Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining data indicative of a location for ligament graft placement. Medical image data representative of a bone is provided. Position data indicative of an intraoperative position of each of a plurality of points associated with a surface of the bone is obtained. The medical image data and the position data are related to one another mathematically to obtain transformed data indicative of the location for ligament graft placement. The present invention is also related to a system for obtaining data indicative of a location for ligament graft placement. The system includes a computer configured to receive medical image data representative of a bone and a pointer or ultrasound device configured to determine position data indicative of an intraoperative position of one or more points associated with a surface of the bone.

Abstract: The invention is directed biopsy site markers and methods of marking a biopsy site, so that the location of the biopsy cavity is readily visible by conventional imaging methods, particularly by ultrasonic imaging. The biopsy site markers of the invention have high ultrasound reflectivity, presenting a substantial acoustic signature from a small marker, so as to avoid obscuring diagnostic tissue features in subsequent imaging studies, and can be readily distinguished from biological features. The several disclosed embodiments of the biopsy site marker of the invention have a high contrast of acoustic impedance as placed in a tissue site, so as to efficiently reflect and scatter ultrasonic energy, and preferably include gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform surface contour to enhance the acoustic signature. The markers have a characteristic form which is recognizably artificial during medical imaging.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the nonuniform attenuation caused by a patient's body in scintillation cameras is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a gantry having an annular support, a radiation source mounted on the annular support for emitting a radiation which is incident on the patients body, a dedicated radiation detector mounted on the annular support in opposed relation to the radiation source for detecting the radiation transmitted through the patient's body and a mechanism for rotating the annular support around the patient's body. The annular support defines at the center a cylindrical space where the patient's body is located along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical space. The radiation source and radiation detector are rotated by 180 degrees around the longitudinal direction of the patients body while the radiation source scans the patient in the transversal direction such that the radiation attenuation in all directions around the patient's body can be measured.

Abstract: The property of cardiac tissue at a local site, a plurality of sites of in a region of a heart may be characterized based on local electrograms measured at the local site, at a plurality of sites or in the region, respectively. The property may be characterized by normalizing the local electrogram, extracting a feature vector from the normalized electrogram, and classifying the tissue property based on the feature vector. The method of may further include computing a map of the tissue property and treating the tissue based on the resultant map. Apparatus to characterize the property includes a catheter and a processor to normalize the local electrogram, extract the feature vector from the electrogram and classify the tissue based on the feature vector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system in which a small stimulator unit which is designed to be mounted near the patient. A single cable connects the stimulator unit to the patient monitor. This cable both provides power to the stimulator unit, as well as 2-way data communication between the stimulator unit and the patient monitor. The patient monitor provides the user interface for the present invention, as well as other parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging the internal structure of biological tissue from a remote location using electrical impedance tomography. The method and apparatus accomplish this by separating the functions of data acquisition from those of processing and imaging, and by connecting the data acquisition, processing and imaging components through a communications network, thus permitting the data acquisition, processing and imaging functions to be carried out at disparate locations within said network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a female physical condition managing apparatus comprising: a bioelectrical impedance-meter; a memory for storing the so determined values of bioelectrical impedance; a decision-making unit for making a decision about the physical or mental condition of a woman on the basis of the time series analysis, which is made on the variation of the determined values of bioelectrical impedance; and a display showing the physical or mental condition of the woman in the form of graphs. This permits women to realize quickly what physical or mental condition they are put in. The female physical condition includes the premenstrual syndrome.

Abstract: A living body measuring apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes each of which is structured to make contact with a part of a living body; a current source connected to the electrodes; a voltage measuring unit connected to the electrodes; a control unit connected to the current source and the voltage measuring unit; and a display unit connected to the control unit. The control unit instructs the display unit to display the part of the living body to which an electric current is fed to the current source via the associated electrodes. The control unit further instructs the display unit to display the part of the living body of which voltage is measured by the voltage measuring unit on the associated electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for the electrically assisted delivery of therapeutic agent is described. An apparatus of the invention has rigid zones or regions which are physically connected by flexible means such as a web. The flexible means permits the rigid zones to move independently with respect to each other while remaining physically connected or coupled. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid zones are physically and electronically coupled by the flexible means. In another preferred embodiment, the skin side of the rigid zones has a radius of curvature which approximates that of the body site to which the device is to be attached. A method of increasing the body or surface conformability of a rigid electrotransport device is described. The method involves the step of intentionally placing rigid subcomponents of the device in physically separate zones within the device. The rigid zones are separate and are coupled by flexible connector means.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device, in particular a pacemaker, cardioverter, defibrillator and/or a multisite device having circuits for measuring a trans-septal bio-impedance. This device is used with electrodes placed in a plurality of distinct respective sites comprising at least one left ventricular site and one right atrial site. These electrodes are connected to a collection circuit for collecting cardiac signals, in particular to detect a potential of depolarization, and to a stimulation circuit, to apply stimulation pulses to at least some of the aforementioned sites. The device evaluates the cardiac flow by obtaining an intracardiac measurement of the bio-impedance, more particularly measuring the trans-septum impedance bio-between the left ventricle and the right atrium, by injection of a current (16) between an atrial site (RA−) and a ventricular site (LV−), and collection of a differential potential (20) between an atrial site (RA+) and a ventricular site (LV−).

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation immune medical assist system includes a medical assist device; a photonic lead having a proximal end and a distal end; and an adapter to operatively connect the medical assist device with the photonic catheter. The adapter includes a housing, an interface to provide an operative communication connection between the adapter and the medical assist device, a transducer to convert information from the medical assist device into optical energy, and an optical interface to provide an operative connection between the adapter and the photonic catheter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (30) for modifying contractility of the heart of a patient. The method includes receiving signals from a sensor (22, 23, 46) coupled to the body of the patient indicative of physiological activity. The signals are analyzed to derive a measure of the physiological activity, and excitable tissue control (ETC) stimulation is applied to the heart (20) so as to enhance contractility of the heart muscle responsive to the measure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing pain associated with contractions such as uterine or other muscle contractions and/or for retraining muscles are disclosed. The apparatus include a sensor for developing a signal indicative of a contraction experienced by a muscle. They also include a stimulator for applying stimulation to the patient. The apparatus also include a control unit for automatically adjusting the stimulation provided by the stimulator at least partially in response to the signal developed by the sensor.

Abstract: A method for treating cancerous or benign conditions of a body or organ employs selective irradiation of the body tissue with energy. The method includes the steps of monitoring temperatures of the skin surface adjacent the body, positioning at least one energy applicator around the body, delivering energy to the at least one energy applicator to selectively irradiate the body tissue with energy and treat at least one of cancerous and benign conditions of the body, adjusting the level of power to be delivered to the at least one energy applicator during treatment based on the monitored skin temperatures, monitoring the energy delivered to the at least one energy applicator, determining total energy delivered to the at least one energy applicator, and completing the treatment when the desired total energy dose has been delivered by the at least one energy applicator to the body.

Abstract: A tool-less connector with multiple contacts and a compact design is provided. Therefore, a connector that is normally tunneled through body tissue will now require only a minimally invasive subcutaneous tunnel, which should reduce tissue healing time, patient discomfort, and risk of infection. In addition, providing additional contacts allows enhanced stimulation protocols. One embodiment of the present invention provides a connector pin containing multiple in-line contacts. Each “line” consists of a row of independent contacts arranged in a linear array running along the long axis of the pin. In other embodiments of the invention, the mating receptacle of the connector allows for multiple contacts while minimizing the space required for the increased number of contacts. Additional embodiments provide features that, for instance, prevent the contacts on the connector pin to touch the contacts in the receptacle until all contacts are appropriately aligned.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for assisting an operator in surveying defects on a building site which consists in providing him with a portable terminal displaying images of the works and inputting data concerning his observations, under the control of a software operating with a database of the works, comprising files defining the images displayed on the terminal graphic interface, data structures relating respectively to types of defects liable to occur in the works, and if any, descriptive data of defects previously observed on the works, organized in accordance with the associated data structures. In response to the selection of a type of fault by the operator, said software activates a dialogue, by means of the associated data structure, to input parameters describing said defects, which are used to constitute a representation of the defect on the image displayed on the graphic interface and to update the data describing the defects.

Abstract: A method for a run-to-run (R2R) control system includes processing materials using a process input and producing a process output, storing the process input in a database, the storing including using a timestamp, storing at least one measurement of the process output in the database aligned with each process input using the timestamp, iterating over the data from the database to estimate a process state, and, if one or more of the measurements is missing from the database, predicting the missing measurements for the database based on a model, and determining an error for calculating a next process input, the error based on the data in the database.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system for limiting the ramp rate of a variable under control in order to control stress in a process or plant under control. The present invention takes a limit curve provided by the user and combines that limit curve with a scale factor curve obtained from a model of the system to produce an allowable limit curve. A ramp rate limiter then uses the allowable limit curve to control the ramp rate of the variable under control such that the ramp rate of the variable under control is able to achieve the maximum allowable limit but no more.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for adjusting a processing unit, whereby at least one set value is varied from a starting value to a final value. In this case, the target value of a correcting value is set based on the starting value and the final value of the adjustment value, and the value of the correcting value is run up from its starting value to its target value using a parameter-dependent transfer function. A control variable is measured, the value of the control variable is compared to a comparison value, and in the case of deviations of the value of the control variable from the comparison value, at least one parameter of the transfer function is corrected.

Abstract: A non-linear control (NLC) system for controlling performance of a device. The NLC system comprises a controller system and a first feedback compensator connected to the controller. The first feedback compensator compensates for linear error performance of the device; the second feedback compensator compensates for non-linear error performance of the device.

Abstract: An automatic operation system provides a CPU to detect and record a status of operation for the operated mechanism. As soon as a response is to be output for allowing the operated mechanism to perform a operation, the CPU figures out corresponding responses by way of a statistic analysis based on past record of operation status as a reference for the operator. Thus, an operation is simplified or a response is output automatically so as to allow the operated mechanism processing itself.

Abstract: A process control system in a multi-input/output coordinate control system for executing coordinate control of a main input. The process control system sets an operating point set value for an operating point of an n-th control output, generates the n-th control output to control the main input based on the n-th control output, and generates an m-th control output to control the operating point of the n-th control output so that the operating point of the n-th control output becomes equal to the operating point set value, thereby to allow the n-th control output of fast response to operate at the operating point set value by controlling the main input.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating and controlling remotely devices in an automated facility exchanges electronic messages (“E-mails”) between a server that controls the devices and an operator having a client device that has E-mail capabilities. An automation controller overseeing devices and stations within the facility is configured to send and receive over a network, such as the Internet, E-mail messages containing instructions and information. Accordingly, an operator may be alerted to alarm information, fault codes, and other operational parameters via E-mail, and after correcting the fault code or other problem, the operator may send an E-mail message to the automation controller that the situation has been corrected. The operator may also send and receive other information to and from the devices within the facility. Thus, not only human-to-machine and machine-to-human E-mail communication is facilitated, but also machine-to-machine communications via E-mail.

Abstract: The present invention is a control system for conditioning movement of a work implement during a work cycle. In one embodiment, the control system comprises an electronic-hydraulic valve connected to the work implement and a computer system having a central processing unit and a memory device. The control system further comprises a mode control module stored on the memory device. The mode control module is generally adapted to detect whether the control handle of the work implement is signaling for operating in a smooth mode or an abrupt mode, and to output a control signal to the electronic-hydraulic valve to control operation of the work implement during the smooth mode or the abrupt mode. The mode control module comprises a smooth mode module and an abrupt mode module. The smooth mode module and the abrupt mode module are adapted to optimize movement of the work cycle during the smooth mode, and abrupt mode, respectively.

Abstract: A system and method for the rapid configuration and connection of a backup controller in a distributed data network such as an automated fuel distribution network. Each service-station site in the network has a site controller that supervises operations of the site components, such as the fuel dispenser and credit-card reader, communicating with them through an on-site router, or hub. The fuel-distribution site also communicates with the central network controller through the same hub. In the event of a site-controller outage, one of several spare controllers, usually co-located with the network controller, is loaded and configured to function as the site controller. It is then placed in communication with the site components via a data-network connection, such as through the Internet. The hub switches communications protocols from serial data to packets suitable for Internet communications.

Abstract: An electronic scorekeeping device is disclosed which allows a user to electronically document data relating to events of a sports game. This data is transferred in real-time in a system according to the invention via a communications means to a central database. The central database may be coupled to a server computer which presents a web site whereby public users may access statistical information relating to a given sports game while the game is still in progress, as well as at and following the conclusion of the game. The web site may present archives of previously played games, and access thereto may be restricted by the use of a username and/or password. The data transfer to the database may be a live feed, or automatic transfers may be scheduled at predetermined time intervals. The device itself is customizable such that the data being gathered can be tailored to suit the specific sport being played.

Abstract: The invention comprises a transducer, computer hardware, and software. The computer hardware contains a waveform-input device. The transducer (such as a microphone) converts a signal (such as sound waves) into a time-varying voltage. The waveform-input device periodically samples this voltage and digitizes each sample, thereby producing an array of N numbers in the memory of the computer that represent a small snippet of the signal measured over a time interval &Dgr;tmeas. Snippets are typically measured one after the other at a repetition rate that is inversely related to &Dgr;tmeas. The software, also stored in the memory of the computer, and executed using its central processing unit, includes a spectral-analysis process that analyzes the frequency content of each snippet and produces an associated spectrum. The software also includes a novel note-analysis process that analyzes the spectrum and extracts from it the pitch and timbre of the principal musical note contained therein.

Abstract: A sound generator circuit configured for a handheld computer is disclosed. A method of producing a tone with a sound generator and handheld computer is also disclosed. The sound generator circuit includes a low pass filter having an input and an output. The input is coupled to a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal line. The sound generator circuit also includes a switching circuit coupled to the output of the low pass filter and being controlled by the output of the low pass filter. Further, the sound generator circuit includes a sound generator having a first and a second terminal. Further still, the sound generator circuit can include a high-pass filter coupled across the first and second terminals.

Abstract: A digital audio decoder decodes or expands compressed data such as bit stream data, which are compressed based on the MPEG/Audio standard. Inverse quantization circuits perform inverse quantization on plural bit stream data, which are supplied thereto in connection with multiple channels respectively, thus producing inversely quantized data with respect to a prescribed number (e.g., thirty two) of sub-band samples respectively. The inversely quantized data are combined together among the multiple channels with respect to the prescribed number of the sub-band samples respectively. Then, a filter bank synthesizes together combined data corresponding to all of the sub-band samples, thus reproducing original digital audio signals. Multipliers are provided for use in gain control on the inversely quantized data with respect to the sub-band samples respectively.

Abstract: A digital audio signal obtained from an analog audio signal indicating a music, pieces of audio reproduction control information respectively indicating the adjustment of a sound quality of the music are added to the digital audio signal, and the digital audio signal is recorded with the pieces of audio reproduction control information as packed data. When a user selects a piece of particular audio reproduction control information from the pieces of audio reproduction control information after the packed data is read out, levels of pieces of audio data of the digital audio signal are adjusted according to the particular audio reproduction control information, so that the user can entertain the music at a desired sound quality.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a method for optimizing a product design. The method includes specifying a plurality of application parameters for the product. A plurality of predetermined factors and responses are obtained in response to the plurality of application parameters. A transfer function is obtained which relates at least one factor to at least one response. The transfer function is optimized in response to user-defined optimization criteria to generate an optimized factor and an optimized response. The optimized factor and the optimized response are then displayed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for calculating a plurality of bottleneck delta virtual work in process time (“VWIP”) values. Each of the bottleneck delta VWIP values represents the time until one of n bottleneck workstations begins to risk starvation. The calculating includes deriving one or more baseline cycle times based on an X-factors method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing schedules for a wafer in a multichamber semiconductor wafer processing tool comprising the steps of providing a trace defining a series of chambers that are visited by a wafer as the wafer is processed by the tool; initializing a sequence generator with a vertex defining initial wafer positioning within the tool; generating all successor vertices to produce a series of vectors interconnecting the vertices that, when taken together produce a cycle that represents a schedule. All the possible schedules are analyzed to determine a schedule that produces the highest throughput of all the schedules.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing dynamic testing of electronic assemblies during their manufacture. A production line includes a communication network to interconnect assembly and inspection equipment. Events impacting the manufacture of the assemblies are communicated among the equipment, allowing the testing to be dynamically adjusted in response to events. Dynamic adjustment allows the process to quickly detect defects introduced by events. The concept is illustrated with a production line that has a pick and place machine and an inspection station. When an operator changes a reel of components at the pick and place machine, the inspection station will switch test programs to quickly verify that the correct reel has been loaded.

Abstract: In production management system of a vehicle, at a parts assembling step, a computer terminal 12 reads the product-specific information and the parts-specific information from an information storage medium 2 through an information read/write unit 3. On the other hand, a bar-code reader 5 reads the product-specific information (e.g., the vehicle code) from the completion check indicator 4 of a vehicle body 1 and the parts-specific information and the parts-intrinsic information from parts 6. And, the computer terminal 12 compares the product-specific information with each other and the parts-specific information with each other and writes, when both the individual comparisons are coincident, the parts-intrinsic information in the information storage medium 2 through the information read/write unit 3 to allow the parts 6 to be assembled in the vehicle body 1.

Abstract: This installation comprises: for each receptacle of substance to be treated, radio-wave transmitter means for supplying information identifying the substance contained in the receptacle; for each workstation for implementing a treatment operation on the substances, radio-wave receiver means for supply information identifying the workstation; and for each receptacle support, both radio-wave receiver means for receiving information transmitted by the transmitter means of the receptacles and of the workstations, and at least one forwarding device for forwarding information received by the receiver means to a data storage unit. The installation is applicable to processing biological samples or materials.

Abstract: A method of providing centralized custom splint production for a network of healthcare providers. The method includes: providing a plurality of scanning devices located throughout the network; scanning a portion of a person's body for which a splint is needed to assemble at least one set of data representing an outer surface of the portion of the person's body, the scanning is performed using one of the plurality scanning devices; transmitting a signal representing the at least one set of data to a splint generating device; producing a custom splint contoured to complement the portion of the person's body.

Abstract: An objective of this invention is to provide a process for selecting rationally and quickly a wet process treatment in which an etchant can be shared based on a minimum preliminary investigation while eliminating cross contamination derived from a newly employed material, in a cleaning-apparatus line configuration in a process for manufacturing a silicon semiconductor device. In advance, an element which is suspected to cause cross contamination is added to an etchant used in a wet processing, a silicon substrate is immersed in the etchant, and then a correlation between a concentration of the element adhesively remaining still on the surface of the silicon substrate after the etchant is washed out with water and a concentration of the dissolved element in the etchant. On the basis of the result, the upper concentration limit of the element remaining by cross contamination is estimated when sharing the etchant.

Abstract: CMP systems and methods in which a polishing pad is moved relative to a wafer and a retainer ring implement instructions for applying required pressure to the wafer for CMP operations. Accuracy of computations of the pressures, and of conversion of the pressure to force, is improved without use of high resolution components, such as high resolution digital devices. Such improved accuracy is achieved using both digital and analog operations, and by converting values of required pressure or force from one set of units to a second set of units and then back to the first set of units. A quantization process is performed using data processed by average resolution digital devices. The process transfers both pressure/force scale and pressure/force set point data between separate processors to obtain computed values of pressure and force having acceptable accuracy, such that quantization errors are eliminated or significantly reduced.

Abstract: A method for processing an interrupted workpiece includes providing a dynamic control model defining the processing characteristics of a processing tool throughout a processing run; providing a partially processed workpiece; determining an extent of processing metric for the partially processed workpiece; and determining at least one operating recipe parameter of the processing tool based on the dynamic control model and the extent of processing metric. A manufacturing system includes a processing tool and a process controller. The processing tool is adapted to process a partially processed workpiece in accordance with an operating recipe. The process controller is adapted to determine an extent of processing metric for the partially processed workpiece and determine at least one parameter of the operating recipe based on a dynamic control model defining the processing characteristics of the processing tool throughout a processing run and the extent of processing metric.

Abstract: A method of selecting a photomask manufacturer includes the steps of storing bidding data sent from a photomask manufacturer, correcting a responded delivery date included in the received bidding data to a corrected delivery date based on a delivery date achieving ratio in a last month, storing priorities relating to a delivery date, technology, order reception and price, reading the corrected delivery date for each of the manufacturers making a bid for a product number to be ordered when the product number is input, calculating total evaluation for each photomask manufacturer based on the plurality of priorities, and selecting the photomask manufacturer satisfying the corrected delivery date and providing the highest result of total evaluation, as the receiver of the order.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for detecting, identifying and relocating defects in a material strip of great length. In order to enable defects to be relocated reliably and quickly with relatively little effort, the material strip is checked for defects, and position indicators are applied to the material strip continuously over its length. In the event of a defect being observed, an associated defect position indicator is stored, and during the subsequent relocation of a defect, a current starting position indicator is established, and the material strip is moved over a conveying length which is calculated from the established starting position indicator and the stored defect position indicator.

Abstract: A system and method for texture mapping in a computer-aided design and automation system for mass customization. The system includes a 3-D body model and a virtual prototype model. A grid is drawn or printed on a fabric and the fabric is draped on a body. Photographs are then taken of the garment and entered into the system. A picture converter generates views of the garment from different angles and stores the pictures in a picture database. The grid lines on the fabric provide information on the flow of the fabric on the body. The picture converter converts the grid lines into the control line information that is stored in a 3-D library. This control line information enables subsequent accurate and consistent texture mapping. In the preferred embodiment, the texture mapping is based on a textile design database, which may be created from a fabric swatch or by textile design.

Abstract: A smart filing system and method of use. The filing system includes a sanding or filing surface and a sensor for sensing the filed or sanded surface. An analyzing module analyzing the information obtained from the sensor and is capable of directing the system to modify the sanding. This modification may include changing the size of grains used for sanding or using a different sanding pattern and the like. A method for using the system is also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention comprises an apparatus for preparing a matched mailing, the apparatus comprising: an input means for feeding a document downstream to a scanner station; a scanner for scanning the document to obtain information, the scanner providing the information to a controller; an printer for printing information obtained from the controller onto the envelope, whereby the information obtained from the controller comprises information obtained by the scanner and corresponding to the document matched to the envelope.

Abstract: A package storage and delivery system includes electronically controlled lockers disposed at or near customer locations. Each locker is unlocked by a courier, preferably by means of a short-range transceiver or transmitter carried on the courier's person. The customer can unlock the locker and receive the delivered package. Cryptographically signed communications are employed along with nonvolatile usage logs to minimize the risk of loss of a package or fraud by courier or customer. The lockers may be stackable, permitting a delivery courier to add lockers in the event a customer receives too many deliveries to fit into a single locker. Each box has, of course, a physical location, and has associated with it an address code indicative of the physical location, for example by means of a human-readable or compressed representation of the precise latitude and longitude. A package delivered to such a box preferably bears the address code.

Abstract: Methods of operating a robot comprised of a plurality of modules during reconfiguration, rearrangement to provide a support structure and internal manipulation, each module made of a cubic shape with six faces, each face including an arm for expansion and contraction with another module.

Abstract: A positioning device and method can position a subject of positioning at a higher speed than conventional ones. A positioning device and method for moving a subject of positioning to a desired position, moves the subject of positioning at a desired speed and acceleration, and adjusts the acceleration/deceleration duration of the subject of positioning and the timing of starting the deceleration so as to cancel the residual vibration, in accordance with the vibration period of the residual vibration that occurs immediately after positioning the subject of positioning.

Abstract: In an electro-mechanical distribution system having plural units each comprising a valve/switch and dual sensors, a computer is associated with each unit so as to process sensor information and control the valve/switch. According to the control logic, a unit is either in normal mode or fault mode. The fault mode begins with a transient waiting period and may continue on to a series of steps. A step waiting period (wherein the valve is closed) may be followed by the step testing period (wherein the valve is closed) of the same step; a step testing period may be followed by the step waiting period of the next step. Fault mode is triggered if at any time during normal mode either sensor detects a fault condition. Normal mode is triggered if at any time during fault mode both sensors concurrently detect a normal condition.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling hydraulic flow through a valve in fluid communication with a pump and a hydraulic actuator. The method includes monitoring load pressure of the valve, and selecting a flow limit and a pressure limit of the valve. A flow-pressure relationship in the valve is determined based on the flow limit, the pressure limit, and a desired flow-pressure characteristic. A hydraulic flow rate command is computed based on the determined flow pressure relationship and the monitored load pressure of the valve.