50th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 48 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080306556 | BONE ANCHOR WITH A CURVED MOUNTING ELEMENT FOR A DYNAMIC STABILIZATION AND MOTION PRESERVATION SPINAL IMPLANTATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306557 | Inserter for a spinal implant - An inserter for implanting a spinal implant such as an intervertebral spacer into a spinal disc space is disclosed. The inserter comprises a jaw assembly connected to a shaft assembly that is connected to a handle assembly. The shaft assembly includes an angled portion in which the distal end of the instrument is displaced from the proximal end of the instrument affording the clinician a more unobstructed view of the operative site. The user operates the handle assembly at the proximal end to open and close the jaw assembly to thereby connect to and release from the intervertebral spacer. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306558 | Apparatus and method of determining acetabular center axis - An apparatus and method is disclosed for aligning the anteversion and the inclination of an acetabular prosthetic cup within an acetabulum of a patient. The apparatus and method comprises calculating the orientation of acetabulum center axis. The acetabular prosthetic cup is aligned relative to the calculated acetabulum center axis. The acetabulum center axis is calculated from selecting rim points located about the acetabulum of the patient. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306559 | Defibrillator with Cardiac Blood Flow Determination - A method of determining whether events in a heart's electrical activity result in corresponding blood flow events comprises simultaneously taking an electrocardiograph (ECG) and an impedance cardiograph (ICG) of the heart. Successive periods of the ECG are examined to detect successive occurrences of at least one periodic waveform feature indicative of electrical activity of the heart ( | 2008-12-11 |
20080306560 | Wearable defibrillator with audio input/output - A wearable defibrillator and method of monitoring the condition of a patient are disclosed. The wearable defibrillator includes at least one therapy pad, at least one sensor and at least one processing unit operatively connected to the one or more therapy pads and the one or more sensors. The wearable defibrillator also includes at least one audio device operatively connected to the one or more processing units. The one or more audio devices are configured to receive audio input from a patient. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306561 | Multiple pulse defibrillation for subcutaneous implantable cardiac devices - Cardiac stimulation methods and systems provide for multiple pulse defibrillation, and involve sensing a fibrillation event, determining a fibrillation cycle length associated with the fibrillation event, and delivering a plurality of defibrillation pulses to treat the fibrillation event. Defibrillation pulses are delivered using a combination of subcutaneous non-intrathoracic electrodes. Delivery of each defibrillation waveform subsequent to a first defibrillation waveform is separated in time by a delay associated with the fibrillation cycle length. Delays between defibrillation waveform delivery may be associated with a percentage of the fibrillation cycle length. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306562 | Medical device configured to test for user responsiveness - A medical device is disclosed that includes one or more treatment electrodes, one or more sensors, and one or more controllers connected to the one or more treatment electrodes and one or more sensors. The medical device also includes one or more response mechanisms connected to the one or more controllers. The one or more controllers are configured to receive input from the one or more response mechanism and are also configured to determine whether a patient wearing the medical device actuated the one or more response mechanisms based, at least in part, on the input received from the one or more response mechanisms. In some disclosed embodiments, the medical device is a wearable defibrillator. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306563 | System and method for cardiovascular treatment or training - The invention provides a system and method for cardiovascular treatment or training of an individual. One or more venous return devices are used to alter the venous return in an individual, and one or more heart rate devices are used to alter the individual's heart rate. A processor activates the venous return devices and the one or more heart rate devices at one or more predetermined levels for one or more predetermined time durations | 2008-12-11 |
20080306564 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SHORT-TERM HEART RATE VARIABILITY MONITORING AND DIAGNOSTICS - A diagnostic system monitors autonomic using short term heart rate variability (STHRV). Some examples apply a therapy that is adjusted based on wellness indicator. A wellness indicator is a measure of the STHRV produced to indicate a patient's cardiac condition. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306565 | Medical Device - In an implantable medical device and a method and computer-readable medium for operating the medical device to detect a condition of a heart of a patient, activity level of a patient and acoustic energy in a patient are sensed, and acoustic signals are generated that are indicative of heart sounds of the patient over predetermined periods of a cardiac cycle during successive cardiac cycles. A signal corresponding to a first sound is extracted from the sensed acoustic signal of a cardiac cycle. A relation is calculated between a first signal corresponding to the first heart sound in a first activity range, and a second signal corresponding to the first heart sound in a second predetermined activity level range. The calculated relation is compared with at least one reference value to detect the condition or a change of the condition. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306566 | Implantable Medical Device with Heart Condition Detection - A method for detecting a condition of a heart of a patient using an implantable medical device including the steps of sensing acoustic signals indicative of heart sounds of the heart of the patient; extracting signals corresponding to a first heart sound (S1) and a second heart sound (S2) from sensed signals; calculating an energy value corresponding to a signal corresponding to the first heart sound (S1) and an energy value corresponding to the second heart sound (S2); calculating a relation between the energy value corresponding to the first heart sound and the energy value corresponding to the second heart sound for successive cardiac cycles; and using at least one relation to detect the condition or a change of the condition. A medical device for determining the posture of a patient and a computer readable medium encoded with instructions are used to perform the inventive method. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306567 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING CRT RESPONSE AND IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL NON-RESPONDERS TO CRT THERAPY - A method is disclosed that includes selecting an electrode configuration from a plurality of electrode configurations associated with electrodes of an implantable lead, sensing activity of the right ventricle and the left ventricle, determining an interval between sensed activity of the right ventricle and sensed activity of the left ventricle and determining whether the selected electrode configuration is suitable based at least in part on the interval. In one embodiment, an implantable device performs such a method to improve patient response to the CRT therapy, for example, by selecting a different electrode configuration if the current configuration is not suitable. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306568 | Identifying heart failure patients suitable for resynchronization therapy using QRS complex width from an intracardiac electrogram - Methods and systems are disclosed for determining whether a patient is a responder to cardiac resynchronization therapy. The beginning and ending of the intrinsic ventricular depolarization are determined through signals measured from one or more electrodes implanted in the patient's heart. An interval between the beginning and ending of the intrinsic ventricular depolarization is computed and is compared to a threshold. The threshold may be determined empirically. The pacing parameters of a heart stimulation device, such as a pacemaker, may then be configured, for example, by setting the paced atrio-ventricular delay based on whether the patient responds positively to cardiac resynchronization therapy. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306569 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING BATTERY STATUS OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A battery monitoring system monitors status of a battery in an implantable medical device by comparing a measured battery status trend to a calculated battery status trend. The measured battery status trend is a trend of measured parameter values each indicative of an actual state of depletion of the battery. The calculated battery status trend is a trend of calculated parameter values each indicative of an expected state of depletion of the battery. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306570 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING PULMONARY CONDITIONS - An apparatus for positioning at a target site and for treating a pulmonary condition in a subject includes a fluid exchange catheter for insertion into a tracheo-bronchial tree and an inflatable balloon coupled to the fluid exchange catheter. At least a portion of the inflatable balloon is for engaging a luminal wall of the tracheo-bronchial tree at the target site. The apparatus further includes an energy delivery mechanism operably coupled to the inflatable balloon. The energy delivery mechanism includes at least one energy delivery member for delivering electrical energy to the target site. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306571 | Devices For Treatment of Central Nervous System Injuries - A device for stimulating axon growth of the nerve cells in the spinal cord of mammals includes a device having a DC stimulus generator ( | 2008-12-11 |
20080306572 | Apparatus for Experiencing Visual-Tactile Interaction - A subject is able to experience the sensation of a phantom limb by an effect of interaction generated between visual sensation and tactile sensation. A first chamber | 2008-12-11 |
20080306573 | NOMOGRAM COMPUTATION AND APPLICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REFRACTIVE LASER SURGERY - A method for optimizing a prescription for laser-ablation corneal treatment includes receiving a measured correction prescription for a current patient. Next a database of treatment outcomes on a plurality of previously treated patients is accessed. The database contains a desired correction, and an actual correction. A difference between the desired correction and the actual correction represents an over- or undercorrection resulting from surgery. From the difference data is calculated a distribution of data points as a function of correction level. From the data-point distribution is calculated a statistically based offset applicable to the correction prescription for matching actual corrections with desired corrections. From the data-point distribution is calculated a confidence interval of the data using a predetermined confidence level. The statistically based offset is then adjusted based upon the confidence interval to provide an optimized prescription. The adjusted offset is then output for use in performing a refractive procedure. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306574 | METHOD FOR THE ABLATION OF CARTILAGE TISSUE IN A KNEE JOINT USING INDOCYANINE - A method for the ablation of human or animal articular cartilage is disclosed that employs an exogenous absorber, such as a compound having the molecular formula C | 2008-12-11 |
20080306575 | Body Tanning Device - A body tanning device, comprising: a chassis for support on the floor and/or on a wall; a supporting frame for a tanning ray source, which has a large opening for the exit of the tanning rays, the frame being pivoted to the chassis in order to assume at least two stable positions: a first position for use, which is substantially horizontal, and a second substantially vertical position for nonuse; elements for moving and supporting the frame from the first stable position to the second stable position and vice versa; a retractable covering, substantially of the fold-away type, for the tanning ray source, the covering being associated with the frame. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306576 | Optical Cell Control Prosthetics - A prosthetic device for optical control of target cells comprises a set of light sources, hardware for guiding light to the target cells, supporting hardware that holds members of the set of light sources with respect to each other and the target cells, control circuitry for controlling the set of light sources, and power circuitry that provides power to the set of light sources and the control circuitry. The device may be wearable or implantable, and may be remotely powered or employ wireless communication. The supporting hardware may comprise implantable hypodermics or cannulas, or a plate or scaffold. The set of light sources may be assembled into an array. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306577 | APPARATUS FOR ALTERING THE BODY TEMPERATURE OF A PATIENT - Apparatus for altering the body temperature of a patient comprises a cover for covering at least a portion of a patient's body and a compliant support adapted to underlie and generally conform to the shape of the portion of the patient's body to define a well adjacent to the patient's body portion for accumulating heat transfer liquid. The cover and compliant support cooperatively define an enclosure for receiving the portion of the patient's body and are constructed to conduct a heat transfer liquid into direct contact with the portion of the patient's body received in the enclosure to promote heat transfer between the patient's body and the heat transfer liquid. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306578 | Attachment of Tubing in a Cardiac Lead - In a method for fixing tubing of a cardiac lead to a termination element, such as an electrode or a pin connector and in a cardiac lead formed according to such a method, an exterior of the termination element is provided with a thermoplastic fixation element, and thermoplastic tubing is provided with an end portion that coaxially surrounds a portion of the fixation element. A section of the end portion of the thermoplastic tubing is fused to the thermoplastic fixation element, so that the thermoplastic tubing is fixed to the termination element. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306579 | Drug Loaded Implantable Medical Device - A drug eluting implantable device includes an exterior surface on the device and at least one recess formed in the exterior surface. The device further include at least one sidewall protruding from the exterior surface adjacent the at least one recess defining a channel with the recess into which the drug may be loaded, the sidewall including a perpendicular portion substantially perpendicular to the exterior surface and the sidewall further including a parallel portion extending from the perpendicular portion, the parallel portion extending from the perpendicular portion at an angle greater than about 90 degrees as measured with reference to the exterior surface | 2008-12-11 |
20080306580 | BLOOD ACESS APPARATUS AND METHOD - A blood access for dialysis includes a radially distensible support structure having an open lattice structure defining a support wall having interstitial open areas and defining exterior and luminal wall surfaces; a first porous polymeric portion having a plurality of pores, the first porous polymeric portion being securably disposed over at least a portion of the exterior wall portion of the support structure; a second porous polymeric portion having a plurality of pores, the second porous polymeric portion being securably disposed over at least a portion of the luminal portion of the support structure; and a biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material disposed within the pores of the first polymeric portion and/or pores of the second polymeric portion. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306581 | Streamlined Stents - A stent for implantation within the body of a patient is disclosed. The stent can be formed from one or more stent modules comprising a plurality of stent struts, one or more of which have an inner contour designed for streamlined fluid flow when the stent is implanted within an anatomical passageway of the patient. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306582 | Implantable medical devices with elastomeric copolymer coatings - Implantable medical devices with elastomeric copolymer coatings are disclosed. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306583 | HYBRID BALLON EXPANDABLE/SELF-EXPANDING STENT - A stent comprises a tubular member having openings therein and having a plurality of interconnected members and one or more frangible restraining members. The frangible restraining members break upon partial expansion of the stent. Thereafter, the stent self-expands. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306584 | Implantable medical devices for local and regional treatment - Implantable medical devices adapted to erodibly release delivery media for local and regional treatment are disclosed. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306585 | THREAD FOR VASCULAR STENT AND VASCULAR STENT USING THE THREAD - A thread for forming a vascular stent implanted in vessels is provided. This thread is formed by melt-spinning a biodegradable polymer. On the surface of the thread, there is formed a layer of a drug-containing biodegradable polymer of the same sort as the biodegradable polymer constituting the thread. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306586 | Minimally Invasive System for Delivering and Securing an Annular Implant - A delivery device for an annular implant is provided, comprising an annular implant having an adjustable dimension; a plurality of movable elongated deployment members, each having a proximal end and a distal end and an annular implant deployment region therebetween; and a distal joining member for joining the distal ends of the deployment members, wherein the deployment members are expandable by an expansion means to a deployment configuration, and the implant deployment regions of the deployment members are substantially parallel in an expanded configuration. The annular implant can comprise an adjustment mechanism in communication with a releasably attached elongated adjustment tool, whereby the size or shape of the annular implant can be incrementally adjusted. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306587 | Lens Material and Methods of Curing with UV Light - A polymeric material including a UV initiator, a UV absorber, and one or monomers, wherein the polymeric material is cured using UV light. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306588 | Accommodating Intraocular Lenses and Methods of Use - Accommodating intraocular lenses containing a flowable media and their methods of accommodation. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306589 | Intraocular Lens - An intraocular lens ( | 2008-12-11 |
20080306590 | Prosthesis and Method of Manufacturing a Prosthesis - A prosthesis is disclosed which includes a filler material comprising a biocompatible granular substance. The prosthesis includes in a particular embodiment a human mammary prosthesis. The granular substance comprises a mixture of synthetic biocompatible cells and a lubricant. Also disclosed is an osmotic barrier which reduces the flow of lubricant from the prosthesis and the flow of body fluids into the prosthesis. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306591 | Implantable medical devices with elastomeric block copolymer coatings - Implantable medical devices with elastomeric block copolymer coatings are disclosed. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306592 | Elastomeric copolymer coatings for implantable medical devices - Implantable medical devices with elastomeric copolymer coatings are disclosed. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306593 | Prosthetic Spinal Disc - Disc prostheses, particularly for use in the lumbar region of the spine are provided. The disc prosthesis includes a core of elastomeric material provided within an inner component of fabric. The inner component is provided within an outer component of fabric. By providing a smooth inner contact surface between the inner component and the core, movement between the inner and outer components is facilitated in preference to movement between the inner component and core. Core abrasion is thus avoided. The use of an inner component and an outer component also means that the characteristics of each can he optimized to meet different aims. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306594 | Artificial intervertebral disc having a bored semispherical bearing with a compression locking post and retaining caps - An artificial intervertebral disc having a pair of opposing baseplates, for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces, uses a semispherical, bored bearing that is secured to the baseplates with compression locking posts and one or more retaining caps. The compression locking posts extend through the bearing bore and baseplate apertures such that the bearing is between the baseplates' inwardly facing surfaces. Retaining caps are attached to the compression locking posts, securing the baseplates to the bearing. Bearing surfaces on the inwardly facing side of each baseplate allow each baseplate to rotate relative to the bearing, however, rotation of each baseplate is limited by the interference of each baseplate and its respective retaining cap. Rotation of the baseplates about the longitudinal axis of the spine can be limited via a notch in the retaining caps and a groove in the baseplates, or vice versa. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306595 | Porous Implant For Spinal Disc Nucleus Replacement - A spinal implant is provided in which the implant includes a porous component ( | 2008-12-11 |
20080306596 | INTERBODY FUSION DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A method and apparatus is provided for use in spinal fusion procedures. An interbody fusion device has a first piece that is a load bearing device designed to bear the axial loading from the end plates of adjacent vertebrae. A second piece of the interbody fusion device is a retention device whose function is to prevent migration of the load bearing device. One or more fasteners secure the retention device to the vertebrae above and below the load bearing device. The fasteners cause the end plates of the vertebrae to compress the end plates to the load bearing device to facilitate proper fusion. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306597 | INVERTEBRAL DISC PROSTHESIS FOR THE CERVICAL SPINE IN THE DOG - A cervical disc prosthesis or invertebral disc prosthesis that includes a first disc comprising a protrusion connected to a disc body and a convex surface facing a first cervical vertebra when implanted, and a second disc comprising a socket recessed in a disc body, and a convex surface facing a second cervical vertebra when implanted. The second disc remains substantially parallel to the first disc and axially spaced from the first disc. The protrusion is adapted to fit into the socket to join the first disc with the second disc, and the protrusion is fit for pivoting movement into the socket. Also provided is a method for implanting the inventive cervical disc prosthesis or the inventive invertebral disc prosthesis into an intervertebral disc area defined between two adjacent vertebrae. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306598 | SPINAL IMPLANT WITH BIOLOGIC SPONGE - The present invention provides an intervertebral prosthesis generally defining a first wall, a second wall, sidewalls extending from the first wall to the second wall, and an upper surface and a lower surface. One or more passages may be included providing for an affixation element, to be inserted therethrough. The passages may each include a first portion for receiving a head or tip of an affixation element, and a second portion of a smaller diameter, where a substantial amount of the second portion of the passage located above or below a midline of the prosthesis. One or more openings may also be provided on the spinal prosthesis for coupling the prosthesis to a surgical tool, and the upper and lower surfaces of the prosthesis may include a depression or portion void of any teeth for the insertion of the prosthesis where a distraction tool is situated about the surgical site. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306599 | Spinal interbody device - A multi-material spinal interbody device includes an inner dampener of compressible material in combination with a rigid outer material. The rigidity of the outer periphery of curved surfaces of the device, such as in an eluipsoid shape, provide support as a replacement to the nucleus propulsus, with the inner dampener providing for absorption of spinal forces. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306600 | Shoulder prosthesis - A system and method for installing a shoulder prosthesis. The method includes removing the original humeral head and shaping the proximal end of the humerus with one or more implements to prepare the humerus to receive the shoulder prosthesis. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306601 | PARTIAL HUMERAL HEAD PROSTHESIS - A humeral prosthesis includes a stem component and a partial humeral head component. The partial humeral head component has a configuration that is similar to the curvature of the humeral head to allow the head to reconstruct the anatomy of the damaged humerus. The stem component is threaded and cannulated and engages the partial humeral head component. The stem component is configured to be inserted within the humeral diaphyseal channel. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306602 | Tibia Cement Impaction System - A tibial cement impaction system and method are characterized by disposable frame and plunger elements which are used to drive bone cement under pressure into apertures formed in the top surface of the tibia to prevent a subsequently applied tibia plate or component of a knee prosthesis from loosening from the tibia. To prepare the tibia, the surgeon removes the top damaged surface of the tibia to define a relatively flat surface and drills a plurality of small holes or apertures into the surface. The holes are spaced across the surface. Next, the surgeon arranges the frame over the prepared tibia surface. The frame includes a wall having a generally kidney-shaped configuration which matches the outer perimeter of the top portion of the tibia and defines a chamber. Bone cement is arranged in the chamber and then the plunger, which is configured to match the contour of the wall, is pressed into the chamber, forcing the bone cement into the apertures and evenly across the top surface of the tibia. The plunger and frame are removed and discarded. Next, the tibia plate is arranged on the bone cement and driven against the tibia with the stem portion of the plate extending through the cement into the tibia. When the cement hardens, the plate is securely connected with the tibia. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306603 | Modular implant part and knee joint prosthesis - In order to improve a modular implant part for replacing a part of a natural knee joint with an implant component comprising a shaft extending away from the implant component and a connecting device for connecting the shaft to the implant component such that the shaft is adapted to be fixed to the implant component in a multiplicity of desired positions in a simple manner, it is proposed that the connecting device be formed in such a manner that, in a mounting disposition, the shaft is adapted to be moved into different translatory positions by a translatory movement in a direction transverse or substantially transverse to its longitudinal axis, and that, in an implantation disposition, the shaft is adapted to be fixed immovably to the implant component in one of the different translatory positions. Furthermore, an improved knee joint prosthesis is proposed. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306604 | Orthopaedic Device and Procedure to Realize Such a Device - An orthopaedic device ( | 2008-12-11 |
20080306605 | Method of Preparing an Ankle Joint for Replacement, Joint Prosthesis, and Cutting Alignmnet Apparatus for Use in Performing an Arthroplasty Procedure - A method prepares an ankle joint of a patient for replacement. The patient includes a tibia ( | 2008-12-11 |
20080306606 | Acetabular shell - An acetabular cup assembly for a prosthetic hip joint is disclosed. This assembly includes an outer shell having at least one shell extension, an adaptor having at least one adaptor extension, and an insert. The inclusion of an extension on the outer shell and an extension on the adaptor allows for easier manipulation and implantation of the assembly. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306607 | Material for Repairing Biological Tissues and Process for Producing the Same - A bone substitute (a material for repairing biological tissues) made from β-TCP as the raw material comprises a plate-type base member on the surface of which a plurality of grooves extending in a single direction are formed and separated from each other by partition wall members having an almost uniform thickness. This material sustains a sufficient binding force after application to a biological tissue and exhibits an excellent effect of forming a biological tissue. This bone substitute (material for repairing biological tissues) having a main body provided with a plurality of grooves extending in a single direction which are separated from each other by partition wall members having an almost uniform thickness, and a biodegradable viscous member which is filled into at least one of the penetrating holes of the main body, and contains an agonistic factor capable of increasing the cell activity, can provide agonistic factors of sufficient types and amounts to a biological tissue, and can control the sustained-release dose thereof. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306608 | OSTEOCHONDRAL PLUG GRAFT, KIT AND METHOD - Each of an osteochondral plug graft and a kit comprises a trapezoid shaped construct configured for osteochondral implanting. An osteochondral regeneration method comprises forming a recipient socket in a chondral area of an articular joint in need of repair; harvesting a trapezoid shaped graft from another chondral area; and implanting the trapezoid shaped graft into the recipient socket. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306609 | Fixation of Elastomer to Rigid Structures - A surgical implant, especially an artificial intervertebral disc, includes a rigid substrate ( | 2008-12-11 |
20080306610 | TISSUE PROCESSING FOR NONIMMUNOGENIC IMPLANTS - Methods for processing tissues to render them suitable for implantation, e.g. in an orthopedic site. Tissues are rendered substantially acellular and substantially nonimmunogenic by exposure to processes that result in cell lysis, increasing permeability of the extracellular matrix, degrading the debris from lysis, and removing the debris. Methods of forming tissue implants, kits for processing tissue implants, and methods of using tissue implants are also disclosed. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306611 | BIOCOMPATIBLE IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND ATTACHING THE SAME - The invention provides a biocompatible silicone implant that can be securely affixed to living tissue through interaction with integral membrane proteins (integrins). A silicone article containing a laser-activated surface is utilized to make the implant. One example is an implantable prosthesis to treat blindness caused by outer retinal degenerative diseases. The device bypasses damaged photoreceptors and electrically stimulates the undamaged neurons of the retina. Electrical stimulation is achieved using a silicone microelectrode array (MEA). A safe, protein adhesive is used in attaching the MEA to the retinal surface and assist in alleviating focal pressure effects. Methods of making and attaching such implants are also provided. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306612 | Artificial Foot - The invention relates to an artificial foot with a connecting part for a lower leg part, a forefoot part which is pivotably connected to the connecting part by means of an upper coupling element and a lower coupling element in such a way that an angular position of the connecting part controls an angular position of the forefoot part, one of the coupling elements extending into a heel area of the foot. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306613 | SAFETY UNIT, CONTROLLER SYSTEM, CONNECTION METHOD OF CONTROLLERS, CONTROL METHOD OF THE CONTROLLER SYSTEM AND MONITOR METHOD OF THE CONTROLLER SYSTEM - Safety units | 2008-12-11 |
20080306614 | Four sensor control - Combinations of four sensors control an object, enabling movement for robots, toys, video games, etc. Activating four sensors independently controls an object in four different directions. Multiple methods of using only four sensors to control the state of an object in a two dimensional environment or a three dimensional environment. Methods of using only four sensors to increase or decrease control of an object. Methods of using only four sensors to control the state of an object. Activating four sensors individually, simultaneously or sequentially controls an object in multiple states. Activating at least one sensor followed by or combined with the activation of at least one sensor controls an object in multiple directions. Simultaneously and sequentially activating combinations of four sensors controls an object in more than four different directions. A method of using four sensors to control cursor movement in four directions. Simultaneous activation of the left and right cursor keys exits a cursor movement mode and enters a first editing mode, wherein the left cursor key backspaces and the right cursor key deletes data, and simultaneous activation of the left and right cursor keys exits the first editing mode and re-enters the cursor movement mode or another mode. Simultaneous activation of the up and down cursor keys exits a cursor movement mode and enters a second editing mode, wherein the up cursor key reverses the last undo and the down cursor key reverses the last change, and simultaneous activation of the up and down cursor keys exits the second editing mode and re-enters the cursor movement mode or another mode. Activation of a fifth sensor exits a first or second editing mode and re-enters a cursor movement mode. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306615 | CONTROL DEVICE OF SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND CONTROL PROGRAM THEREFOR - A control device is provided that flexibly controls a substrate processing apparatus for each product process. Four process recipes PM | 2008-12-11 |
20080306616 | Control apparatus with a balance feedback function - A control apparatus with a balance feedback function includes a direction control module for outputting several direction signals of different directions; an operation control module outputting several control signals of different operations; a balance control module for detecting the control apparatus and presetting a tilting angle between horizontal planes to generate a horizontal shift vector signal or detecting a vertical shift in the vertical direction of the control apparatus to generate a corresponding vertical vector signal; a processing module coupled to the balance control module for receiving the direction signal to produce a corresponding direction data, for receiving the operation control signal to produce a corresponding operation control data, for receiving the horizontal shift vector signal to produce a horizontal vector data, and for receiving the vertical vector signal to produce vertical vector data; and a transmission module provided for transmitting any one of the data to an electronic device to achieve the balance feedback control. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306617 | CORE OBJECT-ORIENTED TYPE SYSTEM FOR SEMI-STRUCTURED DATA - A type system employing structural subtyping is disclosed herein. A core type system supports several structural types, such as stream, choice, intersection and sequence. Also part of the core type system is a new invariant type, which denotes values whose dynamic type is the same as its static type, and type restrictions for limiting a range of a base type. Furthermore, a streamlined structural version of delegates, called structural delegates and a validation method thereof are introduce into the type system. To further facilitate type safety, strict statically checked interface casts are introduced. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306618 | CAR-USE EXTENDED DEVICE AND SETTING METHOD FOR OPERATION INTERFACE OF CAR-USE CONTROL SYSTEM - A car-use extended device is applied to electrically communicate to a car-use audio device to form a car-use control system, so as to simulate a user-to-machine operation interface for controlling an electronic computing device installed with an operation system to execute at least one preset assignment. The car-use audio device comprises an operation interface comprising a trigger element and at least one working signal input element. The extended device comprises a micro control unit comprising an interface-function setting program. When the trigger element is triggered, a triggering signal is generated and sent to the micro control unit, and the interface-function setting program is provided to define the preset assignment that the working signal input element represents. Hereafter, when the working signal input element is triggered, the micro control unit outputs a working signal to the electronic computing device, so as to make the electronic computing device execute the preset assignment. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306619 | Systems And Methods For Synchronizing Music - The present invention relates to music systems. In particular, the present invention relates to music systems capable of altering the rate of play (e.g., beats per time interval) of a musical piece such that it matches a user's rate of movement per time interval. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306620 | Method for Machining a Workpiece - The invention relates to a method for machining a workpiece ( | 2008-12-11 |
20080306621 | SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING APPARATUS CONTROL SYSTEM AND STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus control system and a statistical process control method thereof increase reliability. A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus control system includes a plurality of unit process devices for performing various semiconductor unit processes; a plurality of measuring devices for measuring a pattern characteristic of wafer completed in respective unit processes in the plurality of unit process devices; and a host computer for sensing an abnormal state of the unit process by using a T | 2008-12-11 |
20080306622 | Machine and Method for Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical-Like Product Assembly - A method and apparatus for assembling a plurality of independently formed solid components is provided thereby forming a single delivery vehicle for a pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical-like product. The solid components can be held and fed to the apparatus via a plurality of magazines. Pusher rods and the like can be used for positioning each of the solid components. Where the components are connected via a bonding liquid, a sprayer is provided and compression pins or the like press the components with the bonding liquid together to form the final product. A rivet or other connection structure can also be used and driven through holes in each of the solid components to form the final product. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306623 | METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY CHECKING SEQUENCE OF LOADING BOATS AND BATCHES FOR SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING PROCESS - A method for automatically checking a sequence of loading boats and batches for a semiconductor manufacturing process is provided. According to a developed logic, a loading sequence is automatically calculated by a system. By comparing the actual loading sequence with the calculated sequence when the boats are entering, it is ensured that no errors occur when loading the boats in the batches. When loading the boats in the batches, operators can truly load the boats in the batches according to the entering sequence together with the current confirmation mechanism, so as to ensure the boat positions for the loaded materials to be correct. The method for automatically checking the sequence of loading boats and batches is further capable of calculating the loading sequence through the developed logic by automatically determining runnable boat positions for the material after recording a parameter for detecting a previous boat by the system. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306624 | Advanced finishing control - A factory, an apparatus, and methods of using an in situ finishing information for finishing workpieces and semiconductor wafers are described. Changes or improvements to cost of manufacture of a workpiece using current in-process cost of manufacture information, tracked current in-process cost of manufacture information, or current cost of manufacture parameters are discussed. Appreciable changes to quality or cost of manufacture of a workpiece using tracking, using in-process tracked information, networks including a multiplicity of apparatus, and using in situ finishing information are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve process control are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve real-time process control are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve feedforward and feedback control are discussed. The workpieces can be tracked individually or by process group such as a process batch. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306625 | Dual-phase virtual metrology method - A dual-phase virtual metrology method is disclosed for considering both promptness and accuracy by generating dual-phase virtual metrology (VM) values, wherein a Phase-I conjecture step emphasizes promptness by immediately calculating the Phase-I virtual metrology value (VM | 2008-12-11 |
20080306626 | FEEDBACK-BASED DOCUMENT HANDLING CONTROL SYSTEM - A method and system for performing sheet registration are disclosed. Output values for a sheet may be identified within a reference frame. A difference between each output value and a corresponding desired output value may be determined. Input values may be determined based on at least the differences. State feedback values may be determined based on information received from one or more sensors. Jerk values may be determined for multiple drive rolls based on the input values and the state feedback values. A desired angular velocity for each drive roll may be determined based on the corresponding jerk value. A motor voltage may be determined for each drive roll that tracks an observed angular velocity value to the desired angular velocity value. The jerk values may create a linear differential relationship between the input values and the output values. The steps may be performed multiple times. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306627 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ROBOT GENOME - A system and method for generating a robot genome. Internal state attribute preferences of internal states and behavior preferences are input by a user, and a set of one or more robot genomes containing initial values of genes is generated. A masking process of each robot genome of the generated robot genome group is performed so attributes are manifested. Robot genomes that underwent the masking process are loaded into a personality engine. A reliability value is calculated from a manifestation result of each robot genome, and reliability values of extracted robot genomes that satisfy a particular user reliability value are determined. Extracted robot genomes are modified when the user reliability value is not satisfied, and a new robot genome group including the modified robot genomes is generated. A robot genome satisfying the user reliability is extracted by iteratively performing the above procedures for the newly generated robot genome group. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306628 | Multi-Modal Push Planner for Humanoid Robots - Multi-modal planning method and system that search a path for the most constrained mode first, and then expands the searches for path in a less constrained mode. By searching the path for the most constrained mode first, less resource are wasted on searching for paths that does not result in a feasible path in the most constrained mode. Multi-modal planning is performed by precomputing feasibility and utility of transition configurations of two adjacent modes. The feasibility is used to exclude non-feasible transition configurations in the most constrained mode from being sampled. The utility is used to bias sampling of the transition configuration so that transition configurations with higher utility are sampled with higher probability. Paths of configurations with higher utility and efficiency are obtained by biasing the sampling of the transition configurations. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306629 | ROBOT APPARATUS AND OUTPUT CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - The present invention relates to a robot apparatus and an output control method adapted for the robot apparatus. The method includes steps of: receiving radio frequency (RF) signals of identification (ID) codes from several wireless communication devices within a predetermined area and time period; sensing people and obtaining the number of people within the predetermined area and time period; comparing current ID codes and the number of people in the predetermined area with what were determined previously, generating an update signal when the comparison is not equal; replacing the previous data with the current data; acquiring output data based on the associated output found in the output table; and performing an output based on the output data. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306630 | System of Manipulators and Method for Controlling Such a System - A system of manipulators including several manipulators, namely robots and/or external axes, such as workstations or transport tracks, whereby each manipulator is controlled by a control system via communication means and is programmed to carry out a plurality of tasks. The system of manipulators is movable in a first coordinate system. A second coordinate system is defined for each manipulator, so that one part of the manipulator, e.g. its tool center point, stands still in the second coordinate system, which is movable relative to the first coordinate system. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306631 | Adaptive Reductant Dosing And Emission Control Strategies - The present disclosure relates to a method or apparatus for controlling reductant dosing level introduced to a selective catalytic reduction device. The method or apparatus may determine available reductant and determine a distance to a source of reductant. This may be followed by adjusting a reductant dosing level based upon the available reductant and the distance to the reductant source. The apparatus may be installed in a vehicle and may also regulate in-cylinder emission control variables to reduce NOx emissions. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306632 | Air Conditioning Control Device - An air conditioning control device is configured to obtain and control data on an air conditioner, which includes a plurality of indoor units. The air conditioning control device includes a data retrieval component, a data collection component, an analysis component, and an analyzed results display component. The data retrieval component retrieves air conditioner operating data including power consumption data for each indoor unit. The data collection component collects operating data at certain periods of time. The analysis component analyzes operating data for each indoor unit. The analyzed results display component visualizes and displays the analyzed data that has been analyzed by the analysis component. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306633 | OPTIMIZED POWER AND AIRFLOW MULTISTAGE COOLING SYSTEM - A system for adjusting the operation of a cooling device includes a cooling device, an input sensory device, a control algorithm, and a controller that adjusts operation of the cooling device based on the control algorithm. An embodiment of the control algorithm approximates a plurality of substantially linear cooling curves to relate to portions of a non-linear cooling curve for the cooling device, the algorithm selects a selected cooling curve from the plurality of substantially linear cooling curves based on an input from the sensory device. The system and an associated method may be implemented to cool an information handling system. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306634 | Method of controlling temperature of a computer system - A computer-implemented method for controlling temperature of a computer system is disclosed. The computer system contains multiple modules and at least one cooling fan. The method contains the steps of collecting thermal data from a first set of modules, calculating an initial fan speed, collecting thermal data from a second set of modules, and recalculating the fan speed to adjust cooling of modules to desired operating temperatures. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306635 | Method of optimizing air mover performance characteristics to minimize temperature variations in a computing system enclosure - A computer-implemented method optimizes air mover performance to minimize temperature variations in a computer system enclosure. The computer system includes one or more modules and at least one air mover. The method includes collecting thermal data from the modules; using the collected thermal data, determining a maximum value of the thermal data; comparing the determined maximum value of the thermal data to a current maximum value of the thermal data; using the determined and the current maximum values, determining a desired operating characteristic of the air mover; and adjusting the air mover to the desired operating characteristic. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306636 | ENHANCED DISPLAY FOR PRESENTING TACHOMETER INFORMATION - Aspects of the present invention are directed at an enhanced display for presenting tachometer information. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that causes an electronic control unit associated with a dashboard display to present the current engine speed (e.g. RPM) relative to an optimal range in which fuel efficiency is maximized. More specifically, the method includes obtaining a set of tachometer data at the electronic control unit that defines the lower and upper limits of the optimal range in which fuel efficiency is maximized. Periodically, the current engine speed may be obtained by the electronic control unit associated with the dashboard display. Then, the method causes the current engine speed to be presented on the graphical display relative to the lower and upper limits of the optimal range. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306637 | BATTERY NETWORK SYSTEM WITH LIFE-OPTIMAL POWER MANAGEMENT AND OPERATING METHODS THEREOF - A system and methods for life optimal power management of a distributed or centralized battery network system for use in aircraft functions and subsystems are disclosed. The method determines power priority of the subsystems, and selectively distributes power from the battery network system to the subsystems based on the power priority. Concurrently with distributing power, the method manages the energy in the battery network system. To determine whether the battery power is sufficient for aircraft functions, the method also computes and indicates the actual available energy left in the battery network systems. With this approach, the system and methods can provide a persistent power supply in the event an unexpected battery failure occurs, thereby enabling the aircraft to safely maintain flight operability despite a battery failure. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306638 | METHOD AND DEVICE TO ASSIST IN NAVIGATION IN AN AIRPORT SECTOR - The invention relates to a method and device to assist in navigation in an airport sector. The inventive method and device make it possible to automatically calculate the points of intersection between the path of the flight plan and the zones having speed limitations all around an airport and calculate a speed profile conforming to these limitations. The inventive method and device also make it possible to use an automatic guidance automatically defining flight instructions corresponding to the calculated speed profile. Furthermore, the invention calculates predictions concerning the flight parameters. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306639 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FILTERING TERRAIN AN OBSTACLE ANTI-COLLISION ALERTS FOR AIRCRAFT - The present invention relates to a device and methods for filtering anti-collision alerts for aircraft having a locating system charting the position of the aircraft and estimating the precision of its position. A navigation system of the aircraft calculates at least the actual speed of the aircraft, the speed instruction and a first deviation between the instruction and the actual speed, and the deviation being compared with a first reference overshoot threshold. An anti-collision system generates alerts. An alarms manager of the aircraft centralizes the alerts transmitted by the terrain anti-collision equipment of the aircraft to the crew. The alerts each posses a coding of the danger level, and the danger levels form part of a first predetermined set. The alert filter according to the invention filters sets of alerts according to the coding of their danger level. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306640 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIRELESSLY INTERFACING A LOCOMOTIVE CONSIST - A system is provided to wirelessly interface a locomotive consist including a plurality of locomotives. One locomotive of the plurality of locomotives includes a plurality of trainline cables to transmit a respective plurality of trainline signals during operation of the locomotive. The plurality of trainline cables extend between a trainline connector positioned adjacent to each end of the locomotive. The system includes at least one first connector device to wirelessly transmit the plurality of trainline signals of at least one first locomotive to at least one second connector device of at least one second locomotive. Each first connector device is coupled to at least one trainline connector of at least one first locomotive, and each second connector device is coupled to at least one trainline connector of at least one second locomotive. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306641 | Human Machine Interface for Speed and Location Control with Braking Distance Display - The present disclosure is directed to a locomotive controller including an input device, a display and a processor for driving the display and receiving inputs from the input device. Software in the processor determines and drives the display to show a location of a train on a track and indicia of the location on the track of stopping distances for one of an emergency brake application, a full service brake application and at least one controlled stop brake application. Creep control is also provided. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306642 | Remote controlled position sensing and auto-leveling boat lift controller - The present invention disclosure relates to boat lifts and in particular a boat lift preferably employing to a remote controlled, position sensing and auto-leveling boat lift controller. The controller is capable of monitoring the height of the lift relative to the surface of the water and the angle of the lift relative to horizontal level. The controller filters out the effects of wave action or other interfering conditions, obtaining precise measurements of the height and angle. The controller continuously maintains both height and angle at the position set by the operator. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306643 | Driving System for Hybrid Vehicle - A hybrid-vehicle driving system includes an engine, a transmission, a first motor/generator provided between the engine and the transmission, and a battery that can charge and discharge the first motor/generator. When an estimated output voltage of the first motor/generator becomes higher than or equal to a predetermined voltage during a gear shift operation of the transmission, the battery is electrically disconnected from the driving system, and the voltage of a power line on the side of the first motor/generator is then decreased so as to charge the battery. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306644 | GAME MACHINE AND INFORMATION COMMUNICATION SYSTEM USING DATA CARRIER - A game apparatus includes an apparatus body; and a plurality of small playing members each having a data carrier for transmitting driving electric power and performing mutual communications with the apparatus body. The number of points is added by the apparatus body when a change is given from the outside to an arbitrarily selected small playing member among the plurality of small playing members under a predetermined condition. In another aspect, an automated traveling control system for executing a process corresponding to a kind of a carrier object traveling by a gate is disclosed. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306645 | Methods and Systems for Providing Open Access to Vehicle Data - A method for providing open access to vehicle data is disclosed From a vehicle under service, the method receives vehicle-diagnostic data in a manufacturer-specified format at a vehicle-service tool, and converts the vehicle data in the manufacturer-specified format into vehicle data in an open format. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306646 | System and Method for Using Vehicle Attributes to Identify a Vehicle Under Service - A system and method directed to determining vehicle attributes associated with a vehicle under service so as to eliminate the need for a user of a vehicle service tool to enter the vehicle attributes or to reduce the quantity of vehicle attributes that the user has to enter in order for the vehicle service tool to identify the vehicle under service and, in turn, to retrieve vehicle reference data associated with the vehicle under service. The vehicle service tool may include vehicle service applications for servicing various systems and/or components of the vehicle under service. A vehicle service application selected by the user may function as a requester application that queries other applications and/or data storage for the vehicle attributes needed by the requester application to identify the vehicle under service. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306647 | IN-VEHICLE NETWORK SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - The present invention relates to an in-vehicle networks system and a method of controlling the same. The in-vehicle network system includes a first actuator and second actuators; shared sensors outputting a sensing value according to a sensing result; a first sub ECU controlling the driving of the first actuator and outputting a first sub sensing value corresponding to the sensing value from the shared sensors; a second sub ECU controlling the driving of the first actuator and outputting a second sub sensing value corresponding to the sensing value from the shared sensors; and a main ECU communicating with the first sub ECU and the second sub ECU according to a TDMA-based communication protocol, and determining that any one of the first ECU and the second ECU is abnormal in case that a difference between the first sensing value and the second sensing value is out of an error tolerance. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306648 | Abnormality diagnosis system and control system for internal combustion engine | 2008-12-11 |
20080306649 | Vehicle Driving Safety Control Apparatus - A driving safety control apparatus for a vehicle is provided. In some embodiments, the driving safety control apparatus makes use of a hybrid wheel sensor capable of automatically detecting an abnormal state of one or more chassis components generated when the vehicle is running by using speed and acceleration signals of the hybrid wheel sensor with a semiconductor acceleration sensor mounted on the wheel of the vehicle, thereby informing the driver of the detected abnormal state. In this manner, the detected abnormal part can be repaired at an early stage. Also, the behavior of the vehicle wheels can be monitored, whereby signals representative of the measured behavior can be transmitted to an active suspension for improved control of the active suspension, compared to known systems. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306650 | FAILURE-DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION COLLECTION SYSTEM - A failure-diagnosis information collection system facilitates failure diagnosis in a vehicle. Electronic control units (ECUs) constituting an onboard network perform abnormality detection processing for a detected abnormality. When a duration during which an abnormality recognizing condition for a detected abnormality is established reaches an abnormality recognition time, abnormality information and a principal time stamp associated with the time point are stored. When the abnormality recognizing condition is established for the first time, a first preliminary time stamp that is time-instant information associated with the time point is stored. When the duration during which the abnormality recognizing condition is established reaches half of the abnormality recognition time, a second preliminary time stamp that is time-instant information associated with the time point is stored. Consequently, an abnormality that is a major factor having triggered other multiple abnormalities can be readily identified based on the first and second preliminary time stamps. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306651 | System and Method for Transferring Vehicle Service Data - A system and method directed to generating a transfer file of categorized vehicle service data, wherein the vehicle service data was captured by a vehicle service tool, and transmitting the transfer file to a remote device. The remote device may store the categorized vehicle service data and thereafter send the categorized vehicle service data back to the vehicle service tool that captured the vehicle service data or to another vehicle service tool for use in comparing current vehicle service conditions to previous service conditions represented by the categorized vehicle service data. The transfer file may include a variety of categories such as diagnostic trouble codes, screen shots, calibration data, and parameter identifiers. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306652 | Method and Computer Program for Personalizing Adjustable Functions in a Vehicle - The invention relates to a method and a computer program and a data carrier with this computer program for personalizing adjustable functions in a vehicle. The method provides that first a user profile in the form of stored, person-related settings and/or data of the functions for a current user of the vehicle is activated. To this extent, this method is basically known from the prior art. In order to restrict the access rights of other users to the user profile of the current user, the invention provides a configuration step, in the scope of which the current user can define which other user he would like to permit to access his person-related settings and/or data of functions within a previously defined group of functions. The access is respectively configured in a standardized way for all the functions within the group. The functions within a group are at least similar in terms of their requirement for personalization and/or their requirement for confidentiality. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306653 | Engine Control Apparatus and Straddle-Type Vehicle - An engine control apparatus that effectively suppresses a rise in rotation number of an engine in a jump of a vehicle. An engine control apparatus includes an acceleration detecting device for detecting an acceleration component of gravity acceleration in a perpendicular direction of the vehicle body based on a signal inputted from an acceleration sensor, and a control circuit for judging whether the vehicle has jumped or not based on the acceleration component to be detected. The control circuit suppresses a rise in rotation number of the engine when the vehicle is judged to have jumped. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306654 | Parametric Remedial Action Strategy for an Active Front Steer System - A vehicle parametric active front steering (AFS) system remedial action is described herein. AFS system modules inter-communicate via messages containing parameters. The AFS system detects a message error, determines an invalid parameter, and takes appropriate remedial action. An error is detected if an error condition is satisfied or if occurrence of incorrect messages reaches or exceeds a certain predetermined frequency. The AFS system takes the remedial action by setting default values of valid parameters corresponding to the invalid parameter. | 2008-12-11 |
20080306655 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM - There is provided a control apparatus that controls a motor of an electric power steering system to assist a steering effort of an operator. The control apparatus includes a sensor, a parameter computer, a difference computer, a target torque computer, and a motor driver. The parameter computer computes a current value of one of physical parameters of one of constituents of the electric power steering system based on a steering parameter determined by the sensor referring to an equation of motion. The difference computer computes a difference between the current value of the one of the physical parameters computed by the parameter computer and a predetermined value of the one of the physical parameters. The target torque computer computes a target torque of the motor which compensates for the difference between the current value and the predetermined value of the one of the physical parameters. | 2008-12-11 |