Abstract: The vehicle described herein employs an electronic control unit (“ECU”) and/or accessory control module configured to improve actual fuel, economy. The ECU and/or the accessory control module monitors vehicle operating conditions and reduces load from an accessory when the vehicle achieves predetermined operating conditions. The ECU and/or the accessory control module is also configured to engage a fuel cut and a torque converter lock up condition. The lock up condition causes the wheels to drive the motor to avoid engine stall. At a predetermined low level, the ECU and/or the accessory control module can re-engage the accessory and fuel supply and disengage the lock up condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for automated control of transmission ratio change which balances the requirements for power with energy efficiency. A plurality of sensors detect environmental conditions of a vehicle. An environmental conditions analysis unit analyzes the environmental conditions to determine whether the detected environmental conditions indicate a likelihood of a transmission ratio increase. When the detected environmental conditions indicate the likelihood of the transmission ratio increase, an automatic transmission changes in operation from a normal state to a prepared state. However, after a predetermined amount of time, the automatic transmission changes from the prepared state back to the normal state when there is no user indication that the transmission ratio should be increased.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for adaptive electronic driveforce unit control based on the weather. An automobile can include, for example a driveforce system. The driveforce system can include a driveforce unit, an acceleration input device, a memory, a speed sensor, and/or a weather detection system. The acceleration input device can generate acceleration input data. The driveforce unit can generate an output based on the corresponding acceleration input data from a driveforce curve in a driveforce map. The driveforce map can be stored in the memory. The speed sensor can detect speed data indicating a speed and/or acceleration of the automobile. The weather detection system includes a moisture detection system detecting moisture data, a temperature sensor detecting temperature data, and a windshield wiper detection system detecting windshield wiper data. The processor adjusts the driveforce curve in the driveforce map based on the weather data.

Abstract: The vehicle described herein employs an electronic control unit (“ECU”) and/or accessory control module configured to improve actual fuel economy. The ECU and/or the accessory control module monitors vehicle operating conditions and reduces load from an accessory when the vehicle achieves predetermined operating conditions. The ECU and/or the accessory control module is also configured to engage a fuel cut and a torque converter lock up condition. The lock up condition causes the wheels to drive the motor to avoid engine stall. At a predetermined low level, the ECU and/or the accessory control module can re-engage the accessory and fuel supply and disengage the lock up condition.

Abstract: An improper gear shift timing indicator system for a manual transmission vehicle. The system includes a gear position detector for detecting gear position information and a control unit in communication with the gear position detector. The control unit is configured to detect a gear shift event based on a change in the gear position information. The control unit measures elapsed time during the gear shift event and compares the elapsed time with a threshold value, which is based on various vehicle operating parameters and the given gear shift event. A signal system is in communication with the control unit and the control unit causes the signal system to provide a signal to a driver of the vehicle when the elapsed time of the gear shift event is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method for throttle control during a second gear start in a vehicle with a manual transmission. A powertrain control module (PCM) is coupled to a throttle and is configured to control movement of the throttle according to a winter mode e-throttle map that is stored in the PCM. The PCM is configured to control the throttle based upon the winter mode e-throttle map upon detection of a second gear start condition.

Abstract: Method and systems for automated anticipatory braking of a vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a vehicle accelerator movable between a maximum speed position and a minimum speed position, and a sensor configured to determine the rate of travel of the accelerator toward the minimum speed position. The system further comprises a controller configured to utilize the rate of travel of the accelerator to determine if a rapid braking condition is desired, and to provide a control signal to apply increased negative torque to the drive wheels of the vehicle prior to the user applying the vehicle brake. In some embodiments, driver history and/or other vehicle conditions are taken into account. In some embodiments, negative torque is applied via varying of valve timing, control of combustion chamber intake, control of exhaust backpressure, control of motor energy, and/or shifting of a transmission to a numerically higher speed ratio.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for adaptive electronic driveforce unit control based on the weather. An automobile can include, for example a driveforce system. The driveforce system can include a driveforce unit, an acceleration input device, a memory, a speed sensor, and/or a weather detection system. The acceleration input device can generate acceleration input data. The driveforce unit can generate an output based on the corresponding acceleration input data from a driveforce curve in a driveforce map. The driveforce map can be stored in the memory. The speed sensor can detect speed data indicating a speed and/or acceleration of the automobile. The weather detection system includes a moisture detection system detecting moisture data, a temperature sensor detecting temperature data, and a windshield wiper detection system detecting windshield wiper data. The processor adjusts the driveforce curve in the driveforce map based on the weather data.

Abstract: A system and method for throttle control during a second gear start in a vehicle with a manual transmission. A powertrain control module (PCM) is coupled to a throttle and is configured to control movement of the throttle according to a winter mode e-throttle map that is stored in the PCM. The PCM is configured to control the throttle based upon the winter mode e-throttle map upon detection of a second gear start condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for automated control of transmission ratio change which balances the requirements for power with energy efficiency. A plurality of sensors detect environmental conditions of a vehicle. An environmental conditions analysis unit analyzes the environmental conditions to determine whether the detected environmental conditions indicate a likelihood of a transmission ratio increase. When the detected environmental conditions indicate the likelihood of the transmission ratio increase, an automatic transmission changes in operation from a normal state to a prepared state. However, after a predetermined amount of time, the automatic transmission changes from the prepared state back to the normal state when there is no user indication that the transmission ratio should be increased.

Abstract: An improper gear shift timing indicator system for a manual transmission vehicle. The system includes a gear position detector for detecting gear position information and a control unit in communication with the gear position detector. The control unit is configured to detect a gear shift event based on a change in the gear position information. The control unit measures elapsed time during the gear shift event and compares the elapsed time with a threshold value, which is based on various vehicle operating parameters and the given gear shift event. A signal system is in communication with the control unit and the control unit causes the signal system to provide a signal to a driver of the vehicle when the elapsed time of the gear shift event is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: Method and systems for automated anticipatory braking of a vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a vehicle accelerator movable between a maximum speed position and a minimum speed position, and a sensor configured to determine the rate of travel of the accelerator toward the minimum speed position. The system further comprises a controller configured to utilize the rate of travel of the accelerator to determine if a rapid braking condition is desired, and to provide a control signal to apply increased negative torque to the drive wheels of the vehicle prior to the user applying the vehicle brake. In some embodiments, driver history and/or other vehicle conditions are taken into account. In some embodiments, negative torque is applied via varying of valve timing, control of combustion chamber intake, control of exhaust backpressure, control of motor energy, and/or shifting of a transmission to a numerically higher speed ratio.

Abstract: A miniature implantable drug delivery capsule system. The drug delivery system (400) comprises one or more ball semiconductor aggregations (404) and (406) facilitating release of a drug stored in a reservoir (402). The first aggregate (404) is used for sensing and memory, and a second aggregation (406) for control aspects, such as for pumping and dispensing of the drug. Notably, the aggregates (404) and (406) may be interconnected by a common bus (410) for communication purposes, or may be implemented to operate independently of each other. Each aggregate (404) and (406) is encased in a semipermeable membrane (408) to allow species which are to be monitored, and drugs to be delivered, to freely diffuse. The system (400) may communicate with a remote control system, or operate independently on local power over a long period for delivery of the drug based upon a request of the patient, timed-release under control by the system (400), or delivery in accordance with measured markers.

Abstract: A substantially spherical semiconductor ball implanted in orthopedic structures for sensing and/or stimulation. In one embodiment, a vertebral column (800) having a number of intervertebral discs (802) interspersed among respective vertebral bodies (804), material placed in intervertebral discs (802) allows for a semi-synthetic vertebral disc (806) to be constructed. The artificial intervertebral disk (806) contains one or more ball sensors (808) located within the body of the disk (806) in order to monitor the compression forces. Conventionally, the semi-synthetic disc (806) is monitored only retrospectively, and visualized on x-ray.

Abstract: A method of tumor ablation using injectable thermal-sensing balls. A catheter system (115) is used to inject a slurry (134) of thermal-sensing balls (136) into a tumor (122) located in, for example, a liver (120). The catheter system (115) comprises a catheter (128) and a specialized syringe (129) consisting of a housing (130) and a plunger (132). The housing (130) includes a cylindrical chamber having the slurry (134) of thermal-sensing balls (136). The catheter (128) is inserted retrograde into the femoral artery and passed to the site of the tumor (122). The hepatic artery (124) branches into smaller vessels, one of which is a tumor artery (126) which feeds the tumor (122). The tip of the catheter (128) is placed in the tumor artery (126) guided by conventional fluoroscopy. The injected balls (136) then receive energy from an external control system (110). The system (110) comprises a control panel (114) as an operator interface for controlling the system (110) and reading data therefrom.

Abstract: A ball semiconductor for stimulating a mass of nervous system brain tissue for therapeutic purposes. The ball (120) is embedded in a mass of nervous system tissue (215) of a brain. Electrical pulses generated and transmitted to the ball (120) by a remote electrical pulse generator system (140) are picked up by a receiving antenna of the ball (120), and are applied to an electrode pair of the ball (120) to cause the mass of nervous system tissue (215) of the brain located between output pads of the electrode to become stimulated, as therapy for a pathological condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a catheter assembly for implanting cellular pellets into diseased or damaged heart muscle tissue. A guiding catheter is accurately positioned within either the left or right ventricle by means of an anchor wire so that a seeding catheter can distribute a pattern of cellular pellets into the diseased heart muscle tissue to stimulate heart muscle growth or angiogenesis.

Abstract: A radiation dosimetry system (110) using miniature implanted transponder balls. A patient having a tumor that is the target of the radiation treatment lies in a treatment area with the tumor positioned beneath a target (112) used for alignment purposes. The system (110) is controlled and monitored by a CPU (114) which receives instructions from a radiologist operating a control panel (116), and displays control parameters, data and graphics to the radiologist on a display (118). The CPU (114) controls an RF system operating through a broad-band antenna (120) and directed at the target area (112). The CPU (114) controls operation of a radiation source (122), which may be a conventional linear accelerator, for directing radiation at the target area (112). The radiation source (122) includes a collimator (124) or similar apparatus for shaping a radiation beam for accurate application to the target area (112).

Abstract: A wireless electrocardiogram monitor utilizing a cooperative association of miniature semiconductor balls. A side view of a surface mount cardiac monitor system (200) shows three semiconductor electrode balls (202), (204), and (206) contacting a central communication ball (208) for electrical communication therebetween. Each of the electrode balls (202), (204), and (206) have fabricated thereon a respective electrode (210), (212), and (214) for receiving electrical signals from the heart. The electrode signals are passed to the central communication ball (208) for processing, filtering, digital conversion, and transmission therefrom to a remote control system being operated by a medical technician. The data can then be displayed to medical personnel.

Abstract: A ball-shaped semiconductor monitoring device (150) having one or more transducer functions for use with an instrument that is insertable into a human body. In one disclosed embodiment, a needle (130) and modified stylet (140) are inserted into intraluminal body cavities for measuring fluid pressure. The modified stylet (140) has the monitoring device (150) attached to one end. The stylet (140) has a metal annulus (142) extending throughout its length and a communication wire (144) disposed therein. The wire (144) is surrounded by an insulator (146) to electrically isolate it from the stylet (140). A recessed cavity (148) is provided at the distal end of the stylet (140) to accommodate the ball monitoring device (150). A transducer (152) is integrated on the ball device (150) to measure such quantitative conditions as pressure. The ball (150) has a ground terminal (154) and a data terminal (156).