carrier stocker receives all of the carriers in the plurality of carriers, and transferring wafers from at least one of the plurality of carriers from the wafer transfer stage to wafer boat. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255698 | Device for Monitoring the Relative Positions of Several Devices - An apparatus is presented for monitoring the relative positions and/or for measuring and evaluating relative position in a system which contains at least two sub-systems. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255699 | Technique for Determining Processing Sequence of Steel Plates - A system for determining a processing sequence of steel plates includes a constraint storage unit for storing positional constraints that define ranges of positions into which each type of steel plate is to be inserted when the steel plates are arranged in the processing sequence; a selecting unit for preferentially selecting, as a position into which a new steel plate is to be inserted in an array of steel plates already arranged in the processing sequence, a position having a larger expectation value of the number of steel plates that can be further inserted into the array of steel plates after the insertion of the new steel plate while satisfying the positional constraints; and an inserting unit for inserting the new steel plate into the selected position and for outputting data indicating the array of steel plates after the insertion. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255700 | Pharmaceutical singulation counting and dispensing system - An apparatus for counting pharmaceutical units is provided having a supporting deck assembly, a hopper, a cylindrical chamber and a transport ring positioned between the hopper and the cylindrical chamber, wherein the hopper has a tilted floor, which can be shaken or vibrated to discharge the units on to a transport ring, and the transport ring is sloped downward from its inner to outer perimeter, which brings the units into contact with the undulating surface of the walls of the cylindrical chamber to promote singulation prior to counting. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255701 | Method of Adjusting Origin of Industrial Robot - An industrial robot includes a first member, a positioning member arranged to be attached to the first member, a second member arranged to rotate relatively to the first member, and a first joint for coupling the first member with the second member. The second member has a contact point arranged to contact the positioning member. An indication for requesting to enabling the positioning member to contact the contact point is displayed. The second member rotates at the first joint relatively to the first member while the positioning member can contact the contact point. It is detected whether or not the contact point of the second member contacts the positioning member. A position of the second member is stored as an origin when it is detected that the contact point of the second member contacts the positioning member. This method prevents a possible failure of the attaching of the positioning member, and decreases a work load on an operator. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255702 | Robotic system and method for controlling the same - A method for controlling a robotic system. Expressional and audio information is received by an input unit and transmitted to the processor therefrom. The processor converts the expressional and audio information to corresponding expressional signals and audio signals. The expressional signals and audio signals are received by an expressional and audio synchronized output unit and synchronously transmitted therefrom. An expression generation control unit receives the expressional signals and generates corresponding expressional output signals. Multiple actuators enable an imitative face to create facial expressions according to the expressional output signals. A speech generation control unit receives the audio signals and generates corresponding audio output signals. A speaker transmits speech according to the audio output signals. Speech output from the speaker and facial expression creation on the imitative face by the actuators are synchronously executed. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255703 | Medical tele-robotic system - A robotic system that includes a remote controlled robot. The robot may include a camera, a monitor and a holonomic platform all attached to a robot housing. The robot may be controlled by a remote control station that also has a camera and a monitor. The remote control station may be linked to a base station that is wirelessly coupled to the robot. The cameras and monitors allow a care giver at the remote location to monitor and care for a patient through the robot. The holonomic platform allows the robot to move about a home or facility to locate and/or follow a patient. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255704 | Control System and Teach Pendant For An Industrial Robot - A robot controller for an industrial robot is described. The robot controller is a portable controller of the TPU Teach Pendant Unit type and comprises control means for moving a robot in three or more degrees of freedom. The TPU comprises a visual display and selection means associated with programming or controlling a robot. In other aspects of the invention a system comprising a robot and a control unit and the TPU are described. A computer program of the TPU for carrying out the method is also provided. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255705 | Flow Cytometer Sorter - Disclosed are computer-implemented methods of sorting particles from a particle stream in a flow cytometer. The methods include: calculating sort decision making parameters using the raw event data values from a flow cytometer and a sort logic; performing sort logic computations using the sort logic definition and the sort decision making parameters to generate sort decisions; converting the sort decisions into sort commands; and sending the one or more sort commands to the flow cytometer. Sort logic computations may include algorithmically using conditional branching logic, and may include sort logic equations having mathematical functions characterizing one or more regions of interest in multidimensional data space. Such mathematical functions may be determined based on one or more parameters provided by a user. Also disclosed are corresponding systems having a flow cytometer and a computer. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255706 | Smartrepair - The present invention relates to methods and devices for positioning a plug train at a desired position within a pipeline with at least some gas in the fluid in the pipeline. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255707 | Method and system for categorizing blood glucose tests at test time in a portable device or later in a downloading program and then analyzing the categories separately - A four-part method for analyzing data of a patient's blood glucose (BG) tests or other parameters e.g. carbohydrate intakes and discrete insulin doses (boluses): 1. An LCD-button on the portable glucose meter or insulin pump, that allows flagging or assigning a category to each blood glucose test at test-time. Examples of categories: pre-meal BG tests, post-meal BG tests. 2. In the computer-based downloading program, features for changing the boundaries of the meal-oriented time-intervals by the faster methods of: a) mouse-dragging the time-boundary lines on a scatter chart, b) placing stretchable rectangles around the data points of interest. 3. Features in the computer-based downloading program, for digitally identifying the time of the meal and digitally assigning the category to the pre-meal BG tests and to the post-meal BG tests. 4. Features in the computer-based downloading program, for statistically analyzing and graphically-displaying the differently-categorized data separately or together in combinations. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255708 | SMART WATER TIMER - A smart water timer which includes a water timer, a receiving unit connected to the water timer, and a moisture sensing unit which is in wireless communication with the receiving unit. The smart water timer can sense when the moisture level in the soil is too moist (based on a user setting) and turn off a water supply to a sprinkler as a result A soil moisture sensing unit is placed in the soil in the area to be watered. The soil moisture sensing unit uses a moisture sensing probe and wirelessly transmits a data signal to the receiver, which is connected to the water timer, indicating whether or not the water timer should be permitted to open a water valve. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255709 | INTELLIGENT ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR SUBSTATION OR DISTRIBUTION AUTOMATION SYSTEMS - According to the present disclosure, an Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) such as a digital relay or protection device for Substation or Distribution Automation is conceived in a modular way, comprising distinct modules dedicated to distinct tasks and having dedicated housings or casings, which modules are mechanically arranged on a common support and both visible and accessible from outside of the IED at all times. Modules for signal input (process interface modules comprising a number of input terminals and signal processing (process data handling modules for evaluating signals in view of an automated protection function or as a communication gateway) define the basis of a modular arrangement that is not delimited by any prefabricated cover or cabinet and that allows for a quasi-unlimited flexibility regarding the number of modules and an easy replacement or extension of individual modules. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255710 | In-situ thermal margining of computer systems for enhanced reliability testing - Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that dynamically controls a temperature profile within a computer system by generating computer system activity. The system starts by receiving a desired temperature profile. The system then generates a load profile based on the desired temperature profile, wherein the load profile specifies operations to be performed by the computer system. The system next executes the load profile on the computer system to generate computer system activity, wherein the computer system activity causes the desired temperature profile in the computer system. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255711 | Systems and methods for detecting and managing the unauthorized use of a unmanned aircraft - A method is disclosed for policing and managing the operation of a flying, unmanned aircraft in the event of usurpation of control of, malfunction of, or ill-intentioned use of, this aircraft. The method includes the steps of: | 2008-10-16 |
20080255712 | System for customizing responsiveness of a machine - A control system for customizing a relationship between an operator input at an input controller and a corresponding response of a work machine is disclosed. The control system includes an input controller operable to receive an operator input and generate a corresponding control signal. The control system also includes a hand-held programmable device having parameters stored therein. The parameters are adjustable to control responsiveness of a component of the work machine over a range of inputs at the input controller. The hand-held programmable device is operable to adjust the parameters in response to an input from an operator. A control module is disposed on the work machine and is operable to receive signals from the hand-held programmable device. The signals are representative of a desired relationship between an operator input to the input controller and a corresponding response of the work machine. The control module is also operable to receive the control signal from the input controller and process the control signal based on the signals from the hand-held programmable device. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255713 | Dynamic Adjustment of Wing Surfaces for Variable Camber - The movable surfaces affecting the camber of a wing are dynamically adjusted to optimize wing camber for optimum lift/drag ratios under changing conditions during a given flight phase. In a preferred embodiment, an add-on dynamic adjustment control module provides command signals for optimum positioning of trailing edge movable surfaces, i.e., inboard flaps, outboard flaps, ailerons, and flaperons, which are used in place of the predetermined positions of the standard flight control system. The dynamic adjustment control module utilizes inputs of changing aircraft conditions such as altitude, Mach number, weight, center of gravity, vertical speed and flight phase. The dynamic adjustment control module's commands for repositioning the movable surfaces of the wing are transmitted through the standard flight control system to actuators for moving the flight control surfaces. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255714 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AIRCRAFT TURBULENCE DETECTION - Methods and apparatus for an in-flight air turbulence detection system. In one embodiment, a system includes an air turbulence detector and a transmitter to transmit turbulence information. In another embodiment, a system includes a receiver, a detection processing module, an aircraft ID module, and a route modification module. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255715 | Navigation Guidance for Aircraft Approach and Landing - A system and method is described for providing pilots with navigational guidance when landing in low visibility conditions and/or at airports that do not contain a ground infrastructure in place to support precision approach. The navigational guidance is obtained by fusing one or more navigational algorithms and/or error models to improve navigation performance to near Instrument Landing System (ILS) performance levels. The navigational algorithms and error models include a gravity error model, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver measurement model, a Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) troposphere model, encrypted corrections, and a dynamic range error model. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255716 | Electric powered vehicle performing regenerative braking - A regeneration control portion sets a torque command value (in general, a negative value) of a motor generator at a time of regenerative braking. A braking cooperative control portion calculates a total braking force (power) required for the entire vehicle based on a brake depression force BK of a driver and also controls the shares of the output of the total braking force between a hydraulic brake and the motor generator. An MG-ECU drives and controls the motor generator so that a regenerative torque is generated according to a torque command value. The regeneration control portion puts a limitation such that the absolute value of the regenerative torque is smaller at a time of downhill travel than at a time of flat-road travel, for the same brake operation. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255717 | Method and Device For Activating Additional Functions in Response to a Rollover Procedure of a Motor Vehicle - A method for activating additional functions in response to a rollover procedure of a vehicle, using at least one sensor and one control unit, the sensor supplying at least one unidirectional acceleration signal, having the following method steps: analyzing at least one acceleration signal in its characteristics as a function of time; processing analyzed values of the at least one acceleration signal; establishing the plausibility of the processed values using a second signal value; and activating at least one additional function in response to a rollover procedure of the vehicle in the light of the values whose plausibility has been established; as well as a control device using this method. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255718 | VEHICLE MONITOR - A system and method is disclosed for monitoring a motor vehicle. The system includes a sensor unit for collecting at least one vehicle statistic and a portable device for displaying the vehicle statistics. The portable device requests the vehicle statistics from the sensor unit at regular intervals or in response to a particular event and displays statistics on a built-in display screen. In one embodiment, the portable device may be attached to the keys used to operate the vehicle being monitored. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255719 | Method for detecting decompression of tires and device thereof, and program for judging decompression of tires - A method for detecting decompression of tires based on the rotational speed of wheels mounted on a vehicle, comprising the steps of: detecting the rotational speed of each of the above-mentioned wheels, determining the speed against ground of the vehicle, calculating the speed information of a fixed wheel from the rotational speeds of said wheels, calculating the judgment value of the wheel position by comparing the speed information of the wheels with the speed against ground of the vehicle, comparing the judgment value of the wheel position with the basis value of the wheel position obtained by preliminarily comparing the speed against ground of the vehicle with the speed information of the wheels at prescribed inner pressure, and judging decompression of tires based on relation between the comparison value of the basis value with the judgment value and a fixed threshold. A region of judging decompression of tires can be broadened and the accuracy of reduced pressure judgment can be improved. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255720 | Method and Apparatus for Validating Processors Using Seed and Key Tests - A method for validating a processor with a memory in a vehicle control system includes the steps of receiving a test seed, retrieving a pre-stored test key from the processor memory, calculating a check value using the test seed, and comparing the check value to the pre-stored test key. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255721 | On-vehicle data collection apparatus, center, and on-vehicle system - In a data collection apparatus mounted on a vehicle, an electric control unit sets an abnormality detection condition to detect abnormality of the vehicle based on a condition signal received from an external apparatus located outside the vehicle. The electric control unit determines whether the detection condition is satisfied and stores vehicle control data or vehicle behavior data upon satisfaction of the detection condition as freeze data. The abnormality of the vehicle is analyzed using the freeze data. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255722 | System and Method for Evaluating Driver Behavior - System and method for evaluating driver performance, comprising detecting operations of a vehicle using an on-board vehicle monitoring system, comparing the operations to predetermined criteria, identifying violations of the predetermined criteria, tracking violations that occur during an evaluation period, and, at the end of the evaluation period, calculating a grade associated with operation of the vehicle. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255723 | DATA RECORDER - A data recorder includes: a controlled state detecting unit, operable to detect a controlled state of a vehicle by a driver; an operating state detecting unit, operable to detect an operating state of the vehicle; a state recording unit; and a recording condition determination unit, operable to determine whether or not the controlled state and the operating state are recorded in the state recording unit based on at least the controlled state of the controlled and operating states. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255724 | Method for Detecting Road Lane Markings - A method for detecting road lane markings for a motor vehicle in motion with an image recording unit is presented. The image recording unit points to the road in front of the vehicle and in the recorded image data, brightness differences (contrasts) are analysed and/or edges are extracted. Road lane markings are detected by means of their periodic arrangement. For evaluation purposes, the measuring signal of the image recording unit is transformed into another coordinate system, and the auxiliary function thus obtained is tested for periodic structures. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255725 | INTERIOR COMPONENT MANAGEMENT OF A VEHICLE VIA OCCUPANT MONITORING - Systems and methods are provided for managing an interior component of a vehicle. A system includes a device for monitoring a passenger, a vehicle speed detector, and a controller in communication the interior component, the passenger monitoring device, and the vehicle speed detector, wherein the controller is configured to disable at least one function of the interior component if the rate of speed is greater than a predetermined threshold speed and enable the disabled function(s) when the passenger attempts to actuate the function(s). One method includes the steps of determining a rate of speed the vehicle is traveling, disabling at least one function of the interior component when the rate of speed is greater than a predetermined threshold speed, and enabling the disabled function(s) when the rate of speed is greater than the threshold speed if a passenger attempts to actuate the function(s). | 2008-10-16 |
20080255726 | Process and Apparatus for the Sway Stabilization of a Motor Vehicle - A process for stabilizing the sway of a motor vehicle, in which adjusting signals are generated for actuators associated with a front axis and with a rear axis of the motor vehicle on the basis of a measured or a calculated transverse acceleration of the motor vehicle, which actuators make support moments available on the front axis and/or on the rear axis for stabilizing the sway. Accordingly the measured transverse acceleration and the calculated transverse acceleration are used in at least one speed range of the motor vehicle in such a manner to generate the adjusting signals for the actuators that either the calculated transverse acceleration or the measured transverse acceleration is used to generate the adjusting signals in dependence on an absolute value of the difference between the calculated transverse acceleration of the motor vehicle and the measured transverse acceleration of the motor vehicle. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255727 | Method and Device For Protecting the Driver During Driver-Independent Superposition of Steering Moments - In a method for deactivating a driver assistance system that influences the steering, a driver-independent system steering variable is applied to the steering wheel by the driver assistance system, the value of a driver steering variable applied to the steering wheel by the driver is determined, and the driver assistance system is deactivated dependent on the driver steering variable. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255728 | Path Planning - The present invention relates to a method of determining the path of a vehicle along a two-dimensional plane intended to control the movement of the vehicle by means of a driver-assisting system, where the path interconnects an initial state and a terminal state and each of the states Zi=[xi, yi, ψi, ci] along the path is characterized by four state coordinates with xi and yi being the Cartesian coordinates of a point Pi, ψi being the direction angle of the tangent line, and ci being the curvature of the path at point Pi, and where the path is made up of a number of elementary paths meeting at junction points JPi such that the four state coordinates of state Zi are characterized by a continuous transition at the junction points JPi. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255729 | Steering Assist System and Vehicle Mounted with the Same - An object of the present invention is to provide a steering assist system capable of showing a driver an appropriate direction of steering operation in advance and correctly, and without impairing safety, and shortening an operation time during collision avoidance, in particular, reducing an idle running time. It is another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle mounted with such a steering assist system. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255730 | Safety arrangement for a discharging signalling system - A method and system for allowing unsafe action signals in a dispensing system of a vehicle. A discharging signalling system of at least one dispenser of a vehicle includes an activation circuit arranged to discharge the dispenser. An indicator is arranged to indicate that dispensing is allowed. The activation circuit includes a first safety arrangement arranged to be activated when an indication from the indicator indicates that dispensing is allowed. The activation circuit also includes a second safety arrangement arranged to be activated when a discharge of the dispenser is indicated. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255731 | Occupant detection apparatus - An occupant detection apparatus including a photographing section that is disposed to face to a vehicle rear seat for taking three-dimensional images of the vehicle rear seat area. The apparatus includes an information extraction processing section that extracts only first image information about an upper area of a seat back of the vehicle rear seat area from the three-dimensional images including the first image information and second image information about areas other than the upper area of the seat back. The apparatus also includes a segmentation processing section that segments the first image information extracted by the information extraction processing section into areas relating to respective sitting areas of a plurality of rear-seat occupants. The apparatus further includes a derivation processing section that derives, with regard to each image information segmented by the segmentation processing section, information about the rear-seat occupant sitting in the vehicle rear seat. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255732 | BRAKING CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A braking control apparatus for a vehicle includes four wheel braking apparatuses for applying a braking torque to wheels, a first hydraulic pressure generating apparatus generating a hydraulic pressure, a vacuum booster generating an assist force for assisting a breaking operation, a first hydraulic circuit, a second hydraulic circuit, a second hydraulic pressure generating apparatus generating an assist hydraulic pressure that is added to the hydraulic pressure, a detecting portion for detecting a braking operation variable, a target value determining portion for determining a first assist hydraulic pressure target value and a second assist hydraulic pressure target value to be both greater than zero over a range where the braking operation variable is greater than a predetermined value at which the assist force by the vacuum booster is started, and a pressure regulating portion for regulating the assist hydraulic pressure to mach the assist hydraulic pressure target value. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255733 | Adjustable Seat Bolster for Easy Access - An ergonomic device for an automobile seat includes a pressure surface oriented proximate to a seat cushion so that the pressure surface may deploy to support a seat occupant. A mount fixes it to a frame of the automobile seat. A linkage between the pressure surface and said mount allows the pressure surface to be selectively positionable between a first position disposed to extend for support of a seat occupant and a second position that is retracted. A power actuator is in operative communication with the linkage such that the power actuator mediates travel of the pressure surface between the first and second positions. The power actuator is in electric communication with a use anticipation indicator such that the actuator is engaged to place the pressure surface in the second, retracted position upon a signal from the use anticipation indicator. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255734 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE SEAT - A method of controlling a vehicle seat includes determining a trajectory between a first position of the seat and the second position of the seat, determining a torque to move the seat along the trajectory with velocity profile along the trajectory, and applying the torque to the seat to move the seat between the first position and a second position along the trajectory. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255735 | Traction control method in machine using lockable differential - A method of operating a machine having a lockable differential includes monitoring a first operating parameter indicative of wheel slip, and monitoring a second operating parameter different from the first parameter, the method further including controlling locking and unlocking of the differential responsive to the second operating parameter. A machine is provided having an electronic controller including software control logic for controlling locking and unlocking of a differential, the electronic controller being configured to lock the differential where the machine is in an operating mode where wheel slip is likely, such as a digging/dozing mode. Satisfaction of criteria for locking may be recognition by the controller of a predetermined pattern of sensor inputs corresponding with a likely wheel slip condition, or actual slip detection. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255736 | GEO-REFERENCED AGRICULTURAL LEVEES - A method of constructing levees used for management of water for the purpose of growing agricultural or horticultural crops, consisting essentially of: | 2008-10-16 |
20080255737 | CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - When the vehicle is traveling on an uphill road (step | 2008-10-16 |
20080255738 | ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS - An engine control apparatus basically has a clutch release detecting component, a time measuring component and a rotational speed synchronization control component. The clutch release detecting component detects when a clutch arranged between an engine and a manual transmission has been released to prevent rotation from being transferred from the engine to the manual transmission during shifting. The time measuring component measures an amount of time that elapses after the clutch is released. The rotational speed synchronization control component starts rotational speed synchronization control when the clutch is released and a prescribed delay time has elapsed since the clutch was released so that an engine rotational speed matches a predicted input rotational speed of the manual transmission being based on a vehicle speed and a gear position that is occurring after shifting is completed. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255739 | ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS - An engine control apparatus controls an engine rotational speed to a target rotational speed by using a detected input side transmission rotational speed of a manual transmission as the target rotational speed upon detecting a clutch pedal depression amount during shifting being equal to or larger than a first prescribed depression amount, which is equal to or larger than a depression amount corresponding to a clutch disconnect position. The engine rotational speed is controlled to the target rotational speed by using the smaller of a computed transmission rotational speed (based on vehicle speed and gear ratio using a shift position) and the detected input side transmission rotational speed, upon detecting the clutch pedal depression amount during shifting being smaller than the first prescribed depression amount and larger than a second prescribed depression amount, which is smaller than the depression amount corresponding to the clutch disconnect position. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255740 | Method For Controlling a Hydraulic Actuator Comprising a Rapid Drain Valve and a Control System and a Friction Coupling Comprising an Actuator of this Type - A method of controlling a hydraulic actuator of a friction coupling that includes a pump, which is driven by an electric motor, a pressure line, which contains a non-return valve and which runs from the pump to an actuator cylinder with an actuator piston that acts on the friction coupling. A rapid drain valve has a flow connection to the actuator cylinder and contains a slide that responds to the pressure prevailing on the side of the pump that faces the slide. To optimize the dynamic and static control behavior of the actuator, a control variable is determined for the electric motor from the target pressure and the actual pressure in the actuator cylinder. At least two different control algorithms are executed, depending on whether the difference between the target pressure and the actual pressure is positive or negative. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255741 | Method For Assisting the Driver of a Motor Vehicle With a Fishtailing Trailer - The present invention relates to a method for assisting the driver of a motor vehicle with a fishtailing trailer. A vehicle with a fishtailing trailer can be stabilized in an especially rapid manner in that, in a first state, the fishtailing of the trailer is analyzed by evaluating at least one vehicle state variable, and when critical fishtailing is detected, a warning is output to the driver in a second state so as to induce the driver to brake, and the driver—provided he initiates braking—is assisted in the braking operation by automatic actuation of the vehicle brakes, a brake pressure being set at which the most optimal vehicle deceleration possible is achieved. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255742 | Onboard controller system - A system and method for safely slowing or controlling a vehicle's speed or engine speed by selectively replacing a genuine engine control signal with a spoofed engine control signal to slow or control the vehicle. The operator is allowed control of the vehicle (e.g. genuine engine control signal) if the speed is below a threshold speed and the operator is denied control of the vehicle (e.g. spoofed engine control signal) if the speed is above the threshold speed; similarly, a maximum idle engine speed and time to idle before shut-down is enforced by selectively replacing a genuine engine control signal with a spoofed engine control signal, responsive to a set threshold for each. The threshold is set over the air (OTA). | 2008-10-16 |
20080255743 | BRAKE CONTROL APPARATUS AND BRAKE CONTROL METHOD - A brake control apparatus includes: at least one wheel cylinder that applies braking force to a vehicle wheel in response to supply of hydraulic fluid thereto; a manual hydraulic pressure source that pressurizes hydraulic fluid in accordance with brake operation by a driver; a cut valve which is arranged in a hydraulic fluid delivery path between the manual hydraulic pressure source and the wheel cylinder, and to which force is applied in such a direction that the cut valve is closed when the wheel cylinder is higher in hydraulic pressure than the manual hydraulic pressure source; and a controller that controls a discharge path, through which the hydraulic fluid is discharged from the wheel cylinder and which differs from the hydraulic fluid delivery path, so that discharge of the hydraulic fluid from the wheel cylinder through the discharge path starts in response to release of the brake. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255744 | Brake Control Apparatus for Vehicle - A brake control apparatus for a vehicle includes four wheel braking apparatuses, a first hydraulic pressure generating apparatus, a front-wheel hydraulic circuit connecting the hydraulic pressure generating apparatus to the two of the wheel braking apparatuses, a rear-wheel hydraulic circuit connecting the hydraulic pressure generating apparatus to the other two of the wheel braking apparatuses, a second hydraulic pressure generating apparatus generating an auxiliary pressure, a braking operation variable detecting means, a reference amount determining means for determining a reference amount of auxiliary hydraulic pressure, an obtaining means for obtaining at least one of state quantities indicating a load condition, a driving condition and slipperiness of wheel, a target amount determining means determining a target amount of auxiliary hydraulic pressure of each hydraulic circuit to be equal to or greater than the corresponding reference amount of auxiliary hydraulic pressure, and a pressure regulating means for regulating the auxiliary hydraulic pressure. | 2008-10-16 |
20080255745 | Method and Device for Controlling an Electronic Brake of a Vehicle - In a method for controlling an electromechanical brake of a vehicle, the electromechanical brake having a braking element ( | 2008-10-16 |