Abstract: A servo-controlled system is disclosed for providing simulated feel equivalent to that of traditional mechanical hand controllers. Processed position and force sensor signals are used in a feedback loop that controls the motor mechanically connected to the stick. The feedback loop comprises a low-level motor feedback loop, and high-level force feel loop. The latter comprises static and dynamic performance components. The system allows variable and additional force cues to be specified externally to the system and felt by the operator, and/or external signal to backdrive die stick to follow a specified motion. The control framework permits the electronic coupling of motion and applied forces by pilots in a dual arrangement while retaining the above-mentioned features. It simulates cross-coupling mechanical compliance due to force fight between pilots detents and asymmetric force feel gradients. Parameters associated with loops and performance components can be specified independently.

Abstract: An information processing device includes: a correction coefficient holding unit configured to hold a correction coefficient which is a ratio between the position of a control target at a start time of control operation, and a detection signal indicating the control result of the control target; an initial-value-compensation matrix holding unit configured to hold an initial-value-compensation matrix for performing compensation of the initial value of a control computing unit for computing control output for controlling the control target from the detection signal based on the position and speed of the control target; and an initial-value generating unit configured to correct the position and speed of the control target at a start time of control operation with the correction coefficient, and employ the position and speed of the control target after correction, and the initial-value-compensation matrix to generate an initial-value-compensation value for compensating the initial value of the control computing u

Abstract: An on-line compensation apparatus for feedback positions of an encoder and method for operating the same are applied to a motor driven to rotate at a constant speed by a driver, thus compensating the errors of feedback positions of the encoder. First, a compensation quantity calculation unit is used to calculate the compensation quantity of feedback positions of the encoder. Afterward, a position interval judgment unit is used to determine the position interval of the compensation quantity. Finally, a compensation quantity modification unit is used to modify the compensation quantity by using different weightings. Therefore, the compensation quantity is modified by an iteration calculation to achieve that an error between the feedback position and an ideal position is in an acceptable region, thus increasing accuracy of the feedback position compensation of the encoder.

Abstract: Methods and systems to improve operator control of mobile robots are disclosed. The invention comprises in various embodiments the aggregation of multiple image feeds to improve operator situational awareness and the dynamic selection of command reference frames to improve operator intuitive control. The disclosed methods and systems reduce operator workload, reduce task completion times, and extend the capabilities of mobile manipulation systems.

Abstract: A device for moving a jet member on a carriage (6) between two selectable extreme positions along a guide (5) has means for detecting that the carriage has reached a selectable extreme position, said means comprising members (24, 25) adapted to form a mechanical resistance against continued movement of the carriage so as to influence the flow of hydraulic liquid in an hydraulic circuit (27) of a hydraulic drive arrangement for moving the carriage. Members (31) are arranged to sense a parameter of the hydraulic liquid, the magnitude of which is depending upon the flow of hydraulic liquid in the hydraulic circuit, and send information about the magnitude of this parameter to a control unit (14) adapted to control the turning of the carriage on the basis of this information.

Abstract: A structure is provided in which a thrust feed forward structure for operating a structure to be driven without vibration and a control structure which simultaneously compensates for positional deviation caused by the thrust feed forward structure and positional deviation caused by a base displacement are included in a position controlling device (3). Alternatively, a structure is provided in which an acceleration and deceleration process for realizing response of the position of the structure to be driven and base displacement without vibration and a control structure which determines a feed forward amount with respect to a position instruction value after the acceleration and deceleration process are provided to the position controlling device.

Abstract: An adjustable bed is controlled through a network. When controlled through a telephone network, a phone provides communication with a control box for the adjustable bed, and optionally a second system associated with the bed and controlled through the control box. When controlled through an internetwork such as the Internet, functions of the adjustable bed and optionally functions of a second system associated with the adjustable bed can be controlled. The network can be wired, wireless, near field, or wide band.

Abstract: A remote control communicates via two-way communication with a controller for a bed facility to allow a user of the remote control to control a function of the bed facility. Adjustable features of an adjustable bed can be controlled through the two-way communication. Inflation or other features of an air mattress can be controlled through the two-way communication. Two-way communication is supported by either a wired connection or a wireless connection such as Bluetooth, USB, ultra wideband, and the like. The two-way communication also supports the remote control controlling a second system that is associated with the adjustable bed.

Abstract: A coordinative control method for adjusting the back and knee bottom sections of an adjustable bed or the like, and a computer program for implementing the method, are provided. Specifically, a method for adjusting the back and knee bottom section is provided, in which the angular positions thereof are adjusted according to a preset action pattern. The initial starting positions of the adjustable sections are taken into account, and adjusted to a position corresponding to the closest point on a curve representing angular movement of the sections during the adjustment process. Then, the sections are adjusted in a manner that prevents exertion of uncomfortable pressure upon the torso of a user, and prevents sliding of a user relative to the foot of the bed.

Abstract: A bottom adjusting action control system for an adjustable bed is provided that facilitates adjustment of the adjustable bottom sections of the bed via a predetermined path of angular adjustment in reaching final set positions for the back and knee bottom sections. In particular, the control system of the present invention provides a means of adjusting the angular positions of adjustable bottom sections of the bed to predetermined final positions via preset bottom coordinative action patterns carried out by a controller means. The preset bottom coordinative action patterns raise and lower adjustable back and knee bottom sections of the bed in a coordinated manner, so as to adjust the bottom sections of the bed to the chosen angular positions without causing the user to slide relative to the bed, and without exerting uncomfortable abdominal pressure on the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate positioning apparatus capable of accurately performing positioning of a center of a circular-shape substrate with respect to a rotating shaft. The substrate positioning apparatus includes: a substrate disposing part; a first positioning mechanism including a first reference part contacting a side of the substrate; a second positioning mechanism including a second reference part contacting the side of the substrate; a first driver configured to drive the first positioning mechanism; a controller configured to control the drive of the first positioning mechanism. In particular, the second reference part contacts the substrate at a contact part and includes an elastic part that applies force in a moving direction of the first driver to the contact part and a detector that detects position information of the second positioning mechanism.

Abstract: A method of calculating recovery commands for numerical controlled system that an upper controller provides position commands to a servo driver to drive a motor. A memory space is provided to store the position commands, and then a position matrix and a transformation matrix are read. Finally, the transformation matrix is multiplied by the position matrix to calculate the coefficients of a position polynomial and a plurality of position interpolations. In addition, a velocity polynomial and an acceleration polynomial can be calculated. Therefore, the position commands are calculated to recovery as a high-order differentiable continuous polynomial to synchronize the servo driver and the upper controller.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention relate to an adjustable bed that may include one or more articulating portions, and may include one or more components, including an air inflatable mattress associated with the adjustable bed frame, a programmable logic controller, a remote memory storage facility, a remote storage location of user preferences, a cell phone remote control, a modular control device, an air purification facility, a power outlet controller, a Bluetooth remote control, an ultra wide band remote control, a wireless USB remote control, and the like.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a tiltrotator (5) comprises control means (J), a controller (6), a feeder pilot (8), a feeder (9) and a plurality of external proportional valves (16) for controlling the movements of the tiltrotator. The control system further comprises an inclinometer (15) providing to the controller the orientation of a tool (4) attached to the tiltrotator.

Abstract: A device for restraining a horizontal bar at the rear of a vehicle to a stationary support adjacent a loading dock, the device having: a frame having a vertical track and a mounting bracket for securing the frame to the stationary support; a suspended carriage mounted to the track for vertical movement relative to the track, the suspended carriage having a forwardly and upwardly extending member; a vertical motion actuator mounted to the frame and having: a master carriage slidably mounted to the suspended carriage, the master carriage engaging the suspended carriage for moving the suspended carriage between a lower retracted position and an upper engaged position wherein the member engages a forward surface of the horizontal bar; and a resilient suspension member disposed between the master carriage and the suspended carriage and having a resilient range of travel, whereby the suspended carriage is capable of vertically floating relative to the master carriage within the range of travel; a control system inc

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to techniques for controlling a device to perform a function, for example, window washing. A controller device may be adapted to control a controlled device. In response to hand movement, an accelerometer in the controller may obtain acceleration and/or angle signals. The signals may be processed in order to identify a command that may be used to control the controlled device. The controlled device may be secured to, for example, a window. Upon identifying command(s) initiated from the controller device, the controlled device may respond to the commands. The controlled device may include, for example, a cleaning unit. The command(s) may be instructions for the controlled device to move about the window and activate the cleaning system.

Abstract: A controller for an adjustable bed manages at least one wireless communication function, such as Bluetooth, IEEE 802.x, and peer-to-peer functions in association with controlling the bed. The controller also can control a second system associated with the adjustable bed.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention relate to an adjustable bed that may include one or more articulating portions, and may include one or more components, including an air inflatable mattress associated with the adjustable bed frame, a programmable logic controller, a remote memory storage facility, a remote storage location of user preferences, a cell phone remote control, a modular control device, an air purification facility, a power outlet controller, a Bluetooth remote control, an ultra wide band remote control, a wireless USB remote control, and the like.

Abstract: An adjustable bed is associated with a second system and both the bed and the second system are controlled by a common control system. In one embodiment the control system is integrated, in another it is distributed, in yet another it is a programmable logic controller. The common control system accesses preferences that are associated with the adjustable bed and the second system from a plurality of memory locations that are associated with the control system.

Abstract: An adjustable bed is associated with a second system and both the bed and the second system are controlled by a modular control system. The modular controller further facilitates using a global command input to control both the bed and the second system. In an embodiment the modular control system includes a touchscreen for accepting user input to control the bed and the second system.

Abstract: A method includes providing an adjustable bed flame including one or more articulating portions; providing an air inflatable mattress associated with the adjustable bed flame to form an adjustable bed, said air inflatable mattress including flex regions about which the air inflatable mattress can flex; regulating air pressure in the air inflatable mattress with an air pump; and storing user preferences in a remote memory, said user preferences representing recall parameters relating to one or more adjustable aspects of the adjustable bed, said remote memory disposed apart from both the adjustable bed frame, the air inflatable mattress, and the air pump, and said storing user preferences comprising: storing a plurality of values that define a range of available parameters for the adjustable bed, said storing the plurality of values including storing a table having a plurality of entries.

Abstract: For full-closed position control, there is provided a position control device capable of suppressing occurrence of stick-slip which occurs during a feed operation performed in a very low speed region. An adder 5 and an adder 24 add an output obtained by multiplying an actual speed deviation El by a proportional gain Pl, an integral component Tl of the actual speed deviation which is obtained by inputting the actual speed deviation El to an integral compensator 25, an output obtained by multiplying a motor speed deviation Em by a proportional gain Pm, and an integral component Tim of the motor speed deviation which is obtained by inputting the motor speed deviation Em to an integral compensator 9, and the result is output as a torque feedback command Tfb.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a mirror. The method includes using a camera to capture an image of an object, locating a suitable region in the image, obtaining a first midline between a reference line in the suitable region and a top of the object in the suitable region, obtaining a second midline of the image, comparing the first and second midlines to determine whether the two midlines overlap, outputting a comparison signal upon the condition that the two midlines do not overlap, and directing a driving apparatus to move the mirror to adjust a height of the mirror according to the comparison signal.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a first member, a second member with a first point and a second point, a processing unit, and a drive device. The drive device pivotably connects the second member to the first member. The processing unit calculates a first distance between the first point and a third point and a second distance between the second point and the third point. The processing unit controls the drive device to rotate the second member relative to the first member according to the first distance and the second distance, thus the line defined by the third point and a middle point between the first point and the second point is perpendicular to the line defined by the first point and the second point.

Abstract: A microscope control unit which is composed of a bracket-shaped support frame having a support area, a pillar standing vertically erect on the support area, and a support arm, which emanates from the upper end of the pillar and is aligned parallel to the support area.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pointing error correcting system and method thereof applied for a concentrated photovoltaic or solar heat energy system comprising a processing module, a driving module, a tracker and a measuring module. The method comprises steps of calculating a position of a celestial body; controlling the driving module to drive the tracker pointing toward the celestial body; calculating an error value between the pointing of the tracker and the celestial body measured by the measuring module through a coordinate transforming method; and correcting the driving module to drive the tracker pointing the celestial body.

Abstract: A numerical controller having a function-generating unit which executes function generation for shaft movement according to a machining program is provided, the numerical controller further comprising a unit which stores shape data of the movable unit and shape data of an interfering structure; a retracting direction determining unit which determines a retracting direction; an interference checking position calculating unit which successively calculates, as an interference checking position, a position in which a desired distance is added to the current position of the movable unit according to the determined retracting direction; an interference confirming unit which confirms presence or absence of interference between the shape data of the movable unit and the shape data of the interfering structure by virtually moving the shape data of the movable unit; and a power outage detecting unit which sends a power outage signal to a DC power supply unit and the function-generating unit during power outage, wherein

Abstract: A controller for an adjustable bed can accept voice input, such as spoken commands to control functions of an adjustable bed. The controller can also accept voice commands to control functions of a second system associated with the bed. One or more voice commands can result in both the adjustable bed and the second system functionality being controlled.

Abstract: A position encoder provides one or more trigger outputs based on position signals developed within the encoder, in addition to traditional position output signals used by other system components such as a motion controller. The trigger outputs may be used directly by a triggered device, bypassing the motion controller and obviating any separate trigger generation electronics. The trigger output(s) can be fully synchronous with the encoder's position output signal(s) with essentially no latency or jitter, increasing accuracy and providing improved system performance. The trigger functionality can be incorporated in a variety of encoder types (e.g., absolute and incremental) and technologies (optical, magnetic, inductive etc.), and used in conjunction with different position output signal formats (e.g., quadrature, serial).

Abstract: The apparatus includes a rotary mechanism for holding a semiconductor wafer and rotating the same, a detection mechanism for detecting a positioning cutout portion formed in the wafer, and a wafer transfer mechanism for lifting the wafer from a wafer mounting portion of the rotary mechanism or mounting the wafer on the same. The wafer transfer mechanism has a movable holding portion for holding the wafer at a position just above the wafer mounting portion and is constituted such that the movable holding portion moves up or down while avoiding the wafer held by the rotary mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the movement of furniture parts which can be moved with respect to one another, having a drive unit by means of which a first furniture part can be moved in a driven manner relative to a second furniture part via a monitoring unit for monitoring the movement of the first furniture part. According to the invention, the monitoring unit is designed to record a movement pattern of the first furniture part if the moving first furniture part collides with an object, and to use this movement pattern as the basis for further monitoring of the movement of the first furniture part. A piece of furniture with a device according to the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a driven object, a motor configured to function as a driving source of the driven object, a scanning unit configured to cause the driven object to move, and include a first pulley to which the motor is connected, a second pulley disposed opposing to the first pulley, and a member stretched around the first pulley and the second pulley, an acquisition unit configured to acquire position information of the driven object, and a signal generation unit configured to generate a periodic signal for controlling driving of the motor based on the position information acquired by the acquisition unit, wherein the signal generation unit increases a period of the signal to be generated, as a length of the member to which a pulling force is applied becomes shorter.

Abstract: An vacuum laminator for laminating workpieces includes a grasping assembly, an alignment assembly, a pickup head, and a sealed body. The grasping assembly is configured for grasping one workpiece. The alignment assembly is connected to the grasping assembly for adjusting a position of the workpiece on the grasping assembly. The pickup head is configured for picking up another workpiece. The grasping assembly and pickup head are received in the sealed body opposite to each other. The grasping assembly includes two grasping members grasping and releasing the workpiece.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention relate to an adjustable bed that may include one or more articulating portions, and may include one or more components, including an air inflatable mattress associated with the adjustable bed frame, a programmable logic controller, a remote memory storage facility, a remote storage location of user preferences, a cell phone remote control, a modular control device, an air purification facility, a power outlet controller, a Bluetooth remote control, an ultra wide band remote control, a wireless USB remote control, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bi-directional microelectromechanical element, a microelectromechanical switch including the bi-directional element, and a method to reduce mechanical creep in the bi-directional element. In one embodiment, the bi-directional microelectromechanical element includes a cold beam having a free end and a first end connected to a cold beam anchor. The cold beam anchor is attached to a substrate. A first beam pair is coupled to the cold beam by a free end tether and is configured to elongate when heated thereby to a greater temperature than a temperature of the cold beam. A second beam pair is located on an opposing side of the cold beam from the first beam pair and is coupled to the first beam pair and the cold beam by the free end tether. The second beam pair is configured to elongate when heated thereby to the greater temperature.

Abstract: A self-service system with user interface positioning which accommodates drive-through vehicles of different heights and optionally different distances from an order board. The self-service system includes a user interface and a computer for positioning the user interface at a height above ground which substantially coincides with a window height above the ground of a vehicle adjacent the user interface. The height of the user interface is within a predetermined range of possible heights of the user interface corresponding to different window heights of different vehicles.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the vertical position of hydroponic supports of a growing system is provided. The supports are used for growing crops. A relative position between the two supports is adjustable. Actual vertical position data for the supports is received and compared with the desired data. The actual vertical position of a first support is adjusted relative to an adjacent second support when the actual data is different from the desired data. A growing system for optimizing crop production comprises generally horizontal hydroponic supports adapted to receive nutrients for feeding the crops. A position actuator is connected to the supports to vertically move them relative to one another. A position-adjusting module receives actual vertical position data of the supports and compared it with the desired data. An actuation command is transmitted to the position actuator when the actual position is different from the desired position.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that automatically detects and corrects a misalignment of a semiconductor chip. During operation, the system uses a position-detection mechanism integrated with the chip to determine the misalignment of the chip from a desired alignment for the chip. Next, the system uses an actuation mechanism integrated with the chip to automatically correct the misalignment, thereby improving performance and reliability of the chip.

Abstract: A position value, a desired position value and future desired position values as well as, for each future desired position value, a value which is characteristic of the temporal offset between said future desired position value and the respective immediately preceding desired position value are predefined for a position controller for an axle. The position controller uses a model of the axle to determine a manipulated variable and a respective expected manipulated variable and an expected position value for the future desired position values. The position controller determines the manipulated variable, the expected variables and the expected position values in such a manner that a total deviation of the position value and the expected position values from the corresponding desired position values is optimized in accordance with a predetermined assessment function. It drives the axle in accordance with the manipulated variable.

Abstract: A jig device holding a work piece is used with a milling machine that cuts from the work piece a prosthesis having a surface essentially free of defects. The jig device is inserted repeatedly into the machine in the same predetermined location, even upon inverting the jig device. This maintains the spatial relationship between the jig device and milling so, at start up, they are always in the same exact spatial relationship. The milling machine partially cuts through a first side of the work piece to form in the work piece a cavity having a surface part corresponding to at least a portion of the prosthesis being made. The jig device is then removed from the machine, inverted and reinserted into the machine at the same predetermined location. A support material is placed in the cavity prior to reinserting the jig device. Upon reinserting the jig device, the machine precisely cuts through an opposed side of the work piece to form within the work piece a prosthesis having a surface essentially free of defects.

Abstract: An avionics system for a plane includes a plurality of nodes disposed throughout the plane, each node performing a function. The system includes an optical network in communication with the nodes and through which the nodes communicate. The system includes at least one of the nodes having a hardwired interpreter that interprets the information transmitted from another one of the nodes via the optical network. A method for operating a plane includes the steps of communicating information through an optical network between a plurality of nodes disposed throughout the plane, each node performing a function. There is the step of interpreting with at least one of the nodes having a hardwired interpreter the information transmitted from another one of the nodes via the optical network. A phostonic stack.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses enable generation of a managed space layout model defining permissible pathways for travel through the managed space. Each permissible pathway can be defined as a line segment or an edge bounded by coordinate pairs. Items and locations within the managed space are associated with permissible pathways, which association defines how the items/locations can be reached via travel through the managed space. The information can be saved as a network of nodes, which defines the intersection of the permissible pathways and includes information about the pathways. With the layout model, a path can be determined through the managed space to accomplish work in the managed space. The layout data allows a path distance to be calculated for a given work task that involves travel through the managed space.

Abstract: A system is provided for aligning a railroad signal. The system includes at least one tilt device and at least one directional device to measure the respective tilt and direction of the railroad signal, and at least one controller coupled to the tilt device and the directional device. The controller is switchable between a calibration mode and a monitoring mode. Upon switching to the calibration mode, a correct tilt and correct direction of the railroad signal in a proper alignment is respectively measured and recorded in a memory of the controller. More particularly, upon recording the correct tilt and correct direction, the controller switches into the monitoring mode to determine if one of a measured tilt and a measured direction of the railroad signal exceeds a respective tilt threshold and direction threshold stored in the memory of the controller.

Abstract: A method of controlling the motion of a moveable door includes determining the direction that the door is moving with respect to its anticipated closed position, and based on the direction, regulating an amount of force that is available to the door for its motion. The method may further include monitoring the position of the door as it is moving, and adjusting the motion of the door and regulating the amount of force available to the door for its motion, based on the calculated difference between the door's position as detected during monitoring and its expected position.

Abstract: A gobo wheel with automatic detection system that automatically detects a rotational position of the gobo. The rotational position can be detected by a magnetic marking system. Each of the gobos can be randomly placed within the holder. The position of the gobos can be automatically determined during a start up routine for example, and then those positions can be stored and used for later determination of a position.

Abstract: A microcontroller for controlling an actuator includes a single wire controller configured to receive data and power from a base station through a single wire bus, where the single wire bus is part of a power and signal cable configured to connect the microcontroller to the base station. The microcontroller also includes a peripheral interface controller (PIC) microcontroller configured to transmit data signals to and receive data signals from the single wire controller, where the PIC microcontroller is configured to receive reduced voltage level from a power wire of the power and signal cable, to measure the voltage level and to communicate the measured voltage level to the base station through the single wire bus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a structure. The structure is supported on a carrier. The carrier comprises a platform having a first side and a second side, a movement system associated with the first side and configured to move the platform on a surface, a support system associated with the second side of the platform and configured to support the structure on the platform, and a leveling system configured to substantially maintain the structure in a desired orientation during movement of the platform on the surface. The carrier is moved with the structure over the surface. At least one of the movement system and the support system is adjusted to substantially maintain the structure in the desired orientation.

Abstract: A damper control system having energy efficient mechanisms. The system may use a heat-to-electric power converter such as a thermopile. Heat may come from a pilot light used for igniting a flame for an appliance. The system may store electric energy in a storage module which could be a sufficiently large capacitor. The system may monitor the position of a damper in a vent or the like and provide start and stop movements of the damper using minimal energy. One way that the system may control electrical energy to a damper motor or another electrical mover of the damper is to use pulse width modulated signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a system for synchronously positioning repetitive units spatially comprising a plurality of repetitive units, each attached on an end of a plurality of arms, each angularly attached on an opposing end to a computer-controlled rotating axle, each having a synchronously computer-controlled position along a path of travel by computer-controlled synchronous rotation of said plurality of axles, forming a moving geometric pattern with said plurality of repetitive units.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vacuum infusing resin into a fabric preform within a mold. The methods comprise increasing permeability in a selected region, such as by deploying a VIPR chamber in a location corresponding to the resin injection port corresponding to the resin flow front furthest from the mold vent or a location identified by predictive modeling as best to achieve a desired flow front geometry. Suitable apparatus comprise a VIPR chamber, an image detector for detecting resin flow fronts, a processor programmed to identify a desired location to deploy the VIPR chamber, and an automatic positioner for moving the VIPR chamber to the identified location.