Instrument Proving Or Calibrating Patents (Class 73/1.01)
  • Publication number: 20140130568
    Abstract: The invention relates to a checking unit for checking a material web and to a calibrating method for the checking unit. The checking unit is equipped with drive means for transporting the calibration medium past the checking unit in order to detect a multiplicity of measurement values of the calibration medium. The drive means are arranged in the housing of the checking unit in order for the drive means to be protected from moisture or contaminants from the environment. To obtain a transporting of the calibration medium past the checking unit in spite of the arrangement of the drive means in the housing, drive means are employed that are configured for a contactless interaction with the calibration medium and can transport the calibration medium past the checking unit contactlessly. For this purpose there is preferably used a magnetic interaction between the drive means and the calibration medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Bloss, Wolfgang Deckenbach, Werner Heimann, Hans-Peter Ehrl, Erich Kerst
  • Patent number: 8707752
    Abstract: A calibration assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, a calibration assembly calibrating a downhole formation evaluation tool includes a calibration base having a first geometry, a calibration insert including a first material and having a second geometry, and a second material having a third geometry and being different from the first material. The second geometry enables the calibration insert to receive the second material to form a first composite region, wherein the first and second materials and the second and third geometries are selected such that a calibration property of the calibration assembly apparatus substantially matches a corresponding calibration property of a third material. Additional apparatuses, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Radke, Christopher Scott Del Campo, Dale Wayne Clinton, Qingyan He, Augdon John Sampa
  • Patent number: 8694051
    Abstract: A mobile device configured to be used in a wireless communication network includes: an image capture device; at least one sensor configured to measure a first orientation of the mobile device; and a processor communicatively coupled to the image capture device and the at least one sensor and configured to: identify an object in an image captured by the image capture device; use a position of the mobile device to determine an actual location of the object relative to the mobile device; and use the actual location of the object relative to the mobile device and the image to determine a correction for the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Victor Kulik
  • Patent number: 8689604
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a transducer and transducer circuitry and additional elements useful in testing the transducer and transducer circuitry. A first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal are for being directly connected to an external power supply terminal. A power bus is connected to the first power supply terminal. A logic function is for determining if the second power supply terminal is receiving power and if an automatic calibration test of the transducer and transducer circuitry has been run. An automatic calibration is for running an automatic calibration test on the transducer and transducer circuitry if the logic means determines that the second power supply terminal is receiving power and the automatic calibration test of the transducer and transducer circuitry has not been run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter S. Schultz, Sung-Jin Jo
  • Patent number: 8683877
    Abstract: The invention relates to different designs of a microelectronic device comprising an array of heating elements (HE) with local driving units (CU2) and optionally with an array of sensor elements (SE) adjacent to a sample chamber (SC). By applying appropriate currents to the heating elements (HE), the sample chamber can be heated according to a desired temperature profile. The local driving units comprise means for compensating variations of their individual characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijk Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Mark Thomas Johnson, David Andrew Fish, Marc Wilhelmus Gijsbert Ponjee
  • Patent number: 8683850
    Abstract: A bias value associated with a sensor, e.g., a time-varying, non-zero value which is output from a sensor when it is motionless, is estimated using at least two, different bias estimating techniques. A resultant combined or selected bias estimate may then be used to compensate the biased output of the sensor in, e.g., a 3D pointing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hillcrest Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Hua Sheng, Matthew G. Liberty, Christopher D. Roller, Charles W. K. Gritton
  • Patent number: 8673624
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a calibratable sensor unit for a reaction vessel, such as for example a fermenter (48), in particular a disposable fermenter, comprising at least one sensor device (14) to be calibrated and at least one compartment (26, 28, 30) containing a calibrating agent, the at least one sensor device and the at least one compartment (26, 28, 30) being accommodated movably relative to one another in a housing (12) that is connected to or can be connected to the reaction vessel (48), wherein the calibrating unit (10) is arranged to calibrate the at least one sensor device (14) by contact with the calibrating agent before chemical and/or physical parameters of a measurement substance are measured with the at least one sensor device (14). According to the invention it is proposed that the sensor device (10) is configured in such a way that the relative movement between the at least one sensor device (14) and the at least one compartment (26, 28, 30) can be carried out irreversibly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Bonaduz AG
    Inventors: Andreas Loebbert, Dirk Schoenfuss
  • Publication number: 20140060144
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a dispenser, which has a material dispensing unit that is configured to dispense material on a substrate, includes dispensing a line of material on a surface, capturing at least one image of the line dispensed on the surface, calculating an average line width of the line dispensed on the surface, and comparing the average line width of the line dispensed on the surface to a desired line width. A controller configured to perform the method is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Illnois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Bloom, Satish Kaveti
  • Patent number: 8661871
    Abstract: Described herein is a method for testing a microelectromechanical device provided with a microstructure having a fixed structure and a movable mass, which is capacitively coupled to the fixed structure and mechanically connected thereto so as to be movable between a rest position and at least one position of maximum extension. The method envisages: applying a test voltage between the movable mass and the fixed structure so as to set up an electrostatic force between them and displace the movable mass into the position of maximum extension; keeping the movable mass in the position of maximum extension for a time interval; releasing the movable mass from the position of maximum extension; and detecting a current position of the movable mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giovanni Carlo Tripoli, Tommaso Ungaretti, Ernesto Lasalandra
  • Publication number: 20140047895
    Abstract: A biological detection calibration system includes a biological detection device and a light calibration device. The biological detection device is for detecting a biological sample and includes a light source and a controller electrically connected thereto to control the light source to emit a light. The light calibration device includes a carrier, disposed at a detecting position of the biological sample in the biological detection device to receive the light emitted from the light source, and a calibration sample, disposed on the carrier and including a light detector. The light detector is for detecting intensity of the light and transmitting intensity information to the controller. The controller reads the intensity information of the light and compares the intensity information with a predetermined value to modify driving energy of the light source so that the intensity of the light detected by the light detector is not less than the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Wen-Hui Shih
  • Patent number: 8641973
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit disposed in communication with the micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained within the at least one micro-fluidic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Govindarajan Natarajan, Emmanuel Delamarche, Eric A. Eckberg, James N. Humenik, Kathleen A. McGroddy-Goetz, Scott Partington, Christopher F. Perrera, Marco G. Trivella, Timothy M. Wiwel
  • Patent number: 8642164
    Abstract: A porous composite substrate that includes reinforcement material disposed within a resin matrix. The resin matrix includes a first matrix region with a first density, and a second matrix region with a second density that is different than the first density. The first matrix region includes a plurality of pores that are formed by pore forming material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Charles R. Watson, John H. Vontell
  • Patent number: 8637238
    Abstract: A method is provided in which with respect to an optical detection apparatus including an optical detection unit and a temperature control unit, whether optical signal detection and temperature control are performed accurately, i.e. the performance thereof, can be verified simply with high reliability. With respect to an optical detection apparatus including an optical detection unit for detecting an optical signal of a sample and a temperature control unit for controlling temperature of the sample, the optical signal detection performance and temperature control performance are verified by the following method. First, a standard sample containing a nucleic acid sequence and a strand complementary thereto that have a known optical signal intensity and Tm value is provided, the temperature of the standard sample is increased or decreased with the temperature control unit, and optical signal intensity of the standard sample is measured with the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Hirai, Toshiya Hosomi, Yuki Yoshinaga
  • Publication number: 20140020445
    Abstract: At least some of the embodiments are methods including detecting low user dynamics by a first MEMS sensor, determining a first sensor sampling rate value corresponding to the low user dynamics wherein the first sensor sampling rate value is less than a second sensor sampling rate value corresponding to high user dynamics, and adjusting a sampling rate of a second MEMS sensor to the first sensor sampling rate value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Deric Wayne Waters, Jayawardan Huang, Saket Thukral
  • Publication number: 20140007646
    Abstract: A downhole sensor calibration apparatus includes a rotational or gimbaling mechanism for guiding a sensing axis of an orientation responsive sensor through a three-dimensional orbit about three orthogonal axes. A method includes using measurements taken over the three-dimensional orbit to calibrate the sensor and determine other characteristics of the sensor or tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Paul F. RODNEY, Adan Hernandez HERRERA, Christopher Allen GOLLA, James H. DUDLEY, Joe MARZOUK
  • Patent number: 8607612
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a reversible-binding sensor for detecting an analyte includes: (i) varying the temperature of a first calibration solution from a first temperature (T1) to a second temperature (T2) while the first calibration solution is in contact with a sensing region of the sensor; (ii) determining the sensor output for the first calibration solution as a function of temperature; (iii) varying the temperature of a second calibration solution from a third temperature (T3) to a fourth temperature (T4) while the second calibration solution is in contact with the sensing region, the second calibration solution having a concentration of analyte which is different from that of the first calibration solution; (iv) determining the sensor output for the second calibration solution as a function of temperature; and (v) using the determined sensor output from steps (ii) and (iv) to calibrate the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lightship Medical Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Paul Barwell, Peter Edgley, Alasdair Allan Mackenzie, William Paterson, Barry Colin Crane
  • Patent number: 8596107
    Abstract: A correlation standard for calibrating a scanning electron microscope is provided. The correlation standard comprises a pellet and a metal stub. The pellet comprises a compressed mixture of carbon powder and alumina powder. The pellet is attached to the metal stub with a conductive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wipawan Wongdao, Yongyut Wongbunnak
  • Publication number: 20130314075
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to reducing offset error in sensor systems. In embodiments, the sensitivity and offset of a sensor depend differently on some parameter, e.g. voltage, such that operating the sensor at two different values of the parameter can cancel the offset error. Embodiments can have applicability to stress sensors, Hall plates, vertical Hall devices, magnetoresistive sensors and others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Udo Ausserlechner, Mario Motz
  • Publication number: 20130305804
    Abstract: The microelectromechanical component has a semiconductor substrate (1), which has a cavity (2a) formed in the semiconductor substrate. The cavity is covered by a reversibly deformable membrane (2). A sensor (17) for detecting a deformation of the membrane (2) is formed within the region of the membrane (2). A test actuator (28, 29, 30) for deforming the membrane (2) for testing purposes is also arranged within the region of the membrane (2). Finally, the microelectromechanical component has an evaluation and activation unit (41) connected to the sensor (17) and the test actuator (28, 29, 30) for activating the test actuator (28, 29, 30) in order to deform the membrane (2) as a test and for evaluating a measurement signal of the sensor (17) as a sensor detection of a deformation of the membrane (2) as a result of the activation of the test actuator (28, 29, 30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicants: SILICON MICROSTRUCTURES, INC., ELMOS SEMICONDUCTOR AG
    Inventors: Bernd Burchard, Michael Doelle
  • Patent number: 8573030
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for methods of selecting a nanostructured deposit for a conductometric gas sensor, methods of detecting a gas based on the acidic or basic characteristic of the gas using a conductometric gas sensor, devices including conductometric gas sensors, arrays of conductometric gas sensors, methods of determining the acidic or basic characteristic of a gas, methods of treating a sensor, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventor: James L. Gole
  • Patent number: 8566049
    Abstract: A battery system comprises a first battery cell and a first management unit which is connected in one-to-one correspondence to the first battery cell. The first management unit comprises a first parameter acquiring unit, a first calculating unit, and a first storage unit. The first parameter acquiring unit acquires a power consumption parameter of the first battery cell. The first calculating unit calculates a power consumption state value of the first battery cell on the basis of the power consumption parameter acquired by the first parameter acquiring unit. The first storage unit stores the power consumption state value calculated by the first calculating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumihiro Akahane, Toshimichi Tsumaki, Takumi Oya
  • Publication number: 20130263640
    Abstract: Methods of correlating a monitoring device to the service life of a filter cartridge include providing a monitoring device, and calibrating the monitoring device to correspond to the service life of a filter cartridge. The monitoring device comprises a demand substance within a receptacle, a sensing element with a detection point, a reader for the sensing element, and a fluid delivery device. Calibration includes determining the ratio of the residence time of the monitoring device to the residence time of the filter cartridge, and utilizing the ratio to correlate the response of the sensor within the monitoring device to the service life of the filter cartridge. The response of the sensor is correlated to the service life of the filter cartridge by control of the fluid delivery parameters of the fluid delivery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Neal A. Rakow, Stefan H. Gryska
  • Patent number: 8539814
    Abstract: A material measure for use in evaluating the performance of a measuring instrument for measuring surface texture includes: a measurement area having a plurality of grooves in a predetermined direction. With the configuration, each of the grooves has a simple cross-sectional shape at a cross-section along the predetermined direction; and a length of the cross-sectional shape in the predetermined direction is different for the predetermined number of adjacent grooves in the predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiko Kakemizu, Akihiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 8534115
    Abstract: Systems and methods of determining parameter values in a downhole environment are described. An example method of determining a parameter value using calibration information is described. The calibration information corresponding to different parameter ranges in a downhole environment. The method includes determining a parameter range in the downhole environment using a controller and obtaining first calibration information or second calibration information based on the parameter range. The first calibration information associated with a first parameter range and the second calibration information associated with a second parameter range. The method also includes receiving an output signal from a sensor associated with the parameter and using the obtained calibration information to determine the parameter value based on the output signal received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kozue Tomiyama, Toru Terabayashi, Hideyuki Kamei, Takenori Motoki, Tetsuya Tanaka, Martine Hori
  • Publication number: 20130233044
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement for detecting a safe installation state of an automated installation has an input circuit designed to receive a first input signal and at least one further input signal. The first input signal depends on the safe installation state to be detected. The further input signal depends on a further operational state. The sensor arrangement also has a first output and at least one second output and an evaluation unit for outputting a first output signal and a second output signal at the first and second outputs, respectively. The evaluation unit is designed to evaluate the first input signal in a failsafe manner and on the basis thereof produce a redundant signal pair at the first and second outputs to signal a safe installation state, and to evaluate the further input signal and on the basis thereof generate non-redundant output signals different from the redundant signal pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Pilz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christophe ARTH, Erik HOLZAPFEL, Martin BELLINGKRODT
  • Publication number: 20130233043
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying calibration of a tool used in a repetitive applications, the tool having at least one part that moves with respect to another part of the tool during each repetitive application. An electronic sensor and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the tool detects and counts each repetitive application. A motion sensor provides an indication to the microcontroller of each repetitive application. The microcontroller stores a continuous count of the number of repetitive applications and compares that count to a predetermined maximum number of counts allowed during a calibration cycle, and provides a signal indicating when the stored continuous count reaches the predetermined maximum count. The signal may be a local visual indicator and a transmitted signal to a remote location to indicate that the tool is in need of re-calibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: DANIELS MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventor: William D. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8518237
    Abstract: The service life of amperometric electrochemical oxygen sensors is increased by operating the electrodes of such sensors at a polarization voltage suitable for measuring the oxygen content of samples only during calibration or when measuring such samples and thereafter modulating the polarization voltage to a lower voltage such that substantially no electrical current is produced by the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Andy Chan, Lawrence Milesky
  • Patent number: 8511138
    Abstract: A piston prover apparatus, method and system for accurately measuring the flow rate of a fluid by the measurement of the position of an internal piston. The piston can be integrated with a poppet valve arrangement located within a cylinder in order to permit fluid (e.g., cryogenic fluid) to pass through an orifice passage when the piston is drawn to an upstream position prior to proving the flow. An actuator in association with a motor and an encoder can be located inside the cylinder. The motor drives the piston to the upstream position of the cylinder when a proving run is initiated. Once the piston is released for the proving run, the initial and final positions of the piston can be accurately measured along with the transit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Larsen, Brian Krafthefer
  • Publication number: 20130205866
    Abstract: A method for testing of a measuring device arrangement (1), the measuring device arrangement (1) comprising a measuring device (2) which, based on the determination of a measured quantity, generates an output signal which can be tapped from a pick-off site (3) as a pick-off signal. A method for monitoring a measuring device arrangement is devised that constitutes an inline test that does not interrupt the measurement or the transfer of the measured values is achieved in that an action is applied to the measuring device (2) such that the measuring device (2) generates a test signal as the output signal, and that the output signal and/or a signal which is dependent on it is influenced such that the pick-off signal is a definable setting signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
  • Patent number: 8499609
    Abstract: To process a plurality of sensor devices, such as humidity sensors or gas sensors, the sensor devices are run through a testing station and a turret handler. In order to increase throughput of the testing station, several test cycles are operated simultaneously in a phase-shifted manner. The sensor devices are e.g. sequentially fed onto trays of the test station, on which they are assembled in batches. Each batch is subjected to a test cycle. After the test cycle, the sensor devices of a batch are sequentially fed back to the turret handler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sensirion AG
    Inventors: Felix Mayer, Markus Graf, Dominik Niederberger, Martin Fitzi
  • Patent number: 8495903
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a tool. A moveable blade connected to the tool may be deflected towards an inward position with respect to the tool. A force applied to the moveable blade may be detected by a biasing mechanism in the tool using a sensor when the moveable blade is in the inward position with respect to the tool. The biasing mechanism in the tool may be adjusted if the force is not a desired force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Hieu Trung Le, Donald J. Grzina
  • Publication number: 20130186168
    Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the response of a metal loss sensor which is configured in a way that its insertion depth and orientation in the process fluid are adjustable. These adjustments affect local turbulence and thereby enable achieving a desired corrosion rate at the metal loss sensor. Corrosion rate comparison between the metal loss sensor and pressure containment boundary can be measured directly or indirectly by computing wall shear stresses at the sensor and the pressure containment boundary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
  • Publication number: 20130174634
    Abstract: A method for analyzing moisture content in an analyzer. In one embodiment a sample is introduced into an analyzer and an initial weight is obtained. The sample is then fortified where it is allowed to pick-up moisture. The temperature of the analyzer is increased and an initial fortified point is obtained wherein the sample has returned to its initial weight. Thereafter the analyzer obtains the final moisture content of the sample at a test finish time. In one embodiment satellite analyzers are biased against a standard analyzer so that more uniform results are obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130174633
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a transmitter that has a measurement unit and a transmission unit which are interconnected to each other in order to transmit signals. There is at least one connecting line for supplying power to the measurement unit which determines a measurement quantity and generates a measurement signal which is dependent on it. The transmission unit receives the measurement signal from the measurement unit, and based on the measurement signal, transfers an output signal to at least one signal transmission element. To provide a method for monitoring a transmitter which allows reliable displaying of an error as easily as possible and the shifting of the transmitter into a secured state, in the case in which the measurement unit detects the presence of an error state, the measurement unit acts on the connecting line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
  • Patent number: 8479554
    Abstract: A sensing device obtains range-related data—such as Doppler data or pulse time-of-flight data—from a sports projectile during flight. The time course of the range-related data is employed, in light of predictable characteristics of the projectile trajectory, to determine and output an accurate determination of the projectile speed for one or more points of interest in its flight. Such determination of speed may, for instance, be the speed at the time of projectile release, even though range-related data is gathered later in the flight, when the projectile is traveling neither so fast, nor straight at the sensor. Such sensing device may employ inexpensive short-range acoustic Doppler, and be incorporated into a target device that automatically displays to a pitcher-in-training the speed and ball/strike condition of each pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry B. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8464571
    Abstract: A calibration system for a MEMS system having at least one overdamped motion axis includes a measurement module for determining a location of a pole of a MEMS device in the overdamped motion axis, a closed-loop feedback system configured to change a first location of the pole to a second location of the pole, and a computation module for calculating a resonant frequency and/or a quality factor using the first and the second location of the pole as determined by the measurement module. The calibration system further includes a calibration module for calibrating the MEMS system based on the calculated resonant frequency and/or the calculated quality factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Sparks, Michael Judy
  • Publication number: 20130138376
    Abstract: In one embodiment a method to determine a center of gravity of a three dimensional object comprises positioning the object on a test platform in a first orientation, determining a position of the center of gravity along a first axis and a second axis when the object is in the first orientation, rotating the object with respect to a third axis which is orthogonal to the first axis and the second axis, determining a position of the center of gravity along at least one of the first axis or the second axis when the object is in the second orientation, and using a change in the position of the center of gravity along the at least one of the first axis or the second axis when the object is in the second orientation to determine a position of the center of gravity along the third axis. Other embodiments may be described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Robert D. Fordice, Daniel J. Wright, Donald G. Morris, Nathan A. Fabro
  • Patent number: 8448490
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for creation of discrete corrosion defects with a wide range of diameter to depth aspect ratios for painted test standards. Also provided are methods for use of those test standards to characterize the corrosion under paint detection threshold, statistical reliability, and accuracy of NDI and/or NDT techniques including but not limited to flash thermography, ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, microwave testing, shearography, and infrared testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Concurrent Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Pecina, Scott Ryan, John Cargill
  • Publication number: 20130125612
    Abstract: A method for validating a sensor assembly of a meter is provided. The method comprises a step of receiving one or more sensor calibration values. The method further comprises a step of comparing the received sensor calibration values to one or more known sensor calibration values. The method can then validate the sensor assembly if the one or more received sensor calibration values are within a predetermined tolerance of the one or more known sensor calibration values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Paul J Hays, Craig B McAnally
  • Patent number: 8447551
    Abstract: An assembly tool is provided. The assembly tool comprises a body and a gripper mount slidably mounted to the body with a first actuator. The first actuator is configured to slide the gripper mount from a first position to a second position along an axis. The assembly tool also comprises a gripper assembly slidably mounted to the gripper mount with a second actuator. The second actuator is configured to facilitate displacement of the gripper assembly with respect to the gripper mount along the axis. The assembly tool also comprises an encoder configured to indicate a displacement distance between an expected position and an actual position of the gripper assembly with respect to the gripper mount along the axis when the gripper mount is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tze Yang Ong, Jit Han Tan
  • Publication number: 20130091922
    Abstract: A calibration assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, a calibration assembly calibrating a downhole formation evaluation tool includes a calibration base having a first geometry, a calibration insert including a first material and having a second geometry, and a second material having a third geometry and being different from the first material. The second geometry enables the calibration insert to receive the second material to form a first composite region, wherein the first and second materials and the second and third geometries are selected such that a calibration property of the calibration assembly apparatus substantially matches a corresponding calibration property of a third material. Additional apparatuses, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
  • Patent number: 8412478
    Abstract: Device for determining an error induced by a high-pass filter in a signal, including a unit (3) for calculating the error according to the formula: E(t)=Ve(t)?Vs(t)=2·?·Fc·??=t0t(Vs(?)? Vs(?))·d?+E(t0) with: E(t) the value of the error induced by the high-pass filter, as a function of the time variable t, ?the trigonometric constant, Fc the cutoff frequency of the high-pass filter, t0 the initial instant, ?integration variable, Ve the signal input to the high-pass filter, Vs the signal output by the high-pass filter, Vs the mean value of the signal Vs. A method of correcting the error induced is also presented and applicable to the error correction of a piezoelectric pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive France
    Inventors: Alain Ramond, Simon-Didier Venzal, Michel Suquet
  • Patent number: 8407022
    Abstract: A bias value associated with a sensor, e.g., a time-varying, non-zero value which is output from a sensor when it is motionless, is estimated using at least two, different bias estimating techniques. A resultant combined or selected bias estimate may then be used to compensate the biased output of the sensor in, e.g., a 3D pointing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hillcrest Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Hua Sheng, Matthew G. Liberty, Christopher D. Roller, Charles W. K. Gritton
  • Publication number: 20130061649
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a transducer and transducer circuitry and additional elements useful in testing the transducer and transducer circuitry. A first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal are for being directly connected to an external power supply terminal. A power bus is connected to the first power supply terminal. A logic function is for determining if the second power supply terminal is receiving power and if an automatic calibration test of the transducer and transducer circuitry has been run. An automatic calibration is for running an automatic calibration test on the transducer and transducer circuitry if the logic means determines that the second power supply terminal is receiving power and the automatic calibration test of the transducer and transducer circuitry has not been run.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: PETER S. SCHULTZ, SUNG-JIN JO
  • Patent number: 8392138
    Abstract: The frequency-sampling method is widely used to accommodate nonlinear electromagnetic source tuning in swept-wavelength interferometric techniques, such as optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) and swept-wavelength optical coherence tomography (OCT). Two sources of sampling errors are associated with the frequency-sampling method. One source of error is the limit of an underlying approximation for long interferometer path mismatches and fast electromagnetic source tuning rates. A second source of error is transmission delays in data acquisition hardware. Aspects of the invention relate to a method and system for correcting sampling errors in swept-wavelength interferometry systems such that the two error sources correct sampling errors associated with the first radiation path and the second radiation path cancel to second order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Eric D. Moore, Robert R. McLeod
  • Publication number: 20130048535
    Abstract: A method of correcting measurements of a chemical sensor used in an industrial facility. The method involves correcting for errors known to occur in the steady state and the dynamic state for specifically recognized situations. This method allows for correcting errors that occur due to deadtime, false zero measurements, and non-linear disturbances. The method combines automated measurement techniques and human know how to progressively learn and refine the accuracy of the corrections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Jin Wang, Nigel P. Hilton, Glenn L. Scattergood, Sam Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8381603
    Abstract: There is provided a fall detection system comprising a fall detector for monitoring the movement of a user and detecting if the user has fallen or is about to fall, one or more sensors for collecting measurements of one or more physical characteristics of the user, wherein the fall detector uses the measurements to adapt the fall detection to the physical characteristics of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Yang Peng, Sheng Jin
  • Patent number: 8377694
    Abstract: A method for the calibration of a device for measuring the total organic carbon content (TOC) of an aqueous solution by measuring resistivity. The method includes the following steps, in the presence of a reference TOC analyzer: (a) producing a calibration point by a measurement carried out on ultrapure water by the device and the analyzer; (b) producing a plurality of calibration points, each calibration point corresponding to a measurement of the resistivity of a solution having a given content of photo-oxidizable compound, by the device and the analyzer, in order to establish a correlation between the values measured by the device and the analyzer; and (c) calibrating the device by at least one algorithm, based on the measurements carried out in the previous step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Pascal Rajagopalan, Celine Le Ninivin-Glipa, Antony Vanheghe
  • Patent number: 8380452
    Abstract: A two-dimensional map for calculating an SOC of a secondary battery is corrected. A battery ECU obtains a voltage index of a secondary battery. The voltage index is, for example, a no-load voltage of the secondary battery. When an amount of change of the calculated no-load voltage from an initial state falls outside a predefined range, the battery ECU corrects the two-dimensional map of initial state which is stored in advance in a storage unit using data obtained by statistically processing a plurality of two-dimensional maps obtained from a plurality of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic EV Energy Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Maegawa, Toshiaki Nakanishi, Motoyoshi Okumura
  • Publication number: 20130028042
    Abstract: A method for calibrating an apparatus for measuring shape factor is provided, wherein the method comprises determining aspect ratios for each of a plurality of kaolin samples and measuring the shape factors of each of the plurality of kaolin samples using the apparatus, wherein each of the kaolin samples includes potassium oxide in an amount less than about 0.1% by weight of each of the kaolin samples. The method further includes calibrating the apparatus based on a correlation between the aspect ratios and the shape factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Imerys Pigments, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Pruett, Jondahl Davis, Roger Wygant