Patents Issued in February 4, 2003
  • Patent number: 6516242
    Abstract: A system of manufacturing of computing devices. The system and method advantageously provide a work cell and process for physically consolidating the transformation process of a computer system (motherboard prep, chassis prep, assembly, EMR, burn, test and boxing) during manufacturing of the same in one work area. The new consolidating manufacturing assembly work cell provides a streamlined process, automation, furniture, fixtures and intelligent controls which physically consolidate the steps of the transformation process. The work cell includes a new combination of equipment for: (1) Material Handling, (2) performing the assembly steps, (3) detecting and repairing electrical and mechanical problems, and (4) performing burn and test. Further, the integration of the transformation process into one consolidated work cell for the manufacture of computer systems enables a new and more versatile manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventor: Mark D. Brown
  • Patent number: 6516243
    Abstract: Within both a stocker apparatus and a method for operating the stocker apparatus there is employed, in addition to: (1) a minimum of one input/output port; (2) an array of storage locations for storing an array of work in process (WIP) product units; and (3) a random access transportation means for transporting a work in process (WIP) product unit at least bidirectionally between the minimum of one input/output port and a storage location within the array of storage locations; (4) a controller for controlling the random access transportation means. Within the stocker apparatus and the method, the controller is programmed such that upon unavailability of the minimum of one input/output port and upon concurrent receipt of a request to retrieve a work in process (WIP) product unit stored within the array of storage locations to reposition the requested work in process (WIP) product unit to a designated storage location within the array of storage locations where it may be manually retrieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yu-Yen Chang, Kuo-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 6516244
    Abstract: A system and associated method for aligning semiconductor wafers and wafer-like objects relative to a transport mechanism. An image of, for example, a wafer is acquired, digitized, and stored in a computer as an array of pixels, each pixel representing a point on the image. Data points along the edge of the wafer are extracted and used to geometrically estimate the center of the wafer object. The estimated wafer center is then compared to the position of a predetermined reference position to determine an offset. Using this information, the wafer transport mechanism can then be re-adjusted to pick up the wafer on the corrected center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: WaferMasters, Inc.
    Inventors: Woo Sik Yoo, Kitaek Kang
  • Patent number: 6516245
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for customizing the cosmetics used by a consumer. A consumer provides selection data and a cosmetic product formula is generated therefrom, base ingredients are then dispensed in accordance with the formula and a customized cosmetic product is delivered onto an intermediate surface for subsequent application. Further, a cartridge providing fluids to a customized cosmetic device is disclosed comprising one or more fluids, the fluids are stored in the cartridge, and one or more openings are provided for dispensing the fluids to a customized cosmetic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Dirksing, Srinivas Achanta
  • Patent number: 6516246
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the dominant cerebral hemisphere of a subject. There is further provided a method and system for using information obtained regarding hemisphere dominance for programming electronic devices such as robots, prostheses, as well as methods for using such information during treatment and surgical procedures in order to obtain superior function and/or movement when there is injury or disease to an area of the brain. A vectorial view of the role of callosum in the underpinning lateralities of speech and handedness, and as such, provides a technical definition of handedness (i.e., which hemisphere of the cerebrum is dominant in a particular individual subject). This technical definition is then used to completely accurately replicate or predict voluntary movements of the subject and this information, in turn, can be utilized in the field of prosthetics and robotics in order to obtain more accurate depiction of brain function and hence, more authentic replication of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mimicking Man Manually, Inc.
    Inventor: Iraj Derakhshan
  • Patent number: 6516247
    Abstract: A robot is provided, wherein it is possible to reduce incorrect identification in the case of executing face identification in a place where lighting variations are large such as in a house and in a place where there exists a lighting environment that is bad for identification. A face area of a person is detected from an image picked up at an imaging device and stored, and a face detecting and identifying device identifies a person using face image information stored before then. An identification result reliability calculating device calculates, using information from the imaging device, whether or not a present lighting state is suitable for face identification. When the result of calculation indicates that the lighting state is not suitable for face identification, the robot is moved by a moving means. Thereby, incorrect identification can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Junichi Funada
  • Patent number: 6516248
    Abstract: A robot calibration system for calibrating a robot and a method of determining a position of the robot to calibrate the robot are disclosed. The system includes an electrical ground defining a return for an electrical circuit. The robot, which is electrically connected to the ground, includes an arm having a tool surface operating within a robot workspace. The system also includes an electrical supply and a detection device. The electrical supply defines a source for the circuit and provides a charge and a reference voltage to the system. The detection device communicates with the electrical supply to detect variations in either the charge, the reference voltage, or both. The system further includes a calibration object. The calibration object is electrically insulated from the ground and is electrically connected to the electrical supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Fanuc Robotics North America
    Inventors: H. Dean McGee, Eric Lee, Frank Garza
  • Patent number: 6516249
    Abstract: A plurality of autonomously controlled valves and pumps in a fluid distribution system are interconnected by a data communication network. The system also includes fluid flow sensors which report to the system by way of the network. The autonomous controllers include information as to their neighbors or environment sufficient to determine malfunctions such as a leak or break in an associated path, or flow-related problems, and can take autonomous action. The actions are established by the autonomous controllers regardless of the existence of a connection to the network, so that even if the network connection fails or is damaged, the valve or pump can still respond with predetermined “intelligent” actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Baxter Hoyle, Michael Anthony McSweeney
  • Patent number: 6516251
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for automatically shutting down a vehicle. The system includes a vehicle system for performing a vehicle function such as brakes for performing braking of the vehicle. A vehicle control system controls the vehicle system by controlling valve switches or actuators to manipulate the vehicle system. A portable handheld computing device includes a program defining a vehicle shutdown sequence. Preferably, the portable handheld computing device is what is known as a personal digital assistant (PDA), such as a Handspring® or Palmpilot®. A cradle removably receives the portable handheld computing device to connect the portable handheld computing device with the vehicle control system, such as through the vehicle databus. A switch enables the portable handheld computing device to command the vehicle control system to perform the vehicle shutdown sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLC.
    Inventors: George Chene, Lee A. French, Dennis A. Kramer, Gerald D. Lawruk, Brian Jeffrey Mueller, Reno V. Ramsey, Wayne Shintaku, Jack R. Worrall
  • Patent number: 6516252
    Abstract: A method for acquiring a satellite using satellite prediction values has a behavior analysis step for analyzing a behavior unique to a satellite orbit, a search range calculation step for calculating a search range based on the analysis, and a search step for searching ranges in accordance with the predicted values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michihiko Suzuki, Toru Okanuma, Tomomi Murakami, Yurika Hirano, Takako Kouti
  • Patent number: 6516253
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for determining “engine on” status in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle. A controller determines the engine is necessary and then checks the current “engine on” status. If the engine is not currently running, the controller proceeds to start the engine by commanding the generator to spin or “motor” the engine. The controller then starts fuel flow and spark within the engine to create combustion. A measuring device is then used to determine the crankshaft speed. The controller receives this measurement and determines whether the measured variations in crankshaft speed exceed a calibratable threshold. If the calibratable threshold is exceeded, combustion is determined to be occurring and the engine is on. The controller then turns on the “engine on” status flag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lee Boggs, Stephen Richard Burke, Stephen John Kotre
  • Patent number: 6516254
    Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle includes an actual intake gas negative pressure detection unit which detects an intake air negative pressure for the engine, an estimated intake gas negative pressure calculation unit which estimates an intake air negative pressure based on a revolution number of the engine and an opening degree of a throttle, and an engine control unit which compares an actual intake gas negative pressure obtained by the actual intake gas negative pressure detection unit with an estimated intake gas negative pressure obtained by the estimated intake gas negative pressure calculation unit. The engine control unit prohibits a fuel supply to the engine until the actual intake gas negative pressure matches the estimated intake gas negative pressure, and carries out the fuel supply to the engine when the actual intake gas negative pressure matches the estimated intake gas negative pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruo Wakashiro, Atsushi Matsubara, Tomoharu Kamo, Kan Nakaune, Yasuo Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 6516255
    Abstract: A method of operating a motor vehicle that is equipped with sensors to detect the rpm-rates of the driven wheels includes the steps of: a) determining current rpm-rates of one or more driven wheels; b) examining the current rpm-rates for potential errors; c) detecting whether a command for a gear shift has been initiated; and d) in case an error was found in step b), taking protective measures so that the engine cannot be forced to run at rpm-rates detrimental to the safe operation of the vehicle as a consequence of executing and completing the gear shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Thomas Jäger, Klaus Henneberger, Martin Vornehm, Jens Schnäbele, Michael Salecker, Holger Stork
  • Patent number: 6516256
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing data of a device, in particular of a motor vehicle, which is to be monitored, in which apparatus the data are preferably stored by means of a control unit in a memory unit. In an apparatus which permits a plurality of data which change continuously during the service life of the motor vehicle to be stored in an operationally reliable way and with a high processing speed, the fixed data and the continuously updated data of the apparatus which is to be monitored are stored in the memory unit 15 which contains the open-loop and/or closed-loop control processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Stefan Hartmann, Dieter Gnatzy, Stefan Hohrein
  • Patent number: 6516257
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for independent axle control of a variable force damper system by providing at least one axle velocity signal from at least one vehicle sensor. The method then applies an axle control algorithm to the at least one axle velocity signal, thus determining at least one axle damping command as a function of the axle control algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Shal, Timothy J. Juuhl, Michael R. Lukuc
  • Patent number: 6516258
    Abstract: A method is indicated according to which the triggering of a restraining device or devices in a vehicle can be adjusted to specific characteristics of the vehicle involved in the impending crash in such a way as to furnish optimum protection for the vehicle occupants. To this end, before a crash between two vehicles, each vehicle transmits data concerning its own vehicle-specific characteristics that can affect the course of the crash, and each vehicle receives the vehicle-specific data transmitted by the other vehicle and derives from them control data for triggering its restraining device or devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Herrmann
  • Patent number: 6516259
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection activation system includes a satellite sensor which communicates with a safety controller for controlling each safety system. If a heightened likelihood of a vehicle crash or roll-over condition exists, the satellite sensor sends a safing message to the safety controller. When the safing message is received by the safety controller, it responds to the satellite sensor with a safing response including a seed message therein. The seed message is temporarily stored in the safety controller and is also stored by the satellite sensor. If it is determined that the event requires deployment, the satellite sensor sends a deploy command to the safety controller that includes the seed message therein to authenticate the command. The safing controller is thus assured that the deploy command is authorized and inadvertent deployment due to a single point fault in the satellite sensor is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Morell, Dennis Ziesmer
  • Patent number: 6516260
    Abstract: A device and method for stabilizing a combination of a tractor vehicle and least one semitrailer or trailer, the brakes of at least one semitrailer or trailer being set automatically as a function of the yaw rate of the tractor vehicle and the setpoint yaw rate of the tractor vehicle, or as a function of the yaw rate of the tractor vehicle, the speed of the combination and the steering angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gabriel Wetzel, Ian Faye, Klaus-Dieter Leimbach, Falk Hecker, Oliver Jundt
  • Patent number: 6516261
    Abstract: A system for controlling an automatic transmission of a vehicle which determines a downgrade or upgrade parameter based on the vehicle acceleration and selects one from among a plurality of shift programs based on the determined grade parameter to determine a gear ratio based on the selected shift program. The system includes a navigation system which determines the instantaneous vehicle position and outputs road information including upgrade/downgrade condition of road including the determined instantaneous vehicle position. In the system, the grade parameter is corrected based on the navigation information and the grade parameter such that the one from among a plurality of shift programs is selected based on the corrected grade parameter, thereby enhancing drivability during downgrade running, without being affected even if the navigation information is temporarily invalid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki Ohashi, Norio Nakauchi, Kazuyuki Konno, Yoshiharu Saito, Kenji Hagiwara, Hideki Wakamatsu, Yukio Morita, Takamichi Shimada
  • Patent number: 6516262
    Abstract: A cruise control system for an automotive vehicle controls the speed of the vehicle by estimating conditions for not only when the vehicle passes through an intersection but also when a preceding vehicle passes through the intersection, in order to permit travel on an ordinary road with a given following distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takenaga, Satoru Kuragaki, Hiroto Morizane
  • Patent number: 6516263
    Abstract: An automated system and method for preventing flame-outs in turbine power generating systems comprising: establishing a minimum fuel schedule for a turbine; detecting occurrence of a flame-out of the turbine; and automatically increasing the minimum fuel schedule for the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell Power Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Keller
  • Patent number: 6516264
    Abstract: A drive system composed of an engine and a transmission is controlled in accordance with a desired wheel toque corresponding to a position of an accelerator, and a present vehicle speed in such a way that a speed ratio of the transmission is determined in consideration with torque factors such as an air-fuel ratio on the engine side, thereby it possible to optimize the control in order to reduce the emission of exhaust substance such as NOx and to enhance the acceleration performance and the fuel economy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshishige Ohyama, Mamoru Fujieda, Toshiharu Nogi, Takuya Shiraishi, Minoru Ohsuga
  • Patent number: 6516265
    Abstract: A method and a device for controlling processes in conjunction with an internal combustion engine having at least two combustion chambers, where control functions are executed by at least one processor, and the program code on which the control functions are based can be stored in at least one memory. At least one data record is assigned to the program code, and the control functions are implemented as a link between the program code and the at least one data record. The combustion chambers are grouped in at least two engine banks for control purposes, and one data record is assigned to each engine bank individually. The respective data record for implementing the control functions is selected as a function of the respective engine bank to be controlled. Thus, the data record is switched as a function of the engine bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Sommer, Taskin Ege
  • Patent number: 6516266
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which reduce the occurrence of defects in semiconductor devices by selecting transportation routes for the semiconductor devices which reduce or minimize the amount of cosmic ray radiation to which the semiconductor devices are subjected during transportation. Cosmic radiation exposure is determined for a plurality of transportation routes and a route is selected which minimizes or reduces the radiation to which semiconductor devices are exposed during transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroo Shoji
  • Patent number: 6516267
    Abstract: A method for updating a geographic database is disclosed. Data collecting equipment is installed in each of a plurality of vehicles each of which also has a navigation system. The data collection equipment is used to collect data while the vehicles are being driven along roads by their respective users. In addition, a method for assigning a confidence level to geographic data is disclosed. The confidence level is assigned to the geographic data as an attribute. In addition, a method for determining a position of a vehicle by sensing roadside structures is disclosed. Data indicating positions of roadside structures are contained in a geographic database. By matching positions of sensed roadside structures to data in the geographic database that indicates the positions of the structures, the position of the vehicle while traveling can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Navigation Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Cherveny, Aaron Crane, Lawrence M. Kaplan, John Jasper, Russell Shields
  • Patent number: 6516268
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a display of a cartographic map representative of a subway line within a geographic region in a system having a display device with an indicator device. A plurality of map displays represents at least a portion of a subway line for display on the display device and provides a plurality of display layers in accordance with the plurality of map displays for determining a map display of plurality of map displays. A plurality of view select zones corresponding to the plurality of display layers is displayed to permit a user to select a display layer in response to selecting a view select zone using indicator device and selected display layer is applied to display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Wizeguides.com Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Ruiz, Nicola Valentino, John W. Sumner, Mike Goldstein, Charles Freedman, Craig Runyan
  • Patent number: 6516269
    Abstract: A navigation apparatus which assists traveling of the movable body is provided. The navigation apparatus includes a position detecting device, a route setting device, and a sound outputting device. The position detecting device detects a current position of the movable body. The route setting device sets a route on which the movable body travels. Then the sound outputting device continuously outputs a sound corresponding to the route at least while the movable body is traveling along the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6516270
    Abstract: An animal feedlot management system for uniformly delivering assigned feed rations to feedbunks associated with animal pens in a feedlot, in which discretion and direct control over the various suboperations of the feed ration assignment and delivery process are distributed among the individual operators in the system while the feedlot manage is capable of indirectly monitoring the performance of the various suboperations through use of a satellite based global positioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Lextron, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Pavlak, Arlen Anderson, James Carisch, Michael A. Ackerman
  • Patent number: 6516271
    Abstract: An ultra precise seed planter apparatus and method for generating a centimeter accuracy map of the location of seeds or vegetation as they are planted from an agricultural planting machine. The apparatus is fitted with a GPS receiver feeding a data logger, and optical sensors that are placed adjacent seed or vegetation dispenser. The data logger monitors GPS time and UTM coordinates, as well as the optical sensors. Ground speed and azimuth are also monitored. The seeds or vegetation are time-tagged as they are dispensed, and software is used to process the dispensing time and GPS location data and estimate the exact coordinates of each seed or plant and its distance from adjacent seeds or plants. As a result, a precise planting map is generated. The invention may also be used to determine the location to dispense seeds or vegetation, and activating the dispenser when that location is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shrini Upadhyaya, Mohammad Ehsani, Mark L. Mattson
  • Patent number: 6516272
    Abstract: An improved positioning and data integrating process and system can substantially solve the problems encountered in system integration for personal hand-held applications, air, land, and water vehicles, wherein an integrated global positioning system/inertial measurement unit, enhanced with optional other devices to derive user position, velocity, attitude, and body acceleration and rotation information, and distributes these data to other onboard systems, for example, in case of aircraft application, flight management system, flight control system, automatic dependent surveillance, cockpit display, enhanced ground proximity warning system, weather radar, and satellite communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: American GNC Corporation
    Inventor: Ching-Fang Lin
  • Patent number: 6516273
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system installed in a vehicle to: determine the location of the vehicle; identify each intersection as the vehicle approaches the intersection; determine the presence and type of traffic control device at that intersection; determine whether the traffic control device associated with the intersection, in the direction of travel of the vehicle, requires the vehicle to come to a complete stop; determine the acceleration required to stop the vehicle prior to its entry into the intersection; and, if the required acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold level, alert the driver, by means of an aural, visual and/or haptic indication, to brake the vehicle prior to its entry into the intersection. The system may also preempt driver control of the braking system and begin braking the vehicle automatically prior to its entry into the intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Veridian Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Pierowicz, Herbert A. Pirson, David Yuhnke
  • Patent number: 6516274
    Abstract: Structural and stratigraphic discontinuities are identified in a 3-D volume of seismic data samples in the presence of reflection dip, by first selecting a primary and at least one secondary direction in the volume of seismic data samples. Next, skeleton patches are identified in the volume of seismic data samples, where the skeleton patches comprise groups of connected seismic samples representing seismic horizons in the volume of seismic data samples. Apparent dip is calculated in the primary and secondary directions at each data sample within the identified skeleton patches, creating a primary and secondary direction dip volumes, respectively, at corresponding data sample locations. A filter is applied to the primary direction dip and secondary direction dip volumes to fill in values at the data sample locations not within the identified skeleton patches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Yao C. Cheng, Lee H. Fairchild, John A. Farre, Steve R. May
  • Patent number: 6516275
    Abstract: A method for spectral balancing of near- and far-offset seismic data, whereby velocity and offsets are determined for the seismic data. First, an NMO stretch compensation filter is created by the following steps. A frequency spectrum of the near-offset seismic data is estimated and a stretch factor &bgr; is calculated for the frequency spectrum, using the velocity and the offsets. A stretched frequency spectrum of near-offset seismic data is calculated, based on the stretch factor &bgr;. The frequency spectrum of near-offset seismic data is divided by the stretched frequency spectrum of near-offset seismic data, generating a first frequency response filter. High frequency gain is limited in the first frequency response filter, generating a first gain-limited filter. The first gain-limited filter is convolved with a low pass filter, generating the NMO stretch compensation filter. Then the NMO stretch compensation filter is applied to the seismic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Spyridon K. Lazaratos
  • Patent number: 6516276
    Abstract: Computer programs and computer-implemented methods are disclosed for extracting, analyzing and comparing data from biomolecular binding experiments. The invention receives a set of values corresponding to the interaction of one or more target samples with probes on one or more arrays of biomolecular probes, and uses the values to generate one or more probability values indicating the probability that a molecular species complementary to the probe set is not present in the target samples, or is present at levels greater than or less than one or more reference levels. The probability values are generated by comparing the values for individual probes in a probe set with values for a calibration set, which may include a null set, spiked probe sets, or housekeeping probe sets. Normalized experimental values are generated for sets of probes on the arrays using statistical methods. Data is output in the form of data files including normalized experimental values and probability values for probe sets in the arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: EOS Biotechnology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ghassan Ghandour, Richard Glynne
  • Patent number: 6516277
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for determining the multi-dimensional topology of a substance (system) within a volume (space). A method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of: acquiring a set of relative values for the density (scalar properties) of the volume, each value for a given location (point) within the volume; interpolating a set of functions to generate a continuous relative density for the volume; identifying critical points of the continuous relative density by using an eigenvector following method; and associating critical points with one another by following a gradient path of the continuous relative density between the critical points. The method is applicable to a wide range of data relating to fields such as crystallography, fluid dynamics, edge detection, and financial markets, to determine the topology of structures contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Edgecombe, Alan D. Ableson
  • Patent number: 6516278
    Abstract: A vehicle hood operating system has a control unit for controlling an actuator which is designed to lift a hood over a vehicle when an obstacle with which the vehicle has collided is an object to be protected. The control unit controls the actuator such that it lifts the hood when the velocity of the vehicle is equal to, or higher than, a predetermined value at the time of its collision, while at the same time, the speed of deformation caused to a bumper by the collision is equal to, or higher than, its threshold value varying with the vehicle velocity. When the vehicle velocity is lower than the predetermined value, the object to be protected is unlikely to strike against the hood. As the threshold value varies with the vehicle velocity, it is possible to distinguish quickly and accurately if the obstacle is an object to be protected, or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Ishizaki, Kaoru Nagatomi
  • Patent number: 6516279
    Abstract: A technique for computing RMS values for sampled waveforms. More specifically, a technique for computing RMS values for periodic waveforms, using data taken from a full waveform, a half waveform or some other portion of a waveform is described. Each RMS calculation is based on a different algorithm and provides accurate, real time data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald N. Jansen, Steven T. Haensgen
  • Patent number: 6516280
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is a method and system for electronic recycle inventory tracking corresponding to a product on a production line. The system includes a processor integrated with the production line for identifying the product, determining whether the product is rejected, assigning a first destination to the product if the product is not rejected and generating tracking data based on the first destination, determining whether the product is to be recycled based on determining whether the product is rejected and assigning a second destination to the product based on said determining whether the product is to be recycled and generating tracking data based on the second destination. A network is connected to the processor, and a user system is coupled to the network. A database is coupled to the processor for storing data relating to the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott S. Haraburda, Rex E. Masterson, Angelika H. Clark, Michael S. Davis, Timothy R. Klein, George E. McCarty
  • Patent number: 6516281
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for scanning objects such as computer chips. A near-field scanning Single Electron Transistor (SET) is used to detect features of the object. In particular, the SET detects variations in an electric field surrounding or emanating from the object. The variation in the field may be associated with an irregularity in the object, such as an open in the circuitry of a chip. In the case of a chip or a multi-chip module, a voltage is applied to the line containing the suspected open. If an actual open is present, the open will be manifested in an irregularity in the electric field associated with the line. The SET detects the irregularity in the field. For the SET to operate, a sufficiently cold operating temperature is maintained for the SET. A very low (cryogenic) temperature allows the use of a larger, more sensitive SET. Scanning SETs are known in the literature, but in such systems the object to be scanned must also be at cryogenic temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: University of Maryland
    Inventors: Frederick C. Wellstood, Matthew Edward Kenyon, Christopher J. Lobb
  • Patent number: 6516282
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control used in conjunction with a vacuous chamber enclosing the gradient coils of an MRI apparatus to predict heat dissipation requirements to maintain internal and external temperatures below maximum operating limits thereby enabling higher power applications for faster-imaging with improved quality, as well as allowing longer scan times for interventional procedures. The control includes determining operating parameters of an imminent scan session and predicting therefrom maximum and minimum operating temperatures. The predicted maximum and minimum temperatures are compared to maximum and minimum temperatures required for proper operation of the MRI system. If necessary, the operating profile is adjusted to drive the predicted temperatures to satisfy the temperatures required by environmental and device guidelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company
    Inventors: Carl R. Hedlund, Pierre R. Emeric
  • Patent number: 6516283
    Abstract: A core inertial measurement unit, which is adapted to apply to output signals proportional to rotation and translational motion of a carrier, respectively from angular rate sensors and acceleration sensors, is employed with MEMS rate and acceleration sensors. Compared with a conventional IMU, the processing method utilizes a feedforward open-loop signal processing scheme to obtain highly accurate motion measurements by means of signal digitizing, temperature control and compensation, sensor error and misalignment calibrations, attitude updating, and damping control loops, and dramatically shrinks the size of mechanical and electronic hardware and power consumption, meanwhile, obtains highly accurate motion measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: American GNC Corp.
    Inventors: Hiram McCall, Ching-Fang Lin
  • Patent number: 6516284
    Abstract: The invention detects loft time and/or speed of a vehicle and/or person during activities of moving and jumping. A loft sensor detects leaving the ground and returning to the ground. A microprocessor subsystem converts the sensed information to determine a loft time. A display shows the recorded loft time to a user of the system. A speed sensor can detect speed for selective display to the user, and height may also be determined during airtime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: PhatRat Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Flentov, Dennis M. Darcy, Curtis A. Vock
  • Patent number: 6516285
    Abstract: The position detecting apparatus of the present invention comprises position detecting means for receiving radio waves for position detection and outputting position information and DSRC means for receiving radio waves for DSRC and processing signals, characterized in that the position detecting means and the DSRC means are controlled via the same CPU and share part or whole of storage means and that the position detecting means is adapted to operate in either the full drive mode or suppress mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Hori, Hideo Miyazawa, Yasunori Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 6516286
    Abstract: To measure the distance to targets, local maxima exceeding a threshold (&egr;) and being associated with a correlation function (f) are determined, the reference values of which are obtained from scalar products of a received signal (e), produced by reflections of an optical pulse by the targets, and number of comparison functions, copies of a reference function (r) which are shifted as a function of time, and the transit times of the reflections are derived from the time-related shifts of the corresponding comparison functions. By interpolation with respect to the time-related shifts or optimization thereof, for example by adjusting them so that the orthogonal distance of the received signal (e) from the vector space which is spanned by the corresponding comparison functions is a minimum, the transit times can be determined even more accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Beat Aebischer, Christian Betschon, Bernhard Gächter, Georg Orawez, Ernst Ramseier, Esther Rutishauser
  • Patent number: 6516287
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the mass simulation of vehicle masses on a stationary roller test stand, wherein the simulation mass (msim) is determined from the test stand mass (mP) and from the mass (mRad h?) of the non-driven rotatable vehicle parts that are determined by measuring techniques, as well as from the mass (mRad h?) of the driven rotatable vehicle parts that are determined by measuring techniques, and with the aid of the translatory vehicle mass (mF), in an evaluating device (10) of the test stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Schenck Pegasus GmbH
    Inventor: Gernot Freitag
  • Patent number: 6516288
    Abstract: Action coordination profiles are part of a platform data processing technology that is distinct from but often complementary to the statistical method. It uses repeated measures or time series data to measure interactions (longitudinal associations, temporal contingencies) between and among variables or sets of variables for individuals. The interaction measures show how individual complex systems may control and regulate themselves, of how two or more individual systems may interact, of how complex systems may be controlled or affected by their environments including treatments, and of how individual systems may control or affect their environments. The systems can be object of investigation such as brains, organisms, patients, economies, investment markets, populations, machines, or processes. The actions can be physical, chemical, biological, behavioral, mental, or social. This invention can be used to help inform the process of building mathematical models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Curtis A. Bagne
  • Patent number: 6516289
    Abstract: A measuring system for measuring physiological parameters comprises a garment in the form of a sleeve or glove, or combination sleeve and glove, having a series of sensors and a control unit incorporated therewith. The control unit sleeve or glove and a sling in combination with the measurement of numerous physiological parameters by effecting accurate placement of the sensors on a patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel David
  • Patent number: 6516290
    Abstract: A method for accurately measuring the integral nonlinearity (INL) and differential nonlinearity (DNL) of an analog front end (AFE) system, such as an analog/digital converter (ADC), is provided. In particular, the method eliminates the need for well-calibrated equipment and an accurate signal source. Differing from conventional approaches, according to the invention, the INL of the AFE system is obtained by directly transferring the output of the AFE system rather than by accumulating the DNL. Therefore, the INL of the measured AFE system according to the invention is only slightly affected by inputted signal source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Winbond Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Yung-Chow Peng
  • Patent number: 6516291
    Abstract: A circuit that provides the root-mean-square (RMS) value of an input signal and that detects and independently recovers from an output fault condition is provided. The circuit includes reconfigurable circuitry that changes from normal operating mode to fault recovery mode when an output fault is detected. During fault recovery mode, the circuit provides a modified output signal that allows independent recovery from an output fault condition. Once recovery is complete, the circuit returns to normal operating mode and provides a DC output signal proportional to the RMS value of an AC input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Gerard Petrofsky
  • Patent number: 6516292
    Abstract: A method of numerical simulation of fluid flow past a body. The physics of stationary flow is formulated in terms of a potential functional of at most four scalar fields: three Clebsch scalar fields and a density field. The physics of non-stationary flow is formulated in terms of an action that includes an action integral of a Lagrangian functional of the same four scalar fields and an initial and a final integral of a function of the same four scalar fields. The values of the fields are varied to extremize the potential functional or the action, under the constraint of appropriate boundary conditions. Potential functionals and Lagrangian functionals for compressible and incompressible flows with zero velocity normal to the surface of the body, and for potential flows, are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Asher Yahalom