01st week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 48 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120004707 | USE OF STIMULATION PULSE SHAPE TO CONTROL NEURAL RECRUITMENT ORDER AND CLINICAL EFFECT - A method, electrical tissue stimulation system, and programmer for providing therapy to a patient are provided. Electrodes are placed adjacent tissue (e.g., spinal cord tissue) of the patient, electrical stimulation energy is delivered from the electrodes to the tissue in accordance with a defined waveform, and a pulse shape of the defined waveform is modified, thereby changing the characteristics of the electrical stimulation energy delivered from the electrode(s) to the tissue. The pulse shape may be modified by selecting one of a plurality of different pulse shape types or by adjusting a time constant of the pulse shape. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004708 | Implantable Medical Device and Charging System Employing Electric Fields - An implantable medical device and external base station system are disclosed. The external base station can provide a passive electric field to power the implant, or to charge its battery. The base station may also power or charge using magnetic fields under certain circumstances. The Implantable medical device may comprise an implantable neurostimulator having a number of electrode leads extending from its body. One or more of the electrode leads can comprise the antenna for receiving the electric field from the base station, and resonance in that antenna can be rectified to provide the power for recharging the battery. Although the E-field provided by the base station does not provide as much power for recharging as does other traditional charging techniques (such as those using magnetic fields), it can occur passively and over longer distances to allow the patent's implant to be recharged when in relative proximity to the base station. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004709 | Charging System for an Implantable Medical Device Employing Magnetic and Electric Fields - A base station for passively recharging a battery in an implant without patient involvement is disclosed. The base station can be hand held or may comprise equipment configured to be placed at a fixed location, such as under a bed, on or next to a wall, etc. The base station can generate electric and magnetic fields (E-field and B-field) that couple with an antenna and a receiving coil within the implant to generate a charging current for charging the implant's battery. No handling or manipulation on part of the patient is necessary; the implant battery is passively charged whenever the patient is within range of either the magnetic or electric charging fields generated by base station. Charging using the B-field occurs when the IPG is at a relatively short distance from the base station, while charging using the E-field occurs at longer distances. Back telemetry from the implant can inform the base station whether B-field or E-field charging is indicated, and is preferred if possible for its ability to transfer higher amounts of power to the implant. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004710 | IRRADIATING STRIP CATHETER - The invention discloses a Light Irradiating Unit (LIU) for providing radiant energy safely to a treatment site within the human body during treatment sessions. the LIU is comprised of the following modules: an Irradiating Array (IA) comprising LED's longitudinally disposed in a single row along a flexible support member; an external LED Controller and Power Supply (CPS); an Array Housing Catheter (AHC) for enclosing and guiding said IA to the treatment site; and a Cooling Catheter (CC) for enclosing and cooling the AHC during treatment sessions; the CC connects to a standard intra venous bag, containing cooling fluid, the is bag adapted to provide gravity induced cooling fluid flow through the CC during treatment sessions; the CC further adapted to provide drainage of the cooling fluid during said treatment sessions. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004711 | IRRADIATION/COOLING COMBINATION FOR APPLICATION IN PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY - The invention relates to an irradiation-cooling combination for application in photodynamic therapy having an irradiation element ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004712 | THERMOTHERAPEUTIC PAD - A thermotherapeutic pad for applying heat or cold to a body part. The pad has a material for releasing or absorbing heat and a thermally conductive envelope for containing the granular material. The pad also has a holder for removably holding a cold pack adjacent to the envelope. The thermotherapeutic pad may provide heat by heating the material and placing the envelope against the body part, and the thermotherapeutic pad may absorb heat by placing a cooled cold pack into the holder and placing the portion of the pad comprising the cold pack against the body part. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004713 | COMBINATION TENSION WRAP - A thermotherapeutic pad has an envelope containing a thermally active material attached to a flexible flap which can be wrapped a body part and fastened in position. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004714 | LEAD HAVING COIL ELECTRODE WITH PREFERENTIAL BENDING REGION - An implantable lead may have a distal shocking coil that is configured to include a predetermined buckle region in order to limit potential cardiac damage that might otherwise occur if the implantable lead is too stiff. An implantable lead may have a proximal shocking coil that is configured to have a flexibility that more closely matches the flexibility of the lead body on either side of the proximal shocking coil. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004715 | Ear Implant Electrode and Method of Manufacture - A novel electrode array is described for ear implant systems such as cochlear implants (CI) and vestibular implants (VI). The electrode array includes electrode wires for carrying electrical stimulation signals. At a terminal end of each electrode wire is an electrode stimulation contact for applying the electrical stimulation signals to adjacent neural tissue. An electrode carrier of resilient material encases the electrode wires and has an outer surface with a plurality of contact openings exposing the stimulation contacts. Multiple bend control elements are distributed along the length of the electrode array to control bending flexibility of the electrode array as a function of a bend radius threshold. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004716 | MICROELECTORODE ARRAY, METHODS FOR PREPARING THE SAME AND USES THEREOF - A microelectrode array having a substrate with a plurality of grooves and a plurality of electrical contact pads, the grooves each with at least one electrode electrically connected to at least one of the electrical contact pads, each of the grooves containing at least one myotube that overlays the at least one electrode. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004717 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING A STENT INTO AN OSTIUM - Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering a stent into an ostium. The apparatus includes a catheter including a proximal end, a distal end, and proximal and distal balloons disposed adjacent one another on the distal end. The balloons are expandable independently of one another, and a stent is provided surrounding the balloons. During use, the distal end of the catheter is introduced into a main lumen, and the proximal balloon is inflated to flare a proximal portion of the stent. The distal end is then advanced into the ostium until the flared proximal portion contacts a wall of the main lumen surrounding the ostium. The distal balloon is inflated to expand a distal portion of the stent, e.g., to dilate a lesion within the branch and/or ostium. Thereafter, the balloons are collapsed, and the apparatus is withdrawn, leaving the stent within the ostium. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004718 | Platinum Enhanced Alloy and Intravascular or Implantable Medical Devices Manufactured Therefrom - A platinum enhanced radiopaque alloy particularly suitable for manufacture of implantable and/or intravascular medical devices. A stent is one preferred medical device which is a generally tubular structure that is expandable upon implantation in a vessel lumen to maintain flow therethrough. The stent is formed from the alloy which has improved radiopacity relative to present utilized stainless steel alloys. This alloy preferably contains from about 2 wt. % to about 50 wt. % platinum; from about 11 wt. % to about 18 wt. % chromium; about 5 wt. % to about 12 wt. % nickel and at least about 15 wt. % iron. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004719 | Stent Configurations - A stent may comprise a plurality of serpentine bands, wherein adjacent serpentine bands are connected by at least one connector strut. A serpentine band may comprise alternating straight struts and s-shaped struts. Connector struts may comprise first connector struts and second connector struts, wherein the first connector struts are nonparallel to the second connector struts. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004720 | G-TYPE PEPTIDES AND OTHER AGENTS TO AMELIORATE ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND OTHER PATHOLOGIES - This invention provides novel peptides, and other agents, that ameliorate one or more symptoms of atherosclerosis and/or other pathologies characterized by an inflammatory response. In certain embodiment, the peptides resemble a G* amphipathic helix of apolipoprotein J. The peptides are highly stable and readily administered via an oral route. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004721 | METHODS TO IMPROVE ADHESION OF POLYMER COATINGS OVER STENTS - Methods are disclosed to improved adhesion of polymer coatings over polymer surfaces of stents which include plasma treatment, applying an adhesion promoting layer, surface treatments with solvents, and mechanical roughening techniques. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004722 | DEGRADATION RESISTANT IMPLANTABLE MATERIALS AND METHODS - Methods are provided for making materials suitable for implantation in a mammal. The methods include the steps of providing a base material having a desirable surface topography, such as a polyurethane foam, contacting the base member with a silicone-based fluid material to form a coating, and allowing the coating to set to form a silicone-based structure suitable for implantation in a mammal. The base material may be removed from the coating. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004723 | PROSTHETIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING IN BREAST AUGMENTATION AND/OR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION - A method of using a biocompatible surgical knitted, silk scaffold device in a breast augmentation or in a breast reconstruction cosmetic or surgical procedure such as single-stage or two-stage breast reconstruction. In an aspect of the invention, the silk scaffold employs a knit pattern that substantially prevents unraveling and preserves the stability of the mesh or scaffold device, especially when the mesh or scaffold device is cut. An example scaffold device employs a knitted mesh including at least two yarns laid in a knit direction and engaging each other to define a plurality of nodes. The at least two yarns include a first yarn and a second yarn extending between and forming loops about two nodes. The second yarn has a higher tension at the two nodes than the first yarn. The second yarn substantially prevents the first yarn from moving at the two nodes and substantially prevents the knitted mesh from unraveling at the nodes. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004724 | CORE-SHEATH IMPLANT DEVICE HAVING AN INNER CORE LOBE - The core-sheath implant device allows for a bioactive agent release profile that can be tailored to a particular therapy. The device features one or more lobes extending from an inner core at least partially through the outer sheath. Depending on the particular design of such an implant device, a variety of release profiles can be achieved. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004725 | Tensioned Meniscus Prosthetic Devices and Associated Methods - A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores shock absorption, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device is pre-tensioned to improve the fit of the prosthetic device within the knee joint and, thereby, maximize the contact area of the load-bearing surfaces to distribute loading through the prosthetic device in a manner substantially similar to that of a healthy natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the pre-tensioned prosthetic device is smaller, or scaled-down, relative to the size of a healthy natural meniscus. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004726 | EXPANDABLE SUPPORT DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone. The expandable support device can have interconnected struts. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. The expandable support device can be inserted into a damaged bone and radial expanded. The radial expansion of the expandable support device struts can cause the struts to cut mechanically support and/or the bone. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004727 | Method Of Implanting An Interspinous Vertebral Implant - According to certain embodiments, disclosed is a vertebral interspinous implant including first and second supports ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004728 | BONE SUPPORT DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD - A bone support and/or barrier device, system, kit, and method can include an implantable structure having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first bone contact portion, and a second bone contact portion. The structure can be collapsible to an undeployed configuration capable of percutaneous insertion to the interior of a bone and expandable to a deployed configuration in the bone. In the deployed configuration, the first bone contact portion can contact a first portion of the bone, and the second bone contact portion can contact a second portion of the bone such that a load placed on the first portion of the bone can be transferred through the implantable structure to the second portion of the bone. The implantable structure can include a barrier material adapted to restrict a bone filler material inserted into the bone adjacent the inner surface of the structure from flowing to the outer surface of the structure. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004729 | Minimally invasive apparatus to manipulate and revitalize spinal column disc - A method and apparatus are provided to manipulate and revitalize a spinal column disc while minimizing or preventing the removal of material comprising the disc. The method allows a device to be inserted in the disc either through a pre-existing rupture or through an opening formed in the front, back, or sides of the disc. Increasing the space between the vertebra bounding the disc or removing disc material often is not necessary to insert the device in the disc. The device generates internal traction or other forces acting on the disc to alter the shape of the disc. The shape of the disc is altered to relieve pressure on nerves adjacent the disc. The shape of the disc is also altered to draw nuclear hernias back into the interior of the disc and to produce a disc shape that improves functioning of the disc. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004730 | End cap and connector for a spinal implant - The present invention is a spinal implant that can be inserted into a surgically created cavity of one or more regions of the mammalian spine. Among other things, the biocompatible implant and end cap or biocompatible implant, connector and end cap combinations can assist with the restoration of the normal anatomic spinal alignment and spinal stability. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004731 | DEPLOYABLE SEGMENTED TLIF DEVICE - A segmented intervertebral body fusion support includes a plurality of segments, the segments including an initial segment, a final segment and at least one intermediate segment. The intermediate segment has a generally trapezoidal configuration and the initial and final segments include tapered side walls providing triangular gaps between adjacent segments. A draw wire is fixed to the first segment and passes through the remaining segments. By pulling the draw wire relative to the segments, the segments are drawn together in a generally arcuate configuration. The draw wire includes an enlargement that passes through the final segment and engages a plurality of fingers on the final segment, which prevents the draw wire from retracting, maintaining the arcuate configuration. The segmented device can be inserted through a laparoscopic device into the intervertebral space and can be subsequently drawn into the arcuate configuration to establish the desired intervertebral spacing. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004732 | Minimally Invasive Collapsible Cage - An articulating fusible support cage comprises a first support member having a first and second end and a second support member having a first and second end. A first end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the first ends. The first end cap supports a jackscrew for rotation. A second end cap is pivotally connected to the first and second support members at the second ends opposite the first ends. The second end cap has a threaded sleeve configured to engage a portion of the jackscrew. Rotation of the jackscrew into the threaded sleeve causes the first and second support members to extend outwardly from a collapsed condition to a deployed condition. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004733 | MODULAR ARTICULATING PROSTHESES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Joint prostheses and associated methods that have a medialized center of rotation, inhibit subluxation of the implant while facilitating full range of motion and normal articular function, are able to be implanted using standard bone preparation techniques, and/or provide increased implant lifetime. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004734 | ANKLE REPLACEMENT SYSTEM - A total ankle replacement system, novel surgical method for total ankle replacement, and novel surgical tools for performing the surgical method are described. The total ankle replacement system includes the calcaneus in fixation of a lower prosthesis body, thereby significantly increasing the amount of bone available for fixation of the lower prosthesis body and allowing the lower prosthesis body to be anchored with screws. The total ankle replacement system further includes a long tibial stem which can also be anchored into the tibia with, for example, screws, nails, anchors, or some other means of attachment. The novel surgical arthroscopic method allows introduction of ankle prostheses into the ankle joint through an exposure in the tibial tubercle. Various novel surgical instruments, such as a telescoping articulating reamer and a talo-calcaneal jig, which facilitate the novel surgical method, are also described. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004735 | PROSTHETIC KNEE JOINT - A prosthetic knee joint includes: (a) a femoral member comprising rigid material with a convex, wear-resistant femoral contact surface including a convex ridge; (b) a tibial assembly including: (i) at least one cup comprising rigid material with a body and a rim substantially thicker than the body defining a wear-resistant cup contact surface; (ii) a rigid base; and (iii) a spring support interconnecting the cup and the base, the spring support elastically deflectable permitting controlled pivoting of the at least one cup; (c) wherein the cup contact surface bears against the femoral contact surface, transferring axial and lateral loads between the cup and femoral member, while allowing pivoting between the cup and femoral member; and (d) wherein the at least one cup allows the rim to deform elastically, permitting the cup contact surface to conform in an irregular shape to the femoral contact surface, when the knee joint is loaded. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004736 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR VOLITIONAL CONTROL OF JOINTED MECHANICAL DEVICES BASED ON SURFACE ELECTROMYOGRAPHY - Systems and methods for controlling a weight bearing member having at least one powered joint are provided. A system includes a velocity reference module for receiving myoelectric control signals from a user during a non-weight bearing mode for the powered joint and generating a velocity reference for the powered joint based on the myoelectric control signals. The system further includes a volitional impedance module for generating a torque control signal for actuating the powered joint based at least on the velocity reference. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004737 | PROSTHETIC DEVICE UTILIZING ELECTRIC VACUUM PUMP - A prosthetic assembly operative to evacuate an interior of a prosthetic socket, and control systems for use therewith. The prosthetic assembly employs evacuation devices for evacuating the socket. The evacuation devices preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and a power source located within a housing. Associated control systems may be of various design and may employ wired or wireless communication. When wireless communication is employed, a hand held controller or other remote control device may be used to remotely control operation of the evacuation device. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004738 | Amputation Stump Warmer - An amputation stump warmer is disclosed herein comprising a sleeve with an inner layer and an outer layer. Amputation stump warmer further comprises an electrically conductive wire and a heating system with a rechargeable battery. The sleeve encloses an amputation stump and may be worn underneath a prosthetic limb or alone. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004739 | DEVICE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A device management system has lighting device controlling units and measurement management units, each of which is disposed in each sub area. In addition, the lighting device controlling units and the measurement management units are configured to communicate with an area unit which is disposed in each sub area. The area unit is configured to communicate with the lighting device controlling units and the measurement management units via a communication packet. The area unit further has a router which is configured to prevent the communication packet from leaking to the communication network having an upper management device in the high hierarchy level. The area unit is configured to communicate with the upper management device through the router. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004740 | INPUT DEVICE AND INPUT METHOD - An input device is operable in a plurality of control modes for providing signals to at least one controlled device. The input device includes: a sensor unit that detects variation in acceleration of the input device resulting from moving the input device, and that outputs a sensor signal corresponding to the variation in acceleration. A user operable input unit is operable by a user to output an input signal. A control unit switches operation of the input device from one of the control modes to another one of the control modes upon determining that the variation in the acceleration has reached a predetermined threshold. The control unit generates an output signal that corresponds to the input signal and that is in accordance with a current one of the control modes in which the input device operates. A transmission unit transmits the output signal to the controlled device. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004741 | PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING EQUIPMENT MONITORING FUNCTION - HART-I/O units for sending and receiving input/output signals of HART communications-compatible devices that have HART communications functions, and for sending and receiving, on mutually differing lines, 4-20 mA DC signals, which include the input/output signals, and digital signals that are superimposed on the DC signals. A controller for receiving a DC current that is outputted from the HART-I/O units and for controlling processes based on the DC signals; and a device monitoring portion for receiving digital signals sent and received by the HART-I/O units, and for monitoring the status of the HART communications-compatible devices based on the digital signals. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004742 | SAMPLE ANALYZING APPARATUS - A sample analyzing apparatus is provided with a memory for storing a schedule of maintenance, a display, and a controller for displaying on the display a screen of calendar format, wherein the screen includes a date display area for displaying a date and a maintenance item display area for displaying a maintenance item scheduled on the date. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004743 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING MAINTENANCE AND OTHER OPERATIONS OF FIELD DEVICES IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM USING USER-DEFINED DEVICE CONFIGURATIONS - A method includes receiving a request to access a field device and identifying a first device configuration associated with the field device. The first device configuration identifies (i) a subset of device parameters associated with the field device, (ii) a subset of device methods associated with the field device, and/or (iii) an interface arrangement of device parameters or methods associated with the field device. The method also includes retrieving a value for each device parameter identified by the first device configuration and generating a graphical user interface using the first device configuration and the retrieved values. The method could also include determining whether a user has requested use of the first device configuration. If not, the method can include identifying a second device configuration associated with the field device, retrieving the value for each device parameter identified by the second device configuration, and generating a second graphical user interface. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004744 | METHOD AND PROGRAMMING TOOL FOR CREATING A USER PROGRAM FOR A SAFETY CONTROLLER - A new method and to a new programming tool for creating a user program for a safety controller is disclosed. The new method and programming tool exploit a matrix-type organization of occurring programming tasks. Itemized software components allocated to specific hardware components are combined with aspect blocks that enable programming grouped according to functional control aspects of the system to be controlled. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004745 | Lighting Control Console For Controlling A Lighting System - A lighting control console for controlling a lighting system, wherein digital adjustment commands are generated in the lighting control console and can be transmitted to the lighting devices of the lighting system via data connections includes at least one digital processor and at least one digital memory for generating, managing and storing the adjustment commands, and at least one display unit. Graphical elements can be displayed graphically for the operator at the display unit on a display surface. The display unit is made of an at least partially transparent material in the region of the display surface, wherein the display unit can be switched between a transparency mode and a display mode, and wherein the display unit ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004746 | SYSTEM GAMING - A system provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004747 | SYSTEM GAMING - A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004748 | SYSTEM FOR SCORING GOLF TOURNAMENT - It is an object of this invention to allow golfers/teams to provide tournament scorekeepers with dynamic information. It is another object of this invention to allow golfers/teams on the golf course to get contemporaneous or real time information on how others in the tournament are performing. It is another object of this invention to allow golfers/teams to check there performance on a particular course post tournament or play. It is another object of this invention to provide golfers/teams with handicaps for each course and instantaneously calculate a score for any hole given said handicap. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004749 | MULTI-PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS OF SNORE SOUNDS FOR THE COMMUNITY SCREENING OF SLEEP APNEA WITH NON-GAUSSIANITY INDEX - An apparatus for diagnosing sleep disorders such as OASHS from snore sounds includes a segmentation module ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004750 | INTERACTIVE APPARATUS WITH RECORDING AND PLAYBACK CAPABILITY USABLE WITH ENCODED WRITING MEDIUM - An interactive apparatus is disclosed. The interactive apparatus has an audio recording mode and an audio playback mode. Further, the interactive apparatus includes a writing tool for manually writing on an encoded writing medium, an audio input device for recording audio, an audio output device for playing the recorded audio. Moreover, the interactive apparatus has an optical unit for determining position on the encoded writing medium of the writing tool and for recognizing information on the encoded writing medium, wherein recognition of a recording-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio recording mode and enables time-synchronization of creation of writing on the encoded writing medium with the writing tool and recording of the audio, and further wherein recognition of a playback-enabling graphical element on the encoded writing medium activates the audio playback mode and enables multiple techniques to control playback of the recorded audio. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004751 | APPLICATION OPERATION SIMULATION DEVICE - An application operation simulation device includes: a specification section that specifies positions of nozzles with respect to a spray device and injection shapes of injected materials; an interference point calculation section that performs a working program of a robot including instructions for outputting the injected materials and the like to operate a three-dimensional model of the robot by simulation and calculate interference points between three-dimensional models of the injection shapes and a three-dimensional model of an applied member every predetermined time period; an interference number calculation section that calculates the number of interference every predetermined time period at each interference point on a surface of the three-dimensional model of the applied member; an application time calculation section that calculates application time from the number of interference every predetermined time period; and a display section that displays the color-coded surface of the three-dimensional model of the applied member according to the application time. As a result, it is possible to accommodate the spray device provided with a plurality of nozzles and the application time of the injected material can be shortened. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004752 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND FORMATS FOR DATA, SUCH AS DATA USED IN LASER PROJECTION OF FASTENERS USED IN MANUFACTURING - A system and method provides data for a laser projection process used in manufacturing involving fasteners. For example, the laser projection process may include projecting a laser image associated with fasteners used to assemble objects. Fastener attribute data may be extracted from an engineer's design data and processed to generate a laser projection output file. This output file may include geometric data used to project a laser image associated with the fasteners. For example, this image may be an outline indicating the location, shape, and orientation of a fastener. The output file may also include non-geometric data associated with attributes of the objects to be assembled. Both the geometric and the non-geometric data can then be displayed in a user interface, such as a display screen of a laser projector control device, in addition to the display of the laser image in three-dimensional space. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004753 | SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND SUBSTRATE TRANSFER METHOD ADOPTED IN SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS - In a substrate processing apparatus according to the present invention, wafer transfer timing with which wafers are to be transferred to individual processing chambers from a cassette container is determined in correspondence to each processing chamber, based upon the lengths of time required to process a single wafer in the processing chambers. Then, wafers are transferred from the cassette container in conformance to the transfer timing thus determined. By setting the wafer transfer timing with which wafers are transferred from the cassette container in coordination with the lengths of processing time at the individual processing chambers, the operation rates in the processing chambers are improved and ultimately, the throughput of the apparatus is improved. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004754 | Lens Customizing Method - Method for customizing an initial ophthalmic lens, the initial ophthalmic lens being customized so as to provide a customized ophthalmic lens, the method comprising: a initial ophthalmic lens data providing step (S | 2012-01-05 |
20120004755 | CONTROLLING THE COOLING OF FERMENTERS OF A BIOFUEL PRODUCTION PLANT - According to various embodiments, a biofuel production system includes a plurality of parallel-operated fermenters, a cooling tower water system configured to supply cooling water to the plurality of parallel-operated fermenters, a chiller water system configured to supply chiller water to the plurality of parallel-operated fermenters, and a cooling system coupled to the plurality of parallel-operated fermenters, the cooling tower water system, and the chiller water system. The cooling system controls the flow rates of the cooling water and the chiller water to the plurality of parallel-operated fermenters based upon temperatures of fermentation products of the fermenters. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004756 | Control of an Expanded Drying Section of a Paper Machine - In order to achieve an improved or optimized operation mode of an “expanded drying section” of a paper machine—having the “actual” drying section, separated, if applicable, into pre-drying and post-drying sections with a size press located therebetween, a steam and condensate system, an exhaust air heat recovery system, a wet press and the white water—a model that includes the above system components is proposed, with which mass and energy balances for the system components as well as the specific energy consumption of the drying section are calculated, based on values for parameters relevant for the drying process. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004757 | OPTIMIZATION DEVICE - A certain embodiment includes a setting calculator ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004758 | Method and System for Excursion Monitoring in Optical Lithography Processes in Micro Device Fabrication - A process monitoring system may detect out-of-control situations on the basis of a single criterion for a plurality of different lithography processes. To this end, each data set related to a specific type of lithography process may be processed so as to determine relative data, which may be centered around the same mean value for each of the different process types for a standard control situation. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004759 | COMPONENT MOUNTING LINE AND COMPONENT MOUNTING METHOD - Disclosed are a component mounting line and a component mounting method where it is not necessary for an operator to perform an input operation in an inspection device when substitute components are used in a component mounting device. When substitute components are mounted in place of one type of components at the mounting positions on the substrate PB, a component mounting device 4 creates substitute component related data including information specifying the substrate PB on which substitute components are mounted and the mounting positions at which the substitute components on the substrate PB are mounted and information indicating the types of substitute components and transmits the substitute component related data to the post-mounting inspection device. The post-mounting inspection device | 2012-01-05 |
20120004760 | Device for Protecting a Work Spindle - In a device for protecting a work spindle ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004761 | Depository Unit With User Interaction - A depository unit with user interaction is described. In one example, the depository unit operates by receiving data entered by a user, checking the data for satisfaction of an entry condition, allowing access to a drop chute of a secured storage receptacle if the data satisfies the entry condition, determining whether an item is deposited in the drop chute, and providing a reward to the user if an item has been deposited in the drop chute. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004762 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING FITTINGS FOR CONSTANT TABLES OF AUTOMATIC PLACEMENT MACHINES - A method determines setups for constant tables of automatic placement machines in placement lines at predetermined table locations by mixed integer linear optimization based on input data describing the placement infrastructure and input parameters that can be specified by the operator or user. The method can be used regardless of the mounting technique used (for example, plug in mounting technique, surface mounting technique, or a hybrid technique). The method can be advantageously used with other methods, for example, cluster methods for forming setup groups or line balancing for cycle time optimization. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004763 | DEVICE AND PROCESS FOR RECOGNIZING AND GUIDING INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED PRODUCTS WITH A CODE - An arrangement and a method are provided for detecting and controlling piece goods ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004764 | RECONFIGURABLE MULTI-POCKET DISPENSE DRAWER - A drawer assembly that includes a cartridge, a drawer configured to receive the cartridge, and a docking connector attached to the drawer. The cartridge includes a body having a plurality of bins, a plurality of lids that are moveably attached to the body and releasably secured over the bins, and a connector attached to the body. The cartridge is configured such that the lids cannot be opened unless a signal is received through the connector. The docking connector is configured to mate with the connector of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the drawer. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004765 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING OF MAIL USING A UNIVERSAL CODING SYSTEM - A method of tracking trays through a delivery system. The method comprises: generating an enhanced label, the enhanced label comprising a routing code and a label unique identifier, the enhanced label being applied to the tray; associating a tray with a container, the container having a container unique identifier; and receiving a load container scan, the load container scan associating the container unique identifier with the enhanced label. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004766 | LOCALLY CONTROLLED MATERIAL TRANSPORT - The invention relates to a multidirectional transport module having a control system for the goods pack movement direction and having an interface for communication with other transport modules. In this case, the invention provides for the control system to be designed to reserve the transport module for the transport of at least one goods pack in a given goods pack movement direction, in response to signals received via the interface. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004767 | TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM - Upon receiving first data, a stop control unit ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004768 | SEEDING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DETERMINING A SEED SPACING VARIABILITY VALUE - A seeding apparatus and a method is disclosed in which a seed spacing variability value is determined and displayed to the operator during a planting operation. Any method of determining variability among a set of data can be used to determine the seed spacing variability value. Three examples are shown: standard deviation; coefficient of variation; and coefficient of uniformity. Data can be stored for later comparison with harvest yield data to determine the effects of seed spacing on yield. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004769 | AUTOMATED RETAIL SHELF UNITS AND SYSTEMS - Provided are automated retail shelf (ARS) units and corresponding network systems for facilitating retail of various product items in retail environments. An ARS unit includes a chassis sized and configured for attaching to a retail shelf unit and being supported by the shelf unit at an elevated level convenient for customer interactions. The ARS unit may be positioned in a retail aisle among other product items, for example, unsecured product items. The ARS unit provides secure storage to specific product items available for sale from the unit. These product items may have high values and be more susceptible to theft unlike other unsecured product items available from retail shelves. The ARS unit may be used to provide information about product items stored in the unit and, in certain embodiments, unsecured product items available from retail shelves, such as indicating location of these items in the retail environment. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004770 | VENDING MACHINE FOR STORAGE, LABELING AND DISPENSING OF A CONTAINER - A vending machine, in communication with a remote station, delivers a labeled container to a user from storage holding containers of different sizes and shapes and containing different products such as medicaments. A control system is operable to select a specific unlabeled container from among the other containers in storage, and to move the selected unlabeled container to a labeling module where a label is applied after the position of the label and/or the selected unlabeled container are/is adjusted so as to result in the label being applied at a desired position and angular orientation with respect to the selected unlabeled container. The control system is further operable to move the labeled container to a delivery zone accessible to the user. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004771 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEFINING AND UTILIZING PRODUCT LOCATION IN A VENDING MACHINE - In accordance with one embodiment, a vending machine comprises a plurality of receptacles for holding units of products, each receptacle operable to hold a respective plurality of units in a series. The vending machine further comprises a dispensing mechanism operable to dispense, from each receptacle, a first unit in the respective plurality of units, the dispensing mechanism thereby being operable to dispense only a first unit from the respective series at a time. The vending machine further comprises a means for determining, for a unit, information allowing a relationship among the unit and a location of the unit in the receptacle to be determined. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004772 | MULTI-LIDDED DISPENSING CARTRIDGE SYSTEM - A cartridge for use in a dispensing system is disclosed. The cartridge includes a body having an exterior and a plurality of bins. A plurality of lids are movably attached to the body and are configured to cover a bin. A release mechanism is movable along an axis. A plurality of latches are movably attached to the body. Each latch is configured to secure the respective lid when in a first position and to release the respective lid when in a second position. The release mechanism will not cause a latch to move to the second position when the release mechanism is moving along the axis in a first direction. The release mechanism will cause a single latch to move to the second position while leaving the remaining latches in the first position when the release mechanism is moving along the axis in a second direction. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004773 | GRIPPING DEVICE, TRANSFER DEVICE, PROCESSING DEVICE, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE - According to one embodiment, a gripping device grips a rim of a workpiece by opening and closing gripping plates. The device includes a gripping unit, a hoisting and lowering unit and a motion control unit. The gripping unit includes a first and a second gripping plate. The first gripping plate has a first gripper to contact the rim. The second gripping plate has a second gripper to contact the rim. At least one of the first and second gripping plates is moved and the first and second gripper are spaced from each other. The hoisting and lowering unit is configured to hoist and lower the gripping unit. The motion control unit is configured to control open/close operations and hoisting and lowering operations. The motion control unit mechanically controls first first hoisting and lowering operations, controls second the open/close operations, and controls third second hoisting and lowering operations. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004774 | ROBOT APPARATUS AND GRIPPING METHOD FOR USE IN ROBOT APPARATUS - A robot apparatus includes a robot arm, a multi-fingered hand disposed at an end of the robot arm and including a force sensor for use in force control, an image processor that acquires at least location information on a gripping target by detection made by a visual sensor, and a control device that moves the robot arm on the basis of the at least location information on the gripping target acquired by the image processor to cause the multi-fingered hand to approach the gripping target, detects a contact location of actual contact with the gripping target on the basis of an output of the force sensor of the multi-fingered hand, and modifies the location information on the gripping target on the basis of information indicating the detected contact location. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004775 | ROBOT APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - A robot apparatus includes a robot mechanism having a plurality of joints, and actuators that drive joint axes of the robot mechanism. The robot apparatus includes a robot controller that controls the driving of the actuators based on a cost function that is a function of torque reference inputs for the actuators. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004776 | TRACED CHEMICALS AND METHOD TO VERIFY AND CONTROL FORMULATION COMPOSITION - Methods and apparatus to control the additives to a chemical composition for use in the oil field services industry. Specifically, a method and apparatus to determine fluid parameters for a fluid, including introducing an inert tracer in a component; forming a fluid comprising the component; observing the concentration of the tracer in the fluid; calculating the concentration of the component in the fluid; and introducing the fluid into a subterranean formation. An apparatus and method to control fluid parameters of interest for an oilfield formulation fluid such as chemical composition including introducing an inert tracer in a component; forming a fluid comprising the component; observing the concentration of the tracer in the fluid; calculating the concentration of the component in the fluid; adjusting a flow rate when forming the fluid in response to the calculating; and introducing the fluid into a subterranean formation. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004777 | System and Method for Reducing Lateral Vibration in Elevator Systems - A system and method reduce lateral movement of a car in an elevator system by detecting vibration of the car as a vibration signal. A damping coefficient for a feedback signal is determined according to the vibration signal and a state of the elevator system. A semi-active actuator is arranged between the car and a roller guide assembly. The semi-active actuator includes a rheological fluid, and flow characteristics of the rheological fluid are actuated according to the feedback signal to reduce the lateral movement of the car. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004778 | Vacation Faucet Apparatus and Method - A system and method for preventing damage and undesirable situations/conditions from occurring in point of use (POU) or point of entry (POE) water systems that are not in regular use. This invention may be implemented in residential, non-residential situations or constructions where it can add value, such as commercial properties that undergo seasonal and/or other periods of disuse. In cold climate areas, faucets should be turned on and run to prevent water in the pipes from freezing, which can cause pipes to burst or leak and result in significant property damage. In all climates rust, corrosion, particles, contamination, and biofilm, can develop and/or settle in the pipes if faucets are not turned on periodically, resulting in sub-standard water quality when the system is eventually used. Also, if water is left to sit in residential pipes, other effects/conditions can take place over time that generally effect color, taste and order of the water if it does not periodically move through the system. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004779 | Aliquot Correction for Feeding Set Degradation - A peristaltic pump is able to deliver accurate volumes over the life of a pump set that is operated on by the pump to drive the flow of fluid. The pump delivers fluid in small volumes or aliquots. In order to deliver fluid at any particular selected flow rate, the pump determines how often the rotor will rotate. The pump is able to calculate aliquot volume based on selected flow rate, but also on a factor that compensates for changes in the dimensions of the pump set over its life. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004780 | INTEGRATED REMOTELY CONTROLLED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM - Various methods and apparatus are described for an integrated remotely controlled photovoltaic system having a number of components. A central backend server management system is configured to facilitate management of two or more solar arrays at a remote site from a client device connected over a public wide area network (WAN). An integrated electronics housing contains multiple circuits, including power generation inverter circuits and solar array motion control circuits for one or more PhotoVoltaic (PV) solar arrays at the remote site. The multiple circuits cohesively exist in the integrated electronics housing and actually perform better because of the interconnectivity. The communication circuitry within the integrated electronics housing is configured to establish secure communications over the WAN with the central backend server management system. The integrated electronics housing acts as the local system control point for the first solar array. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004781 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR UTILIZING A WIND PARK AS A VARIABLE POWER SYSTEM STABILIZER - System, method, and computer program product for dampening oscillations of the electrical power on a power grid. The system includes a wind park with multiple wind turbines. Each wind turbine includes a rotor, a generator operatively coupled with the rotor for generating electrical power, and an inverter coupling the generator with the power grid to output the electrical power to the power grid. A controller is configured to generate a first control signal to cause the inverter of the first wind turbine to modulate the electrical power output by the first wind turbine for dampening oscillations of one frequency in electrical power on the power grid and to generate a second control signal to cause the inverter of the second wind turbine to modulate the electrical power output by the second wind turbine for dampening oscillations of a different frequency in the electrical power on the power grid. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004782 | METHODS FOR MANAGING POWER CONSUMPTION IN A SENSOR NETWORK - Methods for reducing sensor support power in a sensor network include a primary node locating a secondary node. The primary node has a primary node sensor profile, and the secondary node has a secondary node sensor profile. The secondary node sensor profile is compared to the primary node sensor profile. A virtual sensor profile is constructed based on the comparison between the primary and secondary sensor profiles. The virtual sensor profile reduces redundant sensor data gathering between the primary and secondary sensor nodes. A power consumption optimization hardware configuration for the secondary node is determined to provide sensor data for the virtual sensor profile, and the determined hardware configuration is assigned to the secondary node. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004783 | Integrated Demand Response For Energy Utilization - A method for managing power consumption within a facility includes receiving a request to reduce a total level of power consumption within the facility by a predetermined measure (S | 2012-01-05 |
20120004784 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT - Apparatus and method for energy management are disclosed. An operating state of each energy consumption device is estimated by detecting a variation in total energy consumption amount per unit time using a meter and then comparing the variation with a previously inputted energy consumption amount per unit time for each of the energy consumption devices. If the operating state of each of the energy consumption devices is estimated, it is possible to detect the consumption time and power consumption amount for each of the energy consumption devices, thereby predicting a current or future energy consumption rate. The predicted result is applied in various manners so as to effectively use energy. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004785 | ENERGY CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - According to the present disclosure, information on the amount of energy used is received from a meter in an energy consumption place and total rate of energy used in the energy consumption place using the received information. Further, when the calculated total rate of energy exceeds an upper limit set by a user in advance, a mobile terminal of the user is informed of it so as to enable the user to selectively control energy usage equipment in the energy consumption place. Since mobile terminals are carried by the user, when an energy usage rate exceeds an upper limit by an increased amount of energy used or energy price change, the user can identify it at anytime and anywhere. Further, the user can maintain the energy usage rate below a predetermined level by selectively controlling the energy usage equipment in the energy consumption place using the mobile terminal | 2012-01-05 |
20120004786 | PLC FUNCTION BLOCK FOR AUTOMATED DEMAND RESPONSE INTEGRATION - Systems and methods are described that allow a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to receive Demand Response (DR) data and process the data in a PLC Function Block (FB). Embodiments provide a PLC demand response FB that solicits DR data and a demand response load manager FB that compares the DR data with predetermined demand constraints corresponding to electrical equipment. The demand constraints provide energy consumption strategies for buildings and factories. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004787 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL BATTERY AND SPECIFICATION DETERMINING METHOD OF BATTERY - A battery control apparatus of this invention is provided which comprises: a battery installed on a feeder of a utility distribution system; batteries installed between pole-mounted transformers and branch points of the distribution lines; a communication network to transmit measurement data measured by meters; a battery control quantity calculation unit to determine battery control quantities from the measurement data acquired from the communication network; a load data collection unit to collect load data representing a combination of power consumption by a plurality of loads and generated power of distributed power generations; a frequency conversion unit to perform a frequency analysis on the load data; an intermediate-cycle component extraction unit to extract intermediate-cycle components; a battery control quantity calculation unit to determine battery control quantities from the extracted intermediate-cycle components; and a battery control command transmission unit to transmit the calculated control quantities to the batteries. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004788 | HEATING BLANKET WITH CONTROL CIRCUIT AND SAFETY WIRE - A safety wire for use in a heating blanket has a core, a heating wire wrapped around the core, and a guard wire spaced apart from the heating wire. In a normal mode of operation, the guard wire is not physically or electrically coupled to the heating wire, but in a breakdown mode of operation, the guard wire is electrically coupled to the heating wire. A TRIAC may be operatively coupled to the heating wire so that when the guard wire is electrically coupled to the heating wire, the TRAIC is turned on so that current flows from the heating wire to a fuse. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004789 | AIR CONTROL SYSTEM FOR THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT SURFACES - This disclosure describes a patient support surface having a cover defining an interior region, with a plurality of inflatable zones and a plurality of control nodes located within the interior region. Each control node comprises an air control system including an air supply and a processor. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004790 | Method and System for Calculating and Reporting Slump in Delivery Vehicles - A system for managing a concrete delivery vehicle having a mixing drum | 2012-01-05 |
20120004791 | TELEOPERATION METHOD AND HUMAN ROBOT INTERFACE FOR REMOTE CONTROL OF A MACHINE BY A HUMAN OPERATOR - The invention relates to a teleoperation method and a human robot interface for remote control of a machine by a human operator ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004792 | Weber-box, an aviation display device to support spatial awareness - A method for displaying information to a pilot or operator of a manned or unmanned aerial vehicle to facilitate safe operation of the aerial vehicle includes the steps of providing a display screen, displaying a three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system having a horizontal axis, a vertical axis and a depth axis on the display screen, displaying a model of an aerial vehicle on the screen in a manner that represents the position and velocity of the aerial vehicle relative to the coordinate system, displaying the horizontal axis and the vertical axis in a selected manner to indicate a potentially unsafe condition and providing an altitude display near the vertical axis. The display screen provides warnings to indicate unsafe conditions of altitude and pitch angle and includes objects that represent the ground. The ground objects move on the screen to indicate the speed and direction of the aerial vehicle. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004793 | AIRCRAFT HOVER SYSTEM AND METHOD - An aircraft hover system for enabling an aircraft to hover at a target spatial location represented by GPS location coordinates. The hover system includes a display screen rendering a display including live video feed of the terrain below the airborne aircraft, a first mark overlaying the video feed, the first mark representing the current position of the aircraft relative to the terrain, and a perimeter surrounding the first mark, the portion of the terrain within the perimeter being substantially magnified compared to that of the terrain outside of the perimeter. The hover system is configured such that, as the aircraft approaches the target spatial location, the distance between the first mark and a second mark on the display gradually decreases until and finally the first and second marks coincide; the second mark representing the target spatial location. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004794 | Device and Method for Task Management for Piloting an Aircraft - A device and method for managing tasks for the piloting of an aircraft includes a means for detecting alerts of the flight systems and an alerts management means for presenting the alerts and the tasks of the resolution procedures to the crew. The device includes means for recording additional procedures and tasks and modifications of attributes of tasks with respect to the tasks recorded in the first recording means, a means for triggering the additional tasks able to order the alerts management means to present the additional tasks, the triggering means operating according to a mode of asynchronous acquisition of trigger data originating from the flight systems and a means for selecting the recorded additional procedures and additional tasks so as to transmit the modified procedures and the modified attributes of the tasks to the alerts management means. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004795 | DRONE TAMPER - A drone vehicle for performing maintenance on a railway system is provided. A drone vehicle control system is structured to utilize tie position data to position a drone vehicle workhead over at least a portion of a respective tie. The drone vehicle control system is further structured to actuate the drone vehicle workhead. The drone vehicle may be controlled by a drone vehicle control system linked, preferably by wireless communications, to a lead vehicle and a lead vehicle control system. The lead vehicle control system and the drone vehicle control system are structured to communicate with each other, with the lead vehicle control system providing the tie position data to the drone vehicle control system. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004796 | Method for managing the circulation of vehicles on a railway network and related system - This method includes, the railway network being subdivided into resources ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004797 | CONSTRUCTION MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A construction machine comprises an electric motor/generator; an engine; an epicyclic gearing for rotating the electric motor/generator reversely when speed of a rotation output to a drive wheel is zero during running of the engine; a transmission configured to switch between a forward driving gear position and a backward driving gear position; and a controller for controlling the engine, the electric motor/generator and the transmission, based on at least an accelerator opening, and a state of charge in an electric storage device; the controller being configured to switch the forward driving gear position or the backward driving gear position to a direction opposite to a direction in which the construction machine is moving, and cause the electric motor/generator to generate reverse torque in a power running mode, when the electric storage device is in a fully charged state and the accelerator has been pressed down by a driver. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004798 | DISCHARGE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A discharge control apparatus in an electric motorcycle includes a main battery; a motor driven based upon electric power supplied from the main battery and a lighting device that is a load other than the motor for consuming electric power. A BMU determines a remaining capacity of the main battery. A control member performs a discharge control of the main battery for supplying electric power to the motor and the lighting device. The BMU and the control member allow the discharge of the main battery until the remaining capacity becomes a threshold value higher than zero. When the control member receives an instruction of checking a deterioration state of the main battery from an external checking device, the control member performs a discharge of the main battery until the remaining capacity reaches zero, and then, allows the main battery to be fully charged so as to determine a chargeable capacity. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004799 | SOC CORRECTABLE POWER SUPPLY DEVICE FOR HYBRID CAR - A power supply device of a hybrid car includes a driving battery | 2012-01-05 |
20120004800 | Vehicle and Power Unit For It - A vehicle includes at least one electromotor for driving the vehicle, an actuator for controlling the supply of electric power to the electromotor, and a power system for providing electric power to the electromotor. The power system includes an energy storage, an energy meter for measuring the energy condition of the energy storage, a power generator for generating electric power, and a computer system. The energy storage supplies power to the electromotor. The power generator supplies energy to the energy storage. The computer system controls the power supplied by the power generator so that the energy storage is able to provide the electromotor with the power the electromotor needs for driving the vehicle. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004801 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING VEHICLE - In a hybrid vehicle, an ECU executes drive control of an EHC. For the control, the ECU first executes low-voltage drive in which a drive voltage is reduced to 50 V when an energization request of the EHC is made. Then, based on a resistance value of the EHC, the ECU detects whether or not electric leakage is caused by dew formation of condensed water in the EHC. Consequently, if the electric leakage is detected, the energization of the EHC is inhibited. If electric leakage is not detected, the drive voltage Vd is increased to 200 V for normal drive to heat a catalyst by the EHC. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004802 | MEDIATION OF TASKS BASED ON ASSESSMENTS OF COMPETING COGNITIVE LOADS AND NEEDS - Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for mediating tasks in real-time for safety-related concerns. A nature for a safety-related primary task, such as contextual elements of the task, is determined; and a nature of a secondary task that draws attention away from the primary task is also determined. A risk factor for a potential lack of cognitive resources which may be needed by the primary task is determined by applying the nature of the primary task and the nature of the secondary task to a trained risk factor model. The risk factor is applied to one or more safety-related systems in real-time, for example, to mitigate potential safety concerns. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004803 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method and a device operate an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders with which are associated respective injection valves for metering fuel, and having an exhaust gas probe which is arranged in an exhaust gas tract and the measurement signal of which is characteristic of the air/fuel ratio in the respective cylinder, and having a crankshaft angle sensor the measurement signal of which is representative of a crankshaft angle of the crankshaft. Within a predefined operating range of the internal combustion engine, and when at least one predefined condition is fulfilled, a rough-running based cylinder-individual diagnosis (CYBL-HOM) with regard to harmful emissions is carried out before activation of a cylinder-individual lambda control (CILC) is enabled. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004804 | Apparatus, system and method utilizing aperiodic nonrandom triggers for vehicular telematics data queries - A vehicular telemetry apparatus, operable to initiate a telemetry processing operation in response to an aperiodic, nonrandom trigger signal cued by a sensed, operationally-variable vehicular condition. A trigger unit provides the trigger signal which in turn switches the telemetry apparatus from a resource-conserving idle state to a state in which a session is initiated, so that operationally salient variations in information on changes in vehicle sensor data are detected and processed. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004805 | TOWED VEHICLE SWAY SENSING AND NOTIFICATION DEVICE - A sway sensing and notification device includes a sway sensor for sensing swaying of a towed vehicle and generating corresponding sway data; and a computing device coupled with the sway sensor for analyzing the sway data and determining when the swaying of the towed vehicle could result in an unstable driving condition. The device may also include a notification device coupled with the computing device for alerting an operator when the computing device determines that the swaying of the towed vehicle could result in an unstable driving condition. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004806 | DAMPING FORCE CONTROLLER - The damping force of a damping force generation apparatus is controlled by operating an actuator on the basis of a control input u calculated by a state feedback controller K designed such that an L | 2012-01-05 |