Abstract: An implantable medical device that includes a body that includes a proximal end portion configured to be at least partially received by an apparatus, and a distal end portion; a stimulating electrical element at the distal end portion of the body; a stimulating contact at the proximal end portion of the body, wherein the stimulating contact is positioned such that, when received by the apparatus, at least a portion of the apparatus is capable of electrically coupling to the stimulating contact; a stimulating conductor that electrically couples the stimulating electrical element to the stimulating contact; a conductive body, wherein the conductive body is not utilized for application of stimulation; a conductive body contact, wherein the conductive body is electrically connected to the conductive body contact. Systems that include devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a high density mapping catheter including a number of shape memory electrode fibers and associated methods of construction and operation. The invention ensures good electrical contact between a large number of mapping electrodes and cardiac tissue in relation to a number of cardiac tissue approach angles, including head-on approaches. In addition, the invention allows for a reduced range of deflection angles in relation to deployment and retraction of the electrode fibers, thereby reducing resistance to retraction and reducing stress on the fibers and associated concerns regarding patient safety. The catheter of the present invention allows for rapid acquisition of a large amount of mapping data and allows for a variety of different geometries in relation to sweeping of the catheter across the cardiac tissue.

Abstract: A medical device lead includes an electrode, a helically coiled conductor electrically coupled to the electrode, and a polymer sheath formed over the helically coiled conductor. The helically coiled conductor includes a plurality of turns helically wound around a longitudinal axis of the conductor, and consists of one filar.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and devices for optimization of biventricular pacing in subjects suffering from heart failure. The invention provides for a method for selection of optimal parameters for permanent pacing, the method comprising: positioning one or more arrays of lead wires in the posterior pericardium of a subject, wherein the arrays are connected to a multiplexing switch, wherein the switch is connected to a computer processor and a biventricular pacemaker; from the computer processor, generating a randomized sequence of: (i) pacing sites (VPS), (ii) right ventricular-left ventricular delays (RLDs), (iii) heart rates (HR); (iv) atrioventricular delays (AVDs), (v) or any combination or permutation thereof; and determining cardiac output in real time, using aortic flow velocity, thereby allowing selection of optimal parameters for permanent pacing.

Abstract: One or more fabric control circuits may be inserted in a communication fabric to control various aspects of the communications by components in the system. The fabric control circuits may be included on the interface of the components to the communication fabric, for example. Some systems that include a hierarchical communication fabric may also include fabric control circuits that may alternatively or additionally be included. The fabric control circuits may be programmable, and thus may provide the ability to tune the communication fabric to meet performance and/or functionality goals.

Abstract: A method for executing mechanical overload protection to prevent commanding a control signal to a linear actuator that may mechanically overload the linear actuator when an overload condition of the linear actuator is detected, the linear actuator utilized for controlling a movable element associated with the linear actuator responsive to the control signal, includes monitoring an overload condition based on position change of the movable element associated with the linear actuator during an integration period and excess energy during the integration period, de-energizing the linear actuator when an overload condition has been detected, monitoring an overload retry counter based on the number of cycles the overload condition is detected, comparing the overload retry counter to an overload retry threshold, an reenergizing the linear actuator when the overload retry counter is less than the overload retry threshold and maintaining de-energizing of the linear actuator when the overload retry counter is at least

Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for a field device in a process plant is provided. The diagnostic apparatus includes a processor operatively connected to the field device and a calendar having a proscribed period stored in memory. A diagnostic check is executed on the field device if an occurrence of a diagnostic event is detected and execution of the diagnostic check does not coincide with the proscribed period.

Abstract: A handheld device workout coach system includes: at least a handheld device installed therein with a coaching program and having a near field communication (NFC) module and a ID recognition data; at least a fitness device having a master control unit, a near field communication (NFC) module corresponding in position and function to the master control unit, and a platform; and a server stored therein with workout prescriptions downloadable by the at least a handheld device and available to the coaching program. The master control unit has an equipment recognition data. The handheld device and the fitness device get connected by near field communication (NFC) technology as soon as the handheld device is positioned on the platform of the fitness device and recognize each other to thereby execute the coaching program instantly and automatically, such that a corresponding one of the workout prescriptions instructs a user to take exercise.

Abstract: A receiving device for mobile reception of a receive signal including an audio signal associated with a currently received piece of music, and a method for playback in a mobile receiver are disclosed. A receiving circuit receives the receive signal and outputs the audio signal and information associated with the audio signal. The information includes one or more information fields associated with the currently received piece of music. An arithmetic unit evaluates the information associated with the audio signal. A database is configured for storing database entries. Each database entry includes data fields and associated audio data. The arithmetic unit assigns the information to an assigned database entry by comparing the information fields with the data fields. The arithmetic unit outputs the audio data of the assigned database entry based on a detected disturbance in the reception of the audio signal.

Abstract: Performance of a manufacturing tool is optimized. Optimization relies on recipe drifting and generation of knowledge that capture relationships among product output metrics and input material measurement(s) and recipe parameters. Optimized recipe parameters are extracted from a basis of learned functions that predict output metrics for a current state of the manufacturing tool and measurements of input material(s). Drifting and learning are related and lead to dynamic optimization of tool performance, which enables optimized output from the manufacturing tool as the operation conditions of the tool changes. Features of recipe drifting and associated learning can be autonomously or externally configured through suitable user interfaces, which also can be drifted to optimize end-user interaction.

Abstract: Workability management system including operations of: storing resource identification information for identifying said resource and said work history information in association with each other in a storage medium; extracting said work history information corresponding to said resource identification information from said storage medium when a change occurs in said work history information, updating a change content and storing it into said storage medium; extracting said work history information corresponding to said resource identification information of said resource for judging workability of said resource from said storage medium, taking out total use information of said resource from said work history information, and creating a change with time of said total use information as said casual sequence information; and judging workability of said resource by said casual sequence information.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that simplifies configuring an MES entity corresponding to a SCADA system object representing plant equipment. The system includes an equipment model builder (EMB) that receives a set of configured UCO information for a modeled piece of plant equipment in a SCADA system. The EMB extracts relevant MES information from the utilization capability object and invokes an application interface on an MES database to create a corresponding entity (e.g., a database element). Another aspect of the disclosed system and methods involves the enhancement of a SCADA system object, through a new MES facet, to support acquiring and reporting equipment status received via the SCADA system to a corresponding MES entity. A raw reason code configuration interface is provided by UCO configurator computer software executed on a computer. Each raw reason code is associated with a prioritized logical expression defining circumstances under which the reason code becomes true.

Abstract: The present invention supplies practical procedures, functions or techniques for folding tessellations. Several tessellation crease pattern techniques, and the three-dimensional folded configuration are given. Additionally several new forming processes, including mathematical methods for describing the material flow are disclosed doubly-periodic folding of materials that name the doubly-periodic folded (DPF) surface, including vertices, edges, and facets, at any stage of the folding. This information is necessary for designing tooling and forming equipment, for analyzing strength and deflections of the DPFs under a variety of conditions, for modeling the physical properties of DPF laminations and composite structures, for understanding the acoustic or other wave absorption/diffusion/reflection characteristics, and for analyzing and optimizing the structure of DPFs in any other physical situation.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling operational functions of a machine tool, comprising a device for switching on or off a main power supply and at least one device for determining a switch-off time of an operational function of the machine tool in dependence of a selectable criterion.

Abstract: A numerical controller for machine tools that has function of controlling the speed of arc operation calculates a first operable feedrate based on the arc radius of a machining path and the allowable frequency (or allowable angular speed) to which servo position control is capable of responding. The numerical controller also calculates a second operable feedrate based on the arc radius of the machining path and the allowable acceleration to which servo position control can respond, and selects the minimum feedrate from the commanded feedrate and the calculated first and second feedrate to perform speed control.

Abstract: In a sheet processing apparatus which is able to control to stack a sheet on at least one of a plurality of stacking units which stack printed sheets, when a first sheet having a small size is stacked on a first stacking unit, and a second sheet having the small size is designated to be stacked on a second stacking unit different from the first stacking unit, it is determined whether a sheet is stacked on a stacking unit adjacent to the second stacking unit, and a third stacking unit, that is different from the second stacking unit and is adjacent to a stacking unit on which a sheet is stacked, is selected as a stacking unit for the second sheet if it is determined that no sheet is stacked on the stacking unit adjacent to the second stacking unit.

Abstract: By a first transport robot, n substrates are unloaded from a first retaining portion, then simultaneously transported, and respectively loaded into n substrate holders consecutively arranged from one side defined with respect to an arrangement direction. Thereafter, a rotation mechanism rotates n+m substrate holders so as to perform a substrate inverting operation and so as to arrange the n+m substrate holders along the arrangement direction in an arrangement sequence reverse to a pre-rotation arrangement sequence. Thereafter, the n substrates loaded into the n substrate holders are unloaded in a group of m in a sequence from the one side, and loaded into a second retaining unit by a second transport robot. After the substrate inverting operation, n substrates are unloaded from the first retaining unit, and loaded again into n substrate holders consecutively arranged from the one side by the first transport robot.

Abstract: A substrate processing system comprising a first detecting part configured to detect unprocessed wafers, and a second detecting part configured to detect processed wafers. The first detecting part is configured to detect whether the unprocessed wafers are respectively accommodated in respective accommodating portions of a container or not, and to detect accommodated conditions of the respective unprocessed wafers accommodated in the respective accommodating portions. The second detecting part is configured to collectively detect whether the processed wafers are respectively accommodated in the respective accommodating portions of the container.

Abstract: A storage tray populator configured to populate a storage rack with a plurality of biological sample containers is provided. The storage tray populator may include a randomizer configured to receive the biological sample containers and randomly distribute the biological sample containers. Further, a transport apparatus may transport the biological sample containers from the randomizer to the storage rack. Additionally, a controller may control at least the transport apparatus. Thereby storage trays may be populated, and access to a desired biological sample may be improved. Methods for populating storage racks with a plurality of biological sample containers are also provided.

Abstract: A component pane handling apparatus configured to handle component panes of multiple different sizes is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one component pane capture element that can be displaced between a number of different positions, each position corresponding to a particular component pane size. Therefore, the at least one component pane capture element can be positioned to different positions for allowing handling of component panes of corresponding sizes. The apparatus also includes a position alignment mechanism configured to control displacement of the at least one component pane capture element to the different positions. The apparatus can also include one displacement arm coupled to the component pane capture element. The displacement of the component pane capture element can be effectuated by a displacement of at least a portion of the displacement arm. A method for handling component panes of multiple sizes is also included in this disclosure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. In one embodiment, a system comprising a product dispenser and processor can be provided. The processor can be operable to execute a set of instructions operable to receive a consumer preference to receive a notification associated with a product. The set of instructions can be further operable to determine whether the product is being offered, and based at least in part on the consumer preference, notify the consumer regarding availability of the product from the product dispenser.

Abstract: An automatic prescription drug dispenser including a remote dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network. The remote dispenser transmits and receives information from the communications network and dispenses prescription drugs to the patient. The prescription entry system transmits and receives information from the communications network and provides an input system for the prescriber to electronically enter individual prescriptions for each patient. The communications network coordinates communications between the doctor, insurance carrier, and the remote dispenser. The remote dispenser stores, retrieves, and labels prescription drug and over-the-counter products directly to patients through a remote automated dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for dispensing medication and a dispensing apparatus that comprises a plurality of compartments in an array within a housing, the compartments having respective lids, each of the lids being movable from a closed position to an open position, the respective lids each having a latch that secures the lid in a locked configuration in the closed position. The apparatus has an actuator mechanism that selectively unlocks the latch of each of the lids at a predetermined time so as to place the unlocked lid in an unlocked configuration that enables the lid to be moved to the open position. The compartments of the medication dispenser each receive a removable cup therein that is accessible when a respective of the lids associated therewith is in the open position. Other features, such as communication and messaging and/or audible/visual displays can also be provided.

Abstract: A cabinet for securely storing items includes a drawer enclosure, a drawer, a cover, an electric actuator, and a switch. The drawer is slidable at least partially into and out of the enclosure, and includes a compartment. A cover which is configured as a metal belt is designed to selectively block access to the compartments of the drawer when the cover is in a first configuration, and to allow access to the compartment when the cover is in a second configuration. The electric actuator is designed to move the cover from the first configuration to the second configuration in one of two directions. The actuator selects the direction to reduce the time required to make such movement.

Abstract: A system for information management has a compilation device collecting information particular to a vending device located therein, a PDA useable for receipt, manipulation or inputting information into the compilation device. An activation device triggers the compilation device to prepare it to export or import information to or from the PDA. The compilation device has a power source and activation sensor for activation of thereof and in a dormant state prior to such activation, thereby conserving the energy stored within the power source, and allowing the data compilation device to remain as small as possible. The PDA has operating software which is able to synchronize multiple PDAs to a computer server and is also capable of having route management software for use by field engineers.

Abstract: A chemical product dispenser includes one or more timing features. The chemical product may include cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, or other chemical products typically dispensed using a conventional spray bottle or other chemical product applicator used in the cleaning industry. The timed dispenser includes a timer and one or more indicators that are activated when one or more predetermined periods of time (such as a contact time or cure time) have elapsed. A timed dispenser audit system further monitors and analyzes use of the timed dispensers throughout one or more facilities, and may generate reports based on the analysis.

Abstract: A substrate loading system, having a vision system adapted to view a substrate and provide position signals indicative of substrate position. A controller receives the position signals from the vision system, determines the substrate position, and sends transport signals to a robot arm. The robot arm engages the substrate in a beginning location and a beginning position and transports the substrate to a desired location and a desired position, based at least in part on the transport signals received from the controller.

Abstract: In the control of a multi-joint robot main body, it is necessary to execute intricate track calculations and synchronous operations in parallel, even if the track calculations are intricate and times required for the calculations are indefinite. For this purpose, a robot controlling device of the present invention includes a shared memory, and first and second processing units connected to the shared memory. The first processing unit performs track calculation processing which includes calculating operation command data indicating a series of command values to be output to arm motors, based on a command to operate the multi-joint robot main body to a desired position posture, and storing the calculated operation command data in the shared memory. The second processing unit performs synchronous processing which includes acquiring the operation command data stored in the shared memory, and synchronously outputting the command values to the arm motors at predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: The different illustrative embodiments provide a system for autonomous machine management comprising a number of autonomous machines, a number of nodes, a performance estimation module, and a navigation system. The number of autonomous machines is configured to perform area coverage tasks in a worksite. The number of nodes is configured to define a number of worksite areas for the worksite. The performance estimation module is executed by a processor unit and configured to calculate a percentage of work completed in the number of worksite areas. The navigation system is configured to operate an autonomous machine to perform the area coverage tasks and move between the number of worksite areas.

Abstract: A system of distributed control of an interactive animatronic show includes a plurality of animatronic actors, at least one of the actors a processor and one or more motors controlled by the processor. The system also includes a network interconnecting each of the actors, and a plurality of sensors providing messages to the network, where the messages are indicative of processed information. Each processor executed software that schedules and/or coordinates an action of the actor corresponding to the processor in accordance with the sensor messages representative of attributes of an audience viewing the show and the readiness of the corresponding actor. Actions of the corresponding actor can include animation movements of the actor, responding to another actor and/or responding to a member of the audience. The actions can result in movement of at least a component of the actor caused by control of the motor.

Abstract: An autonomous moving floor-treating robot and a control method thereof for edge-following floor-treating are provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides systems and methods of use of an HVAC graphical interface dashboard. In various embodiments, the dashboard includes a weather tab, wherein invoking the weather tab advances to a weather screen. The dashboard also includes an indoor humidity tab. A programs tab and a home tab are also provided. The indoor humidity tab can further be used to set current indoor humidity setpoints.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring atmospheric parameters in an enclosed space using instrumented objects having measurement sensors. The instrumented objects travel through the space randomly or along defined flight paths. As the instrumented objects travel through the space, the measurement sensors measure atmospheric parameters and store the measurements to a memory. The devices periodically upload the measured atmospheric parameters to a controller circuit. By using self-propelled objects to carry measurement sensors, the system and method disclosed herein allow for periodically sampling atmospheric parameters in the interior of an enclosed space at a number of locations greater than the number of measurement devices employed. With data points taken from various locations within a volume of an enclosed space, the system and method can realize a more efficient utilization of energy by adjusting mechanical controls of an HVAC system or a ventilation system, for example.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating environmental conditions in an infrastructure containing a fluid moving device are disclosed that include identifying correlations between operational settings of the fluid moving device and environmental conditions resulting from changes to the operational settings. In addition, an environmental condition detected at a location proximate to or within the plenum following supply of fluid into the plenum by the fluid moving device is received and errors between the received environmental condition and a reference environmental condition are identified. Operational settings for the fluid moving device to achieve the reference environmental condition are determined based upon the identified correlations and errors.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for cooling an enclosure includes an air conditioner and a control system for triggering an economizer cycle of the air conditioner. The control system determines an electrical load of equipment in the enclosure, calculates a maximum acceptable outdoor temperature at which the economizer cycle may be operated based at least partially on the electrical load, receives data representative of an actual outdoor temperature, and initiates the economizer cycle if the actual outdoor temperature is equal to or below the maximum acceptable outdoor temperature.

Abstract: A liquid mixing station controlled by a computer to dispense predetermined amounts of liquid inputs based on parameters provided by an operator or program. Specifically, the invention is designed to accurately mix liquids and has an inner frame associated with a recipient tank, and an outer frame associated with the inner tank by load bars connected to the computer. The load bars signal the computer regarding weight change on the inner frame. Associated with the outer frame are minor input containers, each in fluid communication with a unique conduit and means to convey the fluid controlled by the computer. The parameters are used by a selected program and the CPU to provide appropriate ratio, sequence, and isolation of inputs. The station includes means for full removal and mix of all contents in a container, full removal of all contents from the recipient, and full clean-out of main conduit.

Abstract: A retrofit kit for a turbine system is provided that includes a safety instrumented system (SIS) controller having a first plurality of functions and the SIS controller is configured to be coupled to a turbine-generator controller, wherein the SIS controller permits a startup function of the turbine-generator controller based on a plurality of inputs from a turbine.

Abstract: A control system for an energy production facility includes a plant controller for receiving an indication of a measured power output of the energy production facility that includes power generators and produces output signals. The system also includes a processing unit operably coupled to the plant controller and responsive to executable computer instructions when executed on the processing unit cause the plant controller to: create an output signal that causes an energy storage device to discharge in the event power reserves of the power generators can not met the requested ramp down rate; and create an output signal that causes the energy storage device to charge up in the event that the power capability of the power generators can meet the requested ramp down rate.

Abstract: A Kalina Cycle control system monitors one or more operating parameters of the Kalina Cycle. The system calculates one or more optimal operating parameters that allow the Kalina Cycle to operate at an increased efficiency. The system automatically adjusts the one or more actual operating parameters to the optimal parameters to increase the efficiency of the Kalina Cycle. Methods of increasing the efficiency of a Kalina Cycle include automatically adjusting one or more operating parameters to an optimal configuration.

Abstract: The objective of this patent is to describe novel methods and device systems for detecting the fault-cleared state in a shunt compensated transmission line. The methods are applicable in all types of transmission line types and faults, in any type of reclosure mechanism, and can be implemented in existing devices such as relays and not need sophisticated equipment. One application of detecting the fault-cleared state is adaptive reclosure in which case, substantial improvement in transmission system reliability and benefits in protection can be achieved.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling load in a utility distribution network are provided that initiates a shed event for a node in the distribution network by selecting premisess associated with the node that are participating in a demand response program to reduce the load at the node to desired levels. More specifically, the system and method provide for selecting only enough participating premisess associated with the node that are necessary to reduce the load to desired levels.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a power control apparatus includes a receiving unit, an environment-data acquiring unit, and a calculation unit. The receiving unit receives, from a power supplying side, a power-consumption reduction request for reducing power consumption at a power demanding side. The environmental data acquiring unit acquires, from the power demanding side, environmental data representing environmental state of the power demanding side. The calculating unit calculates a power-reduction value based on the environmental data, in response to the power-consumption reduction request.

Abstract: A green power demand management device includes: a power meter which receives power from a power distribution system with a plurality of power generating units, and supplies a received power to a first appliance; a receiver which receives energy mixture information showing a power generation proportion among each power generating unit, a measuring unit which measures electric energy consumed by the first appliance, a setting unit which sets a first threshold, and an operating state control manager which uses an intensity conversion table including emission intensities each representing an amount of an environmental load material emitted by each power generating unit, obtains a second threshold by dividing the first threshold by sum total of the emission intensity of each power generating unit weighted by the proportion, and controls the first appliance so that electric energy consumption of the first appliance is equal to or smaller than the second threshold.

Abstract: An electric power supply system has, as multiple storage units, an output type battery of high output and small capacity and a capacity type battery of low output and large capacity. The charge-discharge electric power of each of the storage units is controlled by a controller according to a charge-discharge schedule for a prediction period. Based on a predicted power consumption schedule, a predicted power generation schedule, and a charge-discharge characteristic of each of the storage units, the controller determines a charge-discharge schedule with regards to an optimal evaluation index, and controls the storage units in accordance with the charge-discharge schedule.

Abstract: A system for identifying a driver comprises an image capturing device, a processor, and a memory. The image is captured during vehicle operation and of an expected driver location. The processor is configured to detect a face of a driver in the image, determine a set of face data from the image, and identify the driver based at least in part on the set of face data. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.

Abstract: A vehicle controller which can perform appropriate control even when an acceleration sensor is mounted in a movable portion of a vehicle. The vehicle controller includes an acceleration sensor attached to a cabin movable around a shaft, an open/closed state detection section which detects the open/closed state of the cabin, and a correction section which corrects the output value of the acceleration sensor. When the open/closed state detection section detects that the cabin is opened and then closed, the correction section performs correction. When the acceleration sensor is provided in the cabin serving as a movable portion, the inclination of the acceleration sensor may differ slightly before and after the cabin is opened.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the location of a vehicle using results sensed by sensing devices installed outside the vehicle and the internal information of the vehicle without obtaining the current location information of the vehicle using signals transmitted from a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite, the apparatus for detecting the location of a vehicle includes a location information reception unit for receiving location information that is generated by sensing a vehicle passing by a sensing point and that corresponds to the sensing point. A location detection unit estimates a current location of the vehicle based on information sensed by internal sensors of the vehicle and control information for a vehicle manipulation part while the location information is not received, and corrects the estimated current location of the vehicle using received location information when the location information is received.

Abstract: A system and method for combining two separate types of human machine interfaces, e.g., a voice signal and a gesture signal, performing voice recognition to a voice signal and gesture recognition to the gesture signal. Based on a confidence determination using the voice recognition result and the gesture recognition result the system can, for example, immediately perform the command/request, request confirmation of the command/request or determine that the command/request was not identified.

Abstract: A system for controlling construction site vehicles has a plurality of construction site vehicles and a control room. Data can be transmitted on communication channels between the control room and the construction site vehicles. In the control room, at least one digital map is stored in which at least one additional piece of information is stored for individual road sections, in addition to the route of the respective road section. A navigation module is provided and designed to generate, with reference to the at least one digital map, navigation recommendations for the construction site vehicles.

Abstract: A method and a remote control for controlling and monitoring surrounding areas of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) by an operator with a remote control comprising a flight display are provided. The method and remote control provide an advantageously effect for the purposes of controlling and monitoring the surroundings of a UAV by combining the image captured by a UAV camera with a transparently overlaid positional and navigation map providing a perception enabling the operator to have a complete overall view of the situation, utilizing a common screen section of a flight display and thereby not having to shift eye view. Viewing images and positional and navigation information should not interfere with each other.