Patents Examined by Lin B. Olsen
  • Patent number: 7996120
    Abstract: The device for flying an aircraft includes a first unit for determining a control value corresponding to an instruction value representing the actuation of a control member by a pilot, a second unit for determining an effective control value corresponding to the instruction value which is actually applied to the aircraft, a third unit for automatically controlling the aircraft, a fourth unit for computing an auxiliary control value, which is closer to the effective controlled value, and a fifth unit for monitoring the control value and for detecting a pilot induced oscillation, where the automatic control is carried out with the aid of the controlled effective value and the auxiliary control value in the case of the detection of the pilot induced oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Stéphane Delannoy
  • Patent number: 7991527
    Abstract: A receiver receives transmission containing information from different vehicle systems and determines an origin of that transmission according to the length of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Marlett, Patricia Kachouh, Gerald Ostrander, Tejas B. Desai, Brian Farrell
  • Patent number: 7979188
    Abstract: A method for activating and deactivating the four-wheel drive of a service or a working vehicle not having interaxle differential locks. According to the method, the activation and deactivation of the four-wheel drive is derived from at least one of the following parameters, namely, the driving and load conditions of the vehicle (1), the vehicle speed and the output torque of the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hugo Burkhart, Bernd Aumann
  • Patent number: 7979162
    Abstract: A wireless controller for controlling and/or monitoring a device arranged mounted on or relative to an industrial robot. A wireless communicator including a processor arranged with software means handles wireless communication to and from the device. A control carries out at least one control function for one or more actuators of the device. Also, a method, a computer program and a graphic user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Esko Niemelä, Pierre Öberg, Jimmy Kjellsson, Martin Strand, Åsa Grönqvist, Seija Tasala
  • Patent number: 7966118
    Abstract: An adaptive cruise control system automatically sets a desired headway value upon system initiation. If a preceding vehicle is not detected the desired headway is established at a predetermined value. If a preceding vehicle is detected the control compares the actual headway to a predetermined minimum value and predetermined maximum value to select a desired headway. Following the desired headway value being established, the value is stored in the control and the adaptive cruise control system begins customary operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Alexander Kade
  • Patent number: 7962271
    Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g., Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Noal R. Pederson
  • Patent number: 7962251
    Abstract: A Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system guides navigation of a vessel enabled to extract energy from wind and/or water currents primarily in offshore marine environments. An exemplary SCADA system could embody server and client software applications running on microprocessor systems at a remote control central service logging and energy distribution facility, and the vessel itself. The remote control service facility runs Human Machine Interface (HMI) software in the form of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) allowing choices to maximize system performance. The central server accesses information to control vessel position based on transmitted Global Position Satellite (GPS) data from the vessel, and weather information from the Geographic Information System (GIS) provided by multiple spatial temporal data sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Integrated Power Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Roman Gizara, Michael Dominic Cicali
  • Patent number: 7962284
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, medium and portable device for providing customized audio tours. The portable device includes a display displaying a map, a user input module allowing a user to select a particular point of the map displayed on the display, and a playback module playing a stored audio file corresponding to the particular point of the map selected by the user, the audio file including custom information regarding an area of the map corresponding to the particular point selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: David Cutitta, II
  • Patent number: 7957895
    Abstract: A method of operating a portable navigation device or navigation system is described, together, with a computer program and a PND and navigation system. The method includes the steps of providing for a specific premises, location or location range, being identifiable with reference to map data locally stored in the device or system and optionally being or including the current location, can be at least temporarily stored in memory. The method also includes the presenting to the user at least one user-selectable option by means of which qualitative information pertaining to the premises, location or range can be entered locally in the device or system, the selection of the option resulting in the immediate or subsequent recordal and storage of both the qualitative information and an association thereof with the identified premises, location or range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Tomtom International B.V.
    Inventor: Eric Haase
  • Patent number: 7957837
    Abstract: A mobile robot guest for interacting with a human resident performs a room-traversing search procedure prior to interacting with the resident, and may verbally query whether the resident being sought is present. Upon finding the resident, the mobile robot may facilitate a teleconferencing session with a remote third party, or interact with the resident in a number of ways. For example, the robot may carry on a dialogue with the resident, reinforce compliance with medication or other schedules, etc. In addition, the robot incorporates safety features for preventing collisions with the resident; and the robot may audibly announce and/or visibly indicate its presence in order to avoid becoming a dangerous obstacle. Furthermore, the mobile robot behaves in accordance with an integral privacy policy, such that any sensor recording or transmission must be approved by the resident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Ziegler, Andrew Jones, Clara Vu, Matthew Cross, Ken Sinclair, Tony L. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7953530
    Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: Neal R. Pederson, Bernie C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7949430
    Abstract: A legged robot subjected to a force is controlled by determining an instantaneous capture point where the robot will step with a swing leg to reach a balanced home position, the balanced home position being a state in which the Center of Mass remains substantially over the Center of Pressure and the robot is able to maintain its balance indefinitely. The capture point can be determined using a Linear Inverted Pendulum Plus Flywheel (LIPPF) model of the robot. The LIPPF model includes a flywheel with a mass and a rotational inertia, and a variable length leg link. A torque profile is applied to the flywheel and a set of capture points is determined based on this torque profile An experimentally determined error value can be added to a capture point that is determined based on the model to account for differences between an actual robot and the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Pratt, Ambarish Goswami
  • Patent number: 7945348
    Abstract: Software for controlling processes in a heterogeneous semiconductor manufacturing environment may include a wafer-centric database, a real-time scheduler using a neural network, and a graphical user interface displaying simulated operation of the system. These features may be employed alone or in combination to offer improved usability and computational efficiency for real time control and monitoring of a semiconductor manufacturing process. More generally, these techniques may be usefully employed in a variety of real time control systems, particularly systems requiring complex scheduling decisions or heterogeneous systems constructed of hardware from numerous independent vendors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick D. Pannese, Vinaya Kavathekar, Peter van der Meulen
  • Patent number: 7941271
    Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable media are disclosed for displaying images corresponding to a path. The method can include downloading a path and one or more images corresponding to positions along the path, wherein the downloaded images are actual images of an environment near the corresponding positions. Additionally, the method can include detecting a position of a mobile device, and providing the downloaded images as the mobile device moves to the corresponding detected positions along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Eyal Ofek
  • Patent number: 7937219
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a steering assist system capable of showing a driver an appropriate direction of steering operation in advance and correctly, and without impairing safety, and shortening an operation time during collision avoidance, in particular, reducing an idle running time. It is another object of the present invention to provide a vehicle mounted with such a steering assist system. A recommended steering direction determination unit 102 determines a recommended steering direction using measurements of a lateral position taken by an obstacle position measurement unit 101. After a collision determination unit 103 determines that risk of collision is high, a steering assist torque is generated using a first assist torque command value set by a first torque calculation unit 105.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Ichinose, Shingo Nasu, Tatsuya Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7933686
    Abstract: A method of dividing a coverage area of a robot and a device for the same. That is, a method of producing a space map for a robot to work and dividing the space map into at least one segment and a device for the same. The method includes producing an occupancy grid map composed of grid points that are probabilistically distributed by sensing a distance from an obstacle, producing a configuration space map by increasing the thickness of an obstacle and a wall in the occupancy grid map on the basis of the radius and size of the robot, and dividing an area by sweeping the area with a band-typed slice in the configuration space map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyeon Myeong, Seok-won Bang, Jung-won Kang, Si-jong Kim, Myung-Jin Chung, Su-jinn Lee
  • Patent number: 7925438
    Abstract: A navigation system displays a route guidance list on a monitor screen in an intuitive and organized manner so that a user can easily understand information regarding the maneuvering locations and actions associated with the route to the destination. The route guidance list is structured in a layered manner so that the information regarding the maneuvering actions at the locations closer to the current user position will be prioritized. For example, in the route guidance list, the information regarding the immediate maneuvering location and action is more detailed, enlarged, and highlighted than the others. The navigation system displays the route guidance list in which the information regarding the maneuvering locations and actions will be dynamically changed in response to the changes of the current location of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Eddy Lo
  • Patent number: 7917276
    Abstract: The vehicle-use power supply apparatus includes an alternator driven by an engine mounted on a vehicle to generate electric power in accordance with a command value, a battery electrically connected to the alternator to be charged by the alternator, and connected to electrical loads mounted on the vehicle to apply a power supply voltage to the electrical loads. The vehicle-use power supply apparatus further includes a first function of determining, as a power generation cost, an increase amount of fuel which the engine consumes for the alternator to generate electric power, and a second function of transmitting the command value to the alternator, the second function being configured to determine the command value on the basis of the power generation cost determined by the first function such that a change rate of the power supply voltage does not exceed a predetermined limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Senda, Keisuke Tani, Hiroaki Ono
  • Patent number: 7912610
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle including an inertia force sensor for detecting an inertia force generated in the vehicle and a cooperative control unit connected to the inertia force sensor and connected also to a braking/driving force control unit and a steering control unit so that bidirectional communication is allowed, for deciding and outputting controlled variables or controlled correction variables of the braking/driving force control unit and the steering control unit according to the inertia force detected by the inertia force sensor and according to controlled conditions of the braking/driving force control unit and the steering control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Saito, Akira Nakamuta, Masahiko Niki, Satoshi Hiyama, Masato Yuda, Hiroshi Hashimoto, Yukihiro Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7908057
    Abstract: Provided is a power steering apparatus capable of suppressing an abrupt change in steering force and preventing a deterioration in steering feeling even in the event of a transition from power steering to manual steering. The power steering apparatus includes a torque sensor, a motor of a permanent magnet field type, and a controller having a motor driving unit and an abnormality monitoring unit, for controlling the driving of the motor. The motor driving unit includes an inverter for driving the motor, and a drive signal generating unit for calculating a target current caused to flow through the motor and outputting a drive signal of the inverter based on the target current. The abnormality monitoring unit includes an abnormality processing unit for constituting a closed-loop circuit including the motor in stopping the driving of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Sawada, Takayuki Kifuku