Abstract: A machine may include a torque producing system, and a torque consuming device including load controls operable to generate a request for torque. The machine may also include a control system coupled to the torque producing system and the load controls. The control system may be operable to receive the request for torque, determine a torque limit based on the requested torque, and communicate the torque limit to the load controls, the load controls being operable to adjust operation of the torque consuming device based on the torque limit.

Abstract: A method and a system control an operation of a vapor compression system using a set of control inputs. A control value is determined based on an output of the operation of the vapor compression system and a setpoint for the operation of the vapor compression system. The control value is used to select at least a subset of the set of control inputs from a computer-readable medium, wherein the subset of control inputs, along or in combination with a function of the control value, forms the set of control inputs.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed. The control system may have a physical sensor configured to measure physical parameter values of a machine. The control system may also have a virtual sensor network system configured to receive the physical parameter values measured by the physical sensor as input parameter values, and generate output parameter values based on the input parameter values. Further, the control system may have an electronic control module configured to store an output parameter value default rate of change and an output parameter value threshold rate of change, compare a rate of change of the output parameter values generated by the virtual sensor network system to the output parameter value threshold rate of change, and control the machine based on the output parameter value default rate of change if the rate of change of the output parameter values exceeds the output parameter value threshold rate of change.

Abstract: Methods of representing, recreating, and editing an audio composition involving: receiving at a digital audio workstation audio data that has been processed by an audio processing device; receiving at the digital audio workstation a set of metadata specifying a value for each of a plurality of settings of the audio processing device that define the state of the corresponding setting of the audio processing device when raw audio data received by the audio processing device was processed to generate the processed audio data; and storing the received processed audio data and the received set of metadata in an audio file, wherein the processed audio data is designated as audio information and the metadata is designated as settings data. The settings may be stored in a WAV or AIFF audio file, and may be retrieved, parsed, and applied to restore the audio processing device to the state corresponding to the retrieved audio.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controllably stimulating the growth and evolution of 2D and 3D structures from a thin film mass transfer process such that complex devices can be designed and fabricated having engineered features of different heights and separation distances in a single or few process steps are provided. More specifically, the apparatus and method allows for the construction of engineered temperature gradient fields capable of controlling for, and taking into account, proximity effects during the growth and evolution of adjacent structures, which in turn allows for the production of technologically significant micro and nanoscale devices in a number of fields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum pumping system (10) which comprises: a vacuum pumping mechanism (12) and a motor (14) for driving the vacuum pumping mechanism. Means (16) are provided for determining a cumulative load on the vacuum pumping system over time by monitoring a characteristic of the motor over that time. Means (18) are also provided for activating a maintenance activity on the system when the cumulative load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method determines setups for constant tables of automatic placement machines in placement lines at predetermined table locations by mixed integer linear optimization based on input data describing the placement infrastructure and input parameters that can be specified by the operator or user. The method can be used regardless of the mounting technique used (for example, plug in mounting technique, surface mounting technique, or a hybrid technique). The method can be advantageously used with other methods, for example, cluster methods for forming setup groups or line balancing for cycle time optimization.

Abstract: A data generator includes a memory and a processor. The memory may store a plurality of predetermined colors. The processor may control the data generator to determine a characteristic of a color-based pattern portion, and to assign a color for each of the plurality of color-based pattern portions based on the characteristic. The plurality of the color-based pattern portions may be included in an embroidery pattern. The assigned color may be selected randomly from the plurality of predetermined colors stored in the memory and used as thread color data.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for quantifying contribution to overall variability of moisture content in wood products and associated computer software. The method comprises the steps of obtaining moisture content data for the wood products and identifying one or more sources of variability in the moisture content data. A contribution to overall variability from each of the one or more sources of variability is then quantified. One or more opportunities to impact the overall variability are then quantified, each of the one or more opportunities being associated with one or more executable steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the automatic detection of load cycles of a machine for the transferring of loads, wherein the machine includes a lifting apparatus for the raising of the load and a transport apparatus for the horizontal movement of the load, comprising: a load change detection for the automatic detection of a load change at least on the basis of the output signals of a lifting force measurement apparatus, a load position detection which detects the position of the load in at least a horizontal direction and a load cycle detection for the automatic detection of a load cycle, wherein the load cycle detection takes place at least on the basis of the output signals of the load change detection and of the load position detection.

Abstract: A system and method of scanning a number of objects such as crates or intermodal containers in a storage area having a plurality of movable racks, each rack occupying at least one level and capable of carrying at least one object. The racks are capable of being moved to establish successive vacant multi-level aisles among the racks. At least one scanner is movable substantially vertically within the successive vacant aisles to scan successive objects substantially adjacent to each vacant aisle to detect at least one pre-determined characteristic.

Abstract: A method is provided for handling loads in a warehouse for containers that may be automatically stored and removed from storage by a container stacking crane, between a storage area and a truck or other vehicle parked in a parking space of a loading and unloading area To optimize the throughput performance and safety of handling loads in a warehouse for containers, it is proposed that after the truck drives into the parking space and after the driver of the truck leaves the parking space, the parking space is secured against the presence of persons including the driver, before a release signal is given to the container stacking crane for the automatic loading or unloading process.

Abstract: The presented inventions seek to create a verifiable and closed loop chain-of-custody for a specific transaction in a pneumatic tube transport system while allowing a sender and recipient to perform asynchronous activity. That is, one aspect the presented inventions allows a sender to securely send a carrier to a desired recipient while allowing the desired recipient to receive the secured carrier at a convenient time and/or location without tying up system resources. Another aspect improves the physical barriers between high value payloads and the unintended recipients. This is done in part by introducing randomness into the carrier delivery process such that no member of the general public or facility staff knows the location and/or delivery time of a secured carrier without having access to specific database records indicating the current location and/or delivery status of the secured carrier.

Abstract: A control method for a legged mobile robot includes exercising a body of a robot such that a center of gravity of the robot obtains a momentum or the body obtains an angular momentum in a direction in which an object is to be moved while restraining a force from being applied to the object from the robot in a state wherein the robot opposes the object, and applying a force to the object from a hand of an arm body provided in the body of the robot so as to start moving the object in a state wherein the center of gravity has obtained the momentum or the body has an angular momentum. With this arrangement, when moving an object by a robot, a motion of the robot can be smoothly changed while preventing a significant change in ZMP before and after starting to move the object.

Abstract: A hexapod robot device includes a main body and six legs coupled thereto. Each leg has a first connecting rod pivotally connected with the main body, a first driver electrically pivotally connected between the main body and the first connecting rod, with the first driver controllably driving the first connecting rod to move forward and backward along a longitudinal direction, a second connecting rod pivotally connected with the first connecting rod, and a second driver pivotally connected between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, with the second driver controllably driving the second connecting rod to move upward and downward along a vertical direction. The second connecting rod further has an end to engage with the ground.

Abstract: In a method and a computer system for controlling an industrial robot, multiple data packets are received by the computer system, each of the data packets having a destination address with different priority classes being associated therewith in advance by the computer system. A chronological association of tasks with the resources of the computer system is made for processing the individual received data packets, based on the relevant priority class of the destination address of a received data packet.

Abstract: In a legged mobile robot 1 having legs 2, a first landing permissible region and a second landing permissible region for a desired landing position of a distal end portion (a foot 22) of a free leg are determined, and the desired landing position of the free leg foot is determined in a region where the first and second landing permissible regions overlap each other, to thereby generate a desired gait of the robot. The first landing permissible region is determined so as to satisfy a geometric leg motion requisite condition. The second landing permissible region is determined such that a motion continuity requisite condition and a floor reaction force element permissible range requisite condition that are related to a prescribed floor reaction force element as a constituent element of the floor reaction force can be satisfied.

Abstract: A navigational control system for altering movement activity of a robotic device operating in a defined working area, comprising a transmitting subsystem integrated in combination with the robotic device, the transmitting subsystem comprising means for emitting a number of directed beams, each directed beam having a predetermined emission pattern, and a receiving subsystem functioning as a base station that includes a navigation control algorithm that defines a predetermined triggering event for the navigational control system and a set of detection units positioned within the defined working area in a known spaced-apart relationship, the set of detection units being configured and operative to detect one or more of the directed beams emitted by the transmitting system.

Abstract: An appliance for conditioning air of a room comprises one or more power consuming features/functions including a temperature controlling element for one of heating and cooling air. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates the appliance in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the appliance in the energy savings mode.

Abstract: A system and method including the ability of a building automation system controller to automatically determine which VAV boxes are physically associated with which air sources in a building or facility with multiple air sources by coordinating the individual or simultaneous manipulation of the fan speed of the air sources or the VAV damper positions, while obtaining data from networked sensors that measure VAV box airflow or duct pressure or the environmental conditions of a space being supplied with air from one or more VAV boxes.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electro-hydraulic actuator system having multiple functions includes the steps of: receiving input signals corresponding to a desired operation of the functions of the system; establishing an operating limit for the system; determining an operating characteristic of the system; using the operating limit and the determined operating characteristic to determine a limitation control factor; and influencing the received input signal with the determined limitation control factor for operating the system within the established operating limit.

Abstract: An irrigation controller has a control panel including a display and a plurality of user inputs. A processor is operatively connected to the control panel and to a memory. A plurality of switches are operatively connected to the processor for turning a power signal ON and OFF to a plurality of valves that deliver water to a plurality of sprinklers in different zones. Programming is stored in the memory for implementing a seasonal adjustment feature that is independently operable with a plurality of individual watering programs to selectively energize the valves. The programming calculates a soil moisture requirement value for each program using a signal from at least one soil moisture sensor that is associated with a zone that is assigned to that watering program, and automatically modifies the watering program assigned to that zone through the seasonal adjust feature based on the soil moisture requirement value.

Abstract: Control devices for use in decoder-based irrigation control systems, and related methods, are provided herein. In one implementation, an irrigation control device comprises decoder circuitry located within a first housing and having an electrical connection configured to couple the decoder circuitry to a control wire path of a decoder-based irrigation control system; a coil located within a second housing; a first wire electrically coupling the decoder circuitry to a first connection of the coil; and a second wire electrically coupling the decoder circuitry to a second connection of the coil. The coil is configured to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of a device controlling irrigation equipment in response to signaling from the decoder circuitry. The first housing, the second housing, the first wire and the second wire are non-separably and functionally connected together.

Abstract: An electrical load life-cycle management and analysis system and method are presented. In the system and method, a database module stores electrical system configuration data and electrical system requirements, and an electrical system analysis module determines electrical system performance characteristics as a function of and based on the electrical system configuration data. In addition, an electrical system configuration management module manages at least one change to the electrical system configuration data, and compares the electrical system performance characteristics to the electrical system requirements to enable optimal performance and to provide compliance information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for curtailing electrical power supplied from a wind turbine or a group of wind turbines to an associated power supply grid, the method comprising the steps of determining an available electrical power level from the wind turbine facility and setting a wind speed independent curtailment level. The curtailment level may be a percentage of an actual available electrical power level or a fixed power level. The method further comprises the step of operating the wind turbine facility in such a way that the generated electrical power supplied from the wind turbine facility equals the difference between an actual available electrical power level and the curtailment level. The present invention further relates to a wind turbine facility and a curtailing controller for carrying out the invention.

Abstract: A power inverter system includes a plurality of power inverters such as solar inverters receiving power from at least one energy source. Each power inverter includes algorithmic maximum peak power tracking (MPPT) software or integrated MPPT firmware to calculate its own potential real power. A controller is in electrical communication with selected power inverters that are operating in curtailed modes of operation and commands each selected power inverter to shift its power production duties and to perform MPPT sweeps. Each selected power inverter then calculates its own potential real power capability in response to corresponding MPPT sweep data.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, an energy gateway is described that is configured to receive power usage information from one or more power meters, transmit the power usage information to an energy management server, receive control signals from the energy management server, transmit the control signals to the one or more power switches and execute localized pre-programmed rules.

Abstract: The present invention provides with a power saving method for the electrical heating food processing device of temperature-controlled, which applied the thermal sensor dynamic senses the temperature of the heater; and the microprocessor judges that whether the real-time sensed temperature signal is within the corresponding temperature interval, then deals with the data. The microprocessor judges that whether the continuous-time length of the corresponding temperature interval exceeds the preset time threshold on the basis of the judgment of the temperature interval. If does, reduce the temperature or shutdown the power, otherwise return to the normal working mode. It realizes automatically temperature reduction and automatically shutdown when the food processing device is unused.

Abstract: Embodiments enhance the functionality of a vehicle, a user device, or both by the selection and sharing of data. Upon detection of each other, the vehicle device and the user device obtain and share data. The data may be associated with the user, the user computing device, and/or the vehicle and may be stored in cloud-based services. Functionality of the vehicle and/or user device is customized to the user based on the shared data. For example, the user device may provide assisted global positioning system (GPS) data to the vehicle to reduce a time-to-fix (TTF) when determining a location of the vehicle. In other examples, settings of the vehicle are personalized to the user, and location-relevant content is downloaded to the user device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting or modifying a programmable operating parameter associated with a power driven wheelchair is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) operating a user interface device associated with a power driven wheelchair in a programming mode, b) selecting a programmable operating parameter associated with operation of the power driven wheelchair using the user interface device, c) selecting a value for the programmable operating parameter using the user interface device, and d) saving the selected value for the programmable operating parameter in a portion of a storage device associated with the power driven wheelchair using the user interface device. A method and apparatus for selecting one or more programmable parameter sets from a portable storage medium and saving the selected sets to a local storage device associated with a power driven wheelchair and vice versa is also provided.

Abstract: A satellite signal acquisition apparatus comprises a parking detector (235) arranged to analyse, when in use, self-mobility behavior for monitoring mobility of a vehicle. The apparatus also comprises a global navigation satellite system receiver (238) operably coupled to the parking detector (235) and arranged to acquire a satellite signal using predicted satellite orbit data in response to the self-mobility behavior comprising the predetermined event sequence.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to recognize the drivers and/or passengers within the automobile. Based on the recognition, the vehicle may change a configuration of the automobile to match predetermined preferences for the driver and/or passenger.

Abstract: A vehicle and vehicle system are provided with a controller that is configured to generate output indicative of a vehicle mass estimation. The vehicle mass estimation is based on a longitudinal acceleration and a wheel torque when at least one of the longitudinal acceleration, a vehicle speed and a yaw rate indicate an occurrence of a qualified event. The controller is further configured to generate output indicative of a dynamic road gradient estimation based on the vehicle speed, the wheel torque and the vehicle mass estimation.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for providing a trackless transit system and controlling adaptive trackless vehicles within that system. Aspects include an autonomous vehicle transit system for controlling vehicle movement of trackless vehicles in the transit system. The system includes a command, control and orchestration system (CCOS) and vehicle controllers. Each vehicle controller is associated with a trackless vehicle and communicates a current location to the CCOS, receives a navigation command, and controls the trackless vehicle according to the navigation command. Further, the CCOS provides navigation commands to the vehicle controllers to control movements of the trackless vehicles within the transit system according to vehicle position information received from the vehicle controllers.

Abstract: An antenna having at least a directional mode of operation is mounted onto an aircraft for transmission of avionics waveforms. An orientating module minimizes the power requirements of the antenna by directing an orientation of transmission at least substantially toward a receiver. A processor is coupled with the orientating module for controlling the orientation of transmission. Control programming operates the processor to determine the orientation of transmission and activate the orientating module to direct the antenna to transmit in the determined orientation.

Abstract: A method and system for providing flight plan (i.e., route) previews is disclosed. A graphical representation of a route is provided on a display for a user to preview prior to committing the route to a flight management system. Furthermore, a textual description of the route may also be displayed. The textual description may provide additional information that may further assist the user making the selection.

Abstract: A flight information system may include a plan vertical situation display. The plan vertical situation display may display a vertical view of a flight path of an aircraft. The plan vertical situation display may display at least one path symbol showing at least one of a current path of the aircraft, a modified but not executed route of the aircraft, and an inactive route of the aircraft. The at least one path symbol may be adapted to display each of the current path of the aircraft, the modified but not executed route of the aircraft, and the inactive route of the aircraft. The plan vertical situation display may further display at least one terrain symbol showing a vertical terrain in the flight path along the at least one path symbol.

Abstract: The Climb-Optimized Takeoff System is an aircraft functionality aimed at improving the takeoff performance. The improvement is obtained by allowing the airplane to rotate to an optimized pitch attitude at and after VR, while ensuring that the minimum required takeoff climb gradients and the geometric limitations of the airplane are being respected. The optimum takeoff performance is obtained by granting that the airplane pitch attitude, instead of being limited by a single takeoff constraint (such as a given pitch to avoid tail strike) is being tracked to its instantaneous, most constraining limit during the air transition phase (d2).

Abstract: A power supply system includes a main power storage device and a plurality of sub power storage devices. A converter is connected to a selected one of the sub power storage devices to perform voltage conversion bidirectionally between the selected sub power storage device and an electric power feeding line. A control device executes charging control for controlling input of electric power from a load device to the main power storage device and selected sub power storage device, and switching control for switching electrical connection between the plurality of sub power storage devices and electric power feeding line, according to a braking request of the electric powered vehicle. The control device prohibits or limits, until completion of one of the charging control and switching control, the other control.

Abstract: A vehicle power system includes a battery having a plurality of cells and at least one controller. The at least one controller causes the cells to acquire charge for a period of time such that at the expiration of the period of time, voltages of some of the cells are approximately equal to a specified voltage, amp·hours stored by other of the cells are approximately equal, and an amount of energy stored by the battery is at least equal to a predetermined target energy amount.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle may include a linear engine controlled by HCCI (Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition) combustion in an operation section where an engine power may be used for generating electricity after being started and reaching up to a predetermined RPM, and a motor-combined generator engaged to the liner engine and starting the linear engine and charging a battery by converting an entire engine power of the linear engine generated by the HCCI combustion into electricity generation power.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes: a power unit including an engine and a rotating electrical machine; a power supply apparatus connected to the rotating electrical machine; an oil pump unit including a mechanical oil pump and an electric oil pump for cooling the rotating electrical machine; and a control apparatus. The control apparatus is constituted by an EOP idling determination unit that determines an idling state of the electric oil pump, and an engine starting processing unit that performs processing to drive the mechanical oil pump by starting the engine in accordance with the determination of the EOP idling determination unit.

Abstract: A hybrid drive device includes a speed change mechanism, a motor drivingly coupled to an input shaft, and a clutch interposed between an engine and an input shaft. Upon engine start during engine traveling, the clutch is engaged, and rotation of the engine is increased. A control device of the hybrid drive device includes start upshift control means that, according to the engagement control of the clutch upon engine start, upshifts the speed change mechanism to output inertia torque. Thus, when the engine is started, output torque as the sum of driving torque of the motor and the inertia torque is output to the driving wheel, which reduces hesitation upon engine start.

Abstract: A vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode can obtain sensor data from one or more sensors observing one or more aspects of an environment of the vehicle. At least one aspect of the environment of the vehicle that is not observed by the one or more sensors could be inferred based on the sensor data. The vehicle could be controlled in the autonomous mode based on the at least one inferred aspect of the environment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for vehicle spinout detection is described. The method includes monitoring a set of conditions. If the conditions meet a set of criteria, the method calculates a lateral factor, employing one or more past values of the lateral factor. The lateral factor indicates the vehicle's lateral velocity. Then, a spinout factor is computed based on the calculated lateral factor. The spinout factor indicates the difference between the direction of vehicle travel and the direction the vehicle is heading. If the spinout factor is above a predefined threshold value, the method generates a warning signal. A system for vehicle spinout detection is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for analyzing operation of a multiple-state device, such as a vehicular automatic transmission under multiple-fault occurrence. An identifier identifies all possible path sequences of an initial state responsive to occurrence of all possible faults and all possible remediation actions. The paths are identified for a multiple-fault occurrence of two or more faults. For each of the possible paths, a hazard level is assigned, and the hazard levels are sorted to obtain preferred path sequences. Analysis of the possible paths and their associated hazard levels is made, and a state control scheme is formulated.

Abstract: In an exemplary vehicle service facility that provides vehicle related sales, maintenance services or the like, a diagnostic tool has wireless packet data communication capabilities. To support voice communication, the tool also has one or more audible input/output transducers and a vocoder, and is configured to use VoIP technology or the like to enable wireless packet data transport of voice calls over the same wireless data links. The packet voice capability can support voice communications with technicians using other tools at the facility or with personnel in an office at the service facility. If the facility has a data link to a wide area packet network, like the Internet, the packet voice capability may also support voice communications with other parties having packet service. Examples are technicians at other locations or various personnel of technical support services for the tools or for different types of vehicles.

Abstract: A communication system of a motor vehicle is provided. The communication system includes a vehicle operating unit, a vehicle output unit, and an interface computer. The interface computer is connected to the vehicle operating unit and the vehicle output unit. The interface computer is implemented for the purpose of connecting a mobile terminal to the vehicle operating unit and the vehicle output unit such that information from the mobile terminal is displayable on the vehicle output unit and the mobile terminal is operable via the vehicle operating unit.

Abstract: The electrical power consumption and cost of a control system for an air conditioning apparatus are reduced. A control system for an air conditioning apparatus mounted in a vehicle includes a plurality of vehicle-side ECUs (control units) that control devices provided in the air conditioning apparatus; and a signal control unit that controls the plurality of vehicle-side ECUs wherein the plurality of vehicle-side ECUs are divided into groups each having a common ON/OFF combination for the individual operating modes of the vehicle, and the vehicle-side ECUs belonging to the same group are connected by a common signal line; and the signal control unit sends ON and OFF signals depending on the operating mode of the vehicle to the signal lines.

Abstract: A change of performance of an electromagnetic suspension unit is detected. When an integral ?|Vs??Vs*| of an absolute value of a difference between an actual value Vs* and an estimated value Vs? of an expansion/contraction velocity of a shock absorber is larger than a performance change threshold value Sth, it is detected that the performance of the electromagnetic suspension unit is changed. Further, when an integral ?|Vs*| of an absolute value of the actual value Vs* is larger than an integral ?|Vs?| of an absolute value of the estimated value Vs? by a predetermined value, performance of the shock absorber is changed such that a damping force of the shock absorber is reduced. Thus, the performance change of the electromagnetic suspension unit is detected based on the expansion/contraction velocity of the shock absorber.