Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an online jury research system which enables a multiplicity of end-users to build surrogate jury surveys by way of a communications network, such as the Internet. The online jury research system comprises a survey builder which enables the end-users to upload information for which responses of surrogate jurors are desired and to assemble surrogate jury surveys. The uploaded information may include questions, videotaped opening or closing statements, depositions, exhibits, and graphics. A host site is accessible to the end-users by way of the communications network and provides access to a jury services package. In an embodiment, the survey services package comprises services operated by one or more third-party service providers. The online jury research system provides the surrogate jury survey to selected respondents and then compiles the results for review by the end-users.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an online jury research system which enables a multiplicity of end-users to build surrogate jury surveys by way of a communications network, such as the Internet. The online jury research system comprises a survey builder which enables the end-users to upload information for which responses of surrogate jurors are desired and to assemble surrogate jury surveys. The uploaded information may include questions, videotaped opening or closing statements, depositions, exhibits, and graphics. A host site is accessible to the end-users by way of the communications network and provides access to a jury services package. In an embodiment, the survey services package comprises services operated by one or more third-party service providers. The online jury research system provides the surrogate jury survey to selected respondents and then compiles the results for review by the end-users.

Abstract: A work machine may include a steering system, a user interface, a detection device, and a control device. The user interface may generate an input signal corresponding to operator input. The detection device may generate a detection signal corresponding to a presence of an operator relative to the user interface. The control device may determine that the operator is unavailable based on the detection signal and the input signal, and enable a lockout mode based on determining that the operator is unavailable. The control device may determine, while the lockout mode is enabled, a readiness indicator. The readiness indicator may confirm a readiness of the operator based on determining that the detection signal satisfies a readiness criterion. The control device may disable the lockout mode based on determining that the readiness criterion is satisfied.

Abstract: A work machine may include a steering system, a user interface, a detection device, and a control device. The user interface may generate an input signal corresponding to operator input. The detection device may generate a detection signal corresponding to a presence of an operator relative to the user interface. The control device may determine that the operator is unavailable based on the detection signal and the input signal, and enable a lockout mode based on determining that the operator is unavailable. The control device may determine, while the lockout mode is enabled, a readiness indicator. The readiness indicator may confirm a readiness of the operator based on determining that the detection signal satisfies a readiness criterion. The control device may disable the lockout mode based on determining that the readiness criterion is satisfied.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system having a pump for delivering fluid under pressure from a fluid reservoir, a hydraulic actuator selectively driven by the fluid, the system comprises a main flow control valve connected between the pump and the actuator for selectively providing the fluid to and from the actuator, and a control unit connected to the main flow control valve for controlling operation of the main flow control valve to control the rate of change of the area of the main flow control valve relative to the delivery of fluid from the pump, and the control unit connected to the pump to increase or decrease the actual pump command proportional to the inverse of the pump command.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a fluid system. The fluid system includes a hydraulic circuit having a pump driven by an engine. The pump delivers fluid to an actuator through a valve assembly. The method includes the steps of receiving an operator input, determining a condition of the hydraulic circuit, determining a valve command in response to the circuit condition and the operator input, and delivering the valve command to the valve assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the fluid flow in a fluid circuit 102. The fluid circuit 102 includes a pump 32 driven by an engine 106. The pump 32 delivers fluid to at least one actuator 44, 45 through a control valve assembly 120, 122. In addition, the pump is connected to a bypass control valve, which is connected to a fluid tank. The method includes the steps of establishing a desired fluid flow to be delivered by the pump, determining an expected fluid flow to be delivered by the pump in response to the desired fluid flow, and determining a position of the bypass control valve in response to the expected fluid flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably moving a work implement. The implement is connected to a work machine and is moveable in response to the operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The apparatus includes an operator controlled joystick that generates an operator command signal, which is indicative of a desired velocity of the work implement movement. Cylinder position sensors produce cylinder position signals in response to the position of lift and tilt cylinders. A valve assembly receives an electrical valve signal, and controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to the respective hydraulic cylinders to move the cylinders in accordance with the operator command signal. A controller receives the operator command and cylinder position signals, and responsively produces a pump command signal to change the displacement of a variable displacement pump to regulate the movement of the hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably moving a work implement is disclosed. The implement is connected to a work machine and is moveable in response to operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The apparatus includes an operator controlled joystick. A joystick position sensor senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates an operator command signal. Boom and bucket angle sensors sense the position of the work implement and responsively produces an boom angle signal and a bucket angle signal respectively. A microprocessor based controller receives the boom angle, bucket angle, and operator command signals, modifies the operator command signal, and produces an electrical valve signal in response to the modified operator command signal. An electrohydraulic valve receives the electrical valve signal, and controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder in response to a magnitude of the electrical valve signal.

Abstract: A positive flow control system is provided that uses open-centered control valves in a series connection to provide priority between different fluid circuits and to provide requested flow regardless of the load pressure while minimizing unused or wasted flow. This is accomplished by providing a restriction in the last open-centered control valve to controllably restrict the flow therethrough when the valve is in its neutral position and having the source of pressurized fluid at a minimum displacement position that substantially matches the rate of flow across the restriction. A controller controls the displacement of the source of pressurized fluid and the displacement of the respective open-centered control valves in proportional to the respective input commands. Initial movement of the last open-centered control valve closes off the restricted flow thereacross to the reservoir prior to the source of pressurized fluid being communicated to the associated actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably moving a work implement is disclosed. The implement is connected to a work machine and is moveable in response to operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The apparatus includes an operator controlled joystick. A joystick position sensor senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates an operator command signal, which is indicative of a desired velocity. A velocity sensor senses the velocity of the lift cylinder and tilt cylinders and responsively producing respective cylinder velocity signals. A microprocessor receives the cylinder velocity and operator command signals, determines the difference between the actual and desired cylinder velocity, and responsively produces an electrical valve signal in response to the velocity difference. An electrohydraulic valve receives the electrical valve signal, and controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder in response to a magnitude of the electrical value signal.

Abstract: An anti-spin apparatus for a machine is disclosed. The machine is articulated and has at least one axle set with at least two driven wheels. The anti-spin apparatus includes braking mechanisms which controllably apply braking forces to each of the driven wheels. A controller produces a slip signal having a value responsive to the difference in rotational velocity between the wheels of the axle set. A transducer produces an articulation signal having a value responsive to the angle of articulation of the machine. Further, a microprocessor receives the slip signal and the articulation signal, and produces a braking control signal. One of the braking mechanisms receives the braking control signal and responsively applies the braking forces to the faster rotating wheel.

Abstract: An iris retractor for use in operating on the eye of a living creature is proposed, by means of which the iris is drawn outwards for widening the pupil and is held at the outer edge, which is essentially formed by the transition from the cornea to the sclera.The iris retractor essentially comprises a suspended part having a hook portion and a guide part and on which a platelet-like clamping part is displaceable relative to the hook portion.

Abstract: An anti-spin apparatus for a machine is disclosed. The machine is articulated and has at least one axle set with at least two driven wheels. The anti-spin apparatus includes braking mechanisms which controllably apply braking forces to each of the driven wheels. A controller produces a slip signal having a value responsive to the difference in rotational velocity between the wheels of the axle set. A transducer produces an articulation signal having a value responsive to the angle of articulation of the machine. Further, a microprocessor receives the slip signal and the articulation signal, and produces a braking control signal. One of the braking mechanisms receives the braking control signal and responsively applies the braking forces to the faster rotating wheel.