Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150094903 | VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC AND PROGNOSTIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A diagnostic device having a computer processor in communication with a wireless transceiver, the wireless transceiver capable of communication with a remote computer located remotely from the processor. The computer processor may be configured to enable the diagnostic device to select one or more variables from a database in communication with the remote computer. The computer processor may generate a diagnostic instruction for a vehicle based on the one or more variables, the diagnostic instruction including data from memory of one or more modules that is not available on a vehicle network. The diagnostic device may transmit the custom diagnostic instruction to a vehicle in communication with the remote computer. The diagnostic device may receive at least a portion of the data in response to the diagnostic instruction from the vehicle. | 04-02-2015 |
20150094929 | VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC AND PROGNOSTIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A vehicle computing system having a computer processor in communication with a wireless transceiver, such that the wireless transceiver is capable of communication with a wireless communication device located remotely from the processor. The computer processor is configured to receive one or more instructions from a remote server through the wireless communication device. The processor may request a memory read from one or more modules based on the one or more instructions, wherein the memory read includes at least one variable that is not available on a vehicle network. The processor may receive data based on the memory read from the one or more modules and transmit the data to the remote server. | 04-02-2015 |
20150097525 | Detection of On-Board Charger Connection to Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment - Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles connect to Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) to recharge a traction battery. Existing standards define the signal interface between the vehicle and EVSE including control pilot and proximity detect signals. The vehicle may use the status of these signals to detect when a connection is established with EVSE. The vehicle may indicate a connection when the signals provide conflicting statuses. The vehicle may prevent driving off and permit charging in the event of a proximity detect signal indicating a state of engagement other than connected as long as a valid control pilot signal is present. The status of the control pilot signal may be utilized to prevent drive-off and permit charging. | 04-09-2015 |
20150097526 | Control Pilot Latch-Out Mechanism to Reduce Off-Board Energy Consumption - A vehicle connected to electric vehicle supply equipment is configured to wake-up an onboard charger based on a pilot signal. A controller is configured to interrupt the pilot signal to prevent the pilot signal from subsequently waking the charger to reduce power consumed by the charger while the vehicle is connected. The interruption may be triggered by a completion of a charge cycle, an extensive charge wait interval, or a charging system condition that prevents charging. The controller may discontinue interruption of the pilot signal in response to a wake-up source other than the pilot signal. | 04-09-2015 |
20150097527 | Plug-In Vehicle with Secondary DC-DC Converter - A vehicle includes a traction battery, an auxiliary battery, a charger, and two DC-DC converters. A first DC-DC converter is connected between the traction battery and the auxiliary battery through a main contactor. A second DC-DC converter is connected between the charger and the auxiliary battery. The charger is configured to charge the auxiliary battery via the second DC-DC converter when the charger is receiving power. The second DC-DC converter is configured to charge the auxiliary battery when the first DC-DC converter is disconnected from the traction battery. The second DC-DC converter can charge the auxiliary battery independent of the charger charging the traction battery. The second DC-DC converter may be configured to generally maximize power conversion efficiency in a range of power outputs associated with charging the auxiliary battery. | 04-09-2015 |
20150217655 | VERTICAL WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR CHARGING ELECTRIC VEHICLES - A park assist system may, in response to receiving a signal indicating that a remote inductive charge source is within a vicinity of a vehicle, transition from a park assist mode to a wireless charging mode. During the wireless charging mode, the park assist system generates instructions to assist a driver in positioning the vehicle relative to the inductive charge source. | 08-06-2015 |
20150239352 | VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEM - A system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a slidable bar, a connecting bar attached to the slidable bar and a charging device carried by the connecting bar and movable with the slidable bar. | 08-27-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110111838 | Thermal Management Systems For Wagering Game Terminals - According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming terminal for playing a wagering game comprises a game cabinet containing an electronics component that is used in conjunction with the wagering game. The electronics component produces heat. An air duct is located within the cabinet. The air duct defines an air-flow passageway. The air duct has an intake port, an outtake port and at least one first vent between the intake port and the outtake port. The intake port is configured to receive air into the air duct and the outtake port is configured to exhaust air out of the game cabinet. The at least one vent receives air heated by the electronics component. | 05-12-2011 |
20110207530 | WAGERING GAME MACHINES WITH UNIVERSAL MOUNTING BASE FOR LIGHT AND MARQUEE ASSEMBLIES - Wagering game systems, gaming machines, and methods of changing the appearance of a gaming machine are presented herein. In one embodiment, a gaming machine for playing a wagering game is presented. The gaming machine includes a display for displaying the outcomes of the wagering game, and an input device for receiving wagers from players. The gaming machine also includes a cabinet with a mounting base integrated to the top of the cabinet. The mounting base is configured to support any of a plurality of different top-box mounted fixtures, such as tower lights, marquees, and other signage. In some embodiments, the gaming machine also includes at least one electrical connector that is accessible from the exterior of the cabinet. The electrical connector is configured to electrically couple the selected top-box mounted fixture to the cabinet. | 08-25-2011 |
20130079157 | Varying Thickness Armrest With Integrated Multi-Level Button Panel - A gaming system includes a display mounted to a cabinet and configured to display an outcome of a wagering game, the outcome being randomly selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager. The gaming system further includes an armrest panel mounted to the cabinet and including a support padding having a wall thickness defined by an exterior surface and an interior surface. The wall thickness varies along a cross-section of the support padding. The armrest panel further includes a plurality of buttons integrated in the support padding for receiving inputs from a player, the plurality of buttons including a first button mounted on a first elevation of the support padding and a second button mounted on a second elevation of the support padding. The first elevation is higher than the second elevation relative to the interior surface. | 03-28-2013 |
20130157751 | GAMING DEVICES AND GAMING SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE DISPLAY DEVICE ARRANGEMENT - Gaming systems, gaming terminals, and multi-display arrangements for a wagering game terminal are presented herein. A gaming system for conducting a wagering game is disclosed which includes at least one input device, at least one processor, first and second electronic display devices, and an electronic display-transition device. The first and second electronic display devices are mounted in side-by-side, non-coplanar relationship and spaced a gap apart from each other. Each of the display devices is configured to dynamically display aspects of the wagering game. The electronic display-transition device extends across the gap from the first electronic display device to the second electronic display device. The electronic display-transition device is also configured to dynamically display aspects of the wagering game. The electronic display-transition device can have a curvilinear cross-sectional profile and/or a flexible display screen. | 06-20-2013 |
20130324206 | UTILITY HOOK AND SENSOR ASSEMBLY FOR WAGERING GAME TERMINALS AND GAMING SYSTEMS - Gaming terminals, gaming machines, gaming systems and utility hook and sensor assemblies are presented. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming terminal includes a cabinet, at least one display device configured to display aspects of the wagering game, and at least one input device configured to receive an input from a player to play the wagering game. The gaming terminal also includes a support mechanism that is attached to the cabinet and is configured to support a personal belonging of the player. An alert system is configured to detect the presence or absence, or both, of the personal belonging and/or the player at the gaming terminal, and generate an alert signal in response to the detected presence or absence. | 12-05-2013 |
20140057721 | INTERACTIVE TETHER USING TENSION AND FEEDBACK - A wand-shaped handheld device tethered to a fixed structure in a gaming system by one or more cables wound around reels. The handheld device includes a button on a top thereof as a secondary input means. Motors coupled to the reels wind the cables or apply an opposing force to a pulling force applied to the device. Sensors detect how far the cables are retracted or pulled relative to the fixed structure. Haptic feedback devices impart tactile vibrations that are transmitted along the cable(s) and to the handheld device as the motor is pulling the handheld device toward the fixed structure or a player grasping the device is pulling it away from the fixed structure. Wagering game graphics are coordinated with the movement of the device so that movements or selection of the graphics are affected by inputs made by moving the handheld device or pressing its button. | 02-27-2014 |
20140087887 | Gaming Machine Having Enhanced Emotive Lighting Feature - A gaming machine includes a light source concealed within a cabinet frame, a light pipe, and a contoured reflective surface. The light pipe has a distal end adjacent to the light source and a proximal end along the cabinet frame and directly viewable from the player position. The light pipe directs the initial light from the distal end to the proximal end such that (a) some initial light exits the proximal end as direct light viewable from the player position and (b) some initial light exits a pipe section, extending between the distal end and the proximal end, as washed light. The contoured reflective surface is adjacent to the proximal end along the cabinet frame, and is configured to receive the washed light from the pipe section and to reflect at least some of the washed light as indirect light viewable from the player position. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087888 | Gaming Machines And Gaming Systems Having A Personal Storage Alcove - A gaming machine includes one or more display devices configured to display the game, a cabinet housing the one or more display devices, and an alcove defined by a portion of an exterior surface of the cabinet. The alcove is configured to store one or more personal items and permit egress of a fluid from within the alcove. | 03-27-2014 |
20140357364 | FLEXIBLE GAMING DISPLAYS AND GAMING TERMINALS WITH A FLEXIBLE DISPLAY DEVICE - Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting wagering games, and reconfigurable gaming display assemblies are disclosed. A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game is presented. The gaming machine includes an input device for receiving an indication of a wager to play the wagering game. The gaming machine also includes a cabinet and a display device with a flexible video-display screen. The flexible video-display screen is operable to display aspects of the wagering game. A rigid support assembly is attached to the flexible video-display screen. The rigid support assembly includes one or more support brackets which movably mount the flexible video-display screen to the cabinet. The one or more support brackets are configured to transition towards the rear of the cabinet and thereby physically change the flexible video-display screen from a generally flat configuration to a generally curved configuration. | 12-04-2014 |
20150087401 | MODULAR GAMING TERMINAL CONFIGURATIONS - Gaming machines, gaming systems, modular gaming terminals, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A gaming machine is presented which includes an input device for receiving wagers to play a wagering game, and a display module with a display device for displaying outcomes of the wagering game. The display device is coupled to a display module housing, which includes a male or a female mounting interface. The gaming machine also includes a core module with an electrical bus that electrically connects to the display device. A core housing, which stows the electrical bus and supports the display module, includes the other one of the male and female mounting interfaces. The female mounting interface receives the male mounting interface such that moving the male interface into the female interface automatically aligns the display module with the core module and removably attaches the core housing to the display housing. | 03-26-2015 |
20150087404 | MODULAR GAMING TERMINAL CONFIGURATIONS - Gaming machines, gaming systems, module systems for providing gaming machines, and methods for assembling modular gaming machines are disclosed. A module system is disclosed for providing gaming machines for conducting wagering games. The module system includes first and second display modules each with distinct dimensions and a respective display device operable to display randomly selected outcomes of a wagering game. The module system also includes first and second sets of outer fascia elements, and a core module with a housing that attaches to and supports the display modules, one at a time. Mounting the first display module and first set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides one distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and footprint, whereas mounting the second display module and second set of fascia elements onto the core housing provides another distinct gaming machine configuration with a distinct appearance and/or footprint. | 03-26-2015 |
20150187165 | Varying Thickness Armrest With Integrated Multi-Level Button Panel - A gaming system includes a display mounted to a cabinet and configured to display an outcome of a wagering game, the outcome being randomly selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager. The gaming system further includes an armrest panel mounted to the cabinet and including a support padding having a wall thickness defined by an exterior surface and an interior surface. The wall thickness varies along a cross-section of the support padding. The armrest panel further includes a plurality of buttons integrated in the support padding for receiving inputs from a player, the plurality of buttons including a first button mounted on a first elevation of the support padding and a second button mounted on a second elevation of the support padding. The first elevation is higher than the second elevation relative to the interior surface. | 07-02-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080209653 | GOLF CLUB CLEANING DEVICE - In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a golf club cleaning device that includes a cleaning portion including an upper and lower or concentrically-arranged cleaning surfaces; a flag portion disposed at a top end of the cleaning portion, the flag portion including a gripping means; and a spike portion disposed at a bottom end of the cleaning portion substantially opposite the top end of the cleaning portion, the spike portion including a support means for supporting the device in an upright manner when depressed into the ground. By grasping the flag portion, the spike portion is selectively disposed in the ground at a predetermined location associated with a golf course, practice range, or the like, thereby allowing a player to clean a golf club by selectively running the front face and/or rear face of the golf club horizontally and/or vertically across the one or more cleaning surfaces/materials of the cleaning portion. Advantageously, the flag portion may incorporate an advertising logo and/or informational text. | 09-04-2008 |
20080210590 | GOLF CLUB CLEANING DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED STORAGE DEVICE - The present invention provides a storage device for a plurality of golf club cleaning devices. Additionally, the present invention provides a storage device for a plurality of flag portions for a golf club cleaning device. The storage devices of the present invention provide an efficient mechanism for transporting and storing the golf club cleaning devices and the flag portions. | 09-04-2008 |
20080237087 | GOLF CLUB CLEANING DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED STORAGE DEVICE - The present invention provides a storage device for a plurality of golf club cleaning devices. Additionally, the present invention provides a storage device for a plurality of flag portions for a golf club cleaning device. The storage devices of the present invention provide an efficient mechanism for transporting and storing the golf club cleaning devices and the flag portions. | 10-02-2008 |
20110083293 | GOLF CLUB CLEANING DEVICE - In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a portable golf club cleaning device, for cleaning the head of a golf club, including: a cleaning portion with one or more outwardly-facing exterior cleaning surfaces disposed about a central axis; a handle portion disposed at a top end of the cleaning portion including a gripping member whereby the portable golf club cleaning device is selectively gripped; and an elongated spike portion disposed at a bottom end of the cleaning portion substantially opposite the top end of the cleaning portion, the elongated spike portion extending from the cleaning portion and wherein central axes of the handle portion and the spike portion are vertically aligned, the elongated spike portion providing a support means for supporting the portable golf club cleaning device in an upright manner when depressed into the ground. | 04-14-2011 |
20130209720 | SPORTS TOWEL AND ASSOCIATED METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A towel, comprising: a first panel comprising an end edge, two wholly or partially tapering or curved side edges, and a center edge; and a second panel comprising an end edge, two wholly or partially tapering or curved side edges, and a center edge; wherein the first panel is one of integrally formed with and joined to the second panel at the center edges thereof such that a center portion of the towel has a width that is less than a width of either the end edge of the first panel or the end edge of the second panel. The towel may also comprise one or more tab appendages attached to and protruding from one or more of the end edge of the first panel, a side edge of the first panel, the end edge of the second panel, and a side edge of the second panel. | 08-15-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120090625 | MOUTH GUARD - A mouth guard comprising an arcuate body member positionable between the teeth of a user. The body member includes an incisor portion for confronting the incisors of the user and a pair of molar portions for confronting the molars of the user. Each said molar portion includes a hollow region. The hollow region may extend through its respective molar portion. Alternatively, the hollow region is contained within the body member and may also be air tight. The hollow region could also be a blind cavity. A resilient member, such as a spring or foam material, may be disposed within the hollow region. A bladder may be disposed in the hollow region, such as an air bladder or a bladder containing gel. A resilient member, such as a spring or foam material, may be disposed within the bladder. The bladder may be formed of a translucent or transparent material. | 04-19-2012 |
20120124720 | IMPACT SENSING DEVICE AND HELMET INCORPORATING THE SAME - An impact sensing device including a plurality of accelerometers orthogonally oriented with respect to each other and attachable at a body location, each capable of producing a signal indicative of an impact. An integrated circuit is configured to determine the magnitude and direction of the impact based on the signals and operative to activate an indicator when the magnitude exceeds a selected threshold based on the direction of the impact. A head injury coefficient is determined based on the magnitude and a duration of the impact, and the threshold level of acceleration is expressed in terms of a head injury coefficient value. The head injury coefficient value is determined by empirically correlating a head injury coefficient measured at the body location and a head injury coefficient measured at the center of mass of a human head resulting from an impact. | 05-24-2012 |
20130074248 | IMPACT SENSING DEVICE AND HELMET INCORPORATING THE SAME - An impact sensing device including a plurality of accelerometers orthogonally oriented with respect to each other and attachable at a body location, each capable of producing signals indicative of impacts. An integrated circuit is configured to determine the magnitude and direction of the impacts based on the signals and operative to activate an indicator when the magnitude exceeds a first threshold based on the direction of the impact and when the magnitude exceeds a second threshold more than a selected number of times. A head injury coefficient is determined based on the magnitude and a duration of the impact, and the threshold level of acceleration is expressed in terms of a head injury coefficient value, which is determined by empirically correlating a head injury coefficient measured at the body location and a head injury coefficient measured at the center of mass of a human head resulting from an impact. | 03-28-2013 |
20140373853 | MOUTHGUARD - The present disclosure relates to a dental form comprising at least one first composition and at least one second composition, wherein the at least one first composition and the at least one second composition react when mixed to form a third composition. Also disclosed herein are mouthguards and kits comprising dental forms. | 12-25-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090062018 | TORSION DAMPING MECHANISM FOR A SUPERCHARGER - A torsion damping mechanism for a rotary blower is provided that includes an input hub adapted to engage a first end of a torsion spring and an output hub adapted to engage a second end of the torsion spring. An intermediate hub is fixed for rotation with a first drive member. A bearing member includes an inner portion connected for rotation with the intermediate hub and an outer portion connected for rotation with the output hub. The bearing member may be a one-way bearing that permits torque to flow from the output hub into the intermediate hub and the first drive member when the output hub is driven in a first rotational direction, and permits the output hub to rotate relative to the intermediate hub with no substantial torque transfer therebetween when the output hub is driven in a second rotational direction. | 03-05-2009 |
20130160749 | SUPERCHARGER COUPLING - A rotational element coupling device in a supercharger includes a rotatable output shaft having tapered external splines and an output shaft axis of rotation. A coupling disk has a disk axis of rotation coaxial with the output shaft axis of rotation, a tapered internally splined bore coaxial with the disk axis of rotation to engage the tapered external splines, and a plurality of apertures defined in the coupling disk parallel to the disk axis of rotation. A plurality of pins each have a disk end and a timing gear end distal to the disk end. The plurality of pins matingly engages with the coupling disk at the disk end of the pins via the plurality of apertures. A timing gear is fixed to a supercharger rotor for rotation therewith. The timing gear has a plurality of apertures disposed therein to matingly engage with the timing gear end of the plurality of pins. | 06-27-2013 |
20130266422 | INTEGRATED CLUTCH SUPERCHARGER - A clutch assembly configured for use with a supercharger includes a first shaft supported for rotation within a clutch housing. A pulley is mounted on the first shaft. A clutch rotor is also mounted on the first shaft at a location that is axially spaced from the pulley. A clutch coil is supported within the clutch housing and positioned adjacent to a first face of the clutch rotor. A second shaft is supported for rotation relative to the first shaft and is coaxially aligned with the first shaft. A clutch armature is mounted on the second shaft and positioned adjacent to a second face of the clutch rotor. A supercharger system including the clutch assembly is also provided. | 10-10-2013 |
20140162828 | LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL HAVING DAMPENING COMMUNICATION SPRING - A locking differential for a vehicle includes a rotatable housing and a differential mechanism supported in the housing. The differential mechanism includes a pair of clutch members wherein each of the clutch members presents an inwardly directed face. Each face includes a groove disposed in spacing relationship with respect to the other. A cross pin is received in the groove and is operatively connected for rotation with the housing. A dampening communication spring is disposed over an outer circumference of the clutch members and cooperates with the cross pin to control interaction of the clutch members. | 06-12-2014 |
20140171252 | LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL HAVING COMBINATION PRELOAD SPRINGS FOR MAINTAINED CONTACT - A locking differential for a vehicle includes a rotatable housing and a differential mechanism supported in the housing. The differential mechanism includes a pair of clutch members wherein each of the clutch members presents an inwardly directed face. Each face includes a groove disposed in spacing relationship with respect to the other. A cross pin is received in the groove and is operatively connected for rotation with the housing. The clutch members are axially moveable within the housing so that they may engage respective clutch members coupled to a pair of axle half shafts. A plurality of springs apply a pre-load to only the clutch members, wherein contact is maintained between the clutch members and the cross pin. | 06-19-2014 |
20140262668 | INBOARD SPRING ARRANGEMENT FOR A CLUTCH ACTUATED DIFFERENTIAL - The present disclosure relates to a differential including a differential case adapted to be rotated about an axis of rotation. The differential also includes a cross-shaft operatively coupled to the differential case such that the cross-shaft and the differential case rotate together about the axis of rotation; left and right clutch actuators having opposing inboard sides between which the cross-shaft is positioned; and left and right axle hubs positioned on opposite sides of the cross-shaft. A left clutch pack prevents relative rotation between the left clutch actuator and the left axle hub about the axis of rotation when a left clutch engagement pressure is applied to the left clutch pack and a right clutch pack prevents relative rotation between the right clutch actuator and the right axle hub about the axis of rotation when a right clutch engagement pressure is applied to the right clutch pack. A clutch pre-load spring applies pressure to both the left and right clutch packs without applying pressure to the left and right clutch actuators. The clutch pre-load spring is positioned inboard of the left and right clutch packs. Contact between the cross-shaft and a ramp surface at the inboard side of the left clutch actuator causes the left clutch engagement pressure to be applied to the left clutch pack, and contact between the cross-shaft and a ramp surface at the inboard side of the right clutch actuator causes the right clutch engagement pressure to be applied to the right clutch pack. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271136 | SUPERCHARGER - A supercharger includes a supercharger housing, a primary rotor having a primary rotor shaft fixed to rotate therewith. A ring gear with internal teeth is attached to a transmission housing portion of the supercharger housing. A sun gear is fixed to the primary rotor shaft. A planetary gear carrier has a plurality of planetary gear shafts. A plurality of planetary gears rotate about corresponding planetary gear shafts and are meshingly engaged with the sun gear and the ring gear and are substantially equally spaced about the sun gear. A rotatable input shaft is connectable to the planetary gear carrier. The input shaft is connectable to receive rotational motion and power from an engine. | 09-18-2014 |
20150105209 | LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL HAVING PRELOAD SPRING WEAR PADS - A locking differential for a vehicle includes a rotatable housing and a differential mechanism supported in the housing. The differential mechanism includes a pair of clutch members wherein each of the clutch members presents an inwardly directed face. Each face includes a groove disposed in spacing relationship with respect to the other. A cross pin is received in each groove and is operatively connected for rotation with the housing. At least one biasing member is disposed between the clutch members and at least one wear pad is disposed at an end of the at least one biasing member to preload the at least one biasing member and to allow the at least one biasing member to be acted upon by only a single one of the clutch members. | 04-16-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100131075 | Cell-Scaffold Constructs - The present invention relates to the regeneration, reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of organs or tissue structures using scaffolds and autologous cells that are not derived from such organs or tissues. | 05-27-2010 |
20130173015 | CELL SCAFFOLD CONSTRUCTS - The present invention relates to the regeneration, reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of organs or tissue structures using scaffolds and autologous cells that are not derived from such organs or tissues. | 07-04-2013 |
20150030657 | SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL CONSTRUCTS - The present invention relates to the regeneration, reconstruction, augmentation or replacement of luminal organs or tissue structures in a subject in need using scaffolds seeded with autologous or non-autologous cell populations that are or are not derived from the corresponding organ or tissue structure that is the subject of the regeneration, reconstruction, augmentation or replacement. | 01-29-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110216185 | Method and apparatus for simulating a physical environment to facilitate vehicle operation and task completion - A method and apparatus for simulating a physical environment to facilitate vehicle operation and task completion is described. In one embodiment, the method includes processing data that is transmitted from a sensor array comprising a plurality of devices, wherein the plurality of devices are placed throughout a physical environment that comprises a plurality of objects, accessing model information associated with the plurality of objects, wherein the model information indicates at least one physical attribute associated with each of the plurality of objects, correlating the model information with the transmitted data from the sensor array to produce a correlation result, generating at least one visual representation of the physical environment from at least one viewpoint based on the correlation result and identifying at least one obstruction, within the physical environment, using the at least one visual representation. | 09-08-2011 |
20120123614 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VIRTUALIZING INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES TO AUTOMATE TASK EXECUTION IN A PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - A method and apparatus for virtualizing industrial vehicles to automate task execution in a physical environment is described. In one embodiment, the method includes determining input parameters for controlling vehicle hardware components, wherein the vehicle hardware components comprise actuators that are used to control hardware component operations, generating mappings between the input parameters and the hardware component operations, wherein each of the input parameters is applied to an actuator to perform an corresponding hardware component operation, correlating the mappings with vehicle commands to produce abstraction information and executing at least one task comprising various ones of the vehicle commands using the abstraction information. | 05-17-2012 |
20120303176 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ACCURATE LOCALIZATION FOR AN INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE - A method and apparatus for providing accurate localization for an industrial vehicle is described; including processing at least one sensor input message from a plurality of sensor devices, wherein the at least one sensor input message includes information regarding observed environmental features; determining position measurements associated with the industrial vehicle in response to at least one sensor input message, wherein the plurality of sensor devices comprises a two-dimensional laser scanner, and at least one other sensor device selected from an odometer, an ultrasonic sensor, a compass, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an inertial measurement unit, or an imaging sensor; and updating a vehicle state using the position measurements. | 11-29-2012 |
20120303255 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ACCURATE LOCALIZATION FOR AN INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE - A method and apparatus for providing accurate localization at an industrial vehicle is described. In one embodiment, the method includes processing at least one sensor input message from a plurality of sensor devices, wherein the at least one sensor input message comprises information regarding environmental features, determining pose measurements associated with the industrial vehicle in response to each acquisition time of the at least one sensor input message and updating map data with the determined pose measurements. | 11-29-2012 |
20120310468 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CALIBRATING VEHICLE PARAMETERS - A method and apparatus for automatically calibrating vehicle parameters is described. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring a parameter value during vehicle operation; comparing the measured parameter value to an actual parameter value to identify at least one vehicle parameter bias as an actual measurement error; and modifying at least one vehicle parameter based on the at least one vehicle parameter bias. | 12-06-2012 |
20120323431 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SHARING MAP DATA ASSOCIATED WITH AUTOMATED INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES - A method and apparatus for sharing map data between industrial vehicles in a physical environment is described. In one embodiments, the method includes processing local map data associated with a plurality of industrial vehicles, wherein the local map data comprises feature information generated by the plurality of industrial vehicles regarding features observed by industrial vehicles in the plurality of vehicles; combining the feature information associated with local map data to generate global map data for the physical environment; and navigating an industrial vehicle of the plurality of industrial vehicles using at least a portion of the global map data. | 12-20-2012 |
20120323432 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING MAP DATA PROCESSING FOR INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE NAVIGATION - A method and apparatus for facilitating map data processing for industrial vehicle navigation is described. In one embodiment, the method of partitioning map data for industrial vehicle navigation includes segmenting map data associated with a physical environment into a plurality of sub area maps, identifying a sub-area map that corresponds with a current vehicle location and navigating an industrial vehicle using the identified sub area map. | 12-20-2012 |
20130054129 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO LOCATE INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES AT START-UP - A method and apparatus for using unique landmarks to position industrial vehicles during start-up. In one embodiment, the method designates pre-positioned objects as unique landmarks to position an industrial vehicle at start-up. The method includes identifying a start-up scenario from a plurality of sensor data wherein the start-up scenario may be one of a unique marker start-up or a pre-positioned object start-up. In response to the start-up scenario, locating at least one unique marker or at least one pre-positioned object within a physical environment, wherein the unique marker or pre-positioned object corresponds with a sub-area of the physical environment, and determining industrial vehicle pose in response to the identity of the unique marker or pre-positioned object. | 02-28-2013 |
20130060461 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING PRE-POSITIONED OBJECTS TO LOCALIZE AN INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE - Methods and apparatuses for using at least one movable, pre-positioned object as a landmark to localize an industrial vehicle are described. The method includes placing at least one movable, pre-positioned object within a physical environment, identifying features from the pre-positioned object, and determining an industrial vehicle pose relative to the movable, pre-positioned object. | 03-07-2013 |
20140214258 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO LOCATE INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES AT START-UP - A method and apparatus for using unique landmarks to position industrial vehicles during start-up. In one embodiment, a method of using pre-positioned objects as landmarks to operate an industrial vehicle is provided. The method comprises identifying a start-up scenario from sensor data, wherein the start-up scenario comprises a unique marker start-up or a pre-positioned object start-up. in response to the identified start-up scenario, either a unique marker or pre-positioned object is identified within a physical environment, wherein the pre-positioned object or unique marker corresponds with a sub-area of the physical environment. The industrial vehicle pose is determined in response to the identity of the pre-positioned object or unique marker and the industrial vehicle is operated based on the determined industrial vehicle pose. | 07-31-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080315445 | INJECTION MOLDING FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - In an injection molding machine having upstream and downstream channels communicating with each other for delivering fluid material to one or more mold cavities, apparatus for controlling delivery of the melt material from the channels to the one or more mold cavities, each channel having an axis, the downstream channel having an axis intersecting a gate of a cavity of a mold, the upstream channel having an axis not intersecting the gate and being associated with an upstream actuator interconnected to an upstream melt flow controller disposed at a selected location within the upstream channel, the apparatus comprising a sensor for sensing a selected condition of the melt material at a position downstream of the upstream melt flow controller; an actuator controller interconnected to the upstream actuator, the actuator controller comprising a computer interconnected to a sensor for receiving a signal representative of the selected condition sensed by the sensor, the computer including an algorithm utilizing a value indicative of the signal received from the sensor as a variable for controlling operation of the upstream actuator; wherein the upstream melt flow controller is adapted to control the rate of flow of the fluid material at the selected location within the upstream channel according to the algorithm. | 12-25-2008 |
20090028986 | INJECTION MOLDING FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - Apparatus for controlling the rate of flow of fluid material through an injection molding flow channel leading to a mold cavity, the apparatus comprising:
| 01-29-2009 |
20090061034 | INJECTION MOLDING FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - Apparatus for controlling the rate of flow of fluid material from an injection molding machine to a mold cavity, the apparatus comprising:
| 03-05-2009 |
20110291328 | INJECTION MOLDING FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - Apparatus for controlling the rate of flow of fluid material through an injection molding flow channel leading to a gate of a mold cavity, the apparatus comprising:
| 12-01-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090045965 | Networked RF tag for tracking baggage - The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and associated tag for detection and tracking of inanimate and animate objects. The novel method broadly comprises the steps of: a) attaching a low radio frequency detection tag to each of the objects, each tag comprising a tag antenna operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 1 megahertz (preferably not exceeding 300 kilohertz), a transceiver operatively connected to the tag's antenna, the transceiver being operable to transmit and receive data signals at the low radio frequency, a data storage device operable to store data comprising identification data for identifying said detection tag, a programmed data processor operable to process data received from the transceiver and the data storage device and to send data to cause the transceiver to emit an identification signal based upon the identification data stored in said data storage device, and an energy source for activating the tag's transceiver and data processor; b) storing, in the data storage device of each tag, shipping data selected from object description data, address-of-origin data, destination address data, object vulnerability data, and object status data; c) commingling the objects in a repository selected from a warehouse and a truck, the repository being provided with at least one large loop field antenna operable at said low radio frequency; the field antenna being disposed at a distance from each object that permits effective communication therewith at the low radio frequency, d) reading the identification data and shipping data from the transceiver of each tag by interrogating all tags commingled in said repository with data signals, such as specific IP addresses or other identification codes, via said field antenna; and e) transmitting the identification data and shipping data from each tag to a central data processor to provide a tally of the objects in said repository. | 02-19-2009 |
20090058646 | Networked RF tag for tracking baggage - The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and associated tag for detection and tracking of inanimate and animate objects. The novel method broadly comprises the steps of: a) attaching a low radio frequency detection tag to each of the objects, each tag comprising a tag antenna operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 1 megahertz (preferably not exceeding 300 kilohertz), a transceiver operatively connected to the tag's antenna, the transceiver being operable to transmit and receive data signals at the low radio frequency, a data storage device operable to store data comprising identification data for identifying said detection tag, a programmed data processor operable to process data received from the transceiver and the data storage device and to send data to cause the transceiver to emit an identification signal based upon the identification data stored in said data storage device, and an energy source for activating the tag's transceiver and data processor; b) storing, in the data storage device of each tag, shipping data selected from object description data, address-of-origin data, destination address data, object vulnerability data, and object status data; c) comingling the objects in a repository selected from a warehouse and a truck, the repository being provided with at least one large loop field antenna operable at said low radio frequency; the field antenna being disposed at a distance from each object that permits effective communication therewith at the low radio frequency, d) reading the identification data and shipping data from the transceiver of each tag by interrogating all tags comingled in said repository with data signals, such as specific IP addresses or other identification codes, via said field antenna; and e) transmitting the identification data and shipping data from each tag to a central data processor to provide a tally of the objects in said repository. | 03-05-2009 |
20100253510 | Networked RF Tag for Tracking People by Means of Loyalty Cards - The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and associated tag for detection and tracking of inanimate and animate objects. The novel method broadly comprises the steps of: a) attaching a low radio frequency detection tag to each of the objects, each tag comprising a tag antenna operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 1 megahertz (preferably not exceeding 300 kilohertz), a transceiver operatively connected to the tag's antenna, the transceiver being operable to transmit and receive data signals at the low radio frequency, a data storage device operable to store data comprising identification data for identifying said detection tag, a programmed data processor operable to process data received from the transceiver and the data storage device and to send data to cause the transceiver to emit an identification signal based upon the identification data stored in said data storage device, and an energy source for activating the tag's transceiver and data processor; b) storing, in the data storage device of each tag, shipping data selected from object description data, address-of-origin data, destination address data, object vulnerability data, and object status data; c) comingling the objects in a repository selected from a warehouse and a truck, the repository being provided with at least one large loop field antenna operable at said low radio frequency; the field antenna being disposed at a distance from each object that permits effective communication therewith at the low radio frequency, d) reading the identification data and shipping data from the transceiver of each tag by interrogating all tags comingled in said repository with data signals, such as specific IP addresses or other identification codes, via said field antenna; and e) transmitting the identification data and shipping data from each tag to a central data processor to provide a tally of the objects in said repository. | 10-07-2010 |
20110090846 | Portable Access Point - A portable access point device is formed from a handheld computing device; an environmentally hardened case disposed around the computing device, and an access point module for reading and writing data to low frequency active radiating transceiver tags, such as RuBee® tags. The access point module is connected to the handheld computing device and the environmentally hardened case to provide a unitary handheld device, and the access point module transfers data between the handheld computing device and tags within communication range of the device. | 04-21-2011 |