Abstract: Systems and methods described herein concern estimating the mass of a vehicle. One embodiment uses a slope estimator to estimate the grade of a roadway on which the vehicle is traveling; inputs state estimates from the slope estimator, an estimated wheel force, and an estimated wheel acceleration to a secondary mass estimator that calculates a first estimated mass of the vehicle; selects, based at least in part on the first estimated mass, a calibration value using a tuning map; inputs the calibration value, the estimated wheel force, the state estimates, and a measurement noise value to a main mass estimator that calculates a second estimated mass of the vehicle that is more accurate than the first estimated mass due, at least in part, to the calibration value; and adjusts automatically one or more operational parameters of the vehicle based, at least in part, on the second estimated mass.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for controlling a motor of a vehicle for increasing control accuracy of the motor for driving the vehicle, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for controlling a motor of a vehicle, which may accurately perform a motor control even when a battery voltage (i.e., motor voltage) applied to the motor upon the driving control of the motor is changed.

Abstract: A measurement method includes: a step of acquiring first observation point information; a step of acquiring second observation point information; a step of calculating a path deflection waveform at a third observation point; a step of calculating a path deflection waveform at a central position between the first observation point and the second observation point; a step of calculating a measurement waveform as a physical quantity at the third observation point; a step of calculating an amplitude coefficient at which a difference is minimized between the measurement waveform and a waveform obtained by multiplying the path deflection waveform at the third observation point by the amplitude coefficient; and a step of calculating, based on the path deflection waveform at the central position and the amplitude coefficient, an estimation waveform as a physical quantity at the central position.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a shock strut may comprise measuring a first shock strut pressure, measuring an ambient temperature, measuring a shock strut stroke, measuring a second shock strut pressure, and determining a servicing condition of the shock strut based upon the first shock strut pressure, the ambient temperature, the shock strut stroke, and the second shock strut pressure, wherein the servicing condition indicates whether it is desirable for the shock strut to be serviced with at least one of a liquid and a gas. The first shock strut pressure and the shock strut stroke may be measured before the takeoff event with a weight of an aircraft supported by the shock strut.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a shock strut may comprise measuring a first shock strut pressure, measuring an ambient temperature, measuring a shock strut stroke, measuring a second shock strut pressure, and determining a servicing condition of the shock strut based upon the first shock strut pressure, the ambient temperature, the shock strut stroke, and the second shock strut pressure, wherein the servicing condition indicates whether it is desirable for the shock strut to be serviced with at least one of a liquid and a gas. The first shock strut pressure and the shock strut stroke may be measured before the takeoff event with a weight of an aircraft supported by the shock strut.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) capable of automatically balancing large and heavy objects for transport through a facility. One embodiment is an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) including a balancing plate configured to support a load, load sensors configured to detect a weight distribution of the load, and an actuator configured to shift the balancing plate laterally. The AGV also includes a weight balancing controller configured to determine a center of gravity of the load based on the weight distribution detected by the load sensors, to determine that the center of gravity of the load is vertically misaligned with a center of gravity of the AGV, and to direct the actuator to shift the balancing plate laterally to move the center of gravity of the load toward vertical alignment with the center of gravity of the AGV.

Abstract: Various applications for use of mass estimations of a vehicle, including to control operation of the vehicle, sharing the mass estimation with other vehicles and/or a Network Operations Center (NOC), organizing vehicles operating in a platoon and/or partially controlling the operation of one or more vehicles operating in a platoon based on the relative mass estimations between the platooning vehicles. When vehicles are operating in a platoon, the relative mass between a lead and a following vehicle may be used to scale torque and/or brake commands generated by the lead vehicle and sent to the following vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating a hardness of a rock mass during operation of an industrial machine. One system includes an electronic processor configured to receive a rock mass model and to receive live drilling data from the industrial machine. The electronic processor is also configured to update the rock mass model based on the live drilling data and to estimate a drilling index for a hole based on the updated rock mass model. After estimating a drilling index for the hole, the electronic processor is also configured to set a blasting parameter for the hole based on the estimated drilling index.

Abstract: Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft can provide opportunities to incorporate aerial transportation into transportation networks for cities and metropolitan areas. However, VTOL aircraft can be sensitive to uneven weight distributions, e.g., the payload of an aircraft is primarily loaded in the front, back, left, or right. When the aircraft is loaded unevenly, the center of mass of the aircraft may shift substantially enough to negatively impact performance of the aircraft. Thus, in turn, there is an opportunity that the VTOL may be loaded unevenly if seating, luggage placement, and/or positions of internal components are not coordinated. Among other advantages, dynamically assigning the payloads and adjusting components of the VTOL aircraft can increase VTOL safety by ensuring the VTOL aircraft is loaded evenly and meets all weight requirements; can increase transportation efficiency by increasing rider throughput; and can increase the availability of the VTOL services to all potential riders.

Abstract: Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft can provide opportunities to incorporate aerial transportation into transportation networks for cities and metropolitan areas. However, VTOL aircraft can be sensitive to uneven weight distributions, e.g., the payload of an aircraft is primarily loaded in the front, back, left, or right. When the aircraft is loaded unevenly, the center of mass of the aircraft may shift substantially enough to negatively impact performance of the aircraft. Thus, in turn, there is an opportunity that the VTOL may be loaded unevenly if seating and/or luggage placement is not coordinated. Among other advantages, dynamically assigning the VTOL aircraft payloads can increase VTOL safety by ensuring the VTOL aircraft is loaded evenly and meets all weight requirements; can increase transportation efficiency by increasing rider throughput; and can increase the availability of the VTOL services to all potential riders.

Abstract: Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft can provide opportunities to incorporate aerial transportation into transportation networks for cities and metropolitan areas. However, VTOL aircraft can be sensitive to uneven weight distributions, e.g., the payload of an aircraft is primarily loaded in the front, back, left, or right. When the aircraft is loaded unevenly, the center of mass of the aircraft may shift substantially enough to negatively impact performance of the aircraft. Thus, in turn, there is an opportunity that the VTOL may be loaded unevenly if seating and/or luggage placement is not coordinated. Among other advantages, dynamically assigning the VTOL aircraft payloads can increase VTOL safety by ensuring the VTOL aircraft is loaded evenly and meets all weight requirements; can increase transportation efficiency by increasing rider throughput; and can increase the availability of the VTOL services to all potential riders.

Abstract: A system assists the driving of a ship and is configured to estimate the structural loads of the ship due to the direct wave excitation, and structural loads of the ship due to the whipping effect caused by the wave slamming. The system includes at least one reference sensor adapted to provide an indication of a motion or stress magnitude at a predetermined point of the ship structure, and is further configured to calculate an estimate of the magnitude at the predetermined point in the ship structure, compare the indication of magnitude with the estimate of the magnitude so as to determine an offset value, and correct the estimates of the structural loads and/or the estimate of the magnitude on the basis of the offset value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber that receives a laundry load for treatment according to a cycle of operation. The method includes determining the size of the laundry load in the treating chamber; supplying a predetermined amount of liquid to the treating chamber based on the determined load size; applying mechanical energy to the laundry treating chamber by driving a clothes mover with an electric motor; determining a difference between an in-rush current to the electric motor and a steady-state current of the electric motor during the applying of the mechanical energy; and determining a laundry load type of the laundry load based on the determined difference.

Abstract: A method for determining a change in a mass of a fan impeller. The method includes inducing a torque to the fan impeller and determining a change in the angular speed of the fan impeller, induced by the torque. A value for a first parameter representing a present mass of the fan impeller is determined on the basis of the change in the angular speed and the torque. The change in the mass is then determined on the basis of the first parameter and a second parameter representing the reference mass of the fan impeller.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide an automatic vehicle load monitoring system and navigation monitoring system. The system comprises a weight sensing device attached to a base of a vehicle, and wherein the weight sensing device is a load cell, a compression spring attached to the weight sensing device and to a suspension spring of the vehicle, a voltage conversion unit attached to the weight sensing device to convert an output resistance of the load cell into a voltage, an automatic vehicle location (AVL) system connected to the voltage conversion unit to receive the output voltage from the voltage conversion unit and a central server connected to the AVL to receive a vehicle location data and a voltage data for computing a vehicle load at an instant. The vehicle location data and the vehicle load at any instant is communicated simultaneously to a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for determining an estimated mass of an aircraft is provided. This method includes determining a first mass of the aircraft, from characteristics of the aircraft determined before or after takeoff of the aircraft, determining, during the flight of the aircraft, a second mass of the aircraft, from a lift equation of the aircraft expressing the mass of the aircraft as a function of information representative of the load factor of the aircraft, of a lift coefficient of the aircraft, of speed information of the aircraft and of a static pressure of a mass of air passed through by the aircraft, determined from measurements by sensors of the aircraft during the flight of the aircraft, evaluating the estimated mass at said determination moment, as a function of said first and second masses.

Abstract: A system for calculating a first mass value indicative of a first mass of a vehicle is provided, wherein the vehicle has a vehicle interface capable of providing fuel data indicative of a rate at which fuel is being consumed by an engine of the vehicle at each point in time. The system includes: an interface coupled with the vehicle interface, the interface configured for: receiving the fuel data; and receiving movement data indicative of a movement of the vehicle at the each point in time; and a data processing system configured for: deriving a plurality of mass values from the fuel data and the movement data, each mass value corresponding to a respective point in time; and calculating, using the plurality of mass values, the first mass value indicative of the first mass of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for determining an operational state of a machine is provided. The system includes an implement position sensor configured to generate a position signal indicative of a position of an implement. The system further includes a pressure sensor configured to generate a pressure signal indicative of a pressure of a cylinder of the machine. The system also includes a controller communicably coupled to the implement position sensor and the pressure sensor. The controller is configured to receive the position signal and the pressure signal. The controller is further configured to determine a weight of a payload of the machine based on the received signals. Further, the controller is configured to determine a dig status of the machine based, at least in part, on a rate of change of the weight of the payload and the position of the implement.

Abstract: A method of detecting one or more blocked sampling holes in a pipe of an aspirated smoke detector system. The method includes ascertaining the base flow of fluid through a particle detector using a flow sensor; monitoring subsequent flow through the particle detector; comparing the subsequent flow with the base flow; and indicating a fault if the difference between the base flow and the subsequent flow exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for determining the weight G of a vehicle (1) while the vehicle is travelling on a section (3) of road (4) uses at least one weigh-in-motion (WIM) sensor (5) that is narrower than the length of the footprint of a wheel in the direction of vehicle travel. When the vehicle (1) travels along this section (3) of road (4) both the wheel loads Fi (t) of all the wheels (2) or twin wheels i, and the speed vi(t) of the vehicle (1) during the entire passing are acquired as time functions, and during evaluation of the data for determining the weight G the speeds vi(t) and their change over time are used as weighting of the simultaneously determined wheel loads Fi(t).

Abstract: Method for controlling weighing of a vehicle travelling on a road by means of a weigh station alongside the road includes determining weight of the vehicle using a processor on-board the vehicle and transmitting from the vehicle using a telematics device, the determined weight of the vehicle to the weigh station. Determining the weight of the vehicle may entail processing inertial property data from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) into an indication of the weight of the vehicle. The inertial property data from the IMU may be multiple sets of inertial property data obtained over time. The IMU may be calibrated, using the processor, based differential motion of the vehicle over a period of time as determined by a location positioning system. A Kalman filter may also be used. A vehicle transmitting its determined weight avoids stopping at the weigh station.

Abstract: A method for measuring mass inertia of moving surfaces, comprising the steps of: (a) Alignment of the center of gravity of an assembly (90) formed by the moving surface (50) and a support device (70) fastened to at least two joints (31, 32) in a rest position, this alignment comprising a reading in a comparing clock (40) and driving of an adjusting element arranged in the support device (70) for obtainment of a predetermined value in the comparing clock (40); (b) Measurement of the static moment of assembly (Mstatic) in an intermediate position through a dynamometer (60); (c) Measurement of the oscillation period of assembly (T) in a pendulum position through an accelerometer arranged in the support device (70) and (d) Reading of the static moment of assembly (Mstatic) and that of oscillation period of assembly (T) and obtainment of the inertial moment of the moving surface (Ihhsup)—An equipment (10) for measurement of mass inertia of moving surfaces, is further described, comprising: a structure (20) formed

Abstract: A vehicle system and method that estimates or approximates the mass of a vehicle so that a more accurate vehicle mass estimate can be made available to other vehicle systems, such as an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system or an automated lane change (LCX) system. In an exemplary embodiment, the method compares an actual acceleration of the vehicle to an expected acceleration while the vehicle is under the control of an automated acceleration event. The difference between these two acceleration values, along with other potential input, may then be used to approximate the actual mass of the vehicle in a way that takes into account items such as passengers, cargo, fuel, etc. Once an accurate vehicle mass estimate is generated, the method may make this estimate available to other vehicle components, devices, modules, systems, etc. so that their performance can be improved.

Abstract: A robot (1) having a workpiece mass measurement function for measuring the mass of a workpiece that is held, includes a force measurement unit (5) that measures the force that is applied to the tip part (2) of the mechanism part of the robot (1), and a mass estimation unit (11) that estimates the mass of the workpiece that is held by the robot (1), based on information about the force acquired by the force measurement unit (5) while the robot (1) is moving.

Abstract: A method and a system for estimating a weight mv for a vehicle on the basis of at least two forces which act upon the vehicle, the forces are a motive force FT and at least one further force, and topographical information for a relevant section of road. The estimation is performed when the at least two forces are dominated by the motive force FT.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the load of vehicle tires which are each contacting a pavement with a circumferential section during travel, by means of monitoring devices (4) which are mounted to the tire (1) and contain a transmitter and a generator which is driven by the flexion of the tire (1), said flexion occurring during vehicle operation, wherein the generator generates a first voltage pulse each time it reaches the beginning of the circumferential section of the tire (1), which is contacting the pavement, and generates a second voltage pulse each time it reaches the end of the circumferential section of the tire (1), which is contacting the pavement, the time intervals (t1) between first and second voltage pulses are measured, the time intervals (t1) or a value calculated therefrom are/is compared with a reference value, and a warning signal is generated if a difference detected in this comparison exceeds a predefined value.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a weight related risk profile using RFID technology is provided. While the cargo container is in transit, a RFID reader inside a cargo container polls the contents of the container by reading RFID data from each RFID tagged item and calculate the payload weight. When the truck transporting the cargo container passes a weigh station, or a high-speed scale embedded in the road, a payload weight is measured by a scale. A risk factor is assessed by comparing the estimated weight by the RFID reader with the measured weight by the scale. According to one aspect of the invention, the RFID based polling system has the ability to map the weight and location for each tagged item and estimate a container weight distribution. The estimated weight distribution is compared with the weight distribution measured by the scale to determine potential anomalies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a train load measuring system and a method thereof. The train load measuring system includes a speed/acceleration measuring unit, a position measuring unit, a railway-line state receiving unit, a driving/braking force receiving unit and a calculate unit. The speed/acceleration measuring unit measures a speed and acceleration of the train. The position measuring unit measures a current position of the train. The railway-line state receiving unit receives a railway-line state. The driving/braking force receiving unit receives driving and braking forces of the train. The calculating unit calculates a train load based on information transferred from the units.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a computer program product for estimating the current load of a vehicle wherein a filter bank including a filter for different weight classes, each filter implementing a vehicle model for estimating the current mass of the vehicle. Based on vehicle data indicative of a current driving situation of the vehicle, and filter parameter specific for the respective weight class, each filter provides a load estimation value as filter specific estimation of the current load of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and program for estimating the mass of a vehicle uses periodically detected tire rotation speed information of the vehicle wheels, calculated tire rotation acceleration information, calculated driving force of the vehicle, and estimated mass of the vehicle as a regression coefficient when the rotation acceleration information and the driving force information are subjected to linear regression. With regard to an error in calculated driving force information, a ratio is calculated between the dispersion of the error obtained one time before and an error at the current moment, and an update adjustment parameter is calculated by adding a stabilization parameter to thus obtained ratio. The calculated update adjustment parameter is used to calculate a Kalman gain so that the mass is sequentially estimated so as to reduce an update width of the regression coefficient when the error ratio is higher.

Abstract: A method of measuring the weight of an aircraft is disclosed. The method comprises, in a self-propelled aircraft undercarriage having a electrical rotating machine, the steps of: measuring the current and voltage going into the rotating machine using current and voltage measuring means, calculating the power into the rotating machine, measuring the speed (or torque or acceleration) of said machine using speed sensing means, and comparing the power and speed (or torque or acceleration) results with a database of power and speed relationships of comparable aircraft of varying weights.

Abstract: A flatbed weigh system and methods for weighing substantially flat articles such as mail flats while they are moving. A weigh system has an intake plate (2102) and an accelerator assembly (2100) that receives an article (2150) and accelerates it to a selected velocity. Acceleration is controlled by a servo motor (2112) which in turn is driven by a precision closed-loop servo system (FIG. 12) that accumulates motor torque data to determine the article weight. The accelerator assembly uses vacuum pressure (2130, 2132) to hold the moving article in engagement with a cylindrical capstan roller (2110) while it is being weighed. This vacuum-driven concept eliminates the need for a pinch roller to hold the moving article against a capstan roller as in other designs. Because the pinch roller is eliminated, there is essentially no “bouncing” to address, so dampen is obviated. Further, the vacuum design is not adversely affected by variations in thickness of the article under test as in the pinch roller designs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed, for example along a transport of a sorter machine. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260,1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Active electronic damping (FIG. 19) preferably is applied in the second servo system minimize vibration of the tension arm, but only while gripping the article.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring articles includes a conveying part, a plurality of measuring parts and a determining part. The conveying part includes a plurality of conveyers placed adjacently in series for conveying articles successively in a straight line. The plurality of measuring parts measure weight or dimensions of the respective articles successively conveyed by the conveying part. The determining part determines the weight or the dimensions of the respective articles based on the measured values by the plurality of the measuring parts.

Abstract: A method is for effecting a computer-aided estimation of the mass of a vehicle, e.g., of a goods-carrying vehicle, based on the equilibrium ratio between the driving force and the sum of the inertial force and drive resistances, in which the mass and a gradient angle of the roadway are contained as quantities. The method may include: a) computer-aided differentiation of the equilibrium ratio according to the time with the assumption that the gradient angle is constant; and b) calculating the mass of the vehicle and/or the reciprocal value of the mass from the equilibrium ratio differentiated according the time.

Abstract: An emulation system includes a central time source generating a time reference and an emulated spacecraft control processor which contains an embedded processor that provides an emulated input/output interface to communicate simulated spacecraft data. The embedded processor processes the simulated spacecraft data and contains a real time clock engine having a real-time clock period. The system further has a first simulation that processes attitude control system data from the emulated spacecraft control processor to simulate an attitude control system of the spacecraft in real-time. The first simulation engine operative to produce sensor data for input to the emulated spacecraft control processor based on the simulated system dynamics and adjusts the real time clock period in response to the time reference.

Abstract: A belt weighing system, including a belt passing over a weigh frame able to measure the weight of conveyed material, and at least one memory to store a zero image for the belt. At least one processor able to determine differences between a measured belt weight and a stored zero image for corresponding points or sections of the belt, and to determine if the differences are constant for different sections of the belt. A condition for an empty belt state can be detected where the instantaneous difference between the stored zero image and the measured belt weight for corresponding belt points or sections is equal to an average difference for different belt points or sections.

Abstract: A dynamic method to accurately determine the mass of a vehicle which deforms on acceleration and is subject to low frequency noise is disclosed. Only the greater than zero hertz frequencies of the signals are processed. Both signals are squelched during periods of high jerk to reduce the error between true mass and apparent mass. For a single body or combination vehicle such as a semi-rig with a propulsive body of known mass a reference for matched or Wiener filtering is constructed from the noisy signals to filter low frequency noise. A towing vehicle with a fifth wheel mounted on a dedicated load sensing apparatus can, therefore, determine the weight of any semi-trailer towed on any terrain of any inclination and any changing inclination with the greatest precision in the shortest possible time.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a series of vehicles. In certain embodiments, the system includes a self-analysis/estimation system configured to control a first parameter of the series of vehicles to impart a resulting changing in a second parameter of the series of vehicles. The self-analysis/estimation system is configured to estimate a third parameter based on the first and second parameters, wherein the third parameter comprises weight, weight distribution, tractive effort, grade, or a combination thereof, associated with the series of vehicles.

Abstract: A belt weighing system, including a belt passing over a weigh frame able to measure the weight of conveyed material, and at least one memory to store a zero image for the belt. At least one processor able to determine differences between a measured belt weight and a stored zero image for corresponding points or sections of the belt, and to determine if the differences are constant for different sections of the belt. A condition for an empty belt state can be detected where the instantaneous difference between the stored zero image and the measured belt weight for corresponding belt points or sections is equal to an average difference for different belt points or sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing a stent includes a buffer for storing a stent support with a stent mounted thereon, a stent mounting and dismounting assembly that mounts and dismounts the stent from the stent support, a robotic arm for moving the stent support with the stent between the buffer and the stent mounting and dismounting assembly, and a scale assembly for weighing the stent. The stent mounting and dismounting assembly moves the stent into the scale assembly after the stent has been dismount from the stent support.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the time of flight of a signal transmitted between a transmitter (42, 44) and a receiver (44, 42). In one form, the method involves transmitting a first signal and a second signal having a waveform modification introduced at a predetermined point in time of the duration of the second signal; receiving said first and second transmitted signals; determining a point of diversion between the first and second received signals to determine an arrival time of the introduced waveform feature modification at the receiver. In addition, the invention provides an accurate time of flight determination of ultrasonic signals in a flow sensor (24) adapted for a smoke detector system (10).

Abstract: A method for establishing a dynamic maintenance scheduling tool for a specific part of a machinery based on condensed prior knowledge of the part of the machinery in a population of machineries. The scheduling tool is in turn used in a method for establishing a dynamic maintenance schedule for a specific part of a specific machinery, wherein parameters related to the usage, including relevant parameters representing factors influencing the lifetime of the specific parts, are utilized as input data to the dynamic maintenance scheduling tool for the specific part of the machinery, whereupon a dynamic maintenance schedule for the specific part of the specific machinery is achieved as output data from the scheduling tool. The method is in particular dedicated to industrial robot systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for controlling the loading and/or unloading process of an aeroplane. According to the invention, a parcel introduced into the aeroplane is identified, a weight is associated with the parcel, the position of the parcel inside the airplane is monitored, and the total weight and/or center of gravity of the aeroplane is calculated from the aeroplane information provided and the weights and positions of the parcels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260, 1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Fourier analysis can conveniently be applied for analyzing the acquired current data and comparing to stored calibration data to determine weight. Weight is determined without regard to the actual speed of the moving article.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of estimating at least one state of a modeled dynamic system. In particular, in one embodiment, an observer such as an extended Kalman filter is used to estimate the state of a modeled dynamic system. A covariance matrix associated with state variables of the observer is periodically checked for compliance with a specified condition, e.g., positive definiteness. If the matrix deviates from the specified condition, the matrix is set to a specified value.

Abstract: A vehicle mass estimation apparatus for estimating the mass of a vehicle based on rotation information of tires attached to the vehicle. The apparatus includes a rotation speed information detection means for periodically detecting tire rotation speed information of the respective wheels of the vehicle; a rotation acceleration information calculation means for calculating tire rotation acceleration information based on the rotation speed information obtained by the rotation speed information detection means; a driving force calculation means for calculating a driving force of the vehicle based on axle shaft torque information of the vehicle; and a vehicle mass estimation means for estimating the mass of the vehicle as a regression coefficient when the rotation acceleration information and the driving force information are subjected to linear regression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that comprises a tool holder that can be adjusted in an x-axis, a y-axis which is perpendicular thereto, and a z-axis that is perpendicular both to the x-axis and the y-axis and that can be pivoted about the z-axis. A dispense head for solid material is mounted on the tool holder as the tool. Two scales are disposed on the dispense head for solid material, said scales weighing the material which is or is to be delivered by the dispense head for solid material. The inventive design with two scales directly mounted on the dispense head for solid material allows for weighing of the material without the dispense head for solid material or the material having to be placed on separate scales.

Abstract: A method for determining a motor vehicle mass which is implemented in conjunction with shifting an automated shift transmission from a current gear to a desired gear. In determining the mass, a value force and movement parameters are determined partly before or after the shift operation and partly during it. For the more rapid and accurate determination of mass, the drive-wheel-related traction force of the drive engine before and after the shift F_zug_vor, F_zug_nach, the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle before and after the shift, a_zug_vor, a_zug_nach, and the acceleration a_roll determined in the traction-force-free phase during the shift are determined, and from these and in accordance with the equation m=F_zug/(a_zug?a_roll), a first mass value m_vor=F_zug_vor/(a_zug_vor?a_roll) is calculated for the beginning of the shift and a second mass value m_nach=F_zug_nach/(a_zug_nach?a_roll) is calculated for the end of the shift.

Abstract: A flatbed weigh system and methods for weighing substantially flat articles such as mail flats while they are moving. A weigh system has an intake plate (2102) and an accelerator assembly (2100) that receives an article (2150) and accelerates it to a selected velocity. Acceleration is controlled by a servo motor (2112) which in turn is driven by a precision closed-loop servo system (FIG. 12) that accumulates motor torque data to determine the article weight. The accelerator assembly uses vacuum pressure (2130, 2132) to hold the moving article in engagement with a cylindrical capstan roller (2110) while it is being weighed. This vacuum-driven concept eliminates the need for a pinch roller to hold the moving article against a capstan roller as in other designs. Because the pinch roller is eliminated, there is essentially no “bouncing” to address, so dampening is obviated. Further, the vacuum design is not adversely affected by variations in thickness of the article under test as in the pinch roller designs.