Acoustic Patents (Class 702/103)
  • Patent number: 11800695
    Abstract: The technology relates to a memory insertion machine for inserting memory modules into memory sockets on a circuit board. The memory insertion machine may include one or more insertion rods moveably mounted to one or more vertical guides, one or more profilometers, and an insertion controller. The insertion controller may be configured to apply an insertion force to a memory module in a memory socket, by controlling the movement of the one or more insertion rods on the one or more vertical guides. The insertion controller may be further configured to determine, based on information received from the one or more profilometers, a measured distance between a top of the memory module and a top of the memory socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Reichenbach, Toby Xu, Edward Gallagher, John Zevenbergen
  • Patent number: 11274544
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gyro-based surveying tool for surveying of holes oriented in a basically vertical direction in areas with no line-of-sight connection to the sky. The gyro-based surveying tool comprises a surveying head and an analysing unit. The surveying head comprises a plurality of MicroElectroMechanical-systems-inertial-measurement-unit arrangements, MEMS-IMU arrangements. Each of the MEMS-IMU arrangements is arranged to transmit information relating to their measurement results to the analysing unit. The analysing unit is arranged to receive and analyse said transmitted information relating to the measurement results from the plurality of MEMS-IMU arrangements so as to calculate a combined measurement result. The surveying tool further comprises means for calculating an attitude and/or position of said surveying head based on said combined measurement result. The present disclosure also relates to a surveying method, a computer program for surveying, and a computer program product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: LKAB Wassara AB
    Inventors: Thimaq Tim Peco, Jarl Hulden
  • Patent number: 10809062
    Abstract: A MEMS inertial sensor device has a package and a gyroscopic sensor, an accelerometric sensor, and an ASIC electronic circuit integrated within the package. The ASIC is operatively coupled to the gyroscopic sensor and the accelerometric sensor for supplying at an output a gyroscopic signal indicative of an angular velocity and an acceleration signal indicative of an acceleration acting on the MEMS inertial sensor device. The ASIC is provided with a processing module, which may be of a purely hardware type, for processing jointly the gyroscopic signal and the accelerometric signal and determining a bias value present on the gyroscopic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Marco Leo, Marco Castellano
  • Patent number: 10247749
    Abstract: Provided is an acceleration sensor operating method of an electronic device. The method includes checking whether at least one movement generation means operates. The method also includes changing a sampling frequency of the acceleration sensor when the movement generation means operates. The method further includes receiving a sensor value of the acceleration sensor according to the changed sampling frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Hyeok Lee, Jin-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 9857298
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for characterizing multiphase flow (MPF) of fluid and enhancing measuring and monitoring of a full range of water cut in a portion of a pipe for oil-related operations are provided. An embodiment of a system can include a flow director to direct the MPF between paired wide-band near-infrared (NIR) emitters and detectors electrically coupled to signal conditioning, processing, and characterizing modules to determine absorption and scattering of MPF and define and display MPF characteristics for measuring and monitoring in oil-related operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Muhammad Arsalan, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi, Talha Jamal Ahmad
  • Patent number: 9671247
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of calibrating a vibrating gyroscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Innalabs Limited
    Inventors: Isaak Markovich Okon, Alain Renault, Jose Beitia
  • Patent number: 9625290
    Abstract: A MEMS type sensor is used for measuring a particular parameter on an IC chip within an electronic device, such as music player, a smart cellular telephone, etc. The parameter may be a scalar parameter, such as a directional orientation indicative a current compass point, or a multidimensional vector parameter, such as a three-dimensional acceleration. The sensor output is recalibrated using stored coefficients when ambient conditions vary. The stored coefficients may be modified during calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Edward Chang, Qingxuan Yang
  • Patent number: 9200744
    Abstract: A tracking system for use with a pipeline includes a scraper having signal generation capability for generating acoustic signals, a plurality of acoustic pressure sensors positioned at intervals along the path traveled by the scraper, and a plurality of local processors positioned at intervals along the path traveled by the scraper. Each of the local processors is in communication with a respective acoustic pressure sensor. A central processor is in communication with the local processors and determines the location of the scraper using time-stamped acoustic signals received by the pressure sensors and a speed of sound in a fluid within the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignees: ACOUSTIC SYSTEMS, INC. (TX), ACOUSTIC SYSTEMS, INC. (NY)
    Inventors: Bao-Wen Yang, Eric Yang, Marion Recane, Stephanie H. Yang
  • Patent number: 8942462
    Abstract: A method to automatically quantify dendrite arm spacing in dendritic microstructures. Once a location of interest in a cast material specimen has been identified, the information contained in it is automatically analyzed to quantify dendrite cell size information that is subsequently converted into a quantified dendrite arm spacing through an empirical relationship or a theoretical relationship. In one form, the relationship between DCS and DAS is such that the DAS in dendritic structure of cast aluminum alloys may be automatically determined from the measurement of one or more of dendrite cell size and the actual volume fraction of the eutectic phases in the local casting microstructure. Non-equilibrium conditions may be accounted for in situations where a theoretical volume fraction of a eutectic phase of the alloy in equilibrium condition is appropriately modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Qigui Wang, James W. Knight
  • Patent number: 8939006
    Abstract: A photoacoustic detector wherein control circuits compensate for long term variations of components therein including a light source and sensing microphones. The control circuits intermittently energize the source to evaluate changes in at least source resistance. The control circuits intermittently energize an acoustic generator to evaluate changes in one or more generator responsive microphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Rezachek, Gary P. Shubinsky, Michael Freeman
  • Patent number: 8896626
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a specific sound detecting section which detects a specific sound generated during motion of a specific motion conducted by a target object included in an image group including a plurality of images which continues in a time-series manner; a synthetic image generating section which generates a synthetic image representing transitions of the specific motion; a determination range setting section which sets, as a determination range, a range in the time axis for determination on the generation of the synthetic image on the basis of a user manipulation; and a control section which controls the synthetic image generating section to generate the synthetic image in a case where the specific sound is detected in the set determination range, and not to generate the synthetic image in a case where the specific sound is not detected in the set determination range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Kawai, Daisuke Nakao
  • Patent number: 8862406
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for reducing current leakage between a measure electrode and a logging tool body during borehole investigations in an earth formation involving electric current and non-conductive drilling fluid. The apparatus may include one or more transmitters disposed on a pad body, configured to inject an electric current into the earth formation, and coupled to the mandrel and one or more measure electrodes. The measure electrodes may be configured to receive current from the formation and coupled to a back plate of the pad body. The apparatus may be configured to maintain a selected ratio between pad body to logging tool body impedance and transmitters to logging tool body impedance sufficient to reduce current leakage between the earth formation and the logging tool body. The transmitter/mandrel and measure electrode/back plate may be electrically isolated from one another. The method may include using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory B. Itskovich, David R. Beard, Fei Le
  • Patent number: 8838405
    Abstract: Ultrasonic inspection equipment facilitates alignment of display positions of three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data and three-dimensional shape data, and quickly discriminates between a defect echo and an inner-wall echo. A computer 102A has a position correction function of correcting a relative display position between three-dimensional shape data and three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data. A display position of the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data or that of the three-dimensional shape data is moved by a norm of a mean vector along the mean vector that is calculated from a plurality of vectors defined by a plurality of points selected in the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data and by a plurality of points selected in the three-dimensional shape data. The three-dimensional shape data and the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data are displayed in such a manner as to be superimposed on each other on a three-dimensional display unit 103C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: So Kitazawa, Naoyuki Kono, Atsushi Baba
  • Publication number: 20140195188
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to acquire acoustic noise data by one or more receivers, the acoustic noise provided by a passive source comprising a down hole tool body moving with in a borehole, and/or a positioning device or a measurement device attached to the tool body. Additional operations may include processing the acoustic noise data to determine receiver calibration parameters, and/or formation properties. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Burkay Donderici
  • Patent number: 8744793
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting the level of a response signal from an ultrasound transducer is disclosed. During a calibration phase, a description of a gain profile of a level adjuster is set dependent upon an expected response signal for a type of object to be tested and the description is stored in memory. During a measurement phase for an object under test, a description of a gain profile is selected for the type of the object under test and a gain profile is determined from the selected description. The response signal from the object under test is passed through a level adjuster and the level of the response signal is adjusted dynamically in accordance with the gain profile. The description of the gain profile is selected with reference to an expected response either by operator interaction with a user interface or automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Sonix, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. P. McKeon
  • Patent number: 8738305
    Abstract: A method for detecting blockage of a measuring tube of a Coriolis flow measuring device, which has at least two measuring tubes. For this, the at least two measuring tubes are excited by at least one exciter to execute mechanical oscillations, mechanical oscillations of the measuring tubes are registered by at least one sensor and at least one measurement signal representing the mechanical oscillations is produced. At least one produced measurement signal is analyzed for the occurrence of a deviation of a resonance frequency of one measuring tube relative to a resonance frequency of the at least one other measuring tube. In case such a deviation occurs, blockage of a measuring tube is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Alfred Rieder, Wolfgang Drahm, Hao Zhu, Marcel Braun
  • Patent number: 8626468
    Abstract: A MEMS apparatus is provided for scanning an optical beam which comprises: a. at least one mirror operative to perform am oscillation motion to a pre-defined rotation angle around a mirror rotation axis; b. a sound sensing means; and c. a conversion means operative to convert sound vibrations detected by the sound sensing means into one or more electrical signals, and wherein the sound sensing means is located at the vicinity of the at least one mirror whereby the movement of the at least one mirror is sensed by the sound sensing means and converted by the conversion means into the one or more electrical signals characterizing the oscillating motion of the at least one mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics International N.V.
    Inventors: Ido Luft, Nir Goren
  • Patent number: 8583393
    Abstract: Ultrasonic inspection equipment facilitates alignment of display positions of three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data and three-dimensional shape data, and quickly discriminates between a defect echo and an inner-wall echo. A computer 102A has a position correction function of correcting a relative display position between three-dimensional shape data and three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data. A display position of the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data or that of the three-dimensional shape data is moved by a norm of a mean vector along the mean vector that is calculated from a plurality of vectors defined by a plurality of points selected in the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data and by a plurality of points selected in the three-dimensional shape data. The three-dimensional shape data and the three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection data are displayed in such a manner as to be superimposed on each other on a three-dimensional display unit 103C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: So Kitazawa, Naoyuki Kono, Atsushi Baba
  • Patent number: 8552739
    Abstract: In an electronic device and a method of correcting time-domain reflectometers, two channels of a time-domain reflectometer are connected to a corrector using cables, and the two channels are enabled to transmit pulses. Parameters Step Deskew and Channel Deskew of the two channels are zeroed. Resistance values of the two channels are measured simultaneously, and the value of the parameter Step Deskew of one of the two channels is adjusted according to the Resistance values of the two channels. Times of achieving the same resistance value of the two channels are measured after the cables and the connector have been disconnected, and the value of the parameter Channel Deskew of one of the two channels is adjusted according to the times of achieving the same resistance value. The adjusted values of the parameters Step Deskew and Channel Deskew are displayed through a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsien-Chuan Liang, Shen-Chun Li, Shou-Kuo Hsu
  • Patent number: 8548765
    Abstract: A dynamically self-adjusting sensor is disclosed. In one embodiment, a sample module repeatedly generates an electronic signal related to a characteristic of an environment. A window module receives the electronic signal and provides an average signal for a pre-defined number of the electronic signals. A delta comparator module receives the electronic signal from the sample module and compares the electronic signal with a previously received electronic signal from the sample module to establish a change, wherein an output is generated if the change is greater than or equal to a threshold, the delta comparator module further receives the average signal from the window module and compares the average signal with a previously received average signal from the window module to establish an average change, wherein the output is generated if the change is greater than or equal to a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Broadband Discovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Cory James Stephanson
  • Patent number: 8521446
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic phased array non-destructive inspection system that includes a PA probe, a conventional PA inspection unit and a refraction angle verification unit. The PA inspection unit is employed to emit ultrasonic angle beams into an AWS IIW Block and to receive a set of corresponding echo signals reflected from the calibration block and to provide time-of-flight (TOF) values corresponding to each angle beam. The refraction angle verification unit then provides a true angle for each of the angle beams based on the ultrasonic and geometric characteristics of the block and the measured TOF values. Other calibration blocks such as the DSC and Nayships blocks can also be used for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus NDT Inc.
    Inventors: Jinchi Zhang, Jason Habermehl
  • Patent number: 8478556
    Abstract: A calibration process for an SAW sensor of the differential resonator type incorporated in an assembly, the sensor having two resonance frequencies (f1, f2) which vary differently as a function of the value of a physical magnitude (G) of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Lionel Fagot-Revurat
  • Patent number: 8295958
    Abstract: A circuit for correcting the output of an audio level meter comprises input means for generating the square or the absolute value of an input signal, a low pass filter having a predetermined attack time and release time, and output means for converting the output signal from a linear scale to a logarithmic scale. The circuit further comprises a correction means to which an information about whether the input signal to the audio level meter was subject to squaring or converting into an absolute value at the input, as well as the attack and release time of the low pass filter, are supplied as input values, and which provides, at its output, a value representing the difference between the output of the audio level meter and the true signal power of the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Markus Schlosser, Ulrich Schreiber, Mario Sieck
  • Patent number: 8271212
    Abstract: A method includes transmitting wireless signals towards a material in a tank and receiving wireless signals reflected off the material. The method also includes calculating a phase velocity of the wireless signals reflected off the material and identifying a level of the material in the tank using the phase velocity. Calculating the phase velocity of the wireless signals could include identifying a plurality of linearly-spaced frequencies and performing linear interpolation using the data identifying the wireless signals to identify data points at the linearly-spaced frequencies. The identification of the data points at the linearly-spaced frequencies could represent the only interpolation operation performed during the calculation of the phase velocity and the identification of the level of the material. Moreover, a mismatch could exist between an inner diameter of a stillpipe through which the wireless signals are transmitted and a diameter of an antenna used to receive the wireless signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Enraf B.V.
    Inventor: Bin Sai
  • Patent number: 8265893
    Abstract: A digital reordering unit, an ultrasonic front-end device and operating method thereof are provided. The ultrasonic front-end device may be connected between a probe and a detector of the ultrasonic system and controlled by a primary controller of the ultrasonic system, the ultrasonic front-end device having an ultrasonic transmission part and an ultrasonic reception part, wherein the ultrasonic transmission part includes a transmission beamformer and M transmission driving units, and has M transmission channels; the ultrasonic reception part includes M high-voltage isolation circuits, RC amplifiers, RC ADCs and a beamformer electrically serially connected and has RC reception channels, where RC=[N, 2N, 3N . . . p*N], N being an integer larger than or equal to 1, being characterized in that, M low-voltage analog switches and a network of resistors are serially connected between the M high-voltage isolation circuits and the RC amplifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Bo Yang, Qinjun Hu, Xiaoyong Chen, Haitao Huang
  • Patent number: 8255180
    Abstract: The acoustographic dynamic range extending device and method determines thresholds to reach a preset brightness with a test part and without a test part and transforms these thresholds to image data, where the thresholds can be time thresholds obtained with a single driving voltage and can be voltage thresholds obtained with an increasing driving voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Santec Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Jaswinder Sandhu
  • Patent number: 8209134
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement (EDM) from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes: comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM); comparison to historical data; and modeling based on linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Sophie Lin
    Inventors: David H. Parker, John M. Payne, Sophie Lin, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8199611
    Abstract: A seismic sensor module includes sensing elements arranged in a plurality of axes to detect seismic signals in a plurality of respective directions, and a processor to receive data from the sensing elements and to determine inclinations of the axes with respect to a particular orientation. The determined inclinations are used to combine the data received from the sensing elements to derive tilt-corrected seismic data for the particular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Nicolas Goujon
  • Publication number: 20120143550
    Abstract: A dynamically self-adjusting sensor is disclosed. In one embodiment, a sample module repeatedly generates an electronic signal related to a characteristic of an environment. A window module receives the electronic signal and provides an average signal for a pre-defined number of the electronic signals. A delta comparator module receives the electronic signal from the sample module and compares the electronic signal with a previously received electronic signal from the sample module to establish a change, wherein an output is generated if the change is greater than or equal to a threshold, the delta comparator module further receives the average signal from the window module and compares the average signal with a previously received average signal from the window module to establish an average change, wherein the output is generated if the change is greater than or equal to a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Cory James STEPHANSON
  • Publication number: 20120130653
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic phased array non-destructive inspection system that includes a PA probe, a conventional PA inspection unit and a refraction angle verification unit. The PA inspection unit is employed to emit ultrasonic angle beams into an AWS 11W Block and to receive a set of corresponding echo signals reflected from the calibration block and to provide time-of-flight (TOF) values corresponding to each angle beam. The refraction angle verification unit then provides a true angle for each of the angle beams based on the ultrasonic and geometric characteristics of the block and the measured TOF values. Other calibration blocks such as the DSC and Nayships blocks can also be used for this purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Jinchi ZHANG, Jason Habermehl
  • Patent number: 8180582
    Abstract: A system for detecting a presence of a liquid within a receptacle includes a sensor and a processor. The sensor includes a transmitting probe and a receiving probe positioned within the liquid receptacle. The transmitting probe includes a first transducer and the receiving probe includes a second transducer. The processor is in electrical communication with the first and second transducers and monitors the first and second transducers to determine the presence and level of the liquid within the liquid receptacle based on a time between generation of a first extensional wave by the first transducer and reception of a second extensional wave by the second transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Terence J. Knowles
  • Publication number: 20120101764
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting the level of a response signal from an ultrasound transducer is disclosed. During a calibration phase, a description of a gain profile of a level adjuster is set dependent upon an expected response signal for a type of object to be tested and the description is stored in memory. During a measurement phase for an object under test, a description of a gain profile is selected for the type of the object under test and a gain profile is determined from the selected description. The response signal from the object under test is passed through a level adjuster and the level of the response signal is adjusted dynamically in accordance with the gain profile. The description of the gain profile is selected with reference to an expected response either by operator interaction with a user interface or automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: SONIX, INC.
    Inventor: James C.P. McKeon
  • Publication number: 20110161038
    Abstract: An inline inspection system and method for calibrating an acoustic monitoring structure installed along a pipe. The system includes a pipe inspection vehicle, an acoustic source configured to generate sound waves inside the pipe, a mapping unit configured to record three dimensional motion data associated with the mapping unit, a microprocessor configured to attach time stamps to the three dimensional motion data; plural sensors disposed along the pipe and configured to record time of arrivals, intensities and frequencies of the sound waves generated by the acoustic source, and a processing unit configured to calibrate the acoustic monitoring structure based on the received time of arrivals, amplitudes and frequencies of the sound waves from the plural sensors, and calculated three dimensional spatial positions of the vehicle and associated time stamps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Jeff Sutherland
  • Publication number: 20110161037
    Abstract: An inline inspection system and method for calibrating an acoustic monitoring structure installed along a pipe. The system includes a pipe inspection vehicle; a microprocessor configured to attach a time stamp to a measured distance traveled by the pipe inspection vehicle; an acoustic source attached to the pipe inspection vehicle and configured to generate sound waves inside the pipe, the sound waves having predetermined frequencies and predetermined amplitudes; plural sensors disposed along the pipe and configured to record time of arrivals and intensities of the sound waves generated by the acoustic source; and a processing unit configured to communicate with the plural sensors and receive the time of arrivals, intensities and frequencies of the sound waves from the plural sensors. The processing unit calibrates the acoustic monitoring structure by calculating a distance between the acoustic source and a first sensor of the plural sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Jeff Sutherland
  • Publication number: 20110153254
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a transformation of ultrasound data in an imaging system from a first coordinate system into a second coordinate system, the method comprising applying a transformation having parameters. The parameters are calibrated by imaging a planar object, extracting points corresponding to ultrasound rays intersecting the planar object, and fitting the parameters such that the points when transformed by the transformation describe a planar surface in the second coordinate system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Alexander Hartov, Keith D. Paulsen, David William Roberts
  • Publication number: 20110056267
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a voltage for use with an ultrasonic transducer of a wire bonding machine in a constant voltage mode is provided. The method includes: (1) determining an impedance value associated with operation of the ultrasonic transducer; and (2) establishing an adjusted voltage level for use with the ultrasonic transducer in the constant voltage mode based on the determined impedance value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivy Wei Qin, John D. Molnar, Thomas J. Colosimo
  • Patent number: 7895015
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes; comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM), comparison to historical data, linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic terms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventors: David H. Parker, John M. Payne
  • Publication number: 20100324580
    Abstract: An ultrasound surgical apparatus includes a handpiece which includes a probe provided with a proximal end portion mechanically coupled to an ultrasound transducer and a distal end portion used for treatment of a living tissue; a drive portion which outputs a drive signal; a detection portion which detects, in the drive signal, a cavitation level signal corresponding to a state of cavitation generated in a calibration solution, based on the drive signal of calibration signal strength corresponding to class information about the handpiece; a condition storage portion which stores calibration information; an output setting portion which sets the vibration strength; and a control portion which controls the drive portion so as to output the drive signal of drive signal strength corresponding to the vibration strength set by the output setting portion, based on the calibration information and the class information
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventor: Masashi YAMADA
  • Patent number: 7856334
    Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby a laser-based spherical coordinate measurement system is dynamically calibrated. A mechanical oscillator, such as, but not limited to, a Foucault pendulum is used to generate periodic motions which can be fitted to Fourier series models. The residuals between the experimental measurements and the model can provide information which can be used to calibrate the instrument. The calibration information is used to augment the ASME B89.4.19-2006 standard to improve sensitivity to cyclic errors and include the servo systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: David H. Parker
  • Patent number: 7844414
    Abstract: A method of calibrating an individual sensor of a particular sensor type whose output varies non-linearly with at least one measured quantity and at least one operating condition. The first step includes producing a set of calibration curves for each sample sensor of the particular sensor type. The resulting sets of calibration curves are then averaged and the results used to produce a generic calibration surface for the particular sensor type showing its variation. Individual calibration measurements are then taken for a number of different values of the measured quantity at a small number of discrete values. The individual calibration readings are then used to map the generic calibration surface to the individual calibration measurements of the individual sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Transense Technologies PLC
    Inventor: Victor Alexandrovich Kalinin
  • Patent number: 7788054
    Abstract: A scanner instrument used for scanning tubing that is being placed into an oil well or being removed from the oil well can be calibrated during retrieval of tubing from the well. Calibrating the tube scanner includes scanning a tubing standard and comparing the data from the standard scan to the known characteristics of the standard. The relationship between the scanned data and the known characteristics can be computed. The relationship between the scanned data and the known characteristics can be used as the calibration function for the scanner. Calibrating the tube scanner can also include scanning a string of tubing segments and then adjusting the data collected. The adjustment is based upon equalizing the data peaks that occur in the scan data at the coupling joints between tube segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventor: Frederic M. Newman
  • Patent number: 7672802
    Abstract: A system and method for performing audiometric testing utilizes an independently normalized audiometer and independently calibrated earphones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Diagnostic Group, LLC
    Inventor: Jack Foreman
  • Publication number: 20100042350
    Abstract: A radar gun certification system providing for the certification of doppler radar guns and associated tuning forks is described. The certification system incorporates a handheld testing device for use with a mobile computer to certify the devices. The mobile computer interfaces with a server computer which performs the test and stores the test result data. The certification system provides for the certification of radar gun devices in the patrol car by law enforcement agency personnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: CERTRITE LLC
    Inventors: Robert de Wild, Robert Badgett
  • Patent number: 7630501
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for automatic calibration of an acoustic system. The acoustic system may include a source A/V device, calibration computing device, and multiple rendering devices. The calibration system may include a calibration component attached to each rendering device and a source calibration module. The calibration component on each rendering device includes a microphone. The source calibration module includes distance and optional angle calculation tools for automatically determining a distance between the rendering device and a specified reference point upon return of the test signal from the calibration component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: William Tom Blank, Kevin M. Schofield, Kirk O. Olynyk, Robert G. Atkinson, James David Johnston, Michael W. Van Flandern
  • Patent number: 7602923
    Abstract: An electro acoustic system built-in test and calibration method utilizes a built-in self-test module to send a test signal through a first circuit device to an audio transmitter, causing the audio transmitter to output a test signal, for enabling the test signal to be received by a audio receiver and then processed by a connected circuit device and converted into a feedback digital signal to the self-test module for comparing the linearity relative to the originally provided test signal so that the parameter values and conformity of circuit devices can be optimized subject to comparison result. The test and adjustment procedure is recycled for other parameter items, and a warning signal is produced when proper adjustment cannot be done.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Fortemedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Yi-Bing Lee, Bo-Ren Bai
  • Patent number: 7599805
    Abstract: A system for determining an acoustic signature of a device is disclosed that includes a computer processor operable to determine strength and location of shock wave sound signals based on propagation of sound waves generated by the device. The strength and location of the shock wave signals are modified due to dissipation and dispersion effects in a non-uniform atmosphere. The shock wave signals are separated into even and odd numbered signals, and oscillations in the signals are smoothed by averaging even and odd numbered shock signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed-Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony R. Pilon
  • Patent number: 7587291
    Abstract: A method for focusing broadband acoustic signals with flat spectral content based on Time-Reversed Acoustics (TRA) principle is disclosed. The method of the invention differs from the conventional TRA focusing in that it includes an additional step of adjusting the spectral content of time-reversed signal, prior to applying it to the radiating transducer. This additional step, which includes attenuation of the spectral components with high amplitude and amplification of the spectral components with low amplitude, leads to flattening of the spectra of the radiated signal and widening of its frequency band. TRA focusing with this additional step of adjusting spectral content of the radiated signal allows generation of shorter pulses and provides better concentration of acoustic energy than standard TRA focusing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Artann Laboratories
    Inventors: Armen P. Sarvazyan, Laurent Fillinger, Alexander Sutin
  • Publication number: 20090063080
    Abstract: A system and method for performing audiometric testing utilizes an independently normalized audiometer and independently calibrated earphones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Diagnostic Group, LLC
    Inventor: Jack Foreman
  • Patent number: 7447553
    Abstract: The invention relates to a software object, a system and a method for mapping function rules for an automation program with multiple use for various programming tools. To achieve a common data format, the invention uses a data format which includes character strings and contains a Boolean expression, the Boolean expression being able to be allocated to at least one result as a function rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Haardörfer, Thomas Jachmann, Ulrich Winter
  • Patent number: 7425001
    Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus includes a sheet stacker for stacking sheets; a separating device for separating and feeding the sheets stacked on the sheet stacker; and a register roller disposed adjacent to the separating device for correcting a skew of the sheet. An ultrasonic wave sensor composed of a wave sending sensor and a wave receiving sensor is arranged between the separating device and the register roller obliquely relative to a surface of the sheet. A judging device is electrically connected to the ultrasonic wave sensor for detecting a double feed of the sheets based upon an output signal from the wave receiving sensor at a predetermined time after the register roller starts rotating. A control device electrically connected to the judging device and the register roller controls the register roller to stop and rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhide Sano, Syunichi Hirose