Patents Issued in May 1, 2007
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Patent number: 7212885Abstract: Shoe organization and selection system whereby a person can easily and conveniently find a pair of shoes desired from their closet by selecting the shoe from a computer screen that contains pictures of all of the shoes in the shoe organizer (FIG. 1A), and then the computer will open the appropriate shoe drawer (18) so that the desired shoe can be extracted. The system comprises of a modular shoe organizer rack (FIG. 1A) which will contain the actual shoes, a motorized shoe drawer (18), and a shoe selection console (40), thereby named SSC for short, that will be directly connected to each shoe compartment either wired or wirelessly. The shoe selection console (40) will contain a picture of each shoe (42) contained in the shoe organizer.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventors: Rafael J Diaz, Celestine D. Diaz
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Patent number: 7212886Abstract: A robot control apparatus including a motion torque calculating section for calculating a motion torque command which is required for a motion of a servo motor, a disturbance torque estimating section for calculating a disturbance torque, a minute displacement relationship calculating section for calculating a minute displacement relationship between a task coordinate system of a robot and a joint coordinate system of the servo motor, an external force calculating section for carrying out a conversion to an external force on the task coordinate system, a force control section for calculating a position correction amount on the task coordinate system of the robot, and a joint angle correction amount calculating section for carrying out a conversion to a joint angle correction amount on the joint coordinate system.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa DenkiInventors: Hideo Nagata, Kenichi Yasuda, Yasuyuki Inoue
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Patent number: 7212887Abstract: An HVAC system includes a portable controller unit which communicates with an indoor HVAC component and an outdoor HVAC component over a digital communication bus. A multiple of docking stations each in communication with the data bus are located at a multiple of locations throughout the system such that the portable controller unit may be selectively connected to any of the ports and moved therebetween. By moving the portable controller unit, the technician is then physically present at the HVAC component while exercising the system to obtain additional information and measurements directly from the HVAC component.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Rajendra K. Shah, Chris Puranen
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Patent number: 7212888Abstract: A method for controlling the drive unit of a vehicle considers several desired input quantities of different priority in the formation of a desired value. At least one output quantity of the drive unit is adjusted in dependence upon the desired value input quantities. For adjustment, a desired value is formed which considers the desired value input quantities in the sequence of their priority.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Holger Jessen
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Patent number: 7212889Abstract: A portable data exchange device including a data input, a data output, and a memory is incorporated into a mechanical or electronic key that is required for operating a motor vehicle. The data exchange device can exchange data bi-directionally or uni-directionally with a data processing device in the vehicle and with an external input/output terminal. The data may include vehicle-specific and/or driver-specific data relating to various systems of the vehicle. The data are transmitted to and from the device in the key in a wireless or direct-contacting manner. This device incorporated in the key avoids the need for carrying a separate data unit for exchanging data between the on-board data processing device of the vehicle and the external input/output terminal.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Atmel Germany GmbHInventors: Torsten Mann, Martin Reimann
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Patent number: 7212890Abstract: A dialog system for dialog between an operator of an aircraft and at least one system of the aircraft including a display configured to display at least one window including a plurality of responsive objects respectively associated with one of multiple functions of the at least one system of the aircraft. Also included is a first cursor control device including a continuous cursor moving mechanism configured to move a cursor in a continuous manner on the display so as to designate a responsive object and a second cursor control device including a discrete cursor moving mechanism configured to move the cursor in a discrete manner on the display responsive object by responsive object so as to designate a responsive object.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Airbus France S.A.S.Inventors: Jean-Francois Lafon, Nicolas Roux, Christine Luneau
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Patent number: 7212891Abstract: Upon detection of a fault in a DC power supply based on a voltage from a voltage sensor or a temperature from a temperature sensor, a control device controls inverters to cause AC motors to output zero output torque, and generates and outputs signals STP1, STP2 to a voltage step-up converter and a DC/DC converter, respectively. The control device generates and outputs a signal SE of an L level to system relays to cut off the system relays. Thereafter, the control device generates and outputs a signal PWMDL to the voltage step-up converter to switch control of the voltage step-up converter to voltage step-down control.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Eiji Sato
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Patent number: 7212892Abstract: An in-vehicle system control device, which controls an in-vehicle system mounted in a vehicle includes an electric load electrically connected to a battery for activating the in-vehicle system, and a judging means electrically connected to the electric load wherein the judging means detects activating voltage of a battery for activating the in-vehicle system by applying a voltage from the battery to the electric load connected to the battery before activating the in-vehicle system, and judges whether or not the battery is in deteriorated condition by comparing a predetermined judging condition.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Seika Matsui, Yoshihiro Nakamura
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Patent number: 7212893Abstract: An automobile's maintenance port is wirelessly connected (for example, via an IEEE 802.11-based connection) to a plurality of gateways/routers that forward automobile diagnostic data (such as a series of diagnostic codes) to a server. Each gateway interfaces with two networks—a first wireless network for wireless communications with an automobile and a second network to communicate with the server. The server implements computer readable program code that aids in receiving forwarded automobile diagnostic data and analyzing the data to identify malfunctions. The server sends the analyzed data or a report based on the analyzed data to a subscriber-defined location (e.g., a PC with access to the Internet). Alternatively, the server can render an indication in the automobile to inform a user that the generated report is ready for electronic retrieval.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: AT&T Knowledge Ventures, L.P.Inventors: James M Doherty, Thomas Lee Adams
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Patent number: 7212894Abstract: An occupant detecting device comprises plural cells provided at a seating part of a vehicle seat and defined by an array of rows in a width direction of the vehicle seat and columns in a cross direction of the vehicle seat for detecting partial pressures of the seating part, a total pressure value calculating means for obtaining a total pressure value by summing up the detected partial pressures, a determining means for determining a condition of the vehicle seat on which an adult passenger is sitting based on a comparison result between the obtained total pressure value and a determining value threshold, a temperature sensor for detecting temperature, and a correcting means for correcting at least one of either the total pressure value calculated based on the detected temperature or the determining value threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsu Hattori, Toshiro Maeda, Yasuaki Hiraki, Yukihiro Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7212895Abstract: A magnetic flux is sensed within a gap at a first location between two portions of a vehicle body/structure and a signal generated responsive thereto controls an element of the vehicle, wherein the magnetic flux is responsive to a disturbance of the vehicle body/structure. In one embodiment, the first location is proximate to the A-pillar, B-pillar or C-pillar. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the magnetic flux is generated by a coil at a different second location. A gap coil is located within a gap between portions of the vehicle body/structure for generating or sensing magnetic flux. A plurality of gap coils of various orientations provide for multi-axis sensitivity. In another aspect, a magnetic crash sensing system comprises a first coil at a first location, and a plurality of magnetic sensors at a plurality of corresponding second locations.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: Leonard S. Cech, W. Todd Watson
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Patent number: 7212896Abstract: A vehicle control system (10) including a vehicle motion control subsystem (12) that has an input receiving an intended driving demand (14) and a plurality of coordinator subsystems (16) for coordinating actuators of the vehicle. The vehicle motion control subsystem (12) communicates with the coordinator subsystems (16) to determine whether a single coordinator subsystem (16) can carry out the intended driving demand (14). The vehicle motion control subsystem (12) will distribute demand signals among one or more of the coordinator subsystems (16) to allow the vehicle to implement the intended driving demand (14).Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2002Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Erik Coelingh, Jonas Ekmark, Mats Andersson, Jan Ryderstam, Per Olsson, Per Persson, Soren Eriksson
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Patent number: 7212897Abstract: In order to provide a vehicle door controlling apparatus, which even when the vehicle starts to move while doors of the vehicle are in closed operation, performs insertion detection accurately without reducing the sensitivity of insertion detection. In the present invention, speed adjustment is performed by an applied voltage and a vehicle door is driven by a motor by voltage driving. The speed during the movement of the vehicle door is detected by Hall elements, and the door speed during the movement of the vehicle door is obtained from the detected signal. A controller having an insertion detection function controls the door speed to be the predetermined target door speed. In this case, the controller detects stoppage or driving of the vehicle, and when the state of the vehicle is in the driving state while the vehicle door is in closing operation, the voltage applied to the motor is increased compared to the stop state.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shintaro Suzuki, Tomoaki Imaizumi, Eiji Itami
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Patent number: 7212898Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for mathematically calculating an optimal transmission input torque value for the inertia phase and the torque phase of a ratio change. Engine output is then altered by an amount necessary to change the actual value of the transmission input torque to the calculated optimal value of transmission input torque. The timing of the clutch elements during the power-on skip through neutral downshift is established by calculating delay periods for the off-going and on-coming clutches such that a predetermined desired shift time is met. The power-on skip through neutral downshift is thereafter adaptively controlled so that aberrations are diagnosed and corrected during subsequent downshifts. The invention is carried out by monitoring engine and/or transmission characteristics including input speed, output speed and shift duration during a downshift and identifying departures from acceptable patterns.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Matthew D. Whitton, Robert L. Williams
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Patent number: 7212899Abstract: An automated transmission system includes a transmission brake which is used to apply a braking torque to the transmission, while the engine torque is negative and a transmission clutch is disengaged to effect a gear downshift, in order to avoid acceleration of the vehicle when the clutch is released and abrupt deceleration of the vehicle upon completion of the gear downshift.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Ian Richard Joseph Bates, Burkhard Pollack, In Ho Song, Youngkeun Park, Christian Rieger
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Patent number: 7212900Abstract: A method of reducing resonance phenomena in a transmission train of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle; when the rotation speed of at least part of the transmission train is such that the frequency of a disturbance harmonic component of the drive torque lies in the neighborhood of a resonance frequency of the transmission train, the standard control mode of the cylinders is modified to modify the pattern of the drive torque as a function of the engine angle, and so modify the distribution of the harmonic components of the drive torque to reduce the amplitude of the disturbance harmonic component.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventor: Agostino Dominici
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Patent number: 7212901Abstract: A lane departure prevention apparatus is configured to conduct a course correction in a lane departure avoidance direction when the controller 8 determines that there is a potential for a vehicle to depart from a driving lane. The controller 8 combines yaw control and deceleration control to conduct departure prevention control to avoid lane departure. The yaw control is not actuated if the opposite direction from the steering direction coincides with the lane departure direction (steps S10 and S11). Preferably, the controller 8 sets the timing of yaw moment and the deceleration of the vehicle on the basis of the acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle, and performs braking control so that these settings are achieved (steps S7 to S9). Preferably, the controller 8 calculates the target yaw moment in the lane departure-avoidance direction on the basis of the running state of the vehicle, and calculates the deceleration amount by taking into account the driver braking operation amount.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: On Sadano, Yoshitaka Uemura, Masahiro Ozaki
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Patent number: 7212902Abstract: System for detecting stability/instability of behavior of a motor vehicle upon occurrence of tire slip or lock. State of the motor vehicle is determined on the basis of an alignment torque (Ta) applied from a road and a side slip angle (?). By taking advantage of such torque/slip-angle characteristic that although the alignment torque is proportional to a side slip angle when the latter is small, the alignment torque becomes smaller as the side slip angle increases, a normal value is determined from a straight line slope and the side slip angle in a region where the latter is small. Unstable behavior of the motor vehicle is determined when deviation of actual measured value from the normal value increases. Further, unstable state is determined when the slope of the alignment torque for the slip angle departs significantly from that of approximate straight line slope.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Fujioka, Takanori Matsunaga, Takashi Maeda, Toshinori Matsui, Masahiko Kurishige, Hideyuki Tanaka
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Patent number: 7212903Abstract: A vehicle motion control apparatus is provided with an anti-skid control device and a steering angle adjusting device, which adjusts the steering angle of at least one of the front and rear wheels to cancel a yaw deviation between a desired yaw factor and an actual yaw factor, to be substantially zero. An incompatibility between the devices is determined on the basis of a state of the wheel adjusted by the steering angle adjusting device to cancel the yaw deviation. And, a predetermined parameter provided between a vehicle stability directive parameter and a brake directive parameter is set on the basis of the incompatibility. Then, the anti-skid control device controls the braking force applied to each wheel of the vehicle on the basis of the predetermined parameter. Consequently, the anti-skid control giving importance to the braking force can be performed, as long as the steering angle adjusting device is operative.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignees: Advics Co., Ltd., Toyoda Koki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroaki Niino, Hiroaki Aizawa, Minekazu Momiyama, Hiroaki Kato
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Patent number: 7212904Abstract: A constant speed control method for a vehicle on an inclined road allows a constant speed control allowance to be one mile per hour on a flat road and two miles per hour on an inclined surface. If the vehicle speed decelerates two or more times of 1.5 miles per hour or more compared to the preset speed, the vehicle is assumed to be on a slope. A control system is performed by changing the constant speed control allowance from one mile per hour to two miles per hour. If the vehicle speed is within the allowance for 20 seconds, the control system on the inclined road is released. Thus, engine noise according to the frequent change of the T.P.S. value is prevented in advance and frequent gearshifts due to the rapid increment of the T.P.S. value is also prevented, resulting in a stable constant driving speed.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Kil-Young Jung
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Patent number: 7212905Abstract: In a method for operating a motor vehicle, a target region is determined which is disposed forward of the motor vehicle and an operating recommendation (36) is outputted to the driver in dependence upon the detection. An arrival probability (PCOL) of the motor vehicle at the target region can be determined and the operating recommendation (36) is outputted to the driver when the arrival probability (PCOL) reaches at least a limit value (PLIM) (42).Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Michael Grill
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Patent number: 7212906Abstract: A follow running control system includes a running control section for performing running control of the present vehicle based on data of the preceding vehicle and a signal from a device for detecting a driving operation performed by a driver of the present vehicle. If a driving operation by the driver for requesting starting of the present vehicle is detected while the present vehicle is stopped in a stop control state, the running control section changes a control state of the present vehicle, with respect to a follow running control device for controlling follow running of the present vehicle based on a target speed of the vehicle, from the stop control state to a follow control state for following the preceding vehicle, regardless of starting of preceding vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiaki Arai, Tadayoshi Okada, Hisaya Izawa, Makoto Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7212907Abstract: System for the evaluation of the driving environment of a vehicle and for influencing the speed of the vehicle in its own lane, with an electronic control unit that is connected to a signal generator generating a signal characteristic of the desired speed of the vehicle, to a signal generator generating a signal characteristic of the turning rate of the vehicle about its vertical axis, to a signal generator that generates for objects located in the space in front of the vehicle and in the direction of travel of the vehicle a characteristic signal with respect to their distance and orientation relative to the vehicle, said signal being the speed relative to the speed of the driver's vehicle and/or the distance relative to the driver's vehicle and/or the angular displacement or the lateral deviation relative to the longitudinal axis of the driver's vehicle, and to a signal generator that generates a signal characteristic of the speed of at least one wheel of the vehicle, and that is connected to at least one coType: GrantFiled: May 19, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbHInventor: Sascha Heinrichs-Bartscher
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Patent number: 7212908Abstract: A method of reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) in compression ignition engine emissions. The method includes monitoring at least one engine sensor that generates a signal in response to at least one engine operating condition, and adjusting at least one engine control parameter in response to the signal such that in-cylinder spacial distribution of equivalence ratio and temperature is substantially maintained to an operating region. The operating region corresponds to a set of equivalence ratio with respect to temperature values that are substantially outside regions supportive of NOx and PM formation. The temperature values are greater than 1650 K, and the equivalence ratio values are greater than 0.5.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Detroit Diesel CorporationInventors: Xiaobin Li, Zornitza Pavlinova Pavlova-MacKinnon, Adedejo Bukola Oladipo, Rakesh Aneja
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Patent number: 7212909Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1) causes an air/fuel mixture in a cylinder to combust due to ignition by a spark plug (14). The engine controller (50) calculates a temperature and pressure in the cylinder on the basis of the operating state of the engine (1) (531), calculates a limit ignition timing at which knock is not generated, on the basis of the temperature and pressure in the cylinder (54), and controls an ignition timing of the spark plug (14) to the limit ignition timing at which knock is not generated (55). Therefore, suitable control of the ignition timing is achieved, by means of a small number of adaptation steps.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Yoshino, Yuji Sasaki, Hatsuo Nagaishi
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Patent number: 7212910Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus of a direct injection internal combustion engine used in an idling stop vehicle or the like, which can reduce residual fuel generated in a combustion chamber in an engine stop time, and prevent deterioration of exhaust performance and deterioration of exhaust gas performance (A/F control precision) at the time of engine restart. The control apparatus includes an automatic stop control device for automatically stopping an internal combustion engine upon satisfaction of a predetermined automatic stop condition, and at least one of a fuel injection control unit which corrects fuel injection and an air-flow amount control unit which corrects an air-flow amount. Upon satisfaction of the predetermined automatic stop condition, at least one of fuel injection correcting control by the fuel injection control unit and air-flow amount correcting control by the air-flow amount control unit is performed.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Nobuhiro Akasaka
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Patent number: 7212911Abstract: An alternator and starter tester system is provided that includes a protective hood or cover, a controller connecting an LCD touch-screen, an alternator main harness connector, a starter harness self-test connector, a barcode connector, USB host and USB function connectors, an Ethernet connector, and a compact flash connector. A multiplexer is also provided to reduce the number of connectors required for various alternators that have the same type of connections but have signals on different pins.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: SPX CorporationInventors: Kurt Raichle, Scott Krampitz, Andrew Harrigan, Garret Miller, Weixing Xia
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Patent number: 7212912Abstract: An in-cylinder pressure sensor outputs a signal corresponding to a change rate of an internal cylinder pressure of an engine. The output signal of the in-cylinder pressure sensor is filtered so that frequency components lower than frequencies that substantially compose an internal cylinder pressure required for controlling the engine are cut. The filtered output signal is integrated to determine the internal cylinder pressure. Thus, an internal cylinder pressure having no drift can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsura Okubo, Yuji Yasui, Masahiro Sato, Koichiro Shinozaki
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Patent number: 7212913Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an engine control apparatus for detecting a voltage abnormality caused in a power supply thereof at low cost. An engine control apparatus for controlling an engine, includes: power supply voltage detecting unit for detecting a power supply voltage of a battery mounted on a vehicle as a power supply, which supplies the engine control apparatus with power; backup power supply voltage detecting unit for detecting a backup power supply voltage of a backup power supply, which supplies the engine control apparatus with power from the battery via a different path; voltage difference calculating unit for calculating a voltage difference between the power supply voltage and the backup power supply voltage; and power supply voltage abnormality determining unit for determining that there is an abnormality in the power supply voltage when the voltage difference is not within a predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoki Shimada, Keiichiro Sakaigaki, Koji Nishimoto
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Patent number: 7212914Abstract: A pedal element (2) with a connecting device (5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16) can be moved between an idle position and a full-throttle position of an internal combustion engine at a pedal angle ranging between 0° and 5° to 30°. A signal-generating device is configured in the form of a rotation angle sensor (1) having at least one integrated circuit (ASIC) with a Hall device. The ASIC with the Hall device and a storage device with an ASIC are connected to a microprocessor. An output switching unit is connected downstream from the microprocessor. The output switching unit emits an pulse-width-modulated signal with selectable frequencies. Other output signals, such as back-to-back signals and switch signals, can be regenerated with the ASIC with the Hall device and the microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignees: AB Elektronik GmbH, Mobile Control Systems S.A.Inventors: Klaus Wilczek, Guenther Abdinghoff, Christophe Henriet
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Patent number: 7212915Abstract: A modeling system for a control parameter of a vehicle comprises a first model that formulates the control parameter in terms of linear spline basis functions, coefficients, and knots. A second model is derived according to the first model, includes coefficients that are derived according to the linear spline basis functions, coefficients, and knots, and forms a linear equation for the control parameter. A memory module stores the linear equation. A control module calculates the control parameter according to the linear equation.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations Inc.Inventor: Kenneth P. Dudek
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Patent number: 7212916Abstract: A system for permitting remotely located applications to obtain information about vehicle conditions and responsively perform programmatic actions based upon the vehicle conditions. The system can include a vehicle response server and a vehicle response agent. The vehicle response server can manage communications between one or more vehicles and at least one application remotely located from the vehicles. The application can automatically execute at least one context-dependent programmatic action based upon an event occurrence triggered by vehicle sensor input. The vehicle response agent, which resides within the vehicle can receive an activation context that specifies conditions for the event occurrence. The vehicle response agent can then monitor the vehicle for the event occurrence and, when appropriate, wirelessly convey an indication of the event occurrence to the vehicle response server. The indication can result in the automatic execution of the at least one context-dependent programmatic action.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Neal J. Alewine, Jonathan L. Gabel, Joseph G. Rusnak, Anthony W. Wrobel, Jr.
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Patent number: 7212917Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling movement of aircraft through a defined air space are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a model of the defined air space. The model is configured to indicate a safe subset of the defined air space for movement. Receiving a trajectory datum from an aircraft facilitates placing the aircraft at an aircraft position in the generated model of the defined air space according to the trajectory datum. A route is generated for the aircraft through the defined air space according to the aircraft position and the safe subset. Control commands are transmitted to the aircraft; the control commands are configured to control the aircraft according to the route.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Robert C. Wilson, Jr.
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Patent number: 7212918Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a traffic warning system (TWS) for light aircraft. The TWS comprises a processor coupled to a transceiver, adapted to measure signal strength and send/receive messages containing station ID and preferably altitude and position data. Memory, display and various flight data instruments, such as GPS, altimeter, etc., are also coupled to the processor. The transceiver-processor automatically identifies TWS equipped aircraft within range using an ad-hoc network and exchanges ID and position information. The processor determines range from signal strength and/or received position information and, given enough data, determines direction, altitude, speed, etc., of the other aircraft, which it presents to the pilot. These values and their rate of change are compared to stored alarm thresholds, and the pilot is warned when another aircraft triggers the threshold. Evasive action is recommended where possible.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Andrew R. Werback
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Patent number: 7212919Abstract: Guide route generation methods and systems. A target object is first selected by a visitor. The similarity or interest of candidate objects corresponding to the target object is calculated. Recommended objects are selected from the candidate objects according to the corresponding similarity or interest. A guide route is generated to link the recommended objects. The interest of the visitor is dynamically determined. If the interest is changed, the interest of the candidate objects is re-calculated, and recommended objects are re-selected from the candidate objects to generate a new guide route.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Institute for Information IndustryInventors: Shih-Chun Chou, Wen-Tai Hsieh, Yung-Fang Yang
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Patent number: 7212920Abstract: The speed dependent variable display system for a computer-implemented moving-map vehicle display system includes a data conversion module for converting a vehicle speed input signal to a distance range value; and, an application module for utilizing the distance range value, vehicle position information, vehicle direction of movement information, and input geographical information to provide scaled output geographical information. The scaled output geographical information is utilized to provide a situational awareness display which is optimized in accordance with the vehicle's position, direction of movement and speed. A display apparatus receives the scaled output geographical information to provide an optimized situational awareness display for a moving-map vehicle display system.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Gary C. Bailey, Kenneth A. Zimmerman, Louis J. Bailey, John G. Wilson, Robert A. Armstrong
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System and method for multiplexing and transmitting DC power, IMU data and RF data on a single cable
Patent number: 7212921Abstract: A system for providing connectivity to co-located instruments includes a processor for receiving and processing GPS data and IMU data, a GPS receiver antenna operable to supply the GPS data to the processor, and an IMU, co-located with the GPS receiver antenna, operable to provide the IMU data to the processor. A single cable is provided between the processor and co-located equipment and, by using filtering mechanisms, the single cable is operable to simultaneously supply DC power to the IMU and to transmit the GPS data and the IMU data to the processor.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Mahesh K. Jeerage, Charles T. Bye, Wayne A. Soehren -
Patent number: 7212922Abstract: A method of using climate data to determine activity index values for a given activity. One embodiment provides a method of more objectively determining the desirability of an activity based on climate data by determining an activity index value using a weighted-element type analysis. Multiple activity index values may be determined for different time periods and used to provide information useful in comparing the desirability of the different time periods for a given activity. The activity index values may be used to answer questions such as “what is the best month to visit Kingston, Jamaica” and “what is the worst season for allergies in Atlanta.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: The Weather Channel, Inc.Inventors: Monisha Longacre, Todd Richards
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Patent number: 7212923Abstract: A method for inferring production of a rod pumped well. Inferred production is estimated in a well manager which not only performs pump-off control with a down-hole pump card, but also estimates liquid (oil-water) and gas production using the subsurface pump as a meter. Methods are incorporated in the well manager for identifying and quantifying several conditions: pump leakage, unanchored tubing, free gas and oil shrinkage. Quantifying such conditions in the well manger enables accurate inferring of production thereby eliminating the need for traditional well tests.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Lufkin Industries, Inc.Inventors: Sam G. Gibbs, Kenneth B. Nolen
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Patent number: 7212924Abstract: A method of predicting a scaffold of a protein comprising a query sequence, using a database which contains environmental information on the side chain of each amino acid residue contained in the amino acid sequence of each reference protein whose three-dimensional structure is known or predictable, and comprising: conducting matching based on the environmental information of each amino acid residue of each reference protein and hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity property of the side chain of each amino acid residue of the query sequence, choosing at least one template protein among the reference proteins that has high similarity in three-dimensional structure to the protein comprising the query sequence, and predicting the scaffold of the protein comprising a query sequence.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: Akiko Itai
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Patent number: 7212925Abstract: A test device for determining the analyte concentration in body fluid. The test device has a memory in which calibration adjustments corresponding to calibration numbers are stored. The test device is adapted to receive a test sensor for collecting a sample. The test sensor contains a reagent adapted to produce a reaction indicative of the analyte concentration in the sample and the test sensor has an associated calibration number of a plurality of digits. The test device comprises a measuring unit, a single calibration input element, a user display, and a processor. The measuring unit measures the reaction of the reagent and the analyte and generates a signal indicative of the measured reaction. The single calibration input element permits a user to input the calibration number, one digit at a time, associated with the test sensor. The processor is adapted to determine the analyte concentration.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC.Inventor: Marvin A. Genshaw
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Testing using a non-engine based test system and exhaust product comprising alternative fuel exhaust
Patent number: 7212926Abstract: A method for testing one or more test components including providing a non-engine based test system including a combustor in fluid communication with the one or more test components; supplying air and fuel to the combustor at an air to fuel ratio (AFR) and under feed conditions effective to produce a feedstream flowpath, wherein the fuel includes one or more alternative fuel which is gaseous at ambient conditions including atmospheric pressure and a temperature of about 20° C.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Melvin Nathaniel Ingalls, Jr., Gordon James Johnston Bartley, Cynthia Chaffin Webb -
Patent number: 7212927Abstract: A revolution speed of balls 8, 8 constituting the outer side row is sensed by a revolution speed sensor 24. Also, a rotation speed of a hub 1a is sensed by a rotation speed sensor 25. A speed ratio as a ratio between a revolution speed and the rotation speed is calculated based on a sensed signal of both sensors 24, 25. When the axial load is changed and then the contact angles of the balls 8, 8 are changed, the revolution speed is changed and in turn the speed ratio is changed. Therefore, the axial load is calculated based on a change of the speed ratio. Accordingly, the configurations that can be manufactured at a low cost and is able to sense the axial load applied between the hub 1a and the outer ring 4a can be realized.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Tomoyuki Yanagisawa, Katsutoshi Matsuoka, Ikunori Sakatani, Shin Kumagai
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Patent number: 7212928Abstract: Two-wire transmitters are described in which the required voltage that a control room must supply to the transmitter is lower at high current than at low current, thus freeing up more voltage for other uses, and in which a constant set of operating voltages may be maintained. A corrected pressure in a vortex flow meter may be determined that reflects the mass flow rate. Thus, the mass flow rate may be determined based on the corrected pressure reading and a measured volumetric flow rate. Density may be determined from pressure and temperature using a table containing error values based on a standard density determination and a relatively simple approximation. During operation of a flow meter, the stored error values may be linearly interpolated and the approximation may be computed to determine the density from the stored error value.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Warren E. Cook, Joseph J. Lewicke, Peter E. Allstrom, James H. Vignos
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Patent number: 7212929Abstract: A moisture data-acquiring device has a force-applying unit for applying an external force to a sheet, a force-receiving unit for receiving the external force through the sheet, a signal outputting unit for outputting a signal reflecting a mechanical property of the sheet which unit is placed on at least one of the force-applying unit and the force-receiving unit, and a moisture data-acquiring unit for acquiring data on moisture of the sheet based on the signal from the signal outputting unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Norio Kaneko, Takehiko Kawasaki
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Patent number: 7212930Abstract: An electricity metering method and apparatus is provided for determining the phase of first waveform relative to a harmonically distorted, second waveform having cycles temporally distinguished by an occurrence of an amplitude that is neither zero amplitude nor a maximum amplitude of said waveform.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Veris Industries, LLCInventor: David A. Bruno
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Patent number: 7212931Abstract: An energy consumption meter having a variable phase error compensator. While the variable phase error compensator may provide fixed phase error compensation for fixed phase error(s), it may also provide variable compensation for varying phase error(s) introduced by one or more parameters. Varying phase error(s) may be introduced, for example, by fluctuations in the frequency of an alternating current supply. Such varying phase errors may be corrected by monitoring one or more sources of varying phase error(s), calculating one or more appropriate corrections, and correcting one or more sampled parameters involved in determining energy consumption. This avoids erroneous energy consumption metering due to varying phase errors.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Texas Instruments Deutschland GmbHInventor: Lutz Bierl
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Patent number: 7212932Abstract: A method of accurately emulating the visible electromagnetic spectrum emissions of member species of Arthropoda: Insecta: Coleoptera: Lampyridae by convergence of a programmable software program, a data memory, a data processor, a clock frequency timer, and visible light emitting device or devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: Stephen John Taylor
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Patent number: 7212933Abstract: A method and system for solving the inverse acoustic scattering problem using an iterative approach with consideration of half-off-shell transition matrix elements (near-field) information, where the Volterra inverse series correctly predicts the first two moments of the interaction, while the Fredholm inverse series is correct only for the first moment and that the Volterra approach provides a method for exactly obtaining interactions which can be written as a sum of delta functions.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: The University of Houston SystemInventors: Donald J. Kouri, Amrendra Vijay, Haiyan Zhang, Jingfeng Zhang, David K. Hoffman
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Patent number: 7212934Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for determining individual string resistance in a network of strings when the current through a parallel connected string is unknown and when the voltage across a series connected string is unknown. The method/system of the invention involves connecting one or more frequency-varying impedance components with known electrical characteristics to each string and applying a frequency-varying input signal to the network of strings. The frequency-varying impedance components may be one or more capacitors, inductors, or both, and are selected so that each string is uniquely identifiable in the output signal resulting from the frequency-varying input signal. Numerical methods, such as non-linear regression, may then be used to resolve the resistance associated with each string.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: A. Daniel Hall, Francis J. Davies