Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100217741 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO ANALYZE RULES - A method and system to analyze rules is described. The system receives a query and applies a first plurality of rules to the query to identify a second plurality of rules that respectively identify at least one matching keyword in the query. Next, the system counts the first plurality of rules to identify a total quantity of rules applied to the query and further counts the second plurality of rules to identify a second quantity of rules that respectively identify at least one matching keyword in the query. Finally, the system determines a percentage of coverage for the query based on the total quantity of rules and the second quantity of rules. | 08-26-2010 |
20100250535 | IDENTIFYING AN ITEM BASED ON DATA ASSOCIATED WITH THE ITEM - There are provided methods and systems to identify an item based on data associated with the item. Information is received that is descriptive of an item to be listed on an information storage and retrieval platform. The information is associated with an aspect-value pair, which is an aspect of the item and a value of the aspect. An expression of an interest of a user in the item is received. The expression is associated with the aspect-value pair. In response to the associating of the expression with the aspect-value pair, the item is identified. | 09-30-2010 |
20110082872 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO TRANSFORM UNSTRUCTURED INFORMATION - There is provided methods and systems to transform unstructured information into structured information. First, the system accesses a rule specifying a condition for assigning data to the data item, the condition based on the content of the data item, the assigned data to provide structure to the data item. Second, based on a detecting that the condition has been met, the system applies the rule to assign the assigned data to the data item. Third, the system stores, in a database, the data item and the assigned data as the data item structured information. | 04-07-2011 |
20110106785 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO ENABLE NAVIGATION OF DATA ITEMS - There is provided methods and systems to enable navigation of data items based on aspect-value pairs extracted from the data items. First, the system receives the query. Second, the system identifies the plurality of data items found by the query. Third, the system identifies an aspect of at least one of the plurality of data items. Fourth, the system identifies a value of a plurality of values corresponding to the aspect. Fifth, the system a request to navigate to a set of data items within the plurality of data items, the request comprising the aspect and a requested value of the plurality of values. Each one of the set of data items has the aspect and the value. Sixth, the system presents, in a user interface, information about each one of the set of data items. | 05-05-2011 |
20110119246 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY A PREFERRED DOMAIN OF A PLURALITY OF DOMAINS - There is provided methods and systems to identify a preferred domain of a plurality of domains corresponding to a query. First, the system receives the query. Second, the system accesses demand information corresponding to the query, the demand information including navigation information associated with the query. Third, the system accesses supply information corresponding to the query, the supply information including a count of data items in each of the plurality of domains that match the query. Fourth, the system identifies the preferred domain based on the demand information and the supply information. | 05-19-2011 |
20120310946 | IDENTIFYING AN ITEM BASED ON DATA ASSOCIATED WITH THE ITEM - There are provided methods and systems to identify an item based on data associated with the item. Information is received that is descriptive of an item to be listed on an information storage and retrieval platform. The information is associated with an aspect-value pair, which is an aspect of the item and a value of the aspect. An expression of an interest of a user in the item is received. The expression is associated with the aspect-value pair. In response to the associating of the expression with the aspect-value pair, the item is identified. | 12-06-2012 |
20140195381 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELLER AND ITEM FILTERS - A system and method uses seller and item filters to identify items listed on a network based transaction facility that are qualified for a network based elite transaction facility. | 07-10-2014 |
20150095302 | IDENTIFYING AN ITEM BASED ON DATA ASSOCIATED WITH THE ITEM - There are provided methods and systems to identify an item based on data associated with the item. Information is received that is descriptive of an item to be listed on an information storage and retrieval platform. The information is associated with an aspect-value pair, which is an aspect of the item and a value of the aspect. An expression of an interest of a user in the item is received. The expression is associated with the aspect-value pair. In response to the associating of the expression with the aspect-value pair, the item is identified. | 04-02-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080275644 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ROUTE INFORMATION TO A DRIVER OF A VEHICLE - A system and method for providing route information to a driver of a vehicle given a predetermined destination having more than one route available to reach the predetermined destination includes receiving a driver input indicating a vehicle operating preference. Operating characteristics for the vehicle, such as a predicted time to reach the predetermined destination, are determined for at least some of the routes. One of the routes is selected based at least in part on the determined operating characteristics and the vehicle operating preference. An informational output is provided to the driver indicating the selected route. | 11-06-2008 |
20110163710 | VEHICLE POWER SYSTEM - A vehicle may include an electric machine, a traction battery, and a solar panel array. The vehicle may further include circuitry electrically connected with the battery and array. The circuitry may include at least one switch configured to close when activated by a calibrated maximum holding power to permit energy to flow from the array to the battery. | 07-07-2011 |
20140184141 | Method and Apparatus for High-Voltage DC Charging of Battery-Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles - A portable charging device can provide controllable fast DC charging of an electric vehicle (EV) high voltage battery by a separate EV high voltage battery. The charging device can be configured to comply with universal standards for EV charging so as to be compatible with various automobile models of various manufacturers. The device can be configured to establish a communication link with a donor and recipient vehicle and conduct a voltage matching process between the batteries of the two vehicles prior to transferring power to the recipient vehicle battery. To prevent energy theft, control of a charging process can be shared among the charging device and the donor and receiver vehicles. A charger device can be configured to enable a charging process only when no faults are detected. A charger device can allow a motorist to quickly recharge a depleted high voltage battery at a convenient time and location. | 07-03-2014 |
20140236403 | Method and Apparatus for Route Completion Likelihood Display - A system includes a processor configured to send likelihood-of-success request, including vehicle state information. The processor is further configured to receive information representing likelihood of reaching route points, utilizing a current vehicle charge, along with effects on the likelihood based on one or more power utilization changes. The processor is also configured to interactively display the received information and receive power utilization change selection. Also, the processor is configured to calculate a new likelihood of reaching the points based on the selection and display updated information based on the calculation. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236404 | Method and Apparatus for Route Completion Likelihood Display - A system includes a processor configured to send likelihood-of-success request, including vehicle state information. The processor is further configured to receive information representing likelihood of reaching route points, utilizing a current vehicle charge, along with effects on the likelihood based on one or more power utilization changes. The processor is also configured to interactively display the received information and receive power utilization change selection. Also, the processor is configured to calculate a new likelihood of reaching the points based on the selection and display updated information based on the calculation. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236467 | Method and Apparatus for Route Completion Likelihood Display - A system includes a processor configured to send likelihood-of-success request, including vehicle state information. The processor is further configured to receive information representing likelihood of reaching route points, utilizing a current vehicle charge, along with effects on the likelihood based on one or more power utilization changes. The processor is also configured to interactively display the received information and receive power utilization change selection. Also, the processor is configured to calculate a new likelihood of reaching the points based on the selection and display updated information based on the calculation. | 08-21-2014 |
20140266063 | CONTROL OF POWER FLOW IN BATTERY CELLS OF A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes a high voltage traction battery for providing propulsion energy to the vehicle. A battery control module controls the operation of the battery, and also commands cell balancing out of or between cells of the battery to maintain a relative equilibrium of charge across a plurality of the cells. The battery control module is in communication with an interactive display in the vehicle or a communication device outside of the vehicle. A user can define a time period in which the vehicle is to enter a hibernation mode. During the hibernation mode, the battery control module inhibits cell balancing in the battery. Upon expiration of the user-defined time period, the battery control module enables cell balancing. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277872 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for controlling an electric-vehicle is provided. The system and method calculates a likelihood of arriving at a destination based on vehicle data and a current route. The likelihood is compared to least a first threshold and a second threshold. A first action is implemented when the likelihood is less than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold. A second action being different from the first action is implemented when the likelihood is less than the second threshold. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278104 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE EMERGENCY RECHARGE ASSISTANCE - A system and method for obtaining an emergency recharge in an electric vehicle is provided. The system may leverage a network of electric vehicle owners and drivers to facilitate a peer-to-peer emergency recharge of an electric vehicle unable to reach a charging station before its energy storage device is depleted. A list of potential rescuers willing to provide portable charging assistance may be generated. Out-of-range rescue vehicles may be filtered from the list. The list of potential rescuers may then be sorted based on drive time to an intercept location. Potential rescuers from the list may be sequentially contacted according to the sort order until a request for portable charging assistance is accepted. Drivers of both the soon to be stranded vehicle and the rescue vehicle may receive route guidance from navigation systems to a mutually agreeable intercept location where the peer-to-peer emergency recharge can take place. | 09-18-2014 |
20150061603 | MONITOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORED BATTERY - A monitor system for an inventoried battery includes at least one battery pack; at least one embedded monitor subsystem interfacing with the battery pack, the embedded monitor system adapted to acquire sensor data from the battery pack; and at least one archival data storage system interfacing with the embedded monitor subsystem, the archival data storage system adapted to archive the sensor data. A method of monitoring a stored battery is also disclosed. | 03-05-2015 |
20150061688 | Vehicle High/Low Voltage Systems Isolation Testing - Systems or methods for testing performance of an isolation monitor for a vehicle having a high voltage traction battery electrical system isolated from a low voltage electrical system include a device for connecting to an isolation/leakage monitor under test. The device includes a current leakage bus, a current leakage array, and a current leakage destination with associated switching elements automatically controlled by a programmed microprocessor to introduce various leakage impedances to a second voltage source or ground and to evaluate performance of the isolation/leakage monitor under test. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066258 | BEV LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A battery electric vehicle life support system for a battery electric vehicle. The system may include at least one controller adapted to receive charging station location data; a vehicle battery interfacing with the at least one controller, the at least one controller adapted to receive state of charge data from the vehicle battery; and the at least one controller adapted to determine a probability that the vehicle will reach at least one battery charging station based on the state of charge data and the charging station location data. A battery electric vehicle life support method is also disclosed. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066416 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING VEHICLE TRACTION BATTERY COMPONENTS - A traction battery connection simulator is disclosed comprising a plurality of power supplies connected to simulate a traction battery and a plurality of switching devices that selectively connect the power supplies to a controller under test. The simulator further comprises a controller programmed to selectively connect at least one of power supplies to the controller under test for a predetermined period of time before connecting remaining power supplies. The controller may also be programmed to disconnect at least one power supplies from the controller under test for a predetermined period of time before disconnecting remaining power supplies. Voltages associated with each power supply and currents through each switching device may be compared to corresponding predetermined ranges. An indicator may be set in response to at least one of the voltages and currents being outside of a corresponding predetermined range. | 03-05-2015 |
20150115886 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER AND CHARGING METHOD - An example electric vehicle charging method includes charging a battery of a vehicle using an external power source, and adjusting the charging based on a predicted amount of charging generated when driving the vehicle from the external power source to a destination. The external power source is at a higher elevation than some point along the route to the at least one destination. | 04-30-2015 |
20150158394 | METHOD TO ENSURE RELIABLE RECEPTION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE ASSOCIATION MESSAGES - A vehicle controller of a vehicle may set a message acceptance type and a time window for response according to a type of association procedure message received from a requester, provide the association procedure message to electric vehicle supply equipment, and return a received response message to the requester when the response message is of the acceptance type and received within the time window, and otherwise reject the response message. | 06-11-2015 |
20150197163 | CHARGE BALANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A power system may perform charge balancing for a vehicle. The power system may include a battery including a plurality of modules, each module including a cell and associated resistive circuitry. The system may also include at least one controller configured to, in response to a cell achieving a threshold voltage and/or SOC, activate the associated resistive circuitry for the cell and reduce a charge current applied to the battery to prevent the cell from acquiring additional charge. | 07-16-2015 |
20150217754 | Method and Apparatus for Providing Parking Instructions to Reduce Environmental Vehicle Effects - A system includes a processor configured to receive parking space environmental characteristics, from a vehicle parked in a parking space. The processor is also configured to download weather data for an area in which the parking space is located, covering a time duration for which the vehicle was parked. The processor is further configured to correlate the weather data to the received environmental characteristics to build a parking space environment profile for the duration of time and update a parking space model based on the environment profile. | 08-06-2015 |
20150219706 | Vehicle High-Voltage Systems Isolation Testing - An isolation test system for a vehicle includes a communication interface, a current sensor, a plurality of impedances and a controller. The controller is programmed to electrically connect a selected one of the impedances between a traction battery of the vehicle and a low voltage subsystem of the vehicle. The connection creates a leakage path between the traction battery and the subsystem. The controller is further programmed to output a diagnostic status based on a current associated with the leakage path and a signal received via a communication interface indicative of an isolation fault between the battery and subsystem. | 08-06-2015 |
20150241233 | Method and Apparatus for Providing a Navigation Route with Recommended Charging - A system includes a processor configured to discover charging station locations within a predefined proximity to a route for which vehicle-charging is required to complete. The processor is also configured to determine a charging cost at each discovered station, including at least battery-damage resulting from a charge. The processor is further configured to present a plurality of charging stations, including the charging costs and an estimated total route time for each station. Also, the processor is configured to receive a station selection and present a route including a stop at the selected station. | 08-27-2015 |
20150268285 | BATTERY SIMULATOR WITH VARIABLE CURRENT CAPACITY - A battery simulator can operate to provide different outputs. These outputs provide different characteristics related to how a device under test operates. In an example, a controller such as an electronic control module (ECM) or battery energy control module (BECM) can be tested. The battery simulator may provide different modes, e.g., a high current mode or a voltage change over time mode. A traction battery simulator may include a controller, analog output circuitry being controlled by the controller to output test current and test voltage, and switching circuitry connected to the analog output circuitry that has a first state and a second state. The first state is to provide an increased change in voltage over change in time relative to the second state. The second state is to provide an increased capacitance over the first state. | 09-24-2015 |
20150325396 | CONTACTOR COIL CURRENT REDUCTION DURING VEHICLE BATTERY CHARGING - Methods and systems are described to control the use of electrical power when charging a traction battery. A vehicle module can drive the contactor coils with two set-points for controlling the power into the contactor coils, namely, a travel or vehicle “on” set point and a charging, vehicle “off” set point. In use, full power is initially applied to the coils to guarantee immediate closure of the contactor. During charging and after closing the contactor, the power is set at the charging, vehicle “off” set point. The travel or vehicle “on” set point is higher than the charging, vehicle “off” set point. Using the charging, vehicle “off” set point reduces electricity consumption. The vehicle “on” set point is at a higher electrical level as it must maintain closure under worst-case vibration and shock conditions considering mounting location, contactor orientation, as well as other characteristics of the vehicle and contactor. | 11-12-2015 |
20160059732 | VEHICLE TRACTION BATTERY THERMAL CONDITIONING - A vehicle traction battery includes a plurality of battery cells and a battery energy control module (BECM) for charge-balancing the plurality of battery cells. The BECM is disposed within the vehicle traction battery and includes circuitry having at least one positive temperature coefficient component, such as a thermistor or silistor, connected to at least one of the plurality of battery cells for thermal conditioning of the plurality of battery cells. | 03-03-2016 |
20160076899 | STOCHASTIC RANGE - A system may identify an expected time-of-arrival distribution to a waypoint along a vehicle route, determine energy usage along the route according to a plurality of arrival timing states of a traffic control located at the waypoint given the expected time-of-arrival distribution, and display a map including the vehicle route and range contours indicative of alternative results of arriving at the waypoint at the plurality of arrival states. The system may also determine energy usage along the vehicle route and update an expected available range of the vehicle along the route. | 03-17-2016 |
20160097652 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ESTIMATING AVAILABLE DRIVING DISTANCE - A vehicle includes a powertrain having a battery-powered electric machine. The vehicle also includes a controller programmed to display, on a geographical map, at least one contour line indicating an available driving distance from a current location. The distance of the contour line from the current location is based on energy stored within the battery and predicted energy consumption due to driving along each of a plurality of possible routes originating from the current location. The predicted energy consumption is updated based on energy depletion events that occur during driving. | 04-07-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110034780 | Blade body for use with a surgical retractor - A blade system configured for use with a surgical retractor comprising a blade body and a blade body surround. The blade body includes a retractor attachment structure engagable with a blade body mounting structure of the surgical retractor. The retractor attachment structure is configured for allowing the blade body to be independently pivotable about and translatable along the blade body mounting structure. The blade body surround includes a slot within a sidewall thereof. The blade body surround and the blade body are jointly configured to form a generally cylindrical-shaped structure when the blade body is in a seated position within the slot. | 02-10-2011 |
20110034781 | Retractor component system and method of using same - A blade assembly has a blade body and a blade body surround. A retractor attachment structure is attached to the blade body at the first end portion thereof extending from an exterior surface thereof. The retractor attachment structure is configured for having one of the blade body mounting structures of the retractor engaged therewith in a manner whereby the blade body is independently pivotable about and translatable along the blade body mounting structure. An alignment member protrudes from an interior surface of the blade body adjacent its first end portion. A slot extends through the blade body at its first end portion. The blade body surround and the blade body jointly form a generally cylindrical-shaped structure when the blade body is in a seated position within the slot. The cylindrical structure defines a central passage extending between the first and second end portions of blade body surround. | 02-10-2011 |
20120165613 | Retractor Component System And Method Comprising Same - A blade assembly has a blade body and a blade body surround. A retractor attachment structure is attached to the blade body at the first end portion thereof extending from an exterior surface thereof. The retractor attachment structure is configured for having one of the blade body mounting structures of the retractor engaged therewith in a manner whereby the blade body is independently pivotable about and translatable along the blade body mounting structure. An alignment member protrudes from an interior surface of the blade body adjacent its first end portion. A slot extends through the blade body at its first end portion. The blade body surround and the blade body jointly form a generally cylindrical-shaped structure when the blade body is in a seated position within the slot. The cylindrical structure defines a central passage extending between the first and second end portions of blade body surround. | 06-28-2012 |
20120172669 | Retractor Component System And Method Comprising Same - A blade assembly has a blade body and a blade body surround. A retractor attachment structure is attached to the blade body at the first end portion thereof extending from an exterior surface thereof. The retractor attachment structure is configured for having one of the blade body mounting structures of the retractor engaged therewith in a manner whereby the blade body is independently pivotable about and translatable along the blade body mounting structure. An alignment member protrudes from an interior surface of the blade body adjacent its first end portion. A slot extends through the blade body at its first end portion. The blade body surround and the blade body jointly form a generally cylindrical-shaped structure when the blade body is in a seated position within the slot. The cylindrical structure defines a central passage extending between the first and second end portions of blade body surround. | 07-05-2012 |
20120190935 | Retractor Component System And Method Comprising Same - A blade assembly has a blade body and a blade body surround. A retractor attachment structure is attached to the blade body at the first end portion thereof extending from an exterior surface thereof. The retractor attachment structure is configured for having one of the blade body mounting structures of the retractor engaged therewith in a manner whereby the blade body is independently pivotable about and translatable along the blade body mounting structure. An alignment member protrudes from an interior surface of the blade body adjacent its first end portion. A slot extends through the blade body at its first end portion. The blade body surround and the blade body jointly form a generally cylindrical-shaped structure when the blade body is in a seated position within the slot. The cylindrical structure defines a central passage extending between the first and second end portions of blade body surround. | 07-26-2012 |
20120197300 | Method For Performing Minimally Invasive Surgery - Pedicle screw apparatuses each including a pedicle screw assembly and an attached pedicle screw extender are placed in a true percutaneous manner, thereby overcoming issues resulting from placing pedicle screw assemblies through a retractor. Thus, a retractor can advantageously be built off of the pedicle screw apparatuses, thereby allowing visualization of the spine anatomy directly. Furthermore, such a method for performing surgery ensures ideal placement of the retractor for additional procedures that are often required such as, for example, decompression, interbody device placement, etc. | 08-02-2012 |