at Firmware update method and apparatus of set-top box for digital broadcast system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Nov 2015 08:00:00 EST A firmware update method and apparatus of a set-top box for a digital broadcast system is provided. A firmware update method of a set-top box for a digital broadcast system includes determining whether a newly received Code Version Table (CVT) following a public CVT which has been previously received and stored is the public CVT or a filtering CVT; and updating, when the newly received CVG is the filtering CVT, the firmware of the set-top box with a filtering firmware indicated by the filtering CVT. Full Article
at 2-hydroxy-6-methyl-heptane derivatives as perfuming ingredients By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a method of use of certain derivatives of formula (I) in the form of any one of its stereoisomers or a mixture thereof, and wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a C1-4 alkyl or alkenyl group, or a (CHR)2OH group, each R being a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl, ethyl or n-propyl group; and R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, as perfuming ingredients. The present invention concerns also certain compounds and compositions or articles containing such compounds. Full Article
at Encapsulates By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST Encapsulates, compositions, packaged products and displays comprising such encapsulates, and processes for making and using such encapsulates, compositions, packaged products and displays. Such compositions have improved deposition and retention properties that may impart improved benefit characteristics to a composition and/or situs. Full Article
at Fragranced water-sensitive film By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A film formed from a water-soluble polymer matrix within which is contained at least one fragrance is provided. The film is water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) so that upon contact with a sufficient amount of water, the polymer matrix loses its integrity over time to increasingly expose the fragrance to the ambient environment for releasing its odor. The ability to incorporate a fragrance into the polymer matrix is achieved in the present invention by controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, including the nature of the fragrance, the nature of the water-soluble polymer, the manner in which the polymer matrix and fragrance are melt processed, etc. For example, the fragrance may be injected directly into the extruder and melt blended with the water-soluble polymer. In this manner, the costly and time-consuming steps of pre-encapsulation or pre-compounding of the fragrance into a masterbatch are not required. Furthermore, to obtain a balance between the ability of the fragrance to release the desired odor during use and likewise to minimize the premature exhaustion of the odor during melt processing, the fragrance is selected to have a boiling point (at atmospheric pressure) within a certain range, such as from about 125° C. to about 350° C. Full Article
at Benzodioxole derivatives as watery odorants By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) in the form of any one of its stereoisomers or a mixture thereof, and wherein R1 represents a substituent of the benzene ring and is a bromine atom or a linear, branched or cyclic C1-8 alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy or alkenyloxy group; R2 represents a C1-3 alkyl group; and R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group; and their use as perfuming ingredients, for instance to impart odor notes of the watery/ozone type. Full Article
at Fragrance mixtures containing cyclopent-2-enyl ethyl acetate By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fragrance mixture, preferably perfume oil, is described, comprising the constituents (a) (cyclopent-2-enyl ethyl acetate) and additionally (b) one or a plurality of fragrances, preferably with a floral odor note, from the group consisting of alcohols and aldehydes with a molecular weight of 210 g/mol or less and/or (c) one or a plurality of fragrances from the group consisting of ketones, ethers and esters with a molecular weight in the range from 190 g/mol through 250 g/mol. Full Article
at Cyclohexene- and cyclopropanated cyclohexene- derivatives as fragrances By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT 1-(3/4-isobutyl-1/6-methylcyclohex-3-enyl)methanols and derivatives thereof having appreciable floral and hesperidic odor notes, their use as fragrance ingredient and perfumed products comprising them. Full Article
at Pyrimidine derivatives and their use in perfume compositions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to novel pyrimidine derivatives and their use in perfume compositions. The novel pyrimidine derivatives of the present invention are represented by the following formula: wherein m and n are integers of 0 or 1, with the proviso that when m is 0, n is 1 and when m is 1, n is 0; andwherein the dashed circle represents either single or double bonds. Full Article
at Separation of isomeric menthol compounds By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a process for rectificative separation of compositions of matter containing diastereomers of 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol by using ionic liquids as extractants. Full Article
at Process for isolating crystallized 2,2,4,4 tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (TMCD) particles utilizing pressure filtration By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for isolating 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (TMCD) solids from an isolated feed slurry formed in a TMCD process comprising TMCD, a liquid phase, and impurities by (a) treating the isolated feed slurry in a product isolation zone to produce an isolated TMCD product wet cake, a mother liquor, and impurities; wherein the product isolation zone can comprise at least one rotary pressure drum filter. Full Article
at Purification of crude glycerol By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Crude glycerol obtained from raw materials, such as the glycerol obtained during the production of biodiesel or glycerol obtained during the conversion of fats or oils, is purified by forming a dioxolane therefrom by reacting the crude glycerol with a ketone or aldehyde, separating the dioxolane thus formed, converting the dioxolane into purified glycerol and ketone/aldehyde, and recovering the glycerol thus purified. Full Article
at Process for the production of ethanol from an acetic acid feed and a recycled ethyl acetate feed By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention produces ethanol in a reactor that comprises a catalyst composition and a feed stream comprising acetic acid and a recycled liquid stream comprising ethyl acetate. The catalyst composition comprises a first catalyst comprising platinum, cobalt, and/or tin and a second catalyst comprising copper. The crude ethanol product may be separated and ethanol recovered. Full Article
at Reduced energy alcohol separation process having controlled pressure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is directed to processes for the recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a low energy process. The crude ethanol product is separated in one or more columns. At least one of the columns is operated at a controlled pressure to enhance separation of ethanol and organics. In one embodiment, there are at least two columns that operate at controlled pressures. Full Article
at Process to reduce ethanol recycled to hydrogenation reactor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is directed to processes for recovering ethanol obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Acetic acid is hydrogenated in the presence of a catalyst in a hydrogenation reactor to form a crude ethanol product. The crude ethanol product is separated in one or more columns to recover ethanol. In some embodiments, less than 10 wt. % ethanol is recycled to the hydrogenation reactor. Full Article
at Hydrogenation catalysts with acidic sites By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to catalysts and to chemical processes employing such catalysts. The catalysts are preferably used for converting acetic acid to ethanol. The catalyst comprises acidic sites and two or more metals. The catalyst has acidic sites on the surface and the balance favors Lewis acid sites. Full Article
at Process for making ethanol from acetic acid using acidic catalysts By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a catalyst comprises a first metal on an acidic support. The acidic support may comprise an acidic support material or may comprise an support having an acidic support modifier. The catalyst may be used alone to produced ethanol via hydrogenation or in combination with another catalyst. In addition, the crude ethanol product is separated to obtain ethanol. Full Article
at Hydrogenation catalysts comprising a mixed oxide comprising nickel By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A process is disclosed for producing ethanol comprising contacting acetic acid and hydrogen in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst comprising a binder and a mixed oxide comprising nickel and tin. Full Article
at Esterification process using extractive separation to produce feed for hydrogenolysis By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein are processes for alcohol production by reducing an esterification product, such as ethyl acetate. The processes comprise esterifying acetic acid and an alcohol such as ethanol to produce an esterification product. The esterification product may be recovered using an extractive separation. The esterification product is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a crude reaction mixture comprising the alcohol, in particular ethanol, which may be separated from the crude reaction mixture. Full Article
at Catalysts and processes for producing butanol By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A catalyst composition for converting ethanol to higher alcohols, such as butanol, is disclosed. The catalyst composition comprises at least one alkali metal, at least a second metal and a support. The second metal is selected from the group consisting of palladium, platinum, copper, nickel, and cobalt. The support is selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, ZrO2, MgO, TiO2, zeolite, ZnO, and a mixture thereof. Full Article
at Protected aldehydes for use as intermediates in chemical syntheses, and processes for their preparation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A para-methoxy protected benzaldehyde useful in preparation of treprostinil, and of formula: (Formula (1)) is prepared by subjecting to Claisen re-arrangement a substituted benzaldehyde of formula (1a): (Formula (Ia)) to form the m-hydroxy-substituted benzaldehyde of formula (1b): (Formula (Ib)) and then reacting compound (1b) with a p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) compound to form a PMB-substituted benzaldehyde of formula (1). Full Article
at Apparatus for coproducting ISO type reaction products and alcohols from olefins, and method for coproducting them using the apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to an apparatus for coproducting iso-type reaction product and alcohol from olefin, and a method for coproducting using the apparatus, in which the hydroformylation reactor provides a sufficient reaction area due to the broad contact surface area between the olefin and the synthesis gases that are the raw materials by a distributor plate installed in the reactor, and the raw materials can be sufficiently mixed with the reaction mixture due to the circulation of the reaction mixture so that the efficiency of the production of the aldehyde is excellent; and also the hydrogenation reactor suppresses the side reaction so that the efficiency for producing aldehyde and alcohol are all increased, and also iso-type reaction product and alcohol can be efficiently co-produced. Full Article
at Phenol purification process By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides an easy process for purifying phenol by separating carbonyl compounds through selective hydrogenation of the compounds to the corresponding alcohols then distillation. The phenol purification process of the present invention comprises bringing phenol into contact with a copper-based catalyst in the presence of hydrogen to convert carbonyl compounds contained in the phenol to the corresponding alcohol compounds, and separating the alcohol compounds and phenol by distillation. Full Article
at Method for cultivation of Monarda fistulosa By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for cultivating Monarda fistulosaincludes planting seeds at rates between about 2.5 and about 5 pounds per acre, preferably about 4 pounds per acre. Fuel costs are reduced because seeding, mowing the first season, and harvesting in seasons thereafter are all that is required. Reduction in herbicide use results from the heavy rate of planting, improved germination attributed to rolling, and the plant's natural herbicides which are more highly effective when seeded at the higher rate. The method includes seeding, mowing during a first growing season, and harvesting each season thereafter. This method results in oil without weed contamination and carvacrol levels are high. Full Article
at Dehydrogenation of cyclohexanone to produce phenol By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In a process for the dehydrogenation of cyclohexanone to produce phenol, a feed comprising cyclohexanone is contacted with a dehydrogenation catalyst under dehydrogenation conditions comprising a temperature of less than 400° C. and a pressure of less than 690 kPa, gauge, such 0.1 to 50 wt % of the cyclohexanone in said feed is converted to phenol and the dehydrogenation product contains less than 100 ppm by weight of alkylbenzenes. Full Article
at Phasing reactor product from hydrogenating acetic acid into ethyl acetate feed to produce ethanol By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein are processes for alcohol production by reducing ethyl acetate produced by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a suitable catalyst. The product of the acetic acid hydrogenation is fed directly to a decanter to separate the hydrogenation product into an aqueous phase comprising water and ethanol and an organic phase comprising ethyl acetate. The organic phase is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a crude reaction mixture comprising the alcohol, in particular ethanol, which may be separated from the crude reaction mixture. Thus, ethanol may be produced from acetic acid through an ethyl acetate intermediate without an esterification step. This may reduce the recycle of ethanol in the hydrogenolysis process and improve ethanol productivity. Full Article
at Energy efficient method and apparatus for the extraction of lower alcohols from dilute aqueous solution By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to the energy efficient and selective extraction of dilute concentrations of C2-C6 alcohols from an aqueous solution using liquid phase dimethyl ether. Full Article
at Method for producing phenylphosphonic acid metal salt composition, and crystal nucleating agent therefrom By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for producing a phenylphosphonic acid metal salt composition, including reacting a phenylphosphonic acid compound (a) with a metal salt, metal oxide or metal hydroxide (b) that is present in an amount beyond the equivalent, the phenylphosphonic acid metal salt composition containing phenylphosphonic acid metal salt, and a surplus amount of the metal salt, the metal oxide or the surplus metal hydroxide (b). A crystal nucleating agent comprises the phenylphosphonic acid metal salt composition produced by the method. Full Article
at Optical resolution methods for bicyclic compounds using asymmetric catalysts By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An optically active bicyclic compound is efficiently produced by optical resolution using an optically active amine. Full Article
at Process for making polyglycerol ethers of fatty alcohols By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed are processes relating to the production of polyglycerol ethers of fatty alcohols, in particular, one step process using fatty alcohol and glycerine to synthesize polyglycerides of fatty alcohols will provide a 100% renewable surfactant that is cost effective efficient and CMR free. The synthetic methods mentioned in prior art uses hazardous chemicals as glycidyl ethers, epichlorohydrin that are listed as CMR and known carcinogens and hazardous to handle. Full Article
at Process for the in situ production of polyether polyols based on renewable materials and their use in the production of flexible polyurethane foams By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A polyether polyol based on renewable materials is obtained by the in situ production of a polyether from a hydroxyl group-containing vegetable oil, at least one alkylene oxide and a low molecular weight polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups. The polyol is produced by introducing the hydroxyl group-containing vegetable oil, a catalyst and an alkylene oxide to a reactor and initiating the alkoxylation reaction. After the alkoxylation reaction has begun but before the reaction has been 20% completed, the low molecular weight polyol having at least 2 hydroxyl groups is continuously introduced into the reactor. After the in situ made polyether polyol product having the desired molecular weight has been formed, the in situ made polyether polyol is removed from the reactor. These polyether polyols are particularly suitable for the production of flexible polyurethane foams. Full Article
at Method for the hydroxylation of phenols and phenol ethers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a method for the hydroxylation of phenols and phenol ethers by means of hydrogen peroxide. The invention specifically relates to a method for the hydroxylation of phenol by means of the hydrogen peroxide. The method of the invention for the hydroxylation of a phenol or phenol ether by means of reacting said phenol or phenol ether with the hydrogen peroxide in the presence of an acid catalyst is characterized in that it includes mixing a phenol or phenol ether with a hydrogen peroxide solution in a mixing device under conditions enabling the conversion rate of the hydrogen peroxide to be minimized, and in that said reaction mixture is then placed in a piston flow reactor where the reaction leading to the production of the hydroxylated material takes place, the acid catalyst being fed into the mixing device and/or into the piston flow reactor. Full Article
at Dehydrogenation process By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In a process for the dehydrogenation of dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons, a feed comprising dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons is contacted with a catalyst comprising a support and a dehydrogenation component under dehydrogenation conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons in the feed. The catalyst is produced by a method comprising treating the support with a liquid composition comprising the dehydrogenation component or a precursor thereof and at least one organic dispersant selected from an amino alcohol and an amino acid. Full Article
at Process for production of hexamethylenediamine from carbohydrate-containing materials and intermediates therefor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Processes are disclosed for the conversion of a carbohydrate source to hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) and to intermediates useful for the production of hexamethylenediamine and other industrial chemicals. HMDA is produced by direct reduction of a furfural substrate to 1,6-hexanediol in the presence of hydrogen and a heterogeneous reduction catalyst comprising Pt or by indirect reduction of a furfural substrate to 1,6-hexanediol wherein 1,2,6-hexanetriol is produced by reduction of the furfural substrate in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst comprising Pt and 1,2,6-hexanediol is then converted by hydrogenation in the presence of a catalyst comprising Pt to 1,6 hexanediol, each process then proceeding to the production of HMDA by known routes, such as amination of the 1,6 hexanediol. Catalysts useful for the direct and indirect production of 1,6-hexanediol are also disclosed. Full Article
at Process for heat integration in the hydrogenation and distillation of C3—C20-aldehydes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a process for heat integration in the preparation of saturated C3-C20-alcohols, in which a hydrogenation feed comprising at least one C3-C20-aldehyde is hydrogenated in the presence of a hydrogen-comprising gas in a hydrogenation zone and a discharge is taken off from the hydrogenation zone and subjected to distillation in at least one distillation column to give a fraction enriched in saturated C3-C20-alcohols. Full Article
at Polymer recovery process in the filtration of polyether polyols By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A filtration method is disclosed for recovering purified polyether polyol comprising the steps of providing an aqueous solution of a polyether polyol containing an alkali metal catalyst residual formed from a transesterification process utilizing an alkali metal catalyst, contacting the aqueous solution with a stoichiometric excess of magnesium sulfate, magnesium sulfite or a combination thereof to form a second aqueous solution, wherein said stoichiometric excess is based on the amount of said alkali metal catalyst residual. Water is removed from the second aqueous solution at a temperature above a set limit of said polyether polyol to produce a dehydrated slurry containing a polyether polyol phase substantially free of residual alkali metal and a precipitated solid phase comprising sulfate and/or sulfite salts of the alkali metal catalyst, magnesium hydroxide, and excess magnesium sulfate and/or sulfite, wherein the particle size distribution of said precipitated solid phase is controlled to minimize the amount of particles therein that are smaller than 3 microns. The dehydrated slurry is then passed through a filtration system to separate the polyether polyol phase from the precipitated solid phase. Full Article
at Product recovery process in the filtration of polyether polyols By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An improved method for recovering a purified polyether polyol comprising the steps of providing an aqueous solution of a polyether polyol containing an alkali metal catalyst residual formed from a transesterification process, contacting the aqueous solution with a stoichiometric excess of magnesium sulfate to form a second aqueous solution, removing water from said second aqueous solution at a temperature above the melt temperature of said polyether polyol to produce a dehydrated slurry containing a molten polyether polyol phase essentially free of residual alkali metal and a precipitated solid phase comprising sulfate and/or sulfite salts of the alkali metal catalyst, magnesium hydroxide, and excess magnesium sulfate and/or sulfide, passing the dehydrated slurry of through a filtration system comprising a filtration press to separate the molten polyether polyol phase from the precipitated solid phase, wherein the filtration press is treated with a filter aid that is essentially free of transition metal oxide content, separating the molten polyether polyol phase substantially free of water, residual alkali metal catalyst and transition metal contaminants from the precipitated solid phase and recovering polyether polyol from the separated polyether polyol phase. Full Article
at Hydrogenation of styrene oxide forming 2-phenyl ethanol By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A process for preparation of 2-phenyl ethanol by catalytic hydrogenation of styrene oxide using a catalyst consisting of Pd (II) on basic inorganic support is investigated. The present invention comprises development of new Pd based catalysts. The present method yields 2-phenyl ethanol in 98% selectivity at total conversion of styrene oxide. The present process represents an environment friendly alternative to conventionally used methods in industry and eliminates the reduction step for catalyst preparation. In the present invention the active catalyst is generated in situ during the hydrogenation of styrene oxide. In addition, Pd (II) supported catalysts do not catch fire (non pyrophoric), can be stored under ambient conditions and produce very less or no dust which makes said catalysts suitable for industrial application. Full Article
at Washing system for nitroaromatic compounds By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of removing alkalinity and salt from a nitroaromatic product downstream of water washing to remove mineral acids and alkaline washing to remove salts of organic acids, comprises washing the product stream with an acidic aqueous solution, prior to the step of removing excess organic reactant, by steam stripping or distillation. Acid removed from the stripper or column is recycled back for use in the acidic washing. The acidic washing is done instead of the neutral washing step of the prior art. It removes residual salt and decreases the level of entrained colloidal water in the nitroaromatic product. Full Article
at Method for operating an internal combustion engine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for operating an internal combustion engine in which a speed-based feature of the internal combustion engine, which is correlated with an indicated mean effective pressure of the fuel, is determined during the warm-up of the internal combustion engine and an ideal fuel quantity, which is to be injected into at least one combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine during the warm-up, is ascertained therefrom. Full Article
at Method, apparatus and computer program for determining the location of a user in an area By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Apparatus for orientating a user in a space wherein the space comprises a plurality of zones of which only certain zones constitute functional zones wherein each functional zone includes a first type device containing information relating to the position of the zone in the space and wherein the first type device is reactive to the presence of a second type device associated with the user to provide the user with the information to determine the orientation of the user in the space. A method of orientating the user within the space and guiding the user toward one or more features in the space is also disclosed. Full Article
at Data mining in a digital map database to identify blind intersections along roads and enabling precautionary actions in a vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a feature for a vehicle that enables taking precautionary actions in response to conditions on the road network around or ahead of the vehicle, in particular, a blind intersection along a section of road. A database that represents the road network is used to determine locations where a blind intersection is located along a section of road. Then, precautionary action data is added to the database to indicate a location at which a precautionary action is to be taken about the blind intersection located along the section of road. A precautionary action system installed in a vehicle uses this database, or a database derived therefrom, in combination with a positioning system to determine when the vehicle is at a location that corresponds to the location of a precautionary action. When the vehicle is at such a location, a precautionary action is taken by a vehicle system as the vehicle is approaching a blind intersection. Full Article
at Dive computer incorporating stored dive site information By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Dive computers in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed that store information concerning a dive site. The stored information can be accessed during the dive to provide information concerning such things as points of interest and/or hazards. One embodiment of the invention includes a processor, memory connected to the processor, a pressure transducer connected to the processor and configured to measure depth, and a display connected to the processor. In addition, the memory contains factual information concerning a dive site, and the processor is configured to display at least a portion of the stored factual information concerning the dive site via the display. Full Article
at Apparatus for estimating travel path of a vehicle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for estimating a travel path of a vehicle is mounted on the vehicle; and includes: an object detection device that detects an object lying ahead of the vehicle; a stationary object detection device that determines whether a detected object is a stationary object; a device that calculates an approximate straight line indicating a path of the stationary object from the temporal positional data for the stationary object projected on two-dimensional coordinates using a vehicle position as a starting point; a device that calculates a orthogonal line which passes through a midpoint in the temporal positional data for the stationary object and goes straight with respect to the approximate straight line on the two-dimensional coordinates; and a device that calculates a vehicle turning radius from an intersection point where the orthogonal line intersects with a x axis. Full Article
at Navigation systems and associated methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Navigation systems and associated methods for providing navigation services are provided. Information associated with a desired route for a vehicle, such as a route between a current location and a desired destination, may be determined. Additionally, contextual information associated with the vehicle may be identified. Based upon the desired route and the contextual information, a direction may be generated for presentation to one or more users, and the generated direction may be output for presentation. Full Article
at Method for displaying suitability of future waypoint locations By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for illustrating an aircraft flight plan comprising at least one waypoint on a flight display of a flight deck of an aircraft, where the method may include displaying on the flight display of the flight deck some type of display indicia that indicates the suitability of locations for future waypoints. Full Article
at Map display device and navigation device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT According to a map display device, from current location information acquired by a current location acquiring unit 6 and boundary coordinate information in time zone information acquired by a time zone information acquiring unit 22, it is determined whether or not a vehicle 9 is located within a set area which is provided in the range of a predetermined distance from a boundary of a time zone to which a current location of the vehicle 9 belongs, and if it is determined that the vehicle 9 is located within the set area, a display unit 3 displays distinctively the time zone to which the current location of the vehicle 9 belongs and a time zone which is adjacent to the corresponding time zone through the set area. Full Article
at System and method for automated updating of map information By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Traffic information readings corresponding to a vehicle are received, the readings including at least a location. The traffic information readings are compared to information already within a map database, and are used to derive additional map information augmenting or correcting that already within the database, the additional map information subsequently being stored in the database. Additional information that is derived includes the presence of stop signs and traffic lights at intersections, the legality of turns at certain times of day, and the connectedness or non-connectedness of road segments. Full Article
at Predictive natural guidance By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In one embodiment, a navigation system provides predictive natural guidance utilizing a mobile landmark based on location data. The location data may be a schedule. A controller receives data of a schedule of a mobile landmark. The location data could be collected in real time or estimated. The mobile landmark may be a vehicle or a celestial body. The controller correlates a route from an origin location to a destination location and the location of the mobile landmark. The controller generates a message based on the correlation. The message is output during presentation of the route and references the mobile landmark. Full Article
at Navigation system and navigation method of route planning using variations of mechanical energy By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A navigation system having a central device which uses a link shape compression unit to compress information of altitude changes of a road link obtained from a three-dimensional road map, and calculates a geometry parameter based on variation of energy of a vehicle travelling on the road link. An on-board terminal device estimates the vehicle's average travelling pattern by using a travel-pattern-estimation unit based on the geometry parameter calculated by the central device, a link-travelling time estimated from statistically-stored traffic information, and a link length. The on-board terminal device further calculates fuel consumption of the vehicle travelling on each road link based on the estimated travelling pattern and parameters of the vehicle by using a fuel-consumption calculation unit, and then, searches a fuel-efficient route by using the fuel consumption as a link cost. The on-board terminal device has a vehicle-type selector for selecting a type of the vehicle. Full Article
at Navigation guidance system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A navigation system may calculate a route to a destination and output guidance information with an output device to guide a user of the navigation system along the calculated route. If it is determined that a navigation device has left the calculated route, the navigation system may prompt the user asking whether output of guidance information should be suspended. If the output of guidance information should be suspended, the navigation system may suspend the output of guidance information and calculate a new route to the destination while the output of guidance information is suspended. The navigation system may calculate an estimated arrival time at the destination based on the calculated new route and output the estimated arrival time while the output of guidance information is suspended. Full Article