Area Or Volume Patents (Class 702/156)
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Patent number: 8447533Abstract: A method of reducing rainwater and/or groundwater inflow and infiltration into a wastewater treatment collection grid. The method preferably involves the steps of (a) dividing the grid into a plurality of major subsystems, (b) determining flow depth levels in each major subsystem under dry and wet conditions, (c) using these wet weather and dry weather flow depth measurements to determine a volume flow ratio for wet versus dry conditions, (d) using these flow ratios to identify the particular major subsystem(s) in which the greatest amount of inflow or infiltration is occurring, and then (e) further dividing the highest ranking major subsystem(s) into smaller subsystems in which the same dry and wet weather level measurement and ranking analysis is preferably conducted to further isolate problem locations for surveillance, maintenance, and/or repair.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Eastech Flow Controls, Inc.Inventors: Franklin Sinclair, David D. Williams
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Publication number: 20130110459Abstract: A contact-terminal apparatus for use in measuring an electrical property of an object includes a first contact-terminal unit made of a conductive material to come in contact with the object, a movable part having a first surface on which the first contact-terminal unit is placed, and a pressure sensor situated beneath a second surface of the movable part, wherein the pressure sensor has a pressure detecting part that is in contact with the second surface of the movable part.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Koichi Kiryu, SeungSeaok Beak, Kimiyo Takahashi, Mitsuru Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8408081Abstract: A method for determining the nodosity of a wooden plank comprises the operating steps of observing the lateral surface (4) of the wooden plank (1) to identify its zones (7) corresponding to knots (6), assessing the overall extent of the knots (6) inside the plank (1) and the relative volume, and determining the nodosity as a ratio of the volume occupied by the knots (6) to the overall volume of the plank (1) or the remaining volume of the plank (1).Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Microtec S.R.L.Inventor: Federico Giudiceandrea
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Publication number: 20130054191Abstract: The present invention describes a method, apparatus and computer program for detecting the locations of boundaries between different materials in a desired measurement volume. The apparatus uses at least one measuring probe, the electrodes of which are characterized in that they together form an assembly that differs from a straight line. In addition, a volume at a further distance from the assembly can also be observed by the assembly, so that measurements can be conducted remotely and, on the other hand, the apparatus stays unbroken in diverse measurement situations. By using the EIT-measurement and applying for example a so-called 1D-?-method or methods of machine learning, electrical conductivity distributions in the measured volume are detected. As a result, the locations of the possible boundaries between different materials or for example thicknesses of different material layers are detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJInventors: Jari Kaipio, Marko Vauhkonen, Juha Reunanen, Anssi Lehikoinen
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Patent number: 8370088Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the real-time determination of the filling level of a cryogenic tank intended to house a two-phase liquid/gas mixture, in which at least one of the the level, volume or mass contained in the tank is calculated for the liquid or the gas at each time step. The method includes the use of a thermal model at each time step to calculate the average temperatures of the liquid and the gas in the tank on the basis of the measured pressure differential and at least one of the pressures of said differential; calculation of the change over time in at least the density of the liquid on the basis of the average temperature of the liquid and the pressures in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Fouad Ammouri, Florence Boutemy, Jonathan Macron, Alain Donzel
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Publication number: 20130030757Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a method for reconstructing the spatial distribution of a reflection coefficient for waves in a sample body, comprising the following steps: parameterizing the sample body by means of N volume elements; determining M different measurement configurations of an emitting device and an associated receiving device; defining the number T of measurement points; setting up M path matrices G[i], wherein the possible paths of reflected or scattered waves are encoded in the i-th path matrix; registering M series of measurements, wherein an excitation signal a[i] is fed to the emitting device in the i-th series of measurements, and the associated receiving device (5) registers a series of measurements x[i]; calculating a predictive differential vector ?x=x?G·s[n], which contains the difference between the elements of the M registered series of measurements x[i]t and the predictable series of measurements G[i]tj·s[n]j; minimizing a norm of the predictive differential vector ??x?; andType: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FUR TECHNOLOGIEInventors: Rainer Stotzka, Nicole Ruiter
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Patent number: 8355886Abstract: A method to determine the misalignment and/or clearance of a door relative to its frame includes a phase to determine a law of variation of the clearance and/or misalignment values for the different inspection points, in relation to various opening positions of the door taken with respect to a reference position in which the door occupies its closed position, a measurement phase in which the door occupies any position relative to the frame, and during which the clearance and/or misalignment values are measured, and a phase to take into account the measured clearance and/or misalignment values and the law of variation so as to determine the true values of clearance and/or misalignment at the different inspection points corresponding to the door in its reference closed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: EdixiaInventors: Michel Ollivier, Arnaud Legeard
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Patent number: 8349185Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for rebalancing a solvent solution useful for treating photosensitive printing elements having a photopolymerizable layer. The solvent solution becomes contaminated with unpolymerized material and other materials that release from the photosensitive printing elements during washout treating, and separation of contaminates also removes some of one or more components in the used solvent solution. The method rebalances the proportion of the components in a solvent solution having 3 or more components. The method includes measuring a reclaimant, which has been separated from the contaminates, for two or more properties, calculating a mass of the components to be added to the reclaimant based on an equation generated for each measured property, and adding the mass of the component or components to the reclaimant to adjust the proportion of the components in the reclaimant to targeted proportions.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Mark A. Hackler, Rajgopal Subramanian
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Patent number: 8352208Abstract: Evaluation of tree production capacity by a non-destructive method using a tree crown structure measurement device or using an image capture device with a fisheye lens mounted, for isolated trees or for trees existing at intervals, is enabled without requiring a large amount of time. A semi-spheroid of revolution model is established as a representation of the outer shape of a tree, an optical tree structure measurement device is placed at a position apart from the main trunk by a prescribed distance, the intensity of light passing through tree leaves and the intensity of light not passing through tree leaves are measured, the optical path length of light incident on the tree is calculated using the semi-spheroid model and the total tree leaf area is determined from the measured light intensities and optical path length.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Yamaguchi UniversityInventors: Haruhiko Yamamoto, Kiyoshi Iwaya, Yasushi Tsuchiya
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Publication number: 20120323526Abstract: A polishing estimation/evaluation device includes a dividing unit, an overpolished area extracting unit, and a dummy modifying unit. The dividing unit divides a layout of an integrated circuit into a plurality of partial areas. The overpolished area extracting unit refers to an overpolishing condition indicating whether overpolishing occurs in a vicinity of a partial area based on a wiring density in the partial area and a wiring density in surrounding areas of the partial area, and extracts a partial area where the overpolishing occurs from the plurality of partial areas obtained by the division by the dividing unit. The dummy modifying unit modifies dummy wiring in the partial area where the overpolishing occurs extracted by the overpolished area extracting unit and/or dummy wiring in surrounding areas of the partial area to reduce the number of partial areas where the overpolishing occurs.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Daisuke FUKUDA
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Patent number: 8332156Abstract: A computer-implemented method for pseudo acoustic quasi-P wave propagation which remain stable in anisotropic media with variable tilt and is not limited to weak anisotropic conditions. The method includes acquiring a seismic exploration volume for a subsurface region of interest, and determining a modeling geometry for the seismic exploration volume. The method further includes propagating at least one wavefield through the seismic exploration volume utilizing the modeling geometry and initial conditions and preventing the accumulation of energy along the axis of symmetry of the seismic exploration volume and ensuring positive stiffness coefficients in the stress-strain relations through the use of finite quasi-S wave velocities thereby producing a stable wavefield. The method includes utilizing the stable wavefield to generate subsurface images of the subsurface region of interest.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Wei Liu, Kenneth P. Bube
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Patent number: 8328527Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining pump fillage, using data arrays of pump plunger position with respect to time and/or pump plunger load with respect to time. In this manner, well operators may be able to accurately monitor the pump fillage and control the pump accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Victoria M. Ehimeakhe
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Patent number: 8322995Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining pump fillage, using data arrays of pump plunger position with respect to time and/or pump plunger load with respect to time. In this manner, well operators may be able to accurately monitor the pump fillage and control the pump accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Victoria M. Ehimeakhe, Ken George Booth
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Patent number: 8315824Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting the remaining quantity of liquid hydrogen stored in a hydrogen storage device. In this system, the remaining quantity of liquid hydrogen is calculated accurately without being affected by the previous state in a tank. The internal pressure of the tank is detected. A fixed heat quantity is applied into the liquid hydrogen. The pressure in the tank after the application of heat quantity is detected. The volume of phase-transited hydrogen gas is calculated based on the heat quantity applied into the tank. The change amount of pressure in the tank before and after the application of heat quantity is calculated based on the pressure and the pressure. The remaining quantity of liquid hydrogen in the tank is calculated based on the volume of hydrogen gas and the change amount of pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Katsuhiko Hirose
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Publication number: 20120253740Abstract: A system and method for identifying stands or portions thereof that are not growing as expected. In one embodiment, a computer system compares a measured leaf area index of a stand that is determined from remotely sensed data to an expected leaf area index. The computer system identifies stands or portions of stands where the measured leaf area index is greater than the expected leaf area index and/or stands or portions of stands where the measured leaf area index is less than the expected leaf area index. In one embodiment, the comparison is used to identify stands or portions thereof where silviculture treatments may be necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANYInventor: Julio C. Rojas
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Publication number: 20120222579Abstract: A method for delivering ballast to a section of railroad track includes measuring an existing ballast profile of a section of railroad track using a remote sensing system, and providing a signal indicative thereof to a first computer. Using the first computer, the existing ballast profile is compared with an ideal ballast profile to compute a track file representing a volume of additional ballast needed as a function of linear position along the section of railroad track, and data representing the track file is transmitted to a second computer of an automatic ballast dump train. Ballast is dumped along the section of railroad track according to the track file under control of the second computer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Inventors: H. Lynn Turner, William C. Shell, Brian Roger VanVoorst, David Rozacky, Carlos Martinez, Charles W. Aaron, John Joseph Shackleton, JR., Joel Scott Howard
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Patent number: 8209134Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignees: Sophie LinInventors: David H. Parker, John M. Payne, Sophie Lin, legal representative
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Patent number: 8185344Abstract: An apparatus for determining a dimension of a construction material is provided. At least one material-interacting device is configured to interact with the construction material so as to determine at least one surface characteristic thereof. A computer device is configured to be capable of receiving the at least one surface characteristic from the at least one material-interacting device, and to manipulate the at least one surface characteristic so as to form a multi-dimensional representation of the construction material. The computer device is further configured to determine the surface or volume characteristic of the construction material from the multi-dimensional representation thereof. By determining the mass of the construction material, the density of the construction material can be provided. An associated method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Robert Ernest Troxler, James Daniel Pratt, Jr.
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Patent number: 8170827Abstract: A drop mass deviation measuring apparatus, a drop mass deviation measuring method, a pattern forming system, and a control method measure mass deviations of drops discharged from a plurality of drop discharge units in real time with high precision. The apparatus utilizes a plurality of drops discharged from a plurality of drop discharge units, a drop moving force providing part to provide moving forces, having directions different from discharge directions of each of the plurality of drops, to the plurality of drops, a discharged drop position detection member to acquire drop position images individually reflecting the a position of each of the plurality of drops, and a drop mass deviation measurement control part to calculate a drop discharge direction separation angle of each of the plurality of drops using the drop position images acquired by the discharged drop position detection member to measure mass deviation of each of the drops.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chong Uck Kim, Hyuk Kim, Sano Jin Choi, Seong Wook Cheong, Eun Seon Lim, Byung Il Ahn, Joong He Lee
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Patent number: 8160822Abstract: An apparatus for measuring optimum water-quality and informing quality of water 100 measures an amount of impurities of water, keeps to renew an optimum value by a lowest amount of the impurities until the present use, compares the optimum value with the present amount of the impurities measured in the water and informs the result.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignees: Sechang Instruments Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seung June Song
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Publication number: 20110313721Abstract: A structured light sensor system for measuring contour of a surface includes a control module that coordinates control of both a projection system and an imaging system to operate the structured light sensor system in three different modes. The imaging system is configured to selectively capture an image of light reflected off of the surface. In point mode, the imaging system is on for a first period during which the projection system projects a point of light onto the surface. In line mode, the imaging system is on for a second period during which the projection system projects onto the surface a first plurality of points of light forming a line of light. In area mode, the imaging system is on for a third period during which the projection system projects onto the surface a second plurality of points of light forming a plurality of lines of light.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: PERCEPTRON, INC.Inventors: Shyam P. Keshavmurthy, Chengchih Lin, Alfred A. Pease, Richard A. Krakowski
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Patent number: 8082120Abstract: A method and hand-held scanning apparatus for three-dimensional scanning of an object is described. The hand-held self-referenced scanning apparatus has a light source for illuminating retro-reflective markers, the retro-reflective markers being provided at fixed positions on or around the object, a photogrammetric high-resolution camera, a pattern projector for providing a projected pattern on a surface of the object; at least a pair of basic cameras, the basic camera cooperating with light sources, the projected pattern and at least a portion of the retro-reflective markers being apparent on the 2D images, a frame for holding all components in position within the hand-held apparatus, the frame having a handle, the frame allowing support and free movement of the scanning apparatus by a user.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Creaform Inc.Inventors: Éric St-Pierre, Pierre-Luc Gagné, Antoine Thomas Caron, Nicolas Beaupré, Dragan Tubic, Patrick Hébert
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Publication number: 20110270572Abstract: A device for calculating the density of blocks includes a block manufacturing machine. In the block manufacturing machine, blocks are formed on a pallet. The weight of the empty pallet is known and the weight of the pallet after being loaded with blocks is measured. The length and width of each block is known form the block mold. However, the height of each block is measure, preferably by a laser height measuring station. From the known quantities, the volume and total weight of the blocks on the pallet are known. From these measurements, the density can be calculated to ensure that a minimum density of the blocks is maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventor: Stephen SCHOONOVER
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Publication number: 20110194075Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and systems for the modeling and analysis of visual fields. Methods for global and regional measurement of visual sensitivity and quantification of field loss are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Further embodiments provide systems and methods for the diagnosis of diseases affecting the visual field. In addition, embodiments provide methods and systems for measuring and quantifying the volume of the Hill of Vision for an individual subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2009Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: Oregon Health & Science UniversityInventors: Richard G. Weleber, Richard E. Crandall, Scott P. Gillespie
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Patent number: 7979116Abstract: A body composition measuring instrument includes a body composition calculating unit for calculating the body composition of a user by using a plurality of electrodes, a reference value storage region for storing information of a reference value related to the past body composition of the user, a display control unit for performing a control to display a position of the body composition during the time calculated by the body composition calculating unit in reference to a line showing the reference value on a predetermined graph, and a display section for providing a display corresponding to the output from the display control unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.Inventors: Feilang Tseng, Tetsuya Sato
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Patent number: 7970578Abstract: A compensation table for compensating interference signal obtained by OCT measurement is generated easily. When a reflection body interference signal is obtained by OCT measurement, the reflection body interference signal is compensated by a compensation table (Formula (1)) to obtain an evaluation output signal. Then, a spectrum of the evaluation output signal is calculated to obtain an evaluation value of the spectrum. Thereafter, a model coefficient is updated such that the evaluation value becomes small.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Kensuke Terakawa
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Patent number: 7895015Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventors: David H. Parker, John M. Payne
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Publication number: 20110040507Abstract: A method of inspecting a stack body of at least a porous layer and a dense layer comprises the first step of measuring the length of the stack body before the stack body is fired, the second step of measuring the length of the stack body after the stack body is fired, the third step of calculating a shrinkage rate of the stack body based on a first measured value from the first step and a second measured value from the second step, the fourth step of determining whether the calculated shrinkage rate of the stack body is acceptable or not based on the calculated shrinkage rate, the fifth step of calculating an S/N ratio of the stack body based on the first measured value and the second measured value, and the sixth step of determining whether the current-voltage characteristics of the stack body are acceptable or not based on the calculated S/N ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Mari maruyama, Ushio Harada, Hiroshi Ichikawa
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Patent number: 7856334Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Inventor: David H. Parker
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Patent number: 7840373Abstract: A system and associated method for selecting or creating an area which meets meet a set of marking criteria, for example, corresponding to a minimum surface area; a maximum slope angle; and a minimum deviation from a specified height. A marking station is directed to mark the selected area that meets the marking criteria.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventors: James C. Culp, Craig E. Farren, Artem Borovinskih, Eric Kuo
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Patent number: 7809522Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining and numerically displaying the volume of an item or any part of the item by passing a manually held sensor member freely movable in both vertical and horizontal directions over and along an item lying on a support surface. Sensor and movement detector arrangements generate signals from which the volume of any segment of the item passed over is calculated. The calculated volume of part or all of the item may be converted into numeric values corresponding to the calculated volume such as weight or price numeric values based on an item density or cost per unit weight factor for the particular type of item on the support surface, whereby numeric weight and cost values of any segment of the item are displayed in a numeric display as the sensor member is passed along the item.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Inventor: Kenneth Wargon
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Patent number: 7729861Abstract: A method for conducting a formation test includes providing a volume change model for a tool component, and providing a control program that uses the volume change model to estimate a system volume change resulting from a change in the tool component during a downhole operation. An apparatus for conducting a formation test includes a carrier, a formation test tool, a measurement device that estimates a change in a tool component during operation, and a processor that uses a volume change model to estimate a system volume change resulting at least in part from the change in the tool component during a downhole operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Eick Niemeyer, Tobias Kischkat, Matthias Meister
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Patent number: 7720624Abstract: An information processing method, an information processing apparatus and a program can prevent errors from arising when associating point group data obtained by actually measuring an item such as a metal part and design data defining the item. The characteristic value representing the profile of a face of the design data defining the item and the characteristic value computationally determined from the point group data obtained by actually measuring the item are compared and associated with each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuma Shimizu
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Publication number: 20100121584Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for detecting and characterizing heterogeneities within a bulk material that exhibit scale-dependent uniformity represented by locally representative volume elements (LRVEs). The invention is particularly useful in the characterization of local variations of crystallographic texture of metals and alloys, including metallurgical Ti alloys. The invention consists of generating ultrasonic waves through different paths in the object, and detecting differences in time, amplitude and/or phase of the detected frequency components traveling the different paths to characterize a statistical mean dimensions of the LRVEs, for example, by autocorrelation. Mean sizes of the LRVEs in the scan directions can be computed by autocorrelation, and mean sizes in the direction of the propagation can also be approximated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: André Moreau, Lotfi Toubal
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Patent number: 7693682Abstract: A method for measuring critical dimensions of a pattern using an overlay measuring apparatus is provided. The method includes setting a first scan range, inputting a step pitch for the overlay measuring apparatus, inputting X and Y coordinates of a point on a reticle, and inputting a size of the reference pattern. The method further includes inputting a position of the reference pattern, inputting a second scan range, measuring the size of the reference pattern, and inputting an ideal pattern size. The method still further includes measuring a size and a first Z-axial focus position of a top region of the reference pattern, storing the first Z-axial focus position, measuring a size of the selected pattern of the first wafer using stored reference information, and determining whether the size of the selected pattern is suitable relative to the ideal pattern size.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jeong-Hee Cho, Hyun-Tae Kang, Jang-Hoon Kim, Ki-Hyun Chyun
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Patent number: 7688678Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a processing subsystem (30) responsive to the detection of sound coming from a room (26) to establish an acoustic impulse response for the room (26), and determine a number of sound reflections corresponding to the impulse response. This subsystem (30) is further operable to determine volume of the room (26), one or more dimensions of the room (26) and/or at least one absorption coefficient of a room boundary as a function of the sound reflections.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of IllinoisInventors: Erik Larsen, Albert Feng, Douglas L. Jones
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Publication number: 20100070229Abstract: A distance measuring measurement instrument and a method for such a station for scanning a surface or volume of an object are disclosed. The measurement instrument includes a position calculating circuit adapted to calculate position data including at least horizontal and vertical angle and distance between the measurement instrument and the object. A plurality of points in each of a number of subsets of a scanning area of the object during a measurement session and, at detection of a new point in the new subset, information related to at least one point having a corresponding location in at least one preceding subset is used, wherein the preceding subset being adjacent to the new subset.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2007Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Set Svanholm, Grégory Lepere, Guillaume David, Fredrik Gylesjö, Sven Johannson, Björn Magnusson
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Publication number: 20100063771Abstract: In one embodiment of the present application, a stimulus-responsive gel is disclosed with optical characteristic molecule introduced therein that is capable of easily and securely converting a volume change responding to external stimulus to optical data being easy to handle in the construction of sensor system; an external stimulus measuring apparatus making use of the same; and a method of measuring external stimulus therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2006Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventor: Takashi Miyata
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Publication number: 20100030514Abstract: A method for determining the outlet cross-section of a component including one or more turbine blades, in particular of a turbine blade twin, of a gas turbine, in which at least one closed outlet cross-section is measured between the turbine blades, and/or respective open outlet cross-sections are measured on the side of the at least one turbine blade, using a measurement device, wherein in order to determine the corresponding outlet cross-section its respective bounding walls are traversed by the measurement device along a measurement line.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Anja Lange, Jens-Heiko Perleberg
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Patent number: 7603252Abstract: A method for calculating the effective volume of a diesel particulate filter invention may include: determining whether regeneration efficiency exists; determining, if regeneration efficiency exists, whether a learning condition of the ash coefficient is satisfied; detecting an exhaust flow amount Qexh if the learning condition of the ash coefficient is satisfied; calculating change of a pressure difference ?(?Pash(n)) caused by the ash; calculating change of an ash coefficient ?(a4) by using the change of the pressure difference ?(?Pash(n)) caused by the ash and the exhaust flow amount Qexh; calculating a current ash coefficient a4(n) by using the change of the ash coefficient ?(a4) and a previous ash coefficient a4(n-1); and calculating the effective volume Ve by using the current ash coefficient a4(n) and a first filter coefficient a1.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jae Yeon Lee, Youngjun Roh
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Patent number: 7599814Abstract: The present invention relates to computing reachable areas given a first point. More specifically, the present invention relates to the computation of an intersection between a first surface and a second surface for determining a set of points that are reachable from a first point. Using the present invention, a user can determine either (1) a locus of target sites that can be struck by a ballistic projectile from a given launch site, or (2) a locus of launch sites that can be used to hit a given target site. The disclosed system and method employs graphics hardware to determine an intersection between a first surface defined by trajectory paths, and a second surface defined by terrain.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Peter A. Tinker, David W. Payton
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Publication number: 20090187009Abstract: The present invention provides methods of and systems for translating conditions from a small-volume experiment to a larger-volume experiment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2008Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicant: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Andrew May, Hany Ramez Nassef
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Publication number: 20090157348Abstract: A method for calculating the effective volume of a diesel particulate filter invention may include: determining whether regeneration efficiency exists; determining, if regeneration efficiency exists, whether a learning condition of the ash coefficient is satisfied; detecting an exhaust flow amount Qexh if the learning condition of the ash coefficient is satisfied; calculating change of a pressure difference ?(?Pash(n)) caused by the ash; calculating change of an ash coefficient ?(a4) by using the change of the pressure difference ?(?Pash(n)) caused by the ash and the exhaust flow amount Qexh; calculating a current ash coefficient a4(n) by using the change of the ash coefficient ?(a4) and a previous ash coefficient a4(n-1); and calculating the effective volume V by using the current ash coefficient a4(n) and a first filter coefficient a1.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jae Yeon LEE, Youngjun Roh
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Publication number: 20090112509Abstract: A method includes measuring a radius of curvature at each of the plurality of positions of the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe is measured through the first device. A second device is detachably coupled to the plurality of positions along the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe. A wall thickness at each of the plurality of positions of the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe is measured through the second device. A cross-sectional area of the predetermined section of the pipe is measured based on a measurement data including the radius of curvature and wall thickness at each of the plurality of positions of the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Thomas James Batzinger, Jeffrey David Tilden, Xiaolei Shirley Ao, Waseem Ibrahim Faidi, Yanyan Wu, Nelson Raymond Corby, JR.
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Publication number: 20090055239Abstract: A system and method are provided for scheduling the emptying or replacement of a waste container based on the fullness of the container or the usage of the container. These factors may be considered to determine when the waste container will become completely full. Additionally, the system and method may consider the customer preferences or the limitations of the waste hauler. All of these factors may be considered to determine an optimal time for the waste container to be emptied or replaced. These factors are also considered to determine when to accomplish the scheduling (i.e. when to notify the waste hauler that the waste container should be emptied or replaced at a given time).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventor: Richard E. Waitkus, JR.
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Patent number: 7481702Abstract: As disclosed herein, a method for determining when a coin storage bin having a bottom and sides is filled to a predetermined percentage of the volume of the coin storage bin comprises: determining a coin volume for a coin entering the coin storage bin, adding the coin volumes for each coin entering the coin storage bin to provide a running total volume of all coins entering the coin storage bin, comparing the running total volume of all coins entering the coin storage bin with the volume of the coin storage bin, and determining when the running total volume of all coins entering the coin storage bin is greater than or equal to the predetermined percentage of the volume of the coin storage bin. The volume for a coin can be determined from information provided by a coin acceptor, where the information is thickness, diameter, weight, or a combination comprising at least one of these.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kevin H. Bell, Richard J. Kairis, Jr., Susan E. Wince
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Patent number: 7474911Abstract: The proposed system introduces a multi-frequency electromagnetic wave analysis method for non invasive monitoring the volume of urine in the bladder. The innovation of the proposed system according to the present invention provides means for analyzing signal information received, after propagation via the bladder, by applying a pre-defined prediction function (resulting from the application of learning algorithm in conjunction with a Feature Extraction, algorithm for calculating the most contributing electromagnetic wavelengths, determining the most accurate measurements), and providing an accurate estimation of the volume of urine in the bladder.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Solulearn Learning Solutions Ltd.Inventors: Ben Natan Ya'akov, Ofer Givati
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Publication number: 20090006014Abstract: A method for determining a line-to-line spacing of a device. The method includes experimentally determining a slope kCA, experimentally determining a slope kSE and determining a line-to-line spacing of a device from the slope kCA and the slope kSE. A structure for performing the method includes a non-destructive line-to-line spacing characterization macro.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Kaushik Chanda, Fen Chen, Paul S. McLaughlin, Ernest Y. Wu
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Patent number: RE42430Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing a cuboidal object. Four distance sensors are employed, one downwardly facing the top of the object, one facing one side thereof and two respectively facing mutually parallel sides of the object perpendicular to the one side. Distances are measured between the sensors and the top and sides of the object and subtracted from known distances to determine the length, width, height and spatial volume of the object. The object may be weighed as it is being dimensioned. Spatial volume and a “dim weight” for the object may be calculated.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Quantronix, Inc.Inventors: Eve A. Carlsruh, Craig R. Bailey, Robert L. Kennington, Marie L. Midboe, Clark P. Skeen, Brian H. Smith, Brandon M. Taylor
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Patent number: RE42439Abstract: A method and system for determining canopy coverage to a golf green to assist in increasing sunlight exposure of the green. The system allows users to enter data regarding the golf green, surrounding foliage, and other topographical and man-made features surrounding the green. The system can then plot the sun's path for a specific date and simulate shadows cast on the green by the surrounding foliage and features. Furthermore, the system allows the user to generate what-if data, allowing projected effects on canopy coverage to be viewed before any modifications to the canopy are carried out.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2004Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: ArborCom Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Dan Fulton