Actuated By Dynamic External Physical Quantity Patents (Class 250/231.1)
  • Patent number: 11808654
    Abstract: An integrated optical transducer for detecting dynamic pressure changes comprises a micro-electro-mechanical system, MEMS, die having a MEMS diaphragm with a first side exposed to the dynamic pressure changes and a second side, and an application-specific integrated circuit, ASIC, die having an optical interferometer assembly. The interferometer assembly comprises a beam splitting element for receiving a source beam from a light source and for splitting the source beam into a probe beam in a first beam path and a reference beam in a second beam path, a beam combining element for combining the probe beam with the reference beam to a superposition beam, and a detector configured to generate an electronic interference signal depending on the superposition beam. The MEMS die is arranged with respect to the ASIC die such that a gap is formed between the second side of the diaphragm and the ASIC die, with the gap defining a cavity and having a gap height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: AMS INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Goran Stojanovic, Colin Steele, Jens Hofrichter, Catalin Lazar, Jochen Kraft
  • Patent number: 11680777
    Abstract: An armor plate system includes an integrated damage detector which may permit field testing of an armor plate. The system includes a ceramic plate and a piezoelectric transducer attached to lateral face of the ceramic plate. The piezoelectric transducer may apply a signal to the ceramic plate and receive a reflected signal. The applied signal may form a compression wave. An ultrasonic signal may be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Galvion Ltd.
    Inventor: Steve Carkner
  • Patent number: 11566920
    Abstract: An encoder includes a scale and a sensor. The scale has first and second absolute patterns. The sensor includes a light source, and first and second absolute light receivers. The first and second absolute light receivers receive light from the first and second absolute patterns, respectively. The first absolute light receiver receives light from the first pattern and includes first and second light receiving elements. Each first light receiving elements outputs a first signal with a first phase. Each second light receiving elements outputs a first signal with a second phase. The first and second light receiving elements are arranged alternately. The second absolute light receiver includes third and fourth light receiving elements. Each third light receiving element outputs a second signal with the first phase. The third and fourth light receiving elements are arranged alternately. Each fourth light receiving element outputs a second signal with the second phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takada, Yasushi Yoshida, Shiro Yoshidomi, Masanobu Harada, Yasuhiro Matsutani, Daisuke Furukawa
  • Patent number: 11320289
    Abstract: An optical encoder includes a scale, a calculator, and a head having a light source, an image capturer, and a lens array having first and second lenses. The calculator includes a signal generator, an extractor, a signal combiner, and a displacement calculator. The signal generator generates a sine wave signal. The extractor extracts first and second regions. The signal combiner, based on an inter-regional distance, uses a sine wave signal of the second region to generate a sine wave signal that extends to a first end of the first region such that the generated sine wave signal overlaps with a sine wave signal of the first region. The signal combiner also combines the sine wave signal of the first region with the generated sine wave signal. The displacement calculator calculates an amount of relative displacement based on the sine wave signal that is combined by the signal combiner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kato
  • Patent number: 11262376
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a MEMS device and electronic apparatus. The MEMS device comprises: a micro-LED; and a movable member, wherein the micro-LED is mounted on the movable member and is configured for moving with the movable member. According to an embodiment of this invention, the signal detection of a MEMS device can be simplified and/or the contents of signals produced by the MEMS device can be enriched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: WEIFANG GOERTEK MICROELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Quanbo Zou
  • Patent number: 11235867
    Abstract: An aircraft landing gear assembly comprising: an axle having an axis, a wheel rotatably mounted on the axle to rotate about the axis, a brake arranged to selectively exert a braking torque on the wheel about the axis, a brake anchor structure having a substantially fixed position relative to the axle, a brake reaction linkage that mechanically couples the brake to the brake anchor structure, and a sensor comprising a sensor element arranged to detect a change in one or more physical properties of a component of the brake reaction linkage in order to determine a stress in the component due to the braking torque, wherein the sensor element does not contact the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventors: Neil Price, Marie Coq
  • Patent number: 11223366
    Abstract: Errors in a cyclic analog to digital converter are reduced. An analog to digital converter is a cyclic analog to digital converter for converting an analog input signal into a digital output signal by performing a plurality of times of cycle processing on the analog input signal. A cycle processing unit performs the cycle processing and outputs a digital signal indicating a value of each bit of the digital output signal. An output circuit receives the digital signal output from the cycle processing unit and outputs, as an output signal, a signal obtained by inverting the digital signal every other cycle. A signal input to the cycle processing unit in second and subsequent cycles is generated in the cycle processing in a previous cycle. In the cycle processing, processing for inverting the signal input to the cycle processing is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shun Mugikura
  • Patent number: 11163095
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an optical system that comprises at least one beam deflection unit, at least one diaphragm element, and at least one holder for fixing the beam deflection element and the diaphragm element in a predefined arrangement relative to one another, the beam deflection element and a screening element are provided. The beam deflection element and the screening element are fixed by means of the holder such that the actual arrangement of the screening element relative to the beam deflection element corresponds to the predefined arrangement of the diaphragm element relative to the beam deflection element. The beam deflection element is irradiated by the processing light beams such that after a deflection by the beam deflection element the processing light beams are incident on a functional zone of the screening element and change its optical properties by energy emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventors: Johannes Eble, Matthias Opfolter
  • Patent number: 11109922
    Abstract: Medical robot systems, surgical tool assemblies, devices, and methods regarding the same. The medical robot system may include a robot coupled to an end-effector having a guide tube. The robot may be configured for controlled movement and positioning of the end-effector. The system further includes a motor assembly coupled to the robot. The motor assembly may be configured to move the end-effector along one or more of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis. The surgical instrument is positionable and/or slidable within the guide tube. The surgical instrument includes at least one detectable feature, such as a reflective lens or stripe. A detection device is configured and arranged to detect the at least one detectable feature. The system enables a depth of the surgical instrument in the guide tube to be determined by the at least one detectable feature on the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil R. Crawford
  • Patent number: 11115922
    Abstract: An event notification system includes a wireless device, an Access Point device, a server, and a user application. The server is configured to receive a plurality of heartbeats from the wireless device and through the Access Point device, and send a heartbeat response of a plurality of heartbeat responses in response to a respective heartbeat of the plurality of heartbeats. The user application is configured to send enable and disable commands to the server. The enable command is sent to the wireless device as part of the next heartbeat response of the plurality of heartbeat responses. The disable command is sent to the wireless device after the server receives an event condition from the wireless device through the AP device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ankit Tiwari, Hector Moner Poy, Michael Ramoutar, Daniele Campana, Pedro Fernandez Orellana
  • Patent number: 11099135
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed relating to composite photonic materials used to design structures and detecting material deformation for the purpose of monitoring structural health of physical structures. According to one aspect, a composite structure is provided that includes a base material, an optical diffraction grating and one or more fluorophore materials constructed such that localized perturbations create a measureable change in the structure's diffraction pattern. An inspection device is also provided that is configured to detect perturbations in the composite structure. The inspection device is configured to emit an inspecting radiation into the structure and capture the refracted radiation and measure the change in the diffraction pattern and quantify the perturbation based on the wavelength and the angular information for the diffracted radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Enrico Bovero, Vincent Brian Cunningham, Ilham Mokhtari, Aziz Fihri, Remi Mahfouz
  • Patent number: 10963724
    Abstract: An absolute position encoder includes a position location medium containing position identifier code words providing absolute position indications, and an optical source, an optical detector, an optics subsystem and a code word decoder. The optics subsystem focuses a source beam onto the position location medium and directs a return beam to the optical detector, detects a focus condition from the return beam, and automatically adjusts focus of the source beam to maintain a predetermined focus condition during operation. The code word decoder responds to the detector signal to detect a code word and generate a decoder output indicative of a corresponding code word value and corresponding detected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Novanta Corporation
    Inventor: Allen Bates
  • Patent number: 10923476
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first transistor in a first region and a second transistor in a second region. The first transistor includes: a first nanowire, a first gate electrode, a first gate dielectric layer, a first source/drain region, and an inner-insulating spacer. The first nanowire has a first channel region. The first gate electrode surrounds the first nanowire. The first gate dielectric layer is between the first nanowire and the first gate electrode. The first source/drain region is connected to an edge of the first nanowire. The inner-insulating spacer is between the first gate dielectric layer and the first source/drain region. The second transistor includes a second nanowire, a second gate electrode, a second gate dielectric layer, and a second source/drain region. The second nanowire has a second channel region. The second gate electrode surrounds the second nanowire. The second gate dielectric layer is between the second nanowire and the second gate electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Gil Yang, Geum-Jong Bae, Dong-Il Bae, Seung-Min Song, Woo-Seok Park
  • Patent number: 10886932
    Abstract: An encoder system includes a configurable detector array, wherein the configurable detector array includes a plurality of detectors. In an embodiment, the encoder system includes an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The encoder system may also include a memory operable to store a partition map that defines a state for each of the plurality of detectors. In an embodiment, the memory includes a non-volatile memory. The encoder system may also include a controller, such as a microcontroller, operable to read from the memory the partition map and to adjust the partition map according to a misalignment measurement before configuring the configurable detector array. The encoder system may also include an emitter operable to generate a flux modulated by a motion object, wherein the configurable detector array is operable to receive the flux and generate respective current outputs for each of the detectors in response to the flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: TT ELECTRONICS PLC
    Inventors: James P. Cusey, Brent Hans Larson
  • Patent number: 10801833
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing strain in structural components are disclosed. Structural component may have geometric patterns of grooves, with the grooves in the geometric pattern each having a groove width. The method may include illuminating the geometric pattern of grooves with a first light at a first wavelength that corresponds to the groove width to create diffraction when the first light hits the geometric pattern of grooves and corresponding changes in the wavelength of the light reflected from the geometric pattern of grooves indicating changes in the groove widths due to strain caused when the structural component is exposed to environmental conditions, detecting the wavelength of the light reflected from the geometric pattern of grooves, and correlating the detected wavelength of the light reflected from the geometric pattern of grooves to the strain in the structural components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gary E. Georgeson, Kenneth H. Griess, Russell L. Keller
  • Patent number: 10794793
    Abstract: There is provided a leak detection device configured to check tightness of an object to be tested by a tracer gas, the device including a sniffing probe configured to be connected to a leak detector and/or a spray blower configured to be connected to a source of the tracer gas; and a glove to which the sniffing probe and/or the spray blower is attached. There is also provided a module for detection of leaks, including the device configured to check the checking the tightness of the object to be tested by the tracer gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: PFEIFFER VACUUM
    Inventors: Pascal Jourdan, Laurent Ducimetiere
  • Patent number: 10780618
    Abstract: An injection molding machine according to the present invention is a machine tool that includes a measurement unit that measures a predetermined measured value; a calculation unit that calculates attitude accuracy information about the injection molding machine based on the measured value measured by the measurement unit; and a display that displays the attitude accuracy information calculated by the calculation unit together with an overhead view of the injection molding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fuyuki Sugiura, Koichi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 10753740
    Abstract: A geodetic surveying instrument, such as a total station, stationed with instrument center coordinates at ground coordinates in a stationing height above ground. The instrument comprises a sighting unit for aiming a measurement target point, with an opto-electronic distance meter to determine a target distance and two axes for aiming the sighting unit, with goniometers to determine a target direction. It also comprises a tilt sensor to determine a tilt value of the instrument and a measurement-controller to derive measured coordinates of the measurement target point based on this target direction and target distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Norbert Kotzur, Gerhard Kleemaier, Hannes Maar, Gian-Philipp Patri
  • Patent number: 10732268
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enclosure alignment. A light can be emitted from a light source. The light source can be integrated into an enclosure to be aligned onto a fixture. A light detector can detect the light emitted by the light source. A luminance of the light detected by the light detector can be measured. Based on the luminance, an extent of an alignment of the enclosure with respect to the fixture can be determined. The enclosure can be translated along the fixture based on the extent of the alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Pony AI Inc.
    Inventors: Peter G. Diehl, Cheng Jin
  • Patent number: 10642357
    Abstract: A hand gesture sensing system includes a glove, five bionic tendons, five optical sensors, and a micro controller unit. The five bionic tendons are disposed in five sheaths of the glove, respectively. The five optical sensors are disposed in the glove and configured to detect the displacement or the deformation of the five bionic tendons, thereby identifying a hand gesture of a user when wearing the glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: ACER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jia-Yu Lin, Chih-Chiang Chen, Jin-Ting Kuo
  • Patent number: 10545009
    Abstract: A cant indication apparatus includes a spirit level, at least one light receiving optical fiber, and at least one light transmitting and cant indicating optical fiber. The spirit level includes a first fluid with at least one of a first light transmittance or absorbance, and a second fluid with at least one of a second light transmittance or absorbance. A position of a bubble formed by the second fluid in the first fluid indicates at least an uncanted orientation and a canted orientation. The at least one light receiving optical fiber includes a light receiving end, and a spirit level connection end proximate to the spirit level. The at least one light transmitting and cant indicating optical fiber includes a spirit level connection end proximate to the spirit level, and an orientation indication end. Illumination through the orientation indication end indicates the bubble is in the uncanted orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventor: Tom Bartak
  • Patent number: 10499470
    Abstract: A light emitting device controlled by placement angle thereof includes a housing space disposed inside a shell element, wherein a light emitting element, a power supply element, and a conductive element are disposed in the housing space. The conductive element has a passage having a conductor therein. By a tilt of the shell element, a placement angle thereof is changed, whereby the conductor moves inside the passage between a conducting position and a disconnecting position. The wire set between the light emitting element and the power supply element is conductive when the conductor is at the conducting position, and is not conductive when the conductor is at the disconnecting position. Thus, the light emitting element is able to be controlled by changing the placement angle of an object to which the light emitting device attached, thereby achieving the convenience for usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: CYCLE NAME INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsung-Pei Tsai
  • Patent number: 10479444
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus includes a shaft, a driving plate, a first driven plate, and a sensor device. The driving plate is disposed on the shaft and rotates with the shaft. The driving plate includes a first block that has a driving surface on it. The first driven plate is disposed on the shaft and capable of moving along the shaft. The first driven plate includes a second block that has a driven surface corresponding to the driving surface. The sensor device is disposed close to the first driven plate for detecting the movement of the first driven plate along the shaft. When the shaft rotates together with the driving plate, the driving surface compels the driven surface to rotate and simultaneously move away from the driving plate along the shaft, and the movement along the shaft is detected by the sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Huang-Hsiao Kao, Fei-Ya Chen
  • Patent number: 10474516
    Abstract: An encoder includes: a reading device that reads respective electric signals from two incremental patterns respectively having graduation array pitches different from each other; a control device that calculates a measurement value, based on the electric signals; and an output device that outputs the measurement value. The control device includes: an absolute position synthesis unit that synthesizes two electric signals to generate a synthesized absolute position; a detection unit that detects two relative positions from the two electric signals; a position calculation unit that performs an arithmetic operation between the relative positions and the synthesized absolute position to calculate a calculated absolute position; an absolute position comparison unit that compares the calculated absolute position with the synthesized absolute position; and a relative position comparison unit that compares the two relative positions with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10379020
    Abstract: A method to determine a fatigue limit for a material. Form a test component including the material. Identify a resonant frequency of the component and an excitation frequency which causes the component to vibrate. Measure a response parameter of the component when excited at the excitation frequency. Test the component to determine its fatigue limit by sub-steps to: apply an excitation force to the component at the excitation frequency to cause vibration of the component; alter the applied excitation force at constant excitation frequency to maintain the response parameter constant; measure at least one of an input parameter and an output parameter; iterate the sub-steps to alter and measure until the first order, second order, or first and second order derivatives of the input parameter and/or output parameter exhibit a discontinuity. Repeat the steps for a different excitation frequency. The fatigue limit for the material includes all the identified discontinuities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Ibrahim A Sever, Dario Di Maio, Fabrizio Magi
  • Patent number: 10350013
    Abstract: Medical robot systems, surgical tool assemblies, devices, and methods regarding the same. The medical robot system may include a robot coupled to an end-effector having a guide tube. The robot may be configured for controlled movement and positioning of the end-effector. The system further includes a motor assembly coupled to the robot. The motor assembly may be configured to move the end-effector along one or more of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis. The surgical instrument is positionable and/or slidable within the guide tube. The surgical instrument includes at least one detectable feature, such as a reflective lens or stripe. A detection device is configured and arranged to detect the at least one detectable feature. The system enables a depth of the surgical instrument in the guide tube to be determined by the at least one detectable feature on the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil R. Crawford
  • Patent number: 10330789
    Abstract: A proximity sensor system for detecting the presence of an object includes a light emitter configured to project light in a first direction, an optical element configured to steer the light, and a sensor. The optical element has a first surface configured to receive the light from the light emitter and a second surface that is non-parallel to the first surface. The second surface is configured to transmit a first portion of the light in a second direction and internally reflect a second portion of the light from the light emitter. The optical element includes a third surface configured to prevent internal reflection of the second portion of the light by the third surface. The sensor is configured to detect at least a portion of the first portion of the light returned from the object and transmitted through the second surface and the first surface of the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Christopher Appleby, Dong Yang, Fei Liu
  • Patent number: 10323940
    Abstract: The invention provides a tilt angle measuring device, which comprises a discoid container for including a liquid forming a free liquid surface, a light emitting source for allowing a detection light to enter the free liquid surface, a photodetector for receiving the detection light reflected on the free liquid surface and a signal processing unit for detecting a tilt of the free liquid surface based on a detection signal from the photodetector, wherein the signal processing unit sets a detection light storage time of the photodetector so that an error incidence rate of the detection signal is a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: TOPCON Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Kamiki, Goro Iwasaki, Shinji Yamaguchi, Satoshi Yanobe, Eiji Takeuchi, Yosuke Okudaira
  • Patent number: 10302527
    Abstract: A method is provided for carrying out a sound test for detecting and/or analyzing material faults and/or mounting faults of at least one component, in which the component is excited, by striking, to experience vibrations which generate soundwaves, after which the generated soundwaves are detected and conclusions are drawn about material faults and/or mounting faults on the basis of the detected soundwaves, wherein the striking of the component and the detection of the vibrations are carried out using an endoscope device. In addition, embodiments of the present invention relates to an endoscope device which is configured to carry out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Henning Almstedt, Ralf Bell, Ulrich Beul, Kai Brune, Robin Burzan, Matthias Heue, Benedikt Hofmeister, Mario Koebe, Michael Löhr, Stefan Riemann, Andreas Schaarschmidt, Andreas Ulma, Sebastian Zahn, Gerta Zimmer
  • Patent number: 10295760
    Abstract: An optically traceable patch cord includes a cable extending from a first connector at a first end to a second connector at a second end. A trace assembly in the cable is located between the first end of the cable and the second end of the cable. An optical tracing fiber extends from the trace assembly to one of the first connector and the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: AFL IG LLC
    Inventors: Artur Bureacov, Asher Leong Raven
  • Patent number: 10239204
    Abstract: A method of controlling a robot includes the steps of calculating a torsional angular velocity of an arm using a difference between an angular velocity detected by a gyro sensor and an angular velocity in a gyro sensor coordinate obtained from information detected by a first encoder and a second encoder, calculating a correction amount of a sensitivity error of the gyro sensor using a variation in the torsional angular velocity, and correcting sensitivity of the gyro sensor using the correction amount of the sensitivity error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Motoyoshi, Tomokazu Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 10190947
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, components, and methods for visual creep inspection of rotating components, such as those in a gas turbine. A component is provided with an external surface and an axis of rotation. The external surface has a circumference and a plurality of three dimensional reference marks forming a reference pattern along the circumference. An optical data capture device generates a data signal based on the plurality of three dimensional reference marks. A data analysis system processes the data signal to calculate a deviation in spacing of the reference pattern along the circumference and determines a strain or creep measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew Joseph Colletti, Bryan Joseph Germann, Gregory Lee Hovis
  • Patent number: 10151579
    Abstract: The present invention has the advantages of simple structure, low detection cost, high measurement precision, high detection speed, strong practicability, etc. The present invention relates to a novel array photoelectric sensor grating displacement detection system and method. The system includes a parallel light source, an incremental glass grating ruler, photoelectric sensor arrays, a high-speed voltage comparator, a signal processing unit and a displacement display unit, wherein the incremental glass grating ruler is perpendicular to an irradiation direction, of the parallel light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: GUANGDONG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Zhijun Yang, Yanfeng Li, Tiegen Cai, Qian Li, Xin Chen
  • Patent number: 10151686
    Abstract: A flow cell for differential refractive index detection. The flow cell includes a transparent body that extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis. The transparent body defines a sample prism chamber and reference prism chamber. The sample prism chamber is configured to allow fluid flow between the first and second ends of the transparent body along the longitudinal axis. The reference prism chamber is configured to receive a reference fluid. The sample and reference prism chambers each include a grating comprising a plurality of grooves extending along the longitudinal axis in the direction of fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Anthony C. Jeannotte
  • Patent number: 10126321
    Abstract: A micro-opto-electromechanical systems (MOEMS) device is described. The device comprises at least one anchor on a chip; at least one spring connected to the anchor; at least one proof mass connected to the spring, the at least one proof mass being movable with respect to the chip; a movable optical element connected to the at least one proof mass; a first waveguide connected to the chip, the first waveguide being adapted for receiving light from a light source and a second waveguide connected to the chip, the second waveguide being adapted for operatively coupling to a photodetector and the movable optical element being disposed between the back end of the first waveguide and the front end of the second waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventors: Kazem Zandi, Pierre Pottier
  • Patent number: 10126114
    Abstract: An angular localization system for determining an object's location includes a signal processor and three channels have a respective first, second, and third photodetector. The first channel images a first portion of an optical signal from which the first photodetector generates a first electrical signal. The second channel images a second portion of the optical signal onto a slow-varying optical mask having a strictly monotonic transmissivity along a dimension x. The second photodetector converts the second portion into a second electrical signal. The third channel images a third portion of the optical signal onto a fast-varying optical mask having a spatially-varying transmissivity having a same value at more than one value of x. The third photodetector converts the third portion into a third electrical signal. The signal processor is configured to determine, from each electrical signal, a respective signal amplitude, and determine the location parameter by comparing the signal amplitudes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Ascentia Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Dowski, Jr., Gregory Johnson
  • Patent number: 10088341
    Abstract: The photoelectric encoder 1 includes a scale 2, and a detection head 3 including a light emitting unit 4, an index 5, and a detection unit 6. The index 5 includes a first index portion 50 consisting of diffraction portions and non-diffraction portions alternately juxtaposed at a predetermined pitch along the longitudinal direction of the scale 2, and a second index portion 51 consisting of diffraction portions and non-diffraction portions alternately juxtaposed at twice the pitch of the first index portion 50. The scale 2 is configured to include a first pattern portion 20 consisting of diffraction portions and non-diffraction portions alternately juxtaposed at a predetermined pitch along the longitudinal direction of the scale 2, and a second pattern portion 21 consisting of diffraction portions and non-diffraction portions arranged in a checkered pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kato
  • Patent number: 10077163
    Abstract: A stacked sheet detection device includes a shaft, at least one first rotor, a second rotor, and a detection sensor. The shaft includes a plurality of attached portions that are formed in alignment along a width direction perpendicular to a discharge direction of sheets. The first rotor is attachable to any one of the plurality of attached portions. The first rotor includes a fitting portion and an arm portion. The fitting portion is configured to be fitted with one of the attached portions. The arm portion is formed to extend from the fitting portion toward the discharge tray and configured to abut on the sheets stacked on the discharge tray. The first rotor is selectively attachable to any one of the plurality of attached portions. The detection sensor is configured to detect that the second rotor rotates in the predetermined rotation direction beyond a predetermined first detection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Wada
  • Patent number: 9970836
    Abstract: Disclosed are a multi-axial force sensor capable of measuring multi-axial force and a grasper for sensing multi-axial force using the same. The multi-axial force sensor includes: a first operating section which includes a first member, and a first protrusion module formed protruding from one side of the first member; an elastic section which is formed at one end of the first member; a second operating section which includes a second member formed with one end to face one end of the first member with the elastic section therebetween, and a second protrusion module formed protruding from one side of the second member to face the first protrusion module; and an electrode section which is formed in the first protrusion module. With this, there is provided a force sensor capable of precisely measuring force through a simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventors: Hyouk Ryeol Choi, Yong Bum Kim, Ui Kyum Kim, Dong Yub Seok, Dong Hyuk Lee
  • Patent number: 9958357
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting irregularities in a rotation of roller bodies in a roller bearing, the apparatus comprising a measurement module and a processor module. The measurement module is operable to provide a deformation signal indicative of a deformation of a surface region of a bearing ring of the roller bearing, wherein the deformation is due to the rotation of the roller bodies over the surface region. The processor module is operable to extract one or more signal quantities of interest from the deformation signal and operable to provide statistical information on the one or more extracted signal quantities of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Allan Thomson, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Patent number: 9851278
    Abstract: A bearing monitoring apparatus including at least one interface for receiving strain signals detected by at least one strain sensor mounted on a bearing and at least one data processing unit configured to monitor the bearing by detecting bearing defects based on the strain signals is provided. The data processing unit is configured to subject the strain signal to a high pass filtering. A limit frequency of the high pass filter is set higher than a typical ball pass frequency of the bearing to be monitored, to calculate a quantity representative of the amplitude of the envelope signal of the high-pass filtered strain signal, to compare the peak hold of the envelope signal with an envelope threshold value, to classify the bearing using the result of the envelope comparison and to issue at least one warning signal if the bearing is classified as defective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Andreas Clemens van der Ham, Nicolaas Simon Willem Den, Adam V. C. Reedman
  • Patent number: 9829281
    Abstract: A hybrid laser countermeasure line replaceable unit and method of upgrading therewith is provided. The unit includes two generable laser beams, namely, a first pulsed laser beam and a second continuous wave laser beam. Further embodiments may have multiple pulsed and continuous wave laser beams as necessary. The two beams in this single unit either may be generated from a single gain medium or may be generated from multiple gain mediums inside the line replaceable unit. The two beams may be combined if necessary to provide greater likelihood of success as a countermeasure to defend against optically guided incoming threats to a vehicle, such as military aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Radl, York E. Young
  • Patent number: 9809196
    Abstract: Methods, systems and media are provided for managing personal security of a user of a vehicle. The vehicle is provided with a plurality of active sensors. One method includes receiving a first remote request at the vehicle to activate a first level of security. The first level of security activates a first active sensor. The method includes recording an area proximate to vehicle in response to activating the first level of security. The recording produces a media file. The method includes transmitting the media file to Internet storage associated with an account of the user of the vehicle. The method includes setting indicators, such as lighting in and around the vehicle to identify a security level of the vehicle. The lighting can be color illumination, that indicates to a user before the user fully approaches the vehicle if the vehicle has a particular security level, based on prior monitored activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Emerging Automotive, LLC
    Inventors: Angel A. Penilla, Albert S. Penilla
  • Patent number: 9810555
    Abstract: There is provided an absolute encoder advantageous in accuracy of an output thereof against a defect in a scale thereof. In the absolute encoder, a detector detects a part of an array of marks of the scale, and outputs a data sequence corresponding to the part. A processor stores information indicating a correspondence between each of a plurality of code sequences and an absolute coordinate of motion of the scale, and outputs information of the absolute coordinate based on the data sequence and the information. The processor detects an error of the data sequence, and performs rewriting of the information based on the detected error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ko Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 9743860
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods of using light transmission thought living tissue, such as a finger, to detect the flexure of a joint. Light is introduced into the tissue at one point, passes through the tissue, and exits the tissue at a second point where a sensor receives the light as it exits the tissue. Transmission of light through living tissue such as a finger can be affected by movement of the finger. As the finger flexes and, for example, the joints of the finger change angle, the characteristics of the light exiting the tissue, such as the intensity of the light, can change. These changes in characteristics can be used as an indirect means of determining the flexure of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Applied Invention, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Keesling
  • Patent number: 9719868
    Abstract: An electronic measurement unit for a polymorphous device, comprising a number of lateral structures, each lateral structure including: a support structure; at least one sensor constrained to the support structure and generating an electrical signal indicative of a deformation of the support structure; and a coupling structure that constrains a corresponding external covering element to the support structure in a releasable manner, so that when the external covering element is constrained to the support structure and an external force acts on the external covering element, the electrical signal is indicative of the external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Fondazione Instituto Italiano Di Tecnologia
    Inventors: Ioannis Sarakoglou, Nikos Tsagarakis, Darwin Caldwell
  • Patent number: 9607234
    Abstract: An image processing method improves the extraction accuracy of objects other than symbols. The image processing method may include four processes. In the first process, an image is input. In the second process, a symbol in the image is read. In the third process, a mask area including the symbol is set. In the fourth process, an object located in an area other than the mark area in the image is recognized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Fujikawa, Yasuyuki Ikeda, Yuki Akatsuka
  • Patent number: 9584542
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a relay attack that includes a microcontroller, a receiver, and a transmitter. The receiver is configured to receive a challenge message from a verifier. The challenge message has a challenge message frequency at a first challenge message frequency during a first time slot. The transmitter is configured to transmit a response message to the verifier. The response message has a response message frequency at a first response message frequency during the first time slot. The first response message frequency is different than the first challenge message frequency. The challenge message frequency is at a second challenge message frequency and the response message frequency is at a second response message frequency during a second time slit. The second challenge message frequency is different than the second response message frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Hun-Seok Kim, Anand Ganesh Dabak, Jing-Fei Ren, Manish Goel
  • Patent number: 9559224
    Abstract: The opto-electronic module (1) comprises —a first substrate member (P); —a third substrate member (B); —a second substrate member (O) arranged between said first and third substrate members and comprising one or more transparent portions (ta, tb) through which light can pass, said at least one transparent portion comprising at least a first optical structure (5a;5a?;5b;5b?); —a first spacer member (S1) comprised in said first substrate member (P) or comprised in said second substrate member (O) or distinct from and located between these, which comprises at least one opening (4a;4b); —a second spacer member (S2) comprised in said second substrate member (O) or comprised in said third substrate member (B) or distinct from and located between these, which comprises at least one opening (3); —a light detecting element (D) arranged on and electrically connected to said first substrate member (P); —a light emission element (E) arranged on and electrically connected to said first substrate member (P); —and a sensing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Heptagon Micro Optics Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hartmut Rudmann, Markus Rossi
  • Patent number: 9534936
    Abstract: A reference signal generation circuit generates a reference signal from a reading result of the reference point detection pattern. The first light-receiving element array includes a first light-receiving element that outputs a first signal, and a second light-receiving element that is disposed in a first direction of the first light-receiving element and outputs a second signal. A second light-receiving element array includes a third light-receiving element that outputs a third signal, and a fourth light-receiving element that is disposed in the first direction of the third light-receiving element and outputs a fourth signal. The second light-receiving element array is disposed in a second direction of the first light-receiving element array. The reference signal generation circuit outputs a reference signal that starts at a period when levels of the first and second signal become equal and ends at a period when levels of the third and fourth signal become equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihide Kimura