52nd week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 54 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090319051 | OSTEOCHONDRAL PLUG GRAFT, KIT AND METHOD - Each of an osteochondral plug graft and a kit comprises a trapezoid shaped construct configured for osteochondral implanting. An osteochondral regeneration method comprises forming a recipient socket in a chondral area of an articular joint in need of repair; harvesting a trapezoid shaped graft from another chondral area; and implanting the trapezoid shaped graft into the recipient socket. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319052 | BIOMATERIALS, THEIR PREPARATION AND USE - A calcium oxide-silica composite biomaterial either in amorphous state or crystalline state having an average pore size, as determined by the BET method, in the range of from 0.8 to 4 nm, wherein the calcium oxide-silica content of the biomaterial is at least 80 wt %, the balance being optionally one or more other materials and wherein the molar ratio of calcium oxide to silica is at least 0.1. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319053 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR UTERINE PRESERVATION - In one embodiment, an implant includes a first portion having a shape and configured to support a tissue within the body of a patient. Markings disposed on the first portion indicate a portion of the implant to be removed for resizing the first portion such that the first portion after the resizing has a shape substantially similar to the shape of the first portion before the resizing. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319054 | WEARABLE ACTION-ASSIST DEVICE, AND METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR CONTROLLING WEARABLE ACTION-ASSIST DEVICE - A wearable action-assist device which assists or executes an action of a wearer by substituting for the wearer is provided with an action-assist tool | 2009-12-24 |
20090319055 | ENERGY STORING FOOT PLATE - Compositions are provided for a prosthetic ankle comprising: a joint housing having a bottom surface, a clevis coupled to the joint housing such that the clevis can rotate about the joint housing, a prosthetic coupling structure that couples the clevis to an amputee, and an articulating joint contained in the joint housing. Additionally, a portion of the bottom surface of the joint housing can be curved allowing a substrate a preset amount of flexion when coupled thereto and flexed in a concave position. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319056 | Method for Operating a Control Unit - A method for operating a control unit, such a control unit, and a computer program and computer program product for implementing the method are provided. In this context, the control unit is able to assume multiple states, a transition state being interposed during the transition from a first state to a second state. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319057 | LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM AND CONTROL SYSTEM - The present invention includes a lighting control system provided with two or more lighting devices and one or more illumination comparing devices; wherein the illumination comparing device supplies to the lighting devices a comparison result in which a sampled illumination of an arbitrary position and a target illumination are compared; the two or more lighting devices carry out a judgment based on the comparison result obtained from the illumination comparing device and repetitively increase/decrease their respective light intensities; and the illumination of the arbitrary position is substantially controlled to the target illumination, and with this lighting control system, a predetermined position can be controlled to a desired illumination. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319058 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMMERSIVE INTERACTION WITH ACTUAL AND/OR SIMULATED FACILITIES FOR PROCESS, ENVIRONMENTAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONTROL - The invention provides, in some aspects, systems for interaction with a control environment that includes controlled equipment along with control devices that monitor and control that controlled equipment. According to some of those aspects, such a system includes first functionality that generates output representing an operational status of the controlled equipment, as well as second functionality that generates output representing an operational of one or more of the control devices. An engine coordinates the first functionality and to the second functionality to generate an operational status of the control environment. A virtual reality environment generates, as a function of that operational status and one or more physical aspects of the control environment, a three-dimensional (“3D”) display of the control environment. The virtual reality environment is responsive to user interaction with one or more input devices to generate the 3D display so as to permit the user to interact with at least one of the control devices and the controlled equipment at least as represented by the 3D display of the control environment. The engine applies to at least one of the first and second functionality indicia of those interactions to discern resulting changes in the operational status of the control environment. It applies indicia of those changes to the virtual reality environment to effect corresponding variation in the 3D display of the control environment—i.e., variation indicative of the resulting change in the control environment. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319059 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL (MPC) OF A NONLINEAR PROCESS - A method includes obtaining a nonlinear process model modeling a nonlinear process to be controlled. The method also includes obtaining an objective function defining how the process is controlled. The method further includes obtaining a control model defining a dynamic feasible region associated with a controlled variable, where the controlled variable is associated with the process. In addition, the method includes controlling the nonlinear process by solving a control problem that includes the process model, control model, and objective function. The dynamic feasible region defined by the control model could represent a funnel region. The objective function could include terms for minimizing and optimizing adjustments to one or more manipulated variables associated with the process. Controlling the nonlinear process could include performing simultaneous control and optimization, where adjustments to the one or more manipulated variables are chosen to meet the control objectives and possibly to optimize and minimize the adjustments. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319060 | Continuously Scheduled Model Parameter Based Adaptive Controller - An adaptive process controller performs continuously scheduled process model parameter interpolation to determine a particular set of process model parameters which are used to develop controller tuning parameters for controller tuning. More particularly, a state-based, adaptive PID controller described herein uses a new technique to determine an appropriate process model to be used to perform adaptive tuning over the various operating regions of the plant, and in particular, uses a process model parameter determination technique that enables continuously scheduled process model parameter update over the various plant operating regions or points. The use of this continuously scheduled process model parameter update method provides for smoother transitions between tuning parameters used in the PID controller during adaptive tuning procedures which are implemented based on changes in the operating region or the operating point of the process, thereby providing for better overall control. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319061 | Apparatus for integrating device objects into a super ordinated control unit - An apparatus for integrating device objects into a superordinated control unit for field devices in automation technology, wherein a predetermined operating system runs on the control unit, the control unit communicates via a fieldbus with the field devices and the device objects serve for servicing the field devices. A communication hardware is provided, having a first communication link for connecting to the control unit and a second communication link for connecting to the fieldbus. Associated with the communication hardware is a memory element, in which the device objects, a driver for the communication hardware and a frame application for the device objects are stored. The communication hardware is so embodied, that, upon coupling of the communication hardware to the control unit via the first communication link, the frame application is started via the operating system of the control unit and the driver for the communication hardware is installed, so that operating personnel can, via the device objects stored in the memory element and the fieldbus, service the associated field devices. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319062 | Apparatus for automatically registering topology of individual components of a process installation in automation technology - An apparatus for automatically registering topology of individual components of a process installation in automation technology. The components include field devices ascertaining or influencing physical and/or chemical, process variables. A superordinated control unit is provided, which communicates with the field devices via a fieldbus protocol conventional in automation technology and via which the field devices can be serviced. A radio tag is associated with each field device. Stored on the radio tag is topology-relevant information of the corresponding field device. A radio tag reader is provided, which registers the topology-relevant information of the radio tags and forwards such to the superordinated control unit. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319063 | Splittable portable media player as remote control - A novel media delivery system is disclosed with a splittable portable media player, which comprises a user interface unit and a storage unit. The user interface unit includes a user interface and a cache that stores metadata for media files. The storage unit includes a media file system and a signal process unit. The user interface unit remotely controls the storage unit that is connected (wired) with a media delivery unit, which is a stereo system with speakers in one of disclosed embodiments for audio signal. The portable media player is used as a conventional media player when the units are detached. The novel system has the advantages of simplicity over previous arts and, consequently, with lower cost. Furthermore, the wireless data transmission involved in the system consists of the metadata of media files and the security for typically copyrighted media files is superior. A novel method for sharing of media experience with a group of users is also disclosed with the use of portable media players. The method allows multiple users holding a media player with the shared metadata of media files to control the media delivery system to have a shared media experience. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319064 | MULTIMEDIA PLAYER - A multimedia player is provided. The multimedia player can be selectively operated in a first mode or a second mode, and includes a plurality of multimedia sources, a USB hub interface, and a processor. The plurality of multimedia sources provides multimedia data when the multimedia player operates in the first mode. The USB hub interface connects to an external electronic device and communicates with the external electronic device when the multimedia player operates in the second mode. The processor couples to the plurality of multimedia sources and the USB hub interface. When operated in a first mode, the processor retrieves and decodes the multimedia data, wherein the decoded multimedia data is ready for presentation. When operated in the second mode, the processor connects to the external electronic device via the USB hub interface. The multimedia sources then serve as USB devices supporting the external electronic device. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319065 | Efficient Asynchronous Sample Rate Conversion - Asynchronous sample rate conversion for use in a digital audio receiver is disclosed. Different algorithms are applied for the upsampling and downsampling cases. In the upsampling case, the input signal is upsampled and filtered, before the application of a finite impulse response (FIR) filter. In the downsampling case, the input signal is filtered by an FIR filter, and then filtered and downsampled. The FIR coefficients of the fractional delay FIR filter are calculated by evaluation of polynomial expressions over intervals of the filter impulse response, at times corresponding to the input sample points. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319066 | AUDIO REPRODUCING APPARATUS - An audio reproducing apparatus has a correction coefficient holding means ( | 2009-12-24 |
20090319067 | Method for sequence programming of an enjection molding cycle of an injection molding machine - Disclosed is a method for programming the progress of an injection molding cycle of an injection molding machine. The injection molding cycle includes several sequences which are manually started as a whole or in part in a setup mode and in a teaching mode. In the setup mode, parts of the injection molding machine are first actuated and are tested as to the functionality thereof. The tested parts are then actuated once again in the teaching mode according to the desired sequence of movements, said sequence of movements being stored in a controller of the injection molding machine. Specific actions such as building up and reducing forces and generating holding pressure can also be taught. The individually taught sequences can then be freely combined into new processes in a controller having a suitable operator interface and can be repeated multiple times. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319068 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MASS CUSTOM MANUFACTURING OF DENTAL CROWNS AND CROWN COMPONENTS - A Mass Custom Manufacturing System and methods are provided. A single master file is created for a restoration (or multiple restorations for a single patient) from a scan. Copings/cores, abutments and other companion pieces are designed using the master file through a deconstruction method allowing for simultaneous CAM of those pieces. A centralized system controls design and manufacturing, allowing the system to “learn” from feedback from the CAM operations of prior pieces and incorporate such feedback into the design phase. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319069 | Reconfigurable Garment Definition and Production Method - Computer-aided design and manufacture software and hardware automate garment and fashion definition and production. Configurable garment includes ornamental element, pattern display, and personal identifier and wireless sensor electronics. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319070 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISCRETE SUPPLY CHAIN CONTROL AND OPTIMIZATION USING MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL - A system includes a first controller configured to monitor processes associated with a process facility and to generate control data for optimizing the process facility. The system also includes a second controller configured to use stochastic calculus of variations calculations to modify at least a portion of the control data. The second controller is configured to provide discrete supply chain control and optimization for the process facility and to track at least one of demand requirements and shipping requirements for product manufactured by a discrete supply chain manufacturing process. The system further includes third controllers configured to operate in accordance with the control data to control the processes and to optimize the process facility. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319071 | METHODS FOR CONTROLLING TIME SCALE OF GAS DELIVERY INTO A PROCESSING CHAMBER - A method for establishing a mass flow controller (MFC) control scheme, which is configured for reducing a time scale for gas delivery into a processing chamber, for a recipe is provided. The method includes identifying a set of delayed gas species utilized during execution of the recipe with a set of delivery time slower than a target delivery time scale. The method also includes establishing an initial overshoot strength and an initial overshoot duration for each gas specie of the set of delayed gas species. The method further includes establishing MFC control scheme by adjusting an MFC hardware for each gas specie during the execution of the recipe. Adjusting the MFC hardware includes applying the initial overshoot strength for the initial overshoot duration to determine if the MFC control scheme provides for each gas specie a pressure profile within a target accuracy of an equilibrium pressure for the processing chamber. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319072 | Tag Label Producing Apparatus - This disclosure discloses a tag label producing apparatus comprising: a printing device; a transmitting/receiving device that performs information transmission/reception; a feeding device that feeds said tag medium; a coordination control portion; a communication determining portion that determines whether or not information transmission/reception has succeeded; and a decision portion that decides a feeding-stop condition for stopping feeding based on a feeding condition for the transmission/reception, and a feeding-condition for printing to a print area; wherein: said coordination control portion controls in coordination operations of said feeding device, said transmitting/receiving device, and said printing device so as to stop feeding based on said feeding-stop condition decided by said decision portion and to perform retry of said information transmission/reception when said communication determining portion determines that said information transmission/reception has failed. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319073 | MATERIAL TRANSPORT SYSTEMS USING AUTONOMOUS CONTROLS - A plurality of autonomous control processes, with each controlling one or more components of the material transport (or processing) system, is used to radically simplify the controller software. Each autonomous control process is responsible for the actions of only a subset of the cluster tool components. For example, in one embodiment, a separate autonomous control process is used to control each automated component in the material handling system. However, other embodiments in which a control process controls a plurality of components are also contemplated. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319074 | METHOD FOR COMPENSATING FOR TOOL PROCESSING VARIATION IN THE ROUTING OF WAFERS/LOTS - A method for increasing overall yield in semiconductor manufacturing including routing wafers or wafer lots from tool to tool in a manner which at least partially neutralizes or compensates for processing variations. A system for increasing overall yield in semiconductor manufacturing includes a module for recording processing data from plural first and second types of tools and a module for routing wafers or wafer lots from tools of the first type of tools to tools of the second type of tools so as to at least partially neutralizes or compensate for processing variation. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319075 | AUTOMATED PROCESS CONTROL USING AN OPTICAL METROLOGY SYSTEM OPTIMIZED WITH DESIGN GOALS - Provided is a method of designing an optical metrology system for measuring structures on a workpiece wherein the optical metrology system is configured to meet a plurality of design goals. The design of the optical metrology system is optimized by using collected design goal data in comparison to the set plurality of design goals. In one embodiment, the optical metrology system is used for stand alone metrology systems. In another embodiment, the optical metrology system is integrated with a fabrication cluster in semiconductor manufacturing. At least one parameter determined from a diffraction signal measured using the optical metrology system is transmitted to the fabrication cluster. The at least one parameter is used to modify at least one process variable or equipment setting of the fabrication cluster. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319076 | Reconfigurable Garment Definition and Production Method - Computer-aided design and manufacture software and hardware automate garment and fashion definition and production. Configurable garment includes ornamental element, pattern display, and personal identifier and wireless sensor electronics. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319077 | CONTROL OF A MACHINING OPERATION - A method for performing a machining operation on a part uses closed-loop control, based on feedback of information measured from the part, from the tools and machines, and from the environment, to modify the controlling parameters for the machining operation. By recording the information for all machining operations, statistical data can be generated, and the process control can be further improved by applying this statistical knowledge. Information relevant to each part can be stored, so that it can be passed on to subsequent operations in the manufacturing route. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319078 | METHOD FOR SHIPPING AN ITEM USING AN ELECTRONIC ENVELOPE - The disclosed system enables a sender to ship an item in an envelope using a mobile shipping application running on a computing device or carrier computer. This system includes an electronic envelope having an updateable flexible electronic visual display that displays shipping information transmitted by a carrier computer via a wireless network, a cellular chip for receiving updated shipping information from the carrier computer, and a microcomputer chip for transmitting the information to the electronic display. The computing device, carrier computer, or both, execute the mobile shipping application that is accessible with a computing device and through which a sender places a shipping order. The system further comprises a carrier computer configured to execute the mobile shipping application running on the carrier computer, a data storage device to store the shipping orders, and a transceiver for communicating with the cellular chip on the envelope across a wireless communications network. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319079 | MEDICAL CART, MEDICATION MODULE, HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM, AND METHOD OF MEDICATION TRANSPORT - A medical cart is described and includes a work platform having a work surface and at least one compartment, a base, and a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the work platform relative to the base. A medication module is described and includes a plurality of compartments. The medical cart can be joined with a medication module. In addition, a plurality of medication modules can joined to form a train. The medical cart and medication module can be used collectively and individually in a variety of methods for transferring medicine. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319080 | BANKNOTE PROCESSING DEVICE - In addition to storing cassettes ( | 2009-12-24 |
20090319081 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DESIGNING AND CHECKING SAFETY ZONES OF A ROBOT - A method for simulating a movement zone of a robot having at least one data processing installation, simulating at least one movement path of the robot, comprises providing a number of selectable points on the at least one movement path of the robot, calculating a braking path for each of the selectable points, calculating a virtual movement zone based on the braking paths and a maximum position reachable by the robot for the respective at least one movement path, and carrying out the simulation of functions of the robot off-line using a software module. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319082 | ROBOT AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING WALKING THEREOF - A method of controlling walking a biped robot to generate a walking pattern maximally similar to that of a human includes generating a walking pattern, calculating a walking pattern similarity corresponding to the walking pattern, and comparing the walking pattern similarity with a predetermined reference pattern similarity, and changing the walking pattern based on a result of the comparison. When the robot walks, a knee is maximally stretched and a horizontal movement of a waist is minimized such that the walking pattern of the robot is maximally similar to that of a human, thus enhancing an affinity for a human being and increasing energy efficiency. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319083 | Robot Confinement - A method of confining a robot in a work space includes providing a portable barrier signal transmitting device including a primary emitter emitting a confinement beam primarily along an axis defining a directed barrier. A mobile robot including a detector, a drive motor and a control unit controlling the drive motor is caused to avoid the directed barrier upon detection by the detector on the robot. The detector on the robot has an omnidirectional field of view parallel to the plane of movement of the robot. The detector receives confinement light beams substantially in a plane at the height of the field of view while blocking or rejecting confinement light beams substantially above or substantially below the plane at the height of the field of view. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319084 | Method and means for tracking corrosion-related plant operation costs - A method of controlling corrosion-related plant operation costs is provided, the method including: accumulating real-time corrosion measurements relating to a plant operation; calculating a relative degree of corrosion value that includes consideration of the real-time corrosion measurements; comparing the relative degree of corrosion value to an expected corrosion progression value associated with a predetermined target maintenance cycle; and adjusting a plant operation based on a comparison of the relative degree of corrosion value to the expected corrosion progression value associated with a predetermined target maintenance cycle. A means for controlling corrosion-related plant operation costs is also provided, the means including: means for accumulating real-time corrosion measurements relating to a plant operation; means for calculating a relative degree of corrosion value that includes consideration of the real-time corrosion measurements; means for comparing the relative degree of corrosion value to an expected corrosion progression value associated with a predetermined target maintenance cycle; and means for adjusting a plant operation based on a comparison of the relative degree of corrosion value to the expected corrosion progression value associated with a predetermined target maintenance cycle. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319085 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OXYGEN SENSOR HEATER CONTROL - The present disclosure provides a control system for a heating element used in an oxygen sensor. The control system comprises a rate module that periodically determines a rate of change of current through the heating element and a temperature adjustment module that periodically compares the rate of change and a rate value. The temperature adjustment module selectively adjusts an operating temperature of the oxygen sensor between a normal temperature and a remedial temperature lower than the normal temperature based on the comparison of the rate of change and the rate value. The present disclosure also provides a related control method for the heating element. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319086 | Seat Device - An airplane seat includes a processing unit, adapted to operate actuators, and a memory unit in which at least one comfort position transition dataset for bringing about a comfort position transition between at least two comfort positions is memorized. The processing unit, in at least one operating mode, is adapted to operate the actuators in accordance with the comfort position transition dataset for bringing about the comfort position transition. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319087 | Method for Controlling Cooled or Heated Water Pump of Air Conditioning Installation - The method for controlling the operation of the cooled or heated water pump of the air conditioning installation is provided. In accordance with the present invention, the flow rate of the cooled or heated water is adapted to be controlled to correspond to the variation of the energy demand on the load side unit. This can be effected by controlling on the basis of the temperature of the cooled or heated water not only the state of the operation of the heat source, but also the number of revolution of the motor for driving the cooled or heated water pump. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319088 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF A CONTROL DEVICE - Methods and apparatus for preventing stiction in control devices are provided. In one aspect, a method for controlling dither in a control device includes coupling a signal input of the control device to an analog output module, generating an output signal, and transmitting the output signal from the analog output module to the signal input, wherein the output signal causes the control device to oscillate about an output position to facilitate preventing stiction within the control device. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319089 | CONNECTION APPARATUS FOR PARALLEL RUNNING GENERATORS - An apparatus for connecting two generators to run in parallel including a conductive path that connects the generators to an electrical load, a switching circuit that opens/closes the conductive path, a current sensor that detects current flowing the conductive path and an electronic control unit comprising a microcomputer. The control unit functions as a generator model identifier that inputs a signal indicating a model ID from each generator and determines whether the model ID corresponds to data stored in memory, and a switching circuit operator that operates the circuit to close the conductive path to connect the generators to the electrical load when the model ID corresponds to the data, while operates it to open the conductive path when the current is not detected by the current sensor after the conductive path was closed, thereby preventing the outputs of other generators from appearing at the terminals of a disconnected plug and damage to the generators. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319090 | ENERGY OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM - A system for optimizing a usage of energy based on cost, carbon footprint, and/or other criteria. The usage may be optimized for the next day or more. The optimization may deal with renewable energy, grid energy and stored energy. Various inputs may be considered for optimization, which could include energy costs, weather forecasts, characteristics of renewable energy, the load and storage, and other items. The optimizer may use equipment models with numerical transfer functions to take inputs and provide optimized estimates for the next day or so of energy usage. The outputs of the models may go to an optimization algorithms module for providing an output based on the inputs. The output may provide control information for the selection and amounts of the different types of energy in a scheduled manner. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319091 | METHODS, CIRCUITS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR DISABLING OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES DURING COLD LOAD PICKUP - Methods of controlling activation of electrical appliances can include reducing overlapping activation time of different electrical appliances located at a single customer location of an electrical service provider during cold load pickup as a default condition upon determination of restoration of the electrical power to the single customer location subsequent to a failure of the electrical power beyond the single customer. Related systems, circuits, and computer program products are disclosed. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319092 | MODEL BASED OPTIMIZATION OF MULTIPLE POWER GENERATING UNITS - A method and apparatus for optimizing the operation of a single or multiple power generating units using advanced optimization, modeling, and control techniques. In one embodiment, a plurality of component optimization systems for optimizing power generating unit components are sequentially coordinated to allow optimized values determined by a first component optimization system to be fed forward for use as an input value to a subsequent component optimization system. A unit optimization system may be provided to determine goals and constraints for the plurality of component optimization systems in accordance with economic data. In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-unit optimization system is provided to determine goals and constraints for component optimization systems of different power generating units. Both steady state and dynamic models are used for optimization. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319093 | METHODS AND PROCESSES RELATING TO ELECTRICITY POWER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS - According to an aspect of the invention a method is provided comprising: providing a model for a predetermined location within an electrical power system having therein distributed resources (DR), the model based on known system conditions, the model indicative of first sensed characteristics of the electrical power system at the predetermined location; sensing at the predetermined location characteristics of the electrical power system corresponding to at least some of the first sensed characteristics; determining a status of the electrical power system network indicative of an islanding event in dependence upon sensing and other than in dependence upon other sensed data sensed remotely from the predetermined location; and, controlling a distributed resource in dependence upon the status | 2009-12-24 |
20090319094 | DOCKING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOBILE MEDICATION CART - The docking system includes a wall-mounted assembly having an extending contact portion which includes a set of power contacts for supplying power to a medication cart via a docking port located on the medication cart when the cart is engaged with the wall-mounted assembly. The contact portion includes a depending hook member which engages a spring-biased locking solenoid in the docking port to lock the cart to the wall-mounted assembly when the cart is moved into contact with the wall-mounted assembly. The cart can be unlocked by a signal to the locking solenoid from the cart or manually. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319095 | Vehicle driver messaging system and method - A steering wheel system for a vehicle includes a display and a controller. The controller receives vehicle parameters from one or more vehicle sensors as well as geometric or navigability characteristics of the road. The controller generates a prediction of an effect of the vehicle parameters on the vehicle with respect to the geometric or navigability characteristics of the road. The controller sends a signal to the display based on the prediction. The display is configured to display a representation of the prediction based on the signal received from the controller. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319096 | CONTROL AND MONITOR HETEROGENEOUS AUTONOMOUS TRANSPORT DEVICES - This disclosure is directed to methods, computer-readable media, and systems for controlling one or more uninhabited heterogeneous autonomous transport devices. Embodiments of the present invention advantageously reduce costs and improve efficiencies by providing capabilities for a computing device to be able to control and to monitor one or more heterogeneous autonomous transport devices. This occurs by generating a command signal from a computing device and transmitting the command signal to control on-board computing devices of one or more heterogeneous transport devices to execute requirements of a mission. Also, embodiments of the present invention provide ways to start-up, to send commands, and to shut down real or simulated heterogeneous autonomous transport devices. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319097 | HAND CONTROLLER ASSEMBLY - A user input device for a vehicular electrical system is provided. The user input device includes a handle sized and shaped to be gripped by a human hand and a gimbal assembly within the handle. The gimbal assembly includes a first gimbal component, a second gimbal component coupled to the first gimbal component such that the second gimbal component is rotatable relative to the first gimbal component about a first axis, and a third gimbal component coupled to the second gimbal component such that the third gimbal component is rotatable relative to the second gimbal component about a second axis. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319098 | SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING REQUIRED NAVIGATION PERFORMANCE ON A HORIZONTAL SITUATION INDICATOR - A display system is provided that renders a horizontal situation indicator that includes required navigation performance (RNP) and estimated position uncertainty (EPU) values rendered non-numerically and in a fairly intuitive manner. A processor receives at least data representative of a desired course of the aircraft, data representative of the RNP for the aircraft, and data representative of the EPU for the aircraft. The processor renders, on a display device, a horizontal situation indicator that includes an aircraft symbol representative of a top-down view of the aircraft, an RNP boundary graphic representative of at least one RNP boundary for the aircraft, and an EPU graphic representative of the EPU for the aircraft. The aircraft symbol is rendered at a position that is representative of actual aircraft position relative to the desired course, and the RNP boundary graphic is rendered at a position relative to the rendered aircraft symbol and comprises a shaded region that shades a portion of the display device. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319099 | COMPUTER MAINTENANCE SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT WITH REMOTE TERMINAL - The present invention relates to a computer maintenance system for an aircraft comprising a server hosting maintenance software and at least one access terminal. The system comprises a KVM switch over IP linked to said server. The terminal is adapted to connect to said switch by means of a TCP/IP connection and hosts a client application. Symmetrically, the switch hosts a server application, said applications being suitable for implementing a protocol for remotely accessing a video frame buffer. Each video frame is transmitted from the server application to the client application in the form of bitmap image data, uncompressed or else compressed by a lossless compression algorithm. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319100 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DEFINING AND RENDERING A TRAJECTORY - Embodiments of systems and methods for defining and rendering a trajectory of an aircraft include a processing system that causes a three dimensional trajectory depiction to be rendered on a display device. The trajectory depiction includes at least one trajectory element indicator that corresponds to at least one trajectory element of a flight plan. The processing system also receives one or more user interface commands that indicate selection by a user of a selected trajectory element indicator and user-initiated movement of the selected trajectory element indicator from a first display position to a second display position. The processing system determines one or more modified characteristics of a trajectory element corresponding to the selected trajectory element indicator in response to the user-initiated movement, and causes a modified trajectory depiction to be rendered. The modified trajectory depiction includes the selected trajectory element indicator rendered at the second display position. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319101 | FORMATION FLIGHT CONTROL METHOD - The invention relates to a method for controlling the formation flight of at least two aircraft ( | 2009-12-24 |
20090319102 | Flight Recorder Having Integral Reserve Power Supply Within Form Factor of Enclosure and Method Therefor - A flight recorder includes an enclosure having a notch formed on one side or corner of the enclosure. An electronic interface is disposed within the enclosure. The electronic interface is coupled for receiving flight data, video data, and audio data. A memory unit is disposed within the enclosure and electrically connected to the electronic interface for storing the data. The memory unit contains a non-volatile memory device. A reserve power supply is physically disposed within the notch of the enclosure. The reserve power supply contains a rechargeable battery. A clamp secures the reserve power supply to the enclosure to make the reserve power supply removable from the enclosure. The reserve power supply has an electrical connector coupled to the enclosure for providing an operating voltage to the electronic interface and memory unit. The reserve power supply and electrical connector physically reside within a form factor of the enclosure. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319103 | PERSPECTIVE VERTICAL SITUATION DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A display system and method for an aircraft simultaneously displays the terrain under the flight plan, or under the current track of the aircraft, as both a two-dimensional lateral situation view image and as a perspective vertical situation view image. This provides improved tactical flight planning, and that does not erroneously show the flight plan passing through the displayed terrain. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319104 | SYSTEM FOR GUIDING AND PILOTING AN AIRCRAFT IN CASE OF INABILITY OF THE PILOTS - The system ( | 2009-12-24 |
20090319105 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING PILOT SITUATIONAL AWARENESS DURING FLARE TO TOUCHDOWN - A system and method for selectively alerting a pilot of an aircraft about distance remaining to the end of a runway. A position of the aircraft is received. A position of a runway is retrieved from a runway database. The retrieved position of the runway is compared to the received position of the aircraft to determine if the aircraft is within an alert envelope relative to the retrieved position of the runway. The position of the runway is subtracted from the position of the aircraft to determine a distance to the distal end of the runway. An alert to the pilot is generated based upon the distance to the distal end of the runway. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319106 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR MARINE PROPULSION UNIT - A control apparatus for a marine propulsion unit, which can activate an engine even when a computer system in an engine control unit is reset, includes a computer system arranged to actuate a starter motor using power from a battery on a hull in order to activate an engine, a reset state detection device arranged to detect a reset state of the computer system when the computer system is reset, and an analog circuit arranged to actuate the starter motor for a predetermined time period to activate the engine once the reset state is detected by the reset state detection device. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319107 | HYBRID VEHICLE,CONTROL METHOD OF HYBRID VEHICLE, AND COMPUTER READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM RECORDING PROGRAM FOR CAUSING COMPUTER TO EXECUTE CONTROL OF HYBRID VEHICLE - When curve determine signal from a navigation apparatus is activated, a learning portion learns driver's characteristics based on an accelerator pedal opening degree signal, and outputs the result of learning in association with a user ID from the navigation apparatus to a storage portion. A threshold value changing portion reads a learned value corresponding to the user ID from the storage portion, and based on the learned value, changes a threshold value for switching that is used by a traveling control portion. The traveling control portion switches between traveling modes based on a result of comparison between traveling power and the threshold value for switching. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319108 | ELECTRICITY STORAGE CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING ELETRICITY STORAGE - An electricity storage control apparatus that controls an electricity storage device mounted on a vehicle includes control device that changes a target state of charge, which is used as the target of a state of charge of the electricity storage device, and calculating device that calculates an amount of decrease in voltage across the electricity storage device caused as the vehicle is operated. The control device increases the target state of charge if a decreased voltage value, which is lower than a reference voltage value of the electricity storage device by the voltage decrease amount calculated by the calculating device, is equal to or lower than a threshold. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319109 | POWER OUTPUT APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND VEHICLE - A power output apparatus includes a control unit that controls an internal combustion engine, a generator, and an electric motor such that a required driving force is output to a drive shaft. The control unit learns an idle control amount, which is a control amount obtained during an idle operation of the internal combustion engine, in accordance with establishment of a predetermined learning condition when a rotation variation amount of the drive shaft is within a predetermined range including a value of zero, and does not learn the idle control amount when the rotation variation amount of the drive shaft is not within the predetermined range. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319110 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE - A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle computes estimated energy and external charge energy. The estimated energy is required to drive a vehicle to travel a planned travel route and an EV priority mode, in which drive power for the vehicle is generated with priority by a motor/generator by supplying electric power from a battery to the motor/generator. The external charge energy is supplied from an electric power source. The control apparatus checks whether the estimated required energy will be supplied fully by the external charge energy. If the full supply is not possible, the control apparatus causes electric power generation by the motor/generator at some point in the planned travel route, where the efficiency of electric power generation is good, thereby to supplement insufficiency of energy. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319111 | Digital Input/Output Control Device for Electric Vehicles - A digital input/output control device for an electric car or motorcycle is disclosed. The device includes a digital signal processor for analyzing, operating and judging data, a communication interface for allowing the digital signal processor to transmit and receive data therethrough, a status display for receiving data from the digital signal processor as an interface of data showing, and at least one input/output device for connecting other apparatuses to communicate with the digital signal processor through the communication interface. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319112 | AUTOMATIC PLANNING AND REGULATION OF THE SPEED OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES - An autonomous vehicle comprises one or more sensors configured to obtain data regarding conditions which affect movement of the autonomous vehicle; a speed planner coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to calculate a desired speed based, at least in part, on the data obtained from the one or more sensors; and one or more actuators responsive to signals from the speed planner and configured to adjust the speed of the autonomous vehicle based on the desired speed calculated by the speed planner. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319113 | PATH GENERATION ALGORITHM FOR AUTOMATED LANE CENTERING AND LANE CHANGING CONTROL SYSTEM - A system for providing path generation for automated lane centering and/or lane changing purposes. The system includes a desired path generation processor that receives signals detecting the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling, a request for a lane change, vehicle state information and a steering angle of the vehicle. The system also includes a path prediction processor that predicts the vehicle path based on vehicle state information including vehicle longitudinal speed, vehicle lateral speed, vehicle yaw-rate and vehicle steering angle. The desired path information and the predicted path information are compared to generate an error signal that is sent to a lane change controller that provides a steering angle signal to turn the vehicle and reduce the error signal. The desired path generation processor can use a fifth order polynomial equation to determine the desired path of the vehicle based on the input signals. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319114 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE - An FB distribution rule | 2009-12-24 |
20090319115 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ESTIMATING TEMPERATURES OF POWER MODULE COMPONENTS - Methods and systems are provided for modeling temperature characteristics of components in a system such as a power module for a hybrid or electric vehicle. A power dissipation value is calculated for each of the components in the system. A first filter is applied to the power dissipation value associated with a selected component to determine its estimated temperature. For each of the neighboring components located adjacent to the selected component, a cross-coupling temperature is estimated by applying other filters to each of the power dissipation values for the neighboring components. The estimated temperature of the selected component and the estimated cross-coupling temperatures for each of the neighboring components can then be added to thereby estimate the operating temperature for the selected component. Further, the operation of the system may be adjusted if the operating temperature determined for the selected component exceeds a threshold value. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319116 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING DATA IN A VEHICLE - A data collection system for a vehicle is provided. The data collection system includes a first data collection node configured to obtain data from a vehicle subsystem, and a processor communicatively coupled to the data collection node via a wiring system, wherein the wiring system includes a plurality of conductors and an overbraid surrounding said plurality of conductors, said overbraid comprising at least one fiber optic cable integrally woven therein and configured for the transmission of data related to an operational status of the vehicle subsystem. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319117 | ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - An electric power steering system of a vehicle has a plurality of Hall ICs for sensing torque applied to a steering wheel, and an electric motor for power-assisting the steering wheel. A supply voltage for the Hall ICs is varied temporarily to check the electric output signals of the Hall ICs. A non-failing device of the plurality of Hall ICs, which generates the electric output signal varying in response to the variation of the supply voltage, is selected. The electric motor is controlled based on only the electric output signal of the non-failing device. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319118 | Electronic Stabilty Program for a Land Vehicle - The invention concerns an electronic vehicle dynamics regulation system for a land vehicle, which system is set up for steering and braking intervention, and with which a sensor arrangement is associated, which sensor arrangement, for a steering intervention device and for a braking system which builds up braking forces independently of or in addition to the driver, captures the yaw angular velocity and/or the transverse acceleration and feeds them to the steering intervention device and braking system. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319119 | GATEWAY CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLES AND TRAVEL INFORMATION RECORDING METHOD THEREOF - A gateway control apparatus for vehicles includes a receiver receiving travel state information sent from sensors and vehicle ECUs through interfaces, a first memory storing the travel state information, a determination unit determining occurrence of a vehicle accident or an ECU malfunction based on the travel state information, a second memory, and a controller allowing the second memory to store malfunction information of an associated ECU among the travel state information if the ECU malfunction has occurred, and allowing the first memory to store pre-accident travel state information and post-accident vehicle state information with reference to an accident occurrence time point if the vehicle accident has occurred. The gateway control apparatus enables not only data communication between the ECUs having different communication modes, but also accurate analysis of causes of the vehicle accident or the ECU malfunction. A travel information recording method of the gateway control apparatus is also disclosed. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319120 | VEHICLE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR - A steering angle sensor includes a magnetized body coupled through a gear to a steering shaft so as to rotate with rotation of the steering shaft, a magnetic sensing device for detecting a magnetic field generated by the magnetized body, a signal processing device for detecting a direction of the magnetic field based on the detected magnetic field and for detecting a steering angle of the steering shaft based on the direction of the magnetic field, a correlation signal output sensor mounted on the vehicle to output a correlation signal correlated with the steering angle, and a signal check circuit for determining whether the steering angle is valid or invalid based on comparison between the steering angle and the correlation signal. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319121 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADDRESSING IMPROPER TOWING OF A VEHICLE - A method and system that can be used to address improper towing of a vehicle so that unnecessary damage to the vehicle can be detected, recorded, prevented, avoided, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method uses a vehicle power signal and one or more wheel movement signal(s) to detect instances of improper towing and, if detected, initiates a remedial action. Remedial actions could include, for example, alerting the tow truck operator through a visual and/or audible alarm, sending a wireless warning message to a remote call center, and recording the relevant information for subsequent analysis. In one embodiment, the wheel movement signals are provided by tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensors already located in the vehicle. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319122 | DETECTION OF ERRORS IN DATA RELATING TO THE ACTUATION OF A VEHICLE MEMBER - The invention relates to a method for the transmission of data relating to the actuation of a member used to operate a vehicle, in which code words are transmitted along the length of a given channel, each of said code words resulting from the channel coding of a block of information symbols that is representative of the aforementioned data. According to the invention, at least two such successive blocks of information symbols are coded using two different codes. The invention also relates to a data transmission system that is used to implement said method. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319123 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING A VIBRATION LEVEL OF A WHEEL WITHIN A RESONATING FREQUENCY RANGE OF A VEHICLE SUSPENSION - A method that detects whether the vibration level of the wheel is within the resonating frequency range by utilizing discrete velocity measurements. The method includes continuously measuring velocity levels of a wheel relative to a sprung mass vehicle component. These measurements are continuously recorded over a period of time. A periodic algorithm is provided, and the periodic algorithm and the velocity measurements are utilized to determine an output value. The output value is utilized to determine whether the vibration level of the wheel is within the resonating frequency range. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319124 | INVERTED WHEEL TYPE MOVING BODY AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME (AS AMENDED) - An inverted wheel type moving body according to the present invention includes a right chassis | 2009-12-24 |
20090319125 | Self Powered Steering Wheel Angle Sensor - A steering wheel angle detection system having a steering wheel angle sensor, a generator and a controller memory such that when a vehicle ignition is powered off, movement of a steering wheel generates electricity and allows a steering wheel angle sensor to detect the change in steering wheel angle. The change, or an indicator, is stored in non-volatile RAM until a time in which the ignition is powered-on. The generator may be a generator dedicated to the steering wheel angle sensor or it may be an electric motor that is part of an electrically assisted power steering system. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319126 | DRIVING SUPPORT DEVICE AND DRIVING SUPPORT METHOD - A target vehicle speed for traveling a predetermined road section ahead of a host vehicle is obtained, and an acceleration gear ratio, which is a gear ratio for accelerating the host vehicle to a vehicle speed faster than the target vehicle speed after traveling through the predetermined road section, is also obtained. If a driving support control settings indicates that execution of a gear ratio control is permitted, a gear ratio of the host vehicle is set to the acceleration gear ratio before the host vehicle reaches a start point of the predetermined road section. If the driving support control settings indicate that execution of a deceleration control using the brake portion is permitted, a braking portion is controlled so as to decelerate a vehicle speed of the host vehicle to the target vehicle speed before the host vehicle reaches the start point of the predetermined road section. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319127 | MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER ASSISTING METHOD NEAR THE STABILITY LIMIT - A method for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to monitoring at least one quantity selected among vehicle sideslip, yaw rate error, understeer and quantities correlated to vehicle sideslip, yaw rate error or understeer, deciding that there is a risk of the vehicle becoming unstable if any of the monitored quantities or a quantity derived from one or more of the monitored quantities exceeds a predetermined first threshold, and if it is decided that there is a risk, issuing a warning signal. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319128 | Method and System for Determining an Optimal Steering Angle in Understeer Situations in a Vehicle - A method for determining an optimal steering angle in understeer situations of a vehicle is described. To assist a driver in reliably stabilizing the vehicle during an understeer situation while driving, a model-based driving traction coefficient factor, a model-based kinematic factor, and a float angle are taken into account in the determination of a steering angle. A limited steering angle δ | 2009-12-24 |
20090319129 | MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVER ASSISTING METHOD - A method is provided for assisting the driver of a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to estimating a maximum safe amount of lateral acceleration based on one or more of detected vehicle lateral acceleration, yaw rate, vehicle longitudinal speed and steering wheel angle, calculating a longitudinal vehicle speed to produce a lateral acceleration equal to said maximum safe amount, and displaying a recommended longitudinal vehicle speed to the driver. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319130 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADAPTIVELY COMPENSATING CLOSED-LOOP FRONT-WHEEL STEERING CONTROL - An active front-wheel vehicle steering control system that employs closed-loop control includes an adaptive compensation sub-system that compensates for changes in vehicle dynamic parameters. The control system includes a dynamic parameter estimation sub-system that provides an estimated front cornering compliance and rear cornering compliance based on a steering wheel angle signal, a vehicle lateral acceleration signal, a vehicle yaw rate signal and a vehicle speed signal. The closed-loop control includes active gain for each of vehicle yaw rate, yaw acceleration, side-slip and side-slip rate, all based on the vehicle speed and vehicle dynamic parameter changes for use in generating a steering angle control signal to the front wheels of the vehicle. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319131 | VEHICLE MACRO RECORDING AND PLAYBACK SYSTEM ABLE TO OPERATE ACROSS SUBSYSTEM BOUNDARIES - An in-vehicle macro system can include a bus connecting a volatile memory, a non-volatile storage medium, and a processor. The non-volatile memory can include a set of macros and a set of computer program products including instructions which the processor is configured to execute. The computer program products can include a macro playback component and a macro recorder. The macros can each include a linkage to a set of associated actions. Each of the actions can control an adjustable setting of a vehicle subsystem, wherein actions associated with a single macro are able to control settings of different vehicle subsystems. The macro playback component can execute the macros, where execution of each macro causes the actions associated with the macro to be performed. The macro recorder can be used to create new macros. Each newly established macro can include a set of user specified actions. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319132 | Vehicle Speed Based Driving Control System with Single Operating Device - A device which integrates conventional vehicle driving components (clutch, brake, gear-shifting, steering wheel and accelerator) into a single operating handle which reduces the need for space inside the vehicle and make driving easier. This is done through a controlled process involving load sensor, speed sensor, set speed, driven-by-ware and engine control unit. The set speed is the base input for the process and as a result, no more energy than necessary is consumed. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319133 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MOVEMENT OF A VEHICLE COMPONENT - A method is provided for controlling movement of a first vehicle component relative to a second vehicle component, including the steps of determining a deceleration rate of the first vehicle component in order to achieve a predetermined final speed at a final position, determining a starting position for initiating the deceleration on the predetermined final speed, the final position and the determined deceleration rate and controlling deceleration of the component from the starting position to the final position according to the determined acceleration rate. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319134 | INDUSTRIAL TRUCK WITH OPTICAL LIFTING HEIGHT MEASUREMENT - The invention relates to an industrial truck, comprising a vehicle frame, a lifting framework ( | 2009-12-24 |
20090319135 | HYDRAULIC OR PNEUMATIC CONTROL OF AN AUTOMATED SHIFT TRANSMISSION - The invention concerns a hydraulic or pneumatic control device for an automated shift transmission, comprising actuating devices with actuating cylinders ( | 2009-12-24 |
20090319136 | Torque load control system and method - A machine may include a torque producing system, and a torque consuming device including load controls operable to generate a request for torque. The machine may also include a control system coupled to the torque producing system and the load controls. The control system may be operable to receive the request for torque, determine a torque limit based on the requested torque, and communicate the torque limit to the load controls, the load controls being operable to adjust operation of the torque consuming device based on the torque limit. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319137 | OUTPUT CONTROL DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An electronic control unit | 2009-12-24 |
20090319138 | DRIVING SUPPORT DEVICE, DRIVING SUPPORT METHOD AND DRIVING SUPPORT PROGRAM - A first acceleration gear ratio is acquired for accelerating a host vehicle in a first acceleration zone following a first zone ahead of the host vehicle, and a second acceleration gear ratio is acquired for accelerating the host vehicle in a second acceleration zone following a second zone ahead of the first zone. A control is executed to set the gear ratio of the host vehicle to the first acceleration gear ratio in a first deceleration zone in order to decelerate the host vehicle before entering the first zone. A control is executed to set the gear ratio of the host vehicle to the second acceleration gear ratio when the host vehicle must decelerate with respect to the second zone while traveling in the first acceleration gear ratio. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319139 | DRIVING SUPPORT DEVICE, DRIVING SUPPORT METHOD AND DRIVING SUPPORT PROGRAM - Information pertaining to a first zone set ahead of a host vehicle and a second zone farther ahead than the first zone is acquired. Based on the information, if a distance between an end point of the first zone and a start point of the second zone is shorter than a distance within which the host vehicle can be slowed at a predetermined deceleration to a second target vehicle speed for traveling the second zone at the start point of the second zone, a second acceleration gear ratio is acquired for accelerating the host vehicle in a second acceleration zone following the second zone. The gear ratio of the host vehicle is set to the second acceleration gear ratio in a first deceleration zone for slowing the host vehicle before reaching the first zone. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319140 | GEAR SHIFT CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - In gear shift control apparatus and method for an automatic transmission, a first frictional engagement element is, in turn, released, a second frictional engagement element is, in turn, engaged to perform the gear shift to another gear stage, a command hydraulic pressure to the second frictional engagement element is temporarily reduced when a parameter indicating a degree of progress of the gear shift detected during the gear shift to the other gear stage has reached to a predetermined value representing an inertia phase finish immediate prior region at a time of an inertia phase developed during a replacement gear shift, an reduction quantity of the command hydraulic pressure is set whenever a predetermined time has elapsed on a basis of the parameter detected whenever the predetermined time has elapsed in the inertia phase finish immediate prior region to progressively reduce the command hydraulic pressure. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319141 | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - During control of a shift of a first friction engagement element from an engaged state into a disengaged state and a shift of a second friction engagement element from a disengaged state into an engaged state for a gear shift to a first target gear from a second target gear, a desired torque capacity of the first friction engagement element is set based on an actual transmission gear ratio by interpolation from values of the desired torque capacity corresponding to at least first and second reference transmission gear ratios, wherein the first reference transmission gear ratio is a transmission gear ratio at start of an inertia phase of the shift control. When the first reference transmission gear ratio is between the actual transmission gear ratio and the second reference transmission gear ratio, the desired torque capacity is set to the value corresponding to the first reference transmission gear ratio. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319142 | SPEED CHANGE CONTROL SYSTEM OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - When it is judged that a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined very low value, that is, for example, 5 km/h, the hydraulic pressure applied to an engaging-side frictional element is sharply increased, sharply reduced and then held higher than a given value capable of effecting a piston stroke of a corresponding piston unit until a time when the piston stroke is completed. Upon completion of the piston stroke, the hydraulic pressure is increased to a 10 maximum value in a time that is smaller or shorter than that set when the detected vehicle speed is higher than the predetermined very low value. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319143 | UP-SHIFT CONTROL IN AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH NEGATIVE INPUT TORQUE - A transmission control module including a shift control module that generates an enable signal when an up-shift is requested and the engine torque is below a threshold torque value. A turbine speed profile determination module that selectively generates a desired turbine speed profile. The shift control module controls a clutch pressure of an off-going clutch based on a measured turbine speed and the desired turbine speed profile when the enable signal is generated. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319144 | SHIFT CONTROL APPARATUS OF A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION AND METHOD OF DETERMINING WHETHER SHIFT CONTROL APPARATUS IS OPERATING NORMALLY - The invention provides a shift control apparatus of a continuously variable transmission, which includes a feedback control portion which executes feedback control that brings an actual speed ratio close or equal to a target speed ratio, and a normal operation determining portion which determines whether the shift control apparatus is operating normally based on a difference between the actual speed ratio and the target speed ratio, and an amount of change in the actual speed ratio and an amount of change in the target speed ratio during a predetermined interval. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319145 | METHOD FOR DETECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF A SKIP SHIFT DEVICE - A skip shift device performance detecting method used to more accurately enable skip shift diagnostic execution in a manual transmission equipped vehicle where a skip shift has been requested and a transmission clutch remains engaged. Where a skip shift request ceases during clutch engagement, a timed loop is used to monitor if clutch disengagement occurs before the loop times out. Where clutch disengagement occurs before the loop times out, skip shift diagnostic execution is enabled. Where the loop times out before disengagement, skip shift diagnostic execution is disabled. Where the skip shift is requested and the clutch remains engaged, the skip shift request is monitored to determine whether it is withdrawn before clutch disengagement. If it is withdrawn before clutch disengagement, the aforementioned timed monitoring loop is executed. If it is not withdrawn before clutch disengagement, execution of the skip shift diagnostic is enabled. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319146 | TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR DIESEL POWERED VEHICLES - The present invention provides an improved traction control system which can be advantageously applied to a vehicle which does not employ a spark ignition engine, such as a vehicle powered by a diesel engine. In an embodiment of the invention, a traction control unit (TCU) and a digital potentiometer are interfaced between the wheel speed sensors and the vehicle ECU. The traction control unit senses wheel, the traction control unit causes the digital potentiometer to decrement the throttle position sensor voltage read by the ECU, which in turn reduces the fuel flow through the fuel injector. The reduction in fuel flow reduces the wheel speed and/or wheel torque thereby allowing the slipping wheels to regain traction. When traction is regained, the traction control unit causes the digital potentiometer to begin incrementing the throttle position sensor voltage back up to its standard voltage, determined by the current throttle position, thereby causing the ECU to increase the fuel flow through the fuel injector to the standard level for the current throttle position. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319147 | CRUISE CONTROL AND ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT (AFM) INTERACTION - A method and controller for operating cruise control in a vehicle having an engine with active fuel management (AFM) is provided. Adaptive scaler values can be determined based on a cylinder deactivation signal and calibrated scaler values. Cruise control commands can be calculated based on the adaptive scaler values. A speed of the vehicle can be controlled based on the cruise control commands. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319148 | VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS - A vehicle control apparatus includes an accelerator-state detecting section configured to detect an accelerator manipulating state of a driver; a traveling-path-condition detecting section configured to detect a condition of a traveling path of a host vehicle; a brake control section configured to cause the host vehicle to automatically generate a braking force; and a control unit configured to control the brake control section on the basis of an input from the accelerator-state detecting section. The control unit is configured to actuate the brake control section in a case where the accelerator-state detecting section detects a decrease of a manipulated variable of the accelerator or an off-state of the accelerator and also where the traveling-path-condition detecting section detects a target object for speed reduction on the traveling path. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319149 | CONTROL UNIT FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE DRIVE - In a control unit for operating a vehicle drive, and to a method for operating the control unit. An upper bound is imposed on the final desired torque output by the control unit with a limiting torque dependent on the measured/manipulated variables of the accelerator pedal value sensor, when the detected vehicle speed lies below a starting limiting speed. | 2009-12-24 |
20090319150 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING A TURBINE CLEARANCE - Methods, systems, and apparatus for controlling a turbine clearance in an aircraft engine are provided. A method includes activating a turbine clearance control based on a flight phase of an aircraft using the aircraft engine, and adjusting the turbine clearance based on a preselected turbine clearance value. | 2009-12-24 |