Displacement, Motion, Distance, Or Position Patents (Class 73/1.79)
  • Patent number: 9722834
    Abstract: A communication system includes a receiving circuit and a phase error estimating circuit. The receiving circuit receives an input signal x, which has an input phase ? in a polar coordinate system. According to partial differentiation performed on the natural logarithm of a function f(x, ?), the phase error estimating circuit generates an estimated phase error of the input signal x. f(x, ?) represents a probability function of receiving the input signal x at the receiving circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Jen Chou
  • Patent number: 9689893
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a scanning probe microscope including a cantilever, a three-dimensional moving mechanism moving a sample stage in three dimensions, and a measurement chamber sealed not to be exposed to external air. At least the cantilever, the sample stage, and the three-dimensional moving mechanism are accommodated in the measurement chamber. The measurement chamber is provided with a pair of guide rails used to transport the sample stage. The sample stage has an engagement portion. The three-dimensional moving mechanism is disposed in the vicinity of a predetermined position and between the guide rails. The three-dimensional moving mechanism can be moved to above the guide rails and below the guide rails. When the sample stage is transported to the predetermined position in a horizontal direction, the three-dimensional moving mechanism is lifted up to the bottom surface of the sample stage so that the scanning probe microscope can perform measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI HIGH-TECH SCIENCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazunori Ando
  • Patent number: 9513617
    Abstract: An industrial control system provides for distributed processing of position related signals by remote I/O modules to correct for spatial offsets of sensors or actuators associated with the I/O modules, the latter which may receive position data and may correct timing signals detected at the I/O modules according to a stored position offset within the I/O modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Pierce
  • Patent number: 9442127
    Abstract: This invention concerns a sample processing device capable of efficiently recovering biological molecules, such as nucleic acids or proteins. The sample processing device is capable of placing a reaction container having a plurality of reaction sites, and it comprises a nozzle mechanism with a nozzle capable of attaching and removing a dispenser tip for dispensing a solution into the reaction sites of the reaction container and a magnetic tip for generating a magnetic field that allows magnetic beads to migrate to a space among the plurality of reaction sites in the reaction container, and a drive control unit controlling the nozzle mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Chihiro Uematsu, Muneo Maeshima
  • Patent number: 9341500
    Abstract: The invention relates to a calibration method that can be carried out without a reference system for an angle measuring device having a code carrier carrying an absolute position code, and at least two reading heads comprising a fixed, known angle position at an angular distance, wherein the code carrier can be rotated relative to the reading heads, and different angle positions of the code carrier relative to the reading heads can thus be captured. Angle position values of the reading heads in an angular setting are determined and angular error is determined, which are repeated. And, a mathematical analysis method is performed, including determining the parameters of a mathematical function quantifying the angular error, and determining calibration parameters as parameters of the quantifying mathematical function or as a correction or code table derived from the parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Heinz Lippuner, Urs Vokinger, Knut Siercks
  • Patent number: 9257313
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus including: a substrate processing unit that performs substrate processing by supplying a processing liquid to a substrate to be processed; a positioning mechanism that contacts the sides of the substrate to determine the position of the substrate; a positioning driver that drives the positioning mechanism; a detector that detects the position of the positioning mechanism; a storage unit that stores the position of the positioning mechanism with respect to a reference substrate serving as a reference of the substrate as a reference position information; and an operator that calculates a difference between the reference position information and the position information of the positioning mechanism detected in the detector and calculates measurement information on the processed substrate based on the difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Yoshifumi Amano
  • Patent number: 9146106
    Abstract: A smart device is disclosed which contains a digital camera with an active electronic viewscreen that displays the detected image, in which the camera can sense laser light beams. The smart device has the capability receiving and executing an application program that allows the camera to be used as a grade elevation detector, in which the camera can sense a laser light beam that effectively forms a plane of laser light which defines an “on-grade” elevation for a jobsite. The user can determine this on-grade elevation by running the APP and viewing the display screen to find the (rotating or static) laser beam. An automated APP system can capture the on-grade elevation using a sequence of images that include a grade rod measurement paired with laser beam intensity detection images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Michael David Bank
  • Patent number: 9134340
    Abstract: A method of investigating a sample surface. A probe is brought into close proximity with a first sample and scanned across the first sample. A response of the probe to its interaction with the sample is monitored using a detection system and a first data set is collected indicative of said response. The probe and/or sample is tilted through a tilt angle. The probe is scanned across the first sample or across a second sample after the tilting step, and a response of the probe to its interaction with the scanned sample is monitored using a detection system and a second data set is collected indicative of said response. The method includes the additional step of analyzing the first data set prior to tilting the probe and/or sample in order to determine the tilt angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: INFINITESIMA LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Humphris
  • Patent number: 9038434
    Abstract: In a method for calibrating a star probe of an image measuring machine, the star probe includes one or more probe heads. Probe configuration information for the star probe is configured when there is no probe configuration file of the star probe stored in a storage device of the image measuring machine, and one of the probe heads to be calibrated is selected from the star probe. The method calibrates a radius value of the selected probe head, and calibrates the deviation between the center point of the selected probe head and the focus of the camera lens. The method further generates a star probe model of the star probe according to the probe configuration information and the probe calibration information, and displays the star probe model of the star probe on a display device of the image measuring machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Kuang Chang, Zheng-Cai She, Zhong-Kui Yuan, Zhi-Jun Zou, Dong-Hai Li
  • Patent number: 9016106
    Abstract: An acting force is applied to a probe on the basis of a target speed serving as a probe speed in a stable copy scanning state of a target surface to be measured and a probe speed error serving as a difference between the target speed and a probe speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akinori Miyata
  • Patent number: 9003863
    Abstract: A controlling unit and a method of correcting an actual limit value of a sensor signal is described, wherein above or below the limit value a specific state of the sensor is recognized, the method including the steps of determining a new limit value of the sensor, determining a stability criteria to decide whether the actual limit value is corrected with said new limit value and approaching the actual limit value to the new limit value when the conditions are fulfilled to correct the actual limit value for said sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Kirsch, Christoph Biggel
  • Patent number: 8990042
    Abstract: A system and method that may sense and recognize a motion of a user is provided. The system and method may recognize a variety of motions of the user based on sensing data received from a remote controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Ju Han, Jung Bae Kim, Chi Youn Park
  • Patent number: 8978441
    Abstract: A method for mounting a substrate of a measurement graduation and a scanning head of a position measuring system on a first machine part and a second machine part. The method including fastening a substrate of a measurement graduation and a scanning head on first and second portions, respectively, of a mounting aid. The method including adjusting a location of the first portion relative to the second portion in a first degree of freedom that differs from a measurement direction in which a relative position of the first machine part relative to the second machine part is to be measured. The method including fastening the substrate and the scanning head on the first and second machine parts, respectively, at the mounting position. The method further including removing the mounting aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Pucher, Markus Kühler
  • Patent number: 8978440
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for calibrating a geodetic instrument, an instrument and a computer program product thereof. In the method and geodetic instrument of the present invention, a value of at least one parameter affecting the measurements made by the instrument is detected and compared with a predetermined threshold. On the basis of the comparison between the detected value and the predetermined threshold, the instrument aims at a reference target and a calibration is performed using the reference target. The present invention is advantageous in that the accuracy and reliability of the measurements performed by the instrument are increased. Further, the present invention is advantageous in that the requirements on mechanical stability are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble AB
    Inventor: Christian Grässer
  • Patent number: 8978442
    Abstract: An electric input key has an actuating surface and a plurality of displacement sensors which are each designed to generate a displacement signal when the actuating surface is touched. The input key also has an evaluation unit for evaluating the displacement signals and outputting a determined switching state. The input key has at least one analog displacement sensor, at least one digital displacement sensor, and a calibration device for calibrating the analog displacement sensor by using displacement signals measured by the digital displacement sensor. The evaluation unit is designed to carry out self-diagnosis by using calibrated and measured displacement signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Audi Ag
    Inventors: Harald Merklein, Martin Bauer
  • Patent number: 8978424
    Abstract: The invention relates to a housing device provided with a system for detecting the load applied to an element arranged in the housing, an internal part configured in such a way as to hold said element, and an external part for fixing the device to a mechanical group, the internal part being connected to the external part by at least two deformable connection parts in such a way that the internal part can be displaced in relation to the external part under the action of a load applied to the element. The system for detecting the applied load comprises a means for directly detecting the displacement of one of the parts, internal or external, in relation to the other part, external or internal, under the action of a load applied to the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Francois Niarfeix, Thierry Wable, Sebastiano Calvetto
  • Publication number: 20150068272
    Abstract: An interference determination method for machine tools which determines whether or not there will be interference between elements that move relative to each other, the method including: a setting procedure for setting a machine tool model obtained by combining the shape model of each of the elements including a work model corresponding to the work; a measurement procedure for measuring the position of the work attached to the work attachment part; a correction procedure for acquiring, at a predetermined timing, the position of the work measured in the measurement procedure, and correcting the machine tool model set in the setting procedure; and a determination procedure for determining whether or not there will be interference between the elements on the basis of the machine tool model corrected in the correction procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: MAKINO MILLING MACHINE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tadashi Kasahara
  • Publication number: 20150059431
    Abstract: A calibration control device for being coupled to a measuring device such as a caliper, micrometer, or gauge is provided. The calibration control device includes a circuit portion and couples to a coupling feature on the measuring device. A calibration limit portion defines a parameter limit as related to a usage limit for which the measuring device is certified as calibrated. A controller operates a host-side data connection portion of the calibration control device to output measuring data in a first mode when the usage limit is not exceeded, and operates the calibration control device to perform a calibration limit function when the usage limit is exceeded. The calibration limit function may include stopping the output of the measuring data through the host-side data connection or providing an out-of-calibration warning to the host, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Bruno Lefebvre, Michael Nahum, Kim W. Atherton
  • Patent number: 8965055
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for the calibration of at least one parameter of a laser engraver, the laser engraver comprising on one hand an engraving system with a focusing lens positioned at a distance of the surface of an substrate intended to be engraved and on the other hand a vision system for at least the positioning and the verification of the engraving, the vision system including a camera associated with an appropriate illumination and, wherein the engraving device of the laser is arranged in such way that the engraving device works to engrave a substrate with specific engraved layout corresponding to variation of at least one parameter and wherein the vision system is connected to a comparison device of at least one measured engraved parameter with the template value of at least one stored data in a memorization device connected to a engraving correction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Entrust Datacard Corporation
    Inventors: Benoit Berthe, Ulrich Bielesch
  • Patent number: 8943912
    Abstract: A proximity probe device for detecting rotating shaft deviation, wherein a rigid body has a pair of flat magnets for forcibly seating against a substantially flat surface area of a shaft bearing housing of magnetizable material, a threaded bore through the body for holding a proximity probe having a mating threaded casing, an angle indicator for assisting in placing the body on the surface area and a pair of spaced shoulders on a proximate edge surface of the body, wherein a sight plane for each of the shoulders is substantially tangential to the surface of a shaft in the shaft bearing housing to aid in aiming the probe at a desired location on the shaft surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Ken E. Singleton, Barry T. Cease
  • Patent number: 8939009
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating a rolling stand (3), wherein in order to determine the relative pivot position of the roller set for setting a symmetrical roll gap and/or for determining the extension of the rolling stand (3) before the actual rolling process, the roller set is pressed against each other under a radial preset force and the resulting deformation of the rolling stand is preferably measured on the piston-cylinder unit (6, 7). The pivot position of the roller set and/or the frame module (M) determined based thereon are mathematically used during the subsequent rolling of a rolling stock between the working rollers (1, 2) for adjusting the roller set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: SMS Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Seidel, Olaf Norman Jepsen
  • Publication number: 20140354797
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a calibration block for measuring warpage, a warpage measuring apparatus using the same, and a method thereof. The calibration block includes a substrate having one planar surface; and a stepped part forming a step at the center of the other surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Wan Woo, Ju Wan Nam, Young Nam Hwang, Kyung Ho Lee, Suk Jin Ham
  • Publication number: 20140345359
    Abstract: This invention concerns a gauge artefact including a base for mounting on a table of a coordinate positioning machine and a platform including at least two portions having a nominally identical geometric property. The platform is locatable relative to the base in at least two positions such that each of the at least two portions having the nominally identical geometric property can be presented at a common location relative to the base. The platform may be arranged such that the positions of the portions having a nominally identical geometric property can be interchanged by movement of the platform between at least two distinct positions. The positions may be interchanged through rotation of the platform. The invention also concerns a method of checking a coordinate measuring machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Leo Christopher Somerville
  • Publication number: 20140347431
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically calibrating a media sensor configured to detect advancing print media in a printing device. In some embodiments, the apparatus selects a first light intensity level and a second light intensity level greater than the first light intensity level. A light source unit, such as a light emitting diode or laser diode is activated to emit light at the second light intensity level. The light passes though print media, for example, a roll of self-adhesive labels, that is advanced along a print path of the printing device. The amount of light transmitted through the print media is measured as the print media advances. If the measured light increases, the light source unit is reactivated to emit light at the first light intensity level. In some embodiments, the apparatus identifies whether print media has changed or an out-of-stock condition exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: DATAMAX-O'NEIL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jose Sanchez, Ronald Schwallie
  • Patent number: 8884636
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor that can accurately detect displacement and prevents the phenomenon of a contact section between a shaft member and a sliding element receiver being shifted. The sensor comprising: a case having a through hole; a resistance substrate fixed at an inside of said case; a shaft member having a first end portion which is one end of the shaft member placed within said case and a second end portion which is other end of the shaft member exposed to an outside of said case from said through hole, said shaft member being placed at said through hole in a movable manner in an axial direction; and a sliding element receiver having a bearing end contacting with said second end portion of said shaft member, and attached with a brush sliding together with said resistance substrate, said sliding element receiver being capable of moving relatively against said resistance substrate with said shaft member. A hemispherical end face is formed at said first end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Eagle Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mikio Nitta
  • Publication number: 20140326039
    Abstract: The present invention includes a stroke sensor which is arranged on a hydraulic cylinder and measures a stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder; a rotary encoder and a magnetic force sensor which measure a reset reference point to reset a value of the stroke length measured by the stroke sensor; a stroke end detection processing unit which detects a stroke end position of the hydraulic cylinder; a calibration processing unit which calibrates the measured value of the stroke length when the reset reference point and/or the stroke end position is detected; an HMI monitor which displays an entire work machine mounted with the hydraulic cylinder when an initial calibration work for the hydraulic cylinder is carried out; and a highlight display processing unit that highlights a moving portion to drive a hydraulic cylinder to be calibrated along with an indication of a driving direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Ikegami, Yoshiki Kami, Yuki Shimano, Hayato Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20140326040
    Abstract: A device places a plug and simultaneously checks a correct position alignment of the plug with a holding element for fixing a hollow body. The device has at least one first and one second opening and a plug placement mechanism with which the plug is be inserted into the second opening of the hollow body. The device has a measuring head that is traversed by at least one channel. The channel can be fluidically connected to the first opening of the hollow body. The device can further include a pressure sensor which can be fluidically connected to the channel of the measuring head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander GLUNZ, Arno SCHROFF
  • Patent number: 8869588
    Abstract: Compensating reverberation and flight times in an ultrasonic positioning system includes establishing maximum flight and reverberation times for ultrasonic signals within an environment. These maximum times are added to define a maximum buffer time period. Ultrasonic signals are emitted sequentially from each of a plurality of emitters, where the ultrasonic signal from each emitter is separated in time by at least one maximum buffer time period. Afterwards, a reverberation and flight time for each ultrasonic signal is determined and then the flight time of the next subsequent emitter is subtracted to define an adjusted emit time for the emitter that emitted that ultrasonic signal. An emitting time for a next subsequent emitter as adjusted to maximize the refresh rate. Emitters are scheduled to emit such that the receiver is always receiving a signal or waiting for actual reverberation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell E. Calvarese
  • Patent number: 8866611
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) input sensing system includes a 3D input device, a host, and a power managing unit. The 3D input device includes at least one 3D motion sensing unit, and transmits a radio frequency (RF) signal obtained from detected motion of the 3D input device. The host receives the RF signal from the 3D input device and obtains 3D coordinate information of the 3D input device. The power managing unit controls supply of power in the 3D input device upon determining that the latter has remained motionless for a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Meng-Ta Yang
  • Publication number: 20140260522
    Abstract: A home position indicator that enhances the functionality of an incremental encoder with characteristics of an absolute encoder includes a target flag having a plurality of marks. In one embodiment, pairs of adjacent marks of the plurality of marks define sections between each adjacent pair of marks of the plurality of marks. Each section has a width, wherein one of the sections has a width greater than a width of another of the sections. A sensor sequentially senses two adjacent marks of said plurality of marks to determine a width of the section defined between the two adjacent marks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventor: The Raymond Corporation
  • Patent number: 8826719
    Abstract: A calibration artifact includes an elongated body made substantially entirely of ceramic material and having a direction of elongation. A plurality of measurement elements comprising the ceramic material are integrally formed with the elongated body, each measurement element comprising a first planar measurement surface facing in a first direction. The first planar measurement surface of each measurement element is parallel to the first planar measurement surface of each of the other measurement elements of the plurality of measurement elements. The calibration artifact may be a unitary step gauge formed with a single piece of ceramic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Weekers, John Langlais, David Harvey, Peter Hicks
  • Publication number: 20140245810
    Abstract: A calibration unit, system, and method for calibrating a device under test are provided. The calibration unit, system, and method use a single axis rotational unit to calibrate devices under test on a test head. The single axis rotation unit is configured to extend at an angle from a known axis. The test head can be designed in the shape of a frustum with multiple sides. The calibration unit, system, and method can use combinations of gravitational excitation, Helmholtz coil excitation, and rotational rate excitation for calibrating the device under test. The calibration unit, system, and method can calibrate a 3 degree for freedom or higher MEMS devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Kionix, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan L. STIRLING, Luke E. DeWalt, James E. Strait, Scott G. Adams
  • Patent number: 8825423
    Abstract: This document generally describes technology to verify the calibration of a materials testing system, such as a compact tension testing system. The calibration of a materials testing system can be verified based on the results generated from the materials testing system running one or more tests on a calibration specimen with one or more known characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Testquip, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas E. Brovold
  • Publication number: 20140202229
    Abstract: A mechanism by which a MEMS gyroscope sensor can be calibrated using data gathered from other sensors in a system incorporating the MEMS gyroscope sensor is provided. Data gathered from an accelerometer and a magnetometer in fixed orientation relative to the gyroscope is used to calculate changes in orientation of a system. A constant acceleration vector measured by the accelerometer and a constant magnetic vector measured by the magnetometer are used as reference vectors in a solution to Wahba's problem to calculate a rotation matrix providing the system's orientation with respect to those two constant vectors. By comparing changes in orientation from one time to a next time, measured rates of angular change can be calculated. The measured rates of angular change can be used along with observed gyroscope rates of angular change as input to a linear regression algorithm, which can be used to compute gyroscope trim parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Michael E. Stanley
  • Publication number: 20140174149
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a trigonometric-based ranging system in first and second transmissive media including, in each of the first and second media, determining a sensor matrix for a sensor of the system therein. Rotation and translation of a sensor axis of the sensor is measured relative to an ideal sensor axis, by determining the rotation and translation of a sensor co-ordinate system of the sensor in each of the first and second media concurrently, to provide a rotation/translation matrix for a field of view of the sensor in each of the first and second media. Rotation of a device axis of a structured signal-emitting device relative to an ideal device axis is measured by determining a relative change in the structured signal in the first medium and in the second medium, to generate a device rotation matrix to be applied to the structured signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: 2G Robotics Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Wicks, Jason Gillham, Shawn Satchell
  • Patent number: 8756973
    Abstract: A method of operating a coordinate positioning apparatus having a surface sensor that is rotatable about at least a first axis. The method comprises obtaining a first measurement with the surface sensor at a first angular orientation and obtaining a at least a second measurement with the surface sensor at a second angular orientation. The first and second angular orientations are different to each other such that any offset of the surface sensor from an expected position will have at least a partially opposing affect on the first and second measurements. The method then compensates and/or establishes for the offset using the first and second measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: David Sven Wallace, Jean-Louis Grzesiak
  • Publication number: 20140167745
    Abstract: An arrangement measures coordinates of a workpiece and/or machines the workpiece. The arrangement has a first part and a second part that can be moved relative to the first part. The relative mobility of the first and second parts is specified in addition to a possible mobility of a probe that is optionally additionally fixed to the arrangement. The mobility of the probe is specified by a deflection of the probe from a neutral position during a mechanical probing of the workpiece for the purpose of measuring the coordinates. A measuring body is arranged on the first or second part, and at least one sensor is arranged on the other part, i.e. on the second or first part. The sensor generates a measurement signal corresponding to a position of the measuring body and thus corresponding to the relative position of the first and second part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIELLE MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Tobias Held, Rainer Sagemueller, Dominik Seitz, Tobias Woletz
  • Publication number: 20140165693
    Abstract: A construction machine includes a sensor unit having a measurement range. The sensor unit is variable in its orientation relative to the construction machine, whereby position or orientation of the measurement range relative to the construction machine is also variable. The sensor unit is configured for detecting position of an external reference. The construction machine further includes a setup assistance system including a display configured to indicate to an operator while the sensor unit is oriented relative to the reference in which direction the sensor unit has to be moved in order for the reference to be located in the measurement range. The sensor unit is configured to detect a position of the reference relative to the sensor unit in at least two dimensions, and the display is configured to display the position of the reference relative to the measurement range for the at least two detected dimensions simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: JOSEPH VOEGELE AG
    Inventors: Martin BUSCHMANN, Achim EUL, Jens HERRMANN
  • Publication number: 20140165692
    Abstract: An online method for reconfiguring pressure and position sensors in a hydraulic system is disclosed. In one step, a sensor drift condition, a recalibration request, or an unisolated fault condition is detected. In another step, a system pressure sensor or another sensor, such as a load-sense pressure sensor, is verified as a trusted master reference sensor. Another step includes measuring and recording a first pressure reading at the master reference sensor and first voltage readings associated with first, second, third, and fourth pressure slave sensors at a first pump pressure set point. Another step includes, repeating the previous step at a second pump pressure set point. A new gain and offset for each of the first, second, third, and fourth pressure sensors can be calculated based on a comparison of the recoded first and second pressure readings and the recorded first and second voltage readings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Berne Rannow
  • Publication number: 20140157861
    Abstract: A series of nominally identical production workpieces is measured on a measuring apparatus. To correct for temperature variations, one of the workpieces forms a master artefact, the dimensions of which are known. The artefact is measured on the measuring apparatus at two or more temperatures, producing two or more corresponding sets of measured dimensional values of the master artefact at the respective temperatures. One or more error maps, look-up tables, or functions are generated which relate the measured dimensional values of the artefact to the known dimensions of the artefact. The error map(s), look-up table(s) or function(s) are dependent on the respective temperatures at which the artefact was measured. Correction values derived from the error map(s), look-up table(s) or function(s) are used to correct the measurements of production workpieces in the series. These correction values are determined in dependence upon the temperature at which the workpiece measurements were obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Kevyn Barry Jonas, Leo Christopher Somerville
  • Patent number: 8739598
    Abstract: A method of calibrating positions within a materials handling system, wherein the materials handling system includes multiple stations for carrying out tasks and a carrier that is movable between the multiple stations, includes the steps of: providing calibration points at a plurality of the multiple stations; moving the carrier to at least some of the calibration points; contacting the calibration points; recording the locations of the calibration points; and determining locations of key components of the stations based on the locations of the calibration points. In some embodiments, the method includes contacting the calibration points with a calibration tool, which may include: a cylindrical body; a groove in the cylindrical body sized and configured to receive jaws from the carrier; and a cylindrical upper flange positioned on an upper end of the cylindrical body. In this configuration, the tool can be gripped by the carrier and employed to perform a variety of calibration functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Uebel, James Robert Rivenbark, Jr., Jonathan Daniel Brandmeyer, Christopher Todd Hilliard
  • Publication number: 20140130571
    Abstract: A method and a system, for offsetting measurement of machine tool, includes following steps. A tool seat is chosen, a first coordinate is set based on a first datum mark of the tool seat. There is a total tool seat assembling length in between the first datum mark and the tool seat. A tool is chosen, assembled in the tool seat, and includes a total tool length. A second coordinate is set based on a second datum mark of a measuring unit. The tool seat is moved to make a machining end of the tool contact with the second coordinate to obtain a relative total length in between the first and the second coordinate. The total tool length subtracts from the relative total length equals an assembled offset length. The total tool seat assembling length subtracts from the relative total length equals and obtains a tool assembling length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
  • Patent number: 8712723
    Abstract: A method for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor includes continuously determining an orientation of the inertial sensor, assigning a dominant axis, updating the dominant axis as the orientation of the inertial sensor changes, and counting periodic human motions by monitoring accelerations relative to the dominant axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: DP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Kahn, Arthur Kinsolving, Mark Andrew Christensen, Brian Y. Lee, David Vogel
  • Patent number: 8695397
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating a sensor which is configured for checking value documents. The sensor senses measurement signals of a calibration medium which is transported past the sensor. From the sensed measurement signals there are determined reference data of the calibration medium and there is moreover determined a transport property of the calibration medium, e.g. the transport speed or the transport position of the calibration medium. From the transport property there is ascertained at least one correction value which is employed for correcting the sensed reference data of the calibration medium. After the calibration, the corrected reference data are compared with target data of the calibration medium. Optionally there is then effected an adjustment of the sensor using the corrected reference data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: David Sacquard, Jurgen Schutzmann
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140083161
    Abstract: A measuring station system for calibrating a reference system for vehicle measurement has at least one image recording device, a calibration device having multiple calibration device reference features, and a calibration frame having at least three support points which are designed for accommodating a reference system carrier for the reference system to be calibrated. The calibration frame has at least three calibration frame reference features. The positions of the support points and of the calibration frame reference features in a shared coordinate system are known.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GMBH
    Inventors: Darko Pucnik, Christian Wagmann, Jochen Backes, Sven Hodissen, Volker Uffenkamp
  • Publication number: 20140083162
    Abstract: A measuring device for in-process measurement of test pieces during a machining operation on a machine tool, in particular a grinding machine, has a base body, and a measuring head movable between a neutral position and a measuring position and which is connected to the base body via a rod assembly which is configured and set up in such a way that the measuring head in the measuring position follows orbital rotations of a test piece about a rotational axis. The measuring head has a measuring sensor which is deflectable along a linear axis for recording measured values during a measuring operation. A control apparatus is provided for controlling the measuring operation. The control apparatus is configured and set up in such a way that the measuring device may be calibrated in a calibration mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Jörg SEEWIG
  • Publication number: 20140088904
    Abstract: A system may be provided for limiting false detections of occupancy caused by air flow. The system may include control unit and sensors that detect motion in one or more areas, where the control unit and the sensors are connected by a network. The control unit may determine that the area or areas are unoccupied, and autotune parameters of the sensors so that the sensors indicate that the area or areas are unoccupied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: REDWOOD SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Covaro
  • Publication number: 20140083163
    Abstract: An electric input key has an actuating surface and a plurality of displacement sensors which are each designed to generate a displacement signal when the actuating surface is touched. The input key also has an evaluation unit for evaluating the displacement signals and outputting a determined switching state. The input key has at least one analog displacement sensor, at least one digital displacement sensor, and a calibration device for calibrating the analog displacement sensor by using displacement signals measured by the digital displacement sensor. The evaluation unit is designed to carry out self-diagnosis by using calibrated and measured displacement signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Harald Merklein, Martin Bauer
  • Publication number: 20140067306
    Abstract: Described are methods and systems for controlling sensor use on an electronic device, the electronic device having a first sensor defining at least one first sensor axis, the method comprising: detecting a first sensor reading; determining an orientation of the electronic device; and, disabling the detection of the first sensor reading in respect an identified first sensor axis when the first sensor reading in respect of the identified first sensor axis is substantially not expected to change for at least a predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert George OLIVER, Adam Louis PARCO, Nathan Daniel Pozniak BUCHANAN