12th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 59 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140081450 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING VENDING INFORMATION - A system and method for communicating vending information is provided. The system includes a plurality of vending apparatuses, each containing a vending inventory comprised of vendible products, and a control center in communication with the plurality of vending apparatuses configured to receive user information. The user information can include a vending request for a vendible product and a location identifier. The system is further configured to select a vending apparatus from the plurality of vending apparatuses based on the location identifier, determine whether the requested vendible product is in the vending inventory of the selected vending apparatus, and transmit an electronic message to a user-specified electronic mail address upon determining that the requested vendible product is in the vending inventory of the selected vending machine. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081451 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING SOFT GOODS - Systems and methods for dispensing soft goods are provided. A described method includes receiving a soft good supply at a loading zone of a soft good dispensing device, receiving an indication of a desired quantity of the soft good at a processing circuit of the soft good dispensing device, using a dispensing mechanism of the soft good dispensing device to automatically dispense the desired quantity of the soft good from the soft good supply based on a control signal received from the processing circuit, and providing a dispensed quantity of the soft good to a dispensing zone of the soft good dispensing device for user access. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081452 | ROBOT APPARATUS - A robot apparatus includes a robot main body, a distance determining section, an order determining section, and an operation controlling section. The robot main body transfers a plurality of to-be-processed objects in order so as to subject every predetermined number of the to-be-processed objects to processing, and includes a robot arm and a robot hand. The distance determining section determines an entire transfer distance of each of the to-be-processed objects. The order determining section determines a transfer order of the to-be-processed objects based on a determination result of the distance determining section so that every predetermined number of the to-be-processed objects has uniform transfer time. The operation controlling section controls operations of the robot arm and the robot hand so as to transfer the to-be-processed objects in accordance with the transfer order determined by the order determining section. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081453 | Industrial Robot Having Electronic Drive Devices Distributed on the Robot Structure - In an industrial robot, the electronic drive devices for the electrical supply and control of electric motors of the robot are distributed on the robot structure, each being adjacent to the respective electric motor. The electronic drive devices are connected in series to each other and to a central processing unit. In this series connection an Ethernet line is included for communication of the electronic drive devices with the central processing unit. Thanks to this series connection, the robot harness is dramatically simplified and the operations for its replacement are consequently easier and faster. The structure of the connectors between the robot and the control unit is also greatly simplified. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081454 | Brain Machine Interface utilizing a Discrete Action State Decoder in Parallel with a Continuous Decoder for a Neural Prosthetic Device - A brain machine interface for control of prosthetic devices is provided. In its control, the interface utilizes parallel control of a continuous decoder and a discrete action state decoder. In the discrete decoding, we not only learn states affiliated with the task, but also states related to the velocity of the prosthetic device and the engagement of the user. Moreover, we not only learn the distributions of the neural signals in these states, but we also learn the interactions/transitions between the states, which is crucial to enabling a relatively higher level of performance of the prosthetic device. Embodiments according to this parallel control system enable us to reliably decode not just task-related states, but any “discrete action state,” in parallel with a neural prosthetic “continuous decoder,” to achieve new state-of-the-art levels of performance in brain-machine interfaces. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081455 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSIGNING INPUT DEVICES TO TELEOPERATED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FUNCTIONS - A method of assigning an auxiliary input device to control a surgical instrument in a robotic surgical system can include automatically assigning an auxiliary input device to control an auxiliary function of a surgical instrument based on a position of the auxiliary input device and which of a user's hands is operating another input device operably coupled to control movement of the surgical instrument. A system for controlling a surgical instrument may include an input device of a surgical system that is operably coupled to generate and transmit an input control signal to control movement of a surgical instrument operably coupled to the surgical system. The system may further include an auxiliary input device, and a control system operably coupling the auxiliary input device to control an auxiliary function of the surgical instrument based on a position of the auxiliary input device and which of a user's hands is operating the input device. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081456 | ROBOT CALIBRATION METHOD - A robot calibration method which aligns the coordinate system of a gantry module with the coordinate system of a camera system is disclosed. The method includes using an alignment tool, which allows the operator to place workpieces in locations known by the gantry module. An image is then captured of these workpieces by the camera system. A controller uses the information from the gantry module and the camera system to determine the relationship between the two coordinate systems. It then determines a transformation equation to convert from one coordinate system to the other. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081457 | CALCULATING APPARATUS, TRANSFER ROBOT SYSTEM, AND CALCULATING METHOD - A calculating apparatus includes an acquiring portion and a calculating portion. The acquiring portion acquires a center position of a wafer placed on an alignment apparatus, and a wafer angle corresponding to a marker such as an orientation flat. The calculating portion calculates by using the wafer center position and the wafer angle, a rotational angle of the wafer on the alignment apparatus, an approach angle, which is an angle of a direction in which a transfer robot approaches the wafer, and a distance between the wafer after the rotation and the transfer robot. Then, the alignment apparatus rotates the wafer by the rotational angle. The transfer robot turns by the approach angle. Subsequently, the transfer robot extends its arm according to the distance, thereby approaching the wafer, and retrieves the wafer. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081458 | ROBOT SYSTEM AND ARTICLE MANUFACTURING METHOD - A robot system includes a controller that performs control such that corner portions of a glass substrate, which is different in size from a reference glass substrate, are detected by cameras in a state in which the glass substrate is held and shifted by an end effecter of a robot arm. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081459 | DEPTH MAPPING VISION SYSTEM WITH 2D OPTICAL PATTERN FOR ROBOTIC APPLICATIONS - A depth mapping device equipped with a 2D optical pattern projection mounted on a tool attached to a robot may be used to measure distance between the tool and an object. Depth data generated by the depth mapping device can be used to generate an augmented-reality image to provide real-time information about the object position, orientation, or other measurements to an operator performing a industrial robotic process. Images also may be generated with a camera located on the robot. Real-time depth information may be used to prevent collision. Fast depth information acquisition may be used to modify robot position for better processing. Real-time data acquisition plus fast processing may provide augmented-reality images to operators for better robot programming. Location data of the industrial process on the object may be used to improve analysis of the industrial process data. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081460 | METHOD FOR ADJUSTING PARAMETERS OF IMPEDANCE CONTROL - In a method for adjusting parameters of impedance control, an overshoot amount allowable value is set as an allowable maximum value of an overshoot amount of a time response of a force feedback from a force sensor provided for an end effector of a robot manipulator, and a setting time allowable value is set as an allowable maximum value of a setting time of the time response of the force feedback. A viscosity parameter with which the setting time is shortest is calculated while fixing the inertia parameter. An overshoot amount adjustment value and a setting time adjustment value which are obtained from a result of the calculating of the viscosity parameter are compared with the overshoot amount allowable value and the setting time allowable value, respectively, to determine whether a repeating process is finished or continued. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081461 | CONSTRAINING ROBOTIC MANIPULATORS WITH REDUNDANT DEGREES OF FREEDOM - Redundant robotic manipulators may be constrained in their motions during operation in a gravity-compensated mode by applying, in addition to gravity-compensating torques, constraining torques to one or more of the joints. The constraining torques may urge the manipulator to a specified canonical posture, and may be modeled by virtual springs attached to the constrained joints. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081462 | Custom Cosmetic Blending Machine - A spectrophotometer | 2014-03-20 |
20140081463 | Custom Cosmetic Blending Machine With Handheld Colorimeter - A colorimeter or other instrument measures the color composition and texture of a person's skin and an individual custom formulation is produced. A computer system accepts data from a colorimeter | 2014-03-20 |
20140081464 | WIRE SORTING MACHINE AND METHOD OF SORTING WIRES - A wire sorting machine includes a frame and a fixture held by the frame. The fixture is configured to support a cable having a plurality of wires. A positioning system is supported by the frame. A guidance system is supported by the positioning system. The guidance system has a camera viewing the fixture that is movable relative to the fixture. A wire manipulator is supported by the positioning system and is moved by the positioning system relative to the fixture. The wire manipulator is configured to engage the wires of the cable to position the wires relative to the fixture. A controller communicates with the positioning system and the guidance system. The controller operates the positing system to control a position of the wire manipulator relative to the fixture based on an image obtained by the camera. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081465 | REMOTE ACCESS GATEWAY CONFIGURABLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A remote access gateway configurable control system. There may be a series of control commands to set or adjust a gateway device's running parameters and modify the behavior of the device or start process action. There may be configuration commands for remote control of the device and server commands for unattended devices. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081466 | GATEWAY ROUND-ROBIN SYSTEM - A round-robin system having a suspend mechanism. The system may solve a synchronization issue relative to wireless communication with several hosts. With round-robin, a gateway device may permit user communication with one host at a time. The suspend mechanism, during a round-robin sequence, may enable a user with a request via an internet cloud, or the like, to interrupt the sequence and go to one specific host. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081467 | AIR-CONDITIONING MANAGEMENT APPARATUS - An air-conditioning management apparatus is capable of selecting an air-conditioning device that affects an air-conditioning environment at a specific position in an air-conditioned space from a plurality of air-conditioning devices. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081468 | Integrated Attic Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Heating System Electronic Controller and System and Method for Use of Same - An integrated attic ventilation, air conditioning and heating system electronic controller, with a system and method for use of the same, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated electronic controller includes a housing configured to be secured within an attic space in a building structure having a living area. A temperature input and humidity input receive ambient temperature and humidity readings, respectively. The ambient measurements are compared to pre-determined temperature and humidity thresholds. If a threshold is exceeded, signals are send to actuate, in a coordinated fashion, a powered air intake and powered attic exhaust assembly. The powered air intake and powered attic exhaust assembly are operated intermittently, in coordination with the HVAC system, initially at a first set of extreme thresholds and operated constantly at a second set of more extreme thresholds. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081469 | EXPANDABLE IRRIGATION CONTROLLER - An expandable irrigation controller for controlling a plurality of watering stations in an irrigation system includes a removable front panel and an inner housing, connected to the front panel. The inner housing includes a circuit board including control connectors which are connected electrically to the controller and a station module operable to provide an ON/OFF signal to at least one watering station of the irrigation system. The station module is electrically connected to the circuit board via the control connectors and the ON/OFF signal is provided based on instructions from the controller in accordance with the watering program. The control connectors are positioned in a substantially continuous line extending across the inner housing such that the station module is connectable to the control connectors at substantially any desired location. Multiple modules of different sizes may be mounted in the inner housing as desired. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081470 | LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT WITH AUTOMATED WATER BUDGET & SEASONAL ADJUST, AND AUTOMATED IMPLEMENTATION OF WATERING RESTRICTIONS - Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for water conservation with landscape irrigation controllers, plug-in and add-on devices, and centralized systems. In embodiments of the invention, a water budget percentage is determined by comparing current local geo-environmental data with stored local geo-environmental data, and the preliminary irrigation schedule or station run times are automatically modified based upon that water budget percentage. Embodiments of the present invention also provide for automation of mandated landscape watering restrictions alone, or in various combinations with water budgeting methods and apparatus. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081471 | IRRIGATION SYSTEM WITH ET BASED SEASONAL WATERING ADJUSTMENT - An ET based irrigation system includes a stand alone irrigation controller with a seasonal adjust feature and a stand alone weather station including at least one environmental sensor. The ET based irrigation system further includes a stand alone ET unit operatively connected to the irrigation controller and the weather station. The ET unit includes programming configured to calculate an estimated ET value using a signal from the environmental sensor and to automatically modify a watering schedule of the irrigation controller through the seasonal adjust feature based on the estimated ET value to thereby conserve water while maintaining plant health. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081472 | POWER GRID DATA MONITORING AND CONTROL - A method for identifying conditions that correlate with one ore more events related to operation of a power grid. The method includes the determining one or more distinguishing characteristics of a first chunk. The first chunk includes data elements relevant to operating a power grid. The method also includes determining whether a distinguishing characteristic of the first chunk correlates with a distinguishing characteristic of one or more of a plurality of second chunks. Each second chunk includes a plurality of data elements corresponding with the data of the first chunk. The method further includes determining whether a second chunk, having a distinguishing characteristic equivalent to a distinguishing characteristic of the first chunk, is associated with the one or more events. In addition, the method includes determining whether a second chunk, having an association with the one or more events and a distinguishing characteristic equivalent to a distinguishing characteristic of the first chunk, is substantially identical to the first chunk. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081473 | DISTRIBUTED FAULT-TOLERANT CONTROL AND PROTECTION SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a distributed fault-tolerant control system for a modularized wind turbine or wind power plant system comprising sub-assemblies, the control system comprising 1) fault-tolerant control means adapted to generate control set-points and/or data values, said fault-tolerant control means being distributed in sub-assemblies in accordance with the modularization of the wind turbine or wind power plant system, and 2) fault-tolerant communication network for transmitting control set-points and/or data values at essentially the same time to a plurality of nodes in the distributed control system, said plurality of distributed nodes being capable of selecting a valid transmission package out of two or more transmission packages provided on the fault-tolerant communication network. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081474 | Power Measurement In A Two-Wire Load Control Device - A two-wire load control device may be configured to compute an accurate estimate of real-time power consumption by a load that is electrically connected to, and controlled by, the two-wire load control device. The load control device may be adapted to measure a voltage drop across the device during a first portion of a half-cycle of an AC waveform provided to the device. The device may be further configured to estimate a voltage drop across the load during the second portion of the half-cycle. The estimated voltage drop may be based on the measured voltage drop. The device may be further configured to measure a current supplied to the load during a second portion of the half-cycle. The device may be configured to estimate power consumed by the load based on the measured current and the estimated voltage drop. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081475 | AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR MONITORING, PROTECTING AND CONTROLLING ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION EQUIPMENT - The invention relates to the field of electrical engineering and can be used for monitoring, protecting and controlling the operation of electrical substation equipment. The essence of the invention is that the device for monitoring, registering and controlling electrical substation equipment is in the form of a server cluster consisting of a plurality of computers connected to form a unified system. The server cluster is connected to a device that controls electrical substation equipment, disposed on an operator workstation. The server cluster is connected by a separate bus to devices that execute control commands, disposed on the electrical substation equipment, and to a remote access terminal. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081476 | METHOD FOR ASSISTING A DRIVER OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method is described for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle in which the surroundings laterally next to the motor vehicle, in order to detect a parking space. When a parking space is detected, a trajectory is determined, along which the motor vehicle is able to park in the parking space. During the parking, the surroundings of the motor vehicle are monitored. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081477 | FLEXIBLE COMBINATION SENSOR MODULE FOR A VEHICLE - A combination sensor module for a vehicle, having at least two sensor submodules which are situated in the combination sensor module and able to be connected to the electronics system of the vehicle, wherein the at least two sensor submodules are able to be operated independently of each other. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081478 | SOLVING TRAFFIC CONGESTION USING VEHICLE GROUPING - A method, system, and computer program product for solving a traffic congestion problem are provided in the illustrative embodiments. Using an application executing using a processor and a memory in a data processing system, a congested route section is selected from a set of congested route sections. A set of congesting vehicles is selected, where the set of congesting vehicles cause congestion in the selected congested route sections by being positioned on the selected congested route section. A vacancy data structure corresponding to the selected congested route section is populated. A subset of the set of the congesting vehicles is selected. The subset of the set of the congesting vehicles is rerouted to a candidate route section identified in the vacancy data structure. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081479 | Forestry Management System - A method and apparatus of managing a forest. A forestry management system comprises a forestry manager. The forestry manager is configured to receive information about a forest from a group of autonomous vehicles, analyze the information to generate a result about a state of the forest from the information, and coordinate operation of the group of autonomous vehicles using the result. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081480 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH PARAMETER SETTING FUNCTION - The present invention discloses a vehicle control system including a vehicle parameter storage device and a vehicle computer device. The vehicle storage device includes a memory module for storing vehicle parameter information, and a parameter transmission interface couple to the memory module for transmitting the vehicle parameter information. The vehicle computer device is installed inside a vehicle for controlling operation of the vehicle. The vehicle computer device includes a datum transmission interface for electrically connecting to the parameter transmission interface so as to transmit the vehicle parameter information with the parameter transmission interface, and a control module electrically connected to the datum transmission interface for controlling the operation of the vehicle according the vehicle parameter information transmitted from the datum transmission interface. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081481 | VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM, SERVER, AND PORTABLE TERMINAL - A portable terminal transmits to a server a request to start pre-air conditioning when the operations to begin pre-air conditioning are performed on the screen of the portable terminal. The server predicts whether an air conditioning device will begin cooling or heating on the basis of a set of vehicle location information stored in a vehicle information storage unit and a set of temperature information acquired from a temperature information center, and transmits the prediction results to the portable terminal. As a consequence, it is possible to notify the cooling and heating state to a vehicle user in a timely manner. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081482 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY MANAGING THE SPACING OF AT LEAST ONE FOLLOWING AIRCRAFT BEHIND AT LEAST ONE TARGET AIRCRAFT - The system ( | 2014-03-20 |
20140081483 | FLEET OPERATIONS QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND AUTOMATIC MULTI-GENERATIONAL DATA CACHING AND RECOVERY - A fleet operations quality management system for use with one or more vehicles which includes a data recording unit and separate memory subsystem mounted on each vehicle, a remotely located data collection station to collect, store and pre-process data from multiple vehicles, a centralized data storage and retrieval system designed to accept and assimilate recorded trip data, a web application designed to provide access to and analysis of the recorded trip data, and a graphical software application that can be used to view the recreated trip in a realistic simulated environment. An electronic system comprising a receiver module and a mobile device, whereby the receiver module is capable of receiving data transmissions from a network of ground stations and buffering the data for future use. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081484 | Landing Point Indication System - According to one embodiment, a landing point indication system includes an image provider, a rotorcraft position provider, a pilot image generation system, and a display device. The image provider is operable to provide a visual representation of an area underneath a rotorcraft. The rotorcraft position provider is operable to provide information indicating a position of the rotorcraft. The pilot image generation system is operable to generate a supplemented visual representation. The supplemented visual representation includes the visual representation of the area underneath the aircraft and information indicating a position of the rotorcraft relative to the visual representation. The display device is operable to display the supplemented visual representation within the rotorcraft. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081485 | METHODS FOR DISPLAYING AIRCRAFT PROCEDURE INFORMATION - Methods are provided for presenting procedure information for an airport on a display device onboard an aircraft. A method comprises displaying a map on a display device and displaying a briefing panel overlying a portion the map. The briefing panel includes a plurality of segments, wherein each segment is associated with a type of procedure information for the airport. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081486 | ROLLBACK PROTECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method for preventing rollback of a rail vehicle from a stopped condition, includes receiving a first signal indicative of the rail vehicle's location, and, in response to the first signal, selecting from a lookup table one of a first plurality of pre-determined values of a braking parameter and selecting from the lookup table one of a second plurality of pre-determined values of a tractive effort parameter. In response to an order for movement, the method includes applying brakes of the rail vehicle, according to the selected value of the braking parameter; establishing tractive effort of the rail vehicle, according to the selected value of the tractive effort parameter; and, then, releasing the brakes of the rail vehicle to establish motion of the rail vehicle from the stopped condition. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081487 | System and Method for Addressing a Pneumatic Emergency in a Helper Locomotive - Methods and systems for control and use in connection with an electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP)-equipped train after transmission of a brake pipe emergency dump command message by a helper locomotive associated with the train. These methods and systems are implemented in an effort to improve braking safety and reduce brake system recovery time of a train. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081488 | METHOD FOR OPERATING RAILBOUND VEHICLES - A method for operating railbound vehicles includes transmitting driving information, between a first railbound vehicle and a second railbound vehicle, relating to the future driving operation of at least one of the two railbound vehicles, and coordinating the future driving operation of the two railbound vehicles on the basis of that driving information transmitted therebetween, in such a manner that braking energy fed back by the first railbound vehicle during a braking operation can be used at least partially by the second railbound vehicle. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081489 | AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF A MARINE VESSEL DURING SPORT FISHING MODE - The disclosure relates to a marine vessel having a control system for automatically steering the marine vessel for the purpose of aiding an angler who has hooked a fish. The control system includes a GPS unit for determining the orientation of the marine vessel, a sonar unit for determining the bearing of a fish, and an algorithm for minimizing the error between the two. The control system will execute steering commands in the propulsion system in order to minimize the error in order to aid the angler as he tries to land the hooked fish. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081490 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONVERTING A STANDARD HYBRID VEHICLE INTO A PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE (PHEV) - A kit for converting a standard hybrid vehicle into a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) is described. The kit includes at least one battery configured to match the voltage of an original hybrid battery; connection hardware, wherein the connection hardware is configured to electrically connect the at least one battery to an off-vehicle power source; and tangible computer readable memory media storing battery management software, wherein when executed in a processor in a vehicle, the battery management software is configured to provide information relating to battery performance to an engine control unit, wherein the at least one battery is further configured to maintain charge balance between each of the cells of the at least one battery. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081491 | ACCELERATION PROFILE-BASED CONTROL OF AN OFFGOING CLUTCH OPERATION - A vehicle includes a torque generating device, a transmission, and a controller. The transmission has one or more clutches. The controller executes a method, which includes measuring an amount of slip across an identified offgoing clutches and determining whether the offgoing clutches have slipped prior to a modeled clutch torque capacity reaching zero. A status is assigned indicating that the offgoing clutches are released if the offgoing clutch has slipped prior to the modeled clutch capacity reaching zero. The controller induces slip across the identified offgoing clutches to a calibrated low, non-zero level after recording the value, including by enforcing the low, non-zero slip value using one or more acceleration profiles. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081492 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INDICATING DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ENERGY-EXPENDING ACTION IN A POWERED VEHICLE SYSTEM - A method for operation of a vehicle by a control system is provided. The method comprises indicating to a vehicle operator a delay in implementation of an energy-expending action in a powered vehicle system in response to receiving an implementation request from an input device based on vehicle energy usage via a delay indicator. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081493 | Modular instrumentation system for electric vehicle data acquisition, analysis and display, and component control - Described is a Modular Instrumentation System for Electric Vehicle Data Acquisition, Analysis and Display, and Component Control. The system acquires data from and controls (where applicable) the multitude of devices that reside onboard and offboard of the electrical vehicle. For vehicles that have been converted from internal combustion (gasoline or diesel) engines to electric drive, this includes both the components installed as part of the conversion (such as electric motor, motor controller, battery pack and/or the battery management system, and charger), and the original components (such as speed sensor, distance traveled, braking and traction control systems—e.g. ABS and ETC, climate control, entertainment systems). | 2014-03-20 |
20140081494 | ELECTRIC BICYCLE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed herein are an electric bicycle and a control method thereof. The control method of the electric bicycle in which a motor is rotated using electric energy stored in a battery to drive the electric bicycle, includes receiving an acceleration instruction value to accelerate the electric bicycle, input by a driver, during traveling, calculating a reference value according to a traveling velocity of the electric bicycle, and increasing time taken for a rotating velocity of the motor to reach a target velocity, if the received acceleration instruction value is more than the calculated reference value. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081495 | ELECTRIC BICYCLE DRIVING APPARATUS - An electric-bicycle driving apparatus includes a speed change mode operator to output a low-speed mode signal or a high-speed mode signal, a controller to receive the low-speed mode signal or high-speed mode signal outputted from the speed change mode operator and to output a first control signal corresponding to the low-speed mode signal or a second control signal corresponding to the high-speed mode signal, a generation-signal provider to provide a generation signal outputted from a generator, and a stepping operation load booster to boost a load of the generation signal outputted from the generation-signal provider by receiving the first control signal or second control signal when the speed change mode operator outputs the low-speed mode signal or high-speed mode signal, and to send a stepping operation provider a resulting signal of the boost in a stepping operation signal corresponding to the low-speed mode signal or high-speed mode. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081496 | ELECTRIC BICYCLE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An electric bicycle and a control method thereof are disclosed. The disclosed control method, which drives the electric bicycle by rotating a motor using electrical energy accumulated in a battery, includes receiving an acceleration command value input by a user to accelerate the electric bicycle upon starting the electric bicycle from a stopped state, comparing the input acceleration command value with a reference value, and increasing a time taken for a rotation speed of the motor to reach a target speed when the input acceleration command value is greater than the reference value. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081497 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FUEL CELL SYSTEM - Disclosed is a system and method for controlling a fuel cell system. More specifically, a fuel cell demand current is calculated based on a driver demand current calculated from a driver demand torque. Then a target flow rate-1 of air to be supplied to a fuel cell stack is calculated based on the fuel cell demand current and a target stoichiometric ratio (SR) of air. The target flow rate-1 is then compensated for using the target SR, an RPM command value of an air blower is calculated based on a compensated target flow rate-2 and the amount of air currently measured. The operation of the air blower is subsequently controlled based on the calculated RPM command value. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081498 | Self-learning Regenerative Braking Control Module, Controller, and Vehicle Using the Same - A self-learning regenerative braking control module is adapted for use with a vehicle, and includes a driving mode determining unit, an analyzing unit, and a regenerative braking determining unit. The driving mode determining unit determines a driving mode according to an accelerator signal, a brake signal, and a speed signal from the vehicle and outputs a coasting duration and coasting information associated with the driving mode to the analyzing unit for obtaining acceleration information. The regenerative braking determining unit obtains target regenerative braking data containing target vehicle speeds that vary with time based upon the acceleration information and regenerative braking reference data stored therein. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081499 | DRIVE CONTROL DEVICE OF HYBRID VEHICLE - Objects of the present invention is to improve the control accuracy of the SOC of the battery in consideration of the electric power losses of a plurality of motor generators and, in accordance therewith, to secure the protection performance of the battery and to increase the energy recovery efficiency according to the regeneration. In a drive control device of a hybrid vehicle including a motor torque instruction value calculating means, an electric power loss predicting means, an electric power upper limit/lower limit value calculating means, and a target electric power calculating means are arranged, and the motor torque instruction value calculating means calculates torque instruction values of a plurality of motor generators using a torque balance equation including target engine torque required at a target engine operating point and an electric power balance equation including target electric power. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081500 | DRIVE CONTROL DEVICE OF HYBRID VEHICLE - Objects of the present invention is to improve the control accuracy of the charge state of a battery in consideration of the electric power losses of a plurality of motor generators and, in accordance therewith, to secure the protection performance of the battery, and to increase the energy recovery efficiency according to the regeneration. According to the present invention, there is provided a drive control device of a hybrid vehicle in which an electric power loss predicting means and a target electric power calculating means are arranged, a target engine power calculating means calculates target engine power based on target driving power, target charge/discharge power, and estimated power that is an electric power loss, and a motor torque instruction value calculating means calculates torque instruction values of a plurality of motor generators using a torque balance equation including target engine torque and an electric power balance equation including the target electric power. In the electric power balance equation, electric power generated or consumed by the plurality of motor generators, the estimated power that is the electric power loss, and input/output electric power of the battery are included. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081501 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle having at least one drive unit in the form of an internal combustion engine that is actuated by an accelerator pedal and a control unit that interacts with the accelerator pedal. Haptic feedback on the accelerator pedal indicates to a driver that a defined action causing a change in the driving mode is about to be initiated and carried out. The haptic feedback is realized as idle travel defined in a characteristic curve stored in the control unit of the accelerator pedal proceeding from the specific accelerator pedal travel. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081502 | ENGINE STARTING SYSTEM AND ENGINE STARTING METHOD - A starting system of an engine mounted in a vehicle capable of running using torque output from an electric motor includes a estimation portion that estimates engine speed and output torque of the engine when the engine is driven to realize the power requested by the driver, a comparing portion that compares a time for which the engine continues to be stopped with a first time and a second time that is longer than the first time, a first starting portion that starts the engine when estimated engine speed is greater than first speed and less than second speed, and the estimated output torque is greater than first value and less than second value, and a second starting portion that starts the engine when the time for which the engine continues to be stopped is longer than the second time. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081503 | METHOD OF MANAGING THE ENERGY CONSUMED BY A MOBILE SYSTEM, IN PARTICULAR A MOTOR VEHICLE, ON-BOARD DEVICE IMPLEMENTING SUCH A METHOD - A method includes trajectories of setpoints controlling a motor mechanism and auxiliary unit, the trajectory describing variation of the setpoint by position of the mobile system, the trajectories being calculated with respect to objectives according to an optimization algorithm, said method comprising:
| 2014-03-20 |
20140081504 | Autonomous Hull Navigation - An autonomous hull robot navigation subsystem for guiding a hull robot on a hull of a vessel independent of external guidance devices includes a drive subsystem onboard the robot for driving and maneuvering the robot about the hull. A sensor subsystem onboard the robot senses an environmental characteristic. A navigation subsystem onboard the robot is responsive to the sensor subsystem and includes a processor. The processor utilizes the environmental characteristic to determine a position of the robot on the hull. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081505 | AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR COORDINATING THE PATHS OF MULTIPLE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES - A non-transitory processor-readable medium storing code causes a processor at a first vehicle (e.g., a first autonomous vehicle) to generate a first planned path based on a current position of the first vehicle and a mission requirement assigned to the first vehicle. A first planned path associated with a second vehicle (e.g., a second autonomous vehicle), which is based on a current position of the second vehicle and a mission requirement assigned to the second vehicle, is received at the first vehicle. After the first planned path associated with the second vehicle is received, a second planned path is generated based on the first planned path associated with the second vehicle and at least one of the mission requirement assigned to the first vehicle or the first planned path of the first vehicle. The second planned path of the first vehicle is transmitted to the second vehicle. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081506 | Advanced Behavior Engine - A method of commanding a remote vehicle includes executing a command on a controller of the remote vehicle based on a kinodynamic fixed depth motion planning algorithm to use incremental feedback from evaluators to select a best feasible action. The method also includes determining servo commands corresponding to the best feasible action for one or more actuators of a drive system or a manipulation system of the remote vehicle and commanding the one or more actuators of the remote vehicle based on the servo commands. The best feasible action includes actions within a fixed time horizon of several seconds from a current time each time a feasible action is selected. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081507 | DETECTING ROAD WEATHER CONDITIONS - Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to detecting road weather conditions. Vehicle sensors including a laser, precipitation sensors, and/or camera may be used to detect information such as the brightness of the road, variations in the brightness of the road, brightness of the world, current precipitation, as well as the detected height of the road. Information received from other sources such as networked based weather information (forecasts, radar, precipitation reports, etc.) may also be considered. The combination of the received and detected information may be used to estimate the probability of precipitation such as water, snow or ice in the roadway. This information may then be used to maneuver an autonomous vehicle (for steering, accelerating, or braking) or identify dangerous situations. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081508 | Automotive Control Unit and Automotive Control System - An object of the present invention is to enhance the accuracy and the level of detail of an abnormality diagnosis by checking a transmitting-end application or controller for an abnormality by using abnormality diagnosis results concerning a plurality of communication messages. Disclosed is an automotive control unit having a plurality of applications for controlling a vehicle-mounted device and a common execution environment section for permitting the applications to exchange data with each other. The automotive control unit includes a communication protection section that, when the applications exchange data with the common execution environment section, checks the data for an abnormality, and a system abnormality check section that determines in accordance with an abnormality check result produced by the communication protection section whether the system is abnormal. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081509 | FAIL OPERATIONAL POWER SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS - A method for operating a diagnostic system of a vehicle including a fail operational power system (FOPS) module and a fail operational system (FOS) module includes the FOS module requesting a microcontroller of the FOPS module to generate a diagnostic control signal. The FOS module receives the diagnostic information from a component module of the FOPS module based on the diagnostic control signal generated by the microcontroller. The FOS module executes isolator diagnostics based on the received diagnostic information. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081510 | System for Dynamic Diagnosis of Apparatus Operating Conditions - A diagnostic platform includes a processor, storage media and user interfaces, including a display screen, the processor being coupled to engine analyzer hardware and adapted to be coupled to a scanner for downloading data from vehicle on-board computers. The system stores libraries of information regarding vehicle identifications, drivability symptoms exhibited by vehicles, vehicle system and component tests and service codes which can be registered by the vehicle on-board computer. System software permits the user to input an identification of the vehicle under test and, in one mode of operation, displays a library of faults, such as symptoms or service codes, from which the user can select those exhibited by the vehicle, whereupon the system selects from the test library those tests pertinent to diagnosis of the causes of the selected faults and displays them in a hierarchically ranked order based on likelihood of successful diagnosis of the faults. The user can then select and initiate any displayed test. In other modes, the system initially displays one of the libraries of system or component tests, from which the user selects those deemed appropriate, whereupon the system highlights icons which can be selected for initiating pertinent test procedures. Selected test procedures may include links to the engine analyzer or scanner hardware or other appropriate test modules. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081511 | User Configurable Scan Tool - A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input device for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information from the input device and communication with the vehicle from the signal translator, the processor controlling a reception of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, the processor receiving a selected information of a user and configuration of the diagnostic tool through the input device and correlating the configuration information with the user information, the processor processing the received diagnostic data according to the selected configuration information corresponding to the selected user by the input unit, a memory storing a software controlled by the processor, the memory storing the configuration information according to the corresponding user information, and a display unit receiving and displaying diagnostic information according to the selected stored configuration information according to the user. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081512 | AIR BRAKE LINE AIRFLOW CONTROL DEVICE WITH WIRELESS CONTROLLER - A system for testing the air brake line of a train consist includes an airflow control device connected between the air brake line and a source of compressed air in a train yard. The system further includes a portable handheld device and an end-of-train pressure monitor that are able to wirelessly communicate with the airflow control device by means of a repeater. An airflow sensor in the airflow control device is used while charging the air brake line and also to perform an Air Flow Method of brake line testing. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081513 | SENSOR MULTIPLEXING IN ACTUATION SYSTEMS COMPRISING ACTIVE-MATERIAL ACTUATORS - A system, method, and computer storage configured for determining period-ending positions of multiple parts movable by select actuation of corresponding active materials. The operations include receiving, from a work-source sensor, work-source input indicating a distance moved by the work source and a direction of the movement, and determining, based on the work-source input and a first and second status histories, corresponding to a first and a second part, respectively, first and second distances travelled by the parts, respectively. Operations also include calculating, based on the first and second distances determined and first and second period-starting positions, corresponding to the first and second parts, respectively, first and second period-ending positions for the first and second parts, respectively. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081514 | Control Systems and Methods for Customizing Windshield Wiper Speed Settings - A method of user-selecting a custom wiping rate using a windshield wiper control system is provided. The method includes activating a wiper motor connected to a windshield wiper by moving control stalk to a first switching position providing the windshield wiper with a first wiping rate. The control stalk is moved repeatedly to a second switching position, wherein successive movements of the control stalk to the second switching position define one or more tap intervals. The one or more tap intervals are determined using an analyzing and control system. Speed of the wiper motor is changed to set a second wiping rate different from the first wiping rate using the analyzing and control system based on the one or more tap intervals. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081515 | AUTOMOTIVE FRICTION ASSIST SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED TRACTION - An automotive friction assist system with improved traction enables a motor vehicle to stop quickly and start easily on low friction surfaces, such as those present during icy conditions. The system operates by introducing more static friction points between the leading contact edges of wheels of a motor vehicle. Additionally, the present invention provides a sensor to activate the friction assist system when the road surface temperature is at or near the freezing point of water. The friction assist system will increase static friction on a road surface and aid an ABS system on a vehicle to bring the vehicle to a stop in less distance than otherwise possible. The friction assist system will also increase static friction and aid a motor vehicle's wheel slip regulator when a vehicle is attempting to gain traction or forward drive momentum. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081516 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VIBRATION MITIGATION IN A VEHICLE - Methods and apparatus are provided for mitigating vibration in a vehicle. The apparatus can include a first sensor that generates a first signal that indicates a first phase angle of a first wheel of the vehicle and a second sensor that generates a second signal that indicates a second phase angle of a second wheel of the vehicle. The apparatus can further include a control module that based on the first signal and the second signal outputs a third signal to adjust at least one of the first phase angle and the second phase angle when the vehicle is experiencing a vibration. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081517 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE FUNCTIONALITY MODIFICATION BASED ON SAFETY PARAMETERS ASSOCIATED WITH AN OPERATING STATE OF A VEHICLE - In an example, a method of modifying functionality of an electronic device associated with a vehicle may include assessing one or more safety parameters associated with an operating state of a vehicle. The method may further include modifying functionality of an electronic device associated with the vehicle based on the one or more safety parameters. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081518 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INTEGRATED NETWORK OF A VEHICLE - The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling an integrated network of a vehicle, and more particularly, to a system and method, which separately identifies a malfunction of a plurality of communication networks applied to a vehicle and integrally controls power off and power on of the communication networks using a communication gateway. The integrated network system includes: a gateway configured to connect a plurality of networks; a plurality of vehicle networks connected to the gateway and connectable to each other by the gateway; and an Ethernet configured to transmit a signal processed in the gateway to the exterior of the gateway to analyze communication states of the plurality of vehicle networks connected to the gateway. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081519 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle includes at least one processor that receives an in-coming communication for a driver, routes the in-coming communication to a mail system in response to a driver workload exceeding a predefined value, and after a predetermined period of time following routing the in-coming communication to the mail system, generates a notification for the driver indicating that a communication was received in response to the driver workload being less than the predefined value at an expiration of the predetermined period of time. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081520 | IN-VEHICLE POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS - An in-vehicle power supply apparatus that provides power supply from a secondary battery installed in a vehicle to at least one in-vehicle device, includes a voltage compensating unit that suppresses and compensates for a decrease in a power supply voltage supplied to the at least one in-vehicle device in a case where a voltage supplied to the at least one in-vehicle devices has become less than or equal to a first predetermined value, and an uninterruptible power supply unit that supplies electric power of another secondary battery different from the secondary battery to at least a part of the at least one in-vehicle device in a case where a voltage supplied to the at least one in-vehicle device has become less than or equal to a second predetermined value that is smaller than the first predetermined value. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081521 | LIGHT-BASED TOUCH CONTROLS ON A STEERING WHEEL AND DASHBOARD - A system for use in a vehicle, including a steering element situated opposite a driver seat in a vehicle, the steering element including a plurality of proximity sensors encased in the periphery of the steering element operable to detect hand gestures along the outer periphery of the steering element, an interactive deck housed in the vehicle, for providing at least one of radio broadcast, video broadcast, audio entertainment, video entertainment and navigational assistance in the vehicle, and a processor housed in the vehicle, coupled with the proximity sensors and the deck, operable to identify the hand gestures detected by the proximity sensors, and to control the deck in response to thus-identified hand gestures. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081522 | AUTOMATIC LEVEL CONTROL - A trailer vehicle function control system for a trailer. The system comprises an electronic control unit adapted to central the height of the trailer and communication means adapted to receive data concerning trailer height. In use, the communication means transmits data to the eieetronic control unit and the electronic control unit compares the actual tralier height with the received data concerning trailer height. If the actual trailer height is different to the remived data trailer height the electronic control unit adjusts the trailer height to the received data trailer height. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081523 | VEHICLE WITH A CONTROLLABLE WHEEL ROUTE - A vehicle with a controllable wheel route includes a vehicle body, a first pair of wheels, which are individually suspended on both sides of the vehicle body to roll on the ground and can rotate around the vertical axis, a second pair of wheels, which are individually suspended on both sides of the vehicle body to roll on the ground, can rotate around the vertical axis, and are placed in the back of the first wheels, a regulator, which regulates each steering angle on the vertical axis of the first and second wheels, a mode selector, which is configured to select a first mode and a second mode, and a controller, which receives the first mode signal or the second mode signal from the mode selector and controls the regulator according to the received signal. The second wheel route is regulated to be identical to the first wheel route in the first mode, and the second wheel route is regulated to be different from the first wheel route in the second mode. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081524 | ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM - A target pinion angle computation unit computes a target pinion angle on the basis of a basic assist component and a steering torque, and computes the target pinion angle so as to rapidly increase a steering reaction force when it is determined based on the target pinion angle that a rack shaft of a rack-and-pinion mechanism reaches a position near a limit of a movable range of the rack shaft. In an. EPS, a correction component for the basic assist component, which is necessary to increase the steering reaction force rapidly, is computed through execution of PID control for causing an actual pinion angle to coincide with the target pinion angle. Because the correction component is added to the basic assist component, the steering reaction force is increased rapidly when the rack shaft reaches the position near the limit of the movable range. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081525 | ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING APPARATUS - When only one of sensor signals generated by the plural systems and output from a torque sensor is normal, a control variable restriction processing part performs an assist restricting process for setting an upper limit value and a lower limit value of a basic assist control variable in accordance with at least one of the lateral acceleration, the steering angle, the steering speed, or the yaw rate. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081526 | METHOD AND CONTROL UNIT FOR TRIGGERING AT LEAST ONE PASSENGER PROTECTION MEANS - A method for triggering at least one passenger protection means. The method includes a step of reading in a control signal which contains a command for carrying out an activation of the passenger protection means. Furthermore, method includes a step of releasing an activation of the passenger protection means as a response to the read-in control signal. Furthermore, the method includes a step of evaluating the control signal for the identification of the command for carrying out the activation of the passenger protection means and activating the passenger protection means as a response to an identified command for carrying out the activation of the passenger protection means to trigger the passenger protection means. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081527 | Alternator and Starter Tester with Increased Load and Cable Identification - An alternator and starter tester system capable of generating a warranty claim code. The warranty claim code can contain information regarding a diagnostic test and the tested components. The alternator and starter tester system can also encode and transmit the warranty claim code to a supplier or a manufacturer to verify warranty credit. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081528 | Method of Controlling a Vehicle Drive Train with a Hydrodynamic Retarder - The invention concerns a method for controlling a vehicle drive train with a hydrodynamic retarder which can be engaged and disengaged mechanically via a coupling, whereas the retarder comprises a working chamber formed between two bladed wheels, which is filled with a working fluid for generating a braking torque after detecting a retarder switch-on signal and is emptied of the working medium after detecting a retarder switch-off signal to turn off the braking torque, and the retarder is driven in braking mode by means of a drive shaft via the closed coupling to constitute a hydrodynamic circuit of the working fluid in the working chamber. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081529 | ACTIVE DOOR LOCK SYSTEM - An active door lock system allows a user to confirm a state of a child in a vehicle before opening a door by partially opening a window of the door in the case of sensing unlock of door lock from an outer side of the door in the state in which a child lock is set. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081530 | System and Method for Payload Estimation - A payload estimation system for a work machine is provided. The system includes a power source, a payload carrier, an actuator and a controller. The payload carrier is configured to contain a payload of material. The actuator is configured to effectuate movement of the payload carrier. The controller is configured to control an operation of the actuator. The controller is also configured to receive one or more parameters associated with the power source of the work machine, during an operation of the payload carrier. Further, the controller is configured to compare the one or more parameters with a pre-determined dataset to estimate a weight of the payload on the work machine. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081531 | POSITIONING SYSTEM USING RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNALS - A positioning system and method for determining a position of a machine are disclosed. The system may have an optical sensing device configured to generate determined shape data associated with a portion of the worksite at the position of the machine. The system may have a first signal device configured to transmit a radio frequency signal and receive a response signal. The system may have a second signal configured to receive the transmitted radio frequency signal and transmit the response signal. The system may have a controller in communication with the optical sensing device and at least one of the first and second signal devices. The controller may be configured to determine an approximate position based on the radio frequency signal and the response signal, identify a reference shape data corresponding to the determined shape data, and determine the position based on the approximate position and the reference shape data. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081532 | Self-Propelled Civil Engineering Machine And Method Of Controlling A Self-Propelled Civil Engineering Machine - The invention relates to a self-propelled civil engineering machine, and in particular to a slipform paver, road paver or road milling machine, and to a method of controlling a self-propelled civil engineering machine. The civil engineering machine according to the invention has a control unit which is configured to determine data which defines the position and/or orientation of a reference point on the civil engineering machine in relation to a reference system (X, Y, Z) independent of the position and orientation of the civil engineering machine. The reference system (X, Y, Z) independent of the machine-related reference system (x, y, z) may be selected as desired, and there is thus no need for the positions of various reference points to be plotted on the ground. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081533 | SLOW TURNING DRUM FOR A MINER - Methods, systems, and computer-readable medium storing instructions for turning a cutting drum of a mining machine at a maintenance speed. One method includes receiving, at a controller, input signals from an operator interface, the input signals including a signal to initiate turning of the cutting drum at the maintenance speed, and transmitting, in response to the input signals, control signals from the controller to a cutting drum turning mechanism included in the mining machine, the control signals instructing a switch included in the cutting drum turning mechanism to electrically couple a cutter motor and a variable frequency drive. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081534 | LIFTING DEVICE EFFICIENT LOAD DELIVERY, LOAD MONITORING, COLLISION AVOIDANCE, AND LOAD HAZARD AVOIDANCE - A method of lifting device collision avoidance is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining a three dimensional position of a collision avoidance sensor unit coupled with a load line of a first lifting device, the determining performed by a first global navigation satellite system (i) receiver coupled with a housing of the collision avoidance sensor unit, generating a geofence for the first lifting device based at least in part on the collision avoidance sensor unit position, monitoring for a collision related hazard indicated by encroachment between the first geofence and a second geofence associated with a second lifting device and initiating at least one collision hazard avoidance action in response to a monitored occurrence of the collision related hazard. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081535 | LIFTING DEVICE EFFICIENT LOAD DELIVERY, LOAD MONITORING, COLLISION AVOIDANCE, AND LOAD HAZARD AVOIDANCE - A method of lifting device load hazard avoidance is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining a three dimensional position of a load hazard avoidance sensor unit coupled with a load line of a lifting device, the determining performed by a first global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver coupled with a housing of the load hazard avoidance sensor unit, monitoring for a load related hazard in a vicinity of a load coupled with the load line, the monitoring performed by a load monitor coupled with the housing and initiating at least one load related hazard avoidance action in response to a monitored occurrence of the load related hazard. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081536 | LIFTING DEVICE EFFICIENT LOAD DELIVERY, LOAD MONITORING, COLLISION AVOIDANCE, AND LOAD HAZARD AVOIDANCE - A hook block sensor assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hook block sensor comprises a housing configured to removably couple about a lifting hook of a lifting device, a first global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver coupled with the housing and configured for determining a hook block sensor assembly position in three dimensions, a load monitor coupled with the housing and configured for monitoring a load coupled with the lifting hook, including monitoring a load position and a load orientation of the load and a wireless transceiver coupled with the housing and configured for wirelessly providing information including the load position, the load orientation, and the hook block sensor assembly position, to a display unit located apart from the hook block sensor assembly. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081537 | LIFTING DEVICE EFFICIENT LOAD DELIVERY, LOAD MONITORING, COLLISION AVOIDANCE, AND LOAD HAZARD AVOIDANCE - A lifting device sensor unit comprises a housing, a first global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, and a wireless transceiver. The housing is configured to removably couple about a load line of a lifting device. The first GNSS receiver is coupled with the housing and configured for determining a sensor unit position in three dimensions. The wireless transceiver is coupled with the housing and configured for wirelessly providing information including the sensor unit position to a display unit located apart from the sensor unit. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081538 | LIFTING DEVICE EFFICIENT LOAD DELIVERY, LOAD MONITORING, COLLISION AVOIDANCE, AND LOAD HAZARD AVOIDANCE - A lifting device sensor unit comprising a housing, a load monitor, and a wireless transceiver. The housing is configured to removably couple about a load line of a lifting device. The load monitor is coupled with the housing and configured for monitoring a load coupled with the load line, including monitoring a load position and a load orientation of the load. The wireless is transceiver coupled with the housing and configured for wirelessly providing information including the load position and the load orientation to a display unit located apart from the sensor unit. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081539 | METHOD TO CONTROL A TRANSMISSION BRAKE - A method of controlling a transmission brake of an automated change-speed transmission, of a countershaft design provided with claw clutches, the brake being functionally connected, on its input side, to a transmission shaft and actuated hydraulically or pneumatically by way of inlet and outlet valves such that, for an upshift from a gear under load to a target gear, when the loaded gear is disengaged, in order to synchronize the target gear, first the inlet valve is opened and the outlet valve is closed, then to produce a substantially constant braking torque, the inlet valve is closed after having been open for a determinable opening duration, and to reach a synchronous rotational speed, the outlet valve is opened after having been closed for a determinable closing duration. The time during which the inlet valve is open is determined as a function of a specified characteristic parameter of the synchronization process. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081540 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING TRANSMISSION AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING THE SAME - A method of controlling a transmission includes sensing an operation signal generated from an accelerator pedal sensor, performing a predetermined transmission in a predetermined transmission section from a current gear to a target gear, determining a change in the speed of the operation signal, controlling a constant value at which a release hydraulic pressure signal is maintained constant during the transmission in response to the change, controlling an increase slope of an engagement hydraulic pressure signal before the transmission is completed in response to the change, and controlling a decrease slope of the release hydraulic pressure signal before the transmission is completed in response to the change. A transmission system for performing a method of controlling a transmission is also provided. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081541 | Line Pressure Control with Input Shaft Torque Measurement - A method of controlling a line pressure in a transmission is provided. Line pressure in a transmission is set to a pressure value including a first term that is proportional to an input torque value. The first term has a coefficient of proportionality that is increased in response to a signal indicating clutch slippage. The input torque value is a measured input torque value in a steady-state condition. The input torque value may be a maximum of the measured input torque value and a driver demand torque value in a transient condition. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081542 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING VEHICLE FROM ROLLING OVER IN CURVED LANE - The present invention proposes a system and method for preventing a vehicle from rolling over in curved lane. The road images captured by the image capture devices are used to calculate road information. The road information together with the vehicular dynamic information, such as the speed and acceleration of the vehicle are used to predict the rollover angle and lateral acceleration of the vehicle moving on the curved lane. The height of the gravity center and critical rollover speed of the vehicle moving on the curved lane are worked out and used to define a vehicular rollover index. If the vehicular rollover index exceeds a preset value, the system warns the driver or directly controls the speed of the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from rolling over in the curved lane. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081543 | TRAILER ACCESS POINT PAIRING - A trailer electronic braking system comprising a braking device capable of generating a braking force on a wheel on the trailer. The braking force is applied to brake cylinders and is controllable by a braking ECU, which braking ECU is connected to a standards compliant communication bus on the trailer. The ECU is adapted to receive data inputs from sensors, on the trailer. The system further includes an arrangement to interface to trailer electronics and a communications interface having a | 2014-03-20 |
20140081544 | TRAILER ACCESS POINT PAIRING - A trailer electronic braking system comprising a braking device capable of generating a braking force on a wheel on the trailer. The braking force is applied to the brake cylinders and is controllable by a braking ECU, which braking ECU is connected to a standards compliant communication bus on the trailer. The ECU is adapted to receive data inputs from sensors on the trailer. The system further includes an arrangement to interface to trailer electronics and a communications interface. In use, the arrangement transmits a request to the device for a driver to apply a predetermined condition to the trailer to enable control functions to be actuated from a remote device. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081545 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING BRAKING OF A VEHICLE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY - A method for controlling braking of a vehicle includes the steps of calculating a first pressure based on a driver request, and providing pressure that does not exceed a predetermined pressure threshold if the vehicle is stationary and the first pressure is less than the predetermined pressure threshold. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081546 | MOTION CONTROL DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - A motion control device for a vehicle includes a braking means for applying a brake torque to each of a plurality of wheels of the vehicle, an avoidance control means for calculating a first target quantity, used for an avoidance control for applying the brake torque to each wheel via the braking means in order to avoid an emergency state of the vehicle, a stabilization control means for determining a target wheel, to which the brake torque is applied, out of the wheels and calculating a second target quantity used for a stabilization control for applying the brake torque to the target wheel in order to ensure a vehicle stability, and a brake control means for controlling the brake torque applied to a non-target wheel based on the first target quantity and controlling the brake torque applied to the target wheel based on the first and second target quantities. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081547 | CLOSED LOOP PROPULSION SYSTEM TRANSIENT RESPONSE PREDICTOR - An electronic engine controller includes a commanded rotor speed input, an altitude input, and a current rotor speed input, a computer processor, and a memory storing a prediction logic. The prediction logic is operable to cause the processor to determine a predictive value representative of a closed loop transient response of a propulsion system's actual corrected low rotor speed in response to a commanded change in low rotor speed. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081548 | CRANKCASE INTEGRITY BREACH DETECTION - Systems and methods for monitoring crankcase ventilation system integrity are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on a lower vacuum than expected downstream of a PCV breather tube. For example, indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on a lower vacuum than expected downstream of a PCV breather tube may include indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on an absolute pressure sensor measurement relative to a gauge pressure sensor measurement. | 2014-03-20 |
20140081549 | CRANKCASE INTEGRITY BREACH DETECTION - Methods and systems are provided for using a crankcase vent tube pressure or flow sensor for diagnosing a location and nature of crankcase system integrity breach. The same sensor can also be used for diagnosing air filter plugging and PCV valve degradation. Use of an existing sensor to diagnose multiple engine components provides cost reduction and sensor compaction benefits. | 2014-03-20 |