40th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 68 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120253500 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING OPERATION OF A PROCESSING SYSTEM - In a method of controlling operation of a processing system, a host computer, a process tool and a component of an evacuation system, for example an abatement tool, are connected to a system bus. The abatement tool monitors signals transmitted on the system bus between the host computer and the process tool, and signals received directly from the process tool. The abatement tool uses information contained within the monitored signals to generate a signal for the process tool regarding an operating characteristic of the abatement tool. This signal is transmitted either directly or over the system bus to the process tool, which uses the generated signal to control an operating state of the process tool. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253501 | SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUBSTRATES FOR COATED FABRICS - A system and a method are disclosed for weaving SC fabrics using multiple weft insertion. The system and method may be used to increase the thread count of the SC fabric while reducing fabric costs. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253502 | Method Of Flatness Control Of A Strip And A Control System Therefor - A method of providing flatness control for rolling a strip in a mill including a plurality of rolls controllable by actuators. The method includes the steps of: receiving flatness measurement data pertaining to a flatness of the strip; determining a flatness error as a difference between a reference flatness of the strip and the flatness measurement data; determining an adjusted flatness error based on the flatness error and weights for actuator position combinations which provide a flatness effect below a threshold value; and utilizing the adjusted flatness error for the control units to control the actuators to thereby control the flatness of the strip. A computer program product and a control system for carrying out the above method are also presented herein. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253503 | CUTTING APPARATUS AND STORAGE MEDIUM STORING CUTTING CONTROL PROGRAM - A cutting apparatus includes a holding member selectable from a plurality of types of holding members according to respective types of objects to be cut, the holding member having an adhesive layer removably holding the object and set on the cutting apparatus while holding the object adherent to the adhesive layer, an identification medium located on the holding member for identifying the holding member type, an input unit inputting the object type into the control unit, a detection unit detecting the holding member type from the identification medium when the holding member has been set to the apparatus, and a determination unit determining whether or not the object type input from the input unit and the type of the holding member detected by the detection unit are consistent with each other. The control unit is configured to perform the control according to a result of determination by the determination unit. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253504 | CUTTING APPARATUS, CUTTING DATA PROCESSING DEVICE AND CUTTING CONTROL PROGRAM THEREFOR - A cutting apparatus is disclosed in which a cutting blade and an object to be cut are moved relative to each other so that a desired pattern is cutout of the object. The cutting apparatus includes an arranging unit arranging the pattern in a cut-allowable region of the object, a frame setting unit setting a minimum boundary frame which is polygonal or curved in shape and includes a contour of the pattern arranged by the arranging unit, and a cutting data generating unit generating outer line cutting data for cutting an outer line dividing a first region near the pattern within the cut-allowable region and a second region other than the first region, outside the boundary frame, based on the boundary frame. The pattern and the outer line are cut out of the object based on pattern cutting data for cutting the pattern and the outer line cutting data. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253505 | METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR CALCULATING CORRECTION VALUE FOR MACHINE TOOL - The present invention provides a method of computing a correction value for the machine tool having two or more translational axes and one or more rotational axes for correcting error in a position and an orientation of the tool with respect to a workpiece due to the geometric error. The method includes a rotational axis correction value computing step (S | 2012-10-04 |
20120253506 | METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR CALCULATING CORRECTION VALUE FOR MACHINE TOOL - The present invention provides a method and the like that are capable of calculating a correction value for a rotational axis and make it possible to correct an error in position or position and posture of a tool, which results from a geometric error, correct an error in posture of the tool, and also enhance the accuracy in machining by preventing a translational axis from operating in an infinitesimal manner due to a correction command. In a machine tool having two or more translational axes and one or more rotational axes, a correction value for each of the translational axes is calculated using a command position of each of the rotational axes, a coordinate value of a correction reference point as one point designated in advance in a command position space of each of the translational axes, and a geometric parameter representing the geometrical error. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253507 | HIGH THROUGHPUT PARCEL HANDLING - A high throughput parcel unloading system includes a robotic arm arrangement, including a cluster of robotic arms having grouping mechanisms. A conveyor system is also provided onto which parcels are placed by the robotic arm system. An image recognition system determines the position and arrangement of parcels within a container, and a control system is configured to receive image information from the image recognition system and control operation of the robotic arm system and conveyor system. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253508 | POINT OF DISPLAY INVENTORY CONTROL APPARATUS AND SYSTEM - An apparatus for displaying merchandise on a support structure includes a base configured to couple to the support structure, a control member supported by the base, and a locking mechanism supported by the base. The base includes a guide member configured to support a plurality of items for display. The control member includes a control wheel that is rotatable relative to the guide member to selectively allow removal of an item from the guide member. The locking mechanism is movable between a first state, in which the locking mechanism engages the control wheel to inhibit rotation of the control wheel relative to the guide member, and a second state, in which the locking mechanism disengages the control wheel to allow rotation of the control wheel relative to the guide member. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253509 | STORAGE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING MEDICATIONS - Storage devices, systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for dispensing medication. The storage devices include a container dispensing device for providing users with containers that can be used to securely transport (i.e., in a closed, identifiable container) medications dispensed from the storage device for a single selected patient. In this way, a single user may be able to dispense medications for multiple patients during a single user interaction with a storage device, while keeping medications for different patients separate and easily identifiable so as to provide secure transport between the storage device and the different patients' bedsides. Thus, a printing device may be provided for printing a summary of details, such as in the form of a label and/or a receipt. A sensor may also be provided for detecting the receipt of medications into the container as a check that the correct medications were dispensed by the user. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253510 | STORAGE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING MEDICATION DISPENSING AND RESTOCKING - A storage device, method, and computer program product is provided that includes a number of drawer-level display devices. Each drawer-level display device may be associated with and disposed on a particular drawer. Each drawer-level display device may be configured to present a user with medication information for a selected medication stored in the associated drawer. Thus, a user can have direct access to information required for completing a dispensing or restocking operation at the accessed drawer and does not need to refer back to the cabinet-level display device for information. The drawer-level display devices may be main drawer-level display devices, located near a leading end of each drawer, and/or secondary drawer-level display devices located at the pockets defined by the drawer. Thus, the information needed to complete a dispensing or restocking operation that is in progress can be found at the drawer-level, where the user's attention is already focused. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253511 | ROBOT ARM APPARATUS - A robot arm apparatus includes an arm mechanism including a base member and a link pivotally connected to the base member for pivotal motion in a horizontal plane through a rotational shaft. The link holds a regular circular transport object at its distal end. The apparatus also includes an edge detector, provided on the base member, that detects two edges of the regular circular transport object as the link pivotally rotates with respect to the base member, a pivotal angle detector that detects a pivotal angle of the link with respect to the base member, and a center position calculator that calculates a center position of the regular circular transport object with respect to the link. The calculation is based on two pivotal angles detected by the pivotal angle detector when the edge detector detects the two edges of the regular circular transport object. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253512 | ROBOT CONTROLLER AND ROBOT SYSTEM - A robot controller includes an input unit that receives operation instruction information, a database that stores grasp pattern information, and a processing unit that performs control processing based on information from the input unit and information from the database, and the input unit receives first to N-th operation instructions as operation instruction information, the processing unit loads i-th grasp pattern information that enables execution of the i-th operation instruction and j-th grasp pattern information that enables execution of the j-th operation instruction as the next operation instruction to the i-th operation instruction from the database, and performs control processing based on the i-th grasp pattern information and the j-th grasp pattern information. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253513 | SNAKING ROBOTIC ARM WITH MOVABLE SHAPERS - Presented is a method and apparatus comprising one or more robotic members which are curvaceous or snake-like; having movable shapers through which may pass an articulable column having successive joints formed of alternating ball and socket members. The shapers can be directed up and down the articulable column, to create virtually any radius of curvature, in any direction. The robotic member may also include discrete microelectronic mechanical devices (MEMS) shaper's with embedded addressable controllers. Thus the device, with computerized control is capable of negotiating a tortuous path to access the site of a given operation and to retreat along the same path, without injury to the body in which the arm is directed. Once at the work site, the articulating columns, or parts of them, may be put in compression, causing them to become rigid. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253514 | REINFORCEMENT LEARNING APPARATUS, CONTROL APPARATUS, AND REINFORCEMENT LEARNING METHOD - It is possible to perform robot motor learning in a quick and stable manner using a reinforcement learning apparatus including: a first-type environment parameter obtaining unit that obtains a value of one or more first-type environment parameters; a control parameter value calculation unit that calculates a value of one or more control parameters maximizing a reward by using the value of the one or more first-type environment parameters; a control parameter value output unit that outputs the value of the one or more control parameters to the control object; a second-type environment parameter obtaining unit that obtains a value of one or more second-type environment parameters; a virtual external force calculation unit that calculates the virtual external force by using the value of the one or more second-type environment parameters; and a virtual external force output unit that outputs the virtual external force to the control object. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253515 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SURGICAL PLANNING - Methods and apparatus for enhancing surgical planning provide enhanced planning of entry port placement and/or robot position for laparoscopic, robotic, and other minimally invasive surgery. Various embodiments may be used in robotic surgery systems to identify advantageous entry ports for multiple robotic surgical tools into a patient to access a surgical site. Generally, data such as imaging data is processed and used to create a model of a surgical site, which can then be used to select advantageous entry port sites for two or more surgical tools based on multiple criteria. Advantageous robot positioning may also be determined, based on the entry port locations and other factors. Validation and simulation may then be provided to ensure feasibility of the selected port placements and/or robot positions. Such methods, apparatus and systems may also be used in nonsurgical contexts, such as for robotic port placement in munitions defusion or hazardous waste handling. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253516 | ROBOT CONTROL METHOD AND ROBOT - A robot control method includes gripping a work with a hand unit; transferring the work to the vicinity of a plane; dropping the work to the plane by reducing the grip force of the hand unit, and aligning the work with the plane; and re-gripping the work, which is aligned with the plane, again with the hand unit. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253517 | Necktie Personal-Extender/Environment-Integrator and Method for Super-Augmenting a Persona to manifest a Pan-Environment Super-Cyborg for Global Governance - The present invention discloses a system and method for a morphological solution to the macroscopic problem of n-entropy (i.e. loss of control/information) of the prevailing global anarchy by super-augmenting a persona to manifest a pan-environment super-cyborg for global governance. Through a Christocratic Necked Service Oriented Architecture (CNSOA) model, the method of said system, categorizes the world people into two spaces, Bridespace and Christocratic-space. Each member or citizen of Bridespace and consenting Christocratic space is incorporated with Bridal Wedding Garments, namely holy goods & services & Necktie imitating Personal-Extender that includes a data processing device connected to a global network. Each member's Persona and proximity Meatspace are augmented by recasting the metaphoric environment of the data processor (network-is-the-supercomputer) as a Necktie Personal-Extender/Environment-Integrator. The ultimate objective of this invention is to provide a viable regulatory system for global governance to bring justice, peace and wealth for rightful people. With the Necktie Personal-Extender/Environment-Integrator that extends man into both space and time (eternal life) to solve all his problems, it is asserted that a union with the divine is achievable for all of mankind. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253518 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DRILLING BOREHOLES - A computer-readable medium including program instructions for drilling a borehole. When the program instructions are executed by one or more processors of a computer system operatively associated with a drill rig, the program instructions cause the processor to carry out the steps of initiating a drilling phase and monitoring a drill parameter during the drilling phase. The drill parameter includes at least one of drill rotational speed, drill torque or number of drill retractions. The program instructions further cause the processor to carry out the step of determining whether the monitored drill parameter is within a predetermined specification for the monitored drill parameter in order to choose a drilling phase defect mitigation routine. After implementing the drilling phase defect mitigation routine, the processors carry out the step of resuming the drilling phase. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253519 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DRILLING BOREHOLES - A computer-readable medium including program instructions for collaring a borehole. When the program instructions are executed by one or more processors of a computer system operatively associated with a drill rig, the program instructions cause the one or more processors to carry out the steps of performing a first phase collaring operation from a surface start to a point at which a drill bit reaches a dynamically determined collaring depth or a maximum collaring depth, and performing a second phase collaring operation to form a hole collar. The second phase collaring operation includes the steps of retracting the drill bit until the drill bit is above the surface, and activating a water injection system during the retracting of the drill bit. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253520 | CONTROLLER FOR A CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM - A system is provided for controlling at least one climate control apparatus for conditioning a space. The system includes a controller mountable to a climate control apparatus that is segregated from the space to be conditioned. The controller has a plurality of selectable setting parameters for configuring the controller to operate at least one of a plurality of climate control apparatus, and a plurality of visual indicators for visually indicating the selection of at least one selectable setting parameter. A user interface is adapted for installation in the space, and has a display for displaying selectable setting parameters for configuring the controller. The user interface includes user input controls for enabling selection of at least one displayed selectable setting parameter, where the controller responsively activates at least one visual indicator for indicating the selection of at least one selectable setting parameter by the user-interface. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253521 | Systems and Methods For Controlling Multiple HVAC Systems - An HVAC control system has a first system controller associated with a first HVAC system and configured to control the first HVAC system and a second system controller associated with a HVAC system and configured to control the second HVAC system wherein the first system controller is selectively operable to control the second HVAC system. A method of controlling multiple HVAC systems includes providing a first HVAC system comprising a required first system controller, providing a second HVAC system comprising a required second system controller, and enabling wireless communication between the first system controller and the second system controller. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253522 | FACILITY CONTROLLING SYSTEM AND METHOD - When, in an administering device, there has been an evaluation that a user is authorized to enter into any given controlled region, the occupant counts of a movement origin controlled region and of a movement destination controlled region are updated by an occupant count updating portion and stored in a storing portion, where the occupancy statuses specified by the individual occupant counts in the storing portion are reported to an air-conditioning controlling device. In the air-conditioning controlling device, electricity-saving control parameters corresponding to the applicable occupancy statuses are obtained from an electricity-saving control information storing portion by an air-conditioning controlling portion in response to occupancy statuses reported by the administering device, to cause air-conditioning equipment, corresponding to the applicable region, to perform electricity-saving operation based on the electricity-saving control parameters. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253523 | INDOOR AIR QUALITY CONTROLLERS AND USER INTERFACES - Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The controllers also include communication interfaces for receiving climate data. In certain embodiments, the controllers govern operation of the HVAC systems based at least in part on the climate data. Further, the controllers may display information and alerts related to the climate data. The controllers also may govern operation of air treatment devices within the HVAC systems. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253524 | Method of Adaptive Control of a Bypass Damper in a Zoned HVAC System - A zoned HVAC system comprises an HVAC unit including a climate control system and an air mover. In addition, the system comprises a supply air duct in fluid communication with the outlet of the HVAC unit. Further, the system comprises a return air duct in fluid communication with the inlet of the HVAC unit. Still further, the system comprises a plurality of zones positioned between the supply air duct and the return air duct. Moreover, the system comprises a bypass duct extending between the supply air duct and the return air duct. The bypass duct includes an active bypass damper having an open position, a closed position, and a plurality of partially opened positions. The system also comprises a control device configured to control the position of the bypass duct. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253525 | AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROLLING SYSTEM - An air-conditioning controlling system having a controlling device controlling the operation of air-conditioning equipment based on setting information that has been set up in advance, and including an operating terminal wherein setting information can be changed by an occupant of an applicable area of the air-conditioning equipment, connected to the controlling device through a communication circuit, wherein the occupant is able to check what type of control operation is scheduled, prior to changing a setting for the applicable equipment, through scheduled operating information for the future for the specified applicable equipment being sent to the operating terminal that is operated by the occupant, thus enabling the occupant to consider individual countermeasures rather than changing the settings easily, not only making it possible to maintain the energy conservation effect of the air-conditioning controlling system as a whole, but also making it possible to increase the energy conservation awareness of the occupant. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253526 | Methods and Systems For Controlling An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) - In at least some embodiments, a system includes a heat pump and an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). The system also includes a controller coupled to the heat pump and the ERV. The controller implements an ERV operation algorithm that automates operations of the ERV. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253527 | Programming Simulator for an HVAC Controller - A programming simulator is provided, being adapted to run on one of a controller for HVAC equipment operable to communicate across a network, and a remote device operable to communicate with the controller through the network. The programming simulator is operable to display the current value of energy usage by the HVAC equipment on the premise over the period of time and also display at least one changeable parameter, the at least one changeable parameter relating to energy usage. Upon selection of the at least one changeable parameter, displaying a simulator value, the simulator value proving an estimate of energy usage over the same period of time as the current value using the selected at least one changeable parameter in the energy model. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253528 | CONCRETE DISTRIBUTING DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD, CONTROL SYSTEM AND ELECTRICAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR COMPOSITE MOTION OF BOOM THEREOF - Disclosed are a concrete distributing device and a control method, a control system and an electrical control system for composite motion of a boom thereof. The control method comprises the steps as follows: calculating the flow of a boom pump when an operating handle sends a command; according to the command sent by the operating handle, calculating theoretical demand flow of all actuating mechanisms of the boom and theoretical control signals of all electronic proportional control valves; comparing the total theoretical demand flow of the actuating mechanisms with the flow of the boom pump; providing the theoretical control signals to all the electronic pro portional control valves when the flow of the boom pump is greater than or equal to the total theoretical demand flow of the actuating mechanisms, otherwise, providing actual control signals smaller than the theoretical control signals to all the electronic proportional control valves and reducing the movement speeds of all the actuating mechanisms proportionally. In this way, when undersaturation of system occurs to the composite motion of the boom, the movement speeds of all the actuating mechanisms are reduced proportionally independent of the load difference of the actuating mechanisms, thereby ensuring that the boom can move in a motion track expected by an operator. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253529 | Controlling a Resource Demand System - Methods of controlling a resource demand system are disclosed. One method includes obtaining weather data from at least one data source that collects weather data at a plurality of areas. A weather value for a target location is calculated from the weather data. A weather value is sensed for the target location. The calculated weather value is compared with the sensed weather value to validate at least one of the calculated weather value and the sensed weather value, and a control value is calculated based on at least one of the calculated weather value and the sensed weather value. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253530 | IRRIGATION SYSTEM HAVING AN APPLICANT DISPERSAL ASSEMBLY - An applicant dispersal assembly is described that couples to an irrigation system. It is contemplated that the irrigation system may be a center pivot irrigation system, a linear move irrigation system, or the like. The applicant dispersal assembly is configured to receive an applicant and selectively adjust a flow rate of the applicant. In an implementation, the applicant dispersal assembly includes a pump assembly configured to couple to an irrigation conduit. The irrigation conduit is configured to provide an applicant to the pump assembly for dispersing over a cultivation area. The pump assembly is configured to pump the applicant and to selectively adjust a flow rate of the applicant. The applicant dispersal assembly also includes an applicant dispersal device that is coupled to the pump assembly. The applicant dispersal device is configured to disperse the applicant. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253531 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMAL LOAD PLANNING OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING - A system for optimal planning of electric power demand is presented. The system includes a node comprising one or more smart charging plug-in electric vehicles (SCPEVs), a processing subsystem, wherein the processing subsystem receives relevant data from one or more sources; and determines an optimized SCPEV load and optimal charging schedule for the node by applying an operations research technique on the relevant data. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253532 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORECASTING ELECTRICAL LOAD - Systems and methods for forecasting electrical load are provided. A baseline load forecast for a future time period may be determined by a forecasting system associated with a power utility. As desired, the forecasting system may include one or more computers. Information associated with at least one of (i) a scheduled demand for the future time period or (ii) a planned outage associated with the future time period may be determined by the forecasting system. Based at least in part on the determined information, the forecasting system may modify the baseline load forecast. Based at least in part on the modified baseline load forecast, the forecasting system may generate a bid contract for the future time period. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253533 | System and Method for Arc Detection and Intervention in Solar Energy Systems - An arc detection and intervention system for a solar energy system. One or more arc detectors are strategically located among strings of solar panels. In conjunction with local management units (LMUs), arcs can be isolated and affected panels disconnected from the solar energy system. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253534 | POSITIONER - The range of electric currents that can be assumed by a supply electric current is categorized into a plurality of electric current ranges, where, for each electric current range category, there are combinations of functions, wherein the total value for the electric current required is less than the upper limit value, and no less than the lower limit value, for the electric current range established, and a table wherein these combinations are established is stored in memory. An actual value is detected for a supply current I to ascertain the category of electric current to which the supply electric current I applies, the combination of functions established for the applicable category of electric currents is read out from the table, and operation of the function circuit portions for the functions of the combination that has been read out is enabled, and operation of the other function circuit portions is disabled. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253535 | LOAD CONTROL DEVICE HAVING A LOW-POWER MODE - A load control device for control of the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load comprises a power supply and a microprocessor that is able to operate the load control device in a low-power mode. The load control device may further comprise at least one visual indicator controlled by the microprocessor to provide visual feedback, where the microprocessor illuminates the visual indicator when the load is on and to turns the visual indicator off when the load is off during the low-power mode. The load control device may comprise a communication circuit coupled to the microprocessor for transmitting and/or receiving digital messages the microprocessor cause the communication circuit to draw less current from the power supply during the low-power mode. The microprocessor may operate in the low-power mode if the magnitude of a voltage of the power supply drops below a predetermined threshold. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253536 | AC DIVERSION MODE CONTROLLER - A circuit that includes a battery monitoring circuit structured to monitor at least one from among power grid current, battery output current, and time and to determine at least one of a battery charging profile and a battery type, and to output a digital communication data stream; and a controller coupled to the power grid and to the battery monitoring circuit to receive the data stream and to output a control signal to direct all or a proportion of the power grid current to a diversion load. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253537 | POWER SUPPLY METHOD, RECORDING MEDIUM WHICH IS COMPUTER READABLE AND POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - The method of controlling a power generator generating electric power using renewable energy and a battery storing electric power generated by the power generator, comprising: acquiring data on an amount of electric power generated by the power generator at predetermined time intervals over a sampling period, the data being acquired as electric signals; computing a target output value for the electric power to be supplied to an electric power transmission system based on the data on the amount of electric power generated by the power generator; supplying to the electric power transmission system electric power equal to the target output value from at least one of the power generator and the battery; determining a fading condition of the battery; and varying the sampling period in accordance with the fading condition of the battery. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253538 | Method and System for Generating and Optimizing the Capacity Ratings of an Electric Power System Facility - A method and system is provided for optimizing electric loading transfer capabilities. In one embodiment, the system comprises a processor which receives and stores information regarding available resources of one or more electric power facilities. The system includes a capability datastore and an external factors datastore, both of which communicate with the processor and with each other. The capability datastore determines electrical capabilities of the available resources at any given point in time while the external factors datastore determines a plurality of variables which affect the electrical capabilities. A resource manager connected to the processor is also provided. The resource manager allocates the plurality of available resources by optimizing and correlating the electrical capabilities with the plurality of variables, to generate an electric capacity rating for the one or more electric power facilities. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253539 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZING SWITCHING WITHIN A POWER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK - Systems and methods for synchronizing switching within a power distribution network are provided. A switch plan for restoring electrical power to a power distribution network following a power outage may be identified by a control system. The control system may be associated with a power utility and may include one or more computers. A plurality of switching operations associated with the switch plan may be identified by the control system. The plurality of switching operations may include at least one automatic switching operation and at least one manual switching operation. A synchronized execution of the plurality of switching operations may be coordinated by the control system. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253540 | ENERGY GRID DEVICE COMMISSIONING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A commissioning method and system. The method includes receiving details of a configuring process enabled by a power grid monitoring/control device associated with a power grid network topology comprising monitoring points associated and a power distribution grid. The power grid network topology is validated with respect to a configuration of measurement types, event types, and controls of the power distribution grid. Network point identifiers for each of the monitoring points are retrieved and a mapping report associating the power grid monitoring/control device with the power grid network topology using the network point identifiers is generated. The power grid monitoring/control device is registered for remote operation functionality and multiple grid events. The power grid monitoring/control device is commissioned into the power distribution grid. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253541 | System and Method for Local String Management Unit - Apparatuses and methods include a solar array having one or more strings of series-connected local management units (LMUs). Each LMU is parallel-connected to one of a plurality of solar modules. The strings are connected in parallel via a parallel bus. Local string management units (LSMUs) can increase or decrease an output voltage of the solar array by upconverting or downconverting string output voltages from each string. LSMUs can also operate in a bypass mode to increase overall power output. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253542 | Method and apparatus for temperature measurement on a display backlight - In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a driver, a set of first components, a set of second components, a third component, and a switch. The driver includes a first output and a second output. The set of first components is connected to the first output of the driver. The set of first components are connected in series. The set of second components are connected to the second output of the driver. The set of second components are connected in series. The third component is connected in parallel with the set of second components. The switch is connected in parallel with the set of second components. The switch is between the third component and the second output of the driver. The switch is configured to be controlled by the first output of the driver. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253543 | Controlling Operations of Vapor Compression System - A method and a system control an operation of a vapor compression system using a set of control inputs. A control value is determined based on an output of the operation of the vapor compression system and a setpoint for the operation of the vapor compression system. The control value is used to select at least a subset of the set of control inputs from a computer-readable medium, wherein the subset of control inputs, along or in combination with a function of the control value, forms the set of control inputs. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253544 | MODULAR COMPUTER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FANS OF THE SAME - A modular computer system includes a fan tray comprising a number of fans, a number of slots, and sets of temperature sensors. A shelf manager stores a table that records the relationship in distance between the slots and the fans, and the correlation relationship between the slots and the sets of temperature sensors. The shelf manager monitors the temperatures of different portions of each field replaceable unit according to signals from the temperature sensors. When there is one or more monitored temperatures exceeding a preset value, the shelf manager determines which of the slots corresponds to the one or more monitored temperatures, determines the number of sensors that have detected the high temperatures, and adjusts the speed of the one or more fans adjacent to each determined slot according to the determined number of sensors. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253545 | BEAM SCHEDULER AND BEAM ALLOCATION METHOD OF BEAM SCHEDULER - A beam scheduler adds the maximum allowable waiting time until a beam is allocated to an irradiation chamber corresponding to an irradiation request when the irradiation request is received from one irradiation chamber of a plurality of irradiation chambers A to D; adds the irradiation request to the end of the order of a waiting list; determines whether or not the predicted waiting time until the beam is allocated to the one irradiation chamber exceeds the maximum allowable waiting time; and advances the order of the irradiation request on the waiting list, thereby allocating the beam to the irradiation chamber corresponding to the top irradiation request in the order of the waiting list, if it is determined that the predicted waiting time exceeds the maximum allowable waiting time. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253546 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING DRIVE FORCE THAT ACTS ON VEHICLE - A control device for controlling a drive force that acts on a vehicle includes a first controller for controlling the drive force, and a second controller for sending to the first control means a limit of the drive force. The second controller has an input unit for inputting the drive force outputted from the first controller, and a calculation unit for calculating a limiting drive force for limiting the drive force. In the case that a first value obtained by subtracting the drive force from the limiting drive force is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the calculation unit outputs a second value that is greater than the limiting drive force. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253547 | CONTROL SOFTWARE WITH PROGRAMMABLE ARRAYS THAT ARE CONFIGURABLE FOR VEHICLES HAVING DIFFERENT PROPULSION SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS - A method is provided for creating custom control software for a particular propulsion system configuration. Generic control software is provided that is configurable for use with a plurality of different propulsion system configurations. The generic control software is generically designed to control each of the different propulsion systems regardless of their different propulsion system configurations. The generic control software comprises a plurality of programmable arrays (or configuration tables). Information that characterizes a particular propulsion system configuration of the plurality of different propulsion system configurations is input into the programmable arrays to configure the generic control software into custom control software that is customized for use and designed to operate with the particular propulsion system configuration. The generic control software is configured into the custom control software that is applicable to and customized for use with the particular propulsion system configuration only after being programmed with the information that characterizes the particular propulsion system configuration. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253548 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SEGMENTING OPERATIONAL DATA - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an efficiency management system configured for evaluating various operational efficiencies based on operational data. In certain embodiments, the efficiency management system is adapted for use as a vehicle fleet management system and configured for receiving operational data from a fleet of vehicles and vehicle operators, and for segmenting the received operational data into a plurality of activity segments. Various embodiments of the vehicle fleet management system may also be further configured for generating a graphical representation of the identified activity segments. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253549 | MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apparatus for monitoring one or more target objects in an environment external to a host vehicle by means of at least one sensor, the apparatus being arranged to trigger at least one action responsive to the detection of prescribed relative movement between the host vehicle and the one or more target objects. The apparatus is arranged to determine whether the at least one sensor is correctly aligned with respect to the host vehicle whereby, when the apparatus commences monitoring of the environment, the apparatus is arranged not to trigger the at least one action until the apparatus has determined that the at least one sensor is correctly aligned. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253550 | DETERMINING SPEED PARAMETERS IN A GEOGRAPHIC AREA - Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for assigning parameters to a geographic area, wherein the parameters may be used to associate a speed limit with the geographic area. For example, in one embodiment, a geofenced area that comprises one or more street segments is identified. Additionally, speed data associated with one of more of the street segments is received. After receiving the speed data, a speed limit is determined for one or more of the street segments and associated with one or more of the street segments. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253551 | Systems and Methods for Providing Telematic Services to Vehicles - A method for providing abstraction in a telematics system provides a telematics system with components, the components including a translator that converts messages received from a vehicle into a canonical form and an adapter that converts data received from an external source into a canonical equivalent. The translator interprets the received messages and routes the received messages to a correct component of the telematics system. The adapter is operable to allow a content services subsystem to deliver the received data. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253552 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR VEHICLES - Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices, systems and methods for use in vehicle operations. In some examples, the devices, systems and methods described herein can be used to permit safe operation of a vehicle where the vehicle operator may have one or more mobile devices in their possession. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253553 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE - A vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle for performing communication with a mobile device and performing predetermined control in accordance with communication contents with the mobile device, having a locking operation unit that locks or unlocks doors of the vehicle, interior signal transmitting and receiving units that detect a position of the mobile device left in an interior of the vehicle in a case where a locking operation is performed by the locking operation unit, and an interior lamp drive control unit that lights an interior lamp among a plurality of interior lamps provided in the interior of the vehicle, the interior lamp being close to the position of the mobile device based on information of the position detected by the interior signal transmitting and receiving units. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253554 | RC Car Anti-Flip System and Methods - A car control system, a car including a car control system, and methods for using such. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253555 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRANSLATING AN EMERGENCY SYSTEM ALERT SIGNAL TO AN AUTOMATED FLIGHT SYSTEM MANEUVER - Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for translating an alert signal into an auto flight system (AFS) maneuver. The system comprises a first module. The first module is configured to receive an alert signal and to construct one or more AFS mode commands associated with the alert signal. The system also comprises a second module. The second module is configured to read and to execute the one or more AFS mode commands that when executed manipulate two or more standard AFS modes that implement the AFS maneuver. The system further comprises a state machine, which couples the first module to the second module and is configured to coordinate the construction of the one or more AFS mode commands by the first module with an execution of the one or more AFS mode commands by the second module. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253556 | REDUNDANT TWO STAGE ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC SERVO ACTUATOR CONTROL - A flight control system includes a dual stage actuator for moving a control surface. Each stage includes several control valves that are controlled independently to provide a desired redundancy. A flight controller generates a position command that is indicative of the position desired for the control surface. A first communication link is provided between several flight controllers to share information. Each of the flight controllers forwards the position command to actuator remote processing unit. The actuator remote processing unit receives position commands and generates a command signal that controls movement of the actuator using the control valves. Each of the actuator remote processing units is linked through a second communication link. Feedback and balancing of the different control valves is provided by the visibility accorded each actuator remote processing unit by the second communication link. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253557 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING THE SPEED OF AN AIRCRAFT - A system is provided for controlling the speed of an aircraft with a speed brake during flight. The system includes a guidance system configured to determine a target speed for the aircraft; a speed brake control system coupled to the guidance system and configured to compare the target speed to a current speed to generate speed brake guidance; and a display unit coupled to the speed brake control system and configured to display a visual representation of the speed brake guidance to a pilot of the aircraft. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253558 | Flight Control Laws for Constant Vector Flat Turns - An aircraft and method to control flat yawing turns of the aircraft while maintaining a constant vector across a ground surface. The aircraft includes a control system in data communication with control actuators, a lateral control architecture, a longitudinal control architecture, and an initialization command logic. The lateral control architecture controls the aircraft in the lateral direction, while the longitudinal control architecture controls the aircraft in the longitudinal direction. The initialization command logic automatically activates the lateral control architecture and the longitudinal control architecture to maintain a constant vector across the ground whenever a directional control input is made at low speed. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253559 | Method And Device For Automatically Detecting Erroneous Air Data On An Aircraft - The device ( | 2012-10-04 |
20120253560 | METHOD AND A DEVICE FOR ASSISTING THE PILOTING OF AN AIRCRAFT, AND AN AIRCRAFT - A method of assisting the piloting of an aircraft ( | 2012-10-04 |
20120253561 | RESPONSE MODE FOR CONTROL SYSTEM OF PILOTED CRAFT - Frequency multiplexed command signaling that permits a single pilot command interface (e.g. control stick) to serve as a multiple response mode interface for piloting a craft conforms with natural interface operation of most pilots. Highly augmented modes receive lower frequency components of the command signaling, and less augmented modes receive higher frequency components. This avoids the requirement for pilots to switch response modes. An embodying control system can be produced by miming feedback control loops encoding the respective response modes in parallel, and multiplexing the command signaling to each response mode, filtering each copy of the command signaling respectively according the respective feedback control loop, and then combining the output of each feedback control loop to compute actuation demand. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253562 | Method And Device For Automatically Managing The Vertical Profile Of The Flight Plan Of An Aircraft - The device includes means for determining a plurality of successive standard flight sections (S | 2012-10-04 |
20120253563 | Positioning Satellites - A method comprising: receiving first information for defining a first algebraic function that relates a time variable to a first mapped variable; using the function to convert a time variable value to a first value of the first mapped variable e.g. s; converting the first value of the first mapped variable to a second value of a second mapped variable e.g. U; and positioning a satellite by converting the second value of the second mapped variable value to a position value that positions a satellite. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253564 | INTEGRATED FLIGHT CONTROL AND COCKPIT DISPLAY SYSTEM - A Human Machine Interface includes a flight control system operable to communicate display data directly to a cockpit display system. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253565 | VEHICLE SUSPENSION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Methods and systems are provided for a vehicle having a plurality of axles and a lift mechanism configured to dynamically transfer weight from one axle to another. In one example, the method comprises, responding to an operating condition by adjusting the lift mechanism to provide a determined amount of lift, and in response to vehicle braking, a vehicle stall risk, poor infrastructure conditions, and/or a high vehicle penalty, reducing the determined amount of lift. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253566 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PREDICTING SHIP MOTION - A ship motion prediction system is described that includes a plurality of surface platforms and a central computer having a communications interface. The platforms each include a propulsion system for movement of the platform, a plurality of sensors operable for gathering sensor data relating to an environment proximate the platform, a processing device communicatively coupled to the propulsion system and the plurality of sensors, and a transceiver communicatively coupled to the processing device. The central computer includes a communications interface, and the processing device is programmed to transmit sensor data to the central computer via the transceiver and the communications interface. The central computer is programmed to transmit commands for operation of the propulsion system to the processing device via the communications interface and transceiver. The central computer is further programmed to predict an effect of the environments associated with the plurality of surface platforms on a water vessel or vessels operating within a vicinity of the plurality of surface platforms. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253567 | Method and process for acquiring and delivering electric vehicle owner-operator preference data which is used to schedule and regulate the charging of multiple electric vehicle batteries within a shared local power distribution network - As the density of Electric Vehicle deployments in residential neighborhoods increase, demand on local power grids may exceed the local utility power supply causing local brown outs or transformer failure. The invention describes a method and process which enables the acquisition and efficient RF transmission of data that enables utility customers, utilities and/or other controlling entities to collaboratively regulate the timing and rate of Electric Vehicle battery charging in a manner that avoids peak-load related transformer failures. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253568 | System and Method for Precise State of Charge Management - During calibration trips driving characteristics of a driver are tracked. At the end of each calibration trip, a calibration profile is created for the trip that summarizes the trip and the driving characteristics of the driver during the trip. When the driver enters a destination where he or she wishes to travel to, a calibration profile with driving characteristics is identified. The identified calibration profile created for a calibration trip that is similar to a trip the driver will be taking to reach the destination. A determination is made as to whether the electric vehicle has enough energy to reach the destination assuming the driver expresses the same driving characteristics as those of the calibration profile while traveling to the destination. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253569 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING VEHICLE WAKE-UP FAILURE - A control system for a vehicle includes a wake-up module and a failure detection module. The wake-up module selectively powers on a vehicle control module, wherein the vehicle control module controls sub-systems of the vehicle. The failure detection module detects a failure of the wake-up module during a period when the vehicle control module is powered off and an enable condition is met, wherein the failure is detected based on (i) whether an internal wake-up is requested or an external wake-up is requested during a first predetermined period and (ii) whether a run/crank (R/C) operation is requested. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253570 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING BALANCE OF OPERATION OF HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC ACTUATORS - A system for controlling power in a machine includes an interface and a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a requested hydraulic operation of a hydraulic actuator corresponding to a requested hydraulic power level. The controller is further configured to receive a signal indicative of a requested electric operation of the electric actuator corresponding to a requested electric power level. The controller is also configured to provide a signal for supplying electric power to the electric actuator less than the requested electric power level based on an electric power output ratio, and provide a signal for supplying hydraulic power to the hydraulic actuator less than the requested hydraulic power level based on a hydraulic power output ratio. At least one of the electric power output ratio and the hydraulic power output ratio is adjustable via the interface. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253571 | INVERTER APPARATUS AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME - An inverter for use in an electric vehicle includes a plurality of elements to convert direct current power to alternating current power, first and second heat sinks to absorb heat within the inverter, the first heat sink including a first cooling fluid passage therein to allow cooling fluid to pass through and exchange heat with the first heat sink, and the second heat sink including a second cooling fluid passage therein to allow cooling fluid to pass through and exchange heat with the second heat sink, wherein the first heat sink is disposed to exchange heat with at least one element of the inverter, and the second heat sink is disposed to exchange heat with the first heat sink. With the configuration, it may be possible to cool the components as well as collecting thermal energy to be used in heating. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253572 | POWER GENERATION CONTROL APPARATUS IN VEHICLE - A power generation control apparatus in a vehicle includes: a power generator generating power when driven by an internal combustion engine; an electric storage apparatus charged by the power generator; a current sensor measuring a charge and discharge current value; an SOC computation portion estimating an SOC in the electric storage apparatus on the basis of the measured charge and discharge current; a generation voltage computation portion determining a generation voltage of the power generator so that the SOC in the electric storage apparatus becomes a target SOC; a target SOC computation portion setting the target SOC; and a generation cost computation portion calculating an amount of consumed fuel per unit generation output on the basis of an operating point of the internal combustion engine. The target SOC set by the target SOC computation portion is changed according to the calculated amount of consumed fuel per unit generation output. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253573 | AIR CONDITIONER FOR VEHICLE - An air conditioner for a vehicle in which an operational efficiency of an in-vehicle equipment is controlled, includes a first heating portion which heats air to be blown into a vehicle compartment by using heat medium, a second heating portion which heats the blown air by using heating energy outputted from the in-vehicle equipment, a determination portion which determines a target heat amount ratio that is a target value of a heating amount ratio of a second heat amount used in the second heating portion to a first heat amount used in the first heating portion, and a heating adjustment portion which adjusts at least one of the first and second heat amounts such that the heat amount ratio approaches the target heat amount ratio. The target heat amount ratio is increased in accordance with an increase of the operational efficiency. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253574 | METHOD FOR MONITORING THE OPERATION OF A VACUUM PUMP IN A BRAKE SYSTEM - In a method for monitoring the operation of a vacuum pump in a brake system, the vacuum pump is operated between an activation pressure and a deactivation pressure to generate a vacuum, the evacuation period between the activation pressure and the deactivation pressure being measured and compared with a reference period. An error signal is generated if the evacuation period exceeds the reference period. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253575 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF A HYBRID AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE AND VEHICLE ADAPTED TO SUCH A METHOD - A method is provided for controlling operation of a hybrid automotive vehicle, equipped with an internal combustion engine, at least one electric machine connected to a traction battery set and at least one logical control unit. Each of the internal combustion engine and the electric machine is adapted to deliver torque to a driveline of the vehicle and the method includes a) watch of an activity area of the vehicle and/or watch of an electrical/electronic network of the vehicle in order to detect a user in the activity area and/or the use of an auxiliary equipment of the vehicle; b) determination of whether or not the watch of step a) has detected, during a given period of time, a user in the activity area and/or the use of an auxiliary equipment of the vehicle; c) if the result of the determination of step b) is negative, initiate a shutdown procedure of at least the traction battery set. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253576 | CONTROLLER FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - There is provided a controller for a hybrid vehicle which can improve fuel consumption performance and driveability. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253577 | Method for Disconnecting an Electrical Machine on a Running Gear of a Vehicle, in Particular a Hybrid Motor Vehicle - A method for disconnecting an electrical machine connected with the wheels of a vehicle's drive axle by means of a dog clutch having intermeshing couplers includes, upon receipt of a command to disengage, two successively activated steps. In the first step, a torque equal to a calibrated threshold of a target torque (d) is applied to the electrical machine so to effect a zero torque between the couplers. During this step, a dog clutch actuator is deactivated so to allow the dog clutch to disengage from the electrical machine as quickly as possible. Next, a torque having a value determined according to a slope whose value ranges from the calibrated threshold of the target torque (d) to zero is applied to the electrical machine. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253578 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE - An electrically driven vehicle includes a vehicle body, a battery that is mounted in the vehicle body and is usable for running, and a generator unit that is detachably mounted in the vehicle body and charges the battery, a first fuel tank that stores fuel supplied to the generator unit being provided in the vehicle body. The generator unit includes a generator-unit-side fuel tank that stores fuel of the generator unit, and a fuel pipe is provided so as to detachably connect a vehicle-side fuel tank and the generator-unit-side fuel tank. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253579 | Range Extender for a Motor Vehicle - A method for operating an internal combustion engine-generator unit as a range extender, includes generating mechanical energy in a combustion engine, converting the mechanical energy into electric alternating current in a generator, rectifying the alternating current into direct current, and controlling the voltage of the direct current in an open-loop and/or closed-loop manner. The voltage of the direct current is carried out by controlling the rotational speed of the generator in an open-loop and/or closed-loop manner. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253580 | GPS Navigation System - A GPS navigation system for a motor vehicle mounted within sight of a driver and/or navigator. The system comprises and/or consists of a memory module that contains a pre-stored map database including a plurality of locations and a receiver supported within the motor vehicle for receiving signals indicative of the current position of the map. The system also includes a monitor positioned in the position within sight of the driver and/or navigator for displaying the location of the vehicle with the respect to a pre-stored map. Means including the memory module, receiver and said monitor display an area of about ½ km in all direction and up to ½ km to 1 km from the current position of the vehicle. Further, means including a zoom optical system for zooming in and out of the ½ to 1 km radius of the vehicle location on the stored map and means for summoning help to the present location of the vehicle. In addition, radar means for sensing an object that obstructs the projected pathway of the vehicle and a plurality of sensors and running control means perform the auto-drive control running of the vehicle based on the detection of signals from the plurality of sensors wherein said auto-drive control includes speed control, steering and breaking. The system includes a change over means for switching between the auto-drive and manual drive modes. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253581 | Mobile Station for an Unmanned Vehicle - A mobile station for an unmanned vehicle comprises a vehicular storage area for storing a vehicle during transit or at rest. A first wireless transceiver communicates a status or command between the vehicle and the mobile station during at least one of vehicular deployment and rest. A station controller manages a management plan of the vehicle comprising at least one of retooling the vehicle, loading a payload on the vehicle, and recharging or refueling of the vehicle. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253582 | Semi-Autonomous Mobile Device Driving with Obstacle Avoidance - The subject disclosure is directed towards driving a robot or other mobile device safely through an environment by using a depth camera to obtain depth data, and then using the depth data for collision avoidance. Horizontal profile information may be built from the depth data, such as by collapsing a two-dimensional depth map into one-dimensional horizontal profile information. The horizontal profile information may be further processed by fusing the depth camera-detected obstacle data with any closer obstacle data as detected via infrared-based sensing and/or sonar-based sensing. Driving suggestions from a user or program are overridden as needed to avoid collisions, including by driving the robot towards an open space represented in the horizontal profile information, or stopping/slowing the robot as needed. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253583 | IMAGING-BASED PROXIMITY DETECTION SYSTEMS FOR MINING MACHINES - Systems, methods, and computer-readable medium for controlling a mining machine. One system includes an image sensor for capturing an image of an area adjacent to the mining machine and a proximity sensing and control system. The proximity sensing and control system obtains the image; identifies an object in the image, the object including at least one of a person and piece of equipment; calculates a distance between the identified object and at least one of the image sensor and the mining machine using at least one image processing algorithm; and automatically controls the mining machine based on the distance. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253584 | IMAGING-BASED INTERFACE SENSOR AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR MINING MACHINES - Systems, methods, and computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling mining machines. One system includes an image sensor for capturing an image of a cutting face of a mine and interface sensing and control system for obtaining the image, identifying an anomaly in the image, calculating a distance between the anomaly and a reference, and using the distance to automatically instruct a mining machine control system to keep a cutter head of the mining machine within a seam. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253585 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING A SPATIAL RELATIONSHIP FOR USE IN CALIBRATING ACCELEROMETER DATA - Methods and systems for identifying a spatial relationship between a frame of reference associated with an accelerometer mounted in a vehicle and a frame of reference associated with the vehicle Accelerometer data is received from an accelerometer and vehicle data is received from a vehicle network of the vehicle, a long term average of the accelerometer data is used to determine the direction of gravity in the frame of reference of the vehicle. In addition the vehicle date is used to determine changes in speed of the vehicle, and thus to determine the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle in the frame of reference of the vehicle. From these determined directions, the spatial relationship between the frames of reference may be determined. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253586 | VEHICLE BEHAVIOR DATA RECORDING CONTROL SYSTEM AND RECORDING APPARATUS - A vehicle behavior data recording control system is disclosed. The system comprises a vehicle abnormality detector for detecting a vehicle abnormality and a recorder for acquiring vehicle abnormality information from the vehicle abnormality detector. In response to occurrence of an unexpected behavior, the recorder determines whether or not a cause of the unexpected behavior is the vehicle abnormality. When the cause of the unexpected behavior is the vehicle abnormality, the recorder is prohibited from recording a behavior data relating to the unexpected behavior. When the cause of the unexpected behavior is not the vehicle abnormality, the recorder records the behavior data relating to the unexpected behavior in the memory as an unexpected behavior data. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253587 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING VEHICLE HANDLING - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fleet management computer system configured for assessing vehicle backing According to various embodiments, the fleet management computer system is configured to assess operational data associated with one or more vehicles and identify vehicle backing events occurring during a particular time period. In various embodiments, the fleet management computer system is also configured to determine one or more backing characteristics for the identified backing events and generate a graphical display providing backing information indicative of the backing characteristics. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253588 | FRICTION-BASED STATE OF HEALTH INDICATOR FOR AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM - A method for determining a state of health (SOH) value for an electric power steering (EPS) system in a vehicle includes estimating a first Self-Aligning Torque (SAT) value using a tire dynamics model, which includes modeled dynamics in the linear region of a lateral force acting on the vehicle tires. The method also includes estimating a second SAT value using an extended state observer and nominal parameters for the EPS system, and calculating a variance between the first and second SAT values. The controller monitors a progression of the calculated variance over a calibrated interval using the controller to thereby determine the SOH value, and automatically executes a control action using the SOH value. An EPS system for a vehicle includes a steering wheel, torque and angle sensors, a rack and pinion assembly, a steering motor, and the controller. A vehicle is also disclosed having the same controller. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253589 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR QUICKLY CALCULATING MILEAGE - A method for quickly calculating mileage includes the steps: A, receiving report data from a vehicular terminal and updating data center according to the report data; B, receiving an inquiry request which includes a vehicle number, a first time point which is earlier than a second time point and the second time point which are requested to inquire; C, inquiring the data center to acquire a first total mileage value to which the time point that is proximate to the first time point corresponds and a second total mileage value to which the time point that is proximate to the second time point corresponds; D, obtaining a running mileage L from the first time point to the second time point by subtracting the first total mileage value from the second total mileage value. A system for quickly calculating mileage quickly is also proposed. The method and the system can calculate mileage quickly and accurately, reduce the processing burden of the data center, and facilitate the vehicle surveillance of the traffic department. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253590 | WHEEL ELECTRONICS UNIT, VEHICLE WHEEL AND VEHICLE - A wheel electronics unit for a wheel information device in the installed state is arranged in a vehicle wheel of a vehicle. The wheel electronics unit contains a first sensor that is configured to record a measuring signal, which includes at least one first wheel-specific parameter, and an evaluation unit, which is configured to determine a current rotational position of the vehicle wheel at the time of the measurement on the basis of the measurement signal. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253591 | AIRCRAFT LANDING GEAR AUTOMATED INSPECTION FOR PRESENCE OF INTERNAL OXYGEN CONTAMINATION - A system for use in monitoring, measuring, recording, computing and transmitting the oxygen levels and identification of oxygen contamination within an aircraft telescopic landing gear strut. An oxygen sensor is mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts as to monitor, recognize, measure and record the identification of oxygen within the telescopic landing gear struts. The amount of oxygen within each landing gear strut is measured and recorded and downloaded to the responsible aircraft maintenance department. By detecting the amount of oxygen in a strut, steps can be taken to purge the gas from the strut to minimize corrosion of strut components and to prevent internal combustion of the gas and oil in the strut. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253592 | COOLING SYSTEM COMPRESSOR WITH VARIABLE OPERATING RANGE - A method of operating an air conditioning system includes changing output of the compressor based on a temperature limit of the evaporator. The temperature limit is one of a predetermined fixed temperature limit and a variable temperature limit. The method also includes determining the variable temperature limit by determining a target air outlet temperature for conditioned air in a control space, detecting an actual evaporator temperature, calculating a difference between the target air outlet temperature and the actual evaporator temperature, finding a predetermined first temperature adjustment that correlates to the difference, finding a predetermined second temperature adjustment that correlates to another condition, and calculating the variable temperature limit by adjusting the fixed temperature limit by one of the first and second temperature adjustments. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253593 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HAPTIC FEEDBACK CONTROL IN A VEHICLE - A control system for a vehicle includes first and second modules. The first module receives input from an operator of the vehicle via an input device, wherein the operator input includes a change to an operating parameter of a vehicle system. The second module selectively adjusts a resistance of the input device based on the operator input and a predetermined threshold. A method for controlling a vehicle includes receiving input from an operator of the vehicle via an input device, wherein the operator input includes a change to an operating parameter of a vehicle system, and selectively adjusting a resistance of the input device based on the operator input and a predetermined threshold. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253594 | Operating System For A Motor Vehicle - A control system for a motor vehicle includes at least one command unit, which controls an associated vehicle function, and/or at least one sensor which senses a vehicle parameter. The control system also includes a control unit and a plurality of display devices. The information displayed by the display devices is controlled as a function of actuation of the command unit and/or the parameter sensor. The control unit controls the display device by means of an RFID reader which forms a data exchange connection with an RFID transponder which is connected to each display device. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253595 | INTERFACE AND MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE IDLING CONTROL SYSTEM - An idle control system for a vehicle is provided. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253596 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A driver assistance system includes a stereo vision system that includes at least one camera and at least one sensor disposed on or in a vehicle; a roadside marker detection unit configured to receive stereo image data from the stereo vision system, and to detect roadside markers from the stereo image data; and a road path estimation unit configured to estimate a road path in a direction of travel of the vehicle, based on the roadside markers detected by the roadside marker detection unit. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253597 | INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM, ON-BOARD DEVICE, AND PORTABLE DEVICE - An information display system is disclosed. The information display system comprises an on-board device configured to control a plurality of in-vehicle apparatuses, and a portable device including a portable display. The on-board device and the portable device are configured to communicate with each other for data exchange. The on-board device includes an apparatus information sending section configured to send apparatus information, which is information on the plurality of in-vehicle apparatuses. The portable device includes a portable display control section configured to display the apparatus information, which is sent from the apparatus information sending section, on the portable display. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253598 | BICYCLE SUSPENSION CONTROL APPARATUS - A bicycle suspension control apparatus is provided with a power supply sensor and a controller. The power supply sensor detects a power level of a power supply being supplied from the power supply to an electrically adjustable suspension. The controller selectively changes a setting state of the suspension between at least a lockout state and a non-lockout state. The controller is operatively coupled to the power supply sensor to receive a power level signal from the power supply sensor. The controller prohibits changing of the suspension from the non-lockout state to the lockout state upon the power supply sensor detecting the power level of the power supply being below a first prescribed power level. The controller permits changing of the suspension from the lockout state to the non-lockout suspension state while the power level of the power supply is below the first prescribed power level. | 2012-10-04 |
20120253599 | BICYCLE SUSPENSION CONTROL APPARATUS - A bicycle suspension control apparatus is basically provided with a power supply sensor and a controller. The power supply sensor detects a power level of a power supply being supplied from the power supply to electrically adjustable front and rear suspensions. The controller is configured to selectively change at least one electrically adjustable suspension parameter of each of the front and rear suspensions. The controller receives a power level signal from the power supply sensor. The controller prohibits changing the electrically adjustable suspension parameter of the rear suspension upon the power supply sensor detecting the power level of the power supply being below a first prescribed power level. The controller permits changing the electrically adjustable suspension parameter of the front suspension upon the power supply sensor detecting the power level of the power supply being below the first prescribed power level. | 2012-10-04 |