Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying the weight or cost of an uncut selected segment of an item involves passing a position indicating member over the item lying on a support surface. The position indicating member carries one or more sensors which generate signals corresponding to succeeding cross sectional contours of the item as the member is traversed along the item from a reference position to a selected other position over this item, defining the selected segment of the item. At the same time, a motion detector arrangement preferably comprised of one or more microelectromechanical (MEMS) accelerometer devices generates signals corresponding to motion of the position indicator support member as it is moved along the item. These signals are processed in a signal processor to determine the volume of the uncut selected segment of the item lying between selected successive positions of the indication member.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for calculating internal volume of a solid model, comprising selecting a seed cube that is internal to a solid model; determining a plurality of surrounding cubes surrounding said seed cube; and calculating a boundary volume from said plurality of surrounding cubes, and appropriate means and computer-readable instructions.

Abstract: Methods for accurately and conveniently calculating the inventory of hydrogen storage in a stationary storage vessel using the external ambient temperature and the internal pressure are disclosed in the present invention. To account for the delay in the heat transfer from the ambient air to the storage vessel and then to the hydrogen gas a first order filter can be used on the external ambient temperature. Following the application of the first order filter on the external ambient temperature, an empirical equation is used to calculate the mass of hydrogen in the stationary storage vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for a noninvasive optical determination of the volume of a fluid in a compartment within a closed system comprising a compartment wherein a fluid resides which is permeable to at least one wavelength of light, a light source and light detecting device configured to obtain spectral data for a fluid for at least one wavelength, a processor adapted to determine the volume of the fluid by correlating the spectral data for a fluid at a known path length with the spectral data for the fluid at an unknown path length and wherein the processor is further configured to control the release of the substance from the compartment to its end use.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring volumes and areas using electromagnetic induction techniques. A current is generated and fed into one of two coil assemblies to induce voltage into another coil assembly to provide accurate values for volume or area.

Abstract: A system that allows the remote measurement of the size, geometry, pitch and orientation of the roof sections of a building and then uses the information to provide an estimate to repair or replace the roof, or to install equipment thereon. The system includes an aerial image file database that shows aerial images of buildings in a designated area according to address. The slope and orientation images are typically oblique perspective views and top plan views of the buildings in the area. The system also includes an image analysis and calibration feature that enables the viewer to closely estimate the size, geometry and orientation of the building's roof sections. The information can then be used to prepare a cost estimate for the repair or replacement of the roof or installation of roof equipment.

Abstract: A method and a relevant apparatus for controlling the machining of a piece (18,38) rotating in a numerical control machine tool (33) includes the steps of detecting instantaneous values (V(i)) indicative of the dimensions of the piece during the machining, performing dynamic processing of the detected instantaneous values and controlling at least one machining phase on the basis of the processing. The method includes dynamic calculation of average values (M(j)) of sequences of the detected values, acquisition of a variation index (P) indicative of the average values trend during the machining and of a correction coefficient (K) that allows for the delay of the calculated average values with respect to the actual dimensions of the piece, and processing of an instantaneous dimension (RI) of the piece that is transmitted to the numerical control of the machine tool for controlling the machining.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a volume of a construction material sample is provided, comprising at least one sample-interacting device configured to interact with the construction material sample 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 sample-interacting device, and to manipulate the at least one surface characteristic so as to form a three-dimensional representation of the construction material sample. The computer device is further configured to determine the volume of the construction material sample from the three-dimensional representation thereof. By determining the mass of the construction material sample, the density of the construction material sample can be provided. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: 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. The sensor member mounts one or more sensors which generate signals corresponding to the distance from the sensor member to points on the surface of the item corresponding to the height of those points above the support surface. At the same time, a movement detector arrangement generates signals corresponding to displacement of the sensor member along the item which may also include signals corresponding to the vertical movement of the sensor member above the support surface. These signals are processed in a signal processor to enable the calculation of cross sectional areas of each section of the item along the path of movement of the sensor member and to calculate the volume of a part or all of the item.

Abstract: A planimeter includes a movable housing in which are mounted orthogonally aimed x- and y-position sensors. Each position sensor comprises a piezoelectric ultrasound transmitter and receiver for sending ultrasound to a reflector disposed on a drawing and sensing resultant echoes. Circuitry in the housing computes from the sensor outputs the housing's position for each of a sequence of locations on a drawing at which a user positions the housing, and from those it computes scaled distances between those positions as well as quantities that can be derived from those distances. The transmitter's and receiver's respective positions with respect to positioning crosshairs are such as to suppress the results of orientation errors. The planimeter's handle is angled at 45° to the directions in which the sensors are aimed so that it lends itself to both right- and left-handed operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a volume of a construction material sample is provided. At least one sample-interacting device is configured to interact with the construction material sample 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 sample-interacting device, and to manipulate the at least one surface characteristic so as to form a three-dimensional representation of the construction material sample. The computer device is further configured to determine the volume of the construction material sample from the three-dimensional representation thereof. By determining the mass of the construction material sample, the density of the construction material sample can be provided. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the determination of a surface area of a fastener, such as a threaded fastener. Specifically, an image of the fastener is acquired, and the image is separated into at least two regions, for instance three regions, and the surface area of each region is determined. The surface areas determined for each region are summed to determine the surface area of the fastener.

Abstract: A method for contracting transportation. A contractor uses scanning apparatus to accurately determine the volume of objects to be moved, and sends out contractor requests for quotation to a large number of moving companies. The contractor forwards the resulting moving company quotes to the customer, who communicates the winning quote to the contractor. The contractor may perform the transportation work himself for the winning quote price. In the alternative, the contractor may award the work to the moving company which supplied the winning quote, in which case the winning moving company remits a commission to the contractor for procuring the transportation work for the winning moving company.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the weight of items on a conveyor includes a scale that generates a first signal corresponding to the weight of the items. A movable platform transports the items to the scale and generates a second signal corresponding to position of the items in relation to the scale. A dimensioner examines the items and generates a third signal representative of whether the items are singulated or nonsingulated. A processor receives the second and third signals and determines whether to associate the first signal with information stored in memory about a particular item based upon whether the particular item is singulated or nonsingulated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring the available remaining hydrogen capacity of a non-replaced hydrogen storage canister. After the original hydrogen capacity of the hydrogen storage canister is read, the used hydrogen capacity of the hydrogen storage canister is read and remaining hydrogen capacity formula is employed to determine the available remaining hydrogen capacity of the hydrogen storage canister. For a fully charged or newly-installed hydrogen storage canister, the process includes reading the number of cycles of operation of the hydrogen storage canister, reading the original hydrogen capacity of the hydrogen storage canister, reading the used hydrogen capacity of the hydrogen storage canister, and then employing the remaining hydrogen capacity formula to determine the available remaining hydrogen capacity of the hydrogen storage canister.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a calculator for performing sewing calculations. The calculator includes a processor and an input device connected to the processor. A display is connected to the processor. Software operates on the processor to receive quilt function operands from the input device. The software calculates quilt function results and displays the quilt function results on the display. A method of performing calculations is also disclosed. The method includes receiving data related to quilt calculations. The results related to the quilt calculations are calculated and the results related to the quilt calculations are displayed.

Abstract: A system for data acquisition providing dual monitoring of sensor data. Data is acquired from sensing devices by a primary data acquisition circuit and a secondary data acquisition circuit. Multiple sensors are used to sense a condition of the same operating parameters, in order to verify a process condition. Data acquired by first and second sensing devices are respectively processed by the primary and secondary data acquisition circuits. According to one aspect of the present invention, a process condition is verified by comparing data associated with the first sensing device and data associated with the second sensing device. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention data acquired by a single sensing device may be processed through both the primary data acquisition circuit and the secondary data acquisition circuit, in order to verify operation of the primary and secondary data acquisition circuits.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a volume of liquid product in a manifold set of tanks. The method includes identifying a plurality of book volumes of liquid product in the manifold set of tanks. The method further includes identifying a plurality of measured physical volumes of liquid product in the manifold set of tanks, each measured physical volume being associated with one book volume of the plurality of book volumes. Following collecting the volumes, the method includes determining a variance between each measured physical volume of the plurality of measured volumes and each book volume of the plurality of book volumes and then using those variances to generate an expected variance to each of the plurality of measured physical volumes, the combination of the expected variance and the measured physical volume being the volume of the liquid product in the manifold set of tanks.

Abstract: A vehicle air bag electrical system including an air bag control module; electrical conductors connected to the control module; an electrical connector connected to the electrical conductors; and a filter circuit coupled to the electrical conductors. The filter circuit includes a plurality of capacitors provided as a module. The electrical connector is adapted to be connected to an air bag gas initiator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying the weight or cost of segments of an irregularly shaped item involves passing a sensor bar supported above a supporting surface over the item lying on the surface. A compact hand-held embodiment of the sensor bar enables the operator to move the sensor bar in various linear or non-linear motions over the item surface as the sensor bar moves laterally across the item surface while the sensor bar support posts remain in constant contact with the supporting surface. The sensor bar contains one or more sensors which generate signals corresponding to the height of the item as the sensor bar traverses the item. At the same time, a displacement detector arrangement generates signals corresponding to displacement of the sensor bar relative to the support surface. These signals are processed in a signal processor to determine the volume of an uncut segment of the item lying behind the sensor bar at successive positions.

Abstract: A mathematical contouring algorithm that automatically determines the planning volume of a sarcoma prior to designing a brachytherapy treatment plan. The algorithm, utilizing computational geometry, numerical interpolation and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, returns the planning volume in digitized and graphical forms in a matter of minutes. Such an automatic procedure reduces labor time and provides a consistent and objective method for determining planning volumes. In addition, a definitive representation of the planning volume allows for sophisticated brachytherapy treatment planning approaches to be applied when designing treatment plans, so as to maximize local tumor control and minimize normal tissue complications.

Abstract: (Subject) To provide an electro-magnetic field analysis technique of an electric rotating machine that filters through a specific higher-harmonic at a specific portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying the weight or cost of an uncut selected segment of an item involves passing a position indicating member over the item lying on a support surface. The position indicating member carries one or more sensors which generate signals corresponding to cross sectional contours of the item as the member is traversed along the item from a reference position to a selected other position over this item, defining the selected segment of the item. A motion detector arrangement preferably comprised of one or more microelectromechanical accelerometer devices generates signals corresponding to motion of the position indicator support member as it is moved along the item. These signals are processed in a signal processor to determine the volume of the segment of the item lying between selected successive positions of the indication member. The segment volumes are converted into numeric weight or price values.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for determining the shape of a three dimensional object. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes an array of sensors and elastic connections between the sensors within the array. When placed over a three dimensional object, the array of sensors deforms to conform to the surface topology of the three dimensional object. The sensors are connected to a data processor in which the data from the sensors is taken to construct a three-dimensional representation of the actual physical three dimensional object.

Abstract: A differential pressure gauge for a cryogenic storage tank provides onboard entry, by an operator, of tank dimensions, tank orientation stratification coefficient, and the type of liquid stored within the tank. A differential pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to a differential pressure. A pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to the head pressure. The gauge uses the information supplied by an operator, combined with stored formulas and liquid characteristics, to perform real-time liquid volume computations. The liquid volume may be displayed on the gauge itself or may be transmitted via telemetry to an external device.

Abstract: The remaining useful life of a transmission fluid in a vehicle is continually estimated by a transmission control computer module during vehicle operation using both an oxidation model and a shift energy model. The oxidation model uses experimentally determined remaining useful fluid life values obtained at temperatures experienced by the fluid in transmission usage and subtracts incremental values from said life based on the temperature-time experience of volume fractions of the fluid in the sump and torque converter. The shift energy model starts with an estimated maximum number of shifts and continually obtains a current remaining useful life by deducting for actual shifts and estimated shift energy inputs based on fluid temperature. Notice of end of fluid useful life is given when one of the models first determines no remaining useful fluid life.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a fluid storage and dispensing system having a measurement apparatus for measuring a volume of fluid associated with the system and a plurality of temperature sensing devices disposed at a plurality of locations within the system. The method includes collecting a plurality of measurement data from the measurement apparatus and the plurality of temperature sensing devices in a form readable by a computer; storing the plurality of measurement data in a compressed matrix format in a computer memory; and statistically analyzing the compressed matrix format to determine operational monitoring information and to calculate the volume of fluid based on the measurement data collected from the measurement apparatus and the plurality of temperature sensing devices.

Abstract: A system for utilizing a computer to analyze damage to a structure. The system includes a damage disposition program for determining an appropriate repair procedure for repairing the damage to the structure. Additionally, the system includes a processor for executing the damage disposition program. A predefined set of damage class determination rules are utilized by the damage disposition program to determine a damage class.

Abstract: A method of determining the Volume Scattering Function of Ocean Waters in the backward direction using a Satellite Ocean Color Sensor the said method made to exploit the geometry of the sun-ocean-satellite detector to function as a backscatter system comprising of the sun [1] as a source of radiation, the ocean as the sampling volume [2], and the satellite ocean color sensor [3] as the detector of the backscattered flux from the ocean emanating from separate ocean pixels arranged on a scan line across the track of the satellite payload and arriving at corresponding pixels on the CCD array detector of the satellite sensor [3]; the output signals from each electronic pixel of the detector is shown to be related to the Volume Scattering Function at a fixed scattering angles (?) which bears a direct relation to the cosines of the solar incident angle (?s) and the angle (?p) of the upwelled flux at the ocean surface, the Remotely Sensed Reflectance (Rrs), and the diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd) thereby result

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for optimizing heat treatment of precipitation-hardened alloys having at least one precipitate phase by decreasing aging time and/or aging temperature using thermal growth predictions based on a quantitative model. The method includes predicting three values: a volume change in the precipitation-hardened alloy due to transformations in at least one precipitation phase, an equilibrium phase fraction of at least one precipitation phase, and a kinetic growth coefficient of at least one precipitation phase. Based on these three values and a thermal growth model, the method predicts thermal growth in a precipitation-hardened alloy. The thermal growth model is particularly suitable for Al—Si—Cu alloys used in aluminum alloy components. The present invention also discloses a method to predict heat treatment aging time and temperature necessary for dimensional stability without the need for inexact and costly trial and error measurements.

Abstract: A method of analyzing dip in a seismic data volume in which a horizontal gradient is calculated in a first direction in the seismic data volume. A vertical gradient is calculated at data locations in the seismic data volume corresponding to the locations at which the horizontal gradient was calculated. Dip is calculated in the first direction from the horizontal gradient in the first direction and the vertical gradient. Repetition of the process for the entire seismic data volume results in a dip volume.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A differential pressure gauge for a cryogenic storage tank provides onboard entry, by an operator, of tank dimensions, tank orientation stratification coefficient, and the type of liquid stored within the tank. A differential pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to a differential pressure. A pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to the head pressure. The gauge uses the information supplied by an operator, combined with stored formulas and liquid characteristics, to perform real-time liquid volume computations. The liquid volume may be displayed on the gauge itself or may be transmitted via telemetry to an external device.

Abstract: A method for measuring area density of pattern-dots (14) for a light guide plate (10) includes the steps of: defining a coordinate system according to the dots; selecting a unit area (142) in the coordinate system; accounting area of the dots in the unit area; and calculating area density of the dots. Quantity of the dots in each unit area is invariableness, and area of each dot in the unit area is uniform. It is convenient to measuring area density of pattern-dots for a light guide plate by using this method.

Abstract: A differential pressure gauge for a cryogenic storage tank provides onboard entry, by an operator, of tank dimensions, tank orientation stratification coefficient, and the type of liquid stored within the tank. A differential pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to a differential pressure. A pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to the head pressure. The gauge uses the information supplied by an operator, combined with stored formulas and liquid characteristics, to perform real-time liquid volume computations. The liquid volume may be displayed on the gauge itself or may be transmitted via telemetry to an external device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying the weight or cost of segments of an irregularly shaped item involves passing a sensor bar supported above a supporting surface over the item lying on the surface. A compact hand-held embodiment of the sensor bar enables the operator to move the sensor bar in various linear or non-linear motions over the item surface as the sensor bar moves laterally across the item surface while the sensor bar support posts remain in constant contact with the supporting surface. The sensor bar contains one or more sensors which generate signals corresponding to the height of the item as the sensor bar traverses the item. At the same time, a displacement detector arrangement generates signals corresponding to displacement of the sensor bar relative to the support surface. These signals are processed in a signal processor to determine the volume of an uncut segment of the item lying behind the sensor bar at successive positions.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for deriving a body fat area comprises a parameter measuring unit and/or a parameter input unit, an arithmetic unit and a display unit. The parameter measuring unit measures a parameter value correlated to the body fat area, including a subcutaneous fat area and a visceral fat area, and the parameter input unit enters a parameter value correlated to the body fat area. The arithmetic unit calculates the subcutaneous and visceral body fat area from the measured parameter value and/or from the input parameter value by using a regression equation. The display unit displays for the calculated subcutaneous and visceral fat areas in a concentric circle format.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for checking the filling or content of pockets in a blister package in particular for pharmaceuticals which is filled with a powdery, solid, liquid or pasteous substance whereby the volume filled of the substance is detected by a sensor and the detected volume value is supplied to an evaluation unit in which a comparison of the detected volume value with a volume target value is carried out. The sensor can preferably be formed both as a line sensor as well as a matrix sensor.

Abstract: A method of determining a volume of fluid associated with a fluid storage and dispensing system, the volume of fluid having a height in the system, wherein the system include measurement apparatus for measuring the height. The method includes collecting a plurality of height measurement data from the measurement apparatus in a form readable by a computer; storing the plurality of height measurement data in a compressed matrix format in a computer memory; and performing regression analysis using the compressed matrix format to calculate the volume of fluid associated with the system.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a fluid storage and dispensing system having a measurement apparatus for measuring a volume of fluid associated with the system and a plurality of temperature sensing devices disposed at a plurality of locations within the system. The method includes collecting a plurality of measurement data from the measurement apparatus and the plurality of temperature sensing devices in a form readable by a computer; storing the plurality of measurement data in a compressed matrix format in a computer memory; and statistically analyzing the compressed matrix format to determine operational monitoring information and to calculate the volume of fluid based on the measurement data collected from the measurement apparatus and the plurality of temperature sensing devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a fluid storage and dispensing system such as a fuel storage tank includes a dispensing apparatus which dispenses a quantity of fluid from the system based on an authorization, e.g., provided by a fuel access control system. Measurement data from the dispensing apparatus are collected in a form readable by a computer and stored in a memory. The stored measurement data are statistically analyzed to calculate a volume of fluid based on the measurement data collected from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for determining the shape of a three dimensional object. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes an array of sensors and elastic connections between the sensors within the array. When placed over a three dimensional object, the array of sensors deforms to conform to the surface topology of the three dimensional object. The sensors are connected to a data processor in which the data from the sensors is taken to construct a three-dimensional representation of the actual physical three dimensional object.

Abstract: In coordinate and surface texture measurement in which measurement control is performed by a part program, a part program is analyzed to extract measurement information or measurement condition. The measurement condition is rewritably stored such that optimal measurement conditions of an actual measurement can be reflected in a part program, and such that the actual measurement conditions can be added to subsequent measurement control.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for weighing and non-contact measuring of dimensions of a stationary object, wherein a platen on which the object is isolated from a support assembly for dimension measuring sensors for greater sensitivity and accuracy in weight determination. A method of determining object speed of a linearly in-motion object, useful for determining object dimensions, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Bottle (11) containing liquefiable gas stored under pressure is supplied to one or more appliances (12) via regulator (14) and condut (16). Sensing means (120) incudes sensor (20) and remote temperature sensor (40). Monitor (30) contains micro processor (300) and indication means (32) to have a number of modes including power-saving, stand-by, normal, amber, red/amber, mute, leak test and low battery.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for determining length, area, and/or volume using a distance measuring device 10 having a transmit unit 18 and a receive unit 20 in one housing, having a keypad 28 for operating the measuring device 10, and having an integrated computer 22 for evaluating measured data, and a display panel 26 for displaying the measurement results.

Abstract: The invention is a method for dimensioning or adapting an elastic structure immersed in a fluid in motion, the structure having a length Lt. The method comprises: a) the natural excitation modes of the structure and their number N are defined; b) for at least a given time t for an excitation mode of the structure, the various holding zones LR over length Lt and, for each holding zone, the excitation force FR corresponding to the excited natural mode r are determined; c) step b) is carried out for all the natural modes defined in step a); and d) the vibration amplitude response A of the elastic structure over part of length Lt is determined.

Abstract: A differential pressure gauge for a cryogenic storage tank provides onboard entry, by an operator, of tank dimensions, tank orientation, and the type of liquid stored within the tank. A differential pressure sensor supplies a signal corresponding to a differential pressure. The gauge uses the information supplied by an operator, combined with stored formulas and liquid characteristics, to perform real-time liquid volume computations. The liquid volume may be displayed on the gauge itself or may be transmitted via telemetry to an external device.