Abstract: The invented apparatus is designed for use with a tow vehicle and trailer combination. The apparatus comprises a controller, a vacuum supply sensor, and a sensor unit used to measure the barometric pressure and/or elevation of the current location of the tow vehicle/trailer combination. Using information from the sensor unit, the controller determines a vacuum pump activation level and/or deactivation level appropriate for the ambient pressure in which the apparatus is operating. By monitoring the signal supplied by the vacuum supply sensor and by operating a vacuum pump switch signal, the controller maintains a supply of vacuum between the activation and deactivation levels. In this manner, the controller can compensate for changes in local conditions so as to operate the vacuum pump in an efficient manner while maintaining an adequate supply of vacuum for operation of the trailer brake system.

Abstract: The invented apparatus is designed for use with a tow vehicle and trailer combination. The apparatus comprises a controller, a vacuum supply sensor, and a sensor unit used to measure the barometric pressure and/or elevation of the current location of the tow vehicle/trailer combination. Using information from the sensor unit, the controller determines a vacuum pump activation level and/or deactivation level appropriate for the ambient pressure in which the apparatus is operating. By monitoring the signal supplied by the vacuum supply sensor and by operating a vacuum pump switch signal, the controller maintains a supply of vacuum between the activation and deactivation levels. In this manner, the controller can compensate for changes in local conditions so as to operate the vacuum pump in an efficient manner while maintaining an adequate supply of vacuum for operation of the trailer brake system.

Abstract: A system and computer implemented method for enabling field service of machines and training of field service personnel. The method comprises the steps of generating at least one validated sequence of instructions for at least one maintenance task and delivering the at least one validated sequence for use in performing the at least one maintenance task.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward providing interactive haptic collision detection between a stationary and a moving object in a virtual reality environment. A user grasps the arm of a haptic device and manipulates an object as viewed on a virtual reality display. As any portion of the manipulated object comes too close to the surface of the stationary object, the haptic device imposes feedback forces against the user's efforts that increase in magnitude as the user manipulates the object beyond a force boundary proximate to the surface of the stationary object. The feedback forces are applied directionally in line with the shortest path between the surfaces at risk of collision. Several measures can be implemented by the user to reduce the computation load involved in constantly comparing the distances between points on the surface of the movable object and points on the surface of the stationary object without seriously compromising the collision detection and avoidance functions of the system.

Abstract: A method and system for generating at least one disassembly sequence from a geometric representation of an assembly. The method comprises selecting at least one part for removal from the assembly and generating the disassembly sequence for the part based on a plurality of pre-computed relational information from the geometric representation.

Abstract: A system and computer implemented method for enabling field service of machines and training of field service personnel. The method comprises the steps of generating at least one validated sequence of instructions for at least one maintenance task and delivering the at least one validated sequence for use in performing the at least one maintenance task.

Abstract: An analytical method for determining a cable occupancy volume includes obtaining a cable length and identifying a number and location of a plurality of cable supports for supporting the cable along its length. The cable occupancy volume that is generated is based on the cable length, the number of supports and the location of the supports. The instructions for practicing the method are encoded on a computer-readable storage medium.

Abstract: The invented apparatus is designed for use with a tow vehicle and trailer combination. The apparatus includes a controller, and can also include a vacuum sensor and a vacuum pump. The vacuum sensor is communicatively coupled to sense the vacuum supply available to operate a trailer brake system that is interfaced to the tow vehicle's brake system to coordinate braking of the trailer and vehicle. The vacuum sensor generates a vacuum pressure level signal supplied to the controller. The controller periodically determines whether the vacuum pressure level is less than a first predetermined vacuum pressure level. If so, the controller activates the vacuum pump by generating a vacuum pump switch signal. On the other hand, if the vacuum pressure level is greater than the first predetermined level, the controller does not activate the vacuum pump switch signal.