Abstract: A computer based system and method for automatically detecting frustration in an interaction, may include: identifying in the interaction using a set of linguistic rules, natural language patterns related to frustration, wherein the linguistic rules further define weights associated with the natural language patterns and rule metadata; reviewing the rule metadata associated with the identified natural language patterns to identify override attributes, wherein if the rule metadata does not include override attributes, then a frustration level in the interaction is determined based on the identified natural language patterns and weights associated with the identified natural language patterns; and if the rule metadata includes override attributes than the frustration level is determined based on the identified override attributes.

Abstract: A computer based system and method for automatically detecting frustration in an interaction, may include: identifying in the interaction using a set of linguistic rules, natural language patterns related to frustration, wherein the linguistic rules further define weights associated with the natural language patterns and rule metadata; reviewing the rule metadata associated with the identified natural language patterns to identify override attributes, wherein if the rule metadata does not include override attributes, then a frustration level in the interaction is determined based on the identified natural language patterns and weights associated with the identified natural language patterns; and if the rule metadata includes override attributes than the frustration level is determined based on the identified override attributes.

Abstract: A computer based system and method for automatically detecting frustration in an interaction, may include: identifying in the interaction using a set of linguistic rules, natural language patterns related to frustration, wherein the linguistic rules further define weights associated with the natural language patterns and rule metadata; reviewing the rule metadata associated with the identified natural language patterns to identify override attributes, wherein if the rule metadata does not include override attributes, then a frustration level in the interaction is determined based on the identified natural language patterns and weights associated with the identified natural language patterns; and if the rule metadata includes override attributes than the frustration level is determined based on the identified override attributes.

Abstract: A computer based system and method for automatically detecting frustration in an interaction, may include: identifying in the interaction using a set of linguistic rules, natural language patterns related to frustration, wherein the linguistic rules further define weights associated with the natural language patterns and rule metadata; reviewing the rule metadata associated with the identified natural language patterns to identify override attributes, wherein if the rule metadata does not include override attributes, then a frustration level in the interaction is determined based on the identified natural language patterns and weights associated with the identified natural language patterns; and if the rule metadata includes override attributes than the frustration level is determined based on the identified override attributes.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of manufacturing and installing an electronic throttle control pedal to a bracket within a vehicle. The method includes the steps of making a customized pedal mounting bracket for a vehicle wherein the customized pedal mounting bracket has universal connecting features. The method further includes mounting the customized pedal mounting bracket to a vehicle and attaching the universal pedal housing to the customized pedal mounting bracket by means of the universal connecting features. An apparatus of the present invention including a universal pedal housing having a rear surface wherein the rear surface includes at least one locating protrusion. The pedal housing further including a plurality of compression tabs. The apparatus including a pedal mounting bracket having a front surface wherein the rear surface of the pedal housing connects to the front surface of the pedal mounting bracket.

Abstract: A pedal assembly having a hysteresis creating configuration in communication with a sensor of a pedal assembly. The assembly includes a housing and a pedal arm wherein the pedal arm is pivotally mounted by bushings to the housing. A connector and sensor assembly is provided connected through the pivot point (hub) where the pedal arm connects to the housing of the pedal assembly. A spring connects to a spring carrier wherein the spring is depressed upon depression of the pedal arm of the pedal assembly. As the spring applies a force to the spring carrier, the spring carrier slides down an inclined wall and applies a force to a friction shoe. The friction shoe is in contact with the generally circular hub of the pedal arm thus providing a hysteresis effect as the friction shoe contacts the hub of the pedal arm.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for a vehicle electronic braking system including a housing, at least one linear sensor, the at least one sensor contained within the housing, the linear sensor adapted to measure the linear distance traveled of a brake pedal. The assembly further includes a rotary sensor, the rotary sensor also contained within the same housing, the rotary sensor adapted to measure rotary motion of a DC motor in an the electronic braking system. The rotary sensor and the at least one linear sensor each in communication with a brake control unit. The at least one linear sensor and the at least one rotary sensor is encapsulated, either together or separately. The at least one linear sensor is a Hall-effect sensor. A wake up switch circuit is integrated with at least one of the linear sensors to wake up the system when the driver depresses the brake pedal in the electronic braking system. The rotary sensor is an inductive sensor.

Abstract: A pedal assembly having a hysteresis creating configuration in communication with a sensor of a pedal assembly. The assembly includes a housing and a pedal arm wherein the pedal arm is pivotally mounted by bushings to the housing. A connector and sensor assembly is provided connected through the pivot point (hub) where the pedal arm connects to the housing of the pedal assembly. A spring connects to a spring carrier wherein the spring is depressed upon depression of the pedal arm of the pedal assembly. As the spring applies a force to the spring carrier, the spring carrier slides down an inclined wall and applies a force to a friction shoe. The friction shoe is in contact with the generally circular hub of the pedal arm thus providing a hysteresis effect as the friction shoe contacts the hub of the pedal arm.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for a vehicle electronic braking system including a housing, at least one linear sensor, the at least one sensor contained within the housing, the linear sensor adapted to measure the linear distance traveled of a brake pedal. The assembly further includes a rotary sensor, the rotary sensor also contained within the same housing, the rotary sensor adapted to measure rotary motion of a DC motor in an the electronic braking system. The rotary sensor and the at least one linear sensor each in communication with a brake control unit. The at least one linear sensor and the at least one rotary sensor is encapsulated, either together or separately. The at least one linear sensor is a Hall-effect sensor. A wake up switch circuit is integrated with at least one of the linear sensors to wake up the system when the driver depresses the brake pedal in the electronic braking system. The rotary sensor is an inductive sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of manufacturing and installing an electronic throttle control pedal to a bracket within a vehicle. The method includes the steps of making a customized pedal mounting bracket for a vehicle wherein the customized pedal mounting bracket has universal connecting features. The method further includes mounting the customized pedal mounting bracket to a vehicle and attaching the universal pedal housing to the customized pedal mounting bracket by means of the universal connecting features. An apparatus of the present invention including a universal pedal housing having a rear surface wherein the rear surface includes at least one locating protrusion. The pedal housing further including a plurality of compression tabs. The apparatus including a pedal mounting bracket having a front surface wherein the rear surface of the pedal housing connects to the front surface of the pedal mounting bracket.

Abstract: A method for analyzing and controlling the formation of a green tire component by component on a target region of a curved build surface includes: measuring in three dimensions each component on the target region by rotating the build surface past at least one optical scanner. The optical scanner directs a sheet or a plurality of sheets of light against a target region of the rotating build surface; and measures component by component build-up on the target region surface for component dimensional, positional, and mass parameters. Component by component measurements are made in three-dimensions by rotation of the target regions through the optical sheets of light and feedback from component measurements may be used to correct for tire imbalance and uniformity anomalies on a real-time basis.

Abstract: A method for detecting ply wire anomalies in a tire carcass ply having a plurality of spaced apart ply wires extending across a tire carcass, the method comprising the steps: constructing a green tire carcass in a diametrically expanded toroidal configuration, the carcass comprising a pair of beads, the carcass ply extending from bead to bead, at least one crown layer covering the carcass ply and having a peripheral skirt region; and sidewalls covering the carcass ply and extending from the beads to the crown layer and having edge portions intersecting the crown layer; mounting a wire sensor apparatus proximal to the tire carcass ply, the wire sensor apparatus including a wire sensor for detecting the presence of a proximal ply wire; establishing relative movement between the wire sensor and the tire carcass whereby the plurality of spaced apart ply wires are sequentially placed into proximal relationship with the wire sensor; and generating sequential data from the wire sensor indicative of at least one ply

Abstract: A ply wire sensor system is provided for a tire carcass ply in a green tire carcass having a toroidal shape, the tire carcass ply having a plurality of spaced apart ply wires extending across the toroidal shape. The sensor system includes a wire sensor mounted in close proximity with the tire carcass ply, the wire sensor detecting the presence of a proximal ply wire; and means for establishing relative movement between the wire sensor and the tire carcass whereby the plurality of spaced apart ply wires are sequentially placed into proximity with the wire sensor. The wire sensor generates sequential data indicative of at least one ply wire parameter of the plurality of spaced apart ply wires.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a new foam which includes a liquid having a plurality of bubbles therein and a plurality of particles suspended therein. The foam is made in a dispenser that suspends the bubbles in the liquid. The liquid may be a single liquid with particles therein or may be made from two liquids which are mixed together. The particles may be such that, prior to foaming the particles sink, float or are suspended in the liquid.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a foaming component for use in association with a foam dispenser. The foaming component includes an air sparging element, a mixing chamber, and an air chamber. The mixing chamber is on one side of the air sparging element and it defines a portion of the mixing chamber. The air chamber is on the other side of the air sparging element and it defines a portion of the air chamber. The air chamber has an air inlet. The mixing chamber has a liquid inlet and an outlet, and the outlet is down stream of the inlet. The foaming component also forms part of a new foam dispenser. The foaming component and the foam dispenser are for use in the production of foam with a plurality of particles suspended therein. Another aspect of the invention is a dispenser with a foaming component therein.

Abstract: A foam dispenser is for use with a container containing soap or other liquid. The device includes a rotary soap pump, a rotary air pump, a mixing chamber, a porous membrane and an actuator or driver. The rotary soap pump has a soap inlet and a soap outlet and the soap inlet is operably connectable to the container. The rotary air pump has an air inlet and an air outlet. The mixing chamber is in flow communication with the air outlet and the soap outlet and the mixing chamber has an outlet. The porous membrane is positioned such that an air and soap mixture that passes through the mixing chamber outlet passes through the porous membrane thereby producing foam. The actuator or driver is operably connected to the rotary soap pump and the rotary air pump.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dispenser for dispensing foam employing a rigid container. The dispenser includes a rigid container, a pump, a method of venting air into the container and a housing. The rigid container has an interior wherein soap is received therein. The pump is attached to the bottom of the rigid container and is adapted to mix the soap with air and produce a foam. The container is either provided with an aperture so that air may be vented into the container or a snorkel is attached to the pump and extends between the pump and the top of the container such that air is vented into the container. The rigid container, the pump and the venting means are insertable into the housing and a lever in the housing operably engages the pump.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for predicting tire uniformity, preferably a harmonic component of force variation (radial, lateral, or tangential) for a production tire operating at a high speed, and also method and apparatus for manufacturing tires and controlling the manufacturing of tires in response to quality control based on a comparison of a production tire's predicted uniformity versus predetermined criteria. A production tire's predicted tire uniformity is determined by a calculation using a prediction curve with parameters which are determined for the production tire by collecting measurement data for the production tire using a factory floor tire uniformity machine operated at a plurality of intermediate test speeds, and then fitting the prediction curve to the measurement data, preferably using a least squares curve fitting process. Higher speed measurements are optionally given greater weight in the curve fitting process as compared to lower speed measurements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for predicting tire uniformity, preferably a harmonic component of force variation (radial, lateral, or tangential) for a production tire operating at a high speed, and also method and apparatus for manufacturing tires and controlling the manufacturing of tires in response to quality control based on a comparison of a production tire's predicted uniformity versus predetermined criteria. A production tire's predicted tire uniformity is determined by a calculation using a prediction curve with parameters which are determined for the production tire by collecting measurement data for the production tire using a factory floor tire uniformity machine operated at a plurality of intermediate test speeds, and then fitting the prediction curve to the measurement data, preferably using a least squares curve fitting process. Higher speed measurements are optionally given greater weight in the curve fitting process as compared to lower speed measurements.