Mechanical Patents (Class 703/7)
  • Patent number: 7139689
    Abstract: A method for simulating a drilling tool assembly having a drill string and a drill bit. The method includes simulating a dynamic response of the drill string; simulating a dynamic response of the drill bit; and resolving the dynamic response of the drill string and the dynamic response of the drill bit into a dynamic response of the drilling tool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Sujian Huang
  • Patent number: 7136784
    Abstract: There are provided a method of evaluating the reflection performance of a reflecting mirror designed for a vehicle lamp, an evaluation system, and a computer-readable storage medium. There are provided steps (108a) and (108b) in the method. The step (108a) is provided so as to enter design information representative of a plurality of reflecting basic surfaces as well as position information of a light source in a vehicle lamp. The step (108b) is provided so as to display attribute information with respect to each of a plurality of areas into which one reflecting basic surface selected from among the reflecting basic surfaces is divided on the basis of design information. The attribute information indicates whether imaginary light from the light source position can effectively reach each area, and is applied to a reflecting mirror composed of the plurality of reflecting basic surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 7136789
    Abstract: A method for generating an acceleration profile for a valve operating cam of an internal combustion engine varies an adjustment point of an initial draft acceleration profile curve such that a determinant of a set of equations defining valve motion constraints and scaling factors is forced to zero. The equations may then be solved for values of the scaling factors which are applied to the initial draft acceleration profile curve to generate a desired profile which satisfies valve motion constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald G. Mosier, Bruce Geist, William F Resh
  • Patent number: 7136785
    Abstract: A system and method for statistically analyzing a structural member design is provided to obtain a probability that the structural design will meet predetermined design criteria. The present invention provides for numerous spreadsheets, interrelated by way of a macro, to performing statistical analysis on a design, wherein one spreadsheet accepts design input variables. The design input variables are then evaluated by a number of recommended design criteria. If the design fails to meet the recommended design criteria, the user can establish the design (e.g., optimize it in one embodiment) using the optimization spreadsheet. The optimization spreadsheet established the structural member design by automatically adjusting various design inputs so that the structural member design satisfies as many design criteria as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Mast, Robert L. McNabb, Christopher J. Russo
  • Patent number: 7136794
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques used in connection with determining a health indicator (HI) of a component, such as that of an aircraft component. The HI is determined using condition indicators (CIs) which parameterize characteristics about a component minimizing possibility of a false alarm. Different algorithms are disclosed which may be used in determining one or more CIs. The HI may be determined using a normalized CI value. Techniques are also described in connection with selecting particular CIs that provide for maximizing separation between HI classifications. Given a particular HI at a point in time for a component, techniques are described for predicting a future state or health of the component using the Kalmán filter. Techniques are described for estimating data values as an alternative to performing data acquisitions, as may be used when there is no pre-existing data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Robert Bechhoefer
  • Patent number: 7133812
    Abstract: A method of parametric design of an instrument panel support structure for an instrument panel on a vehicle includes the step of determining an input parameter, such that the input parameter is a three dimensional coordinate defining the instrument panel support structure relative to the vehicle. The method also includes the step of generating a design of the instrument panel support structure using the input parameter and determining if the design of the instrument panel support structure meets a predetermined criteria. The method further includes the step of modifying the input parameter if the design of the instrument panel support structure does not meet the predetermined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Francis Weber, Michael Joseph Walraven, Jared Clark, Daniel Cornelius Bach
  • Patent number: 7130781
    Abstract: In general, techniques are described for the creation and execution of accurate models for the manufacture of complex, multi-layered materials. The techniques may be used to calculate variations of a process parameter within the material during the manufacturing process. A method comprises receiving segment data that partitions a manufacturing process into a set of segments having at least one layer of a material. For example, the segment data may partition the manufacturing processes along a path traversed by the material within the manufacturing process. The method further comprises receiving curvature data for the layers, and calculating values for a process parameter through the layers of the segments as a function of the curvature data. The method may comprise invoking a one-dimensional model, such as a one-dimensional finite difference model, to calculate the values for the defined segments and layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Randy S. Bay, Elisa J. Collins, James N. Dobbs
  • Patent number: 7129951
    Abstract: A system and method directed to speculating a collision in a video game. A vectorial sum of vertices of a first object, a second object, and motion vector for the first object is used to determine if a collision occurs. A shifted motion vector beginning at an origin within the vectorial sum, with substantially same orientation as the motion vector is employed to determine an intersection on a collision plane. A first triangle is constructed containing the origin and having vertices among vertices of the vectorial sum. Subsequent triangles sharing one edge with a previous triangle are constructed without overlapping. The iterative construction process is terminated when no vertex of the vectorial sum remains to be selected for a new triangle. A time and location of the collision is determined based on coordinates of the triangle vertices establishing a length of a line segment between the origin and the intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Valve Corporation
    Inventor: John B. Stelly, III
  • Patent number: 7130748
    Abstract: A simulation method includes the step of momently measuring a value of each of a strain, a strain speed, and a stress generated in the viscoelastic material, deriving time history data of a viscous drag, the strain speed and the stress, thereby deriving a relationship among the strain, the strain speed, and the viscous drag and setting the product as a product model whose performance is analyzed; inputting the relationship to the product model; and computing a stress and strain of a deviation component by using a deviation main strain and a deviation main strain speed converted from an entire coordinate system into a main strain coordinate system and a main strain speed coordinate system respectively to thereby conduct a simulation in consideration of a change of the viscous drag which occurs in dependence of a variation of the strain and the strain speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Masahiko Ueda, Kazuyoshi Miyamoto, Masaki Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 7127313
    Abstract: A product configuration system; the system has a memory device, in which all possible product manufacturing alternatives are stored; a display device for graphically displaying all possible product manufacturing alternatives in the form of a product tree defined by a set of paths defined by a number of series or parallel segments; and a selection device for selecting the product configuration by selecting a path, on the product tree, having a start or input point and an end or output point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Tree's Co. S.r.l.
    Inventor: Armando Neri
  • Patent number: 7120510
    Abstract: A method of executing a plurality of steps that are performed sequentially in temporal order under computer control. Each of the plurality of steps is executed by one of a plurality of terminal computers. When a terminal computer assigned to a step has completed the work in the step and is able to execute the work in the next step, it sends a work completion signal to a central processing computer. The central processing computer receives this work completion signal and prepares a work item notice that indicates that the next step can be started, such that the notice can be displayed on the screen of the terminal computer used for the next step. The terminal computer used for the next step allows the notice displayed on its screen to be clicked to start work on the next step assigned to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: INCS Inc.
    Inventors: Shinjiro Yamada, Seiki Sato, Katsunori Shimomura, Tomohito Ohmori, Michiyo Kuwabara, Keiji Okamoto, Katsuji Iwasaki, Hidenori Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7117136
    Abstract: An input and feedback system for use with simulator devices immobilizes a portion of the user's body using a securement device which holds the immobilized portion in a fixed position. Pressure sensors are disposed upon the securement device to detect the force resulting from any attempted motion of the immobilized body part. Signals describing these forces are sent to a processing unit which applies this information to a simulated environment and provides sensory feedback to the user of the this simulated environment. Feedback is provided via vibrating elements which provide a sensation to the user corresponding to the motion of the user's muscles which occur in the simulated environment. Feedback is also provided via a screen which is disposed in front of the head of the user. Such immobilizing devices may be used to allow input and feedback based on the motion of various parts of the user's body, such as the head, arms, legs, and torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Linden Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Rosedale
  • Patent number: 7117137
    Abstract: An adaptive train model (ATM) for predicting train consist reactions to specific stimuli using a system including at least one measurement sensor located on the train consist, a data base, and a computer. The ATM collects sensor data as the consist is moving, determines a consist force balance utilizing the sensor data and the computer, determines a set of consist coefficients using the computer, and predicts train consist kinetic characteristic values using the consist force balance and the set of consist coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: GE Harris Railway Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: John Belcea
  • Patent number: 7117067
    Abstract: Methods for operating robotic devices (i.e., “robots”) that employ adaptive behavior relative to neighboring robots and external (e.g., environmental) conditions. Each robot is capable of receiving, processing, and acting on one or more multi-device primitive commands that describe a task the robot will perform in response to other robots and the external conditions. The commands facilitate a distributed command and control structure, relieving a central apparatus or operator from the need to monitor the progress of each robot. This virtually eliminates the corresponding constraint on the maximum number of robots that can be deployed to perform a task (e.g., data collection, mapping, searching). By increasing the number of robots, the efficiency in completing the task is also increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: James McLurkin, Jennifer Smith
  • Patent number: 7117065
    Abstract: A method for modifying a stamping die to compensate for springback includes the steps of stamping a first part using a base, or pre-existing die set, and creating a surrogate die having the shape of the first stamped part. These steps are followed by simulated stamping of a blank with the surrogate die, where the blank is shaped according to the desired finished part. Then, the base die is modified by mapping the forming stresses, from the stamped blank, to an indicator blank, which is allowed to relax and then is employed as a template for modification of the base die. Following this, the accuracy of the newly modified base die is determined by stamping a second part in the modified base die and by comparing a number of dimensions of the second part with a number of corresponding dimensions of the desired finished part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Zhiyong Cedric Xia, Feng Ren
  • Patent number: 7113899
    Abstract: Keybar voltages in electric machines are reduced by electromagnetically optimizing the positioning of the keybars with respect to stator winding phase belts, the selection of the number of keybars, the selection of the number of stator slots, and/or the direction of rotation of a rotor with respect to the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Manoj Ramprasad Shah, Sameh Ramadan Salem
  • Patent number: 7110835
    Abstract: Graphic displays, which display information about process elements and the manner in which these elements are connected within a process, process modules, which simulate the operation of the elements depicted within the graphic displays and control modules, which perform on-line control activities within a process, may be communicatively connected together to provide a combined control, simulation and display environment that enables enhanced control, simulation and display activities. Smart process objects, which have both graphical and simulation elements, may used to create one or more graphic displays and one or more process simulation modules, each having elements which may communicate with one another to share data between the graphic displays and the process modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence Blevins, Mark Nixon, Michael Lucas, Arthur Webb, Ken Beoughter
  • Patent number: 7110926
    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 spring 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: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: NHK International Corp.
    Inventors: Shinichi Nishizawa, Jason Logsdon
  • Patent number: 7107197
    Abstract: A wiring harness design is analyzed and module data is created automatically and stored for a plurality of harness modules representing wire and component element requirements for those modules, the modules being capable of assembly in selected combinations to create a complete harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Mentor Graphics Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur Edward Shropshire
  • Patent number: 7103520
    Abstract: A modeling system predicts natural frequency responses in tube sub-systems including shrouded bellows components. The system determines a stiffness multiplier from input values and uses the determined flexibility factor to determine the natural frequency responses. The input values include geometry inputs and dynamic operating condition inputs. The flexibility factor is determined with a regression equation. The regression equation, based on dynamic stiffness test data of various shrouded bellows configurations, permits the system to characterize the shrouded bellows using a geometry element that includes an assigned flexibility factor based on dynamic stiffness test data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Richard Shaw, Christen Staton Vonderau
  • Patent number: 7103526
    Abstract: A method for exposing the internal signals of a system model or software model of a dynamic system to a client application outside the original modeling environment is provided. A designer of the system model is provided with a way to select internal signals of the system model in order to expose those internal signals to other computer applications external to the modeling environment. Such computer applications are then able to access the internal signals by way of interfacing software while the system model is being exercised within the modeling environment, or while a software model based on the system model is executed outside of that environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Craig Allen, Randy A Coverstone
  • Patent number: 7096170
    Abstract: To provide a method of assisting in the design of a vehicular suspension by allowing definition points inherent in suspensions to be easily recognized regardless of the different types and mechanisms thereof, and allowing specification values to be simply entered at the definition points. A method of assisting in the design of a vehicular suspension to generate a simulation model for a suspension using a CAD system includes the steps of indicating a suspension to be designed, opening a specification value entering window for entering specification values inherent in the indicated suspension, entering specification values at definition points inherent in the indicated suspension in the specification value entering window, and generating a simulation model based on the specification values at the definition points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigehisa Fujita
  • Patent number: 7096171
    Abstract: A portable train simulator, including a microprocessor, a display and an input device for the microprocessor. A first program drives the display to depict indicia of a control stand and to respond to control inputs from the input device. A second program drives the display to depict a track to be traversed from a data file in response to the control inputs. A virtual control stand is one of the elements that allows the true portability of a train simulator. The system can display and switch between the present operating parameters of the train and/or a history of the operating parameters of the train, as selected by the input device. Thus, the system can switch from playback mode to simulation mode to provide a take-over of recorded conditions to allow an operator to explore alternate methods for managing the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Hawthorne, C. Mackay Foster
  • Patent number: 7096169
    Abstract: A virtual speaker demonstration system is disclosed that permits a retail outlet to use a reference speaker to demonstrate the performance of multiple different demonstration speakers. A user interface permits a user to select a demonstration speaker and signal processing is performed so that the output from the reference speaker simulates the output of the selected demonstration speaker. The invention provides benefits to all three of the consumer, the retailer, and the manufacturer. The consumer can listen to and compare multiple demonstration speakers easily and conveniently from the same reference speaker. The retailer to use a single (or few) reference speaker to demonstrate the performance of multiple demonstration speakers, saving costs and space. The manufacturer to be able to display and demonstrate to consumers a broader range of the manufacturer's product line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Crutchfield Corporation
    Inventor: William G. Crutchfield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7092862
    Abstract: A computer program for determining whether a plurality of objects will collide is disclosed. The program divides each object into surfaces, subsurfaces, and elements and computes normals for the elements and normals for each subsurface. The program calculates the dot products between the subsurface normals. If the dot product is negative, the program computes the relative subsurface vector between the two subsurfaces and calculates the dot product between the first subsurface normal and the relative subsurface vector to determine if there is a possible collision of elements. If that dot product is negative, then the program calculates the dot product for the elemental normals. If that dot product is negative, then the program calculates the relative elemental vector and calculates the dot product between the first elemental normal and the relative elemental vector. If that dot product is negative, then the two objects have collided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Gordon Hooks
  • Patent number: 7092860
    Abstract: The systems and methods of this invention provide simulated images to vision inspection systems. The simulated images emulate the vision of a vision inspection system. Graphical models of objects in a virtual world and lens effects models are used to provide the simulated images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Richard M. Wasserman
  • Patent number: 7089166
    Abstract: A computer implemented method for modeling of faulting and fracturing uses “small scale rules” to produce large-scale results. One part of the method is a user interface for inputting deformations, preexisting faults and fractures, and material rock properties. The second part of the software is the code that solves the motion of each point or node in the subsurface volume defined by the user interface. The model may be defined in one of three modes: an aerial mode, in which the model is 2-dimensional with the material and a substrate on a horizontal plane; a cross-sectional mode similar to the aerial mode except that the nodes are in a vertical cross section and gravity is included in the model; and a 3-D model that is an extension into a third dimension of the 2-D model and deformation may be applied to the bottom and four sides of the material region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, Norske ConocoPhillips A/S
    Inventors: Anders Malthe-Sorenssen, Thomas Walmann, Torstein Jossang, Jens Feder, Humphrey H. Hardy
  • Patent number: 7089169
    Abstract: In the calculation or simulation of technical components for use in a technical system wherein calculation programs are provided for various physical variables which are taken into account on a case-to-case basis, a preprocessing method is provided in order to couple programs for physically and geometrically calculating such a component without the need for the creation of a tailor-made calculation program for a specific component. The procedural setup of the processing steps permits a modular composition of the calculation process for the simulation of any type of component subjected to physical influences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH
    Inventor: Berthold Krevet
  • Patent number: 7085689
    Abstract: A machine-implemented method is provided for placing a plurality of particles to create a simulated particle pack. The method comprises defining a central string, a space disposed about the central string, and N concentric subspaces disposed about the central string and within the space, each of the N subspaces corresponding to one of the N particle categories, selecting a particle from the plurality of particles, and placing the selected particle in the corresponding subspace so that the selected particle becomes a placed particle at a particle location unique to that placed particle and is in non-overlapping relation with other placed particles. The selected particle placement includes defining a catch net representative of buoyancy of a portion of the placed particles and positioning the catch net within the space based upon the placement of the portion of the placed particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: I. Lee Davis, Micheal P. Iverson
  • Patent number: 7085694
    Abstract: A method and apparatus accommodate interaction phenomenon in a data-flow-based simulation of a system of elements, by establishing meta-modules to simulate system elements and by establishing world modules associated with interaction phenomena. World modules are associated with proxy modules from a group of meta-modules associated with one of the interaction phenomenon. The world modules include a communication world, a sensor world, a mobility world, and a contact world. World modules can be further associated with other world modules if necessary. Interaction phenomenon are simulated in corresponding world modules by accessing member functions in the associated group of proxy modules. Proxy modules can be dynamically allocated at a desired point in the simulation to accommodate the addition of elements in the system of elements such as a system of robots, a system of communication terminals, or a system of vehicles, being simulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick G. Xavier, Eric J. Gottlieb, Michael J. McDonald, Fred J. Oppel, III
  • Patent number: 7076412
    Abstract: The present invention includes computer instructions that facilitate characterizing a geometry piece based upon one or more received input selections, generating a temporary dimension type based, at least in part, upon the characterization, storing the temporary dimension type, and displaying the temporary dimension type. In one embodiment, the computer instructions are part of a mechanical design software application. In one embodiment, the mechanical software application including the computer instructions are embodied in a distribution storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Davis
  • Patent number: 7076413
    Abstract: A stroke time of a piston from excitation of a solenoid valve for driving the piston of a pneumatic cylinder to arrival at an end position thereof and a velocity of the piston at the arrival of the piston at the end position are determined by a simulation calculating unit for several load rates of the pneumatic cylinder for a plurality of determined combinations of the solenoid valve, a speed controller, the pneumatic cylinder, and tubes for connecting therebetween. The stroke time and velocity of the piston determined by the simulation calculating unit for each of the load rates for each of the plurality of combinations are displayed in a superimposed manner on a display unit with a display control means based on a stroke of the pneumatic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Huping Zhang, Mitsuru Senoo, Naotake Oneyama
  • Patent number: 7069202
    Abstract: A system and method for virtual interactive design and evaluation and manipulation of a vehicle mechanism using a haptic-user interface is provided. The system includes a computer system and a haptic interface operatively in communication with the computer system, whereby the haptic interface includes a haptic end effector device for transmitting information between a user and a digital model as the user interactively creates, modifies, and evaluates kinematic and dynamic properties of the vehicle mechanism using the haptic end effector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Stewart, Aaron West, Pietro Buttolo
  • Patent number: 7065479
    Abstract: A method for determining an equilibrium configuration for an object to be subjected to peening includes representing a bulk geometry of the object as a solid body and representing a surface of the object as a surface layer overlying the solid body. The method further includes expanding the surface layer in response to a number of thermal loads to simulate peening and balancing a number of forces on the surface layer and the solid body to determine the equilibrium configuration of the object after peening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Peter Mika, Apostolos Pavlos Karafillis, Dale Robert Lombardo, Steven Robert Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7065478
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a computerized method for designing a progressive die used in the manufacturing of a part formed from sheet metal includes receiving, at a computer, information regarding one or more features of the part, and determining, by the computer, a blank layout for the part based on the features of the part and the number of parts desired. The computer further determines one or more details of a strip for the blank layout, information regarding a die base based on the details of the strip, and information regarding one or more inserts for die plates of the die base based on operations of the processes needed to form the features in the part. The computerized method further includes generating, by the computer, one or more outputs associated with the progressive die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: UGS Corp.
    Inventor: Shengming Liu
  • Patent number: 7062357
    Abstract: A multiple region convolver includes tapering between successive models of a physical system. The tapering is performed during a transition period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Merchant, Richard Lund, Doug Mann
  • Patent number: 7062418
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to design automation techniques and more particularly to the design of customized microfluidic systems using a microfluidic computer aided design system. In one embodiment of the present invention the system includes a synthesis module for synthesizing software of a design into a component level description of the design. The design has a plurality of microfluidic components, and the component level description has symbols associated with the plurality of microfluidic components. The system further includes a design capture module, including a schematic entry tool, for placing and connecting the symbols on a schematic according to the design; and a functional analysis module for functionally simulating selected symbols of the schematic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Lee, Gajus Worthington
  • Patent number: 7058551
    Abstract: A high-speed forward dynamics computation for a link system wherein links are connected via joints, has: (1) first step for adding a joint one by one in series between the links to an initial link condition wherein all of the respective links are not connected via the joints so as to obtain a force of constraint acting at the joint between the links at that time; (2) second step for removing the joint in a reverse order as that of the first step so as to compute a final force of constraint at respective joints; (3) third step for computing an acceleration of respective links by utilizing applied forces obtained in the first step and the second step; and (4) fourth step for computing a joint acceleration by utilizing the accelerations of the links positioned at both ends of respective joints obtained at the third step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Tokyo
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Nakamura, Katsu Yamane
  • Patent number: 7054797
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a storage device which stores information concerning first objects to be reused and second objects to be recycled, and a modeling device which performs life cycle modeling. The life cycle modeling includes reading information concerning the first objects and the second objects that configure a product from the storage device, selecting some of the first and second objects which are diverted to a new product from a recovery product using the information, and combining selected ones of the first and second objects to fabricate the new product to generate a life cycle model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hideki Kobayashi, Akinori Hongu, Norio Takeyama
  • Patent number: 7054800
    Abstract: According to the present invention, even if an analysis target has a complicated shape, for example, two or more cutting surfaces, elements can be automatically extracted therefrom without reducing any analysis accuracy. For each voxel interfering with shape data, an interference polygon is created inside the shape data using interference surfaces between the shape data and the interior of the voxel. After the interference polygon is created, a divided polygon is created by moving one of the vertexes of the interference polygon, which has a predetermined property, to another vertex. The divided polygon includes the vertex that has not been moved and vertexes of the voxel inside the shape data. An element of a predetermined shape is extracted on the basis of the relationship between a plurality of vertexes of the divided polygon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Masayasu Wakabayashi, Mitsugu Isomura
  • Patent number: 7054793
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for generating a virtual installation model (2) as an image of a real installation (1). As a database therefor, digital picture data (4) representing pictures of a real installation (1) on the one hand and installation components (13) of a component library (6) on the other hand are used. The data of the installation components as well as the digital picture data (4) of the real installation (1) is evaluated by means of an image analysis (5). Based on this analysis, the identified installation components (13) are assigned to the virtually generated installation model (2). The virtual image of the real installation thus created serves to document the actual structure of the installation/facility, to simplify failure analysis, e.g., in areas that are difficult to access, and/or to operate and monitor the installation/facility. In addition to geometric data, functional data, etc. of the installation components are also stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Soeren Moritz, Wolfgang Friedrich, Ali-Reza Bani-Hashemi, Nicholas Craft, Nassir Navab, Frank Sauer
  • Patent number: 7050955
    Abstract: Object simulation and interaction of and between computer-generated or graphical objects in a virtual space includes neutral scene graphs, data structures and procedures for using such graphs and data structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Ron Carmel, Hugo J. C. DesRosiers, Daniel Gomez, James F. Kramer, Jerry Tian, Marc Tremblay, Christopher J. Ullrich
  • Patent number: 7047167
    Abstract: An initial set of individuals having design parameters of a blade as a gene, is determined at random (S12). Next, an analysis using Navier-Stokes equations is performed. On the basis of the analysis result, ranking (evaluation) of respective individuals are performed using a pressure loss coefficient, a trailing edge deviation angle and the like as objective functions (S14). When a shape of a blade having a desirable performance is obtained, or when a predetermined number of generations is achieved, the analysis is terminated assuming that a termination condition has been met (S22). When the termination condition has not been met, processes about individual selection, crossing between individuals and mutation are performed so that generation is incremented by 1. The above processes are repeated, so that Pareto solutions can be obtained according to MOGA in consideration of a trade-off relationship between the objective functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisa
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yamaguchi, Toshiyuki Arima
  • Patent number: 7039569
    Abstract: An automatic adaptive dimensioning program for CAD software in which dimension annotations are created by the CAD program automatically as an object is drawn and automatically associated with the object. Thereafter, changing the length of the object automatically changes the associated dimension annotation, or alternatively, changing the associated dimension annotation automatically changes the length of the object. When another object is interposed into or superposed onto an intermediate position of the existing object, the automatic adaptive dimensioning annotation feature of the invention automatically creates dimension annotations corresponding to the position of the new object relative to the existing object. The new object can be automatically positioned in relation to the existing object by specifying interposition dimensions or segment lengths in the dimension annotations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventors: Richard R. Haws, Robert Nicolucci
  • Patent number: 7039570
    Abstract: A flexographic printing press simulation application provides virtual control of various types of flexographic printing presses. Running on an industry standard personal computer, the simulation application allows a user to modify a wide variety of printing process parameters and view the printed results. Process parameters and values can be adjusted for each component of the printing press, as well as for the materials utilized. The print images generated by the simulator reflect the parameter changes as they happen, and can be compared to a “proof” in real time using built-in virtual diagnostic tools. A training module provides for the creation of training curricula based on a library of printing process problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Sinapse Graphic International
    Inventor: Peter Q. Herman
  • Patent number: 7027853
    Abstract: An improved technique is described for acquiring MR image data such as needed for FSE-based Dixon imaging techniques. A gradient-induced echo shift is produced in the pulse sequences by a small gradient applied along the readout axis prior to a readout pulse. When necessary, another small pulse is applied along the readout axis, equal in area and opposite in polarity to the first, to compensate for the shifting effect. Similar pulses are applied for each acquisition window. While data with non-zero phase shifts between water and fat signals are collected as fractional echoes, no increase in echo spacing is necessary with the modified acquisition strategy. Images corresponding to different phase shifts are reconstructed using phase-sensitive partial Fourier reconstruction algorithms whenever necessary. These images are then used to separate different chemical species (such as water and fat) in the object to be imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: Jingfei Ma
  • Patent number: 7027965
    Abstract: Methods are provided for stabilizing a haptic interface of a computer-controlled one-port virtual-reality system or a two-port teleoperation system comprising a robot manipulator. “Stabilizing” means to reduce the sense of vibration in a haptic interface. A Passivity Observer is computed to measure the amount of energy produced at the haptic interface, and a Passivity Controller is calculated to damp or absorb excess energy which causes the sense of vibration. This invention also provides a “filter,” i.e. a threshold function which returns zero velocity if the computed estimated velocity is less than a small predetermined value, which may be applied to estimated velocities determined in impedance-based methods of this invention so as to remove noise in the velocity estimate. To improve speed of reaction of the systems, this invention also provides methods for resetting the Passivity Observer to zero when it has been too positive for too long a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Washington
    Inventors: Blake Hannaford, Jee-Hwan Ryu
  • Patent number: 7027966
    Abstract: Transition spirals for successive sections of railroad track with different degrees of curvature are designed by first specifying the manner in which the bank angle of the track should change with distance along a transition spiral. Functional forms for bank angle are provided as a function of distance along the spiral, which can also be used in traditional conceptual frameworks, and interpreted in that context to define track curvature as a function of distance. Also included are functional forms obtained by raising the longitudinal axis about which bank angle change takes place so that the axis is above the plane of the track. The resulting transition spirals reduce the transient lateral accelerations to which passengers are subjected when passenger vehicles traverse the spirals and reduce the damaging transient lateral forces that heavy freight locomotives and freight cars apply to the track structure near the ends of the spirals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Louis T. Klauder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7027048
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for determining deformation of a surface of a material is provided. The method includes receiving, at a computer, an elastic deformation range and a plastic deformation range of the material. The method also includes modeling a region of the material with a mesh. The mesh includes a plurality of elements. The method also includes determining, by performing a finite element analysis on the mesh by the computer, a displacement for at least one point on each of the elements. The displacement results from a set of modeled boundary conditions. The finite element analysis includes recurrently approximating the modulus of elasticity for each element according to the elastic deformation range and the plastic deformation range. The act of approximating is based on a value of strain calculated from a previously calculated element displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: UGS Corp.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Brombolich
  • Patent number: 7024342
    Abstract: A numerical procedure for simulating the behavior of incompressible, viscous fluid in a casting/molding process. The method is based on classical fluid dynamic equations and uses control volume-finite element and numerical techniques to solve the momentum and energy equations to obtain solution for the variable parameters. The method incorporates five additional modules which simulate fluid flow in the shot sleeve, heat transfer between the die and the heat transfer fluid, die cooling by lubricant, formation of mend line. These additional simulation modules produce realistic boundary conditions, and replace many of the assumptions that would have to be made, to solve the governing equations. These added improvements ensure a faster convergence of the numerical solution and a more realistic simulation of the die casting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Mercury Marine
    Inventors: David Marc Waite, Shaupoh Wang, Jenn-Yeu Nieh