Mechanical Patents (Class 703/7)
  • Publication number: 20090089031
    Abstract: A tool for simulating an industrial control system is provided. The tool includes a simulation component to emulate a controller according to a simulated execution environment and one or more simulation models for simulating devices associated with the controller, where the controller and the devices are integrated in a common simulation platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David Thayer Sturrock, Glenn Richardson Drake, Cory R. Crooks, A. David Takus, Mark Anson Glavach, Genevieve O'Neill Kolt, Frank Anthony Palmieri, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090089030
    Abstract: System(s) and method(s) facilitate a distributed simulation of an industrial control system. A model of the industrial control system is generated and computing resources are scheduled for simulating portions of a simulation according to the model. Computing resources are scheduled to mitigate computational bottlenecks in the simulation and synchronize portions of the simulation deployed in disparate computing resources. Sub-processes of a control process can be simulated in dedicated computing resources as a part of a distributed simulation of the control process. Execution time of one or more portions of a distributed simulation can be increased or slowed down to synchronize said portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David Thayer Sturrock, Glenn Richardson Drake, Cory R. Crooks, A. David Takus, Mark Anson Glavach, Genevieve O'Neill Kolt, Frank Anthony Palmieri, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090089020
    Abstract: A method of inspecting an internal feature of a gas turbine component includes removing a portion of the turbine component to expose the internal feature, treating the surfaces of the internal feature to provide the surfaces with a substantially uniform coloration, generating an electronic model of the internal feature, analyzing the electronic model generated with reference to a nominal electronic model, and providing an output based on the analysis of the electronic model generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse R. Boyer, Benjamin W. Meissner, Stephen D. Doll, Randall W. Joyner
  • Publication number: 20090089227
    Abstract: An industrial controller simulation system is provided. The system includes a simulation component that enables modeling of an industrial controller system. A suggestion component offers automated recommendations in accordance with the modeling of the industrial controller system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David Thayer Sturrock, Glenn Richardson Drake, Cory R. Crooks, A. David Takus, Mark Anson Glavach, Genevieve O'Neill Kolt, Frank Anthony Palmieri, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090089029
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate simulation(s) of components of an industrial control system. Simulation(s) execution time can be decreased by conducting the simulation in a parallel computing platform, and coupling the simulation with an optimization component that restructures the simulation code. Such automated reconfiguration removes inhibitors for parallelism, resulting in optimized code to execute the simulation, with the ensuing reduction in execution time. Execution time can also be reduced by applying an adaptive time step during state propagations that are part of the simulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David Thayer Sturrock, Glenn Richardson Drake, Cory R. Crooks, A. David Takus, Mark Anson Glavach, Genevieve O'Neill Kolt, Frank Anthony Palmieri, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090089032
    Abstract: A simulation tool for an industrial automation system is provided. The tool includes a simulation component that simulates one or more components of an industrial control system. At least one directed model provides one or more suggested parameters or profiles to the simulation component, where the suggested parameters or profiles are derived from data relating to an industry or controls application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David Thayer Sturrock, Glenn Richardson Drake, Cory R. Crooks, A. David Takus, Mark Anson Glavach, Genevieve O'Neill Kolt, Frank Anthony Palmieri, JR.
  • Patent number: 7512527
    Abstract: The apparatus for preparing data to generate simulation model extracts the analysis data of the parts required when a simulation is performed based on the CAD data of the parts forming a product to be processed, prepares data as a source of a simulation model of the product by combining the analysis data. The apparatus acquires the central coordinates of fine parts such as a screw, a screw hole, a boss and so on of the parts deleted from the analysis data, assigns a position name to them, and prepares data as a source of a simulation model by combining analysis data based on the position name and central coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Kenji Nagase
  • Patent number: 7509242
    Abstract: A method for designing a nuclear fuel assembly, including the steps of establishing a progression of a speed of the control cluster after the impact of the support against the upper end piece, establishing, based on the speed established in step a), a maximum longitudinal load for compression of the spring, and establishing, based on the maximum longitudinal load for compression, at least a maximum shearing stress in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Framatome ANP
    Inventors: Catherine Callens, Hélène Segura
  • Patent number: 7509244
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for partitioning and distributing the model processing of a graphical model to provide an executable form of the graphical model. The methods and systems determine tasks of the model processing that can be processed separately and concurrently from other tasks. A distribution scheme for distributing the model processing tasks is determined that considers the characteristics of the model processing tasks in view of the characteristics of available computing resources. Variations of partitioning and distributing the model processing tasks can be determined to provide for distributed processing in an optimized or desired manner. The results of the distributed processing of the model processing tasks are obtained and combined to provide an executable form for the graphical model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: The MathWorks, Inc.
    Inventors: Mojdeh Shakeri, Pieter J. Mosterman
  • Patent number: 7509241
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically combining aerial images and oblique images to form a three-dimensional (3D) site model. The apparatus or method is supplied with aerial and oblique imagery. The imagery is processed to identify building boundaries and outlines as well as to produce a depth map. The building boundaries and the depth map may be combined to form a 3D plan view model or used separately as a 2D plan view model. The imagery and plan view model is further processed to determine roof models for the buildings in the scene. The result is a 3D site model having buildings represented rectangular boxes with accurately defined roof shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sarnoff Corporation
    Inventors: Yanlin Guo, Rakesh Kumar, Stephen Charles Hsu, Harpreet Singh Sawhney
  • Patent number: 7505885
    Abstract: A finite element method for predicting crack opening and propagation entails defining a succession of overlapping interface elements at a potential crack plane, each element having a bound node pair and side node pairs spaced from the bound node pair to sense approach of a crack. An energy-based fracture mechanics criterion determines whether release occurs at the bound nodes and, if so, the displacement between the bound nodes is calculated based on a strain softening law. The process is repeated for each element in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Lyle R. Deobald, Bernhard Dopker, Gerald E. Mabson
  • Patent number: 7503182
    Abstract: A system and method of computer-based configuration of a condensing unit for a cooling system is provided. A list of condensing units is generated based on a selected starting path. A condensing unit is selected from the list of condensing units and reconfigured based on desired criteria. The starting paths include a change an existing product path, a search by own specification path, and a cross competitive product path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay Bahel, Thomas E Crone, Altaf Hossain, Deborah L Monnin, Marti Atwell-Mays
  • Publication number: 20090069905
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for analyzing a production process. In order to make it possible to analyze the production process in an improved manner for the purpose of production planning, the invention proposes a method for analyzing a production process in which at least one production device that is controlled by a control program is involved, wherein the method has the following method steps: at least one part of the control program is simulated using a simulation program and instructions which are executed in this case are logged, and an associated data record, in which the real-time requirement of an action caused by the logged instruction on the production device is respectively assigned to the logged instructions, is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Matthias Diezel, Carsten Hamm, Marc Holz, David Koch
  • Publication number: 20090063113
    Abstract: A method of controlling soot blowers near a heat exchange section includes generating models of both the ideal clean operating condition of the section and the dirty operating condition. The current operating condition of the section is used to calculate a reliability parameter that provides an indication of the reliability of the ideal and dirty models. If the reliability parameter indicates that the models are reliable, the models are used to help evaluate the cleanliness status of a particular heat exchange section and assist in making decisions on whether to blow the section or not, and whether to make any necessary adjustments to the operating sequence of the soot blowers. If the reliability parameter indicates that the models are unreliable, the models are regenerated using additional process data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT POWER & WATER SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter N. Francino, Xu Cheng
  • Publication number: 20090063114
    Abstract: The passing point management unit stores the attribute of each passing point of harness and the like in a virtual design space in a passing point table as passing point information and manages it. The binding point management unit stores the attribute of a binding point obtained by binding each passing point of harness as binding point information including relationship information of the binding point of each passing point and independent of each piece of passing point information. The management unit collectively edits/displays bound harness and so on by editing the binding point information of the binding point table and reflecting the edition result in the passing point information related to the binding point information based on the relationship information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Kouji DEMIZU, Masayuki Kidera
  • Patent number: 7499845
    Abstract: Analyzing the mechanical state of an assembly modeled by a computer aided design system includes generating a model of a fastener and a part of the assembly. The fastener model includes an engaging region and the part model includes a receiving region to fastenably receive the engaging region. The fastener and the part are each represented by finite element representations that include elastically interconnected nodes. A tightening mesh interconnecting nodes of the engaging region and nodes of the receiving region is generated and a force applied between the nodes of the engaging and receiving region is determined based on a pre-tension force occurring upon engaging the engaging region with the receiving region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Dassault Systemes
    Inventors: Jean-Baptiste Quincy, Emmanuel Savinien, Charles-Andre DeHillerin, Christian Naveau
  • Publication number: 20090055135
    Abstract: A method for designing a secondary cutting structure for use in a bottom hole assembly, the method including defining initial design parameters for the secondary cutting structure and analyzing forces acting on the secondary cutting structure. Additionally, the method includes modifying at least one design element of the secondary cutting structure and simulating an effect of the modifying on both the secondary cutting structure and a primary cutting structure to determine if an improved condition is met. Also, a method for designing a drilling tool assembly, the method including defining initial drilling tool assembly design parameters including a primary cutting structure and a secondary cutting structure, and simulating a dynamic response of the drilling tool assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Tang, Gordon Whipple, Sujian J. Huang, Navish Makkar, Tommy Laird, Gail Nelson
  • Publication number: 20090055145
    Abstract: Systems and methods involving engine models are provided. A representative method for updating a gas turbine engine reference model includes: determining whether an absolute difference between a dominant time constant of a sensor and an assumed sensor model time constant is outside a tolerance value; and responsive to determining that the absolute difference is outside the tolerance value, updating the assumed sensor model time constant with the dominant time constant of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Allan J. Volponi, Ravi Rajamani, Frederick A. Just-Agosto, David Serrano
  • Publication number: 20090048810
    Abstract: The invention provides a computer-implemented system for assisting in designing a resilient member. The computer-implemented system includes a storage module, an interface module and a processing module. The storage module therein stores a plurality of response surface functions which each corresponds to one of a plurality of applicable materials. The interface module receives input of a desired one of the plurality of applicable materials and N desired values of N geometrical parameters. The processing module selects, according to the desired material, one from the plurality of response surface functions stored in the storage module, and estimates at least one mechanical property associated with the resilient member by applying the desired values of the geometrical parameters in the selected response surface function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Han-Ting Chen
  • Publication number: 20090037035
    Abstract: A method and system adjusts blade tip clearance between rotating aircraft gas turbine engine blade tips and a surrounding shroud in anticipation of and before an engine command that changes an engine rotational speed. The method may include determining when to begin adjusting the tip clearance by expanding or contracting the shroud before the engine command and may be based on monitored aircraft and/or aircraft crew data indicative of the engine. The aircraft and/or aircraft crew data may include communications between aircraft crew and air traffic control authorities or air traffic control surrogates. Determining when to begin adjusting the tip clearance may include using learning algorithms which may use the aircraft gas turbine engine's operating experience and/or operating experience of other jet engines on an aircraft containing the aircraft gas turbine engine and/or on other aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: John Erik Hershey, Brock Estel Osborn, Donald Lee Gardner, Rafael Jose Ruiz, William Lee Herron
  • Publication number: 20090037152
    Abstract: A method and computer program product is presented to map noise levels onto the hydraulic operating plane. Application of this model has the potential to show which fan is quieter, where, and by how much. It is shown how the technique can be applied to a diverse set of comparisons including speed, diameter, type, model, and multiple fans in combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Maurice Francis Holahan, Michael Desmond O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20090030658
    Abstract: A fixed cutter drill bit and a method for designing a fixed cutter drill bit includes simulating the fixed cutter drill bit drilling in an earth formation. A performance characteristic of the simulated fixed cutter drill bit is determined. A side rake angle distribution of the cutters is adjusted at least along a cone region of a blade of the fixed cutter drill bit to change the performance characteristic of the fixed cutter drill bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Bala Durairajan, Peter Thomas Cariveau, Sujian J. Huang
  • Patent number: 7480596
    Abstract: The object is to provide an environment in which dynamic verification of harness design is available, and thereby realizing efficient harness design. The apparatus comprises: a mechanism information storing unit which stores in advance three-dimensional model data of a mechanical component, other than the harness, of the object apparatus; a harness information setting section which sets harness information; a simulation section which creates a three-dimensional mechanism model of the harness and of the mechanical component based on the harness information and on the three-dimensional model data of the mechanical component, and which simulates motion of the harness in conjunction with motion of the mechanical component using the three-dimensional mechanism model; a display; and a display controlling section which controls the display to show thereon the simulation result obtained by the simulation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masayoshi Hashima, Yuichi Sato
  • Patent number: 7479963
    Abstract: Method and system for efficiently controlling animated smoke which utilizes a sequence of target smoke states to generate a smoke simulation in which the smoke is driven towards each of these targets in turn, while exhibiting natural-looking interesting smoke-like behavior. This control is made possible by two new terms added to standard flow equations: (i) a driving force term that causes the fluid to carry the smoke towards a particular target, and (ii) a smoke gathering term that prevents the smoke from diffusing too much. These terms are explicitly defined by the instantaneous state of the system at each simulation time step. Thus, no expensive optimization is required, allowing complex smoke animations to be generated with very little additional cost compared to ordinary flow simulations. The invention is also applicable to animation of other fluid flow phenomena.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Inventors: Daniel Lischinski, Raanan Fattal
  • Patent number: 7480601
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for predicting the failure of a component using a probabilistic model of a material's microstructural-based response to fatigue. The method predicts the component failure by a computer simulation of multiple incarnations of real material behavior, or virtual prototyping. The virtual prototyping simulates the effects of characteristics that include grain size, grain orientation, micro-applied stress and micro-yield strength that are difficult to simulate with real specimens. The invention provides an apparatus for predicting the response of a component to fatigue using the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Vextec Corporation
    Inventor: Robert G. Tryon, III
  • Publication number: 20090018781
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for determining the wear state of a machine tool. It has a machine tool with a controller, a production control computer and the tool database via a respective data connection. Said simulation computer, by means of a simulation process, while taking into account actual machine, production and tool data of the machine tool, is provided for determining data describing the wear state of the machine tool and for feeding said data to a display unit or a further process via a data connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Matthias Diezel, Carsten Hamm, Marc Holz, David Koch
  • Patent number: 7478022
    Abstract: A robust component emulator is provided for use in enclosure testing. Characteristics of the emulator are selected in accordance with the enclosure's view of the component during enclosure testing. Simulating only the subset of component characteristics of interest in enclosure testing allows a low-cost version of the component to be generated, thereby reducing inventory costs associated with testing and removing the need to use actual components during the test process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Stacy, Neil Stanick
  • Publication number: 20090012762
    Abstract: A method of constructing a piecewise linear engine performance model, comprises the steps of: (a) providing a non-linear engine performance model which iteratively calculates engine performance variables y from a plurality of sub-models, each sub-model representing the performance of a component of the engine; (b) defining a plurality of engine power conditions, each engine power condition being defined by one or more engine state variables x; (c) for each of the engine power conditions, using the non-linear engine performance model to determine partial derivatives ?y of the engine performance variables y with respect to engine control variables u and with respect to the engine state variables x, the values of the partial derivatives ?y being determined so that, on integrating the partial derivatives ?y, the error between steady state values for the engine performance variables y calculated by the non-linear engine performance model and steady state values for the engine performance variables y calculated
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Sean Patrick Ellis, Mark G. Challener
  • Publication number: 20090005894
    Abstract: Roughly described, a manufacturing process is enhanced by using TCAD and TCAD-derived models. A TCAD simulation model of the process is developed, which predicts, in dependence upon a plurality of process input parameters, a value for a performance parameter of a product to be manufactured using the process. Estimated, predicted or desired values for a calculated subset of the parameters (including either process input parameters or product performance parameters or both), are determined in dependence upon the process model, and further in dependence upon actual, estimated or desired values for a different subset of the parameters (again either process input parameters or product performance parameters or both). The determination is preferably made using a process compact model of the process, itself developed in dependence upon the simulation model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Lars BOMHOLT, Jim Chalmers, Wolfgang Fichtner
  • Publication number: 20090006056
    Abstract: Testing of an aircraft pressure control system may be performed without use of an altitude chamber. Aircraft cabin configuration date may be modeled and used, along with high resolution positional feedback from a simulated valve, to produce a high resolution electrical signal that may represent a simulated cabin pressure. A voltage-to-pressure transducer may convert the electrical signal to a pneumatic signal. The pneumatic signal may be employed to operate a cabin-pressure controller under test. The controller may operate an outflow valve actuator and an attached potentiometer. The potentiometer may produce a feedback signal and closed-loop testing of the aircraft pressure control system may thus be performed. The outflow valve actuator may be operated without being attached to an outflow valve because a simulated aerodynamic load may be applied to the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: DARRELL W. HORNER, Timothy C. Biss, Timothy J. Hilzendeger
  • Patent number: 7469200
    Abstract: A method has been invented for predicting the build-up of heat, material aging, and subsequent belt separation failure in rolling steel-belted pneumatic tires (20). The procedure employs finite element analysis and a new fatigue crack propagation model that takes output generated by the finite element model to predict distance and time to belt separation in the tire. The finite element model uses input information on tire load, speed and inflation pressure (12) to calculate the temperature and energy release rate at the corresponding tips of the fatigue crack to generate four-dimensional response surfaces of crack-tip energy release rate as a function of crack length, crack-tip circumferential angular position, and crack-tip temperature. The fatigue crack propagation model samples the response surface and is numerically integrated to predict distance and/or time to belt separation failure (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Nero Morman, Jr., Joanna Rakowska, Sheng-Yuan Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080312876
    Abstract: A method for analyzing the effectiveness of polishing frequency and the number of polishing times on the polishing pads having different patterns and profiles while performing the chemical-mechanical polishing process on the wafers is described. This method is to convert the images of various patterns and topography of the chips and grinding pads into binary images, and then calculates the binary images by numerical matrix method, which only needs to calculate the modified model of the position changed and the frequency of grinding during the rotation and deformation of different patterns and topography during relative movement, and then uses overlay model of effective grinding frequency to predict the distribution of effective grinding frequency at a fixed period of grinding time under a set grinding path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Zone-ching Lin, Chein-chung Chen
  • Publication number: 20080312891
    Abstract: A control system is designed in which a controlled plant is controlled based on output feedback from the controlled plant. An all-pass filter is modeled that is formed of a synthesis of a notch filter compensating for a resonance mode in the control system and the resonance mode. A design controlled plant including the all-pass filter is determined. A controller controls the design controlled plant and includes a weighting function, and, after the weighting function is derived, gain of the weighting function is adjusted using desired gain crossover frequency and phase margin. A phase variable included in a phase-lead weight is determined, and thus the weighting function is determined. H? loop shaping is applied to the weighting function and the design controlled plant to obtain an H? loop controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicants: FUJITSU LIMITED, THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
    Inventors: Tsugito Maruyama, Takayuki Kawabe, Shinji Hara, Keitaro Ohno
  • Patent number: 7467074
    Abstract: A system and method for assembling a mesh model for engineering analysis by a user is provided. The system includes a user computer system, a remotely located computer system and a data storage means. The method includes the steps of selecting a plurality of component parts having a best practice mesh model format and selecting a predetermined property for each of the selected component parts, wherein the predetermined property is selected from a best practice library stored on the data storage means. The method also includes the steps of determining if the mesh model for each of the selected component parts meets a predetermined mesh quality condition using a best practice mesh quality checking software program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: M. Omar Faruque, Robert Allen Kelly, Shrinivas Govind, Thiag Subbian
  • Publication number: 20080306718
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the behavior of jointly movable shafts of a multi-shaft machine. According to said method, a simulation model is created individually for each shaft. The shafts are then impinged upon individually by a movement pattern, and measurable variables are detected in order to be able to make a statement about the transformation of the movement pattern by the shaft. Especially the setpoint position and the actual position of the shafts are recorded (cf. figure). Simulation model parameters, e.g. the inert mass of the shaft, the friction or elasticity of the shaft, can be defined based upon an analysis of the detected measurable variables, whereupon a coordinated movement of at least two shafts can be simulated, the behavior of the individual shafts being considered independent from the behavior of the other shaft. A simulated trajectory is generated. A characteristic variable, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Weiliang Mi, Joachim Ullrich
  • Patent number: 7464013
    Abstract: A method of dynamically balancing a hole enlargement system is disclosed. The method includes modeling the hole enlargement system based on input parameters, simulating the hole enlargement system, adjusting one or more of the input parameters, and repeating the modeling, simulating, and adjusting until a balanced condition is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Sujian Huang, Stuart Oliver, Graham Mensa-Wilmot
  • Publication number: 20080300840
    Abstract: An initial layout of one pitch unit of a tire tread pattern is decided. A finite element model of a tire is created by developing the one pitch unit of the initial layout into a plurality of pitches in the circumferential direction of the tire to carry out a structural analysis. Evaluation indices calculated through the analysis are integrated into one pitch unit for each element associated with the indices. The elements are classified according to the magnitudes of the integrated evaluation indices to determine a plurality of classes to which elements subject to removal belong, and elements to be removed are selected from each of classes thus determined. Elements to be added are selected from among the elements which have been removed to decide a layout of the current generation. A finite element model of a tire is created by developing the layout of the current generation into a plurality of pitches to carry out a structural analysis, and convergence of an objective function is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Tanaka, Ken Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20080300716
    Abstract: A 3D virtual model of an intra oral cavity in which at least a part of a finish line of a preparation is obscured is manipulated in virtual space by means of a computer or the like to create, recreate or reconstruct finish line data and other geometrical corresponding to the obscured part. Trimmed virtual models, and trimmed physical models, can then be created utilizing data thus created. The virtual models and/or the physical models may be used in the design and manufacture of copings or of prostheses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: CADENT LTD.
    Inventors: Avi Kopelman, Eldad Taub
  • Patent number: 7457734
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of comparing the relative lateral stability among drill bits (that is, the tendency for a bit to whirl). This allows improved bit selection in applications where whirl is apparent. Because there will likely be many different acceptable bit designs produced by the above method, the comparison of the regenerative forces among these bits allows a customer to make a more informed choice between stability and other performance features among a range of bit designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: ReedHycalog UK Limited
    Inventors: Simon Johnson, Brian Peter Jarvis
  • Patent number: 7457732
    Abstract: System, method and computer product for baseline modeling a product or process. A service database contains process data. A preprocessor processes the data into a predetermined format. A baseline modeling component builds a baseline model from the preprocessed data, wherein the baseline model relates process performance variables as a function of process operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Kenneth Aragones, Jeffrey William Stein
  • Patent number: 7454321
    Abstract: Method system, and product from application of the method, for design of a subsonic airfoil shape, beginning with an arbitrary initial airfoil shape and incorporating one or more constraints on the airfoil geometric parameters and flow characteristics. The resulting design is robust against variations in airfoil dimensions and local airfoil shape introduced in the airfoil manufacturing process. A perturbation procedure provides a class of airfoil shapes, beginning with an initial airfoil shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Man Mohan Rai
  • Publication number: 20080281566
    Abstract: A system and method for yield management are disclosed wherein a data set containing one or more prediction variable values and one or more response variable values is input into the system. The system can process the input data set to remove prediction variables with missing values and data sets with missing values based on a tiered splitting method to maximize usage of all valid data points. The processed data can then be used to generate a model that may be a decision tree. The system can accept user input to modify the generated model. Once the model is complete, one or more statistical analysis tools can be used to analyze the data and generate a list of the key yield factors for the particular data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Weidong Wang, Jonathan B. Buckheit
  • Publication number: 20080281499
    Abstract: A computer simulates a relationship between a fuel-rate of fuel which collides with the cavity of the piston and the fuel injection timing, and/or the relationship between the fuel-rate of fuel which collide with the cylinder inner wall and the fuel injection timing. A range of the fuel injection timing in which the combustion state is stable is computed based on the simulation results. This range of fuel injection timing may be defined as the measuring range in which the measure points are arranged. Furthermore, the fuel injection timing is varied gradually around an upper and lower limit values of the measuring range and the engine torque is measured. The measuring range is corrected so that the combustion state becomes stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiko Kimura
  • Patent number: 7451067
    Abstract: A method for analysis of a cell structure includes a macroanalysis step and a microanalysis step. The macroanalysis step includes replacing a cell structure or a part of the cell structure with an anisotropic solid body having property values of equivalent rigidity characteristics, creating a finite element model of the anisotropic solid body based on the property values, applying an internal temperature distribution or an external pressure to the finite element model of the anisotropic solid body, determining the stress distribution in the anisotropic solid body, and selecting an aimed cell structure of which the stress should be calculated as a cell structure based on the stress distribution. The microanalysis step includes creating a finite element model of the aimed cell structure, and determining the stress distribution in the aimed cell structure based on the finite element model of the aimed cell structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: NGk Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Motomichi Itou, Yukio Miyairi
  • Patent number: 7447615
    Abstract: A work cell is defined on the simulation apparatus and a robot mounting an image capturing device, a workpiece, etc. are arranged in it; a separately set visual volume model is introduced into it, a tool coordinate system (tool tip point) is defined at a view point, and a detection reference point (detection reference coordinate system) is set relating to the workpiece; a graphic jog is performed to make the robot move so that the tool coordinate system matches with the detection reference coordinate system; and a simulated correction amount by the visual sensor is designated and the display of the visual volume model is switched on and off in accordance with output/nonoutput of the image capturing command at the time of simulation of the operation program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: FANUC Ltd
    Inventors: Atsushi Watanabe, Yoshiharu Nagatsuka
  • Publication number: 20080270092
    Abstract: A method for use in computer graphics includes receiving data representative of a plurality of particles. For each particle, the method further includes calculating a time at which a collision will occur based on a current trajectory of the particle. For pairs of particles that will collide with each other, another operation includes changing a direction of the particles to avoid a collision, wherein the changed directions approximate directions that would result from the collision. For particles in static contact, another operation includes allowing particles to push each other without bouncing. For particles in static contact that were previously moved by being pushed, the method also does not allow the particles to move during future collisions occurring during a time step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicants: Sony Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Cohen, Chris Allen
  • Patent number: 7444269
    Abstract: An improved method for designing the route of a transport element, such as a tube, is provided. The method preferably designs the route automatically and, by utilizing path constraints in the design of the route, as opposed to during a post design check, ensures that the resulting route complies with the various path constraints. In addition, the method of the present invention may establish a selection criterion to evaluate a plurality of feasible routes of the transport element that each comply with the path constraints such that a preferred or optimal route may be designed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael Drumheller
  • Patent number: 7441225
    Abstract: A method of synthesizing an electrical or electronic architecture of at least one part of a product including electrical wires and electrical and electronic components, such as sensors, actuators, and computing devices. In the method: the geometry of the product, which is divided into different zones, is represented two-dimensionally; routing points for the routing of the electrical wires are positioned in the different zones; connection points are positioned between the different zones; electrical and electronic components are positioned in the zones; a routing is synthesized according to the geometry of the different zones and the positions of the routing points, the connection points, and the components; the routing is assessed and, using the result of the assessment, the positions of the routing points, connection points, and/or electrical and electronic components are altered; and the synthesis and assessment are repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Samuel Boutin, Christophe Dang Van Nhan
  • Patent number: 7440878
    Abstract: A method of generating a virtual model of an object, comprising the step of constructing a fused model to represent the variation of the shape of the object in a plurality of configurations. In the method, position variation vectors may be calculated which describe the variation of a plurality of points in the fused model from their mean positions over all the configurations of the object; the position variation vectors may be assigned a weighting factor which represents a measure of their probabilistic confidence; a weighted covariance matrix may be constructed to represent the variations; the weighted covariance matrix may be operated on to obtain shape variation vectors representing the weighted direction and magnitude of variations; such that the fused model may describe how the shape of the object varies as a function of the shape variation vectors scaled by a shape parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of Edinburgh
    Inventors: Robert Burns Fisher, III, Petko Faber, Timothy Campbell Lukins
  • Patent number: 7434458
    Abstract: A method for determining coil spring force line range corresponding to specific damper friction values using a universal spring mechanism and using the determined force line range in coil spring design. The method includes securing the mechanism to a suspension system including a damper, providing a controller for controlling actuator legs thereof for exerting force between upper and lower seats of the mechanism, and performing a capability study of the mechanism. The method further includes determining a desired coil spring force line position based upon the capability study, activating the mechanism to generate a desired coil spring force line based upon the desired coil spring force line position, performing damper friction measurements for determining a coil sp ring force line position for minimizing damper friction, determining the coil spring force line range based upon the damper friction measurements, and designing a coil spring based upon the coil spring force line range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: NHK International Corp.
    Inventors: Shinichi Nishizawa, Jason Logsdon