Mechanical Patents (Class 703/7)
  • Publication number: 20150081263
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an accurate simulation result is obtained and computation time is shortened, by parallel computation of a production simulation executed by a plurality of processors. A target product line is divided into a plurality of blocks, and event groups which can be computed in parallel while acquiring accurate simulation results are formed based on the order of execution dates and times of the events in the divided block. First, a step effect relationship which shows whether or not an event computation process in a certain step affects an event computation process in another step is acquired, based on a production line configuration such as a step order and resource sharing relationship between the steps. Next, the production line is divided into a plurality of blocks which do not affect each other by putting the steps that affect one another into a block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nagahara, Hisaya Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 8983801
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for transforming a CAD model of an object between engineering states includes generating a first reference geometry to represent a first engineering state. A parametric CAD model of the object may be generated to represent the object in the first engineering state by constructing the parametric CAD model as having dependence on the first reference geometry. A second reference geometry may be generated to represent a second engineering state. The parametric CAD model may be regenerated to represent the object in the second engineering state by replacing the first reference geometry with the second reference geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Kurt Schneider, Randolph Henry Zalesak
  • Patent number: 8981895
    Abstract: A method and system for detection of intrusion in networked control systems, is provided. The method includes generating an operating model of a system being controlled. The operating model of the system comprises a relationship between a plurality of components in the system defined by a plurality of parameters. Further, the method includes calculating an estimated value of at least one parameter for at least one component in the system. The operating model is used to calculate the estimated value of the at least one parameter. Furthermore, the method includes measuring a latest value of at least one parameter at a predefined interval. The method also includes triggering an alert for intrusion for the at least one component based on an analysis of at least one of the latest value and the estimated value of at least one parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Stephen Francis Bush
  • Publication number: 20150073760
    Abstract: A system for field selecting drill bit includes a server having a computing processor with functionality to perform: receiving a first simulation request, executing a first simulation to generate a first set of performance data, receiving a second simulation request, and executing a second simulation to generate a second set of performance data. A computing device coupled to the server having a graphical user interface with functionality to perform: selecting a baseline bit, inputting a plurality of drilling data, sending the first simulation request, receiving the first set of performance data, presenting the first set of performance data for review, modifying a parameter of a drill bit, sending the second simulation request with the modified parameter, receiving the second set of performance data from the second simulation, and presenting the first set of performance data and the second set of performance data for review.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Ambalavanan Sachidanandam, Anna Marie Nelson
  • Patent number: 8977391
    Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a location reference system and a control module. The location reference system is configured to generate location information for a number of mobile platforms in an environment. The control module is configured to receive the location information for the number of mobile platforms from the location reference system. The control module is further configured to generate command signals for the number of mobile platforms using the location information. The control module is further configured to send the command signals to the number of mobile platforms to operate the number of mobile platforms in the environment such that operation of the number of mobile platforms emulates the operation of a number of spacecraft systems in a non-Earth terrestrial environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Matthew Aaron Vavrina, John Lyle Vian
  • Publication number: 20150063065
    Abstract: A seismic land vibrator, comprising a baseplate comprising a substantially flat, rigid member; at least one driven member that is connected with the baseplate and extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to baseplate; a rotation sensor that is coupled to the baseplate and adapted to provide a signal that is indicative of rotational movement of at least a portion of the baseplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: CLAUDIO BAGAINI, JULIAN EDWARD KRAGH
  • Patent number: 8972224
    Abstract: A computer system for data management arranged to provide at least four components: a generator component, a solver component, a simulation component and a visualization component, wherein the simulation component is arranged to simulate stochastic processes and output simulation data of the simulated process to the generator component; the generator component is arranged to process a model input thereto and to generate a Dynamic Stochastic Program (DSP) therefrom and also to process the simulation data received from the simulation component and output the DSP together with the processed simulation data to the solver component; the solver component being arranged to receive the DSP and the processed simulation data and to process the DSP together with the simulation data; and the visualization component being arranged to allow the data being processed by the solver to be visualized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cambridge Systems Associates Limited
    Inventor: Michael Alan Howarth Dempster
  • Patent number: 8970592
    Abstract: A system includes a computing device that includes a memory configured to store instructions. The computing device also includes a processor configured to execute the instructions to perform a method that includes obtaining first data corresponding to a first simulation of matter in a space domain. The method also includes performing, using the first data, a second simulation that produces second data representative of particles in the space domain. The method also includes rasterizing the second data representative of the particles as defined by cells of a grid, wherein each cell has a common depth-to-size ratio, and, rendering an image of the particles from the rasterized second data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Lucasfilm Entertainment Company LLC
    Inventor: Frank Losasso Petterson
  • Patent number: 8954299
    Abstract: Provided are an anthropometric product design method and a recording media storing a computer program for the same. The anthropometric product design method includes the operations of: (a) expressing the relationships between human body variables and design variables in equations, and establishing design equations for design variables, respectively, of a product to be designed; (b) generating a representative human model (RHM) for the product to be designed; (c) extrapolating postures according to changes in design dimensions through a computer simulation using the design equations and RHMs, and comparing data on the extrapolated postures with defined reference posture data to perform a design sensitivity analysis; and (d) determining optimal design dimensions for related design variables based on the design sensitivity analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee-Cheon You, Ki-Hyo Jung, Won-Sup Lee, Jang-Woon Park, Byung-Gil Kang, Joung-Hyo Lee, Joo-Ho Uem, Sei-Kwon Park
  • Patent number: 8949094
    Abstract: An optimization wizard substantially automates the task of calculating thermal deflection analysis of a part. The optimization wizard requests a user to provide a mesh model representing the part and provide part definitions, such as the part's stiffness, expansion coefficient, etc. In addition, the wizard requests the user to provide boundary conditions by modifying normality of any elements in the mesh model and by fixing conditions of one or more nodes in all direction or in a one sliding direction. An initial and a final temperature may also be provided by the user. The optimization wizard receives the user inputs and generates an executable file describing the relationships and effects each input has on the part's deflection under the provided thermal conditions. The executable file is provided to a solver to determine the part's thermal deflection under the provided conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sanjib Nath, Lisa J. Feick
  • Patent number: 8949093
    Abstract: A method for analyzing and specifying a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) may include providing an HMI designing system, constructing an HMI design that includes objects created from the HMI designing system and associating the objects using events and transitions. Objects may include states and screens of a graphical user interface. The method may receive input from a user and describe a human-machine interface using syntax that is based on the user input. The syntax may include graphical representations of states and transitions between the states. The HMI designing system may include a memory to store representations of the human-machine interface, a processor to receive input from a user and determine graphical representations of states and transitions between states, and a display to display the HMI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Asaf Degani, Andrew W. Gellatly
  • Patent number: 8949095
    Abstract: A method to improve design efficiency by reducing power plant complexity and engineering costs by minimizing power plant changes when installing into new powertrain groups. A three-dimensional grid is defined for the powertrain group with power plant and transmission zones to define projections for attaching selected components to a powertrain version. The zones correspond to matrices dividing each of a width, length, and height of a respective plant and of a transmission into specified proportions. A respective zone is designated for attaching each of the selected components within the group. Each powertrain version is designed to place each selected component for a powertrain version within a predetermined tolerance margin of its respective designated zone. The grid organization is also applied to placement of components and placement of the powertrain itself within the underhood environment of a vehicle, a vehicle platform, or a group of vehicle models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rodney L. Lopez, Deepak B. Chhaya, Michael A. Scheuer, Chris P. Roxin, John A. Norcutt
  • Publication number: 20150032432
    Abstract: Motor control centers are designed and configured by a series of interface screens that are served to a configuration computer. The system configuration may be based on a default configuration, and customization is made based upon user selection or input of data via the interface screens. The particular screens presented and the type and detail of data presented may be adapted so that more or less is available based upon a security access model. The system may be fully integrated with various other systems, such as enterprise resource planning tools. The system may be online, such that the interface, data, offerings, options and so forth may be easily adapted and updated, and design and configuration may be made by different parties at different locations with a minimum of specialized configuration computer programming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Shane Dean Cleasby, Elizabeth Walmsley Schrock, Steven Louis Fischer, Ken Sriri Rangsy, Donald Dennis Skarda
  • Publication number: 20150032433
    Abstract: A method of designing a cutting drum for earth moving equipment is disclosed. The cutting drum has two or more ring segments, each ring segment comprising a plurality of cutting tools, and the rotational position of at least one ring segment is adjustable relative to one or more other ring segment and fixable in the new rotational position. The method involves inputting a plurality of design parameters of a cutting drum into a computer program, performing a computer simulated analysis of the cutting drum using the computer program to determine at least one operational value associated with at least one design objective, using the computer simulated analysis to determine the relative locations of the ring segments that correspond to the at least one design objective, and rotating the or each adjustable ring segment relative to at least one other ring segment so that the relative locations of the ring segments correspond to the at least one design objective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Xing Sheng Li, Yong Sun, Hua Guo
  • Patent number: 8942963
    Abstract: A system or method includes a simulated model that has a plurality of simulated components, the plurality of components are arranged in a component hierarchical graph such that the combination of the simulated components forms the simulated model. The system includes an inference engine configured to generate one or more redesign recommendations for a component in the simulated model based on redesign recommendation rules. The system may include a display generator for displaying the redesign recommendations to a first user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: MSC.Software Corporation
    Inventors: Kunaseelan Kanthasamy, Herbert Dennis Hunt
  • Patent number: 8942960
    Abstract: A system can include a framework for scenario-based assessment of a physical environment; and an integrator that includes an analyzer component for identifying an analyzer as one of a plurality of identifiable analyzers, a scenario component for framework and analyzer interactions for a scenario, and a results component for framework and analyzer interactions with respect to analyzer results for the scenario. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew John Round, Gaute Johannes Gamst, James Major
  • Patent number: 8938378
    Abstract: The present invention provides a press forming simulation method using a finite element method for a sheet metal, in which a deformation state of a pressing tool is represented with high accuracy by superimposing at least one natural mode, for the surface shape of the pressing tool, in a no-load state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki Suzuki, Shigeru Yonemura, Akihiro Uenishi, Takuya Kuwayama
  • Patent number: 8935952
    Abstract: An apparatus for stability testing of a wheeled assembly includes a straight fulcrum fixed relative to a horizontal surface. The straight fulcrum includes a straight edge parallel to the horizontal surface and located a first height above the horizontal surface. A first position mechanism includes a first position angle. The first position mechanism and straight edge define the first position angle as an obtuse angle and define a test area. A force mechanism vertically offset from the straight edge. The force mechanism applies a force to the wheeled assembly so when the wheeled assembly is positioned in a first position with one side of the wheeled assembly parallel to the first position angle, the force mechanism pulls the wheeled assembly in a direction toward a second position and the wheeled assembly rotates on a vertical axis. The second position includes a portion of the wheeled assembly contacting the straight edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Dunbar, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Publication number: 20150019186
    Abstract: Provided is a simulation method and system for real-time broadcasting. A simulation method may include verifying an action set for a mechanical object, and displaying a movement of the mechanical object in response to the action using a line that connects a start location of the movement and an end location of the movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicants: NHN Entertainment Corporation, NHN BlackPick Corporation
    Inventors: Hyeok Jun KWON, Chan Jong LEE, Kieran Kyunghoon PARK, Chul Byung CHAE, Jong Woon PARK
  • Publication number: 20150019182
    Abstract: The invention refers to a method for obtaining the system parameters of a transport system, particularly an elevator, in which method a) at least first and second input parameters of the transport system are determined, b) a power model fitting to the transport is provided, which power model comprises motor model components and hoistway model components, c) model parameters describing power flow in the transport system are fitted into the power model, d) the model parameters are optimized under use of at least one of the input parameters of the elevator, e) the optimized model parameters are post processed to obtain at least one of the system parameters of the transport system. The system provides missing system information about a transport system, particularly in cases in which an existing system is to be renovated with a new motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Tapio TYNI, Pekka PERÄLÄ
  • Patent number: 8935138
    Abstract: A method simulates a machining of a workpiece by a tool. The method populates a swept volume representing a motion of the tool in relation to the workpiece with a set of rays, and determines a volume removed from the workpiece by the swept volume based on intersections of at least some rays with the workpiece. A model of the workpiece is modified based on the removed volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Huseyin Erdim, Alan Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8935139
    Abstract: A method for generating a graphical representation of an anticipated product produced by a machine is disclosed. The method includes presenting a machine input fields requesting parameters associated with actuators and mechanical elements, and presenting product input field requesting desired product properties. The method further includes receiving parameters from the machine input fields, receiving desired product properties from the product input fields, and calculating output response data by an emulation of a mechanical operation of the machine using the parameters and the desired product properties. The output response data is provided to a product model that calculates predicted product values based on the output response data provided. The method further includes presenting the one or more predicted product values and displaying the graphical representation of the anticipated product based upon the one or more predicted product values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Matthew Alan Russell
  • Patent number: 8932361
    Abstract: An apparatus and modeling method of the present invention includes the successive steps of generating cartographic data representative of points belonging to a glenoid surface; distinguishing from among the cartographic data a first group of cartographic data corresponding to a first part of the glenoid surface, the first surface part being situated farthest down in the vertical direction in relation to the scapula; calculating from the first group of cartographic data a first ellipsoid portion that coincides substantially with the first surface part; and obtaining a theoretical glenoid surface from the first ellipsoid portion. By virtue of the theoretical glenoid surface obtained by this method, it is possible to assist the surgeon in optimizing the position of implantation of a glenoid component and to produce a glenoid component “made to measure” for the scapula that is to be fitted with a prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Delphine Henry
  • Patent number: 8924191
    Abstract: Systems for generating a graphical representation of an anticipated product produced by a machine are disclosed. A system for generating predicted product values of a product manufactured by a machine controlled by programmable logic control code includes presenting a machine input fields requesting parameters associated with actuators and mechanical elements, and presenting product input fields requesting desired product properties. The system further includes receiving parameters from the machine input fields, receiving desired product properties from the product input fields, and calculating output response data by an emulation of a mechanical operation of the machine using the parameters and the desired product properties. The output response data is provided to a product model that calculates predicted product values based on the output response data, prepares process output messages for display and displays the graphical representation of the anticipated product based upon the predicted product values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Matthew Alan Russell
  • Patent number: 8924190
    Abstract: A method including digitally modelling a temperature measured by a sensor by using a modeled signal and estimating a lag error signal for the sensor from the modeled signal and a signal obtained by filtering the modeled signal, the filter having as a parameter an estimate of a time constant of the sensor, and correcting the measurement signal delivered by the sensor by the estimated lag error signal. The time constant of the sensor is estimated as a function of time from the measurement signal and the modeled signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Snecma
    Inventor: Cedrik Djelassi
  • Patent number: 8924909
    Abstract: Methods for producing layout data for devices are described. One method includes using a genetic algorithm to determine a structure of a thermally-operated actuator. Another method includes receiving a three-dimensional model of a device, a design-rule set, and parameter ranges. Layout data are produced for devices having various combinations of parameter values in the parameter ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventor: Jason V. Clark
  • Patent number: 8914265
    Abstract: Numerical gas turbine models permit transient modeling with high precision and at the same time numerically efficient processes for modeling a gas turbine. A gas turbine model includes a plurality of sub models. These sub models are either purely dynamic or static, which allows significant simplifications in the numerical solution of the overall model. System parts, which simulate the effects of volumes, metal masses, of actuators, and of measuring systems are regarded as dynamic. The remaining system parts are regarded as static over a time characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Xiao-Yi Zhang, Anton Nemet
  • Publication number: 20140365191
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for updating a model for generating a health profile of an industrial asset based upon data pertaining to the industrial asset. The health profile comprises a maintenance plan(s), which respectively comprise one or more recommended maintenance actions to be performed with respect to the industrial asset during a prediction period. The model may be periodically and/or intermittently updated based upon a comparison between the recommended maintenance actions and actual events of the industrial asset during the prediction period. Moreover, in some embodiments, different models may be selected for generating future health profiles of the industrial asset based upon a comparison between the recommended maintenance actions and actual events of the industrial asset during the prediction period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Steven Thomas Zyglowicz, Karen J. Smiley, Shakeel M. Mahate, Chihhung Hou
  • Publication number: 20140365190
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for facilitating development, by a user, of a model describing a condition of an industrial asset. An output parameter of the model can be defined within a model development environment. The output parameter describes a condition of the industrial asset and can be defined using one or more variables. During deployment of the model within a deployment environment, respective variables of the model can be mapped to a data store where data associated with the variable is located. In this way, during development, a user can specify variables to be used within the model without specifying where to fetch and/or push data associated with the variable, for example. Further, the model can be executed within the deployment environment to assess the condition for a plurality of industrial assets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Shakeel M. Mahate, Paul F. Wood, Karen J. Smiley
  • Patent number: 8909507
    Abstract: Predicted environment conditions are received for time steps within a prediction horizon N. Information is accessed regarding expected system responses generated by a system model, each expected system response related to a different combination of control parameters and starting environment conditions applied to the model. An optimal response is designated for each combination of starting environment conditions for each time step from time step N?1 to the current time step based in part on the expected system response and the predicted environment conditions, each optimal response in a time step based at least in part on an optimal response determined for a later time step. For the current time step, for starting environment conditions substantially similar to the current environment conditions, the combination of control parameters that results in the system response designated as the optimal response is determined from the expected system responses and is applied to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Vasilios Tsourapas, Chinmaya B. Patil
  • Publication number: 20140358508
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system for a building is optimized while maximizing a comfort of occupants and minimizing energy consumption. The building is modeled as a network of nodes and edges, wherein the nodes represent rooms, and the edges represent walls. Dynamics of temperatures and humidity in the rooms and the temperature of the walls and the building are modeled using differential equations and the network. The comfort of the occupants is modeled by a predicted mean vote (PMV). The minimizing is formulated as an optimal control problem, which is discretized using an integration technique to obtain a finite dimensional optimization problem. Then, the finite dimensional optimization problem is solved using sparse linear algebra until convergence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Arvind U. Raghunathan, Daniel N. Nikovski
  • Publication number: 20140358500
    Abstract: A novel probabilistic method for analyzing high cycle fatigue (HCF) in a design of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The method may comprise identifying a component of the gas turbine engine for high cycle fatigue analysis, inputting parametric data of the component over a predetermined parameter space into at least one computer processor, using the at least one computer processor to build a plurality of flexible models of the component based on the parametric data of the component over the predetermined parameter space, using the at least one computer processor to build a plurality of emulators of the component based on the plurality of flexible models, and using the at least one computer processor to predict a probability of HCF based at least in part on the parametric data of the component over the predetermined parameter space and the plurality of emulators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Morris, Benjamin D. Hall, Lauren Gray, Ming-Ta Yang, Perry Bowes
  • Publication number: 20140358509
    Abstract: Certain embodiments may include systems and methods for presenting data associated with a power plant configuration tool. In one embodiment, a method may include creating configurations of inter-object relationships among a plurality of asset objects of a massive object model, loading the object model, changing values of data member attributes of at least one of the asset objects with a plant configuration tool without changing software code of plant configuration tool, saving the configurations in a permanent storage location, and retrieving the configurations for display to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Pavan Kumar Singh Thakur, Pradyumna Ojha, Veera Paparao Bolla, Balajose Goli, Christina Ann Romanik
  • Publication number: 20140345897
    Abstract: A spindle with a composite material spindle housing insert and a composite material spindle shaft insert is disclosed where housing characteristics of the housing insert are calculated to match the spindle characteristics of the spindle shaft to provide optimum spindle performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: GROS-ITE PRECISION SPINDLE
    Inventor: James Pelletier
  • Patent number: 8898040
    Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating differential or difference equations that can govern a nonlinear, time-varying and parameter-varying dynamic process or system. The methods and systems for estimating the equations may be based upon estimations of observed outputs and, when desired, input data for the equations. The methods and systems can be utilized with any system or process that may be capable of being described with nonlinear, time-varying and parameter-varying difference equations and can used for automated extraction of the difference equations in describing detailed system or method behavior for use in system control, fault detection, state estimation and prediction and adaptation of the same to changes in a system or method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Adaptics, Inc.
    Inventor: Wallace E. Larimore
  • Patent number: 8886501
    Abstract: A method of stimulating a deformable object comprises modeling deformable elasticity for the object by defining an actual shape and a goal shape and pulling points in the goal shape towards corresponding points in the goal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Matthias Müller-Fischer, Bruno Heidelberger, Matthias Teschner, Markus Gross
  • Patent number: 8880380
    Abstract: Crashworthiness designing of a structure using a Hybrid Cellular Automata (HCA) algorithm where field states are computed using finite element analysis (FEA) and the material distribution of the structure is updated at each iteration using cellular automata method. The HCA algorithm optimizes the topology of the structures to achieve certain performance within the limits of various constraints applied to ensure crashworthiness of the structures. The HCA algorithm may also be applied to designing of structures to be fabricated by an extrusion method having the same cross section along the direction of extrusion or stamped structures having thickness varying across the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., The University of Notre Dame Du Lac
    Inventors: Kishore K. Pydimarry, Duane T. Detwiler, John E. Renaud, Neal M. Patel, Byungsoo Kang, Chandan K. Mozumder
  • Patent number: 8874418
    Abstract: A multiple application automated test set (MAATS) system can simulate the operation of a power plant. To simulate the operation of the power plant, the MAATS system can be configured to “stand in” for the power plant by receiving the control signals from a controller and by generating electrical signals, readable by the controller, that represent the operating parameters and conditions of the power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Engineering Services Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Warren John Hammerbeck
  • Patent number: 8874411
    Abstract: A processing system, method, and program for a modeling system. A math equation including a differential equation is prepared. A CAS solves the differential equation normally and by using an interval coefficient in accordance with an interval analysis technique. A coefficient vector of the two solutions are compared to determine if a distance between the vectors is equal to or less than a preset value, and if so, the CAS solves the math equation including a differential equation with the target coefficient set to zero. The coefficient vectors of the solution thus obtained and the normally solved solution are compared to determine if the distance between the vectors is equal to or less than a preset value, and if so, the differential equation is simplified by omitting a term of the target coefficient from the differential equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishikawa, Takashi Sakairi, Junya Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8873698
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method of designing a nuclear reactor of a given reactor plant, an initial, test reactor core design is generated for the given plant based on a plurality of limits input by a user. The limits include a plurality of transient licensing constraints to be satisfied for operating the given plant. The method includes selecting, from a set of automated tools, one or more automated tools to evaluate the test core design, and operating one of more of selected automated tools to output data for display to the user. The displayed data is related to a core design that satisfies the limits inclusive of the transient licensing constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel—Americas, LLC
    Inventors: David Joseph Kropaczek, Jens Andersen, James Shaug, Mehdi Asgari
  • Patent number: 8874414
    Abstract: Systems and methods for populating a design model for engineering, design, and construction projects are described. The design model contains a 3D representation of an assembled structure. Each structural component within the assembled structure has a set of physical attributes that are electronically stored as design model objects. Additional information about each structural component is electronically supplied by a detailer as detailing model objects. The detailing model objects are imported into the design model using a utility tool. The utility tool comprises a processor and executable code that is configured to: (i) correlate the design and detailing model objects; and (ii) recommend to a user which detailing objects should be imported into the design model. The utility tool correlates physical attributes (e.g., location, section size, section type) rather than unique identification numbers, thus allowing the design model to be populated without relying on identification numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Wolfgang Flammenspeck, Lorne Jensen
  • Publication number: 20140316754
    Abstract: A method and apparatus capable of monitoring performance of a process and of the condition of equipment units effecting such process is disclosed. A process model predicated upon mass and energy balancing is developed on the basis of a plurality of generally nonlinear models of the equipment units. At least one or more of such equipment models are characterized by one or more adjustable maintenance parameters. Data relating to mass and energy transfer within the process is collected and is reconciled with the mass and energy characteristics of the process predicted by the model. The condition of the equipment units and process performance may then be inferred by monitoring the values of the maintenance parameters over successive data reconciliation operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: INVENSYS SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Terrill L. Greenlee
  • Publication number: 20140316757
    Abstract: There is provided a motion-based design system and a method for use in producing a motion-based design of a mechanical object. In one implementation, such a method includes identifying a motion curve associated with a movement by an articulated structure corresponding to the mechanical object, and mapping the motion curve to a mechanical sub-assembly. The mapping is performed based on a previously characterized trajectory of the mechanical sub-assembly and the similarity of that trajectory to the motion curve. The method also includes utilizing the first mechanical sub-assembly to substantially replicate the motion curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stelian Coros, Bernhard Thomaszewski, Wojciech Matusik, Bernd Bickel, Shinjiro Sueda
  • Patent number: 8868385
    Abstract: According to an aspect, a computer implemented method includes: accepting a set of user input composite material properties, including a composite modulus in a first direction, a composite modulus in a second direction normal to the first direction, a composite shear modulus in a plane that includes the first direction and the second direction, and a composite Poisson ratio in a plane that includes the first direction and the second direction; accepting a user input composite microstructure; and automatically compute adjusted material properties of all constituents of the composite material, wherein a set of consistent fixed constituent property constraints are utilized to obtain the adjusted material property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Fertig, Emmett Nelson, Don Robbins
  • Patent number: 8868388
    Abstract: A contact defining device includes: a component moving unit that moves a component represented by data of a surface region in a 3D model in a predetermined direction; an overlap determination unit that determines whether or not the surface region of the component moved by the component moving unit includes an overlapping area that overlaps the surface region of another component; and a contact defining unit that, when a determination is made by the overlap determination unit that the surface region of the component includes the overlapping area that overlaps the surface region of another component, defines the overlapping area as a contact area with the another component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Makoto Sakairi, Sachiko Furuya
  • Publication number: 20140309978
    Abstract: A method for selecting a bottomhole assembly, including performing a first dynamic simulation of a first bottomhole assembly, performing at least a second dynamic simulation of the first bottomhole assembly, in which the at least a second dynamic simulation includes a different constraint than the first dynamic simulation, and outputting results for both the first dynamic simulation and the second dynamic simulation, in which the results include at least one output showing performance as a function of position along the bottomhole assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Yani Dong, Richard Harmer, Yuelin Shen, Sujian Huang
  • Patent number: 8862493
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented process modeling and simulating environment, an analyzer receives a process model with parameters in combination with data from previous or planned process performances. An analyzer receives a simulation target from a user, calculates evaluation results that represent the influence of the parameters in view of the simulation target, and presents the evaluation results as indicators to the user. Upon receiving modifications to the performance data, the process is simulated with modified performance data. Alternatively, the evaluation results are converted to computer instructions to automatically modify the process parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Mathias Fritzsche, Roger Kilian-Kehr, Wasif Gilani, Ralph Gerbig
  • Patent number: 8855812
    Abstract: A system and method for developing an intrusion detection zone substantially surrounding mobile components of a robot, training a model of the robot to accept selected intrusions into the intrusion detection zone, and, during application operations, triggering an application interrupt upon detecting an unexpected intrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Chetan Kapoor
    Inventor: Chetan Kapoor
  • Publication number: 20140297244
    Abstract: A simulation environment for running a process simulation used to validate an industrial control program. The simulation environment exposes the I/O module configurations defined in the control program and retrieves module configuration information therefrom. This I/O module configuration information is combined with generic, module-specific I/O module profiles to create a pool of available controller I/O points, which can be selectively associated with I/O points in the simulation to create an I/O point mapping. During control program validation, simulated I/O data is exchanged between the process simulation and the I/O module instances in the controller in accordance with the I/O point mapping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Francisco P. Maturana, Raymond J. Staron, Danny L. Carnahan, Kenwood H. Hall
  • Patent number: 8849542
    Abstract: A method for model-based control of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. An operating point of the gas turbine engine is generated from measured parameters using a component-level model. The component-level model is analytically linearized by taking the first partial derivative of output parameters of each component with respect to input parameters of each component, and evaluating the result at the operating point. Components of the linearized component-level model are combined to form a combined perturbational model of the gas turbine engine, which is inverted to solve for control commands as a function of target parameters and measured parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Meisner, Jonnalagadda V. R. Prasad, Gi-Yun Chung, Manuj Dhingra