Having Interchangeable Sensors Or Probes Patents (Class 702/91)
  • Patent number: 11251576
    Abstract: Apparatuses and systems associated with expansion card design with a coherent connector to provide for coherent communication are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a circuit card may comprise an integrated circuit (IC), a first connector to couple the IC to a processor of a computer device, the first connector to provide for non-coherent communication between the IC and the processor, and a second connector to couple the IC to the processor, the second connector to provide for coherent communication between the IC and the processor. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Dirk Blevins, Gene F. Young, Sudeep Puligundla, Todd Langley, Kevin Bross, Nagabhushan Chitlur
  • Patent number: 10798312
    Abstract: An image processing device including a first lens, a second lens disposed on one side of the first lens, a third lens disposed on the other side of the first lens, a first image sensor which receives an input of a first image obtained from the first lens to generate a first image signal, a second image sensor which receives an input of a second image obtained from the second lens to generate a second image signal, a third image sensor which receives an input of a third image obtained from the third lens to generate a third image signal, a selector which receives the input of the second image signal and the third image signal, outputs the second image signal under a first condition, and outputs the third image signal, under a second condition different from the first condition and an image processor which performs image processing, using the first image signal and an output signal of the selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ser Hoon Lee, Choon Seung Lee
  • Patent number: 10794739
    Abstract: An apparatus and method, the apparatus including a plurality of sensors; readout circuitry configured to read information from each of the plurality of sensors; and wherein the apparatus has identifier information and calibration information stored with the identifier information and the apparatus is configured to be coupled to at least one other apparatus to form an array of apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Helena Pohjonen, Sami Kallioinen, Pekka Korpinen
  • Patent number: 10708517
    Abstract: An image processing device including a first lens, a second lens disposed on one side of the first lens, a third lens disposed on the other side of the first lens, a first image sensor which receives an input of a first image obtained from the first lens to generate a first image signal, a second image sensor which receives an input of a second image obtained from the second lens to generate a second image signal, a third image sensor which receives an input of a third image obtained from the third lens to generate a third image signal, a selector which receives the input of the second image signal and the third image signal, outputs the second image signal under a first condition, and outputs the third image signal, under a second condition different from the first condition and an image processor which performs image processing, using the first image signal and an output signal of the selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ser Hoon Lee, Choon Seung Lee
  • Patent number: 10216677
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided, the electronic apparatus including: an interface comprising interface circuitry configured to be connectable with at least one of a plurality of sensor modules for sensing an object; a programmable circuit configured to be selectively loaded with at least one of a plurality of hardware images corresponding to the plurality of sensor modules, and to process a sensing signal obtained by sensing the object through the sensor module corresponding to the loaded hardware image; and a controller configured to determine at least one hardware image corresponding to the sensor module connected to the interface from among the plurality of hardware images, and to load the at least one determined hardware image to the programmable circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ji-woon Jung
  • Patent number: 9882963
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of connecting a first device comprising a processor and an application and a second device comprising a processor and an application, a distributed architecture system for facilitating modular communication between a plurality of applications, a plurality of devices, and a plurality of applications and devices, and a computer readable medium storing a program for causing a processor to connect a plurality of applications, a plurality of devices, and a plurality of applications and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Sean Patrick Adam, Joseph Fitzgerald, Scott Prescott, Michael John Leighton
  • Patent number: 9847937
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques for hardware acceleration for routing programs. In some aspects communications between a routing determination program and a packet router are monitored in a router, both the routing determination program and the packet router being part of a software layer of the router. The communications include the routing determination program providing configuration data to the packet router. Based on the monitored communications, a packet processor is changed to reflect the configuration data, the packet processor being part of a hardware layer of the router. The packet processor performs packet routing operations of receiving packets, determining the next routers in the paths to the target destinations of the packets, and sending the packets to the next routers independent of the software layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: Vitaly Vovnoboy, Gad Hutt, Ronen Tausi, Adi Sapir, Michael Orr, Victor Ryabchin
  • Patent number: 9402569
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods and/or devices for calibrating sensor data to be used in estimating a blood glucose concentration. A relationship between sensor signal values and reference readings may be used to estimate a relationship between sensor signal values and measurements of blood glucose concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Liang, Kenneth W. Cooper, Raghavendhar Gautham, Rajiv Shah, Keith Nogueira
  • Patent number: 9080760
    Abstract: A light fixture assembly including an illumination assembly in the form of one or more light emitting diodes is interconnected to an electrical energy source by control circuitry. A mounting assembly supports the illumination assembly and a cover structure is disposed in heat transferring relation to the illumination assembly, wherein the cover structure and/or mounting assembly have enlarged surface areas formed of a heat conductive material, facilitating heat dissipation generated by the illumination assembly into the surrounding environment. At least one connector, formed of an electrically conductive material, is disposed in interconnecting, current conducting relation between a source of electrical energy and the illumination assembly. The mounting assembly is disposed in electrically segregated relation to the connector(s), wherein said interconnecting relation of said one connector at least partially defines an assembled orientation of the illumination assembly and mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventors: Daryl Soderman, Dale B. Stepps
  • Publication number: 20150120231
    Abstract: A measuring point and method for function setting of a measuring point of process automation technology, wherein the measuring point comprises at least one sensor and a transmitter circuit. The sensor is connected via the transmitter circuit with a superordinated data processing system. The method comprises steps as follows: disconnecting the sensor from the transmitter circuit; connecting a mobile unit with the transmitter circuit and transferring parameters from the mobile unit into the transmitter circuit; disconnecting the mobile unit; connecting a, or the, sensor with the transmitter circuit; and transferring at least one parameter from the transmitter circuit into the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Manfred Jagiella
  • Patent number: 8957941
    Abstract: One embodiment is an enhanced power supply including electronic power supply circuitry within a housing. The enhanced power supply further includes one or more sockets operatively associated with the housing providing for the connection of an external apparatus to the enhanced power supply such that the external apparatus may communicate data or another signal through the connection to an output cable. The output cable may to be connected to a device such that both power and at least one signal will be provided to the device through the output cable. Systems featuring an enhanced power supply and methods of providing power and one or more other signals to a device with a reduced number of cables are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Biscotti Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew B. Shoemake, Syed Nadeem Ahmed
  • Patent number: 8942937
    Abstract: A capacitance distribution detection circuit includes a multiplexer, a driver, and a sense amplifier. The multiplexer switches states between a first connection state and a second connection state. The first connection state drives first signal lines in parallel so that voltages are applied, outputs, along second signal lines, a linear sum of electric charges stored in capacitors corresponding to that respective one of the second signal lines, and estimates, a capacitance of capacitors formed along that second signal line. The second connection state drives, the second signal lines in parallel so that voltages are applied, outputs, along the first signal lines, a linear sum of electric charges stored in the capacitors corresponding to that respective one of the first signal lines, and estimates, a capacitance of the capacitors formed along that first signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Miyamoto, Kunihiko Iizuka
  • Patent number: 8883261
    Abstract: A method for creating an artifact for use with an optical three-dimensional measuring system includes steps of: (a) providing an artifact that comprises an inspection surface, which artifact is configured to be scanned by a non-contact sensor included in the optical three-dimensional measuring system, which artifact comprises at least one of a substantially spherical body and a turbine engine component, and which inspection surface comprises a surface of one of the substantially spherical body and the turbine engine component; (b) heating the artifact to a predetermined temperature; and (c) coating the inspection surface of the heated artifact with an approximately uniform coating of dry film lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse R. Boyer, Jeffry K. Pearson, Randall W. Joyner
  • Patent number: 8776574
    Abstract: A fluid level measurement apparatus supports multiple fluid level sensors of different types, each of which detects a level of fluid and produces an output indicative of the detected fluid level in a different way. The fluid level measurement apparatus is connected to any one of the supported fluid level sensors to measure the fluid level. The fluid level measurement apparatus includes a calculation circuit, multiple output circuits, a determination circuit, and a selection circuit. The calculation circuit calculates the fluid level from a detection voltage. Each output circuit generates the detection voltage based on the output of a corresponding fluid level sensor. The determination circuit determines the connected fluid level sensor. The selection circuit selects the output circuit corresponding to the determined fluid level sensor and allows the calculation circuit to obtain the detection voltage generated by the selected output circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Isao Miyagawa
  • Patent number: 8760655
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for inspecting a mold which has a porous alumina layer over its surface. The method includes providing, based on a relationship between a first parameter indicative of a thickness of the porous alumina layer and a color parameter indicative of a color of reflected light from the porous alumina layer, first color information which represents a tolerance of the first parameter of a porous alumina layer which has an uneven structure that is within a tolerance; providing a mold which is an inspection subject, the mold having a porous alumina layer over its surface; obtaining a color parameter which is indicative of a color of reflected light from the porous alumina layer of the inspection subject mold; and determining a suitability of the first parameter of the inspection subject mold based on the obtained color parameter and the first color information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Hayashi, Takao Imaoku
  • Publication number: 20140058693
    Abstract: System and methods may allow an operator of a signal measurement instrument to characterize and calibrate a network with unsupported connector types, e.g., not traceable to known standards. Adapters having supported and unsupported interfaces can be used to measure the system responses of networks in a system under test. These measurements can be mathematically cascaded to deduce virtual models that produce an accurate and fully calibrated total system response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: TEKTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Laudie J. Doubrava, Josiah A. Bartlett
  • 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: 8275313
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a first sensor node 100 includes a radio to effect wireless communications; a sensor module 204 to sense a selected parameter; and a scheduler 228 that selects a listen time for the first sensor node, such that, during the listen time, the radio is activated and able to receive wireless signals and, during a time other than the listen time, the radio is deactivated and unable to receive wireless signals, and causes transmission to a second sensor node a first message. The first message includes a time offset from a transmission time of the first message, the time offset indicating a timing of a first listen time for the first sensor node. In response, the node 100 receives, from the second sensor node, a second message, with the time selected by the second sensor node to transmit the second message to the first sensor node being based on the time offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Distributed Sensor Systems
    Inventors: Chris Myers, Leo John Staarmann, David Jansen, Patrick French
  • Patent number: 8239157
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that guides a user through a sequence of steps that will allow the user to complete a predefined task using the flow meter. The steps include: selecting a predefined task, displaying a sequence of steps that directs the user through a process for using the Coriolis flow meter to complete the predefined task, and operating the Coriolis flow meter in response to the sequence of steps to complete the predefined task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig B McAnally, Andrew T Patten, Charles P Stack, Jeffrey S Walker, Neal B Gronlie
  • Patent number: 8206564
    Abstract: A biosensor system determines an analyte concentration using one or more calibrated correlation equations for an optical and/or electrochemical analysis of a biological fluid. The biosensor system may be implemented using a measurement device and a sensor strip. The measurement device senses circuit patterns on an encoding pattern of the sensor strip. The measurement device determines calibration information in response to the circuit patterns, and uses the calibration information to calibrate one or more of the correlation equations. The measurement device uses the calibrated correlation equations to determine the analyte concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Robert D. Schell, Joseph E. Perry
  • Patent number: 8060328
    Abstract: An apparatus for quantitation of surface-binding optical resonance profiles includes a calibration module including a calibration scan result fetcher, a calibration profile creation module, and a fitting module. The fitting module includes an experimental scan result fetcher, a calibration profile fetcher, and a resonance shift determination module. A method for qualifying a surface plasmon resonance chip is also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventor: David H. Tracy
  • Patent number: 7987062
    Abstract: A delay circuit includes a first delay element, a second delay element, and an initializing section that measures a delay amount generated by the first delay element with respect to each delay setting value. The initializing section includes a first loop path that inputs an output signal of the first delay element into the first delay element and a second loop path that inputs an output signal of the second delay element into the second delay element. The initialization section includes a first measuring section that sequentially sets delay setting values mutually different from the delay setting value in the first delay element and sequentially measures delay amounts in the first delay element, a second measuring section that measures a delay amount in the second delay element, and a delay amount computing section that corrects a delay amount measured by the first measuring section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Fujita, Masakatsu Suda, Takuya Hasumi
  • Patent number: 7925456
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that guides a user through a sequence of steps that will allow the user to complete a predefined task using the flow meter. The steps include: selecting a predefined task, displaying a sequence of steps that directs the user through a process for using the Coriolis flow meter to complete the predefined task, and operating the Coriolis flow meter in response to the sequence of steps to complete the predefined task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig B. McAnally, Andrew T. Patten, Charles P. Stack, Jeffrey S. Walker, Neal B. Gronlie
  • Patent number: 7877240
    Abstract: A global system model equation including model equations, which contain parameters, of individual components that form the global system. The parameters of the individual components are detected using sensor values from the sensors that are allocated to the individual components and it is determined whether it is possible to adapt the parameters to the sensor values and to solve the global system model equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Claus Hillermeier, Georg Hoever, Hans Mauser
  • Publication number: 20100250175
    Abstract: The present system, method, article of manufacture, software, and apparatus is an “intelligent” probe system and components thereof and may openly encompass, in at least an embodiment, an embedded IC chip located in an interchangeable probe(s) which offers repeatable, fast, easy, and error free probe swapping on a CCM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Clark H. Briggs, Keith George Macfarlane, Frederick John York, Marc Barber
  • Patent number: 7805265
    Abstract: A method for measuring electric circuit parameters of a 2-terminal circuit having first and second terminals, includes steps of: terminating one of the first and second terminals with a terminal impedance Z1, to measure reflection characteristics ?1 for the other terminal; terminating one of the first and second terminals with a terminal impedance Z2 different from the terminal impedance Z1, to measure reflection characteristics ?2 for the other terminal; terminating one of the first and second terminals with a terminal impedance Z3 different from the terminal impedances Z1 and Z2, to measure reflection characteristics ?3 for the other terminal; and calculating electric circuit parameters of the 2-terminal circuit based on the resultant reflection characteristics ?1, ?2 and ?3, whereby measuring electric circuit parameters, such as S-parameters, Z-parameters or the like, even of a DUT having a weak ground, in a simple way with high accuracy and low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiko Namba, Tetsuyoshi Ogura, Toru Yamada
  • Patent number: 7773015
    Abstract: To avoid the measurement disturbances occurring in a conventional, multi-channel measurement data acquisition apparatus there is proposed a multi-channel measurement data acquisition apparatus which includes at least one analog input assembly having a plurality of analog inputs, a controllable electronic analog signal switch device (12) and a central controllable analog-digital converter, wherein the channels of the analog inputs can be successively switched through by means of the analog signal switch device so that the analog signals at the inputs of the individual channels are successively applied as input signals to the central analog-digital converter, and wherein the electronic analog signal switch device and/or the analog-digital converter have control inputs connected to associated control lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Renner
  • Patent number: 7751910
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that estimates the value of a virtual sensor. The system first samples values for performance metrics using external sensors that are coupled to a system and internal sensors that are built into the system. Next, the system generates an inferential sensing model for the system from the sampled values. Then, during operation, the system samples values of performance metrics using the internal sensors and uses the inferential sensing model and the sampled values from the internal sensors to estimate the values of performance metrics for removed external sensors (i.e., virtual sensors).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenny C. Gross, John J. Cooley, Aleksey M. Urmanov
  • Patent number: 7729839
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic inter-axle differential sensor configuration (i.e., location) and calibration method for a vehicle having a tandem drive axle. The method involves determining the speed of the vehicle, determining pulses per minute from each inter-axle differential sensor via the vehicle electronic control unit (ECU), where each of the inter-axle differential sensors are connected to an inter-axle differential gear, determining a location of each inter-axle differential sensor from each of the inter-axle differential sensor pulses per minute, and assigning a number of teeth to each of the inter-axle differential gears in calibrating each of the inter-axle differential sensors. The revolutions per minute for each of the inter-axle differential sensors may be utilized to lock the inter-axle differential during slippage of the vehicle, without human intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen P. Claussen, James A. Beverly
  • Patent number: 7711506
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a sensor system comprising a disposable sensor and a computer device, both the sensor and the computer device having circuitry for facilitating the transmission of data between them via a wireless communication link. The method comprises storing a final value of a monitored parameter obtained using a first disposable sensor, or some other value derivable from said final value, in a memory of the computer device, and calibrating the system for a new disposable sensor using said final value or said other value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Bio-Nano Sensium Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Alison Burdett, Paul Padden
  • Patent number: 7657338
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automation system with a control unit, to which at least one sensor or actuator is connected. To connect it to the control unit, the sensor or actuator is connected to the connector which features an RFID chip with relevant data of the sensor or actuator. The data for use in the control unit can be read out by means of a reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thilo Opaterny
  • Patent number: 7587289
    Abstract: A sensor fixture can be affixed within a wall and powered using the same cable along which data signals are transmitted. A data cable is attached to the fixture, and power for a sensor is isolated from the data signals. The sensor may be used in conjunction with a building automation system in order to provide environmental inputs, such as from a motion sensor, a light sensor, and an audio sensor. The sensor may also be combined with LED lights for a combined fixture that lights when sensing motion or other environmental changes, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: American Megatrends, Inc.
    Inventor: Clas Gerhard Sivertsen
  • Patent number: 7577539
    Abstract: Apparatus and an accompanying method for calibrating a sensor signal conditioner coupled to a sensor. The signal conditioner sensor enables relatively easy and precise calibration of bridge sensors without the use of a microprocessor. When mated to a resistive bridge sensor, the sensor signal conditioner can digitally calibrate offset and gain, with an option to calibrate offset and gain coefficients and linearity over temperature. A second order compensation can be enabled for temperature coefficients of gain, offset or bridge linearity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: ZMD America Inc.
    Inventors: David Hubanks, Eric Joseph Hoffman, Frank George Cooper
  • Patent number: 7493222
    Abstract: A modular metering system comprises a data processing module, a current module and a voltage module. The current and voltage modules include sensor memories characterizing the respective current and voltage sensors facilitating assembly and repair of the metering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Veris Industries, LLC
    Inventor: David A. Bruno
  • Patent number: 7415363
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the torque imposed on a rotatable shaft. The shaft has at least four paired probes, paired horizontal probes and paired vertical probes. The horizontal probes are positioned 90 degrees apart from the vertical probes. If the shaft moves horizontally, the time of arrival detected by the first horizontal probes will be later than a nominal value and the time of arrival for the second horizontal probes will be earlier than a nominal value with the same amount of error. Combining data from the first and second horizontal probes will then automatically cancel out any error from horizontal motion. Similarly, combining data from vertical probes will eliminate the error due to vertical movement. Because any radial movement is a combination of horizontal and vertical movements, the use of the probes removes errors due to movement in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Peter Ping-Liang Sue
  • Patent number: 7386408
    Abstract: A parallel kinematic machine has a parallel kinematic mechanism including an end effecter and a parallel link mechanism. A numerical control device controls a position and orientation of the end effecter based on kinematics of the parallel kinematic mechanism. A posture setter sets an adjustment tool on the end effecter in a known posture in a reference coordinate system defined outside the parallel kinematic mechanism based on a measurement method. A data acquirer acquires data in accordance with a measurement method selecting code for designating the measurement method used by the posture setter in setting the adjustment tool in the known posture, and defines a correlation between kinematic parameters for the parallel kinematic mechanism and the reference coordinate system. A calculator calculates the kinematic parameters based on the acquired data by using a relational expression describing forward kinematics of the parallel kinematic mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventors: Nobutaka Nishibashi, Kazuaki Yagi
  • Patent number: 7366624
    Abstract: An electronic gas sensor signal conditioner which can automatically adapt to a wide variety of commercial off-the-shelf sensors and provide a digital output in a standard, easily used format. The signal conditioner has analog and digital sections. The analog section includes a sensor excitation sub-section and a signal amplification sub-section. The digital section comprises a microcontroller and controls the analog section. The digital section also converts the signal from the analog section into digital form, reads the sensor TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet), applies calibration constants and converts the signal into a standard, easily readable digital format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Esensors Inc.
    Inventor: Darold Wobschall
  • Publication number: 20080052028
    Abstract: A method and apparatus adapted to calibrate a signal path of a signal analysis system such that loading effects of the system are substantially removed from measurements of a device under test. A signal under test from the device under test is coupled to a test probe in the signal path and used with selectable impedance loads in the test probe to characterize transfer parameters of the device under test. An equalization filter in either the frequency or time domain is computed from the device under test transfer parameters for reducing in signal error attributable to the measurement loading of the device under test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: John J. Pickerd, Kan Tan, William A. Hagerup, Rolf P. Anderson, Sharon M. Mc Masters
  • Patent number: 7313495
    Abstract: A method of processing marine magnetic data is disclosed which comprises towing first and second magnetometers M1 and M2 behind a ship (10). Raw magnetic gradient data is obtained from the sensors and the trend of the gradient of the ship bias detected by the sensors determined. The method includes subtracting the trend from the raw magnetic gradient data to obtain corrected gradient data, and processing the corrected gradient data to provide a data output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: BHP Billiton Innovation Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi Zeng, Peter Mitchell Stone, Marion Elizabeth Rose
  • Patent number: 7299145
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for the simultaneous calibration and qualification of a non-contact probe on a localizer using a single artifact, in which non-contact probe readings and localizer readings are synchronised using parameters determined simultaneously with calibration and qualification. The invention also relates to a non-contact probe and other devices, and a computer program for performing the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Metris N.V.
    Inventors: Lieven De Jonge, Bart Van Coppenolle, Denis Vanderstraeten
  • Patent number: 7279046
    Abstract: A system and method for aligning prior patterning positions formed by a first SPM tip with a second SPM tip in combination with an SPM system includes identifying first location information that includes a location of the first SPM tip and a sample reference location on an SPM sample and storing the first location information in a storage area. After replacing the first SPM tip with the second SPM tip, second location information, which includes a location of the second SPM tip and the sample reference location on the SPM sample, is identified. Displacement is calculated between the location of the second SPM tip and the first SPM tip based on the first and second location information, and either the second SPM tip or a stage supporting the SPM sample is translated to align the second SPM tip with the location of the first SPM tip in accordance with the calculated displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: NanoInk, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond K. Eby, Michael Nelson, Igor Touzov
  • Patent number: 7231641
    Abstract: A family of complex systems has a shared family architecture. A component framework supports participating plug-in components. Individual plug-in components provides one or more services. The component framework defines roles providing one or more common interfaces for services of several plug-in components. Notably, the component framework includes an inventory function for assessing available services in the participating plug-in components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventor: Jan Gerben Wijnstra
  • Patent number: 7181356
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device that is used to analyse the structure of a material. The inventive device comprises: probe elements (5) which are used to (i) emit a wave, in the material, with emission delay laws that correspond to several simultaneous deviations and (ii) receive, on the different probe elements (5), signals from the refraction of said wave by the material; detection channels, each detection channel being connected to a probe element (5), in order to collect the refraction signals and to transmit same to data processing means (4); and delay circuits that apply a delay on each detection channel according to the reception delay laws which are predetermined and which correspond to the different deviations of the wave emitted. The invention also relates to an analysis method which can be used, in particular, on said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Socomate International
    Inventor: Philippe Coperet
  • Patent number: 6996486
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for enabling on-site calibration of an instrument, which measures vibration in a machine to assure that the instrument functions within instrument performance specifications, eliminates the need for shipping the instrument to a remote lab for calibration. In one embodiment a CD containing a database that includes the calibration procedure is provided for use with a laptop computer located on site with the instrument. The laptop is connected to the instrument and the procedure displayed on the laptop is followed to calibrate the instrument. Upon successful completion of the procedure, the laptop is connected to a printer which prints out a certificate of completion of calibration. In an alternative embodiment, the database and procedure are available on a remote computer, which is accessed via an internet connection that is password protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Darlene Turner
  • Patent number: 6944564
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for calibrating a non-contact probe on a localizer. The present invention further relates to a method for the simultaneous calibration and qualification of a non-contact probe on a localizer. Both methods do not require user intervention, and use a single artifact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Metris N.V.
    Inventors: Lieven De Jonge, Bart Van Coppenolle, Denis Vanderstraeten
  • Patent number: 6941192
    Abstract: A robot having a spindle is calibrated by disposing a calibration tool in the robot spindle. The position of the calibration tool is measured. An axis of the spindle is determined based on the measured position. A calibration tool center point is determined based on the measured position. A robot tool rotation axis is determined based on the determined spindle axis, robot tool center point, the determined calibration tool center point, and difference in length between the calibration tool and a robot tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Qing Tang, Hakan Brantmark, Zhongxue Gan, Torgny Brogardh
  • Patent number: 6845336
    Abstract: A computer system linked by the internet to various remote waste water treatment facilities. The system receives real-time data from the facilities and analyzing the data to determine likely operational upsets and future effluent water quality. The computer system sends signals to a hierarchy of parties depending on the severity of predicted upsets problems and events. The computer also provides a probability distribution of such upsets and water quality and recommendations as how to adjust facility operating parameters to avoid or reduce the upsets to acceptable parameters and maintain effluent water quality parameters within preselected limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventors: Prasad S. Kodukula, Charles R. Stack
  • Patent number: 6804620
    Abstract: An ATE calibration method and system that does not require external test equipment to calibrate individual functional pins and provides balanced timing skews among the functional pins and pincards is disclosed. A functional pin in the test system is selected as a reference or “golden” pin and another is selected as a precision measurement unit (PMU). External test equipment and the reference PMU are used to measure the AC and DC characteristics of the reference pin, and any deviation represents a measurement error in the reference PMU. All functional pins in the test system can be measured against the reference pin using the reference PMU, taking into account the measurement error, without the need for external test equipment. To ensure that skews are balanced among all pins, the location of the reference pin is selected to be as close as possible to the midpoint of the functional pin range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Larson, Anthony Le, Carol Qiao Tong, Rochit Rajsuman
  • Publication number: 20040186675
    Abstract: An ATE calibration method and system that does not require external test equipment to calibrate individual functional pins and provides balanced timing skews among the functional pins and pincards is disclosed. A functional pin in the test system is selected as a reference or “golden” pin and another is selected as a precision measurement unit (PMU). External test equipment and the reference PMU are used to measure the AC and DC characteristics of the reference pin, and any deviation represents a measurement error in the reference PMU. All functional pins in the test system can be measured against the reference pin using the reference PMU, taking into account the measurement error, without the need for external test equipment. To ensure that skews are balanced among all pins, the location of the reference pin is selected to be as close as possible to the midpoint of the functional pin range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: ADVANTEST CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas Larson, Anthony Le, Carol Qiao Tong, Rochit Rajsuman
  • Patent number: 6795779
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a rotatable shaft and first and second targets coupled to the rotatable shaft so as to rotate therewith, a first probe for transmitting a first transmission signal to the first target and receiving a first response signal from the first target, and a second probe for transmitting a second transmission signal to the second target and receiving a second response signal from the second target. The apparatus further comprises a processor operatively coupled to the first and second probes for determining a torsional displacement of the shaft based on the first and second response signals received by the first and second probes, respectively. The processor then determines a torque imposed on the rotatable shaft based on its torsional displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John McConnell Delvaux, Peter Ping-Liang Sue