Abstract: A method of performing a medical procedure, such as surgery, is provided. A nerve is stimulated in order to adjust the beating of the heart to a first condition, such as a stopped or slowed condition. The medical procedure is performed on the heart or another organ. The stimulation of the nerve is stopped in order to adjust the beating of the heart to a second condition, such as a beating condition. The heart itself may also be stimulated to a beating condition, such as by pacing. The stimulation of the nerve may be continued in order to allow the medical procedure to be continued. Systems and devices for performing the medical procedure are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cardiac pacing, cardioversion and defibrillation rely on delivering ultrasonic or other vibrational energy in combination with electrical energy to the heart, usually after the onset of an arrhythmia. A vibrational transducer and suitable electrical contacts may be combined in a single housing or distributed among various housings, and will usually be implantable so that the vibrational transducer can be directed at a target portion of the heart. Alternatively, external systems comprising the vibrational transducer and electrical contacts are also described.

Abstract: A method and device for delivering a therapy in response to detection of abnormal cardiac rhythms that includes delivering a first therapy during a first delivery period, substantially simultaneous with coupling of a charging circuit and an energy storage device to generate stored energy on the energy storage device. A determination is made as to whether to deliver the first therapy during a second delivery period subsequent to the first delivery period in response to the predetermined level of stored energy not being generated on the energy storage device. The device then delivers the first therapy during a third delivery period subsequent to the second delivery period in response to the first therapy not being delivered during the second delivery period and the predetermined level of stored energy not being generated on the energy storage device.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for estimating the temporal refractory period of a heart, for adjusting a parameter for delivery of extra-systolic stimulation (ESS) therapy and for detecting an arrhythmia during delivery of ESS therapy In some aspects, probe pulses are periodically delivered to estimate the location of the end boundary of the refractory period, and accordingly estimate its length. In some embodiments, the parameter is adjusted based on estimated length of the refractory period. For example, an extra-systolic interval (ESI) for delivery of ESS is adjusted to be a fixed interval longer than estimated lengths of the refractory period. In other aspects, the parameter is adjusted based on a measured delay (or latency) between delivery of an ESS pulse and detection of an evoked response resulting from the pulse. Also, delays between delivery of an ESS pulse and detection of a subsequent depolarization are monitored to detect an arrhythmia.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes two or more pacing output channels coupled to a single unipolar electrode or bipolar electrode pair. The implantable medical device can control each pacing output channel to deliver pacing pulses via the single electrode or electrode pair at different times and with different amplitudes. In some embodiments, the implantable medical device is used to deliver extra-systolic stimulation therapy. In such embodiments, a first pacing output channel can be controlled to deliver pacing pulses via the electrode or electrode pair with an amplitude sufficient to depolarize a chamber of the heart. A second pacing output channel is controlled to deliver extra-systolic pulses, which can have a lower amplitude than the pacing pulses, via the electrode or electrode pair an extra-systolic interval after sensed or paced depolarizations of the chamber. In some embodiments, the implantable medical device delivers ESS therapy and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Abstract: Techniques are provided for allowing Automatic Mode Switching (AMS) to be exploited within dual unipolar systems employing Combipolar sensing. Relative refractory windows are opened within both the atrial and ventricular refractory periods for the purposes of determining the atrial rate using Combipolar sensing logic. In this manner, T-waves occurring during the relative refractory windows are excluded from the atrial rate calculation, whereas any P-waves occurring during the relative refractory windows are counted, thereby achieving a more accurate atrial rate calculation, particularly at high atrial rates, and thus permitting AMS to be enabled along with Combipolar sensing in the dual unipolar lead system. An alternative technique is provided for use in dual unipolar systems not initially set to a Combipolar Sensing mode, which also achieves more accurate atrial rate calculation at high atrial rates. Additional techniques are provided for use in dual bipolar systems.

Abstract: A pacing system provides for optimal hemodynamic cardiac function for parameters such as ventricular synchrony or contractility (peak left ventricle pressure change during systole or LV+dp/dt), or stroke volume (aortic pulse pressure) using system for calculating atrio-ventricular delays for optimal timing of a ventricular pacing pulse. The system deriving the proper timing using electrical or mechanical events having a predictable relationship with an optimal ventricular pacing timing signal. A look-up table relating the timing of such electrical or mechanical events to atrio-ventricular delay time intervals is provided for programming the pacing system.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG) used with a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery having an anode electrode with a substrate made substantially from titanium. Such battery construction allows the rechargeable battery to be discharged down to zero volts without damage to the battery. The implantable medical device includes battery charging and protection circuitry that controls the charging of the battery so as to assure its reliable and safe operation. A multi-rate charge algorithm is employed that minimizes charging time while ensuring the battery cell is safely charged. Fast charging occurs at safer lower battery voltages (e.g., battery voltage above about 2.5 V), and slower charging occurs when the battery nears full charge higher battery voltages (e.g., above about 4.0 V). When potentially less-than-safe very low voltages are encountered (e.g., less than 2.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to a technique for selection of parameter configurations for an implantable neurostimulator using Bayesian networks. The technique may be employed by a programming device to allow a clinician to select parameter configurations, including electrode configurations, and then program an implantable neurostimulator to deliver therapy using the selected parameter configurations. In operation, the programming device executes a parameter configuration search algorithm to guide the clinician in the selection of parameter configurations. The search algorithm relies on a Bayesian network structure that encodes conditional probabilities describing different states of the parameter set. The Bayesian network structure provides a conditional probability table that represents causal relationships between different parameter configurations.

Abstract: An implantable electrical lead having coiled conductors and a method of manufacturing the lead. The method generally comprises: (a) assembling, along an outer surface of inner elongate structure defining an longitudinal axis, at least one elongate conductor and at least one twist ring holding a first portion of the elongate conductor; (b) fixing a second portion of the elongate conductor to the outer surface of the inner elongate structure, the second portion of the elongate conductor being spaced along the length of the elongate conductor; and (c) rotating the twist ring relative to the longitudinal axis of the inner elongate structure to coil the at least one elongate conductor.

Abstract: A lead for delivering electrical signals to and/or receive electrical signals from a human heart that includes a solid inner conductor, and a fixation device having a titanium nitride coated surface and electrically coupled to the inner conductor. A steroid is applied to the titanium nitride surface of the fixation device, and at least one layer of insulation is positioned around the inner conductor. A conductive coil is positioned around and is insulated from the inner conductor, an electrode ring electrically coupled to the conductive coil is positioned around and is electrically isolated from the inner conductor, and an insulating spacer is positioned between and electrically isolates the ring electrode and the fixation device.

Abstract: An implantable lead for a medical device with an isolated contact connection for connecting a conductor to a contact reduces the opportunity for conductor material to migrate to a contact or into a patient. The implantable lead comprises a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, at least one conductor, at least one contact carried on the proximal end, at least one contact carried on the distal end, at least one coupling. The lead has an exterior surface. The conductor is contained in the lead body and extends from the lead proximal end to the distal end. The conductor is electrically insulated. The contact carried on the proximal end is electrically connected to the conductor. The coupling has a conductor coupling and a contact coupling. The conductor coupling is placed over the conductor and attached to the conductor. The contact coupling exits the lead body and has a weld to connect the contact coupling to the contact.

Abstract: A lead assembly for use with an implantable cardiac function management system. The lead assembly includes an elongated flexible pacing lead having a proximal end and a distal end. A terminal connector is connected to the proximal end of the pacing lead and has a distal end formed with a first coupling feature. A pacing lead stabilizer having a central bore is mounted on the pacing lead and is slidable along the pacing lead. The pacing lead stabilizer has a stabilizer proximal end formed with a mating feature complementary to the first coupling feature, such that the pacing lead stabilizer is releasably coupleable to the terminal connector.

Abstract: A lead body of a medical electrical lead includes a distal end, a first elongated insulated conductor extending toward the distal end and a first electrode coupled to the conductor. A second elongated insulated conductor includes a first portion extending within the lead body to the distal end and a second portion extending distally from the distal end of the lead body where it is terminated by a tissue anchor on which a second electrode is mounted; the tissue anchor includes a surface for receiving a push force from an insertion tool, which is adapted to insert the anchor within a segment of tissue such that the first electrode of the lead body is in close proximity to the segment of tissue.

Abstract: An electrode array for use with a cochlear implant is disclosed, which has electrodes selectively spaced to better target selected regions of the cochlea. In one form, the spacing between adjacent electrodes decreases towards an apical end of the array allowing the electrodes to better target receptors on the inner wall of the scala timpani of the cochlea.

Abstract: There is provided a central site system for communicating with at least one remote site equipment monitor, the at least one remote site equipment monitor collecting operational data concerning remote site equipment. The central site system includes a data transfer system adapted for receiving the operational data from the at least one remote site equipment monitor. The central site system also includes an operational data access system which receives the operational data from the data transfer system and stores the operational data in a data storage unit of the operational data access system. The central site system also includes a notification distribution system which receives data based on the operational data and distributes the data based on the operational data to a destination according to a predefined schedule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling nonlinear control problems within particle accelerators. This method involves first utilizing software tools to identify variable inputs and controlled variables associated with the particle accelerator, wherein at least one variable input parameter is a controlled variable. This software tool is further operable to determine relationships between the variable inputs and controlled variables. A control system that provides variable inputs to and acts on controller outputs from the software tools tunes one or more manipulated variables to achieve a desired controlled variable, which in the case of a particle accelerator may be realized as a more efficient collision.

Abstract: Method and system for optimizing plant production in a cost effective manner. System (100) includes a processor (102) in communication with resource controllers (110, 112) for controlling resources (106, 108) such as, for example, lighting and carbon dioxide. Each resource has a cost that varies temporally or with other factors. The processor implements an algorithm that receives a desired plant production rate and other input, such as operating conditions of the system and environment, and determines amounts of each resource to expend consistent with plant production goals and resource costs.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for controlling a process by establishing a control factor for a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller used to control a parameter of a process relative to a setpoint. A feedback signal regarding the parameter of the process is received via a sensor of the process and a first feedback loop. Automatic adjusting of the control factor of the PID controller is based on the feedback signal.

Abstract: A control server, or similar central processor, manages the distribution of data (including audio and video), voice, and control signals among a plurality of devices connected via a wired and/or wireless communications network. The devices include audio/visual devices (such as, televisions, monitors, PDAs, notepads, notebooks, MP3, portable stereo, etc.) as well as household appliances (such as, lighting, ovens, alarm clocks, etc.). The control server supports video/audio serving, telephony, messaging, file sharing, internetworking, and security. A portable controller allows a user to access and control the network devices from any location within a controlled residential and/or non-residential environment, including its surrounding areas. The controllers are enhanced to support location-awareness and user-awareness functionality.

Abstract: A method of planning tasks to be performed in a machine derives a precedence graph by linking subsidiary tasks to a sequence of key tasks to create a scheduling problem that can be solved by an automated scheduler.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for allocating multi-function resources among a plurality of tasks within a wetdeck process in semiconductor wafer fabrication. A resource allocator allocates multi-function resources among tasks within a process system that executes at least one application process. The resource allocator comprises a monitoring controller, model of the process system and a resource allocation controller. The monitoring controller monitors measurable characteristics associated with the executing application process, multi-function resources and tasks. The model represents the multi-function resources and the tasks, and defines relationships among them. The resource allocation controller operates the model in response to the monitored measurable characteristics and allocates ones of the multi-function resources among ones of the tasks to efficiently execute the wetdeck process of the semiconductor wafer fabrication process.

Abstract: A system for tool monitoring is provided. The system comprises a first cassette, a second cassette, a processing tool, a first metrology tool, and a second metrology tool. The first cassette contains a first control wafer used for a first metrology process. The second cassette contains a second control wafer used for a second metrology process. The processing tool receives the first cassette and processes the first control wafer, and receives the second cassette and processes the second control wafer. The first metrology tool receives the first cassette from the processing tool, and performs the first metrology process on the first control wafer processed by the processing tool. The second metrology tool receives the second cassette from the processing tool, and performs the second metrology process on the second control wafer processed by the processing tool.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for automatically tracking a lot being moved between first and second manufacturing lines during semiconductor manufacturing. In one example, the method includes assigning a first state to the lot to indicate the lot's presence in the first manufacturing line. A trigger event indicating that the lot has been moved to the second manufacturing line may be identified, and a second state may be determined for the lot to reflect the lot's presence in the second manufacturing line. The second state may then be assigned to the lot.

Abstract: A method of controlling lithographic overlay offsets in the manufacture of semiconductor devices from wafers, comprising the steps of forming a lithographic pattern on a wafer layer with a lithographic tool, processing the wafer after the pattern is formed to enable fabrication of a semiconductor device, predicting overlay offset corrections based on one or more factors involved in the processing of the wafer, and utilizing the predicted overlay offset corrections to positionally control the lithographic tool.

Abstract: A machining data generator generates NC machining data specifying machining operations for shaping the external shape of a piston. The machining data generator uses a machining data sheet (provided by a spreadsheet software) describing noncircular part shape data on the shape of a noncircular part and condition data (machining condition data and shape data on shapes of parts other than the noncircular part necessary for shaping the overall shape of the piston). The machining data sheet is prepared beforehand. A machining data generation program reads the machining data sheet in step S4, recognizes directives “start cell” and “end cell” defining a cell region and described in the machining data sheet and fetches matrix data from the cell region in step S5, and fetches condition data other than the noncircular part shape data from the machining data sheet, and calculates NC machining data to be given to a NC machine tool on the basis of the condition data and the noncircular part shape data in step S6.

Abstract: A container storage and delivery system includes an individual container storage and delivery system. A palletizer is provided for forming a group of containers from the individual container storage and delivery system into a layer or a partial layer, and placing this layer or partial layer onto a pallet. A high speed pick station provides access for manual retrieval of high throughput case types from each storage location. An individual container placement station is also provided for placing individual containers onto a pallet. A conveyor system conveys containers and pallets from the individual container storage and delivery system, the palletizer, the high speed pick station, and the individual container placement station.

Abstract: A smart card personalization system maintains a database containing card issuer data format templates, card applications, card operating system commands, and personalization equipment specifications and provides a centralized interface of inputs and outputs to a card issuing process which dynamically adjusts to changes in the issuing process to easily permit a card issuer to change data formats, card applications, card operating systems and/or personalization equipment in a card issuing process. The system interfaces to any card issuer management system, manages the transfer of cardholder data and card applications to the particular personalization equipment used, and maintains statistics for real-time and off-line inquiries to support critical management and reporting functions. Furthermore, the system works with a variety of security methodologies to prevent fraud.

Abstract: The present invention describes various methods and apparatus to increase efficiency and sales of a Newspaper Rack. At least one sensor is positioned within a Newspaper Rack to monitor when the remaining inventory of Newspapers reaches a predetermined quantity (including depleted). A logic circuit monitors when the sensor(s) change state then directs a signal to be transmitted to a central location. The central location may add time-stamping, reference the location, and compile the information into a database. The central location notifies the proper party to service the Newspaper Rack. The Newspaper Rack can include various mechanisms to stimulate customers into purchasing a Newspaper, such as a visual display or audible means. The stimulating information can be obtained and/or changed using wireless transmission to a receiver. The Newspaper Rack can include external monitoring devices to gather information for traffic flow, weather, or other desirable information.

Abstract: An internal pressure of a hydropneumatic drive actuator is measured by a pressure measurement device, a displacement amount of a movable mechanism is measured, a desired value and a measurement value of the displacement are inputted so that a position error is compensated by a position error compensation device, a desired value of a pressure difference of the actuator to which antagonistic driving is performed by the desired value is calculated by a desired pressure difference calculation device, outputs from the position error compensation device, the desired pressure difference calculation device, and the pressure measurement device are inputted, and a pressure difference error is compensated by pressure difference error compensation device.

Abstract: Remotely sensed spectral image data are used to develop a Vegetation Index file which represents spatial variations of actual crop vigor throughout a field that is under cultivation. The latter information is processed to place it in a format that can be used by farm personnel to correlate and calibrate it with actually observed crop conditions existing at control points within the field. Based on the results, farm personnel formulate a prescription request, which is forwarded via email or FTP to a central processing site, where the prescription is prepared. The latter is returned via email or FTP to on-side farm personnel, who can load it into a controller on a spray rig that directly applies inputs to the field at a spatially variable rate.

Abstract: A monitoring system is provided for remotely monitoring in-store equipment. A controller is provided in each store for monitoring and controlling in-store equipment. A monitoring computer is connected to the controller in each store through a communication line. The controller includes data transmission means for transmitting to the monitoring computer data related to each in-store equipment and predetermined measurement data, and display means for displaying power saving advice information fed from the monitoring computer, and the monitoring computer comprising power saving advice information production means for producing power saving advice information for efficiently operating each in-store equipment on the basis of the data received from the controller, and power saving advice information transmission means for transmitting to the controller the produced power saving advice information.

Abstract: An intelligent network demand control system provides a system and method for controlling demand in an energy delivery system. The intelligent network demand control system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to meters and appliances residing at a plurality of customer premises. Control room operators instruct a customer premises (CP) energy management controller to implement a reduction in system demand. A demand reduction control signal is relayed out to a predefined group of transceivers to bring their respective controlled generators on line. The predefined transceivers, identified by their identification codes, are specified in the demand reduction control signal. When the transceivers bring the generators on line in response to a broadcasted demand reduction control signal, the actual demand reduction is metered and relayed back to the CP energy management controller. The total demand reduction is aggregated into a single number and then communicated to the operators.

Abstract: A turret control system and method for a fire fighting vehicle is disclosed. The turret control system includes one or more control modules, such as an envelope control module, turret targeting module, a turret pan module, a turret deploy module, a turret store module. The preferred turret control system also provides improved turret control flexibility and improved operator feedback.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system for manned vehicles is being proposed, wherein an automatic early-on recognition of emergencies and an automatic specification of measures to be taken in accordance with a separate escalation assessment concerning the development of the emergency in question are made possible, in that data packets comprising a vehicle identification field, a time indicator field, a continuously updated position field, a continuously updated vehicle-status field and a pilot-confirmation field are either transmitted from the vehicle to a ground station and evaluated there or is transmitted to the ground station already having been evaluated, wherein continuous storing of the data packets is carried out over a limited period of time in the ground station when a first evaluation result is present; in the event of the occurrence of a second particular evaluation result storing is carried out over a longer period of time and at the same time a switchover signal is transmitted to the vehicle, which sw

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a first electronically controlled vehicle system, a second electronically controlled vehicle system, and a control unit. The control unit controls operation of at least one component of the first electronically controlled vehicle system while the vehicle is moving and preferably also while the vehicle is stationary, and controls operation of at least one component of the second electronically controlled vehicle system only while the vehicle is stationary.

Abstract: In a fault detection logic for an engine controller for the detection of too low or too high a thrust relative to an intended positive or negative acceleration, the positive or negative error of the engine pressure ratio and the positive or negative acceleration of an engine shaft are simultaneously compared with a specified threshold, with the simultaneously determined transgression of both thresholds safely identifying a loss of thrust control. Disturbances caused by engine surge or signal noise are eliminated.

Abstract: A system comprises an equipment service vehicle and an off-board computer system. The equipment service vehicle further includes a power source, a power transmission link, a plurality of input devices, a plurality of output devices, and an on-board computer system. The on-board computer system further includes a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules and a communication network. The plurality of interface modules are coupled to the power source by way of the power transmission link and are interconnected to each other by way of the communication network. Each of the plurality of interface modules is coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices by way of respective dedicated communication links. The on-board computer system stores I/O status information for the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices.

Abstract: A network for a vehicle correlates network addresses with functions. The network can be used to connect control devices and an outboard motor mounted to a watercraft. Each physical node on the network can include one or plurality of functional nodes. The network can be configured to assign network addresses to devices on the network based on the functions performed by the devices, respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle dynamics behavior reproduction system capable of describing accurately behavior of a motor vehicle in a lateral direction even for nonlinear driving situation includes a vertical wheel force arithmetic module (105), a lateral wheel force arithmetic module (110), a cornering stiffness adaptation module (115), a state space model/observer unit (120), a selector (130), a delay module (135), and a tire side slip angle arithmetic module (125). Vertical wheel forces (FZij) and tire side slip angles (?ij) are determined by using sensor information and estimated values while lateral wheel forces (FYij) are determined in accordance with a relatively simple nonlinear approximation equation. The lateral wheel force (FYij) and the tire side slip angle (?ij) provide bases for adaptation of cornering stiffnesses at individual wheels. Vehicle motion is accurately described to a marginal stability by using adapted cornering stiffnesses (Cij) and other information.

Abstract: In steering control for individually controlling wheel steering angles ?1, ?2, ?3, and ?4 of a vehicle in accordance with a condition equation for forming a prescribed mode, one of the condition equation variables is used as a steering command value S. In a process for changing the command value S from a value S1 to a value S2, for transitioning the steering angles ?1, ?2, ?3, ?4 from values [?1, ?2, ?3, ?4]S1 corresponding to the steering command value S1, to values [?1, ?2, ?3, ?4]S2 corresponding to the steering command value S2, the steering angles ?1, ?2, ?3, ?4 are changed toward incremental transition steering angles [?1, ?2, ?3, ?4]S1+?S corresponding to a steering command value (S1+?S), which is the steering command value S1 to which an incremental steering command value ?S has been added.

Abstract: The method for expanding an air bag includes the steps of: detecting a variation of a deceleration of a vehicle during a vehicle collision and applying the detected deceleration signal to a microcomputer. Analyzing a collision waveform generated according to the deceleration signal and determining an impact degree of the vehicle. Temporarily stopping an operation of the deceleration detector at the microcomputer. Initializing an initial collision waveform while the operation of the deceleration detector is stopped, the initial collision waveform being inputted before the microcomputer stops the operation of the deceleration detector. Re-operating the deceleration detector at the microcomputer, detecting again a variation of the deceleration of the vehicle at the deceleration detector, and applying the newly detected deceleration signal to the microcomputer.

Abstract: Data bus system having a plurality of control units (1) which interchange messages with one another via a data bus (2) and which are provided for controlling components, the individual control units (1) being of modular design and being fitted in different installation spaces in a technical product, characterized in that the control units (1) are designed as distributed control units having individual modules (3, 4, 5a, 5b, 6), a plurality of which can be arranged independently of one another and some of which are connected via an internal data bus (7), and the individual modules (3, 4, 5a, 5b, 6) in a control unit produce data and signals for driving the same component/components (8, 9, 10, 11) with individual modules identical in terms of hardware being provided in different control units (1), and in that at least two different types of individual modules (3, 4, 5a, 5b, 6) are provided in a plurality of control units (1), with one output-stage individual module (5a, 5b) provided in a plurality of control un

Abstract: An electronically servo-assisted bicycle gearshift and method for electronically shifting the gears of a bicycle involves the steps of: receiving a signal requesting a displacement of a chain of a bicycle gearshift from a first sprocket to a second adjacent sprocket of a gearshift group comprising at least two sprockets; if the first sprocket has a smaller diameter than the second sprocket, obtaining an upwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket, if the first sprocket has a larger diameter than the second sprocket, obtaining a downwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket; and driving an actuator of the gearshift group to displace a guide element of the chain in an axial direction with respect to the gearshift group from the first sprocket to the upwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket or to the downwards gear-shifting position for the second sprocket, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preventing selected users from driving a vehicle above a particular speed. The speed limit value can be programmed by the selected users by driving the vehicle at a desired speed limit and providing programming instruction. The device provides, from acceleration control signals received from the acceleration pedal, altered acceleration control signals. When in non speed limiting mode, the device simply forwards the acceleration control signals to the engine control unit or the electronic throttle controller. When in speed limiting mode, the device makes no change to the acceleration control signals if the vehicle speed is below the speed limit value and alters the acceleration control signals if the vehicle speed reaches the speed limit value, in order to limit the speed of the car.

Abstract: A device for the longitudinal guidance of a motor vehicle, having a speed sensor for measuring the driving speed of the vehicle; a distance sensor for measuring the distance to an obstacle possibly located in front of the vehicle; and a controller, which intervenes in the drive and brake system of the vehicle and regulates the driving speed, possibly as a function of the distance to the obstacle, in a closed-loop control circuit if the vehicle speed is above a certain limit speed, characterized by a control device, which intervenes in the drive and brake system in a controlling manner at driving speeds below the limit speed.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for high temperature protection of combustor and other components by controlling the temperature of combustor gases in a hybrid fuel cell system combustor using a nozzle or plurality of nozzles to inject water or water vapor, downstream or directly into the combustor. A variable speed pump, actuated valve or other flow metering device regulates the supply of water to the nozzles and a steam generator. Flow regulation is effected by a control algorithm that reacts to combustor temperature, changes in the power production of the fuel cell system and/or other related system parameters.

Abstract: Device for determining the position of an engine includes: a sensor that has a rotary part and a fixed part, whereby said fixed part comprises: elements (for generating a first signal based on the position of the rotary part relative to the fixed part), Second elements for generating a second phase-shifted signal relative to the first signal, elements for comparing the value of the second signal to a reference value, elements for detecting at least one characteristic event on the first signal, for generating a third signal of binary type, and for alternating the binary signal from a first value to a second after detection of at least one of the characteristic events if the result of the comparison is positive, engine control elements that include members for detecting the alternations of third signal and a counter.

Abstract: A diesel engine (10) operates by alternative diesel combustion. Formation of fuel and charge air mixtures is controlled by processing a particular set of values for certain input data according to a predictor algorithm model (50) to develop data values for predicted time of auto-ignition and resulting torque, and also develop data values for control of fuel and air that will produce the predicted time of auto-ignition and resulting torque. The data values developed by the predictor algorithm and data values for at least some of the input data are processed according to a control algorithm (52) that compensates for any disturbance introduced into any of the data values for at least some of the input data being processed by the control algorithm. This causes the systems to be controlled by compensated data values that produce predicted time of auto-ignition and resulting torque in the presence of any such disturbance.

Abstract: An engine protection system and protocol is implemented within an electronic control module. Various engine parameters, such as engine coolant level, coolant temperature, transmission fluid temperature, and engine oil pressure are monitored and compared to limit values to determine if a fault condition exists as to one or more of the parameters. The engine protection system includes visual and audible signals responsive to the parameters. An engine disabling mechanism is operative when any of the aforementioned parameters exceed predetermined limits for a predeterminable period. The electronic control module contains a memory function for recording the fault parameters as well as other identifying information. The electronic control module also includes an engine idle limiter feature. The engine disabling means is operative when the vehicle idling duration exceeds a second predeterminable period.