 Patent Application Title |
Patent App Num. |
Date |
 Pool circulation systems | 20130145539 | 20130613 |
 This invention relates to a single pump water circulation system for a swimming pool comprising: a venturi skimmer; a pump with a suction side and a discharge side; a suction drain; a pool return line; at least one pool inlet; fluidically connected to the pool return line; a pump inlet on the suction side having an inlet selector to fluidically connect the pump to: the venturi skimmer, the suction drain, or a combination of the venturi skimmer and the suction drain; a pump outlet on discharge side having an outlet selector to fluidically connect the pump to: the venturi skimmer, the pool return line, or a combination of the venturi skimmer and the pool return line; and wherein the pump is a multispeed pump or a... |
| Gas turbine engine with fan variable area nozzle for low fan pressure ratio | 20130145745 | 20130613 |
 A gas turbine engine includes a fan section with twenty (20) or less fan blades and a fan pressure ratio less than about 1.45.
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| Case assembly with fuel or hydraulic driven vafn actuation systems | 20130145768 | 20130613 |
 A variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) system for an aircraft is provided. The VAFN system includes a fluid-driven motor configured to receive a fluid; one or more actuators coupled to the fluid-driven motor; and a nozzle assembly coupled to the actuators such that the motor drives the nozzle assembly during operation.
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| Gas turbine engine with variable overall pressure ratio | 20130145769 | 20130613 |
 A gas turbine engine has a variable overall pressure rate (“OPR”). The engine includes a high pressure compressor having at least a primary stage having a set of primary rotors and a secondary stage having a set of secondary rotors. A clutch is provided to selectively engage the secondary rotors with the primary rotors. Engagement of the clutch may be controlled based on the vehicle travel mode, such as disengaging during a takeoff mode to reduce turbine entry temperature and engaging during a loiter mode to increase OPR.
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| Multi-compressor refrigeration system and method for operating it | 20130145781 | 20130613 |
 A refrigeration system (20) has a first compressor (24) and a second compressor (26). The second compressor has at least a first condition t least partially in parallel with the first compressor along a refrigerant flowpath. A heat rejection heat exchanger (50) is downstream of the first and second compressors along the refrigerant flowpath. An expansion device (54) is downstream of the heat rejection heat exchanger along the refrigerant flowpath. A heat absorption heat exchanger (56) is downstream of the expansion device along the refrigerant flowpath. The first compressor is a variable speed compressor coupled to a variable speed drive (32). The second compressor is a fixed speed compressor.
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| Diagnostic for two-mode variable valve activation device | 20130145832 | 20130613 |
| A method is provided for diagnosing a multi-mode valve train device which selectively provides high lift and low lift to a combustion valve of an internal combustion engine having a camshaft phaser actuated by an electric motor. The method includes applying a variable electric current to the electric motor to achieve a desired camshaft phaser operational mode and commanding the multi-mode valve train device to a desired valve train device operational mode selected from a high lift mode and a low lift mode. The method also includes monitoring the variable electric current and calculating a first characteristic of the parameter. The method also includes comparing the calculated first characteristic against a predetermined value of the first characteristic measured when the multi-mode valve train device is known... |
| Variable height support | 20130145972 | 20130613 |
| A variable height support with a platform and a base supporting the platform and reconfigurable to selectively change a height of a support surface on the platform relative to a subjacent surface. A control assembly is operable to selectively: a) maintain the support surface at a selected height; and b) release the platform to allow the base to be reconfigured to change the height of the support surface. The control assembly has a ratchet subassembly that, with the control assembly in a first state, allows the base to be reconfigured by exerting a continuous upward force upon the platform that causes the platform to elevate and be blocked within a range at a plurality of different vertical locations against downward movement. The control assembly further has... |
| Electro-hydraulic variable valve lift system | 20130146002 | 20130613 |
| An electro-hydro valve lift system may include a drive cam, a pump piston, a first and a second EHV apparatus, a first oil control valve, a first oil control hydraulic line fluid-communicating the main chamber with the first oil control valve, a second oil control hydraulic line fluid-communicating the first oil control valve with the first EHV apparatus, a third oil control hydraulic line fluid-communicating the main chamber with the second EHV apparatus, a fourth oil control hydraulic line selectively fluid-communicated with the second oil control hydraulic line according to the first oil control valve, an accumulator fluid-communicated with the fourth oil control hydraulic line, and a second oil control valve disposed on the fourth oil control hydraulic line, wherein the fourth oil control hydraulic line... |
| Continuous variable valve duration apparatus | 20130146006 | 20130613 |
| A continuous variable valve duration apparatus may vary an opening duration of a valve. The continuous variable valve duration apparatus may include a camshaft in which a camshaft slot is formed, a cam portion of which a cam and a cam slot are formed thereto and of which a rotation center is identical to a rotation center of the camshaft and the cam portion of which a phase angle to the cam shaft is variable, and a duration control portion which varies the phase angle between the camshaft slot and the cam slot.
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| Internal combustion engine | 20130146013 | 20130613 |
| An internal combustion engine is provided. Facing pistons eliminate a cylinder head, thereby reducing heat losses through a cylinder head. Facing pistons also halve the stroke that would be required for one piston to provide the same compression ratio, and the engine can thus be run at higher revolutions per minute and produce more power. An internal sleeve valve is provided for space and other considerations. A combustion chamber size-varying mechanism allows for adjustment of the minimum size of an internal volume to increase efficiency at partial-power operation. Variable intake valve operation is used to control engine power.
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| Miller cycle engine system and control method thereof | 20130146037 | 20130613 |
| A miller cycle engine system is provided, which includes a motorized supercharger, and a miller cycle engine (having low compression and high explosion) having the motorized supercharger mounted thereon to improve a low-revolution performance of an engine using a scavenging phenomenon due to an operation of a variable valve device (variable valve timing, variable valve lift and variable valve duration) during an operation of the motorized supercharger and to improve a fuel efficiency through down-speeding of a gear ratio of a vehicle.
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| Pressure compensated hydraulic system having differential pressure control | 20130146162 | 20130613 |
| A hydraulic control valve assembly (10), method and system, characterized by control valves (26) each having a variable metering orifice; a compensator (28) that controls flow of fluid from the variable metering orifice to a work port (A,B) in response to a differential in pressures acting on opposite first and second sides of the compensator, wherein a first side receives a pressure at the downstream side of the variable metering orifice; a load sense passage (34) providing a load sense pressure; and a differential pressure controller (40) having a first inlet connected to a pump supply port and a second inlet connected to the load sense passage, the controller having a first operational mode in which load sense pressure at the second inlet is supplied to... |
| Continuously variable transmission | 20130146406 | 20130613 |
| Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT... |
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| Machine for the inspection and sorting of fruits and inspection and sorting method used by said machine | 20130146509 | 20130613 |
| Machine for the inspection and sorting of fruits, which has, connected to a control system, an inspection unit (1) and ejection means (3) which eject the fruits inspected by the inspection unit (1) which do not comply with certain conditions pre-established by the control system. The product transport means have a plurality of rotating rollers (7) which rotate the fruits they transport as they advance, providing multiple views of said fruits to the artificial vision system (4), and a final section for the fall of the fruits with a curved surface with variable decreasing radius. The present invention also consists of a method to inspect and sort fruits which makes them rotate during their transport and inspection and sets their acceleration at the discharge from the... |
| Injection lance with variable swirl | 20130146680 | 20130613 |
| A fuel injection lance for an ore-smelting furnace includes a central conduit, a first conduit and a second conduit. The first and second conduits are concentric with the central conduit. A central conduit is connected to a fuel mixture. The first and second conduits are in flow communication with a gas source. The first and second conduits have gas flowing at independently controllable gas flow rates relative to the other conduit. A swirl portion has a cylindrical body with a hollow interior cylinder, and vertical and helical channels formed within the body portion. Vertical channels traverse the body portion vertically to the outer surface adjacent to the bottom surface. Helical channels traverse the outer surface in a helical pattern. Vertical channels intersect with corresponding helical channels... |
| Wing control system | 20130146705 | 20130613 |
| The invention provides a wing control system aimed at countering the aeroelastic effect of twisting of a length of wing of an aircraft due to dynamic air pressure acting on an aileron of the wing. The wing control system includes a shaft extending along the length of wing and actuation means responsive to aileron control inputs to induce a variable torque T in the shaft. Outboard of the length of wing, the system operatively transfers T partially to the aileron to pivot the aileron and partially to the wing at an outboard end of the length of wing to counter twisting of the length of wing due to dynamic air pressure on the aileron. Inboard of the length of wing, the system operatively transfers T to... |
| Case assemblies with common controls | 20130146708 | 20130613 |
| A case assembly for an aircraft is provided. The assembly includes a thrust reverser actuation system (TRAS) configured to provide braking assistance to the aircraft; a variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) system configured to adjust an engine exhaust of the aircraft; and a common control group coupled to the TRAS and the VAFN system for controlling operation of the TRAS and the VAFN system.
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| Wing variable camber trailing edge tip | 20130146717 | 20130613 |
| A flexible tip for integration in a wing trailing edge employs a wing structure rear spar. A flexible upper skin is attached at a forward boundary to the spar and a rigid lower skin is interconnected to the flexible upper skin at a rigid tail piece. At least one actuation link is attached to the rigid tail piece and has a hinge at a forward edge of the rigid lower skin. At least one positioning slider is attached to the hinge which is movable from a neutral position to a first extended position urging the hinge aft for rotation of the rigid lower skin upward and flexing of the flexible upper skin in an upward camber and to a second retracted position urging the hinge forward... |
| Frequency control apparatus and method for railway wireless communication | 20130146719 | 20130613 |
| A frequency control apparatus and method for railway wireless communication are provided. The frequency control apparatus includes a variable frequency processor and a fixed frequency processor. The variable frequency processor selects an available variable frequency and wirelessly receives non-safety-related train running information from a base station at the selected variable frequency. The fixed frequency processor wirelessly receives safety-related train running information at a predetermined fixed frequency.
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| Memory cells having a plurality of heaters | 20130146833 | 20130613 |
| Resistive memory cells having a plurality of heaters and methods of operating and forming the same are described herein. As an example, a resistive memory cell may include a resistance variable material located between a first electrode and a second electrode, a first heater coupled to a first portion of the resistance variable material, a second heater coupled to a second portion of the resistance variable material, a third heater coupled to a third portion of resistance variable material, and a conductive material coupled to the first, second, and third heaters.
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| Segmented nanowires displaying locally controllable properties | 20130146843 | 20130613 |
| Vapor-liquid-solid growth of nanowires is tailored to achieve complex one-dimensional material geometries using phase diagrams determined for nanoscale materials. Segmented one-dimensional nanowires having constant composition display locally variable electronic band structures that are determined by the diameter of the nanowires. The unique electrical and optical properties of the segmented nanowires are exploited to form electronic and optoelectronic devices. Using gold-germanium as a model system, in situ transmission electron microscopy establishes, for nanometer-sized Au—Ge alloy drops at the tips of Ge nanowires (NWs), the parts of the phase diagram that determine their temperature-dependent equilibrium composition. The nanoscale phase diagram is then used to determine the exchange of material between the NW and the drop. The phase diagram for the nanoscale drop deviates significantly from that of the... |
| Diode for use in a switched mode power supply | 20130146887 | 20130613 |
| A tunable depletion diode is provided. Within this depletion diode, there is a depletion mode transistor that is coupled to the anode terminal at its gate and the cathode terminal at its drain. A diode is coupled between the source of the depletion mode transistor and the anode terminal, and a variable capacitor is coupled between the source of the depletion mode transistor and the anode terminal, where the capacitance of the variable capacitor is controls the reverse recovery time of the tunable depletion diode.
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| Integrated capacitive device having a thermally variable capacitive value | 20130147004 | 20130613 |
| An integrated circuit, comprising a capacitive device having a thermally variable capacitive value and comprising a thermally deformable assembly disposed within an enclosure, and comprising an electrically-conducting fixed body and a beam held at at least two different locations by at least two arms rigidly attached to edges of the enclosure, the beam and the arms being metal and disposed within the first metallization level. A part of the said thermally deformable assembly may form a first electrode of the capacitive device and a part of the said fixed body may form a second electrode of the capacitive device. The thermally deformable assembly has a plurality of configurations corresponding respectively to various temperatures of the said assembly and resulting in a plurality of distances separating the... |
| Method and apparatus for manufacturing a magnetorheological elastomer | 20130147095 | 20130613 |
| Disclosed is a method and electromagnetic device for manufacturing an anisotropic magneto-rheological elastomer (MRE) with an improved magneto-rheological effect. The electromagnetic device includes upper and lower electromagnets, and a test piece located therebetween. The upper and lower electromagnets are configured to apply a magnetic field of variable strength, which may be controlled by current applied from a power controller, to the test piece in a desired direction or orientation. More specifically, the device is designed in such a manner that carbonyl iron powder (CIP) (magnetic-responsive particles) dispersed in a magneto-rheological elastomer using natural rubber as a matrix can be oriented in the application direction of the magnetic field. A MRE produced by the method and electromagnetic device of the invention prevents formation of bubbles within a... |
| Method for operating a machine located in choppy waters | 20130147193 | 20130613 |
| A method for operating a machine located in choppy waters, in particular a wave energy converter, for converting energy from a wave movement of a fluid into another form of energy includes determining measurement variables at a first, relatively early time, and calculating a variable characterizing a wave movement expected at a second, later time on the basis of the determined measurement variables.
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| Motor | 20130147304 | 20130613 |
| Disclosed is a motor including a stator having coils and a rotor rotated with respect to the stator, wherein the rotor is provided with a plurality of flux barriers arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction to restrain detouring of magnetic flux in the rotor, a permanent magnet is fitted in each of the flux barriers, and variable magnetic resistance members, magnetic resistance of which increases with increasing temperature, are provided at areas of the rotor closer to the stator than the flux barriers.
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| Method for producing a mems apparatus with a high aspect ratio, and converter and capacitor | 20130147313 | 20130613 |
| The invention presents a method for producing microstructured apparatuses for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). In order to increase the maximum aspect ratio conditioned by physical or chemical microstructuring methods, it is proposed to design flat elements of the apparatus, which are structured such that they are movable relative to one another, to be laterally changeable from a first reference position relative to one another (structuring position) to a second reference position (operating position) in a permanent or irreversible manner. As a result, higher trench capacitances can be formed between structured wall sections. The reference position can be changed by means of integrated drives or by supplying energy from the outside and said change is effected in a direction which is substantially different from the measuring direction. In... |
| Direct power and stator flux vector control of a generator for wind energy conversion system | 20130147442 | 20130613 |
| A method for controlling a variable speed wind turbine generator is disclosed. The generator is connected to a power converter comprising switches. The generator comprises a stator and a set of terminals connected to the stator and to the switches of the power converter. The method comprises: determining a stator flux reference value corresponding to a generator power of a desired magnitude, determining an estimated stator flux value corresponding to an actual generator power, determining a difference between the determined stator flux reference value and the estimated stator flux value, and operating said switches in correspondence to the determined stator flux reference value and the estimated stator flux value to adapt at least one stator electrical quantity to obtain said desired generator power magnitude.
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| Fast wideband frequency comparator | 20130147462 | 20130613 |
| A frequency comparator outputs an input reference signal and a comparison target signal as pulse-form signals, and is charged or discharged with a voltage corresponding to the reference signal to output a reference voltage having a variable first frequency range, and charged or discharged with a voltage corresponding to the comparison target signal to output a comparison target voltage having a variable second frequency range. The frequency comparator compares the reference voltage having the first frequency range and the comparison output voltage having the second frequency range.
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| Device to detect the level of liquid metal in a casting apparatus and relative method | 20130147465 | 20130613 |
| A device to detect the level of liquid metal (M) in a casting apparatus includes a box-like structure associated in correspondence with an upper end of a crystallizer. The box-like structure has a peripheral cavity inside in which a device for the generation and detection of a variable magnetic field is disposed. The device for the generation and detection extends for a segment beyond an inner corner of the crystallizer so as to face directly into the open top of the crystallizer.
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| Method and system for dynamic automated hint generation for enhanced reachability analysis | 20110016441 | 20110120 |
| Methods and systems are provided for dynamically generating a hint set for enhanced reachability analysis in a sequential circuitry design that is represented by a Binary Decision Diagram (BDD). After determining a ranking of the BDD variables, they are sorted in the order of the ranking. The ranking is used to select some of the variables for use in creating hints for more efficiently performing the reachability analysis in a creating an equivalent sequential circuitry design.
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| Programmable exception processing latency | 20110016295 | 20110120 |
| A digital processor with programmable exception processing latency, may have a central processing unit (CPU) of a digital processor, an exception controller coupled with said CPU, and a control register coupled with said CPU, wherein the control register is operable to set the operation mode of said CPU in at least one of two modes, wherein in the first mode the CPU has a fixed exception processing latency time, and in a second mode the CPU has a variable exception processing latency time.
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| Method and system for variable or dynamic classification | 20110016129 | 20110120 |
| A method, system and device for variable or dynamic classification of users, devices, computers, systems, or information are provided, including at least one of means for sensing one or more inputs, including at least one of an event, a parameter, and time; and means for generating a classification or policy for allowing access to information based on one or more of the sensed inputs.
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| Constant memory implementation of a phase-model neural network | 20110016068 | 20110120 |
| Disclosed are systems, apparatuses, and methods for implementing a phase-model neural network using a fixed amount of memory. Such a phase-model neural network includes a plurality of neurons, wherein each neuron is associated with two parameters—an activity and a phase. Example methods include (i) generating a sequence of variables associated with a probability distribution of phases and (ii) sequentially sampling the probability distribution of phases using a fixed amount of memory, regardless of a number of phases used in the phase-model neural network.
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| Account risk management and authorization system for preventing unauthorized usage of accounts | 20110016049 | 20110120 |
| The invention provides a system for maintaining approval criteria of one or more accounts as determined by an account holder, said system including a server capable of maintaining the approval criteria of an account over its lifecycle, a server capable of determining whether a transaction against an account is permissible based on a set of account holder selected approval criteria, an interface accessible over a local or wide area network configured to permit an issuer system to request permission to proceed with its own authorization processing upon receipt of an authorization request against an account, an interface accessible over a local or wide area network configured to permit an account holder or an authorized account operator to instruct the server to allow or disallow transactions based... |
| System and method for preventing fraud in check orders | 20110016031 | 20110120 |
| A system and method for processing paper check orders. The system comprises client storage capable of storing client information including data from previous paper check orders, suspect check order storage capable of storing suspicious order information including data associated with previous improper check orders, an order entry system for inputting order information having order parameters, and a programmable scoring system in communication with the client storage and the suspect order storage. The scoring system is capable of applying scoring rules to score paper check orders and the scoring rules are programmably adjustable for variable weights to the order parameters. The programmable scoring system is capable of comparing input order information to the client information and the suspicious order information and producing a score according to the... |
| Electronic registration systems for processing variable or multiple return/warranty policies, and associated methods | 20110016008 | 20110120 |
| The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to the field of electronic registration (ER) of purchased products and, more particularly, to an improved electronic registration system that enables variable or multiple return/warranty policies to be processed. In certain exemplary embodiments, at least some transaction information corresponding to an originally purchased product is selectively provided to replacement products provided as a part of a return/warranty request. Thus, it is possible in certain exemplary embodiments to make sure that a return/warranty policy's terms and/or conditions are managed consistently and effectively, even though one or more replacement products may be provided during the lifetime of the policy. In an example variable policy, no refunds are available past a first time period, no exchanges are available past a second time period,... |
| System and method for managing promotions within an online stationery design system | 20110015980 | 20110120 |
| A system and method are described for managing promotions within an online stationery service. For example, a system implemented in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a promotions engine for creating and managing promotions related to online stationery, the promotions engine comprising: a plurality of promotion rules associated with a plurality of stationery promotions, each of the promotion rules comprising one or more condition objects and one or more clause objects, each of the condition objects comprising at least a specified condition level variable, the condition level variable having a plurality of selectable options including an order level and an item level, wherein order level indicates that the condition is applicable to an entire online stationery order and item level indicates that the condition... |
| Methods and systems to predict rotary drill bit walk and to design rotary drill bits and other downhole tools | 20110015911 | 20110120 |
| Methods and systems may be provided to simulate forming a wide variety of directional wellbores including wellbores with variable tilt rates, relatively constant tilt rates, wellbores with uniform generally circular cross-sections and wellbores with non-circular cross-sections. The methods and systems may also be used to simulate forming a wellbore in subterranean formations having a combination of soft, medium and hard formation materials, multiple layers of formation materials, relatively hard stringers disposed throughout one or more layers of formation material, and/or concretions (very hard stones) disposed in one or more layers of formation material. Values of bit walk rate from such simulations may be used to design and/or select drilling equipment for use in forming a directional wellbore.
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| Intake air control apparatus for vehicular internal combustion engine | 20110015849 | 20110120 |
| An apparatus is provided for controlling an intake valve of a vehicular internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a variable valve operating mechanism configured to vary a valve lift and a valve phase angle of the intake valve, and a controller. The controller calculates a desired first target value at a current engine operating condition, a reacceleration estimated value based on an engine rotational speed and estimated operating load upon reacceleration, and a second target value at which engine torque is equivalent to engine torque at the first target value. The controller sets the first target value as a control target value, and then switches the control target value to the second target value when a minimum clearance between the intake valve and a piston is... |
| Method for classifying a clutch unit | 20110015843 | 20110120 |
| A method is described for classifying a clutch unit for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, wherein the clutch unit has at least one friction clutch for the controllable transmission of a torque from an input element to an output element and has an actuator for actuating the friction clutch. Here, the clutch unit is controlled on the basis of a predefined characteristic curve which describes a predefined dependency of the clutch torque to be transmitted on an actuator control variable.
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| Control of and control method for vehicle continuously variable transmission | 20110015839 | 20110120 |
| A control device for a vehicle continuously variable transmission 4 comprises a shift control means for controlling either of or both the speed ratio at the continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 and the gear position at the subtransmission mechanism 30 so as to adjust an overall speed ratio to a final speed ratio and a torque capacity control means for controlling the torque capacity at a disengagement-side frictional engagement element in the subtransmission mechanism 30 so as to sustain a torque capacity value substantially equal to zero in an inertia phase occurring during a process of adjusting the gear position at the subtransmission mechanism 30 from the first gear position to the second gear position when a negative torque is input to the vehicle continuously variable... |
| Shift control of continuously variable transmission | 20110015838 | 20110120 |
| A continuously variable transmission 4 for a vehicle includes a variator 20 that modifies a speed ratio continuously and a subtransmission mechanism 30 that is connected in series to the variator 20 and applies a first speed and a second speed, which is higher than the first speed, selectively. When the vehicle is running under a low load/high speed upshift condition having a lower load or a higher speed than a normal upshift condition, the subtransmission mechanism 30 is upshifted from the first speed to the second speed at a lower vehicle speed than under the normal upshift condition, and as a result, both rotation variation in an internal combustion engine 1 accompanying upshifting of the subtransmission mechanism 30 and an increase in a fuel consumption... |
| Control of and control method for vehicle continuously variable transmission | 20110015837 | 20110120 |
| A control device for a vehicle continuously variable transmission 4 comprises: inertia phase processing completing means for completing an instruction relating to inertia phase processing before an input rotation speed of the subtransmission mechanism 30 actually reaches an input rotation speed of the second gear position; and torque phase processing starting means for starting an instruction relating to torque phase processing, in which reception of an input torque of the subtransmission mechanism 30 is shifted from a disengagement side frictional engagement element to an engagement side frictional engagement element before the input rotation speed of the subtransmission mechanism 30 actually reaches the input rotation speed of the second gear position, after completing the instruction relating to the inertia phase processing.
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| Shift control of continuously variable transmission | 20110015836 | 20110120 |
| A speed ratio of a continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 is increased when a speed ratio of a subtransmission mechanism 30 connected in series to the continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 is switched from a first speed to a second speed. When an excess rotation speed Nb obtained by subtracting a target rotation speed from an engine rotation speed Ne exceeds a determination value Nr1 during this shifting process, a rapid rotation increase in an internal combustion engine 1 is prevented by reducing a shift speed of the continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 (S105A).
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| Continuously variable transmission and control method thereof | 20110015834 | 20110120 |
| When a vehicle stops in a travel range, a transmission controller sets a subtransmission mechanism in a second speed interlocking condition in which a torque input into a continuously variable transmission is transmitted in a second gear position and both a frictional engagement element of a first gear position and a frictional engagement element of the second gear position are engaged, and when a predetermined condition is established while the vehicle is stationary, the transmission controller reduces an output shaft torque of the continuously variable transmission.
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| Control of and control method for vehicle continuously variable transmission | 20110015835 | 20110120 |
| A control device for a vehicle continuously variable transmission 4 includes: final speed ratio setting means for setting an overall speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 and the subtransmission mechanism 30 to be reached on the basis of an operating condition of the vehicle as a final speed ratio; shift control means for controlling the continuously variable transmission mechanism 20 and the subtransmission mechanism 30 such that the overall speed ratio aligns with the final speed ratio at a predetermined transient response; stagnation determining means for determining whether or not a stagnation period in which the overall speed ratio stops varying will occur during an upshift; and reduction control means for shortening a time required to advance to an inertia phase from a... |
| Continuously-variable transmission for vehicle | 20110015833 | 20110120 |
| A continuously-variable transmission for a vehicle includes a belt-type continuously-variable transmitting mechanism connected to a drive source and configured to continuously vary a speed ratio of the belt-type continuously-variable transmitting mechanism; an auxiliary transmitting mechanism provided in series with the belt-type continuously-variable transmitting mechanism and configured to attain a plurality of shift steps for a forward running of the vehicle; and a speed-increasing gear mechanism provided upstream from the auxiliary transmitting mechanism and configured to increase an input rotational speed of the auxiliary transmitting mechanism.
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| Variable initialization time in the charging of energy reserves in an irrigation control system | 20110015793 | 20110120 |
| In one embodiment, a method for controlling an irrigation device coupled to and receiving operational power from a multi-wire interface of an irrigation system comprises: receiving power at the device where the device is one of a plurality of devices receiving power substantially simultaneously; charging an energy reserve of the device using the power, wherein the energy reserve of each device is charged and adapted to supply power to an actuator coupled to a valve; identifying a delay period for the device, the delay period different than a delay period of at least one other device, the delay period defining a period of time that the device is to delay before the energy reserve is discharged; discharging the energy reserve after the delay period lapses; and... |
| Method for identification of pneumatic drives | 20110015792 | 20110120 |
| The disclosure relates to a system and method for identification of pneumatic drives. The pneumatic actuating drive is controlled by an electro-pneumatic position regulator, which is equipped with a microcontroller, at least one electro-pneumatic transducer for controlling the pressure-medium flow to and from the drive, and a communication interface. After the position regulator has been started up with an initial setting, a nominal value profile and an actual value profile can be analyzed during operation and, if a control error exceeds a predeterminable minimum value, the manipulated variable from the position regulator can be temporarily replaced by a test signal during which operating parameters of the controlled system are recorded from which current regulator parameters are determined.
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| Thermal mass flow sensor with improved response across fluid types | 20110015791 | 20110120 |
| One embodiment of the present invention comprises a mass flow controller. The mass flow controller may comprise a pair of thermal sensing elements, a bridge circuit adapted to receive at least one first signal from the pair of thermal sensing elements and a differential amplifier adapted to (i) receive at least one bridge signal from the bridge circuit, and (ii) emit an output signal generally proportional to a flow rate of fluid passing through the mass flow controller. The mass flow controller is also comprised in one embodiment of a filter portion of a control module having one or more first filters comprising substantially permanent parameters adapted to provide a more accurate output signal for a baseline fluid upon a change in the flow rate and... |
| Control system for a mill and method for operating a mill | 20110015776 | 20110120 |
| The invention related to a control system for a mill, particularly a roller grinding mill, comprising a mill control device (11), which is designed to control at least one mill characteristic on the basis of an associated target variable, and a fuzzy-control device (13), which is connected to the mill control device (11) and designed to adjust the target variable of the at least one mill characteristic to be controlled when at least one operating parameter of the mill deviates from a predefined normal range as a function of fuzzy rules that are based on said at least one operating parameter of the mill until the at least one operating parameter of the mill has reached the predefined normal range again. A solution is to be... |
| Method and apparatus to relieve menstrual pain | 20110015708 | 20110120 |
| An apparatus to relieve menstrual cramping includes one or more tapered pads having an inner and outer side, each outer side being semi-rigid and each inner side being flexible. The outer side of each pad is connected to one or more straps having first and second ends. A fastener is attached to the first end of each strap and a corresponding second fastener attaches to the second end of each strap. The apparatus includes a variable compression drive located proximate to one pad to create a compression force through each strap when the first and corresponding second fasteners connect. The drive includes an outer drum shell, an inner rotator having an inner diameter that is treaded, a motor which communications with the inner rotator, and a... |
| Provision of stimulus components having variable perceptability to stimulating device recipient | 20110015700 | 20110120 |
| The automatic measurement of evoked compound action potential (ECAP) thresholds of the auditory nerve; that is, a neural response, concurrently with the performance of psychophysics measurements of a prosthetic hearing implant recipient. During the fitting process, a stimulus signal comprising two components is applied to each stimulation channel. One signal component is configured to elicit an ECAP neural response, referred to herein as a neural response signal component. The other component is configured to elicit a response to a psychophysics stimulation, referred to herein as a psychophysics signal component. Indications of the psychophysics measurement and the concurrently obtained neural response measurements are provided to the user. For the psychophysics measurement, this includes the selected characteristics of the psychophysics signal component since the results of the applied... |
| Adaptive muscle stimulation apparatus and methods | 20110015696 | 20110120 |
| A portable device, with requisite method, is used to support a compromised joint, such as by arthritis, through dynamic stimulation of the surrounding musculature. Direct feedback, preferably from the patient wearing the device, is used during problematic joint operation to qualify dynamic measured or calculated spacial or physical conditions of the compromised joint for use as state definitions. Approximation of these state definitions by subsequent spacial or physical conditions of the compromised joint evokes variable stimulation of the surrounding musculature. State definitions so qualified, as well as control of stimulation output, may include magnitude and/or vector of joint force, facilitating predictable benefit from the device beyond that available through positional control.
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| Variable axis locking mechanism for use in orthopedic implants | 20110015682 | 20110120 |
| A locking mechanism assembly to allow locking of a fastener in an orthopedic implant having its axis at a variable angle relative to the axis of threaded through opening in the implant. The assembly includes a locking insert, having threads which mates with the threads of the through opening and which includes a smooth opening that forms a torque driving recess and an annular flange. A fixator has a head portion with external threads of a harder material than that which forms the through opening so that the threads of the fixator will deform the insert to lock the fixator in a desired position relative to the plate.
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| Method utilizing two wire electrode oscillator system for determining body impedance | 20110015540 | 20110120 |
| A method for measuring an impedance of a body includes the steps of electrically coupling first and second electrodes to the body and electrically biasing a variable frequency relaxation oscillator. The oscillator has both a positive resistive feedback network and a negative feedback network which includes the electrodes. The method further includes a step of measuring the period of oscillation of the variable frequency oscillator. The measured period of oscillation is indicative of the impedance of the body.
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| Copolymers, their use as thickeners, and methods for their preparation | 20110015361 | 20110120 |
| (C) at least one further comonomer.
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| Mixtures comprising branched oligomeric or polymeric compounds, and preparation and use thereof | 20110015301 | 20110120 |
| (d) optionally at least one further compound having at least one COOH group or at least one alcoholic OH group per molecule.
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| Isoxazole and isothiazole compounds useful in the treatment of inflammation | 20110015231 | 20110120 |
| The variables of Formulae (I), (I a), (VII) and (VII a) are described herein.
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| Control flow deviation detection for software security | 20090328211 | 20091231 |
| Provided are methods and systems for control flow deviation detection. Provided are methods for software security, comprising executing a software program, generating a run-time signature variable, updating the run-time signature variable as the software program executes, comparing the run-time signature variable with a pre-computed signature, and detecting a deviation in control flow of the software program based on the comparison between the run-time signature variable and the pre-computed signature.
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| Adaptive video switching for variable network conditions | 20090328124 | 20091231 |
| A method for video playback switching in response to changing network conditions. The method includes accessing a server to retrieve respective index files for a low bit rate version and a high bit rate version of the video file, and instantiating a low bit rate media player and a high bit rate media. Playback of the video file is begun by the high bit rate media player streaming the high bit rate version from the server. Upon an indication of impeded network conditions, a transition point is selected, wherein the transition point indicates where downloading of the high bit rate version stops and where downloading of the low bit rate version begins. The low bit rate media player is then positioned to begin playback at the... |
| Iterative media playing by increment and decrement of an ad-to-program variable | 20090328088 | 20091231 |
| A new paradigm of watching television allows watching programs and watching ads and maintaining a score that is based on the times of watching the programs and the ads. The paradigm can be carried out by increasing the value of a variable when programs are watched and decreasing the value of the variable when ads are watched. The user can also buy ad credits, or can receive them as an incentive to buy a product.
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| Multiversioning if statement merging and loop fusion | 20090328021 | 20091231 |
| In one embodiment of the invention, a method for fusing a first loop nested in a first IF statement with a second loop nested in a second IF statement without the use of modified and referenced (mod-ref) information to determine if certain conditional statements in the IF statements retain variable values.
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| Optimizing primitives in software transactional memory | 20090328018 | 20091231 |
| A compiler is provided that determines when the use of software transactional memory (STM) primitives may be optimized with respect to a set of collectively dominating STM primitives. The compiler analysis coordinates the use of variables containing possible shadow copy pointers to allow the analysis to be performed for both direct write and buffered write STM systems. The coordination of the variables containing the possible shadow copy pointers ensures that the results of STM primitives are properly reused. The compiler analysis identifies memory accesses where STM primitives may be eliminated, combined, or substituted for lower overhead STM primitives.
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| Pruned bit-reversal interleaver | 20090327843 | 20091231 |
| A pruned bit-reversal interleaver supports different packet sizes and variable code rates and provides good spreading and puncturing properties. To interleave data, a packet of input data of a first size is received. The packet is extended to a second size that is a power of two, e.g., by appending padding or properly generating write addresses. The extended packet is interleaved in accordance with a bit-reversal interleaver of the second size, which reorders the bits in the extended packet based on their indices. A packet of interleaved data is formed by pruning the output of the bit-reversal interleaver, e.g., by removing the padding or properly generating read addresses. The pruned bit-reversal interleaver may be used in combination with various types of FEC codes such as a... |
| Reducing memory requirements of firmware | 20090327738 | 20091231 |
| A mechanism for making increased amounts of firmware available to a computer pre-boot is discussed. To increase the amount of firmware available pre-boot, a design decision is made during the build process as to which segments of the firmware need to be placed on the ROM part and which segments of the firmware can be located elsewhere. The segments of the firmware that are stored remotely from the ROM are referred to as “virtual ROM modules”. Each of the virtual ROM modules is assigned a generated unique identifier, and a “message digest” is constructed for each module using an algorithm such as MD5 or SHA-1. In the software build of the ROM image, the message digest-unique identifier pair created for each Virtual ROM module is used... |
| System and method for variable encryption | 20090327712 | 20091231 |
| A method for variable encryption of a plurality of files. The method serves a plurality of subscribers. The method includes receiving a request from one of the plurality of subscribers to download at least one of the plurality of files and receiving authorization to download the at least one of the plurality of files. The method also includes accessing the at least one of the plurality of files, encrypting the at least one of the plurality of files and inserting a key into the encrypted at least one of the plurality of files. Finally, the method includes downloading the encrypted at least one of the plurality of files to the one of the plurality of subscribers, extracting the key and deciphering the encrypted at least one... |
| Variable length stages in a pipeline | 20090327670 | 20091231 |
| A circuit having a pipeline and a configuration circuit. The pipeline generally has multiple stages linked in series by registers. The registers may be governed by a clock signal having a first frequency in a first mode and a second frequency in a second mode. The second frequency may be slower than the first frequency. Each stage may have a respective one of multiple first latencies each shorter than a first period of the first frequency. The configuration circuit may be disposed in the pipeline. The configuration circuit generally bypassing selectively a particular register while in the second mode to form a combined stage. The combined stage may (i) comprise a first of the stages adjoining the particular register and a second of the stages adjoining... |
| Method for constructing a variable bitwidth video processor | 20090327652 | 20091231 |
| A method for designing a video processor with a variable and programmable bitwidth parameter. The method comprises selecting logical operations having propagation delay that scales linearly with the bitwidth; determining a desired tradeoff curve; and grouping instances of a logic operation having same properties; for a single instance of each logic operation, matching an actual curve of the logic operation to the desired tradeoff curve, wherein the actual curve is determined by the propagation delay and bitwidth of the logic operation.
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| Digital generation of an accelerated or decelerated chaotic numerical sequence | 20090327387 | 20091231 |
| A method for generating an accelerated and/or decelerated chaotic sequence. The method involves selecting a plurality of polynomial equations constructed from an acc-dec variable v. The method also involves selecting a value for the acc-dec variable v for advancing or stepping back a chaotic sequence generation by at least one cycle at a given time. The method further involves using residue number system (RNS) arithmetic operations to respectively determine solutions for the polynomial equations using the acc-dec variable v. The solutions iteratively computed and expressed as RNS residue values. The method involves determining a series of digits in a weighted number system based on the RNS residue values.
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| Method and apparatus for assisting with construction of data for use in an expert system | 20090327207 | 20091231 |
| A display device to display a representation of a set of states, each one of the states being associated with a corresponding variable. Each of the states displayed is designated as being a most significant state for the corresponding variable. Input representing a probability estimate to be associated with a displayed state is entered and used to generate data for use in an expert system.
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| Forecasting by blending algorithms to optimize near term and long term predictions | 20090327206 | 20091231 |
| Described is time-weighted blending of the results of time series algorithms in a manner that changes their relative weights based on the prediction time. The prediction values from each algorithm are mathematically blended into a forecast result corresponding to the desired time of prediction. In this manner, an ARTXP algorithm that provides accurate near term predictions is given more weight than an ARIMA for near term predictions, and less relative weight for long term predictions. An example exponential function to compute the relative weights is described; the function corresponds to a curve having a control variable for the slope and the start of the curve, and constant coefficients, with the weights based (in part) on the prediction time. A user-provided parameter may also affect the relative... |
| Modeling and control for highly variable and nonlinear systems | 20090327204 | 20091231 |
| The present invention relates generally to methods of modeling and handling of nonlinearities for application of automatic control to systems with high inter-process variance and nonlinearities. The variance and nonlinearities make these systems difficult to control. Variance is accounted for by replacing the mathematical model of the system with a more representative model from a modelset that may or may not be chosen based on characteristics of the system under test, and then adapting using recursive estimation techniques. Nonlinearities defined by threshold to response and maximal responses are incorporated into linear models relating accumulated inputs to response. Example implementations in relation to automated drug delivery for neuromuscular blocking drugs through warning, advisory and closed-loop control systems are discussed.
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| Analytical model solver framework | 20090327183 | 20091231 |
| A solver framework for use with an analytical model. The analytical model includes multiple model parameters and includes definitions for analytical relationships between the model parameters. The solver framework coordinates the processing of multiple specialized solvers. In particular, the solver framework identifies which model parameters are input model variables and which are output model variables. The solver framework then analyzes dependencies to determine a solve order to solve for the output model variables. The solver framework then charged the specialized solvers with performing portions of the solve operation such that the specialized solvers solve for the output model variables in an order which considers the dependencies. In one embodiment, additional or replacement solvers may register with the solver framework to thereby make the specialized solver available... |
| Incremental factorization-based smoothing of sparse multi-dimensional risk tables | 20090327132 | 20091231 |
| A system for classifying a transaction as fraudulent includes a training component and a scoring component. The training component acts on historical data and also includes a multi-dimensional risk table component comprising one or more multidimensional risk tables each of which approximates an initial risk value for a substantially empty cell in a risk table based upon risk values in cells related to the substantially empty cell. The scoring component produces a score, based in part, on the risk tables associated with groupings of variables having values determined by the training component. The scoring component includes a statistical model that produces an output and wherein the transaction is classified as fraudulent when the output is above a selected threshold value.
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| Methods and systems for transforming logistic variables into numerical values for use in demand chain forecasting | 20090327027 | 20091231 |
| An improved method for forecasting and modeling product demand. The forecasting methodology employs a multivariable regression model to model the causal relationship between product demand and the attributes of past promotional activities. This improved forecasting methodology enhances the applicability of regression models when dealing with logistic variables. It provides a novel technique to transform such variables into numerical values, resulting in more accurate and more efficient regression models. Furthermore, the reduction in the number of variables improves the stability and predictive power of the regression models.
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| Guidance information display device, guidance information display method and recording medium | 20090326943 | 20091231 |
| A guidance information display device includes: a voice input unit; a display unit for displaying guidance information; an operation unit for accepting an operation; and a processor capable of executing the following processes of: a voice recognition process operation of performing voice recognition based on inputted voice; a calculation operation of calculating an evaluation value for a recognition result of voice recognition by the voice recognition process operation; a display operation of reading out guidance information corresponding to the recognition result from a storage unit, which stores the guidance information, and displaying the guidance information at a display unit; and a decision operation of deciding a display mode of the guidance information at the display unit based on a variable value, which varies with an operation... |
| Reducing computational complexity in determining the distance from each of a set of input points to each of a set of fixed points | 20090326932 | 20091231 |
| An aspect of the present invention takes advantage of the fact that the coordinates of fixed points do not change, and thus the energy (sum of squares of the coordinates defining the vector) of each fixed point is computed and stored. The energy of each variable input point may also be computed. The distance between each pair of fixed and input points is computed based on the respective energies and the dot product.
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| Techniques to predict three-dimensional thermal distributions in real-time | 20090326884 | 20091231 |
| Techniques for monitoring and predicting environmental operating conditions in a data center are provided. In one aspect, a method for real-time, three-dimensional analysis of environmental operating conditions in a data center includes the following steps. High spatial resolution three-dimensional measurements of one or more environmental variables in the data center made at a time t1 are obtained. Real-time measurements of the environmental variables in the data center made at a time t2, wherein t2 is later in time than t1, are obtained. The high spatial resolution three-dimensional measurements are combined with the real-time measurements to derive a model for the environmental variables in the data center at the time t2. The model is used to predict three-dimensional distributions of the environmental variables in the data center... |
| Analytical map models | 20090326872 | 20091231 |
| Visual map items may each be constructed and placed in position using logic defined by a map view component corresponding to each visual item, where that logic may depend on one or more values populated into parameter(s) of the map view component. Some of those parameter values may correspond to known map model parameter values. Others, however, may have been solved for using a model that defines analytical relationships between the map model parameters. In one embodiment, which of the map model parameters are input variable, and which are output model variables, may not be predetermined. Accordingly, a solver might be prepared for multiple solve operation paths even using a single model. The map view composition process may be entirely data-driven, and may include a mechanism... |
| Method for determining the performance of motor vehicle consumables | 20090326756 | 20091231 |
| A method for determining the performance of at least one motor vehicle consumable selected from the group consisting of engine lubricant, fuel and tyres, in a motor vehicle having an engine with at least one fuel injection valve, a lubricating system and a CANbus network comprising at least three network nodes, each operably connected to a computer, which method comprises: operating the vehicle whilst supplying the engine with the fuel through at least one fuel injection valve and lubricating the engine with the engine lubricant characterised in that: a first CANbus network node transmits to the computer, a signal indicative of the engine fuelling rate based upon the opening time of at least one of the fuel injection valves; one or more second CANbus network nodes... |
| Systems and methods for engine diagnosis using wavelet transformations | 20090326754 | 20091231 |
| A method for performing diagnosis on an engine includes the steps of obtaining data for a plurality of variables pertaining to the engine, transforming the data with respect to each of the plurality of variables using a wavelet transformation, to thereby generate initial coefficients for each of the plurality of variables, and aggregating the initial coefficients for each of the plurality of variables, to thereby generate an aggregate set of coefficients for the plurality of variables.
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| Behavior control system | 20090326710 | 20091231 |
| A behavior control system is capable of causing an agent carry out a task by smooth motions. The behavior control system makes it possible to reproduce a typical shape characteristic of a reference trajectory, i.e., the characteristic of a motion of an instructor carrying out a task, by using a first model defined on the basis of a plurality of reference trajectories representing the position of a first state variable in a time-series manner. Further, a learning trajectory representing the position of a second state variable in a time-series manner is generated on the basis of a second model, which represents an agent's motion in which the position of the second state variable corresponding to the first state variable and one or a plurality of time... |
| Method for monitoring the physical state of a hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip while controlling a plate rolling train for working a hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip | 20090326700 | 20091231 |
| A method of monitoring the physical state of a hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip while controlling a plate rolling train for the reversing working a hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip is disclosed. For the reversing rolling of the hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip a rolling stand is provided. At a starting point, an initial state of the hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip in a model is determined, from which state at least one physical state variable is derived. Further, a cyclical updating of the state during the working of the hot-rolled sheet by using the model of the hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip and the plate rolling train is provided, wherein monitoring of the path of the hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip and operating parameters influencing... |
| Behavior estimating system | 20090326679 | 20091231 |
| A behavior estimating system is provided. According to the system, an estimated trajectory which provides the basis on which the behavior of an agent is controlled is generated according to a second model which represents a motion of an instructor in which the position and the displacing velocity of the position of a state variable and the time differential values thereof continuously change, in addition to the position of a characteristic point of a reference trajectory which represents a motion of the instructor and a plurality of first models which represent a plurality of shape characteristics of reference trajectories. A behavior manner corresponding to a first model whose fluctuation, which is allowed under a condition that an estimated trajectory passes a characteristic state variable or a... |
| Model predictive control with variable trajectory sharing | 20090326678 | 20091231 |
| One or more techniques are provided for the sharing of variable trajectories between multiple controllers in a control system. In general, the present technique is based upon the sharing of predicted desired variable trajectories between multiple controllers requiring a common input variable. In one embodiment, a common input variable is shared between two controllers, wherein one controller is tuned to have dominant control with regard to the shared variable. Each controller determines and communicates their own desired trajectory for the shared variable to the other controller and in doing so, the constraints associated with each controller are shared and honored by the other controller. Based on the communicated trajectories, the dominant controller may exercise control over the shared variable, thus improving overall process control.
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| Variable pitch electrode array | 20090326623 | 20091231 |
| The present invention is an implantable electrode array having electrodes with variable pitch and variable size. Electrode arrays of the prior art provide electrodes with a common spacing and size. However, this is not how the human body is arranged. As an example, the retina has closely spaced retinal receptors near the fovea. Those receptors are spaced farther apart, farther away from the fovea. Further, the amount of electrical current required to stimulate the perception of light increases with distance from the fovea. Hence, larger electrodes are required to transfer the necessary current farther away from the fovea.
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| Pulse oximeter with wait-time indication | 20090326335 | 20091231 |
| The present disclosure provides a system and method for determination and indication of the time remaining before a patient's physical characteristics are displayed on a monitor. The indication may be a numeric count-down, a progress bar, a clock face, an audible signal, or any other time and/or progress indication. The approximate wait-time may be determined, for example, by adding the known, generally fixed durations of characteristic determination processes to the calculated, variable durations of characteristic determination processes. Exemplary processes which may have generally fixed durations include monitor boot-up, sensor validation, and sensor calibration. Exemplary processes which may have variable durations include sensor location determination and pulsation detection. The sum of the pre-determined and calculated durations may be an approximate wait-time, which is indicated to a caregiver... |
| Single-chain multiple antigen-binding molecule, its preparation and use | 20090326206 | 20091231 |
| The present invention relates to a single-chain, multiple antigen-binding molecule with diverse variable domains of a heavy and of a light chain of an immunoglobulin, which are connected in the form of a VH-VL construct, which are in turn connected together via a peptide, and to the preparation and use thereof as pharmaceutical or diagnostic aid.
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| Cutter blade assembly and dry shaver for variable height of cut | 20080313910 | 20081225 |
| A dry shaver unit includes a housing and a cutter blade assembly mounted in the housing. The cutter blade assembly includes a cutter blade and cooperating shear blade arrangement. The thickness of the shear blade varies over its surface, such that the spacing between a portion of the skin engaging surface of the shear blade and the opposite face thereof is increased as compared with the spacing required to achieve a “close shave”. The cutter blade assembly is mounted in the housing such that a plurality of portions of the shear blade having different thicknesses are simultaneously available for application to a surface to be shaved.
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| Stationary combustion engine | 20080314042 | 20081225 |
| A method of operating a stationary internal combustion machine (1), in particular a gas engine, comprising a compressor device (2) which compresses gas (5, 6) fed to the internal combustion machine (1), and a throttle device (7) which is connected downstream of the compressor device (2) and with which the amount of compressed gas (5, 6) fed to the internal combustion machine is variable, wherein the compressor device (2) is operated by way of an exhaust gas turbine (3) of variable turbine geometry, wherein the internal combustion machine (1) is regulated to a substantially constant engine regulating value by way of the actuation of at least two adjusting members, wherein upon a deviation in the engine regulating value from a reference value the amount of gas... |
| Capacity variable type rotary compressor and driving method thereof and driving method for air conditioner having the same | 20080314053 | 20081225 |
| Also, by using a pilot valve which is economical and reliable, back pressure of the sliding valve can be speedily and accurately switched. Accordingly, the capacity variable device in accordance with the present invention can be widely used for a compressor or an air conditioner that should perform frequent cooling capability control, and efficiency degradation thereof can be prevented from occurring.
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| Refrigerant system with variable speed scroll compressor and economizer circuit | 20080314057 | 20081225 |
| A scroll compressor system having a variable speed drive is utilized. By providing the economizer and/or bypass functions along with the variable speed drive, precise capacity adjustment between the discrete steps is achieved to exactly match load demands at a wide spectrum of operating conditions.
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| Desmodromic variable valve actuation | 20080314342 | 20081225 |
| The combination of the Fully Variable Valve Actuation or FVVA system with the Desmodromic control results in a fully functional FVVA rid of valve springs and any other kind of the restoring springs of the art.
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| Continuous variable valve lift apparatus | 20080314344 | 20081225 |
| A continuous variable valve lift apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a camshaft, an input cam disposed to the camshaft, a variable lever that is rotably connected to the camshaft and includes a first arm including a first connecting shaft and a second arm including a second connecting shaft, a first link rotating around the first connecting shaft corresponding to a rotation of the input cam, an output cam rotating around the camshaft, a valve opening/closing portion that is opened and closed corresponding to a rotation of the output cam, and a connecting portion that is disposed for the output cam to rotate corresponding to a rotation of the first link.
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| Variable valve opening property internal combustion engine | 20080314346 | 20081225 |
| In a variable valve opening property internal combustion engine, a roller link (22) is provided with a cam roller (31) at a free end thereof which engages a cam (3) of a camshaft (4) and a pressure surface (47) of a spring device (41). The roller link is pivotally supported by a bearing portion of a control link (21) which can be adjusted in position by using an actuator (14). The roller link is additionally provided with a roller shaft (31) that engages a slipper surface of a rocker arm (6). The pressure surface of the spring device may be contoured or otherwise inclined so that the direction of action of the spring device on the cam roller can be directed in an optimum direction irrespective... |
| Premix combustion methods, devices and engines using the same | 20080314360 | 20081225 |
| This invention discloses a combustion method, which is for internal combustion engine, which utilizes a variable spray fuel injection wherein it has (i) a variable spray angle with smaller angles for earlier fuel injection and larger angles for later fuel injection, and (ii) variable spray patterns varying from hollow conical shapes for earlier injection to multi-jet shapes for later injection, wherein it has adaptive means to distribute fuel into combustion chamber space based on background pressure and injection timing. A combustion method, which utilizes a combustion chamber which has plural number of annular inner spaces resembling the space inside an automotive tire, which provides means to control propagation paths of combustion reaction radicals and control pressure rise rate, which also provides means to promote stratification of... |
| Internal combustion engine with variable compression ratio | 20080314368 | 20081225 |
| A coupler, such as a piston pin, is pivotally coupled to a piston such that the piston can pivot about a first axis relative to the coupler. A connecting rod is coupled to the coupler for pivoting about a second axis. The relative positions of the first and second axes can be shifted by pivoting an eccentric portion of the coupler to thereby vary the compression ratio of a piston cylinder within which the piston slides. The coupler comprises a pivot member engager portion that is selectively shifted from first to second positions to vary the compression rates in response to shifting of a pivot member. The pivot member engager is shifted from first to second positions as the piston approaches the bottom dead center position.... |
| Structure with profiled surface for variable visual effects | 20080314441 | 20081225 |
| A structure, substrate or other article having a profiled surface comprising a plurality of profiled, in a length direction extending ridges, each ridge having a peak and on opposite sides of the peak a sloping side and an opposite, downwardly directed side, wherein the downwardly directed side comprises an undercutting part which is directed back under the peak of the ridge and wherein the undercutting part extends from a most forward point where the undercutting starts to a valley, wherein 0.1 M≦d≦0.9 M, wherein M is the distance between the most forward point of the peak and the sloping side or an imaginary extension thereof and d is the largest distance in a plane perpendicular to the length direction between the downwardly directed side and a... |
| Machine and method for applying a tread to a tyre carcass | 20080314503 | 20081225 |
| A machine (1) and method for applying a tread (2) to a carcass (3) of a tire (4); the machine (1) has a rotary drum (5) supporting the carcass (3), a feed conveyor (6) for feeding the tread (2) to the rotary drum (5), a pressure roller (7) contacting the tread (2), an actuating device (8) for pushing the pressure roller (7) against the tread (2) with a force (F) of adjustable intensity, and a control unit (9) for regulating the intensity of the force (F) as a function of an error variable (E) calculated as the difference between the length (RCC) of the remaining portion of the circumference of the carcass (3), and the length (RTL) of the remaining portion of the tread (2); and... |
| Belt-type continuously variable transmission having resin block belt and motorcycle including belt-type continuously variable transmission | 20080314676 | 20081225 |
| A belt-type continuously variable transmission that prevents escape of noise generated by a resin block belt to the outside. The resin block belt is wound around a primary sheave and a secondary sheave. A transmission case defines a belt chamber accommodating the primary sheave, secondary sheave, and resin block belt. The transmission case includes an exhaust passage, intake passages, and a sound absorbing member. The sound absorbing member is attached to an inner wall of the exhaust passage in a position to collide with sound waves traveling through the exhaust passage. The sound absorbing member has a sound absorbing surface crossing an extending direction of the exhaust passage.
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| Power unit for motorcycle | 20080314677 | 20081225 |
| A power unit for a motorcycle includes an internal combustion engine having a crankcase rotatably supporting a crankshaft with an axis located on a split face between an upper case half body and a lower case half body and a continuously variable transmission having a belt. Two types of respective different oils for an internal combustion engine and for a continuously variable transmission are used while the rigidity of the crankcase is enhanced. A crankcase is provided with a partition wall that separates between a crank chamber housing a crankshaft and a continuously variable transmission chamber housing a continuously variable transmission. An axial line of the crankshaft and respective axial lines of the drive pulley and the driven pulley are each located at a corresponding one... |
| Variable sound muffler system | 20080314679 | 20081225 |
| A muffler system includes a housing having two pipes perforated with holes or other shapes that slide or rotate on top of each other. The sliding or rotating pipes allow for varying degrees of alignment of the holes and thereby allow more or less sound dampening. The control of the sound dampening is actuated by an operator via an electric switch that activates at least one of the pipes inside the muffler system to rotate or slide on each other thereby aligning the holes.
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| Piston-cylinder unit | 20080314708 | 20081225 |
| Presented is a piston-cylinder unit. The piston-cylinder unit includes an outer tube defining a cavity, a working cylinder disposed in the cavity of the outer tube and filling only a portion of the cavity. The unfilled portion of the cavity is a compensating space. The compensating space is divided into an area filled with a damping medium and an area filed with a gas. The piston-cylinder unit further includes a piston rod that includes a damping piston. The piston rod is disposed in the working cylinder and has freedom of axial movement, and is configured to displace the gas. The piston-cylinder unit further includes a reservoir that has a variable volume configured for actuating the compensating space.
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| Method for detecting defective electrodes in a micro-electrode matrix | 20080314765 | 20081225 |
| Method for detecting defective electrodes in a micro-electrode matrix The method for detecting defective electrodes in an electrode matrix comprises measurement of an electrochemical impedance spectrum for each of the electrodes. Modeling of the spectrum impedance relative to each electrode by means of an implicit non-integral frequency model is performed in the form of a parameter matrix. Principal components analysis of the matrix is performed to transform said parameter matrix into a final matrix containing decorrelated variables representing the parameter matrix in a new space. The distance between each electrode and a reference point is calculated. These calculated distances are compared with a preset threshold distance and the electrodes having a distance greater than the threshold distance are classified as being defective.
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| Methods for fabricating spatial light modulators with hidden comb actuators | 20080314869 | 20081225 |
| Described are methods for fabricating Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) actuators with hidden combs and hinges. The ability to hide the combs renders the actuators useful in digital micro-mirror devices. Comb actuators provide increased torque, which facilitates the use of stiffer, less fragile hinge structures. Also important, comb actuators do not require mechanical stops to define stable states, and thus avoid problems associated with physical contact. The actuators are infinitely variable through a range of angles.
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| Pumping dispenser for viscous liquids | 20080314932 | 20081225 |
| A hand operated air pump apparatus comprising an internal bellows in communication with an outer bellows wherein variable force on air pump forces compressed air through a discharge valve into a annulus between a bottle and a flexible bladder wherein said pump is attached upon a container or bottle like vessel wherein pumping action forces from bottle highly viscous substances, that may contain solid or abrasive particles, through a discharge spout without internal substance being contaminated by air or other environmental factors thus allowing for an improved method of removing all contents within a container with greater ease.
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| Temperature control in variable-capacity hvac system | 20080314998 | 20081225 |
| Relatively constant temperatures are maintained in a space by varying the capacity of heating or cooling equipment. A proportional band is used to adjust capacity to compensate for changes in heating or cooling load, and the proportional band is adjusted to bring the actual temperature within the space closer to the set point temperature. Such an adjustment may be made by determining the difference between the present temperature and the set point temperature, and adjusting a floating temperature set point by a percentage (e.g., ten percent) of the difference. Such a process may be repeated, for example, at regular intervals, such as once per minute. As a result, the temperature within the space approaches (e.g., asymptotically) the set point temperature whether the heating or cooling load... |
| Variable speed gearbox with an independently variable speed tail rotor system for a rotary wing aircraft | 20080315035 | 20081225 |
| A gearbox of a rotary-wing aircraft includes at least one variable speed system which optimizes the main rotor speed for different flight regimes such as a hover flight profile and a high speed cruise flight profile for any rotary wing aircraft while maintaining an independently variable tail rotor speed.
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| Methods and systems for variable rate communication timeout | 20080315044 | 20081225 |
| Methods and systems for communicating with a vehicle are provided. The method includes providing a plurality of wayside control units controlling an area along a guideway to be traveled by the vehicle, the plurality of wayside control units including a database of fixed data defining an operational profile of the guideway in a local area of an associated wayside control unit. The method also includes monitoring dynamic data in the local area of the associated wayside control unit wherein the dynamic data includes at least one of guideway availability and signal status information and transmitting wirelessly an authority message including at least one of the fixed data and the dynamic data from the associated wayside unit to a receiver on board the vehicle, the authority message... |
| Variable torque valve actuator | 20080315139 | 20081225 |
| The invention provides an actuator for moving a threaded valve stem along a longitudinal axis to selectively open or close a valve. The actuator comprises a carrier rotatably mounted within a housing. A portion of the carrier has a bore threaded to receive the threaded valve stem. The actuator further comprises a gear arrangement configured for transmitting a rotational force to the carrier. A cylindrical operator rotatably mounted to the housing has a plurality of splines on its circumference and is configured for receiving a rotational input force from a drive mechanism. An annular collar slidably disposed around the operator rotates with the operator but can slide longitudinally along the operator between a first position in which it engages the gear arrangement and a second position... |
| Electric spool valve | 20080315140 | 20081225 |
| A sleeve has an input port, an output port, an insertion hole, and only one discharge port. A spool is axially slidable through the insertion hole to communicate among the input port, the output port, and the discharge port. An electric actuator is provided to one end of the sleeve and has a variable volume chamber, which communicates with the discharge port through an axial through hole and a spool breathing hole in the spool. The spool has a communication through hole to lead fluid from the output port to the discharge port through the axial through hole. A passage partition member is in the axial through hole to define an in-spool breathing passage communicating with the spool breathing hole.
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| Long-stroke regulator valve with a stop function | 20080315142 | 20081225 |
| The invention relates to a valve device comprising a valve body defining a fluid flow duct having a throttle element disposed therein and turned about its axis by actuator means via a drive shaft, the throttle element having an internal cavity defined by a circular wall that is open in its bottom portion. The circular wall also presents, over a portion of its periphery, an opening of varying shape so as to define a fluid flow passage in the duct that is variable between a fully-open position in which the opening co-operates in full with the duct, and a fully-closed position in which said circular wall closes the duct. The device further includes an annular sealing gasket disposed in the flow duct, said gasket being in... |
| Variable resistance non-volatile memory cells and methods of fabricating same | 20080315174 | 20081225 |
| Methods of fabricating integrated circuit memory cells and integrated circuit memory cells are disclosed. An integrated circuit memory cell can be fabricated by forming a cup-shaped electrode on sidewalls of an opening in an insulation layer and through the opening on an ohmic layer that is stacked on a conductive structure. An insulation filling member is formed that at least partially fills an interior of the electrode. The insulation filling member is formed within a range of temperatures that is sufficiently low to not substantially change resistance of the ohmic layer. A variable resistivity material is formed on the insulation filling member and is electrically connected to the electrode.
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| Injection molding flow control apparatus and method | 20080315445 | 20081225 |
| In an injection molding machine having upstream and downstream channels communicating with each other for delivering fluid material to one or more mold cavities, apparatus for controlling delivery of the melt material from the channels to the one or more mold cavities, each channel having an axis, the downstream channel having an axis intersecting a gate of a cavity of a mold, the upstream channel having an axis not intersecting the gate and being associated with an upstream actuator interconnected to an upstream melt flow controller disposed at a selected location within the upstream channel, the apparatus comprising a sensor for sensing a selected condition of the melt material at a position downstream of the upstream melt flow controller; an actuator controller interconnected to the upstream... |
| Force generator | 20080315725 | 20081225 |
| A force generator is configured for attachment to a structure in order to controllably introduce vibrational forces into the structure in order to influence the vibration thereof. The force generator encompasses a flexural arm that is fastenable at least at one end to the structure; and an inertial mass that is coupled to the flexural arm remotely from the fastening end of the flexural arm; the flexural arm being equipped with at least one electromagnetic transducer, and a driving system being provided for the transducer, which system is set up such that by driving the transducer, it warps the flexural arm with the inertial mass and the transducer, and thereby displaces the inertial mass, in such a way that vibrational forces of variable amplitude, phase, and... |
| Traffic signal lights showing dynamic patterns, particularly as are interposed on continuous illumination | 20080315776 | 20081225 |
| A traffic control signal light presents (1) a first, constant, light emission preferably from arrayed first LED light sources, in accompaniment with (2) a second light emission that is in any of time, hue, pitch (frequency), chroma and, most preferably, space, preferably from arrayed second LED light sources interspersed with the first LED light sources. The variable second light emission is preferably 8-10 Hz, and may cause Brücke-Bartley phenomenon, making that the composite light stimulates the combined human visual and nervous systems, and is all but impossible to miss or to ignore.
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| Variable-effect lighting system | 20080315777 | 20081225 |
| A variable-effect lighting system includes a lamp assembly and a lamp controller coupled to the lamp assembly. The lamp assembly comprises a number of multi-coloured lamps in series with an AC voltage source and in series with each other. Each multi-coloured lamp comprises a first illuminating element for producing a first colour of light, and a second illuminating element for producing a second colour of light. The lamp controller is configured to vary the colour produced by the lamps by varying the conduction interval of each illuminating element according to a predetermined pattern. The controller is also configured to terminate the variation upon activation of a user-operable input to the controller.
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| Method and device for starting an electric machine with a magnetically mounted rotor | 20080315812 | 20081225 |
| A method and a device with a control apparatus (50) for starting an electric machine (10) with a rotor (20), particularly the spinning cup of an open-end spinning machine, magnetically mounted by a bearing having permanent magnets (31, 32, 33, 34). An actuator system controls the position in the axial direction (35, 36) and two limitation bearings (41, 42), determine the axial end positions of the rotor. The actuator system brings about a lifting from the first axial end position, and a system variable during such lifting is compared with a reference value, and the rotor (20) is moved into the second end position, and the actuator system brings about a lifting from the second axial end position, and a system variable on lifting from the... |
| Very simple information presentation support and methods for assembly and disassembly of said supports | 20070294925 | 20071227 |
| Information display medium (1) having at least two display faces, one on each of two blank parts (2, 3) made of a substantially rigid and foldable material, the blank parts (2, 3) being arranged so that, when the medium is unfolded, they are stressed so as to stress the display faces, a plurality of holding inserts, which act at various different points along said display faces, being provided to keep the display faces stressed. The blank parts (2, 3) of the display faces are joined together by their edges (14, 19), each holding insert (21) is mounted between the blank parts (2, 3) in a variable position that can switch between a position in which the medium is collapsed and a position in which the display... |
| Variable ground plan mobile pavilion | 20070294964 | 20071227 |
| A mobile pavilion having containers arranged next to each other when viewed in a longitudinal direction of the pavilion. The individual containers are placed at a certain distance from each other when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the pavilion so that an intermediate space is formed. The containers have spaces at least in opposite end regions thereof, wherein a free space is arranged between the end regions. At least lateral walls delimiting the spaces are mountable at a variable distance with respect to the end surface in the longitudinal direction of the pavilion so that the mobile pavilion forms a variable ground plan transit space.
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| Anti-backlash gear system | 20070295136 | 20071227 |
| An anti-backlash system comprising a single drive pinion and motor is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the single drive pinion is situated between two idler gears and is allowed to move in the radial direction relative to the bull gear. A preload force provides for the substantial absence of backlash at low torque loads. The pinion moves to the center point between the two idler gears and balances the torque during high torque loads. The present anti-backlash system is well suited for use in drive and positioning systems that are subject to variable and reversing loads, such as those experienced by radio telescopes in variable wind conditions.
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| Anteroposterior position variable pedal apparatus | 20070295146 | 20071227 |
| A push link shaft 4 serving as a center of swing of push links 2a and 2b adapted to directly output a force of operating a brake master cylinder 22 is provided in a pedal apparatus, in addition to a pedal link shaft 5 serving as a center of swing of a pedal arm 7, and pedal links 3 and 3. An application point shaft 10, on which an external force received by the push link 20 and 2b is competitive with a force of stepping on a pedal 11, is adapted to move in an up-down direction when a slider 8, to which the pedal arm 7 is fixed, is moved along a slider rail 9.
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| Combination pet grooming device and towel | 20070295281 | 20071227 |
| A combination all-in-one device that provides for the drying and grooming of an animal, such as a dog after an activity that results in the animal becoming wet. Once the animal has gotten wet, the device of the invention provides a single item that has a towel on one side that can dry the animal. Provided on the opposite side of the towel is a grooming side made of flexible bristles that can comb the hair of an animal. The bristles of the grooming side vary in size and composition based on the animal to be dried and groomed. The grooming side of the device has recessed portions for placement of the user's hands when utilizing the towel side of the device. The towel side of... |
| Cao cycles of internal combustion engine with increased expansion ratio, constant-volume combustion, variable compression ratio, and cold start mechanism | 20070295290 | 20071227 |
| This invention provides an internal combustion engine that has a substantially increased expansion ratio, a variable compression ratio, and subsequently a significantly improved thermal efficiency. This improvement in thermal efficiency is attained without involving a complex mechanical structure or an enlarged engine size. The engine comprises at least a piston and cylinder assembly including a piston reciprocatingly mounted within the cylinder space, and at least two combustion chambers associated with said cylinder, each said combustion chamber having a port leading to said cylinder space and a combustion-chamber valve, said valve opens and closes said port to establish or block the communication between said combustion chamber and cylinder space, wherein said internal combustion engine is adapted to operate on preferred cycles in accordance with load conditions to... |
| Variable valve mechanism | 20070295292 | 20071227 |
| The present invention provides a variable valve mechanism which includes a rotating cam provided on a camshaft, a swing arm that contacts with the rotating cam to swing, a drive arm that drives a valve in conjunction with the swing arm, a variable arm that turns the drive arm around a swing axis of the swing arm, an actuator that drives the variable arm, and cam device that is provided between the swing arm and the drive arm. The variable arm is provided so as to be able to rotate relatively around the same axis as the swing arm, and the cam device changes the initial position of the drive arm with respect to the swing arm accompanying the turning of the drive arm.
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| Phase angle detection apparatus and variable valve timing control apparatus using the phase angle detection apparatus for internal combustion engine | 20070295295 | 20071227 |
| A phase angle detection apparatus includes an intermediate rotary member changing an operating angle of a driven member that is driven by a driving member, a detection unit detecting a rotational angle of the intermediate rotary member, which corresponds to the operating angle of the driven member, and outputting the rotational angle as a detection pulse signal, a controller receiving the detection pulse signal and calculating a pulse rising time difference between the detection pulse signal and a pre-set reference pulse signal. The controller detects, based on the pulse rising time difference, a predetermined middle angle position of the driven member from all the operating angles of the driven member.
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| Energy transfer machine with inner rotor | 20070295301 | 20071227 |
| An energy transfer machine, for example, a positive displacement internal combustion device, has a fixed or rotating outer housing, an internal rotating carrier and one or more inner rotors with rotational axes which are offset from the inner rotor carrier rotational axis. Circumferentially expandable projections from the outer housing and rotor mesh with each other to define variable volume chambers.
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| Variable flow control method and device between air intake and throttle | 20070295302 | 20071227 |
| A variable flow control method and device between an air intake and a throttle comprise at least one one-way valve with suitable restoring function between the air intake and the throttle, especially for a car. Corresponding functions can be generated among the one-way valve, an air intake manifold and the throttle to adjust and control an engine so that the engine can rapidly get various rotating rates corresponding to various degrees of vacuum respectively as natural or original air taking can be effectively and rapidly accelerated when the accelerator is trampled rapidly, and reflect the improvement on performances responding to torsion and acceleration of the various rotating rates.
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| Fuel injection system having variable pressure fuel pump | 20070295311 | 20071227 |
| The present invention provides a constant flow fuel injection system for an engine, the system comprising an engine control unit, a variable DC brushless motor fuel pump, and a constant orifice fuel injector, wherein the engine control unit drives the fuel pump to provide fuel pressure to the fuel injector by modulating the fuel pump pressure to vary the fuel flow rate to the fuel injector.
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| Siphon and backflow resistant valve | 20070295404 | 20071227 |
| A valve assembly for preventing backflow and siphoning in a plumbing line, the valve assembly comprising a valve body including a first end having a first aperture for receiving liquid from a supply source, a second end having an exit port for releasing liquid to a demand source, and a second aperture for receiving air. The assembly further includes a variable thickness diaphragm located within a valve chamber having a first and a second portion, the first portion for influencing the flow of liquid in the first aperture and the second portion for influencing the flow of air in the second aperture, the second portion having a flex line for enhancing the amount of flexing provided by the second portion. The first portion further includes a... |
| Twin wire gap former paper making machine with variable wrap impringement shoe | 20070295468 | 20071227 |
| A forming section for a gap blade former type papermaking machine having a headbox which delivers a jet of papermaking stock between a conveying forming fabric and a backing forming fabric is provided. The conveying fabric moves in sliding contact over an impingement shoe on which the jet of papermaking stock is delivered at a point of impingement. A forming shoe located immediately downstream of the impingement shoe over which the backing forming fabric slides. The impingement shoe is mounted for at least one of pivoting and transverse movement so that a position of the point of impingement of the jet of papermaking stock can be adjusted by at least one of rotating the impingement shoe about a first pivot point and transversely shifting the impingement... |
| Regenerative braking halo and method | 20070295544 | 20071227 |
| A variably illuminable display is provided for use with a vehicle having a regenerative braking capability with a detectable recharging rate. The display has a variable width, variable color, and variable intensity that are proportionately and continuously variable in response to the detected charging rate. The display is adapted to at least partially circumscribe a circular instrument gauge to thereby form an illuminable halo. A method is also provided for displaying the rate of energy transfer of a regenerative braking system aboard a vehicle, including detecting the recharging rate or rate of energy transfer of the regenerative braking process, communicating the detected recharging rate to a controllable display, and continuously varying at least one of the variable width, variable color, and variable intensity of the controllable... |
| Prevention of inadvertent inertial engagement of a transfer case clutch | 20070295548 | 20071227 |
| A method for controlling operation of a transfer case in a motor vehicle driveline that includes by an engine controlled by a throttle having a variable position, and a transmission driveably connected to the engine for producing multiple ratios of the speed of a transmission input relative to the speed of a transmission output. The transfer case transmitting rotating power in response to an electric signal applied to a clutch. The method includes determining that the engine throttle position is less than a first reference throttle position during a period of predetermined length; determining that a speed of the vehicle speed is in a predetermined range; determining that the transmission is operating in a speed ratio greater than a reference speed ratio; determining that the engine... |
| Engine unit and straddle type vehicle | 20070295550 | 20071227 |
| In an engine unit of a straddle type vehicle, a V-belt-type continuously variable transmission (CVT) has a secondary sheave shaft 62 that rotates with a clutch housing of a centrifugal clutch. The secondary sheave shaft is supported in a cantilever fashion via two bearings. The engine unit has a gear that rotates with a clutch boss. Cage-and-roller needle bearings, which are a type of needle bearing, are inserted between the secondary sheave shaft and the gear. In this manner, without enlarging the engine unit, abrasions and deterioration of a bearing inserted between a rotational shaft supported in a cantilever fashion and a body of rotation are prevented.
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| Portioning device for packaging | 20070295749 | 20071227 |
| A packaging device (2) for a packaging (1) has a chamber (4) to accommodate a pourable solid product. This chamber (4) can be closed off by a feed device (2) neighboring onto this chamber (4) whereby, with the feed device in the open position, an outlet (14) can be formed at the lower end of the chamber (4). The feed device (2) exhibits two valve flaps (11, 12) which are joined together by means of at least one spring-type element (10) such that, when the spring-type element or elements (10) are in the closed position, closure edges (16) on the valve flaps (11, 12) keep the chamber (4) closed off from the surroundings. Consequently, by means of pressure (31, 32) applied to the valve flaps (11,... |
| Automatic data collection apparatus and method for variable focus using a deformable mirror | 20070295817 | 20071227 |
| An automatic data collection device, such as a scanner-type device, is provided with a deformable mirror that operates in conjunction with a scanning mirror to scan a target machine-readable symbol using a scanning beam. The deformable mirror includes a reflective membrane having a shape that can be changed by applying electric charge to conductors, or by some other type of actuation. In this manner, the focus distance, depth of field, wavefront shape, or other property of the scanning beam can be changed dynamically. Feedback information can be provided to a focus control algorithm to control adjustment of the deformable mirror so as to optimize the scanning.
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| Variable resistance random access memory device and a method of fabricating the same | 20070295950 | 20071227 |
| Provided is a variable resistance random access memory device having an n+ interfacial layer and a method of fabricating the same. The variable resistance random access memory device may include a lower electrode, an n+ interfacial layer on the lower electrode, a buffer layer on the n+ interfacial layer, an oxide layer on the buffer layer and having a variable resistance characteristic and an upper electrode on the oxide layer.
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| Semiconductor device including a capacitance | 20070296009 | 20071227 |
| It is an object to obtain a semiconductor device including a capacitance having a great Q-value. In an SOI substrate comprising a support substrate (165), a buried oxide film (166) and an SOI layer (171), an isolating oxide film 167 (167a to 167c) is selectively formed in an upper layer portion of the SOI layer (171) with a part of the SOI layer (171) remaining as a P− well region (169). Consequently, an isolation (partial isolation) structure is obtained. An N+ diffusion region (168) is formed in the SOI layer (171) between the isolating oxide films (167a) and (167b) and a P+ diffusion region (170) is formed in the SOI layer (171) between the isolating oxide films (167b) and (167c). Consequently, there is obtained a junction... |
| Lens molding apparatus and related methods | 20070296095 | 20071227 |
| An adjustable mold includes a distortable boundary, a flexible membrane, and a pressurizer, and method of use thereof. Pressure is applied to the flexible membrane, which causes the membrane to distort over the boundary. The shape of the boundary and the distortion of the flexible membrane control the optical characteristics of a lens resulting from the application and curing of a molding composition placed on the flexible membrane or to cast other items having variable shapes determined in part by the flexible membrane. In addition, a mold edge is used to allow casting in predetermined shapes, reducing need for grinding or edging. Visual and emission device calibration features used in conjunction with calibration reference images allow uniform selective distortion of the flexible membrane.
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| Controlling warpage through melt rotation technology | 20070296100 | 20071227 |
| Methods and apparatus control the direction and/or magnitude of warpage in formed plastic parts through strategic repositioning of the non-homogeneous melt conditions across the stream of a laminar flowing fluid flowing through a flow channel to a desirable state. This may be used in combination with more conventional process variables, such as control of material temperature, pack pressure, and pack time. The invention is particularly useful in any solidifying or non-solidifying runner, or flow channel used to make products from laminar flowing fluids. The runner may be a cold-runner or hot-runner system that flow a stream of laminar flowing material, such as thermosetting or thermoplastic plastic (melt) through at least one runner flowing a non-homogeneous melt, and extruded or packed into a single or multiple-cavity mold.... |
| Sheet delivery device for a printing machine | 20070296144 | 20071227 |
| The invention relates to a sheet delivery device for a printing machine, preferably for an electrophotographically operating printing machine, comprising a transfer path on which sheets are transported from a path entry (1) of said transfer path to a path exit (2) of said transfer path via said transfer path. The object of the invention is to be able to adapt a sheet delivery device of the above-said type to various types of printing machines in a cost-effective and simple manner, preferably with minimal manipulation. In accordance with the present invention, this object is achieved in that a specific height level is assigned to the path exit (2), while the path entry (1) is configured in a height-variable manner.
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| Variable clearance packing ring | 20070296159 | 20071227 |
| Disclosed is a variable clearance packing ring including a plurality of arcuate packing ring segments positional seriatim, a plurality of biasing member interfaces defined by the plurality of arcuate packing ring segments, and a biasing member interactive with one of the plurality of interfaces on one of the plurality of arcuate segments and one of the plurality of interfaces on an adjacent one of the plurality of arcuate segments.
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| Wind turbine having variable pitch airfoils | 20070296218 | 20071227 |
| A wind turbine, having: a rotatable frame; a plurality of airfoils mounted to the rotatable frame, the wherein the airfoils extend parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotatable frame, and wherein the airfoils are individually pivotable with respect to the rotatable frame; and a mechanism that holds each of the airfoils in a high lift/high drag position when the airfoil moves in a direction of air flow. The wind turbine may optionally include a rotational stop to prevent rotation of the air foil from a high drag position to a low drag position when the airfoil is moving in the direction of the wind flow.
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| Easy grip bag gripping device | 20070296232 | 20071227 |
| The lifting force positions the rope under the bag,thereby providing the lifter a substantial and convienient method of gripping the bag.
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| Emc filtering device in a variable speed drive | 20070296374 | 20071227 |
| The invention relates to a filtering device connected between a rectifier module of a variable speed drive and an alternating current power supply network, the filtering device comprising an EMC filter comprising a common-mode inductor having a winding on each phase of the power supply network, the windings being magnetically coupled together. The filtering device comprises a shunt circuit connected in parallel with at least one of the windings of the common-mode inductor, the shunt circuit comprising passive components and making it possible to shunt a common-mode current flowing in the common-mode inductor in a frequency zone about a resonance frequency of the EMC filter.
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| Power supply assembly and semiconductor testing system using same | 20070296454 | 20071227 |
| A power supply assembly that can be miniaturized even though an applied voltage to a load is rendered variable, and a semiconductor testing system using the same are put into practice. With an improvement of the power supply assembly for finding an error against a set voltage by feeding back an applied voltage applied to a load, and applying a predetermined voltage to the load by causing an output amplifier to increase and decrease amperage to be fed to the load on the basis of the error, it is characterized in provided a voltage converter causing a voltage level of a power supply voltage of the output amplifier to follow up a voltage level of the set voltage.
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| Driver with variable output voltage and current | 20070296463 | 20071227 |
| A driver circuit with variable output voltage and current. A source input terminal of the driver circuit may receive a source control signal. A voltage control circuit may drive one of the terminals of a first switch to a source voltage. If the source input terminal receives an asserted source control signal, the first switch is turned on and the voltage control circuit drives an output terminal of the driver circuit to the source voltage. A source current mirror may regulate a source current provided to the output terminal of the driver circuit. A sink input terminal of the driver circuit may receive a sink control signal. If the sink input terminal receives an asserted sink control signal, a second switch is turned on and the... |
| Db-linear analog variable gain amplifier (vga) realization system and method | 20070296490 | 20071227 |
| A dB-linear variable gain amplifier, a method for creation, and a system includes an amplifier; a pair of resistor arrays operatively connected to the amplifier, wherein each resistor array comprises MOS transistor resistive switches; a differential ramp-generator circuit operatively connected to the pair of resistor arrays; and voltage control lines generated by the differential ramp-generator circuit, wherein the voltage control lines are operatively connected to each of the MOS transistor resistive switches in the pair of resistor arrays. The number of the voltage control lines that are operatively connected to the each of the MOS transistor resistive switches is equal to the number of resistors in a particular resistor array. The differential ramp-generator circuit is preferably operable to take an automatic gain control voltage and generate... |
| System and method for backpressure compensation for controlling exhaust gas particulate emissions | 20060288701 | 20061228 |
| A method for controlling exhaust gas particulate emissions from a compression ignition internal combustion engine having a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) includes the steps of determining backpressure across the engine and air mass flow into the engine, closing vanes of the VGT to provide air mass flow increase when backpressure is increasing, and stopping the step of closing the vanes of the VGT when a decrease in rate of change of air mass flow is determined.
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| Thermoelectric, high-efficiency, water generating device | 20060288709 | 20061228 |
| A water generating device utilizing thermoelectric cooling, also known as Peltier technology, for obtaining potable water from ambient air inside or outside a structure or dwelling, having a unique continuous duct for bringing this supply of ambient air to the device and for releasing the air back outside the device after it has been processed. This device includes a cold sink with which the incoming air is cooled below the dew point to condense the existing water vapor. The cooled air is then redirected over the heat sink which increases the efficiency and cooling capability of the device over that of using only the warmer ambient air to cool the heat sink. The rate of air flow is controlled by the variable speed of one or... |
| Apparatus and method for controlling a cryocooler by adjusting cooler gas flow oscillating frequency | 20060288710 | 20061228 |
| Systems and methods are provided for a variable cooling capacity cryocooler for a superconducting magnetic resonance imaging device having a liquid cryogen pressure vessel to provide cryogenic temperatures to a magnet assembly, a vacuum vessel surrounding the pressure vessel and a radiation shield spaced from the cryogen pressure vessel, and a pressure sensor positioned inside the cryogen pressure vessel pressure boundary for sensing pressure variations. A controller for varying the heat removal rate of the cryocooler based on the pressure variations in the cryogen pressure vessel and where the cooling capacity of the cryocooler is adjusted by modifying the speed of the electric power drive (DC or AC motors) or by changing the mechanical transmission ratio between the constant speed electric power drive and the cryocooler... |
| Method and device for determining the hydraulic flow rate in a pump driven by a synchronous electric motor | 20060288772 | 20061228 |
| The present invention relates to a method and relevant electronic device (10) for determining the hydraulic flow rate in a pump driven by a synchronous electric motor (12), said motor (12) being of the type comprising a rotor (14), equipped with a permanent magnet, which is rotation-driven by the electromagnetic field generated by a stator (16) equipped with pole pieces (18) with relevant windings. The method comprises an indirect measuring of the flow rate through the following steps of: acquiring at least one pump operation variable; -comparing the value of said variable with a predetermined correlation table to hydraulic flow rate values and determining a corresponding flow rate value.
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| Software correction method and apparatus for a variable orifice flow meter | 20060288799 | 20061228 |
| A method of improving the accuracy of a variable orifice flow meter that includes characterizing the flow coefficient of the flow meter orifice for different orifice openings and for different differential pressures. The method may be particularly useful with a flow metering and controlling device that includes a fluid flow conduit having at least one planar inner wall and an element having a linear edge configured to mate with the at least one planar inner wall of the fluid flow conduit. The element is movable relative to the conduit to define a flow orifice and vary a cross-sectional area of the orifice. The device also includes a processor configured to calculate the fluid flow based on the cross-sectional area of the orifice, the differential pressure, and... |
| Variable response time transient partial flow sampling system and method | 20060288801 | 20061228 |
| A partial flow dilution tunnel in a gas sampling system is connected to the exhaust from an internal combustion engine. More accurate gas sampling results are enabled for accounting for a delay from when the engine produces an exhaust change to when that transient arrives at a probe location. Thus, an estimated time delay is determined, and the gas sampling system is operated at least in part based upon that estimated time delay for the exhaust to arrive at the sampling location.
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| Gear box with two pinion shafts | 20060288811 | 20061228 |
| A variable-speed gearbox comprises a main transmission (2) arranged in a housing (30) and a downstream range-change transmission (32), the range-change transmission having power distribution on two countershafts (12, 14). On a main shaft (4) of the main transmission (2), a gear wheel (6) is arranged in a radially movable manner which meshes with respective first gear wheels (8, 10) each on one of the countershafts. In the housing of the variable-speed gearbox, a drive output shaft (22) is radially and axially fixed which is connected a gear wheel (20) that meshes in each case with a second gear wheel (16, 18), respectively, on each of the countershafts. The gear wheel on the main shaft that meshes with the first gear wheels on the countershafts is... |
| Negative pressure type booster device | 20060288858 | 20061228 |
| In a negative pressure type booster device, secondary passages 53 communicating directly with the atmosphere is formed between the internal surface of a sliding cylindrical portion 8b of a valve piston 8 and the external surface of a silencer 27, and communication means 60 is provided for being controlled to vary its path area in dependence on the advance amount of an input rod 23 when the same is moved beyond a predetermined distance relative to the valve piston 8. Thus, when a brake pedal 25 is stepped on strongly, the atmospheric air can be led from the secondary passages 53 through the communication means 60 to a variable pressure chamber 6, so that the property of the responsiveness in braking operation can be improved to... |
| Hydraulic circuit for option device of heavy construction equipment | 20060288862 | 20061228 |
| Disclosed is a hydraulic circuit for an option device of heavy construction equipment which can facilitate manipulation of the option device such as a breaker and optionally control a flow rate by supplying hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump to the option device at a constant flow rate, regardless of the size of load produced on the option device. The hydraulic circuit includes a variable displacement hydraulic pump, an option device connected to the hydraulic pump, a first spool, installed in a flow path between the hydraulic pump and the option device, for being shifted in response to a pilot signal pressure applied from an outside to control a flow rate applied from the hydraulic pump to the option device, a poppet, operatively installed in a... |
| Internal combustion engine start-up control | 20060288983 | 20061228 |
| A variable valve mechanism (12a, 12b) varies a lift amount and an opening/closing timing of an intake valve (10) of an internal combustion engine (1). During a first period in an engine start operation, wall flow is suppressed by setting the lift amount of the intake valve (10) to be smaller so as to increase the intake air velocity. During a second period, which starts after the first period ends, the atomization of injected fuel is enhanced by increasing a valve overlap amount between the intake valve (10) and an exhaust valve (11) so as to promote blow-back of the combustion gas to an intake port (4). By sequentially applying a process for increasing the intake air velocity and a process for increasing the valve overlap... |
| System and method for dynamic determination of disease prognosis | 20060289020 | 20061228 |
| A method of obtaining and processing patient data and patient treatment data to provide a prognosis parameter related to a patient's disease state is provided. The method identifies and calculates coefficients related to appropriate predictor variables which are then used by the prediction model to calculate the prognosis parameter. The prediction model may be a logistic regression model. The method may also be used to assess the level of care being provided to patients, as well as providing a way of assessing the outcome of the patient's condition as a function of treatment. A method of calculating a harm index reflective of the risk of treatment is also provided.
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| Infinitely variable directional valve | 20060289073 | 20061228 |
| Disclosed is an infinitely variable directional valve comprising a seat slide on which a valve cone is formed which is prestressed counter to a valve seat in the initial position of the directional valve. The directional valve is configured with a pilot control device wherefore a pilot control valve seat which interacts with a pilot control valve cone is provided inside the closing cone.
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| Hybrid vehicle control operation | 20060289212 | 20061228 |
| A drive system for a hybrid vehicle comprises a differential including a planetary gear set having a plurality of rotating elements and at least one engagement element. At least one rotating element is connected to each of, a first motor generator, an engine, a drive wheel and a second motor generator. The at least one engagement element selectively provides a variable speed ratio mode and a fixed speed ratio mode for the differential. The first motor generator generates electric power from output power of at least one of the engine and the second motor generator in the variable speed ratio mode. The drive system further includes a controller that selects the variable speed ratio mode to charge a battery of the hybrid vehicle when a state... |
| Internal combustion engine provided with a heating device in a combustion chamber and a control method for the heating device | 20060289425 | 20061228 |
| An internal combustion engine comprising at least one cylinder provided with at least one glow plug adapted to heat a variable volume combustion chamber within the cylinder, and an electronic control unit which in turn comprises an estimation module adapted to estimate the temperature of the glow plug within the combustion chamber and a control module which is adapted to drive the glow plug as a function of the estimated temperature.
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| Receipts having dual-sided thermal printing | 20060289633 | 20061228 |
| Variable information printed on both sides of a paper receipt at transaction time saves materials and provides flexibility in providing information to the recipient. Direct thermal printing on both sides of a paper receipt when issued is described. Using opposed print heads, paper receipts are printed on both sides at transaction time in a single pass. With transaction item detail printed on the front side of a double-sided thermal paper receipt, different types of information printed on the reverse side are described, including rebate information, contest information, serialized cartoons, conditions of sale, promotional information, coupon information, security features, ticket information and custom information based on recipient identity or transaction data or detail.
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| Method and apparatus for controlling a valve, and method and apparatus for controlling a pump-nozzle apparatus with the valve | 20060289670 | 20061228 |
| A valve has a piezoelectric actuator with a valve element, a valve body and a valve seat. In order to control the valve, the valve element is moved into the valve seat from a position remote from the valve seat by means of a charging process at a prescribable first time. A first value is determined being characteristic of the electrical power supplied to the piezoelectric actuator when the valve element meets the valve seat. A second value is determined being characteristic of the electrical power supplied to the piezoelectric actuator when the charging process of the piezoelectric actuator is concluded. An actual difference value between the second value and the first value is determined. A difference between a setpoint difference value and the actual difference... |
| Statistical methods applied to surface chemistry in minerals flotation | 20060289740 | 20061228 |
| The present invention provides a method of analysis which couples principle component analysis (PCA) with ToF-SIMS for obtaining surface chemical information from minerals. Statistical methods, based on the monolayer-sensitive time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) technique, combined with principal component analysis (PCA) identifies combinations of factors strongly correlated (positively or negatively) in images or spectra from sets of data. In images, PCA selects these correlations from the mass spectra recorded at each of 256×256 pixels in a selected area of particles. In the image mode, PCA provides a much better method of selecting particles by mineral phase with clearer definition of particle boundaries due to multi-variable recognition.
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| Methods & apparatus for ion beam angle measurement in two dimensions | 20060289798 | 20061228 |
| An angle measurement system for an ion beam includes a flag defining first and second features, wherein the second feature has a variable spacing from the first feature, a mechanism to translate the flag along a translation path so that the flag intercepts at least a portion of the ion beam, and a sensing device to detect the ion beam for different flag positions along the translation path and produce a sensor signal in response to the detected ion beam. The sensor signal and corresponding positions of the flag are representative of a vertical beam angle of the ion beam in a vertical plane. The sensing device may include a mask and a mechanism to translate the mask in order to define a beam current sensor... |
| Focused ion beam system | 20060289801 | 20061228 |
| A focused ion beam (FIB) system that can automatically set processing and scanning conditions under which a specimen is processed includes an arithmetic unit for selecting optical conditions for condenser lenses, multiple variable apertures, beam-deflecting electrodes, and an objective lens based on data entered into the input device. The arithmetic unit automatically calculates the processing and scanning conditions under which the specimen is processed by the focused ion beam, according to the selected-optical conditions. The system further includes a setting condition data output portion for outputting data based on the optical conditions and processing and scanning conditions selected and calculated by the arithmetic unit. The system further includes a FIB driver portion for driving the condenser lenses, beam-blanking electrodes, apertures, deflecting electrodes, and objective lens based... |
| Resistance variable memory device and method of fabrication | 20060289851 | 20061228 |
| Methods and apparatus for providing a resistance variable memory device with agglomeration prevention and thermal stability. According to one embodiment, a resistance variable memory device is provided having at least one tin-chalcogenide layer proximate at least one chalcogenide glass layer. The invention also relates to methods of forming such a memory device.
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| Semiconductor device including a capacitance | 20060289906 | 20061228 |
| It is an object to obtain a semiconductor device including a capacitance having a great Q-value. In an SOI substrate comprising a support substrate (165), a buried oxide film (166) and an SOI layer (171), an isolating oxide film 167 (167a to 167c) is selectively formed in an upper layer portion of the SOI layer (171) with a part of the SOI layer (171) remaining as a P− well region (169). Consequently, an isolation (partial isolation) structure is obtained. An N+ diffusion region (168) is formed in the SOI layer (171) between the isolating oxide films (167a) and (167b) and a P+ diffusion region (170) is formed in the SOI layer (171) between the isolating oxide films (167b) and (167c). Consequently, there is obtained a junction... |
| Memory cell, semiconductor memory device, and method of manufacturing the same | 20060289942 | 20061228 |
| A memory cell in a semiconductor memory device comprises a variable resistor element configured so that a variable resistor body is sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode, and a transistor element capable of controlling a flow of current in the variable resistor element, wherein the transistor element and the variable resistor element are placed one over the other along a direction in which the first electrode, the variable resistor body, and the second electrode of the variable resistor element are layered, and one of the first electrode and the second electrode of the variable resistor element is connected to one electrode of the transistor element.
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| Methods of quality control in concrete block production | 20060290020 | 20061228 |
| The invention relates to a method of controlling the quality of blocks that are produced front face-up in a mold, and verifying the accuracy of the production of such blocks, to ensure that the blocks are manufactured with consistent quality and minimal block-to-block variability. Measurement locations are formed on the front faces of predetermined blocks. By measuring the distances between the measurement locations and the rear faces and comparing with a target distance, any variation provides an indication that the blocks are not being properly formed. The process variables, such as the alignment of the compression head and/or the pressure plates to the mold, can then be adjusted accordingly.
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| Electrically controlled suspension system | 20060290078 | 20061228 |
| An electronically controlled suspension system according to the present invention comprises a sensor unit for extracting and providing a vertical acceleration component of a vehicle body of a vehicle; a signal processing unit for calculating a vertical velocity of the vehicle body using the vertical acceleration component provided by the sensor unit; a control gain determining unit having a control gain set according to the amplitude of the vertical acceleration component, and detecting the amplitude of the vertical acceleration component provided by the sensor unit and extracting a control gain corresponding to the detected amplitude; a control command value calculating unit for calculating a control command value using the control gain provided by the control gain determining unit and the vertical velocity of the vehicle body... |
| Chair system with a suspended balanced inclination seat adjustable by a body weight only | 20060290183 | 20061228 |
| The inventive system consists of a soft ergonomic seat (base) (A), an adjustable length (T2) which is constructed in such a way that it is suspended and sliding (T5, T3, T1) on a seat carriage (B1, B2, B3) swinging and longitudinally deformable by means of a parallelepipedic deformable structure (P1, P2) balanced about a longitudinal axis joining the body weight and the centre of the parallelepiped (G, G′) on a fixed and non-deformable base (C), independently there from and without the modification thereof Said structure is also provided with an integrated footrest (R) of the safety abutment retainers (S) fixed to the base. This inventive system is intended, in particular for comfortable and practical interior and exterior chairs for private or professional use which can be... |
| Cartesian positioning system | 20060290211 | 20061228 |
| A positioning system, a robot that employs the positioning system and a method of assembling the robot. The positioning system typically includes a stator and a linear variable reluctance motor that moves along the stator, wherein the stator, besides having an electromagnetic purpose, also acts as the sole structural beam element for the motor to rest upon. The robot employs the positioning system such that subsystems can be attached directly to the motor.
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| Electroluminescent device including a programmable pattern generator | 20060290289 | 20061228 |
| An electroluminescent (EL) device achieves a significant increase in the lifetime of EL light sources by using a driver with a controlled duration of intervals between rectangular pulses and between packets is variable, causing changes in the duty cycle, and is determined by a signal passing through a feedback circuit having the EL light source connected to a feedback device including a sensing a resistor, and a programmable pattern generator, which may include a microcontroller, fed by the output of the feedback device. The use of the programmable pattern generator allows for precise control over the required waveform; adjustment of the waveform per a specific EL device to maximize its lifetime; storage of profiles of known EL devices, taking into account their behavior/performance under standard conditions... |
| Field device with dynamically adjustable power consumption radio frequency communication | 20060290328 | 20061228 |
| A field device for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system includes terminals configured to connect to a two-wire process control loop configured to carry data and to provide power. In one embodiment, RF circuitry in the field device is configured for radio frequency communication having variable power consumption. In another embodiment, the RF circuitry is coupled to the field device through a separate digital communication bus. A method of modulating the power of RF communication based upon a process communication signal is also provided.
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| Multi-mode switch for plasma display panel | 20060290342 | 20061228 |
| A claimed multiple mode switch includes an input signal interface for receiving first and second input signals and producing a combined input signal; a driving circuit for receiving the combined input signal and producing driving signals accordingly; a resistor mode circuit electrically connected to a first output of the driving circuit, to a first node, and to a second node for enabling the multiple mode switch to operate in variable resistor mode or in large resistor mode; a fully-on mode circuit electrically connected to the second input signal, the first output of the driving circuit, and the second node for enabling the multiple mode switch to operate in fully-on mode; and a power switch electrically connected to the first node, the second node, and a third... |
| Printed circuit card-based proximity sensor and associated method of detecting a proximity of an object | 20060290347 | 20061228 |
| A proximity sensor assembly includes a multilayer printed wiring board proximity sensor, the proximity sensor being operable as either a variable-reluctance sensor or an eddy current loss sensor. The proximity sensor includes a plurality of layers configured to form at least one wound coil disposed about at least a portion of a core. The coils are electrically driven to generate an alternating magnetic field such that the inductance of the coils changes when a permeable or conductive object is moved in relation to the magnetic field. The change in inductance is recognized and used to detect the proximity and presence of an object relative to the sensor.
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