Mechanical Patents (Class 703/7)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8849632
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying a volume of activation (VOA) may include a processor that displays via a display device a model of a portion of a patient anatomy that includes anatomical structures, displays via the display device and overlying the display of the model a VOA associated by the processor with a set of anatomical stimulation parameter settings, the display of the VOA, and graphically identifies interactions between the displayed VOA and a first subset of the anatomical structures associated with one or more stimulation benefits and a second subset of the anatomical structures associated with one or more stimulation side effects, where the graphical identifications differ depending on whether the interaction is with the first subset or the second subset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Intelect Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Sparks, Jordan Barnhorst, David Arthur Blum, Keith Carlton, Scott Kokones, Engin Erdo{hacek over (g)}an, Brian James Hoffer, Arna Diana Ionescu, David Ari Lubensky
  • Patent number: 8849635
    Abstract: A prediction method according to the present invention is a method for predicting a modal damping ratio of a composite head including two or more kinds of materials including a first material and a second material. The method includes the steps of: presuming at least a coefficient Px of a generalized Maxwell model M1 in the first material using a known material damping ratio ?1; obtaining a calculation model of the head using the generalized Maxwell model M1; and calculating the modal damping ratio of the head based on analysis of the head using the calculation model. Preferably, the Maxwell model is further used also for the second material. Preferably, the method further includes the step of presuming a coefficient Py of a generalized Maxwell model M2 in the second material using a known material damping ratio ?2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Seiji Hayase, Masahide Onuki
  • Patent number: 8849636
    Abstract: An arrangement for verifying a real model by using a virtual model is provided. The arrangement comprises a real model which has a real coordinate system, a virtual model which has a virtual coordinate system, a first position determination element, which is applied in/on the real model in a defined manner, and a real tool element, which is arranged in the real model. A position and/or orientation of the real tool element in the real model can be determined relative to the first position determination element. An operation of the real tool element can be triggered in the real model, and the operation of the real tool element can be imaged in the virtual model. The operation of the real tool element in the real model and the imaged operation in the virtual model can be logically or functionally assigned to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Benjamin Becker, Holger Schmidt, Ilke Oencue Calis
  • Publication number: 20140288896
    Abstract: A Modeling, Design, Analysis, Simulation, and Evaluation (MDASE) aspects of gyrocompassing in relation to Far-Target Location (FTL) systems include a Gyrocompass Modeling and Simulation System (GMSS). The GMSS is a modularized software system which has four major components: the 6DOF Motion Simulator, the IMU Sensor Simulator, the Gyrocompass System and Calibration Process Simulator, the Gyrocompass System Evaluation and Analysis Module. Each module has one or two graphic user interfaces (GUIs) as user interfaces for simulation components selection and parameter setting. The realization of the GMSS is based on any computer platforms, for it is written in high level language and tools and is portable. The stochastic signal analysis and sensor testing and modeling tools includes a suite of generic statistical analysis software, including Allan Variance and PSD analysis tools, which are available to every GMSS module and greatly enhanced the system functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Zongke Li
  • Publication number: 20140288908
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for determining a time-to-failure of an asset. A probabilistic non-linear model of a limit state of the asset is simulated and approximated by a predetermined set of particles. A numerical scheme for computation of a conditional probability distribution of a size of the defect, based on a value of the limit state is evaluated. A set of future values of a weight factor of each particle is predicted based on an initial assigned value. The predicted set of future values can be updated on capturing a new set of inspection data. A probability of the time-failure of the asset is estimated by summing the weight factor of a set of particles, the set of particles comprising particles at which the limit state is less than a zero limit threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Infosys Limited
    Inventors: HARI MANASSERY KODUVELY, GOPICHAND AGNIHOTRAM, SANDEEP KUMAR DEWANGAN, PREETI PISUPATI
  • Publication number: 20140288541
    Abstract: Tissue and vessel treatment devices and respective methods are provided. Devices comprise a flexible treatment layer that comprises a plurality of operable elements configured to be activated to apply the treatment to the obstruction upon bending of the flexible treatment layer beyond a specified curvature threshold and to be de-activated upon a specified decrease of the bending. The treatment layer may comprise optical fiber(s) with the operable elements as emission regions that emit electromagnetic radiation from the core upon bending the optical fiber beyond a specified bending threshold. Devices may be configured as vessel sealing tips for surgical forceps, in which the treatment layer is configured to yield vessel welding and vessel cutting effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: ASYMMETRIC MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventors: Moshe ESHKOL, Ori WEISBERG
  • Publication number: 20140265335
    Abstract: An electrical generation system. A floating vessel is anchored in flowing water. Inlets in the hull of the vessel capture flowing water and direct the water to one or more turbines. The system is designed so that all flows are two-dimensional to the extent possible. The latter feature greatly simplifies both design and construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Bruno Peter Andreis
  • Patent number: 8838424
    Abstract: A device for synthesizing an electrical and electronic architecture (100) of a complete product (1) that is to satisfy given requirements. The device has first means (10) for representing said product to subdivide the product into a plurality of zones and to reserve a network of pathways allocated to said wired connections, second means (20) for drawing up a list of equipment (60) to be installed in said product (1), said list comprising, for each piece of equipment (60), the zones in which the equipment may be arranged, third means (500) for drawing up at least one functional scheme, including information relating to the wired connections (80) leaving the equipment (60) and to their destinations, fourth means (30) for placing each piece of equipment (60) in a zone (14) and for routing and fifth means (40) for evaluating said architecture (100) to determine whether it is compatible with said requirements, and to store the architecture and the evaluation in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventors: Nicolas Brule, Jean-Marc Bathellier
  • Publication number: 20140257781
    Abstract: A control device including a simulation unit to simulate behaviors of a virtual mechanical system, and a drive control unit to control driving of servomotors based on the simulation results, is provided. The virtual mechanical system includes a first drive module, a first main shaft module connected to the first drive module, and a plurality of power transmission subsystems, each of which is connected to the first main shaft module and is associated with one of the servomotors respectively. Each of the power transmission subsystems includes an output module. The servomotor associated with the power transmission subsystem is driven according to a simulated result of input into the output module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: KOKUSAI KEISOKUKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sigeru MATSUMOTO, Hiroshi MIYASHITA, Kazuyoshi TASHIRO, Kazuhiro MURAUCHI
  • Patent number: 8831921
    Abstract: A system includes a host application configured to receive a component model representing a vehicle component. The component model includes a body having a concave portion and/or a convex portion that defines a fluid retainer. A detection tool in communication with the host application is configured to determine a size and location of the fluid retainer. The detection tool is further configured to associate the size of the fluid retainer to a design rule and calculate a value representing a minimum hole size that will allow fluid to flow into or out of the fluid retainer in accordance with the design rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Bruce Tilove, Narahari K. Hunsur
  • Patent number: 8825453
    Abstract: A piping analysis system capable of generating proposed piping support assemblies when off-the-self part is unavailable is presented. Contemplated analysis systems comprise a piping modeling system, which models a piping infrastructure as piping nodes having attributes describing the nature of the nodes. A piping support assembly design engine aggregates the attribute information from piping nodes and correlates the attributes with known materials that might be applicable for constructing the proposed assemblies. The design engine generates a proposed assembly and configures an output device to present the assembly along with a likelihood representing feasibility that the proposed assembly can in fact be designed or manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Shook, Mark Thompson
  • Patent number: 8825460
    Abstract: In order to be able to simulate a development system of a complex development environment, such as a test bench environment for motor, drive train, transmission, vehicle component, or vehicle development, utilizing an automation device and development tools in a continuous and reproducible manner, device models (7) generating development data (23) run in a simulation device (6), wherein the device models (7) at least partially process simulation data (24) from a test model (20), and a number of real development tools (5) are connected to an automation device (4) and/or to the simulation device (6) via real interfaces, and development tools (5) process the development data (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Avl List GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Walenta, Martin Klöckl, Manfred Krainz
  • Patent number: 8825459
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and computer readable storage medium provide the ability to create a geometric model in a computer-aided design (CAD) application. Direct graphical manipulation via user interaction is used to create the geometric model in the CAD application. The direct graphical manipulation is captured, without additional user input, as one or more lines of script code as if the user is writing the script code. The captured script code is integrated into an environment hosted by the CAD application. The script code is then displayed where it can be modified. The modification of the script code acts to modify the geometric model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventors: Roslyn Robert Aish, Benjamin Luke Barnes, Mehdi Roham Sheikholeslami, Benjamin Doherty
  • Patent number: 8818775
    Abstract: Methods of designing an earth-boring tool are described, including calculating one or more performance parameters based on drilling conditions, a plurality of wear state values, and a set of values of other design variables. Methods of enhancing a performance parameter in the design of an earth-boring tool are also described, including calculating the performance parameter based at least partially on a plurality of wear state values and a first set of values of other design variables, calculating the performance parameter based at least partially on the plurality of wear state values and a second set of values of design variables different than the first set, and comparing the calculated performance parameters to determine which of the first and the second set is closer to a target range or value across a range of the plurality of wear state values. Related methods of forming an earth-boring tool are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Lance A. Endres, Tyler R. Reynolds, Gregory C. Prevost
  • Patent number: 8818779
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of conducting a drilling operation are provided. One embodiment of the method includes drilling a borehole, predicting a value of a first parameter relating to the drilling of the borehole using a geomechanical model, estimating a value of a second parameter from measurements taken by a sensor, updating the geomechanical model based at least in part on the estimated value of the second parameter, predicting a second value of the first parameter using the updated geomechanical model, and altering a drilling parameter for drilling the borehole based on the predicted second value of the first parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Andreas G. Sadlier, James Peter Dwyer, Martin O. Brudy, Christopher A. Wolfe, Michael M. Reese
  • Publication number: 20140236555
    Abstract: Virtual material handling systems can be used to drive the operation of real material handling systems for purposes such as testing and validation of the components of the real material handling systems. The real material handling system, in turn, can provide data regarding system operation which may be fed back to the virtual material handling system to control its function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Intelligrated Headquarters, LLC
    Inventors: William A. Magato, Brian John Resnick
  • Patent number: 8812281
    Abstract: A method for designing a secondary cutting structure for use in a bottom hole assembly, the method including defining initial design parameters for the secondary cutting structure and analyzing forces acting on the secondary cutting structure. Additionally, the method includes modifying at least one design element of the secondary cutting structure and simulating an effect of the modifying on both the secondary cutting structure and a primary cutting structure to determine if an improved condition is met. Also, a method for designing a drilling tool assembly, the method including defining initial drilling tool assembly design parameters including a primary cutting structure and a secondary cutting structure, and simulating a dynamic response of the drilling tool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Tang, Gordon Whipple, Sujian J. Huang, Navish Makkar, Tommy Laird, Gail Nelson
  • Patent number: 8812275
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for modeling movement of air underneath a floor of a data center. Embodiments include receiving, by a management system, from a plurality of environmental condition sensors, environmental condition information corresponding to an area underneath the floor of the data center; in dependence upon the environmental condition information, generating, by the management system, a model representing movement of air within the area underneath the floor of the data center; and indicating, by the management system, physical obstacles underneath the floor of the data center based on the model of the movement of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew R. Archibald, Jerrod K. Buterbaugh
  • Patent number: 8805656
    Abstract: A three-dimensional simulation apparatus includes a memory configured to store form information of a sheet flexible object model formed of first polygons and another object model, an interference determination unit configured to determine whether the sheet flexible object model formed of the first polygons in three-dimensional simulation space interferes with the other object model on the basis of the form information stored in the storage unit, a polygon creation unit configured to form second polygons by dividing the sheet flexible object model in a longitudinal direction when it is determined that the sheet flexible object model interferes with the other object model, and a shape computation unit configured to determine a shape of the sheet flexible object model using the formed second polygons in consideration of a shape of the other object model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masayoshi Hashima, Hideki Abe
  • Patent number: 8798975
    Abstract: The invention provides a computer-implemented method and system intended for designing an assembly of a plurality of objects. The assembly is modeled by a directed acyclic modeling graph having nodes and arcs. Each node represents an object of the assembly. Each arc represents the use of an end node by an origin node. At least one arc is uniquely identified by an identifier. The assembly is further modeled by at least one relation having at least one tuple containing a first chain of at least one identifier. The method comprises determining at least one mapping between the first chain and a second chain of at least one identifier as well as substituting at least one occurrence of the first chain in the tuple of the relation with the second chain. The invention provides a means to repair broken tuples automatically and thus to facilitate design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Dassault Systemes
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Rameau, Laurent Alt
  • Patent number: 8793109
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for contactless determining non-uniformities of a loaded wheel, comprising the steps of determining outer contour of at least a portion of the unloaded wheel; simulating loading of the wheel with a virtual loading element bearing against the tire tread for a plurality of rotary positions of the wheel on the basis of the determined outer contour, a displacement of the determined outer contour caused by the virtual loading element and a predetermined spring rate associated to the tire tread; and determining non-uniformities of the loaded wheel using the simulation results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Snap-on Equipment SRL A Unico Socio
    Inventors: Paolo Sotgiu, Francesco Braghiroli, Marco Tralli
  • Patent number: 8788249
    Abstract: A Modeling, Design, Analysis, Simulation, and Evaluation (MDASE) aspects of gyrocompassing in relation to Far-Target Location (FTL) systems include a Gyrocompass Modeling and Simulation System (GMSS). The GMSS has four major components: the 6 degree-of-freedom (6DOF) Motion Simulator, the IMU Sensor Simulator, the Gyrocompass System and Calibration Process Simulator, and the Gyrocompass System Evaluation and Analysis Module. The modular architecture of GMSS makes it very flexible for programming, testing, and system maintenance. The realization of the GMSS can be based on any computer platforms for the GMSS software is written in high level language and is portable. The stochastic signal analysis and sensor testing and modeling tools comprise a suite of generic statistical analysis software, including Allan Variance and power spectral density (PSD) analysis tools, which are available to every GMSS module and greatly enhanced the system functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: American GNC Corp.
    Inventor: Zongke Li
  • Patent number: 8788081
    Abstract: An application operation simulation device including a specification section that specifies positions of nozzles with respect to a spray device and injection shapes of injected materials; an interference point calculation section that performs a working program of a robot including instructions for outputting the injected materials to operate a three-dimensional model of the robot by simulation and calculate interference points between three-dimensional models of the injection shapes and a three-dimensional model of an applied member; an interference number calculation section that calculates the number of interference at each interference point on a surface of the three-dimensional model of the applied member; an application time calculation section that calculates application time from the number of interference; and a display section that displays the color-coded surface of the three-dimensional model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Nagatsuka, Toshiya Takeda
  • Patent number: 8781804
    Abstract: Provided is a method of estimating a load carrying capacity of a bridge. The load carrying capacity estimation method includes the steps of: estimating a mode coefficient of the bridge using an acceleration signal obtained from an accelerometer that is installed in the bridge; updating an analysis model of the bridge using the estimated mode coefficient; and estimating a rating factor of the bridge by applying a dead load and a design live load to the updated analysis model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Expressway & Transportation Research Institute, Korea Expressway Corporation
    Inventors: Chang-Geun Lee, Won-Tae Lee
  • Patent number: 8781802
    Abstract: A simulation device for generating an answer to a question inputted thereto. A communication unit is configured to input a selected question associated with a first criterion and a second criterion. A generating unit is configured to generate a copy of a continuously updated environment model. A generating unit is configured to generate a simulation scenario, depending upon the first criterion. A modifying unit is configured to modify the generated simulation scenario. An applying unit is configured to apply the modified generated simulation scenario to the generated copy of the continuously updated environment model. A simulating unit is configured to perform a simulation process in accordance with the second criterion. An answering unit is configured to answer information, depending upon a result of the simulation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Hans-Ove Hagelin, Johan Ehlin
  • Publication number: 20140188241
    Abstract: A method for determining the orientation of a first object in space, wherein the first, object is interactive with a second object, the method, comprising the steps of: using kinematic action to generate a first data sot reflective of the current spatial relationship between the first object and the second object; and comparing the first data set with a database of known data sets reflective of known, spatial relationships between the first object and the second object, in space so as to identify the current orientation of the first object in space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Robert L. Thornberry
  • Patent number: 8768672
    Abstract: A method for predicting time-lapse seismic timeshifts in a three-dimensional geomechanical system including defining physical boundaries for the geomechanical system. In addition, one or more reservoir characteristics such as pore pressure and/or temperature history are acquired from multiple wells within the physical boundaries. The method also includes determining whether a formation in the geomechanical system is in an elastic regime or a plastic regime. The method also includes obtaining first and second seismic data sets for the geomechanical system, taken at first and second times. The method also includes running a geomechanical simulation to simulate the effects of changes in pore pressure or other reservoir characteristic on time-lapse seismic timeshifts in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil. Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Sheng-Yuan Hsu, Kevin H. Searles
  • Patent number: 8768661
    Abstract: A computerized method for creating a 2D or 3D finite element model of a rubber composite of a rubber matrix and fillers is disclosed. In the case of the 2D finite element model, a primary finite element model of the rubber composite is first created by defining a rubber matrix model of the rubber matrix and filler models of the fillers by the use of rectangular elements. Then, a second finite element model as the target 2D finite element model is created by moving boundary nodes positioned at boundaries between the rubber matrix model and filler models in the primary finite element model so that concavity and convexity of the surface of each filler model becomes less, whereby, in the second finite element model, some of the rectangular elements including the moved boundary nodes are deformed, but the rest of the rectangular elements are not deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masato Naito
  • Publication number: 20140180605
    Abstract: A piston sensor data acquisition system is provided. The system includes a piston for an internal combustion engine, a data acquisition computer and a data telemetry system. The piston includes a crown and a sensor. The piston crown includes an upper surface defining a bowl region, a side portion and a lower surface. The sensor is at least partially coated by a visualization material, and is disposed at a location within the piston crown. The data acquisition computer includes a processor and a memory to store the sensor location, determined by a visualization process, and sensor data received from the sensor. The data telemetry system is coupled to the sensor and the data acquisition computer, and may be wired or wireless. A modeling computer may be coupled to the data acquisition computer over a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: Jay L. Richerson
  • Patent number: 8762110
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a computer-aided design (CAD) application configured for generating interactive truss objects in a CAD model. In one embodiment, a truss creation tool allows the user to select a truss family and the endpoints of the truss. Based on these selections, the truss creation tool generates a layout and structural members of a truss. The truss may be maintained as an interactive object within the CAD model. Thus, a user may edit the truss object, resulting in the regeneration of the truss layout and the regeneration of the structural elements of the truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Egbertson, Alexandra Varsanofieva
  • Patent number: 8756041
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Francisco P. Maturana, Raymond J. Staron, Danny L. Carnahan, Kenwood H. Hall
  • Patent number: 8751203
    Abstract: A distributed simulation system is composed of simulator stations linked over a network that each renders real-time video imagery for its user from scene data stored in its data storage. The simulation stations are each connected with a physics farm that manages the virtual objects in the shared virtual environment based on their physical attribute data using physics engines, including an engine at each simulation station. The physics engines of the physics farm are assigned virtual objects so as to reduce the effects of latency, to ensure fair fight requirements of the system, and, where the simulation is of a vehicle, to accurately model the ownship of the user at the station. A synchronizer system is also provided that allows for action of simulated entities relying on localized closed loop controls to cause the entities to meet specific goal points at specified system time points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: L—3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Falash, Eytan Pollak, Yushan Chen, Jon Williams
  • Publication number: 20140156242
    Abstract: A system for automated machine design is disclosed. The system may have at least one of a part database and a relationship database, a display device, and an input device. The system may also have one or more processors in communication with the at least one of a part database and a relationship database, the display device, and the input device. The processors may be configured to cause a listing of components selectable by a customer for inclusion within a machine to be shown on the display device, and to receive a selection of the components from the listing by the customer via the input device. The processors may also be configured to retrieve data regarding selected components from the at least one of the part database and the relationship database, and to generate a design for at least one new support component in the machine based on the selected components and the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: SOLAR TURBINES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Paul R. BULLARA, Doru Catalin DOSIANU, Jonathan P. WINDT
  • Patent number: 8744824
    Abstract: An optimizing design method for a chassis structure of electronic equipment is disclosed, including: investigating from the point of view of mechanical, electric and thermal three-field coupling, determining the preliminary design size of the chassis, performing a mechanical analysis by using a mechanical analysis software such as ANSYS; converting the mesh model among the three-fields, obtaining the mesh model used for the electromagnetic and thermal analyses; setting the thermal analysis parameters, performing the thermal analysis by using an electromagnetic analysis software such as ICEPAK; determining a resonance frequency of the chassis and an electric parameter of the absorbing material, performing an electromagnetic analysis by using a thermal analysis software such as FEKO; correcting the analysis result by sample testing; determining whether the chassis satisfies the design requirement, if it satisfies the requirement, the optimizing design will be finished, otherwise, modifying the preliminary compu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Xidian University
    Inventors: Baoyan Duan, Hui Qiao, Peng Li, Shibo Jiang, Boyuan Ma, Ning Han, Lizhi Zeng, Yu He
  • Patent number: 8744823
    Abstract: A method for creating, from a first axisymmetrical surface, a second surface belonging to a sub-system of a complex system, in which the second surface observes at least one constraint, is disclosed. The method includes: modeling the first axisymmetrical surface, while observing the constraints with at least one parameter, the modeling step including a sub-step for discretizing the first axisymmetrical surface in several points, the parameter being a coordinate of one of these points in a reference system associated with at least one portion of this sub-system, and a sub-step for reconstructing the first axisymmetrical surface from the at least one point and from the at least one constraint; modifying the at least one parameter in the reference system for modeling the second surface; and recording the second surface in a memory of the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Delphine Sautreau
  • Patent number: 8744811
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting harness design. Harness information including a pass position of a harness is set on a three-dimensional model. Then, it is determined whether the harness whose position is decided so as to pass through the set pass position interferes with a mechanical part that is read from a storing unit that stores therein three-dimensional model data on the mechanical part through which the harness passes. When it is determined that the harness interferes with the mechanical part, from among a plurality of surfaces of the mechanical part, a surface that has not been selected is selected, and a pass position of the harness is set outside the selected surface. Then, a position of the harness that passes through the set pass position is decided. These processes are repeated until it is determined that the harness does not interfere with the mechanical part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hideki Abe, Masayoshi Hashima
  • Patent number: 8744830
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for providing electrical fault restoration. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method can include sectioning a de-energized region into two or more de-energized areas; simulating opening or closing of one or more circuit switches associated with the two or more de-energized areas; compiling a listing of simulated energized areas and simulated de-energized areas, based on the simulated opening or closing of the one or more circuit switches; evaluating the listing of simulated energized areas and simulated de-energized areas, based at least in part on one or more configurable strategy modules; and generating a restoration plan based at least in part on the evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ramon Juan San Andres
  • Publication number: 20140149095
    Abstract: A method of making a patient specific surgical guide includes obtaining a virtual model of a fixation member, and virtually designing a guide that defines at least one hole that corresponds to a hole of the virtual model of the fixation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew Charles Davison, John Wayne Mest
  • Publication number: 20140149096
    Abstract: A method for selecting at least one drill bit that includes characterizing an application; checking for at least one drill bit with an equivalent characterization in a data store; when the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization exists, selecting the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization; and when the at least one drill bit with the equivalent characterization does not exist, recommending at least one drill bit, making an analysis request, analyzing the at least one recommended drill bit based on the analysis request, generating analysis results, and selecting at least one drill bit based on the analysis results is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Sujian J. Huang
  • Patent number: 8737700
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a custom arthroplasty resection guide or jig are disclosed herein. For example, one method may include: generating MRI knee coil two dimensional images, wherein the knee coil images include a knee region of a patient; generating MRI body coil two dimensional images, wherein the body coil images include a hip region of the patient, the knee region of the patient and an ankle region of the patient; in the knee coil images, identifying first locations of knee landmarks; in the body coil images, identifying second locations of the knee landmarks; run a transformation with the first and second locations, causing the knee coil images and body coil images to generally correspond with each other with respect to location and orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: OtisMed Corporation
    Inventors: Ilwhan Park, Keun Song, Oleg Mishin, Michael Santarella
  • Patent number: 8738340
    Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a combination of digital three-dimensional modeling and rapid fabrication technologies to provide pre-indexed, pre-registered, and/or precut components for articulated dental models. Dental articulators and components of dental models as described herein use a positioning key to encode positional information for components of the dental model, and/or a reference grid on mounting surfaces to enforce local accuracy of fabricated parts against a fixed reference array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Patrick Colm Dunne, Eric B. Paley, Micah J. Rosenbloom, Michael Patrick Girard
  • Publication number: 20140142913
    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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Matthew Alan RUSSELL
  • Patent number: 8731880
    Abstract: Methods for computing the inverse dynamics of multibody systems with contacts are disclosed. Inverse dynamics means computing external forces that cause a system to move along a given trajectory. Such computations have been used routinely for data analysis and control synthesis in the absence of contacts between rigid bodies. The disclosed inverse dynamics methods include the ability to handle contacts. The disclosed methods include the following steps: projecting the discrete-time equations of motion from joint space to contact space; defining the forward dynamics in contact space as the solution to an optimization problem; using the features of this optimization problem to obtain a unique inverse—which turns out to correspond to the solution to a dual optimization problem; solving the latter using standard methods for numerical optimization; projecting the solution from contact space back to joint space and finding the external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: University of Washington through its Center for Commercialization
    Inventor: Emanuil V. Todorov
  • Patent number: 8731722
    Abstract: Virtual material handling systems can be used to drive the operation of real material handling systems for purposes such as testing and validation of the components of the real material handling systems. The real material handling system, in turn, can provide data regarding system operation which may be fed back to the virtual material handling system to control its function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Intelligrated Headquarters LLC
    Inventors: William A. Magato, Brian John Resnick
  • Patent number: 8731888
    Abstract: Systems and methods which provide modeling or simulation of gamma ray (GR) tool response using a hybrid analytical and numerical technique are shown. Embodiments employ a GR tool simulation technique which provides gamma ray information simulated as a function of only the gamma particles which reach the detector without scattering. Embodiments utilize a discretization function to determine the gamma particles which would reach a point detector from each unit volume source of an investigation domain without scattering. Embodiments further utilize the foregoing discretization function with respect to a plurality of point detectors, wherein the particular number and configuration of point detectors are selected to relatively accurately simulate the results of a particular GR detector configuration, such as line detector or volume detector configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Company
    Inventors: Hezhu Yin, Guo Pingjun, JinJuan Zhou
  • Patent number: 8731886
    Abstract: A simulator (10) for estimating a life of a speed reducer includes a rotation speed and load calculator (21) for simulating the operation program of a robot (12) and calculating the rotation speed of the robot speed reducers (G1-Gm) and the load exerted on the individual speed reducers; a storage (22) for chronologically correlating the rotation speed and the load and storing the rotation speed and the load; a speed reducer life calculator (23) for calculating the life of the individual speed reducers, based on the rotation speed and the load; an operating ratio setter (24) for setting an operating ratio of the robot; and a speed reducer life estimator (25) for estimating the life of the speed reducers, based on the life of the individual speed reducers and the operating ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: FANUC Corporation
    Inventor: Engaku Ryou
  • Patent number: 8731871
    Abstract: A tire mold design method includes determining the values and parameters of various mold components used in a mold and utilizing these mold components in a mold. The parameters of the mold components may vary in length and edge geometry, amongst other things. Additionally, the number of mold components utilized in a mold may vary. Optionally, various mold components may be rotated 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Jon I. Stuckey, John P. Rodak