160results about How to "Reduce operator fatigue" patented technology

An interactive voice actuated control system for a testing machine such as a tensile testing machine is described. Voice commands are passed through a user-command predictor and integrated with a graphical user interface control panel to allow hands-free operation. The user-command predictor learns operator command patterns on-line and predicts the most likely next action. It assists less experienced operators by recommending the next command, and it adds robustness to the voice command interpreter by verbally asking the operator to repeat unlikely commanded actions. The voice actuated control system applies to industrial machines whose normal operation is characterized by a nonrandom series of commands.

An ultra precise seed planter apparatus and method for generating a centimeter accuracy map of the location of seeds or vegetation as they are planted from an agricultural planting machine. The apparatus is fitted with a GPS receiver feeding a data logger, and optical sensors that are placed adjacent seed or vegetation dispenser. The data logger monitors GPS time and UTM coordinates, as well as the optical sensors. Ground speed and azimuth are also monitored. The seeds or vegetation are time-tagged as they are dispensed, and software is used to process the dispensing time and GPS location data and estimate the exact coordinates of each seed or plant and its distance from adjacent seeds or plants. As a result, a precise planting map is generated. The invention may also be used to determine the location to dispense seeds or vegetation, and activating the dispenser when that location is reached.

The present invention involves a system for automatically screening closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras for large and small scale security systems, as used for example in parking garages. The system includes six primary software elements, each of which performs a unique function within the operation of the security system to provide intelligent camera selection for operators, resulting in a marked decrease of operator fatigue in a CCTV system. Real-time image analysis of video data is performed wherein a single pass of a video frame produces a terrain map which contains parameters indicating the content of the video. Based on the parameters of the terrain map, the system is able to make decisions about which camera an operator should view based on the presence and activity of vehicles and pedestrians, furthermore, discriminating vehicle traffic from pedestrian traffic. The system is compatible with existing CCTV (closed circuit television) systems and is comprised of modular elements to facilitate integration and upgrades.

A modular spray gun that can be configured and built to operate using a selectable spray process. The modular spray gun includes a gun body, an extension and a selectable spray atomizing component. The basic gun body and extension are used to configure a spray gun that can operate as an air spray gun, an airless spray gun, an AAA gun or an HVLP spray gun. The modular extension can be selected to allow circulating or non-circulating operation. The modular extension also permits a variety of spray nozzle assemblies to be mounted thereon depending on the selected spray process to be used with the specific gun. The modular gun body allows selective connection of an atomizing air supply and additional components specific to a particular spray process. An indicator device and / or a relief valve is provided for spray guns using an HVLP spray process to provide an indication that the spray gun is in compliance with the maximum nozzle air pressure limit, usually less than 10 psi. A new air valve seal assembly is also provided. The modular gun design can accommodate electrostatic and non-electrostatic versions.

An assembly allowing retraction of soft tissue away from a reference plane; the assembly including at least one retracting element each having a distal end with a formation allowing anchorage of the at least one retracting element. The assembly also includes a proximal end of the at least one retracting element capable of movement through at least one degree of freedom relative to the anchorage.

A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.

A method for applying teat dip to a dairy animal and backflushing a milker unit using a safety valve. The method includes the steps of: closing the safety valve to seal off the milker unit from a dairy pipeline system, forcing teat dip through the safety valve and a dip channel to a teat dip applicator on a milker unit teat cup, forcing backflush fluid through the safety valve and the milker unit, forcing water through the safety valve and milker unit, forcing air through the safety valve and the milker unit, and opening the safety valve so that the milker unit is in fluid communication with the dairy pipeline system.

A modular spray gun that can be configured and built to operate using a selectable spray process. The modular spray gun includes a gun body, an extension and a selectable spray atomizing component. The basic gun body and extension are used to configure a spray gun that can operate as an air spray gun, an airless spray gun, an AAA gun or an HVLP spray gun. The modular extension can be selected to allow circulating or non-circulating operation. The modular extension also permits a variety of spray nozzle assemblies to be mounted thereon depending on the selected spray process to be used with the specific gun. The modular gun body allows selective connection of an atomizing air supply and additional components specific to a particular spray process. An indicator device and / or a relief valve is provided for spray guns using an HVLP spray process to provide an indication that the spray gun is in compliance with the maximum nozzle air pressure limit, usually less than 10 psi. A new air valve seal assembly is also provided. The modular gun design can accommodate electrostatic and non-electrostatic versions.

A draft load control system for an agricultural tractor towing a trailed, ground-engaging implement that monitors implement height using sensors located on the tractor or sensors coupled to an on-board control communications system and adjusts the implement position in relation to the ground based on draft load, implement height, and tractor wheel-slip to maintain a more accurate, consistent draft load on the tractor while maintaining the implement engaged with the ground and preventing the tractor-implement ground speed from being reduced to zero.

A safety valve for use in a dairy backflushing and dipping system. The safety valve is situated on or near a milker unit to seal and protect downstream dairy milk lines from teat dip and cleaning fluids that are fed through the safety valve to upstream milker unit components. All of the fluids, including dip, cleansers, water, and air pass through and are controlled by the safety valve.

The invention is an integrated system consisting of a network of two-dimensional sensors (such as cameras) and processors along with target detection, data fusion, tracking, and alerting algorithms to provide three-dimensional, real-time, high accuracy target tracks and alerts in a wide area of interest. The system uses both target kinematics (motion) and features (e.g., size, shape, color, behavior, etc.) to detect, track, display, and alert users to potential objects of interest.

A method for applying teat dip to a dairy animal and backflushing a milker unit using a safety valve. The method includes the steps of: closing the safety valve to seal off the milker unit from a dairy pipeline system, forcing teat dip through the safety valve and a dip channel to a teat dip applicator on a milker unit teat cup, forcing backflush fluid through the safety valve and the milker unit, forcing water through the safety valve and milker unit, forcing air through the safety valve and the milker unit, and opening the safety valve so that the milker unit is in fluid communication with the dairy pipeline system.

A safety valve for use in a dairy backflushing and dipping system. The safety valve is situated on or near a milker unit to seal and protect downstream dairy milk lines from teat dip and cleaning fluids that are fed through the safety valve to upstream milker unit components. All of the fluids, including dip, cleansers, water, and air pass through and are controlled by the safety valve.

A trailer spotter vehicle having a seat and a control console which are relatively rotatable with respect to the vehicle frame, and a differential drive system which permits the vehicle to turn within a very small turning radius. The rotatable seat and control console allow the operator to steer the vehicle without having to substantially turn their body or use mirrors to observe the path of the vehicle. To drive the vehicle in a forward direction, hydraulic pumps transmit pressurized hydraulic fluid to the trailer spotter wheels to rotate them in a first direction. In order to drive the vehicle in reverse, the flow of hydraulic fluid to the wheels is reversed to rotate the wheels in an opposite direction. To pivot the vehicle, the first wheel is driven in the first direction and the second wheel is driven in the opposite direction.

Laparoscopic ultrasound has seen increased use as a surgical aide in general, gynecological, and urological procedures. The application of real-time three-dimensional (RT3D) ultrasound to these laparoscopic procedures may increase information available to the surgeon and serve as an additional intraoperative guidance tool. The integration of RT3D with recent advances in robotic surgery can also increase automation and ease of use. In one non-limiting exemplary implementation, a 1 cm diameter probe for RT3D has been used laparoscopically for in vivo imaging of a canine. The probe, which operates at 5 MHz, was used to image the spleen, liver, and gall bladder as well as to guide surgical instruments. Furthermore, the 3D measurement system of the volumetric scanner used with this probe was tested as a guidance mechanism for a robotic linear motion system in order to simulate the feasibility of RT3D / robotic surgery integration. Using images acquired with the 3D laparoscopic ultrasound device, coordinates were acquired by the scanner and used to direct a robotically controlled needle towards desired in vitro targets as well as targets in a post-mortem canine. The RMS error for these measurements was 1.34 mm using optical alignment and 0.76 mm using ultrasound alignment.

A self propelled walk behind mower including a tractor unit and a mowing deck. The tractor unit is hydrostatically driven with a unique control system whereby the forward speed of the tractor is set by operating an electric rocker switch with an operator's thumb. Hand levers are used to turn the tractor to the left and the right. The tractor unit comprises two drive wheels and a third wheel that is pivotally attached, letting the tractor unit stand upright when no implements are attached. Implements attach to the front of the tractor through a movable attachment so that the tractor and implement can closely follow the contour of the ground while keeping the operator controls in a convenient position.

Video image ghost detection in a security / surveillance CCTV system for automated image analysis. At least one pass of a video frame produces a terrain map with video content-indicating parameters, by which are analyzed behavior of objects, e.g., people and vehicles, moving in a scene having a background and a foreground, while detecting “ghost” images of objects that were in an adaptive background of the scene but are moving, by measuring a horizontal smoothness and / or vertical smoothness by segmentation procedure by which an object outline is predicted. The examination of segmented background and foreground image portions is conducted by software process to determine existence of such outline as by edge detection or changes in texture. Probability of an image ghost in either the background or foreground, or both, is calculated.

The invention relates to an automatic paint spraying device and automatic paint spraying method for an inner wall of a wind-powered electricity-generation tower pole. The automatic paint spraying device comprises a walking wagon, a supporting frame, a spray gun, a control cabinet, a fixing frame, a feed valve, a rotating valve, a hollow rotating shaft and a motor, wherein the motor is fixedly connected to the supporting frame and drives the hollow rotating shaft to rotate; the rotating valve is fixed to the supporting frame through the fixing frame; the feed valve is connected with the hollow rotating shaft through the rotating valve, and provides a material circulating channel, and the other end of the hollow rotating shaft is connected with the spray gun, and is used for enabling materials to be sprayed from a nozzle of the spray gun; the motor is in signal connection with the control cabinet; and the walking wagon is in signal connection with the control cabinet. The automatic paint spraying device disclosed by the invention is high in efficiency, good in paint spraying effect, uniform in paint spraying thickness, and suitable for paint spraying for the inner wall of a large-diameter steel pipe of which the diameter is 3-10 m; microcomputer control is adopted to realize automatic operation, and manual operation is not needed; the weariness of an operator is relieved, and the working efficiency is improved; the coating is level, smooth, and free from brush marks; and paint is saved.

An implement comprising a first handle, on which are disposed control elements for the implement, and a second handle. The first handle is adjustable between a first operating position for a two-handed operation in which the implement is adapted to be guided by both the first handle and the second handle, and a second operating position for one-handed operation in which the implement is adapted to be guided by the first handle.

A pneumatic motor trigger actuator includes a trigger housing adapted to engage a pneumatic motor trigger of a pneumatic tool. A top plate is coupled to the trigger housing. A primary valve is coupled to the top plate and has an open configuration and a closed configuration. The primary valve is pneumatically coupled to the trigger housing such that air flow through the primary valve, when the primary valve is in the open configuration, enters the trigger housing and causes a plug to physically engage the motor trigger with sufficient force to move it to is fully engaged position. The primary valve includes a primary switch and an automatic stop switch. The primary switch is engagable by an operator to configure the primary valve in the open configuration. The automatic switch is engagable by an object to move the primary valve to the closed configuration when a predetermined condition is met.

The present invention discloses an ergonomic manual clutch actuator assembly, and a method for providing the manual clutch actuator assembly, for a straddle-type vehicle or the like. The assembly includes a manual clutch lever pivotally mounted to a handlebar for drawing a clutch cable connected to a clutch actuator mechanism. The clutch actuator mechanism is provided within the housing of the vehicle for cooperating with a distal end of a clutch shaft for disengaging a clutch when the cable is drawn. The clutch actuator assembly requires a first predefined force to pivot the clutch lever away from a normal extended position. A second predefined force, being greater than the first force, is required to further pivot the clutch lever to an intermediate position. Also, a third predefined force is required to maintain the clutch lever in a retracted position, the third force is less than the second force.

A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.

A hand tool for press-welding and sealing overlapping edges of roofing membrane sheets by a roller mounted on one end of a handle. A rigid rod extends outwardly from an opposite end of the handle and has a curved section and a rounded corner which terminates in an angled linear section ending in a distal end. The distal end is used as a pick to test the integrity of the formed seam and the curved section is used for applying pressure to specific areas on the seam. The tool can perform both functions of applying pressure to the sheets by the roller and then testing the integrity of the formed seam without requiring excessive reorientation or movement of the tool in the hand of an installer.

A hand-held, power-operated or power-assisted, crimping / er or decapping / er tool (60), for container closures, such as vial caps (C), has a hollow handle (50), housing a (pneumatic) piston-in-cylinder actuator (12, 13), with an external trigger (18) operating an internal control valve (16), to control connection of an external pressure supply, through an internal distribution block (11), and displacement of an actuator output rod (15), coupled, through a pivoted bell crank lever (10), to a demountable crimping / er or decapping / er (27).

A pneumatic motor trigger actuator includes a trigger housing adapted to engage a pneumatic motor trigger of a pneumatic tool. A top plate is coupled to the trigger housing. A primary valve is coupled to the top plate and has an open configuration and a closed configuration. The primary valve is pneumatically coupled to the trigger housing such that air flow through the primary valve, when the primary valve is in the open configuration, enters the trigger housing and causes a plug to physically engage the motor trigger with sufficient force to move it to is fully engaged position. The primary valve includes a primary switch and an automatic stop switch. The primary switch is engagable by an operator to configure the primary valve in the open configuration. The automatic switch is engagable by an object to move the primary valve to the closed configuration when a predetermined condition is met.

An industrial symmetric pedal control system is provided which allows for ergonomically favorable operation by paired reciprocal control pedals which mirror an operator's right and left limbs. The reciprocal mirror control pedals allow operation of the same predetermined function within designated machinery by either the left or right foot of an operator, thus reducing fatigue while maintaining proper position at a particular workstation. Also included in the system is an ergonomically designed floor mat to provide the operator with more comfort and less fatigue while operating machinery.

An apparatus and method for generating swath lines including compensation for sloping terrain in a field for use in an automatic guidance system of a work machine. The swath lines are created as a function of the position, elevation and / or orientation of the work vehicle.

The invention discloses a large-screen interaction control method based on human body posture and gesture posture visual recognition, and the method comprises the steps: photographing an operator through a camera, recognizing the human body articulation points of the operator in a camera view field, and recognizing the human body posture and gesture posture of the operator in the camera view field; calculating data such as the distance from eyes of an operator to the ground, the height, the upper arm length, the distance from hands to the ground and the like, and determining the coordinate positions where the eyes of the operator see the large screen through the hands. The large screen controller gives feedback information to the corresponding large-screen picture block according to the coordinate positions on the large screen and the layout information of the large screen based on the human body posture and the gesture posture of the operator. By using the method, an operator can realize the control method of directly interacting with the large screen without any tool, the operation is flexible and convenient, the interactivity is strong, the operator is not limited by a fixed position or a cable, and the operation fatigue is low.