Abstract: A manually-operated quantification soft tissue mobilization (QSTM) device includes a pressure applicator and a sensor member. The pressure applicator is configured to enable a user to dynamically apply a stroking mechanical force as the pressure applicator is moved over an area treatment areas of a patient's soft tissue. The sensor member including an accelerometer and a gyrometer is configured to determine various parameters of the dynamically applied stroking mechanical force in three dimensions as the pressure applicator is moved over the treatment areas of the patient's soft tissue. These parameters include a force magnitude in three dimensions, an angle in multiple axes, a stroke position, a stroke frequency, a sensed vibration magnitude at dominant spectral frequencies, and/or a rate of the stroking mechanical force dynamically applied to the soft tissue.

Abstract: A manual soft tissue device including a pressure applicator and a sensor member configured to determine at least one of a magnitude, an angle, a stroke frequency, and a rate of force applied to soft tissue by the pressure applicator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting the filtering state of a filter, such as a particulate filter. Some embodiments include one or more capacitive sensors that provide a signal corresponding to the filtered state of the filter with a change in measured capacitance. A novel ECT based sensing technique for soot load estimation in a diesel particulate filter is presented. The sensing technology is based on principle that deposited soot thickness inside DPF causes a variation in the dielectric constant which has a direct impact on the capacitance of ECT system and its output voltage. The sensor can be built into the DPF outer shell as indicated in the design. The simulation results demonstrate that there is a direct relationship between the amount of soot load in the DPF and the output voltage of the ECT system which can be used to estimate the soot load.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting the filtering state of a filter, such as a particulate filter. Some embodiments include one or more capacitive sensors that provide a signal corresponding to the filtered state of the filter with a change in measured capacitance. A novel ECT based sensing technique for soot load estimation in a diesel particulate filter is presented. The sensing technology is based on principle that deposited soot thickness inside DPF causes a variation in the dielectric constant which has a direct impact on the capacitance of ECT system and its output voltage. The sensor can be built into the DPF outer shell as indicated in the design. The simulation results demonstrate that there is a direct relationship between the amount of soot load in the DPF and the output voltage of the ECT system which can be used to estimate the soot load.

Abstract: A yaw stability system for a vehicle as well as methods for controlling yaw in a vehicle and estimating the retarding torque of an electromagnetic retarder. The yaw stability system includes a yaw rate sensor, a plurality of braking devices, and a control unit. The control unit communicates with the yaw rate sensor and is configured to identify a desired yaw rate, select one or more of the plurality of braking devices based on a yaw condition, and communicate a control command to one or more of the selected braking devices to induce a control yaw moment. The method for controlling yaw includes determining a vehicle yaw rate and desired yaw rate, calculating a yaw rate error, determining a control yaw moment using a sliding mode control law based on a lumped mass vehicle model, selecting one of the braking devices based on a vehicle yaw condition, determining a control command based on the control yaw moment, and communicating the control command to one of the selected braking devices.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling system includes a pump, a controller, a clutch assembly, and a valve. The clutch assembly includes an actuator and a multi-disk clutch pack coupled to the actuator. Under the direction of the controller, the pump pressurizes a fluid in the actuator to engage the clutch pack and pumps the fluid through the clutch pack to cool the clutch pack. The valve maintains the fluid pumped to the actuator at a higher pressure than the pressure of the fluid pumped through the clutch pack to cool the clutch.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system and method of control is disclosed which includes electromagnetic and friction braking functionality. The electromagnetic braking system includes a generator which supplies power to eddy current devices. Accordingly, the eddy current devices apply a retarding torque on the wheels of the vehicle. In the event the generator produces an amount of power greater than that needed by the electromagnetic braking system, the generator will supply power to a supplemental power source such as a battery.

Abstract: This invention describes a control method for a hydraulic coupling system that includes pressurizing a fluid in an actuator coupled to a multi-disk clutch pack to engage the clutch pack, pumping the fluid through the clutch pack to cool the clutch pack, and controlling one or more valve actuators and one or more pump-motors with a controller. The control method may incorporate pulse width modulation of the actuators, such as the actuators for the pump-motor and valve.

Abstract: A yaw stability control system is based on a linearized vehicle model and a predictive control algorithm. The control algorithm compares the vehicle yaw rate, from, for example, a production grade yaw rate sensor, with a desired yaw rate, which may be computed based on the vehicle speed and the steering wheel angle. If the yaw rate error, defined as the difference between the desired and measured yaw rates, exceeds a certain threshold, a controlling yaw moment is calculated based on the predictive control algorithm. This controlling yaw moment, or yaw torque, command is then translated into one or more actuator commands. For example, the control yaw moment may be produced by braking one or more of the vehicle's wheels.

Abstract: A control system (12) for an automotive vehicle includes a wheel speed sensor (18) generating a rotational speed signal and a controller (14) coupled to the wheel speed sensor. The controller determines a vehicle speed, calculates wheel slip based upon the vehicle speed and the rotational speed, estimates a normal force on the wheel, calculates a modified brake torque signal in response to the wheel slip and the normal force, and actuates the wheel brake in response to the modified brake torque signal.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system and method of control is disclosed which includes electromagnetic and friction braking functionality. The electromagnetic braking system includes a generator which supplies power to eddy current devices. Accordingly, the eddy current devices apply a retarding torque on the wheels of the vehicle. In the event the generator is unable to supply a predetermined amount of power to eddy current devices, friction braking is activated thereby enhancing braking performance.

Abstract: A yaw stability system for a vehicle as well as methods for controlling yaw in a vehicle and estimating the retarding torque of an electromagnetic retarder. The yaw stability system includes a yaw rate sensor, a plurality of braking devices, and a control unit. The control unit communicates with the yaw rate sensor and is configured to identify a desired yaw rate, select one or more of the plurality of braking devices based on a yaw condition, and communicate a control command to one or more of the selected braking devices to induce a control yaw moment. The method for controlling yaw includes determining a vehicle yaw rate and desired yaw rate, calculating a yaw rate error, determining a control yaw moment using a sliding mode control law based on a lumped mass vehicle model, selecting one of the braking devices based on a vehicle yaw condition, determining a control command based on the control yaw moment, and communicating the control command to one of the selected braking devices.

Abstract: A yaw stability control system is based on a linearized vehicle model and a predictive control algorithm. The control algorithm compares the vehicle yaw rate, from, for example, a production grade yaw rate sensor, with a desired yaw rate, which may be computed based on the vehicle speed and the steering wheel angle. If the yaw rate error, defined as the difference between the desired and measured yaw rates, exceeds a certain threshold, a controlling yaw moment is calculated based on the predictive control algorithm. This controlling yaw moment, or yaw torque, command is then translated into one or more actuator commands. For example, the control yaw moment may be produced by braking one or more of the vehicle's wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling system includes a pump, a controller, a clutch assembly, and a valve. The clutch assembly includes an actuator and a multi-disk clutch pack coupled to the actuator. Under the direction of the controller, the pump pressurizes a fluid in the actuator to engage the clutch pack and pumps the fluid through the clutch pack to cool the clutch pack. The valve maintains the fluid pumped to the actuator at a higher pressure than the pressure of the fluid pumped through the clutch pack to cool the clutch.

Abstract: This invention describes a control method for a hydraulic coupling system that includes pressurizing a fluid in an actuator coupled to a multi-disk clutch pack to engage the clutch pack, pumping the fluid through the clutch pack to cool the clutch pack, and controlling one or more valve actuators and one or more pump-motors with a controller. The control method may incorporate pulse width modulation of the actuators, such as the actuators for the pump-motor and valve.

Abstract: A control system (12) for an automotive vehicle includes a wheel speed sensor (18) generating a rotational speed signal and a controller (14) coupled to the wheel speed sensor. The controller determines a vehicle speed, calculates wheel slip based upon the vehicle speed and the rotational speed, calculates a predicted future wheel slip based upon the vehicle speed and the rotational speed, estimates a normal force on the wheel, calculates a modified brake torque signal in response to the wheel slip, the predicted future wheel slip and the normal force, and actuates the wheel brake in response to the modified brake torque signal.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system and method of control is disclosed which includes electromagnetic and friction braking functionality. The electromagnetic braking system includes a generator which supplies power to eddy current devices. Accordingly, the eddy current devices apply a retarding torque on the wheels of the vehicle. In the event the generator is unable to supply a predetermined amount of power to eddy current devices, friction braking is activated thereby enhancing braking performance.

Abstract: An actuation system controls the flow of electric power to electromagnetic actuators to control motion or movement of at least two shafts or bodies. The system is preferentially applied to braking systems in automobiles and trucks, and may also be applied to other areas, including clutches and drive systems for other power transmission purposes. The electromagnetic retarders may also be used in combination with friction brake systems. Principal advantages of the combination system are the reliability and simplicity of friction and hydraulic components, and the lower wear and longer life of electromagnetic components.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system and method of control is disclosed which includes electromagnetic and friction braking functionality. The electromagnetic braking system includes a generator which supplies power to eddy current devices. Accordingly, the eddy current devices apply a retarding torque on the wheels of the vehicle. In the event the generator produces an amount of power greater than that needed by the electromagnetic braking system, the generator will supply power to a supplemental power source such as a battery.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an eddy current braking system in a motor vehicle is provided. The motor vehicle includes a prime mover linked to the eddy current braking system to provide torque thereto, and the eddy current braking system has a retarder assembly including at least a rotor and a stator. The method includes the steps of detecting a feedback current from the retarder assembly, detecting a rotor speed of the rotor, providing a signal indicative of a desired retarding torque, and determining a command current for the retarder as a function of the feedback current, rotor speed and desired retarding torque using a closed-loop sliding-mode control algorithm. The command current is provided to the retarder to control application of torque to the prime mover.