| 47th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 53 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20110288630 | ENDOPROSTHESIS CONTAINING MULTI-PHASE FERROUS STELL - An endoprosthesis fabricated from multi-phase ferrous steel. Endoprostheses can include a variety of devices such as staples, orthodontic wires, heart valves, filter devices, and stents, many of which devices are diametrically expandable devices. Multi-phase ferrous steels include dual phase steels and transformation induced plasticity steels (TRIP steels). | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288631 | Preventing Vascular Stenosis of Cardiovascular Stent - A novel cardiovascular stent for preventing vascular stenosis is disclosed. The basic components of the cardiovascular stent of the present invention include V-shape rib unit, multi-link unit and connective ring unit. In addition, each ring rib part is formed by a plurality of double V-shape rib units that are connected together via the bridging portions of the multi-link units. Also, each connective part comprises a plurality of connective ring units. The integrally formed stent of the present invention is formed with the ring rib parts that are connected together by the connective parts. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288632 | REPOSITIONABLE ENDOLUMINAL SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATIONS - An endo luminal support structure ( | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288633 | STENT WITH DUAL SUPPORT STRUCTURE - A intraluminal stent comprises a reticulated tube having an un-deployed diameter and expandable to an enlarged diameter. The tube includes a structural beam extending between first and second ends. The structural beam changes from a first geometry to a second geometry when the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter. The structural beam includes first and second longitudinal elements each extending at least partially between the first and second ends and with a spacing between the first and second elements. Each of said first and second elements changes from the first geometry to the second geometry when the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter for the spacing to remain substantially unchanged as the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288634 | Valve Prosthetic Fixation Techniques Using Sandwiching - A prosthesis is provided for implantation at a native semilunar valve of a native valve complex. The prosthesis includes a distal fixation member, configured to be positioned in a downstream artery, and shaped so as to define exactly three proximal engagement arms that are configured to be positioned at least partially within respective ones of semilunar sinuses, and, in combination, to apply, to tissue that defines the semilunar sinuses, a first axial force directed toward a ventricle. The prosthesis further includes a proximal fixation member coupled to the distal fixation member, the proximal fixation member configured to be positioned at least partially on a ventricular side of the native semilunar valve, and to apply, to the ventricular side of the native valve complex, a second axial force directed toward the downstream artery, such that application of the first and second forces couples the prosthesis to the native valve complex. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288635 | ADJUSTABLE ARTIFICIAL CHORDEAE TENDINEAE WITH SUTURE LOOPS - Apparatus is provided, including an artificial-chordeae-tendineae-adjustment mechanism and at least one primary artificial chordea tendinea coupled at a distal portion thereof to the artificial-chordeae-tendineae-adjustment mechanism. A degree of tension of the at least one primary artificial chordea tendinea is adjustable by the artificial-chordeae-tendineae-adjustment mechanism. One or more loops are coupled at a proximal portion of the at least one primary artificial chordea tendinea. The one or more loops are configured to facilitate suturing of the one or more loops to respective portions of a leaflet of an atrioventricular valve of a patient. Other applications are also described. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288636 | SUPPORT DEVICE FOR VALVE PROSTHESES AND CORRESPONDING KIT - A support device for implanting stentless valve prostheses, such as biological heart valves, includes a hub and a plurality of support portions for supporting the stentless valve prosthesis. The hub defines a manipulation axis for the device and is flexibly connected to the support portions to allow displacing the manipulation axis for the device between the support portions. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288637 | Percutaneous Mitral Annular Stitch to Decrease Mitral Regurgitation - This invention relates to methods and devices for treatment of regurgitation by connecting the anterior and posterior mitral annulus with a plurality of stitches or anchors called “mitral annulus bands”, instead of anchoring via the coronary sinus. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288638 | Accommodating Intraocular Lenses - Accommodating intraocular lenses containing a flowable media and their methods of accommodation. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288639 | Inflatable prostheses and methods of making same - An inflatable tissue expander, suitable for implantation in a breast, is provided. The tissue expander includes a puncturable, self-sealing anterior portion forming a fillable cavity, and posterior portion that is puncture resistant. The anterior portion includes a silicone-based elastomer material having a mesh embedded therein. The posterior portion includes a first composite guard and a second composite guard, each composite guard including an arrangement of puncture resistant members and a flexible substrate having a first side on which the puncture resistant members are disposed in a spaced apart fashion. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288640 | Systems, methods and apparatus for fabricating an orthopedic implant - Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some aspects a custom orthopedic implant is designed, fabricated and sterilized for immediate surgical use to treat a patient's injury. In some aspects, the orthopedic implant is designed using patient and injury specific scan data, fabricated using a five axis milling machine, and sterilized with a sterilization system. In other aspects, the fabricated orthopedic implant is transferred into the sterilization system with a transport system. In some aspects, methods to design, fabricate and sterilize a custom orthopedic implant are presented. In other aspects, patient and injury specific scan data is used to design and plan the placement of a custom orthopedic implant to treat the injury, and the custom orthopedic implant is then fabricated and sterilized to be used in surgery. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288641 | Method and Apparatus for Fixing a Graft in a Bone Tunnel - A method for fixing a bone block in a bone tunnel comprising the steps of placing the bone block in the bone tunnel, advancing spaced-apart first and second metal wires through the bone, transversely of the bone tunnel, so as to intersect the bone block and extend through the bone block, removing one of the wires and replacing the one removed wire with a first absorbable rod, and removing the other of the wires and replacing the other removed wire with a second absorbable rod, whereby to retain the bone block in the bone tunnel with the absorbable rods. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288642 | FOAM CUSHION FOR INSERTION IN A KNEE JOINT - A cushion is disclosed for insertion in a patient's knee joint to serve as a buffer between a patient's femur and tibia. The cushion is filled with a substantially incompressible fluid, which can be a foam or a gel or a liquid, like water, which is capable of supporting the entire weight of the patient's body. The cushion is preferably made from a flexible material that allows relative movement between the patient's femur and tibia, while resisting rupture as it supports these two bones as they are moving relative to one another as the knee joint is flexed, bent or extended. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288643 | Meniscus Prosthetic Device Selection and Implantation Methods - Methods of selecting and implanting prosthetic devices for use as a replacement meniscus are disclosed. The selection methods include a pre-implantation selection method and a during-implantation selection method. The pre-implantation selection method includes a direct geometrical matching process, a correlation parameters-based matching process, and a finite element-based matching process. The implant identified by the pre-implantation selection method is then confirmed to be a suitable implant in the during-implantation selection method. Methods of implanting meniscus prosthetic devices are also disclosed. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288644 | INTERVERTEBRAL PROSTHETIC SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Intervertebral prosthetic systems, devices, and associated methods are provided. The present disclosure provides intervertebral prosthetic devices that include lateral plates to engage the lateral walls of the vertebral bodies for stability and include a compliant central component, fusion-cage central component, or any other suitable type of motion-preserving or fusion component positioned between the lateral plates. In some instances, the lateral plates and the central component are connected by an elongated member that extends across the disc space. The designs of the present disclosure allow insertion through a unilateral approach yet still have engagement on both sides of the vertebral body to provide stability and reduce the risk of subsidence. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288645 | INTERVERTEBRAL PROSTHETIC SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Intervertebral prosthetic systems, devices, and associated methods are provided. The present disclosure provides top and bottom endplates that engage the lateral walls of the vertebral bodies for stability and incorporate a compliant core, ball-and-socket core, fusion-cage core, or any other suitable type of motion-preserving or fusion cores. The endplate designs allow insertion through a unilateral approach yet still have engagement on both sides of the vertebral body to provide stability and reduce the risk of subsidence. In some instances, saddle style endplates are inserted and then rotated to engage the lateral walls of the vertebral bodies. In other instances, hinged style endplates are inserted in a first orientation and then at least one end portion is pivoted to a second orientation so that the endplates engage the lateral walls of the vertebral bodies. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288646 | ARTIFICIAL TOTAL LUMBAR DISC FOR UNILATERAL SAFE AND SIMPLE POSTERIOR PLACEMENT IN THE LUMBAR SPINE, AND REMOVEABLE BIFUNCTIONAL SCREW WHICH DRIVES VERTICAL SLIDING EXPANSILE PLATE EXPANSION, AND INTERPLATE WIDENING, AND ANGLED TRACTION SPIKES - A total artificial expansile disc and a method for posterior insertion between a pair of vertebral endplates are disclosed. The total artificial expansile disc includes at least one pair of substantially parallel plates that move apart along a first axis, in order to occupy a space defined by the vertebral endplates. In another embodiment, each of substantially parallel plates includes a first plate and a second sliding plate. An expansion device or tool is used to move the substantially parallel pair of plates apart along the first axis. A core is disposed between the pair of plates, and the core permits the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. A ball limiter or ball extender prevents the core from being extruded from between the substantially parallel plates. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288647 | METHODS FOR TREATING A DEFECT IN THE ANNULUS FIBROSIS - Methods for treating a defect in an annulus fibrous are described. The annulus fibrosis has an outer layer, at least one inner layer, and a defect extending through the outer and inner layers. An implant is inserted into the defect in the annulus fibrosis, the implant having at least one aperture. The implant is advanced distally beyond the outer layer in the annulus fibrosis and positioned to occlude the defect. An elongate fixation element is inserted through the at least one aperture, the elongate fixation element having a first end region and a second end region. The elongate fixation element is positioned such that the first end region is within the at least one aperture. The second end region of the elongate fixation element is anchored to the annulus fibrosis. The implant prevents escape of nucleus pulposus through the defect. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288648 | CERAMIC TO CERAMIC JOINT AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The present invention provides a ceramic to ceramic joint and methods for making such a joint. Generally, the joint includes a first ceramic part and a second ceramic part, wherein the first and second ceramic parts each include a ceramic-carbide or a ceramic-nitride material. In some cases, an aluminum-initiated joint region joins the first and second ceramic parts. This joint region typically includes chemical species from the first and second ceramic parts that have diffused into the joint region. Additionally, the first and second ceramic parts each typically include a joint diffusion zone that is disposed adjacent to the joint region and which includes aluminum species from the joint region that have diffused into the joint diffusion zone. Other implementations are also described. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288649 | INTRODUCTION INSTRUMENT - An introduction instrument for inserting a liner into an acetabular shell is disclosed. The instrument includes a suction device which may be selectively released once the liner is appropriately situated in the acetabular shell. Such selective release prevents disruption of the positioning of the liner and/or the acetabular shell. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288650 | ILIAC CANAL PROSTHESIS - An acetabular prosthetic device for implantation in an iliac canal and acetabulum of an ilium comprises a stem and an acetabular component. The stem may be configured to be implanted in the iliac canal. The acetabular component may be configured to be implanted in the acetabulum and fixed to the stem. The acetabular component may further comprise a connection portion to adjustably connect the acetabular component to the stem such that the acetabular component is configured to be oriented in a plurality of orientations before being fixed to the stem. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288651 | Supercritical Carbon-Dioxide Processed Biodegradable Polymer Nanocomposites - A biodegradable nanocomposite and a method of forming a biodegradable nanocomposite are provided. In one aspect, the biodegradable nanocomposite includes a biodegradable polymer and a reinforcing agent substantially dispersed throughout the biodegradable polymer by rapid depressurization of a supercritical fluid. The biodegradable nanocomposite further includes a plurality of pores formed in the nanocomposite, the plurality of pores having an average pore size greater than about 100 μm. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288652 | MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR TREATING CRITICALLY SIZED DEFECTS IN MOUSE BONE - Scaffolds equipped to include biologically active reagents such as proteins sized and engineered specifically for use in a mouse were made and implanted into mice. The scaffold was specifically designed for use in a mouse femoral critical sized defect Scaffolds. Special care was taken when casting these scaffolds to ensure that the material used to form the body of the scaffold did not include defects such as a large number of macroscopic holes that could compromise the structural integrity of these very small devices. Some of these scaffolds include a hollow center that accommodate a rod that ran the longitudinal length of the scaffold extending into the adjacent bone to anchor the scaffold to the bone. Scaffold also include at least one channel that extended from the outside of the structure towards its center and could be hold a liquid or paste comprising for example exogenous BMP-2. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288653 | Filler Means, Feeding Device and Method for the Forming of a Support Structure in a Bone Cavity - The invention relates to dry free-flowing filler ( | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288654 | EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX BASED GASTROESOPHAGEAL JUNCTION REINFORCEMENT DEVICE - Provided are medical devices for implantation in patients having suffered the loss of or damage to at least part of their esophagus. The medical device connects the esophagus or remaining part thereof with the stomach to form a gastro-esophageal junction that promotes healing and encourages new host tissue growth while distributing the load and decreasing tension at the anastomotic site. The medical device comprises extracellular matrix shaped into a conformation that more closely approximates the geometry of the native gastro-esophageal junction than does direct attachment of the stomach to the shortened esophagus. Molds useful in manufacturing the medical device and methods of use of the device are also described herein. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288655 | SWALLOW EXPANSION DEVICE - Methods and devices are disclosed for opening a passageway of a patient. The device includes a base plate for attachment to cricoid cartilage of the patient. A post extends from the base plate through the patient's skin. The post is pulled via a force to manually open the passageway. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288656 | TISSUE GRAFT COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING SAME - A tissue graft composition is described herein that includes a segment of small intestinal submucosa having at least one nanoparticle incorporated therein such that the permeability of the segment of small intestinal submucosa is altered, thereby providing the segment of small intestinal submucosa with a more substantially uniform structure for cell migration and proliferation. The tissue graft composition may further comprise at least one macromolecule incorporated into the nanoparticle. The tissue graft composition may be utilized in seeded or unseeded methods of tissue repair. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288657 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE PROTECTION OF AN ELECTRIC LINE FOR RAILWAY SIGNALS - A system for the protection of an electric line for railway signals that comprises a computerized central apparatus (ACC) connected to a plurality of peripheral posts (PP). Each peripheral post comprises at least one plant-controller electronic card (CdE), which controls a plurality of plant-interface cards (IE) that supply the plants (E) directly, via a field bus (B | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288658 | LIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM HAVING NETWORKED INTELLIGENT LUMINAIRE MANAGERS - A network operation center for a light management system having networked intelligent luminaire managers. A plurality of networked luminaire managers, each collocated with a respective luminaire, monitor the status of their respective luminaires. The luminaire managers include transmitters for transmitting status information about their respective luminaires and third-party devices to a network server. The luminaire managers communicate with each other, whereby they form a network. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288659 | APPARATUS CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEM - An apparatus control method and system. The method includes disabling by a computer processor of a computing system, an apparatus. The computer processor retrieves detection data, safety gear detection data, and safety gear indication data. The computer processor analyzes the detection data, the safety gear detection data, and the safety gear indication data and in response to results of the analysis, the computer processor enables the apparatus. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288660 | ON-LINE ALIGNMENT OF A PROCESS ANALYTICAL MODEL WITH ACTUAL PROCESS OPERATION - A batch modeling and analysis system uses a simple and computationally inexpensive technique to align data collected from an on-going, currently running or on-line batch process with a batch model formed for the batch process so as to enable the reliable determination of the current operational state of the on-line batch process with respect to the batch model. This data alignment technique enables further statistical processing techniques, such as projection to latent sources (PLS) and principle component analysis (PCA) techniques, to be applied to the on-line batch data to perform analyses on the quality of the currently running batch. These analyses, in turn, provide useful information to a user, such as a batch operator, that enables the user to determine the quality of the batch at the present time, based on the batch model, and the likelihood that the desired batch output quality metrics will be reached at the end of the batch run. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288661 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR STATE LIMITING IN A CONTROL SYSTEM - A method for operating a controlled device. A feedback signal is received from a controlled device, the feedback signal indicating actual system dynamics of the controlled device. A predefined limit is applied to the actual system dynamics to create limited system dynamics. A modulation parameter is calculated by a processor based at least in part on the limited system dynamics and the actual system dynamics. Desired system dynamics for the controlled device are generated by the processor based at least in part on the modulation parameter and an external command. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288662 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING HIGH EFFICIENCY SERVO ACTUATOR AND EXCITATION DRIVERS - Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing high efficiency servo actuator and excitation drivers. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for controlling an actuator. The method may include generating a reference signal, manipulating the actuator with a switched drive signal based at least in part on the reference signal, generating a switched excitation signal, and controlling the reference signal based at least in part on feedback associated with the switched excitation signal. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288663 | Motion Controller With Standard and User Customized Components - System and method for developing a motion application. A motion manager component implementing a supervisory control function and at least one trajectory generation algorithm is stored on a motion controller. A first application programming interface (API) for interfacing the motion manager component to a user developed motion control application is displayed. A second API for interfacing the motion manager component to a user developed communication interface component is displayed. A user application executable for sequencing motion operations in the motion system is created using the first API is created in response to user input. A first communication interface component is created using the second API in response to user input, where the communication interface component is operable to interface with the motion manager component using the second API, and where the user developed communication interface component is executable to communicate with a motion element, e.g., a drive or simulation. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288664 | Individually Cooling One Or More Computers In A Rack Of Computers In A Data Center - Individually cooling one or more computers in a rack of computers in a data center including an air intake chamber, the air intake chamber having a first opening at a bottom end for receiving air from beneath the data center through perforated tiles in the floor of the data center and a plurality of openings at a top end for providing air into a plurality of flexible air channels; and a plurality of flexible air channels, each air channel having a first end opening into the air intake chamber and having an opening at a second end and having a connector to connect the second end of the flexible air chamber to a particular position in the rack corresponding to the location of a particular computer in the rack. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288665 | System And Method For Casino Management - A casino resort management system collects patron data, manages patron data in a high performance data warehouse, shares patron data with other systems and reports vital patron information. The system particularly tracks machine history, including changes in location, configuration and performance, and tracks the location history, including game type and denomination, and allows for placards to be moved from one gaming machine to another without losing historical machine or location information. In addition, the system provides two particularly useful graphical displays that simplify visual analysis of the large amounts of data within a casino. One display method depicts tables of thin bar graphs that compactly allow side-by-side comparison of different groupings of machines and another display method depicts machines in three dimensions so that each dimension can provide visual information to a viewer. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288666 | PROVIDING OFFERS TO COMPUTER GAME PLAYERS - A method of rewarding a game player of a game can target particular types of offers to a player. A usage profile is determined for the player, which can be based on interaction between the player and items or goals in a game. Player information is identified, such as player statistics or categorization of the player. A category is selected for the player, based on the usage profile and the player information for the player. An offer is then selected from a group of offers, wherein the offer is for a real world object, service or event. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288667 | INDUSTRIAL ROBOT SYSTEM - Provided is an industrial robot system which enables a reduction in an installation/adjustment period, and an increase in a no-error continuous operation period, and includes an action planning section ( | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288668 | Manufacturing Management Using Tool Operating Data - A solution for managing a manufacturing environment using operating data for each of a plurality of tools in the manufacturing environment. The operating data can include actual resource consumption data and/or actual exhaust generation data for a tool while the tool implements at least a portion of a recipe to manufacture one of a plurality of types of products manufactured in the manufacturing environment. Operation of the manufacturing environment can be configured to optimize one or more aspects of resource consumption and/or exhaust generation during the manufacture of desired quantities of the plurality of types of products within a desired time frame using the operating data. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288669 | MASS PRODUCTION OF INDIVIDUALIZED MEDICAL DEVICES - A plurality of individual medical devices is created that define a medical device family. Within the family of medical devices, each of the plurality of medical devices has at least one dimension that, within an acceptable tolerance, is substantially equal to the same dimension of another of the plurality of medical devices. Thus, for each medical device in the family, another, corresponding medical device has at least one substantially similar dimension. For example, a first medical device may have a first value for a dimension and a second medical device may have a second value for the same dimension that is equal to one of the sum of the second dimension and the acceptable tolerance or the difference between the second dimension and the acceptable tolerance. Thus, each of the plurality of medical devices varies from another of the plurality of medical devices by the acceptable tolerance. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288670 | DEVICE FOR DETERMINING BUILD-TO-ORDER PRODUCTION PROCESS, PROGRAM, SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING BUILD-TO-ORDER PRODUCTION PROCESS, AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING BUILD-TO-ORDER PRODUCTION PROCESS - A build-to-order production process is determined in consideration of magnitude of demand. A lead time calculating section ( | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288671 | EQUATION BASED RETARGETING OF DESIGN LAYOUTS - A method, system, and computer usable program product for equation based retargeting of design layouts are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A set of desirable combination of values of a set of layout parameters of the design layout is determined. A desirable region that includes the set of the desirable combination of values is determined. An equation is computed to determine a retargeting value for a first combination of values of the set of layout parameters with respect to the desirable region. Instructions are generated to adjust a value in the first combination to generate a second combination of values of the set of layout parameters such that the second combination falls in the desirable region. A shape in the design layout is retargeted such that the retargeted shape uses the second combination of values of the set of layout parameters. The IC is manufactured using the retargeted shape. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288672 | Computer-implemented automated design, modeling and manufacturing system for a project - A computer-implemented automated building mechanical systems design and modeling is described. The system provides a central source for all of the design and construction information for systems in a construction project in a coordinated two-dimensional and three-dimensional spatial database that is accessible as a means to produce automatically coordinated design development and construction document information of the mechanical systems. The system acquires and stores all of the appropriate design, engineering, and construction expertise information available for any building type for use in automatically assembling and coordinating the design, cost-estimating, and scheduling for the mechanical systems of the construction project. The system output model enables automatic generation of drawings and cost, manufacturing and scheduling information. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288673 | Method for Machining Composite Components - The present disclosure relates to a method for machining composite components in a CNC controlled machining station. In accordance with the present disclosure, a machining tool is guided along a preset tool edge by means of a measuring system, wherein it simultaneously carries out the machining operation, while the CNC control program to control the machining tool is generated in accordance with the measured result. The present disclosure furthermore relates to an apparatus for the carrying out of the method. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288674 | APPARATUS FOR MANAGING A HOLDER, APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING A LAYERED SEMICONDUCTOR AND METHOD FOR MANAGING A HOLDER - Management of the holding member that holds the semiconductor substrate is efficiently implemented. Provided is a holding member management apparatus that manages a substrate holding member that holds a semiconductor substrate in a manufacturing apparatus that manufactures a stacked semiconductor apparatus by joining a plurality of semiconductor substrates; comprising a history storing part that stores the usage history of the substrate holding member in association with identification information that specifies the substrate holding member and a holding member specifying part that specifies and outputs identification information of the substrate holding member whose usage is to be suspended based on the usage history stored in the history storing part. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288675 | MACHINE AND METHOD FOR GRINDING SPACER GRID OF NUCLEAR FUEL ASSEMBLY - A machine and a method for grinding a spacer grid of a nuclear fuel assembly. The machine includes a spacer grid holding unit, a first rectangular coordinates robot for grinding an outer surface of the spacer grid, a second rectangular coordinates robot for grinding a corner of the spacer grid, and a control unit. The spacer grid holding unit includes a holding jig onto which the spacer grid is seated and held, and a rotary index table which is coupled to the holding jig to rotate the holding jig. The first and second rectangular coordinates robots are provided at predetermined positions adjacent to the spacer grid holding unit. The control unit controls the spacer grid holding unit, the first and second rectangular coordinates robots and all programs required to conduct the operation for grinding the spacer grid. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288676 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE SIMPLIFICATION OF MACHINE CONTROL PROCESS SEQUENCES - The invention relates to a method for the simplification of process sequences and the control of a machine, and particularly of a machining tool, wherein the tool has a plurality of sub-systems, and each individual sub-system of the tool operates with process sequences having clock conditions that differ at least partially. According to the invention, data sets are collected by means of a data collection device, said sets characterising the clock conditions of the individual clock systems, and at least two data sets are output to the user at least in a partially mutual manner by means of a display device. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288677 | MACHINING INSTALLATION FOR WORKPIECES - A machining installation for workpieces comprises a workpiece positioning device comprising a workpiece holder pivot unit as well as a tool positioning device comprising a tool holder pivot unit. The workpiece holder pivot unit is designed such that a workpiece holder is pivotable about at least three and no more than four workpiece holder pivot axes. Moreover, the tool holder pivot unit is designed such that a tool holder is pivotable about no more than two tool holder pivot axes. The machining installation has a simple design and ensures flexible and accurate machining of workpieces. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288678 | Apparatus and Method For Inserting Documents in Order-Picking Systems - The present invention discloses a method and a system for inserting documents ( | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288679 | METHOD FOR SEPARATING MINERAL IMPURITIES FROM CALCIUM CARBONATE-CONTAINING ROCKS BY X-RAY SORTING - The present invention relates to a method for separating mineral impurities from calcium carbonate-containing rocks by comminuting the calcium carbonate-containing rocks to a particle size in the range of from 1 mm to 250 mm, separating the calcium carbonate particles by means of a dual energy X-ray transmission sorting device. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288680 | DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A PREPARATION, WITH AUTOMATIC OR SEMI-AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT OF THE PROPERTIES OF THE PREPARATION BY MEANS OF AN INTEGRATED SENSOR OF THE SURROUNDINGS - A cosmetic or dermatological system includes a packaging and dispenser device containing one or more compositions from which the dispensed preparation is prepared, a surroundings sensor that is suitable for delivering at least information associated with a physical magnitude of the surrounding environment of the device, an adjustment system that is coupled to or suitable for coupling to the packaging and dispenser device, and that enables at least one characteristic of the dispensed preparation to be varied, and a processor for automatically controlling the adjustment system as a function of data delivered by the surroundings sensor or for informing the user, as a function of the data, about an action to be exerted on the adjustment system. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288681 | FIVE-FINGERED HAND DEVICE - A five-fingered hand device suitably applicable to a humanoid robot is provided. The device includes a hand body ( | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288682 | Telepresence Robot System that can be Accessed by a Cellular Phone - A robot system with a robot that has a camera, monitor, a microphone and a speaker. A communication link can be established with the robot through a cellular phone. The link may include an audio only communication. Alternatively, the link may include audio and video communication between the cellular phone and the robot. The phone can transmit its resolution to the robot and cause the robot to transmit captured images at the phone resolution. The user can cause the robot to move through input on the cellular phone. For example, the phone may include an accelerometer that senses movement, and movement commands are then sent to the robot to cause a corresponding robot movement. The phone may have a touch screen that can be manipulated by the user to cause robot movement and/or camera zoom. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288683 | GRIP POSITION CALCULATOR AND METHOD OF CALCULATING GRIP POSITION - The grip position calculator determines a grip position where the fingers can grip a workpiece in any orientation of the workpiece. The calculator then determines an initial position where the finger tips can grip the workpiece and set the initial position as a point of calculation. Then an allowable gripping force is calculated which is an index that indicates an allowable force to be applied to the workpiece at point. Then other allowable forces are calculated for a plurality of points near the point of calculation. Then the point of calculation is selected as a possible gripping position if the allowable force a point is greater than any of the allowable forces. Otherwise, one of the points is selected for another point of calculation where the greatest allowable force (De) has been calculated and return to calculating an allowable gripping force. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288684 | Mobile Robot System - A robot system includes a mobile robot having a controller executing a control system for controlling operation of the robot, a cloud computing service in communication with the controller of the robot, and a remote computing device in communication with the cloud computing service. The remote computing device communicates with the robot through the cloud computing service. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288685 | System for Storage of Articles in a Secured Area - A storage system includes storage units for securely retaining articles therein. The storage system includes an electronic user identification system to insure that the individual storing articles therein is the same individual removing the articles there from. The user identification system also compares the user identification information with database information to determine if the user is permitted to use the storage unit or not. The storage system provides such information to security personnel so that improper use of the storage system can be identified and appropriate action taken. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288686 | MACHINE MOTION CONTROL SYSTEM - An exemplary embodiment of machine motion control system for testing electronic devices includes a machine and a control module electrically connected to the machine. The machine secures the electronic devices and includes a sensing unit and a servo unit, the sensing unit obtains different test parameters of the electronic devices to generate corresponding sensed signal. The control module includes a signal conversion unit electrically connected to the sensing unit and a main control circuit, the main control circuit is electrically connected to the signal conversion unit and the servo unit. The signal conversion unit converts the sensed signal into corresponding command signal, and the main control circuit drives and controls the servo unit to adjust the motion state and test strength on the electronic device according to the command signal. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288687 | SETTING VALUE CONTROLLING METHOD AND DEVICE - A setting value controlling device comprises: a setting value information collecting and storing portion for collecting and storing temperature setting values from an air-conditioner controlling device; a setting value reset evaluating portion for resetting the temperature setting value to a reference setting value if the temperature setting value is not a more energy-conserving setting than the reference setting value when a specific reset time has been reached; and a reference setting value updating portion for updating the reference setting value to the updated temperature setting value if, when the temperature setting value has been updated by a user, the updated temperature setting value is a more energy-conserving setting than the reference setting value and a specific time interval has elapsed since updating of the temperature setting value. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288688 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER - A reversible system for generating electric power includes a first reservoir initially containing a predetermined volume of water, a second reservoir initially being substantially empty, a turbine selectively connectable to the first and second reservoirs through multiple valves, and a generator connected to the turbine to generate electric power. An air bank selectively provides pressurized air to the first reservoir during an initial operational time period to increase an internal pressure of the first reservoir. An air compressor operates only at times other than the initial operational time period to charge the air bank. At least a first valve is opened during the initial operational time period to enable the water to flow from the first reservoir through the turbine to the second reservoir, in response to the increased internal pressure, causing the turbine and the generator to generate electric power. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288689 | EVALUATION METHOD FOR BOTANICAL-INTEGRITY OF VASCULAR PLANT, IRRIGATING METHOD TO VASCULAR PLANT, FILM ELECTRET SENSOR AND FILM ECM ARRAY - A method includes measuring an occurrence frequency of elastic waves generated by cavitations in vascular tissues in vascular plant, before and after a change in water stress to the vascular plant, respectively by an elastic wave reception sensor fixed to an axis of the vascular plant, calculating a change rate of the occurrence frequency, from the occurrence frequency of the elastic wave measured before and after the change, respectively, and determining whether or not an embolism in the vascular tissue arrives at an unrecoverable level of the embolism, from the calculated change rate. And then, one can determine irrigation timing and quantity to the vascular plant, using an index based upon the above-determined result. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288690 | Wireless Extension to an Irrigation Control System and Related Methods - Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288691 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROL OF WIND POWER GENERATION STORAGE BATTERY AND METHOD OF CONTROL THEREOF - While a control method is established which can maximize the lifetime of an storage battery based on a SOC capable of maximizing the lifetime of the storage battery under a temperature condition and a wind condition at an electricity generation site and on currently known ones of other operational conditions, a control system is constructed which can feedback to an actual wind power generation and storage battery system. The control system includes a wind power generation and storage battery system, an storage battery operation and deterioration data collection unit for collecting data of the wind power generation and storage battery system, an storage battery operation and deterioration relation assessment unit for assessing a relation between an operation of the storage battery and deterioration thereof based on the collected data, an storage battery operation planning unit for planning such a method of operating the storage battery as to satisfy a necessary lifetime requirement using information obtained by the storage battery operation and deterioration relation assessment unit, and an storage battery operation instruction unit for instructing the wind power generation and storage battery system to operate the storage battery in accordance with the plan of the storage battery operation planning unit. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288692 | MALICIOUS ATTACK DETECTION AND ANALYSIS - A system for characterizing malicious activity in an intelligent utility grid system includes a system storage in which to store a database including a plurality of rules. A collector is operable to collect and store in the system storage information-technology (IT) data including IT-related activity from the intelligent grid system. A complex event processing (CEP) bus is operable to receive non-IT data including location-specific event data from a plurality of electronic sources, the CEP bus further operable to disregard the non-IT data failing to meet a predetermined level of relevance to one of a plurality of risk-related events. A processor is operable to apply the plurality of rules to the relevant non-IT data to: associate an undesired event with reference to the IT-related activity; and determine a probability that the undesired event is indicative of malicious activity. The processor further applies a risk characterization to the undesired event based on the probability and the IT-related activity. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288693 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE ANGLE OF INCLINATION OF A TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE - In a method for determining the angle of inclination of a two-wheeled vehicle of the type of a bicycle, a scooter or a motorcycle with respect to the roadway normal, the angle of inclination is able to be determined simply and accurately if the transverse acceleration of the vehicle is measured using a transverse acceleration sensor and the acceleration in the direction of the vertical axis of the vehicle is ascertained and the angle of inclination with respect to the roadway normal is calculated based on the two acceleration values. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288694 | VEHICLE GOVERNANCE SYSTEM - Disclosed are a method and system for preventing the unauthorized use of a vehicle. A set of vehicle operating parameters is entered onto a person's driver's license, and that person registers as an authorized user of a specified vehicle. When that person enters the vehicle, the person inserts the driver's license into a card reader, and the card reader reads the operating parameters and enters those parameters onto a computing platform. The computing platform receives these operating parameters and checks to determine if the person is an authorized user of the vehicle. If the computing platform determines that the person is an authorized user, the computing platform sends the operating parameters to a control module within the vehicle. If the person then operates the vehicle, the control module controls the vehicle to maintain that operation within the operating parameters. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288695 | CONTROL INTERFACE FOR UNMANNED VEHICLES - An unmanned vehicle system containing one or more vehicles equipped with an autonomous control system. Each vehicle is of navigating on its own when provided with goals. A user is capable of sending and receiving goals from the autonomous control system via a communication link. A unified display interface displays information about the system and accepts commands from the user. The display interface in question is modeless and has a minimum of clutter and distractions. The form of this display interface is that of a set of screens, each of which is able to receive touch inputs from the user. The user is able to monitor and control individual vehicles or the entirety of the UVS solely through their use of a standard touchscreen with no additional peripherals. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288696 | DEVICE FOR PILOTING A DRONE - The device ( | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288697 | Electric Motor Enhanced Driveability In Vehicle Handling And Stability Control Events - A system and method are disclosed for controlling a vehicle during a turn in which a braking torque is applied to an inside wheel of the vehicle when understeer is detected and to an outside wheel when oversteer is detected. Electrical energy commanded to an electric motor coupled to a first axle of the vehicle is increased in response to application of the braking torque to compensate for the applied braking torque. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288698 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING MOTOR TORQUE IN HYBRID VEHICLES - Methods and systems are provided for motor torque control for hybrid vehicles having a motor and a communications bus. The motor torque is controlled using a first motor torque capacity if the communications bus is healthy. The motor torque is controlled using a second motor torque capacity if the communications bus is unhealthy. The first motor torque capacity has a first absolute value. The second motor torque capacity has a second absolute value that is less than the first absolute value. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288699 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MOTOR TORQUE CONTROL FOR VEHICLES WHEN A CURRENT SENSOR IS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY - Methods and systems for controlling motor torque in a hybrid vehicle are provided. A current sensor provides a feedback current when the sensor is operating properly. A processor controls the motor torque using the feedback current if the current sensor is operating properly. The processor controls the motor torque using a slip value for the hybrid vehicle if the current sensor is not operating properly. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288700 | Roadside Handling for Alternate-Propulsion Systems - The described method and system allow a service provider to remotely interact with a vehicle analysis system, high voltage battery contactors, and other vehicle systems to eliminate certain sources of inconvenience for service personnel and users. For example, when the high voltage battery contactors are disconnected inadvertently or as a precaution, they may later need to be safely reengaged to allow the user to drive the disabled but otherwise operational vehicle. Conversely, when an electric vehicle has become disabled and needs to be towed or serviced, the disengagement of the high voltage battery contactors as well as the activation or deactivation of related systems will assist the servicing entity in properly moving and servicing the vehicle. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288701 | (Hybrid) Electric Vehicle Thermal Management System - The present disclosure relates to thermal management systems and methods for operating a vehicle, such as a hybrid electric vehicle. The systems determine a sunload and set calibrated thresholds and modified temperatures for deriving conditions for sending engine climate commands according to the sunload readings. The calibrations and modifications are designed to yield better vehicle fuel economy. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288702 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING A HYBRID VEHICLE - In a method for operating a hybrid vehicle, an idle first drive unit is started during the driving of the hybrid vehicle by transferring part of a torque from an operating second drive unit to the first drive unit. To minimize effects on the movement characteristics of the hybrid vehicle during starting and/or stopping of the first drive unit, a control unit is provided for influencing the torque of the operating second drive unit by at least one of the variables derived from the longitudinal movement of the hybrid vehicle. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288703 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A HYBRID DRIVE DEVICE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND HYBRID DRIVE DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT - In a method for operating a hybrid drive device of a motor vehicle, which has at least two different drive assemblies, especially an electric machine and an internal combustion engine, that are able to be connected to at least two drive trains of the motor vehicle, during the reconnecting of one of the drive assemblies, particularly from a first to a second of the drive trains, or from the second to the first drive train, and/or during a synchronization, a replacement torque substantially corresponding to the torque produced by the one drive assembly is able to be provided by an additional one of the drive assemblies by the at least partial closing of a clutch. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288704 | METHOD FOR HEATING A HIGH VOLTAGE VEHICLE BATTERY - An exemplary system and method for use in cold environments in order to heat a high voltage vehicle battery, such as the type commonly found in hybrid vehicles. Some high voltage vehicle batteries—like those based on lithium-ion chemistries—perform better when their battery temperature is in a certain temperature range. In an exemplary embodiment, a battery heating system includes a switch, a battery heater and a high voltage vehicle battery, and initially uses electrical power from an external power source to heat the battery and then uses electrical power from an internal power source to heat the battery. The switch determines which power source is used to heat the battery, and may be dictated by whether the battery heating system is plugged into the external power source and/or a vehicle propulsion system is active, to cite several possibilities. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288705 | STARTING CONTROL DEVICE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A socket receives charging voltage and auxiliary voltage of the main battery from an external power supply. A charging line Lch connects the charging voltage to the main battery. Auxiliary power supply lines connect the auxiliary voltage to a vehicle drive control unit. A main switch is provided on a constant line for inputting the output of an electric power converting unit to the vehicle drive control unit. The vehicle drive control unit includes an electric power converting unit starting unit started when the auxiliary voltage is applied to output a starting signal of the electric power converting unit, and means for maintaining the starting signal to charge the sub-battery with the electric power from the electric power converting unit when the voltage applied from the electric power converting unit through the main switch to the vehicle drive control unit is a predetermined value. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288706 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE - An electric vehicle includes a synchronous motor that outputs torque to a first driving wheel; an induction motor that outputs torque to a second driving wheel; and an output torque changing portion that makes the synchronous motor torque smaller than the induction motor torque when torque is output to the first or second driving wheel and the vehicle speed is close to zero, and makes the synchronous motor torque larger than the induction motor torque when torque is output to the first or second driving wheel and the vehicle is moving at or greater than a predetermined speed in a direction opposite a direction in which the vehicle is being operated to move, by the torque output to the first and second driving wheels. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288707 | ELECTRIC MOTOR VEHICLE - Various embodiments include an electric motor vehicle which does not have any active suspension components, gearbox, differential or other mechanical transmission components, in various embodiments including consists a chassis, at least one pair of integrated wheel and brushless DC electric motor assemblies mounted on the chassis with conventional suspension components including springs and dampers. In various embodiments, a battery pack on the chassis provides power to the integrated wheel and electric motor assemblies; and a control system operates each integrated wheel and motor assembly independently of each other integrated wheel and motor assembly. Various embodiments include the control system has including a master controller connected to the battery pack, and, a separate slave controller connected to the battery pack and to each of the integrated wheel and motor assemblies, as well as the master controller. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288708 | BATTERY UNIT HEATING APPARATUS - A battery unit heating apparatus installed in a vehicle which drive by power from at least one of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor which is driven by a battery unit as a power supply, includes: an induction unit for drawing in air for heating the battery unit; and an induction control unit for controlling the induction unit, when a temperature of the battery unit is lower than a first predetermined value, so as to generate a drawing force larger than a drawing force resulting when the vehicle is set to the other mode of two modes having different drive ratios of the internal combustion engine to the electric motor while the vehicle is running in such a state that the vehicle is set to one of the two modes in which the electric motor is employed more positively than the internal combustion engine. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288709 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING A DRIVE TRAIN FOR A VEHICLE - A method and a device for operating a drive train for a vehicle is described, which has at least one drive unit, which is suitable for outputting a drive torque. The rates of change for triggering a torque increase and a torque reduction of the drive torque of the at least one drive unit are specified. This occurs in such a way that the specifiable rates of change of the torque increase and the torque reduction of the drive torque of the at least one drive unit are different. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288710 | HYBRID VEHICLE - A switch sets the voltage level of a control line to a first level corresponding to a first voltage by electrically coupling the control line with a first node when manual operation is not executed. The switch sets the voltage level of the control line at a second level corresponding to a second voltage by electrically coupling the control line with a second node during a period of time over which manual operation is executed. An ECU switches the operation mode of a hybrid vehicle having first and second power sources between a first mode in which the first power source is used having higher priority for the running of the hybrid vehicle, and a second mode in which said second power source is used having higher priority for the running of the hybrid vehicle, based on a change of the voltage level of the control line from the first level to the second level, and the change of the voltage level of the control line from the second level to the first level. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288711 | HYBRID WORKING MACHINE AND SERVO CONTROL SYSTEM - A hybrid working machine has an electric power accumulator charged by a generator driven by an engine and has an electrical load driven with electric power from the electric power accumulator. The hybrid working machine includes a direct-current bus electrically connected to the electric power accumulator, a voltage detector configured to detect the voltage of the direct-current bus, and a drive control part configured to control the driving of the generator based on the detected voltage value of the voltage detector. The drive control part is configured to control the generator based on the deviation between the detected voltage value and a voltage command value. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288712 | METHOD TO PRIORITIZE ELECTRIC-ONLY VEHICLE (EV) MODE FOR A VEHICLE - A vehicle and method for controlling the vehicle includes identifying an EV-priority zone for the vehicle along a trip path, determining the position of the vehicle with respect to the expected upcoming EV-priority zone; implementing an electric-only mode of operation of the vehicle based on the position of the vehicle and a current operating mode of the vehicle; and implementing a charging mode of operation of the vehicle based on the position of the vehicle and a current operating mode of the vehicle. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288713 | ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEATING FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders and an electric motor configured to rotate the engine is provided. The method includes, during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to substantially before a peak torque timing. The method further includes adjusting motor torque output of the electric motor to maintain engine idle speed. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288714 | AUTONOMOUS NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MANEUVERABLE PLATFORM - An automated method for autonomous navigation of a maneuverable platform is disclosed. The method includes providing an autonomous navigation system that includes a situation awareness module to receive data from one or more sensors on one or more identifying parameters selected from the group of identifying parameters that includes position, course and speed, relating to the platform and obstacles in the vicinity of the platform. The platform also includes a decision module to choose course and speed for the platform based on the identifying parameters of the obstacles in the vicinity of the platform and the data on the position of the platform. The method further includes providing the decision module with information on a mission that includes at least one task assigned to the platform; and periodically obtaining the data and choosing a preferred option using the decision module, based on the identifying parameters, by assigning, for each option from a set of options, each option defining a distinct combination of course and speed, a grade which is indicative of the desirability of that option with respect to each of the obstacles and with respect to each of a plurality of objectives, for each option summing the grades assigned to that option with respect to all obstacles, wherein the preferred option is the option whose summed grades is indicative of the greatest desirability of that option. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288715 | Vehicle Pneumatic Booster System Operating Method and Apparatus - An apparatus and method for improving vehicle performance by application of pneumatic boost to vehicle engines, including diesel engines having at least one turbocharger supplying air to the engine, in a manner which increases engine torque output while minimizing the potential for exceed various operating limits to the maximum practicable extent. The vehicle's pneumatic booster system controller implements strategies for shaping the rate of the air injection during a boost event, tailoring the air injection to obtain maximum engine torque output while respecting the operating limits, by controlling the timing, duration, quantity and/or injection pattern during a boost event to achieve a refined distribution of compressed air injection over the course of the boost event to provide desired engine torque output and fuel efficiency while minimizing the potential for exceeding a wide variety of operation limits, regulatory, engineering and passenger comfort limits. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288716 | STABILITY ENHANCING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING THE STABILITY OF A VEHICLE - A stability enhancing system for a vehicle having a suspension system including a spring is disclosed herein. The stability enhancing system includes, but is not limited to, a processor that is mounted on the vehicle. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The sensor is configured to detect a dynamic condition of the vehicle. A locking mechanism is connected to the spring and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The locking mechanism is configured to inhibit the spring from releasing a stored energy when the locking mechanism is locked. The processor is configured to obtain the dynamic condition from the sensor, to utilize the dynamic condition to determine whether a wheel lift event will occur, and to provide commands to the locking mechanism to lock if the processor determines that a wheel lift event will occur. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288717 | VEHICLE GRILLE SHUTTER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ITS USE - A vehicle system includes a first sensor that provides first data indicating at least one of vehicle speed and ambient temperature. The system also includes a shutter control module. The shutter control module includes a first sub-module that provides a first amount of modification to an opening amount for a shutter based on the first data. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288718 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING TIRE HAVING DECREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE, AND PROGRAM FOR DETECTING TIRE HAVING DECREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE - A method of detecting a tire having a decreased internal pressure by making a relative comparison among wheel speeds of tires attached to the respective wheels. The method includes a step of detecting wheel rotation information regarding the respective tires of the vehicle; a step of calculating wheel speeds based on the detected wheel rotation information; a step of calculating a decreased pressure determination value by relative comparison of the calculated wheel speeds; and a step of determining, when the resultant decreased pressure determination value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, that a tire has a decreased internal pressure. The method further includes a threshold value setting step of setting the predetermined threshold value based on, when assuming that a value of wheel speed comparison between a front wheel speed and a rear wheel speed is DEL2, (a) a relation obtained in advance, depending on a difference of the mass of the vehicle, between DEL2 and a load sensitivity during a vehicle turning, and (b) a load sensitivity obtained by a turning at the time of determination. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288719 | METHOD FOR THE DETECTION OF A COMPONENT MALFUNCTION ALONG THE LIFE OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method is provided for the detection of a component malfunction along the life of an Internal Combustion Engine. The engine, having at least a cylinder and being controlled by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), the method includes, but is not limited to defining a pre-determined component malfunction classifier at the start of engine life and setting the classifier as active classifier, defining a validity condition for said active classifier, acquiring in real time a set of relevant signals relating to the operation of the component, feeding the signals to said active classifier in order to determine the occurrence or not of a malfunction of the component, and in case the validity condition of said actual classifier is not satisfied, defining a new classifier using the most recent relevant signals recorded by the ECU, and substituting the actual classifier with the new classifier. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288720 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IDENTIFYING THE POSITION OF A WHEEL OF A VEHICLE - A method of identifying a position of a wheel of a vehicle includes: providing, in at least one wheel of the vehicle, a device with at least one magnetic sensor with a maximum sensitivity axis; starting up the vehicle; measuring at terminals of each magnetic sensor a signal representative of magnetic flux time variations during rotation of the wheel; determining a characteristic quantity of the signal; comparing the characteristic quantity to a given threshold; and determining, according to a comparison result, a front or rear location of the wheel. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288721 | PRE-FILLING VEHICLE DATA CHECK - A pre-filling vehicle data check method and system are disclosed herein. One example of the method includes receiving, at a financial institution, an authorization request from a filling station for initiating a filling event, where the authorization request includes a financial code. Via a computing device at the financial institution, the financial code is recognized as being associated with at least one of a vehicle identification number or a station identification associated with a vehicle, thereby identifying the vehicle. At least one parameter of the identified vehicle is identified via the computing device at a data center in selective communication with the vehicle and the financial institution, and an authorization or denial of the at least one filling event based at least upon the at least one parameter is transmitted from the computing device at the data center. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288722 | VEHICLE CALIBRATION USING DATA COLLECTED DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS - Systems and methods for optimizing the performance of a vehicle under normal operating conditions. A vehicle system adjusts one or more vehicle operating parameters in a closed-loop in response to data received from sensors. A portable vehicle communication interface module is selectively attached to the vehicle without inhibiting normal operation of the vehicle. When connected to the vehicle, the vehicle communication interface module records the adjustments made by the vehicle system in closed-loop operation. These recorded values are then used to update calibration information that the vehicle system uses as default values. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288723 | MODULAR TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE DIAGNOSTIC FOR A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes a power inverter module (PIM), a motor/generator unit (MGU), vehicle components, temperature sensors, and a controller. The sensors measure temperatures of a motor winding of the MGU, and temperatures of the multiple phase outputs of the PIM. The second plurality of temperature sensors measures temperatures of the vehicle components. The controller calculates an average temperature of the components, and individually diagnoses each temperature sensor using the average temperature. A control circuit for the vehicle includes the first and second plurality of sensors and the controller. A temperature performance diagnostic method includes using the first plurality to measure a temperature of the motor winding and the phase outputs of the PIM, using the second plurality to measure a temperature of the components, calculating an average temperature of the components, and individually diagnosing the performance of each of the first plurality of sensors using the average temperature. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288724 | Device, System, And Method For Authorizing Vehicle Online Services During Driving - A device for authorizing an online service during driving in a vehicle. Contents of an online service are authorized according to the vehicle state. The device includes an electronic control unit, a graphical output apparatus, and a communication interface. A system that includes the device and a server, which is not located in the vehicle and which is connected to the communication interface through a wireless connection for the exchange of data. A method, having the following steps: the vehicle state of the vehicle is detected. According to the vehicle state, it is checked if a requested online service or certain contents of a requested online service are authorized for display during driving. According to available or ascertainable data on the ability of the requested online service to be authorized during driving, the requested online service is either blocked or authorized in a limited or complete manner. The result is depicted on the graphical output apparatus. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288725 | Vehicle glare reducing systems - A vehicle glare reducing system comprising automatically optically detecting when an oncoming vehicle with lit headlights is approaching the driver and automatically operating a glare reducing means attached to the driver's side of a vehicle's windshield to block the glare, and automatically optically detecting when no oncoming vehicle with lit headlights is approaching the driver and automatically operating the glare reducing means to allow the driver to see through the glare reducing means, with part of an inside edge of the glare reducing means substantially vertically aligned with substantially the horizontal center of the vehicle's steering wheel. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288726 | Automatically Adjustable Axle Oscillation Stops - An automatically adjustable axle stop of an agricultural combine ( | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288727 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR ASSISTING A PARKING MANEUVER - A control device is described for assisting the parking maneuver of a vehicle, including an interface to a sensor unit for detecting a boundary of a parking space in the surroundings of the vehicle, including an arithmetic unit for determining a trajectory into a parking position in the parking space, wherein the arithmetic unit is configured to calculate a trajectory into the parking position, taking into account a potential extension of parts of the body of the vehicle beyond the boundary of the parking space. | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288728 | NAVIGATION METHOD, NAVIGATION SYSTEM, NAVIGATION DEVICE, VEHICLE PROVIDED THEREWITH AND GROUP OF VEHICLES - A navigation system is described comprising at least a first and a second navigation device ( | 2011-11-24 |
| 20110288729 | Automatic Adjustment of a Turf Care Implement - A turf care device having an implement for performing a turf care function. The turf care device has a module for determining its position relative to the turf. The turf care implement is controlled based upon the position of the turf care device. | 2011-11-24 |
