Simulating Operating Condition Patents (Class 73/118.01)
  • Patent number: 11921006
    Abstract: An automated picking system robotic device testing station having rollers for engagement with the wheels of a robotic device; and a controller to vary the rotation of the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul Clarke
  • Patent number: 11740151
    Abstract: An improved diaphragm vacuum gauge includes a pressure receiving unit having an electrical property that changes in accordance with displacement of a diaphragm caused by pressure of a measurement target medium; a heater that heats the pressure receiving unit; a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the pressure receiving unit; a pressure measurement unit that converts a change in the electrical property of the pressure receiving unit to a pressure measurement value; a storage unit that stores a plurality of heating temperature settings; a heating temperature setting unit that selects one heating temperature setting from among the plurality of heating temperature settings in accordance with a digital input signal that is externally input; and a controller that controls power supply to the heater based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the heating temperature setting selected by the heating temperature setting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: AZBIL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhide Yoshikawa, Keisuke Obara, Jun Ichihara, Kimihiro Sato
  • Patent number: 11609154
    Abstract: Disclosed in this invention is a flat-belt type VTEHIL test bench for commercial vehicles, including a main bench body and a bench test system. The main bench body is mounted inside a foundation and includes a main bench frame, a bench cover, front axle flat-belt assemblies and rear axle flat-belt assemblies. Each front axle flat-belt assembly is provided therein with a fixed plate, a rotary disc and a limiting mechanism. Each rear axle flat-belt assembly includes a flat belt and flat belt pulleys disposed both within the flat belt at opposing ends thereof. The foundation defines a sector-shaped mounting depression in which the main bench body is mounted, and an iron floor is arranged under the main bench body. This invention can better simulate actual driving surfaces and accommodate two-axle, three-axle, four-axle and other types of trucks or tractors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: SHANGHAI DIGAUTO AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiming Lv, Xiaoying Li, Libo Dong, Guanglei Bai, Yu Qiu
  • Patent number: 11512807
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a conduit comprises steps of attaching a first tubular-outboard-ply end of a tubular outboard ply to a first inner collar portion of a first collar with a third weld and attaching a second tubular-outboard-ply end to a second inner collar portion of a second collar with a fifth weld. The method additionally comprises steps of interconnecting the first inner collar portion and a first outer collar portion of the first collar with a first weld and interconnecting the second inner collar portion and a second outer collar portion of the second collar with a sixth weld. The method also comprises attaching a trimmed first corrugated-inboard-ply end to the first outer collar portion with a second weld, attaching a trimmed second corrugated-inboard-ply end to the second outer collar portion with a fourth weld, and communicatively coupling a first sensor with an interstitial space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Tony Di Carlo, Brian T. Vaniman, John P. Leuer
  • Patent number: 11415244
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a conduit comprises steps of attaching a first tubular-outboard-ply-end of a tubular outboard ply to a first inner collar portion of a first collar with a second weld and attaching a second tubular-outboard-ply end of the tubular outboard ply to a second inner collar portion of a second collar with a fourth weld. The method also comprises steps of inserting a tubular inboard ply into the tubular outboard ply, threadably interconnecting the first inner collar portion and a first outer collar portion of the first collar, and threadably interconnecting the second inner collar portion and a second outer collar portion of the second collar. The method further comprises steps of attaching a corrugated inboard ply to the first outer collar portion with a first weld and attaching a corrugated inboard ply to the second outer collar portion with a third weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Tony Di Carlo, Brian T. Vaniman, John P. Leuer
  • Patent number: 11412776
    Abstract: A smoking path simulation system includes a case, the robotic arm fixedly provided in the case and a cigarette holder mounted at a working end of the robotic arm, and further includes a feeding device, a cigarette tapping device and a cigarette lighting device provided in the case and located at a periphery of the robotic arm, as well as an image acquisition device mounted at the working end of the robotic arm. With the smoking path simulation system, an action path of smoking a cigarette by a consumer may be simulated, and consistency of the simulated action paths may be guaranteed, thus effectively improving precision of test of indexes of a cigarette-combustion performance, such as cigarette-combustion ash integration characteristics, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: CHINA TOBACCO YUNNAN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Han Zheng, Jianbo Zhan, Hao Wang, Zhenhua Yu, Ying Zhang, Geng Li, Tingting Yu, Liang Cheng, Liwei Li, Tao Wang, Xu Wang, Haiyan Ding, Jiao Xie, Baoshan Yue, Jiang Yu
  • Patent number: 11371629
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a conduit comprises steps of attaching a first tubular outboard ply to a first inner collar portion of a first collar with a third weld and attaching the first tubular outboard ply to a second inner collar portion of a second collar with a fifth weld. The method also comprises steps of interconnecting the first inner collar portion and a first outer collar portion of the first collar with a first weld, interconnecting the second inner collar portion and a second outer collar portion of the second collar with a sixth weld, attaching a trimmed first corrugated-inboard-ply end of a corrugated inboard ply to the first outer collar portion with a second weld, attaching a trimmed second corrugated-inboard-ply end of a corrugated inboard ply to the second outer collar portion with a fourth weld, and communicatively coupling a first sensor with an interstitial space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Tony Di Carlo, Brian T. Vaniman, John P. Leuer
  • Patent number: 11352932
    Abstract: A method of ageing a component of an exhaust gas after-treatment system including the steps of combusting fuel to subject the component to a continuous thermal ageing and simultaneously target loading at least certain sections of the component with ash. The method can be used on a test bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: FEV Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Sterlepper, Michael Görgen, Jimmy Cox
  • Patent number: 11326558
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting an evaporative emissions test on a fuel system and an emissions control system in a vehicle. In one example, in response to an indication that a vehicle parking condition may result in the isolation of the fuel system from the emissions control system via the unintentional closing of fuel tank valves, a vehicle's active suspension system may be employed in order to level the vehicle a determined amount such that the fuel system isolation issues may be mitigated prior to an evaporative emissions test procedure. In this way, the entire fuel system and emissions control system may be diagnosed for potential undesired emissions, and potential violations of regulatory requirements for evaporative emissions testing may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Scott A. Bohr, Matthew Werner, Michael William Soltis
  • Patent number: 11276314
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system having a memory, a plurality of self-driving systems for controlling a vehicle, and one or more processors. The processors are configured to receive at least one fallback task in association with a request for a primary task and at least one trigger of each fallback task. Each trigger is a set of conditions that, when satisfied, indicate when a vehicle requires attention for proper operation. The processors are also configured to send instructions to the self-driving systems to execute the primary task and receive status updates from the self-driving systems. The processors are configured to determine that a set of conditions of a trigger is satisfied based on the status updates and send further instructions based on the associated fallback task to the self-driving systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Seth Herbach, Philip Nemec, Nathaniel Fairfield
  • Patent number: 11047287
    Abstract: Testing facility for ageing exhaust gas systems, with a burner (5), a receiving area for receiving at least one catalytic converter (15) and/or a particulate filter (20). An ash-forming component is supplied here to the burner flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: FEV Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Sterlepper, Jimmy Cox
  • Patent number: 10928278
    Abstract: A vehicle restraint apparatus is for restraining a vehicle 1 on one or more rollers 7 of a vehicle test system. The vehicle restraint apparatus 11 includes a pair of vehicle restraining jigs whose first ends are joined with left and right seatbelt fixing pillars 2 of the vehicle 1, respectively, and whose second ends are joined with left and right poles 10 on a floor, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: MEIDENSHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshimichi Takahashi, Masao Furusawa
  • Patent number: 10899016
    Abstract: An example system includes a vehicle, a robot, and a controller. The vehicle may include an accelerator operator and a steering operator. The robot may include as accelerator actuator configured to operate the accelerator operator, and a steering actuator configured to operate-the steering operator. The controller is configured to: in response to an accelerator command, send a first signal to the accelerator actuator to operate the accelerator operator of the vehicle, and in response to a steering command, send a second, signal to the steering actuator to steer the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignees: SRI INTERNATIONAL, YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Thomas Low, Thomas De Candia, Seungkook Yun, Thomas Egan, Bryan Chavez, Alexander Kernbaum, Riley Shear, Leonard Gerard, Stephen Morfey, Richard Mahoney, Regis Vincent, Paul Birkmeyer, Hiroyuki Morita, Hirokatsu Muramatsu, Keiji Nishimura, Hiroshi Saijou, Akira Satou, Toshifumi Uchiyama, Hitoshi Watanabe, Shirou Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10801924
    Abstract: A comprehensive performance test system for Automated Driving Vehicles related to the technical field of vehicle testing equipment. It solves the technical problem of testing Automated Driving Vehicles. The system comprises a base platform, a lateral moving platform mounted on the base platform, and a rotary platform mounted on the lateral moving platform; There are two front wheels' brackets in the front of the rotary platform which can slide left and right, and two front wheel track adjustment mechanisms to control the movement of left and right sliding of two front wheels' brackets; There are two rear wheels' brackets on the rear of the rotary platform which can slide front and back, and two wheelbase adjustment mechanisms to control the movement of front and rear sliding of two rear wheels' brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: SHANGHAI DIGAUTO AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiming Lv, Xinjie Zhang, Xiaoying Li
  • Patent number: 10768073
    Abstract: In order to be able to construct test scenarios for vehicle development, with which tests can be carried out on a test bench during development, according to the present teaching, an output test in the form of a sequence of driving manoeuvres is carried out on the test bench with the test specimen and a value of the target variable is determined in this way. The result of the acquisition of the target variable resulting from the output test is divided into test segments and each test segment is checked for target-variable-critical relevance by means of a predetermined target variable relevance criterion. A driving maneuver assigned to the test segment or an assigned driving maneuver segment is recorded in the test if the target-variable-critical relevance of the test segment is given.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: AVL LIST GmbH
    Inventors: Hauke Maschmeyer, Christian Beidl
  • Patent number: 10672298
    Abstract: A blood flow simulator generates a compression and expansion in a test fluid that emulates the pressure waveform created by a heartbeat in blood flow. The blood flow simulator stores a plurality of pressure waveform files that include actual data recorded from a heartbeat, arterial pressure waveform, or venous pressure waveform. One or more of the pressure waveform files may be selected and the pressure waveform file is used by the blood flow simulator 100 to generate a pressure waveform in pressurized fluid. The pressurized fluid flows through a test site, such as a surrogate body part or an optical window or other component with material having similar properties to human tissue. Various target substances may also be added to the fluid in known concentrations for testing and configuration of medical devices at the test site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SANMINA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Newberry, Matthew Rodencal, Nate Roth
  • Patent number: 10392230
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated test system and method for an escalator, the escalator comprises a control cabinet and a motor. The test system comprises a driver connected in series between the control cabinet and the motor for driving the escalator to simulate overspeed or unintentional reversal faults, a sensor mounted on a step or escalator handrail belt of the escalator for obtaining quantitative speed signals, and an operation device connected to the driver and the sensor for controlling the driver for different detection items and processing and displaying the speed signals. With the test system and method described herein, the defects of non-universal, unintuitive and non-quantitative nature, and low accuracy in the existing art are overcome. The test system of the invention is capable of discovering a lot of hidden dangers of accidents and even system risks which are difficult to be found by the existing art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventors: Zhengwu Qi, Minjian Liang, Yuhang Su, Yinghong Chen
  • Patent number: 10253728
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting an evaporative emissions test on a fuel system and an emissions control system in a vehicle. In one example, in response to an indication that a vehicle parking condition may result in the isolation of the fuel system from the emissions control system via the unintentional closing of fuel tank valves, a vehicle's active suspension system may be employed in order to level the vehicle a determined amount such that the fuel system isolation issues may be mitigated prior to an evaporative emissions test procedure. In this way, the entire fuel system and emissions control system may be diagnosed for potential undesired emissions, and potential violations of regulatory requirements for evaporative emissions testing may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Scott A. Bohr, Matthew Werner, Michael William Soltis
  • Patent number: 9897585
    Abstract: A geomechanical fluid-solid coupling testing device for water inrush from coal mine collapse column, which has a testing bed and a collapse column simulating device, wherein the testing bed has a box type structure with an opening at its top and is provided therein with multiple layers of similar materials in which a tunnel or a mining face can be dug out; and the collapse column simulating device comprises a plexiglass barrel with openings at both its top and bottom, the plexiglass barrel is provided at its top opening with a plexiglass lifting device and a hard plastic baffle, and the plexiglass lifting device is provided with a lifting level which is connected with a lifting rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY, BEIJING
    Inventors: Qiang Wu, Lei Niu, Shucai Li, Shouqiang Liu, Yifan Zeng
  • Patent number: 9501876
    Abstract: In order to efficiently and reliably perform a valid field test, there are provided: a running data acquisition part for sequentially acquiring actual running data of a vehicle under execution of a running test on a road by a driver; and a tendency data output part for sequentially producing and outputting tendency data indicating a tendency as to whether or not the running test is valid, based on the actual running data during the running test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Uratani, Shun Fukami
  • Patent number: 9128003
    Abstract: A device for dynamically exciting a component, in particular a chassis component of a motor vehicle has an actuator (10) with a piston rod (20) and an actuator housing (30). A connecting element (40) is coupled to the piston rod (20) of the actuator (10). A coupling (50) is coupled to the connecting element (40) for connection to the component. The connecting element (40) is coupled to the piston rod (20) in such a manner that the coupling is substantially moment-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eric Preising, Johannes Heine, Hans-Peter Loda
  • Publication number: 20150059459
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and an apparatus for recreating data collected from a machine for distribution to one or more remote terminals for monitoring and evaluating machine operations. Machine operation parameters are sensed by at least one sensor, and the data collected regarding measured values of machine operations are transmitted to a conditioning device. The conditioning device validates the data by comparing and correlating the measured values to predetermined values of acceptable data set and converts output data from analog to digital data. The digitized analog data according to the measured parameters associated with machine operations are then transmitted to a data storage unit, where it is stored and subsequently retrieved for recreating the machine operation parameters to become accessible by one or more remote terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: JAMES WARD GIRARDEAU, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8966987
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a test stand (100) for the simulation of forces and moments introduced into a motor vehicle or into parts of a motor vehicle during driving operation. In order to allow a simulation of road journeys which is as realistic as possible, it being possible at the same time to dispense with vehicle-specific excitation or activation signals, there is provision, according to the invention, whereby the test stand (100) has at least one wheel contact plate (2) for receiving a vehicle wheel (1) and at least one first actuator (3a, 3b) connected at one side to the foundation (101) of the test stand (100) and at the other side to the wheel contact plate (2), for moving the wheel contact plate (2) along a first axis (L1), preferably along the vertical axis, relative to the foundation (101) of the test stand (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Clusserath, Manfred Backer, Riccardo Moller
  • Patent number: 8887548
    Abstract: A land mine simulator includes a housing having an opening formed in one end thereof. A plate movably supported in the housing's opening has a first face exposed to a surrounding environment and a second face exposed to an interior region of the housing. A non-compressible fluid-filled reservoir in the housing includes a flexible diaphragm opposing and spaced apart from the second face of the plate. Plungers are between each of the second face of the plate and the diaphragm. Each of one or more air spring in the housing includes a cylinder having a movable piston sealed therein with a first side of the piston in fluid communication with the reservoir's fluid and a second side of the piston in fluid communication with a pressurized volume of gas within the cylinder. A pressure sensor is provided in communication with the fluid in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brian L. Price, Patrick A. Delay, Mark Welscher
  • Publication number: 20140318230
    Abstract: Baffles useful for stirrer cell modules, stirrer cell modules including the baffles, and methods of using the baffles and modules, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Jason S. PELLEGRINO, Lixiang XIAO, Richard MORRIS, James J. HATHCOCK
  • Publication number: 20140260579
    Abstract: A testing apparatus is provided for exposing an associated specimen to movement along multiple axes. A test chamber is dimensioned to receive the associated specimen. A first device is operatively connected to the test chamber to impose a first, rotational movement on the associated specimen, a second device is operatively connected to the test chamber to impose a second, rotational movement different than the first movement on the associated specimen, a third device is operatively connected to the test chamber to impose a generally planar movement or linear translation on the associated specimen, and a fourth device is operatively connected to the test chamber to impose a load force on the associated specimen. A drive mechanism is operatively connected to the first, second, third, and fourth devices so that the movements and forces imposed by respective ones of the devices are commonly driven by the drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Orthopaedic Research Laboratories
    Inventors: Majid Rashidi, Alon Katz, Paul D. Postak, A. Seth Greenwald
  • Publication number: 20140260580
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for off-load and on-load unhooking simulation of the release device of a closed lifeboat includes two main mechanisms, two hydraulic jacks, two suspension ring bases, a pressure distribution module, a manual hydraulic pump and an air pressure buffer combined together. The testing apparatus of this invention can carry out drill of simulating off-load and on-load unhooking state of the release device of a lifeboat under circumstances of no risk, able to ensure safety of the operators during drill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: CHEN YUAN PAO
  • Publication number: 20140250994
    Abstract: A method of testing a superabrasive cutter is disclosed. The method of testing a superabrasive cutter may comprise steps of choosing a set of tests with various parameters under which to test superabrasive cutter; comparing to a reference chart; and deciding whether the superabrasive cutter fits an application for a high probability of performance success.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: DIAMOND INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Gledhill, Gary Martin Flood
  • Patent number: 8813549
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for off-load and on-load unhooking simulation of the release device of a closed lifeboat includes two main mechanisms, two hydraulic jacks, two suspension ring bases, a pressure distribution module, a manual hydraulic pump and an air pressure buffer combined together. The testing apparatus of this invention can carry out drill of simulating off-load and on-load unhooking state of the release device of a lifeboat under circumstances of no risk, able to ensure safety of the operators during drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Chen Yuan Pao
  • Patent number: 8807110
    Abstract: A system and method for sampling fluid from a top land piston crevice of a reciprocating piston engine. Access into the crevice is via a length of tubing inserted into a bore through the piston wall. Two valves, first a relief valve and then a piloted check valve, operate together to capture a sample of fluid from the crevice at a time just before TDC of the piston on its compression stroke. The sampled fluid flows from the check valve into a sample container. The valves further cooperate to close fluid communication from the crevice after a sample is taken, which allows the engine to operate normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Mitchel A. Smolik, Dustin B. Kramer, Timothy L. Haby
  • Patent number: 8809061
    Abstract: A living body phantom according to the present invention, which is used as a testing sample in a prepared slide in estimating the performance of a microscope objective lens with the image of the testing sample in the prepared slide acquired by an imaging means via the microscope objective lens and with optical characteristics obtained from the image of the testing sample, includes a non-gel-like solution at least including: a solvent which at least includes water, a refractive index adjustment agent, and a scattering body or which at least includes a refractive index adjustment agent and a scattering body; and a thickener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Asuka Mukai, Koji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8720261
    Abstract: The jig may include a base plate having mounting surfaces, upper mounting holes formed in the mounting surfaces and disposed symmetrically, lower mounting holes formed through both of the mounting surfaces, respectively, and disposed under the upper mounting holes, an upper support bracket having one end connected to both of the upper mounting holes and another end fixed and connected to one mounting surface, a lower support bracket having one end connected to both of the lower mounting holes and another end fixed and connected to another mounting surface, a first sample fixing rod connected and supported across the upper support bracket at both sides, and a second sample fixing rod connected and supported across the lower support bracket at both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Eunsik Kim, Jeongseon Min, Yangrae Cho, Donghwan Kim
  • Patent number: 8713987
    Abstract: A system for simulating wet runway conditions by using a liquid container that is placed inside an aircraft. The liquid container is connected to a nozzle that sprays water in front of the wheels of the aircraft. A valve is used to control the flow of water from the nozzle. Systems, such as the braking system of the aircraft, can then be tested in wet runway conditions simulated by the system. The amount of water sprayed from the nozzle can also be electronically controlled in relation to the speed of the aircraft, such that the nozzle sprays a nearly uniform layer of liquid in front of the wheels. The system can also be modified to include two tanks to manipulate the center of gravity of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Gary E. McKay
  • Publication number: 20140109662
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an inside drum-type tire testing device, which can significantly improve operability and test precision, reliably has strength high enough to eliminate any concern about strength thereof, and has relatively small size and significantly small floor-occupied area. Specifically, the present invention provides a tire testing device, comprising: an inside drum-type cylindrical rotating drum 1; a fixed support member 2 for surrounding the rotating drum 1 from the outer peripheral side of the drum via rotation guide means 3; and a linear motor 4 provided between the rotating drum 1 and the fixed support member 2, for rotationally driving the rotating drum 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masafumi Koide
  • Publication number: 20140090461
    Abstract: A manipulator assembly for moving and displacing a tire undergoing tire testing, including: a linear actuator for moving and displacing the tire along a local vertical z-axis; a linear actuator for moving and displacing the tire along a local lateral y-axis that is substantially perpendicular to the local vertical z-axis; a rotary actuator for cambering the tire within a local coordinate system partially defined by the local vertical z-axis and the local lateral y-axis; and a linear actuator for moving and displacing the tire along a global lateral y-axis that is substantially perpendicular to the local vertical z-axis such that the local coordinate system is moved and displaced along the global lateral y-axis. Specifically, the linear actuator for moving and displacing the tire along the global lateral y-axis moves and displaces an origin of the local coordinate system along the global lateral y-axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: CAMBER RIDGE, LLC
    Inventor: James F. CUTTINO
  • Publication number: 20140067286
    Abstract: A method for simulating friction stir welding is provided. The method may include restraining first and second parts in a fixture. The method may also include axially forcing a non-rotating friction stir welding tool against a joint between the parts. Thereafter one or more resultant parameters may be measured, such as displacement of the first part, the second parts, and/or the fixture. The resultant parameters may also include the force applied to the first part, the second parts, and/or the fixture. Thereby, movement of the parts and fixture that may occur during friction stir welding may be simulated without actually completing a welding operation. A related system and computer program product are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Alfredo CASTILLO
  • Publication number: 20140041444
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for an antenna weightlessness deployment test. The apparatus for an antenna weightlessness deployment test includes: a pair of first direction mobile support shafts mounted in parallel at a predetermined distance; first direction mobile deployment apparatuses mounted to be supported by an air bearing so as to slidably move on the first direction mobile support shaft; a second direction mobile support shaft mounted to connect the first direction mobile deployment apparatuses with each other; and second direction mobile deployment apparatuses mounted to be supported by an air bearing so as to slidably move on the second direction mobile support shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jang Sup CHOI, Chang Soo KWAK, In Bok YOM, Man Seok UHM, Hong Yeol LEE, So Hyeun YUN
  • Patent number: 8621918
    Abstract: The invention relates to a test device for testing test vehicles, said test device having a receiving device for a vehicle mock-up. The receiving device for a vehicle mock-up is positioned on a rail system of the test device such that it can be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: ADAC E.V.
    Inventors: Alois Sacher, Volker Sandner
  • Publication number: 20140000355
    Abstract: A brake abnormality diagnosis device which diagnoses an abnormality in a brake of a brake-equipped motor provided in a robot or a machine tool, includes: an abnormality diagnosis unit which performs a diagnosis as to whether or not there is an abnormality in the brake, while the motor is excited and the brake is activated; and an output unit which, if it is diagnosed that there is an abnormality in the brake, notifies the abnormality in the brake without interrupting the excitation of the motor and without releasing the brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsutomu SHIKAGAWA, Yasuyuki MATSUMOTO
  • Patent number: 8601878
    Abstract: A system (1100) for fatigue testing wind turbine blades (1102) through forced or resonant excitation of the base (1104) of a blade (1102). The system (1100) includes a test stand (1112) and a restoring spring assembly (1120) mounted on the test stand (1112). The restoring spring assembly (1120) includes a primary spring element (1124) that extends outward from the test stand (1112) to a blade mounting plate (1130) configured to receive a base (1104) of blade (1102). During fatigue testing, a supported base (1104) of a blade (1102) may be pivotally mounted to the test stand (1112) via the restoring spring assembly (1120). The system (1100) may include an excitation input assembly (1140) that is interconnected with the blade mounting plate (1130) to selectively apply flapwise, edgewise, and/or pitch excitation forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Cotrell, Scott Hughes, Sandy Butterfield, Scott Lambert
  • Patent number: 8579613
    Abstract: A vane pump includes a housing defining a pump chamber; a rotor rotatably arranged in the pump chamber; and a motor to rotate the rotor. An imaginary plane is defined to bisect the pump chamber in an axis direction. The housing has a first inlet port and a second inlet port located symmetrical with each other with respect to the imaginary plane, and the housing has a first outlet port and a second outlet port located symmetrical with each other with respect to the imaginary plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuyuki Kobayashi, Tomohiro Itoh
  • Publication number: 20130283902
    Abstract: A collision test apparatus includes actuators that move a vehicle structural member toward the side of a carrying unit on which a dummy is carried. The actuators can be driven independently of each other. Therefore, the actuators move the vehicle structural member at respectively different driving speeds. In other words, the collision test apparatus does not simply move the vehicle structural member such that the vehicle structural member collides with the dummy, but also causes the vehicle structural member to collide with the dummy while moving the vehicle structural member at different speeds in different positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Isao Kobayashi, Taisuke Fujiwara, Shunichi Katsumata
  • Patent number: 8549903
    Abstract: A method for testing a vehicle or a sub-system thereof on a test stand or in a road trial, wherein the method provides force and torque transmitting interfaces which are at least partially present in reality. To be able to further increase the flexibility of test runs or test drives, at least one further sub-system or one component which is not present in reality is reproduced independently of the interfaces via a simulation program which is supplied with real, actual measured values and/or signals of the real part, wherein the output signals of the simulation model are fed to a control device of the real part for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Rzehorska, Klaus Kutschi, Rüdiger Teichmann, Roland Wanker
  • Publication number: 20130255365
    Abstract: A method for safely testing extraction systems is developed which allows repeated, reliable and safe actuation of the Extraction Force Transfer Coupling under external load. The unique test set-up invented to perform this testing is described as well as the features of this test rig that are not present in prior art. This novel set-up can be used to characterize the EFTC over a range of external loads and pull angles. It can also be tailored for unique as well as off-nominal EFTC configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: John Joseph Zipay, Satish Chandra Reddy, Amber Leigh Newport, Dale Hiram Jennings
  • Patent number: 8539825
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an adjustable simulator apparatus for testing vehicle components are disclosed herein. The apparatus can be used to test linearly translatable components, such as transmission or brake components, without connecting them to every cooperating component as they would be in a vehicle. In one embodiment, an adjustable simulator apparatus includes a housing having a bore along a generally longitudinal axis and a first retainer and a second retainer disposed in the housing and spaced apart from one another. At least one of the first and the second retainer is adjustable in its position and a compressible member is disposed between the retainers. The apparatus further includes a piston translatable within the bore and a mechanical stop disposed at least partially within the bore of the housing and extends through the second end of the compressible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Beckwith, Duane R. Johnson, Jeffrey D. Szalkowski
  • Patent number: 8473176
    Abstract: An aircraft monitoring system uses aircraft engine and system transducers to monitor critical engine and aircraft system parameters. Simple controls and graphical user interfaces facilitate the display of different kinds of critical information to the pilot. Such data may also be recorded for later downloading and analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: John S. Youngquist, John W. Toulmin
  • Publication number: 20130133413
    Abstract: The jig may include a base plate having mounting surfaces, upper mounting holes formed in the mounting surfaces and disposed symmetrically, lower mounting holes formed through both of the mounting surfaces, respectively, and disposed under the upper mounting holes, an upper support bracket having one end connected to both of the upper mounting holes and another end fixed and connected to one mounting surface, a lower support bracket having one end connected to both of the lower mounting holes and another end fixed and connected to another mounting surface, a first sample fixing rod connected and supported across the upper support bracket at both sides, and a second sample fixing rod connected and supported across the lower support bracket at both sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyndai Motor Company
    Inventors: Eunsik Kim, Jeongseon Min, Yangrae Cho, Donghwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20130098147
    Abstract: A method and a device for simulating a body that is moved in a translational or rotational manner. The method includes detecting a force that acts on the body or a torque (MW), and assigning a reference mass or a reference moment of inertia (Jsoll) to the body. The force or the torque (Mw) and the reference mass or the reference moment of inertia (Jsoll) are used to determine a reference speed (?soll) for a speed control which controls an actual speed (?ist) using a control transmission function (G(s)), and the reference speed (?soll) is determined by means of a transmission element using a transmission function (P(s)) that is reciprocally proportional to the control transmission function (G(s)).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: KRISTL, SEIBT & CO. GESELLSCHAFT M.B.H.
    Inventors: Robert Bauer, Wolfgang Ettl, Christian Gritsch, Michael Wastian
  • Patent number: 8413517
    Abstract: A fuel cell system may include a fuel cell stack, a manifold in fluid communication with the stack, and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may include a housing defining a chamber in fluid communication with the manifold, a pressure sensing element disposed within the chamber, and a heating element disposed within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Suriyaprakash Ayyangar Janarthanam, William F. Sanderson
  • Publication number: 20130068006
    Abstract: Systems and methods, including: one of a simulated road surface and an actual road surface; a test tire physically contacting the one of the simulated road surface and the actual road surface; and a plurality of gears linking the test tire and the one of the simulated road surface and the actual road surface, such that the velocities of the test tire and the one of the simulated road surface and the actual road surface are linked and an associated slip ratio between the test tire and the one of the simulated road surface and the actual road surface is controlled. The simulated road surface includes one of a drum, a belt, a drive wheel, and a rail. The plurality of gears are varied in terms of gear ratio using a controller such that slip ratio is dynamically controlled and varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: CAMBER RIDGE, LLC.
    Inventor: James F. CUTTINO