An adaptive interface for a programmable system, for predicting a desired user function, based on user history, as well as machine internal status and context. The apparatus receives an input from the user and other data. A predicted input is presented for confirmation by the user, and the predictive mechanism is updated based on this feedback. Also provided is a pattern recognition system for a multimedia device, wherein a user input is matched to a video stream on a conceptual basis, allowing inexact programming of a multimedia device. The system analyzes a data stream for correspondence with a data pattern for processing and storage. The data stream is subjected to adaptive pattern recognition to extract features of interest to provide a highly compressed representation that may be efficiently processed to determine correspondence. Applications of the interface and system include a video cassette recorder (VCR), medical device, vehicle control system, audio device, environmental control system, securities trading terminal, and smart house. The system optionally includes an actuator for effecting the environment of operation, allowing closed-loop feedback operation and automated learning.

Adaptive pattern recognition based control system and method

The invention provides a system for monitoring a vehicle that includes a wireless appliance in electrical contact with an in-vehicle computer. The wireless appliance features: 1) a data-collection component that supports communication software that collects diagnostic data from the computer; and 2) a data-transmission component, in electrical communication with the data-collection electronics, configured to transmit an outgoing data packet comprising the diagnostic data over a network and receive over the same network an incoming data packet that modifies the communication software. The wireless appliance communicates with a host computer system that is configured to: 1) receive the outgoing data packet from the network; 2) process the outgoing data packet to generate a set of vehicle diagnostic data; 3) host a web site on the Internet that displays the vehicle diagnostic data; and 4) send out the incoming data packet over the same network to modify the communication software.

Internet-based vehicle-diagnostic system

A multi-dimensional information repository has a plurality of stored data structures; and one or more tags associated with individual ones of the plurality of data structures. The data structures are tagged according to locations and defined regions relative to the surface of the Earth, and a data retrieval system retrieves information from the data structures according to location data accompanying requests for data. In some cases data structures are also tagged relative to time in addition to location and defined regions, and both tags are used in retrieving data structures. An Internet-connected subscription server system using the data repository has a communication module for receiving data requests accompanied by location data and a code set for managing retrieval of information from the data repository in response to the data requests. The system, receiving a data request, uses the location data accompanying the request to determine location in individual ones of pre-defined regions, and uses the pre-defined region information to access data structures and retrieve information related to the pre-defined regions for transmission in response to the data requests.

Internet system for connecting client-travelers with geographically-associated data

Methods and systems for a device discovery daemon that bases access of a communication device to an on board vehicle network on device location are provided.

Vehicle-based multimode discovery

An electric traction vehicle is described herein which may be used to provide power to off-board electric power-consuming systems or devices. The electric traction vehicle may provide 250 kilowatts or more of three phase AC power to an off-board electric power consuming system. The electric traction vehicle may also include an electrical power storage device which can be selectively discharged to allow the vehicle to be serviced.

Control system and method for electric vehicle

A vehicle fleet management information system (10) for identification of location and direction of movement of each vehicle in the fleet in real-time and automatic communication directly with management offices to report its location and heading, and status of predetermined events in which the vehicle may be engaged. Each fleet vehicle is assigned a unique time slot to transmit its reporting information over a communications network (10) without substantially interfering with transmissions from other vehicles in their own respective time slots.

Vehicle tracking, communication and fleet management system

A filter bypass valve is disposed in parallel with an aircraft cabin air filtration system air filter. During normal operation, air is filtered through the air filter at an air flow that meets air flow requirements of the system. The bypass valve is designed to remain closed during normal use, and to open if the differential pressure across the air filter reaches a predetermined opening differential pressure to allow airflow to be partially or fully diverted around the air filter.

Snap acting split flapper valve

A regulator valve (114) includes dual actuators that operate according to different principles to position a valve element (204) to either an open or a dosed position. One actuator, which is an electromechanical actuator (206), operates in response to electrical command signals. The other actuator, which is a pneumatic actuator (208), operates in response to a fluid pressure. The electromechanical actuator (206) is responsive to the electrical command signals to rotate in either a valve open or a valve close direction, to move the valve element (204) to either the open or closed position.

Dual-actuator aircraft environmental control system valve

A pressure relief check valve (110) includes a valve body (202), a flapper (204), a magnet (206) coupled to the flapper (204), and an adjustment mechanism (207). The valve body (202) has an upstream side 208, a downstream side (210), and a flow channel (212) that extends therebetween. The flapper (204) is rotationally mounted on the valve body (202), and is movable between a closed position, in which the flapper (204) at least substantially seals the flow channel (212), and an open position, in which the flapper (204) unseals the flow channel (212). The adjustment mechanism (207) comprises a magnetically permeable material, and is movably coupled to the valve body (202) at a position in which the adjustment mechanism (207) is magnetically attracted to the magnet (206) with a magnetic closing force at least when the flapper (204) is in the closed position, to thereby at least substantially inhibit flapper (204) movement from the closed position. Movement of the adjustment mechanism (207) varies the magnetic closing force.

Check valve with adjustable opening pressure

A pressure relief check valve system includes a valve body, a flapper, a magnet, an electromagnet, and a pressure sensor circuit. The flapper is rotationally mounted on the valve body and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The magnet is coupled to the flapper, and the electromagnet is coupled to the valve body. The pressure sensor circuit is adapted to sense one or more fluid pressures and is operable, based on the one or more sensed fluid pressures, to selectively supply or interrupt the electrical current to the electromagnet. The electromagnet is coupled to receive the electrical current and, upon receipt of the electrical current, either magnetically attracts or does not magnetically attract the magnet, to thereby hold the flapper in the closed position or allow flapper rotation to the open position, respectively.

Robert D. Sleeper

Papers

Vehicle tracking, communication and fleet management system

Snap acting split flapper valve

Dual-actuator aircraft environmental control system valve

Check valve with adjustable opening pressure

Electromagnetic split flapper pressure relief valve