Displacement, Motion, Distance, Or Position Patents (Class 73/1.79)
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Patent number: 8166796Abstract: A self-calibrating apparatus comprises a primary device and a test structure fabricated on an integrated circuit chip. The primary device and the test structure have at least one unknown property due to a fabrication process of the integrated circuit chip. An electrical measurand sensor is configured to measure an electrical measurand of the test structure. A controller coupled to the primary device and electrical measurand sensor. The controller is configured to calculate the at least one unknown property of the test structure based on the measured electrical measurand and use the calculated at least one unknown property to calibrate the primary device.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Purdue Research FoundationInventor: Jason Vaughn Clark
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Patent number: 8165839Abstract: A method is proposed for calibrating an instrument location facility with an imaging apparatus. The instrument location apparatus and the imaging apparatus are synchronized temporally with one another. According to such synchronization at least three points of the position of a medical instrument relative to a tracking coordinate system of the instrument location apparatus and/or relative to an image coordinate system of the imaging apparatus are measured simultaneously both by the instrument location apparatus and by the imaging apparatus. The instrument and/or the imaging apparatus are moved relative to one another between the measurements. The measured points parameterize a predetermined transformation rule for mapping the tracking coordinate system onto the image coordinate system.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jan Boese, Matthias John
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Patent number: 8165964Abstract: Implementations may include a computer system for detecting counterfeited products. The system may include a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit may be configured to receive a representation of sensor data being measured at different times by a sensor unit associated with a product. The processing unit may be configured to compute a deviation of the sensor data from data of a transport profile for the product and to compute from the deviation a counterfeit value representing an estimate value for the probability that the product is counterfeited.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: SAP AGInventor: Nina Oertel
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Patent number: 8159681Abstract: A measuring device for determining the relative offset between two components in a z-direction includes two measuring members. A first measuring member is affixable on a first component, and the second measuring member is affixable on a second component. Furthermore, the measuring device includes a sensor device for determining the relative position of the two measuring members. The first measuring member and the second measuring member are affixable on the first components at a rigid angle. At least one of the measuring members is able to be brought into adhesive contact with the first component or the second component. The measuring device includes support members for at least one measuring member so that the measuring member is able to assume a parking or an operating position. The measuring members are precisely and reproducibly aligned in space relative to each other in the parking position.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbHInventors: Gerhard Bock, Michael Hermann, Wolfgang Holzapfel, Karsten Saendig, Johannes Trautner
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Patent number: 8157537Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and system for wireless remote monitoring and controlling a sucker rod pump for producing hydrocarbons, providing self-adjusting methods for operation over a wide-range of operating conditions according to algorithms that automatically compensate for offset and amplitude drift in sensor data, automatically identify pump off conditions, and automatically optimize hold down time.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Petrolog Automation, IncInventor: Cesar Antonio Chavez Zapata
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Patent number: 8151622Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Mark Uebel, James Robert Rivenbark, Jr., Jonathan Daniel Brandmeyer, Christopher Todd Hilliard
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Publication number: 20120079869Abstract: A sortation conveyor includes a method of calibrating the control system to provide a calibration value indicative of the spacial correlation between the sort induct sensor and the first shoe sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: Intelligrated Headquarters, LLCInventor: Troy E. Asman
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Publication number: 20120067106Abstract: 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 comprises 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: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventors: Andreas Kirsch, Christoph Biggel
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Publication number: 20120065912Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a calibration member, an imaging device and a proximity sensor. The calibration member is configured to be removably coupled to a deck of a liquid handling system. The calibration member has an alignment portion configured to matingly engage a portion of the deck such that a position of the calibration member is fixed with respect to the deck. The imaging device is coupled to the calibration member such that an axis of a lens of the imaging device intersects the deck at a first predetermined location relative to a deck reference point in at least a first dimension and a second dimension. The proximity sensor is coupled to the calibration member such that a calibration reference point on the proximity sensor is at a second predetermined location relative to the deck reference point in a third dimension.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: L. Andrew CORKAN, Daniel V. Romanelli
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Patent number: 8117908Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a position measuring device for a fluidic cylinder, which includes a cylinder jacket and a piston rod longitudinally movable in the cylinder jacket, wherein the position measuring device includes an evaluation unit which determines the position of the piston rod with respect to the cylinder jacket with reference to the intrinsic capacitance of the capacitor formed by cylinder jacket, piston rod and a dielectric fluid acting as a dielectric.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Liebherr-Elektronik GmbHInventors: Alfred Engler, Nejat Mahdavi, Christian Thuerigen
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Patent number: 8103153Abstract: In a method for reliably monitoring the speed of a moveable coordinate measuring device, a first value of the speed is calculated from measured values of the coordinate measurement system. The measured values contain information on positions of the coordinate measuring device. The measured values are further used to determine the coordinates of a measurement object. A second value of the speed is ascertained from measurement signals of at least one additional movement sensor. The measurement signals can also be used for controlling a drive device of the coordinate measuring device. A fault signal can be generated if the first value and/or the second value deviate from one another, from a predetermined value and/or a limit value according to a predefined criterion.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbHInventors: Peter Uhl, Günter Grupp, Thomas Maier
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Patent number: 8096163Abstract: The invention relates to a method for verifying the calibration status of an optical tracking system (1), wherein: a calibration apparatus (20, 40), which comprises a tracking marker configuration (27, 28; 41, 42), is moved to within the detection range of the tracking system (1); the tracking markers (27, 28; 41, 42) of the calibration apparatus (20, 40) are detected by the tracking system; the arrangement of the tracking markers (27, 28; 41, 42) is changed and/or moved into a state such that the tracking system (1) experiences a detection problem; the arrangement of the tracking markers (27, 28; 41, 42) which causes the detection problem is gauged and/or a range of arrangements for the tracking markers (27, 28; 41, 42) which causes the detection problem is gauged; and the tracking system (1) is determined to have a calibration error when the gauged arrangement and/or range of arrangements does not have a predetermined value or is not within a predetermined range of values.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Brainlab AGInventor: Gunter Goldbach
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Publication number: 20120000269Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventors: Wolfgang Pucher, Markus Kühler
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Patent number: 8079246Abstract: The present invention provides a device for in-situ monitoring of material, process and dynamic properties of a MEMS device. The monitoring device includes a pair of comb drives, a cantilever suspension comprising a translating shuttle operatively connected with the pair of comb drives, structures for applying an electrical potential to the comb drives to displace the shuttle, structures for measuring an electrical potential from the pair of comb drives; measuring combs configured to measure the displacement of the shuttle, and structures for measuring an electrical capacitance of the measuring combs. Each of the comb drives may have differently sized comb finger gaps and a different number of comb finger gaps. The shuttle may be formed on two cantilevers perpendicularly disposed with the shuttle, whereby the cantilevers act as springs to return the shuttle to its initial position after each displacement.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: David Garmire, Hyuck Choo, Richard S. Muller, James Demmel, Sanjay Govindjee
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Patent number: 8067707Abstract: A self-calibrating sensor includes a housing, an input lever coupled to the housing and configured to contact a device to be sensed, and an actuating element configured to automatically reposition an output device to a calibrated position. The sensor also includes a cam ring that is configured to move the output device to the calibrated position based on an input received from the actuating element and a lock ring coupled to the input lever. In one exemplary embodiment, the output device is an electrical contact assembly that is slidably engaged with the cam ring. During operation, the cam ring is configured to reposition the electrical contact assembly based on the input received from actuating element.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Robert F. Limoges
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Publication number: 20110277534Abstract: A method of calibrating an articulating probe head comprising the steps of measuring an artefact of known dimensions with the workpiece sensing probe mounted on the articulating probe head, in which the articulating probe head is unlocked. An error functional map is generated corresponding to the difference between the measured and known dimensions of the artefact. Subsequent workpieces are measured with the articulating probe head unlocked and the corresponding correction applied. The true dimensions of the artefact may be determined by measuring it with a probe mounted on an articulating probe head in which the axes of the articulating probe head are locked. A mechanical lock is provided to lock the axes of the articulating probe head.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: Renishaw plcInventors: David Roberts McMurtry, Geoff McFarland, Kenneth Cheng-Hoe Nai, Stephen James Trull, Nicholas John Weston
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Publication number: 20110271736Abstract: A system for determining a setpoint associated with a position of a pedal in an automobile of type that includes two sensors each measuring a value associated with the pedal position. The system includes a mechanism capable of switching between a first and second state on a predetermined switching position of the pedal, and a mechanism generating the setpoint on the basis of the measures from the two sensors and of a current state of the switching mechanism. The generation mechanism is capable of selecting the measure corresponding to the smallest of the pedal positions when the switching mechanism is in the first state, and selecting the measure corresponding to the largest of the pedal positions when the switching mechanism is in the second state.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.Inventor: Christophe Dang Van Nhan
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Patent number: 8051564Abstract: A method for fabricating a nozzle segment for use within a turbine nozzle assembly. The method comprises providing a nozzle segment including an outer band, an inner band, and at least one vane extending there between, wherein at least one of the inner band and the outer band is formed with a transition piece groove defined therein, positioning an inspection tool in contact with the nozzle assembly such that the inspection tool is aligned relative to the nozzle segment using at least one datum, and verifying an alignment of each transition piece groove using the inspection tool.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Graham David Sherlock, Christopher Edward Thompson
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Patent number: 8037736Abstract: Determination of non-linearity of a positioning scanner of a measurement tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method may include providing a probe of a measurement tool coupled to a positioning scanner; scanning a surface of a first sample with the surface at a first angle relative to the probe to attain a first profile; scanning the surface of the first sample with the surface at a second angle relative to the probe that is different than the first angle to attain a second profile; repeating the scannings to attain a plurality of first profiles and a plurality of second profiles; and determining a non-linearity of the positioning scanner using the different scanning angles to cancel out measurements corresponding to imperfections due to the surface of the sample. The non-linearity may be used to calibrate the positioning scanner.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: George W. Banke, Jr., James M. Robert, Carlos Strocchia-Rivera
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Publication number: 20110247391Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: SMS SIEMAG AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Jürgen Seidel, Olaf Norman Jepsen
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Patent number: 8020425Abstract: A locating device, in particular a handheld locating device, for detecting objects enclosed in a medium, includes a first device for detecting objects enclosed in a medium, and having a control and evaluation unit for measurement signals of the locating device. The device has a second detection device that makes it possible to detect a predeterminable distance d of the locating device from a surface of a medium. In addition, a method for calibrating a measurement device, in particular for calibrating a handheld locating device for detecting objects enclosed in a medium, a reference measurement for calibrating the measurement device is carried out only after at least one measurement has been carried out of a distance d of the measurement device from a surface of a medium.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Uwe Skultety-Betz, Bjoern Haase, Michael Mahler, Ulli Hoffmann, Reiner Krapf, Christoph Wieland
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Patent number: 8014900Abstract: A system and method for detecting a traveling state. The system includes an image receiving unit acquiring two consecutive images and detecting first traveling information from image information regarding each of the two consecutive images, a traveling information processing unit connected to a driver moving in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the images are acquired, the traveling information processing unit detecting second traveling information from information regarding the driver, and a control unit determining the traveling state based on the first traveling information and the second traveling information.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sun-gi Hong, Jeong-gon Song
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Publication number: 20110204197Abstract: An aerial movement system and method for calibrating same includes, generally, registration points and wireless position transceivers proximate the registration points and the object that communicate with a computer and allow for the computer to determine the appropriate amount of support lines to draw in or release.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: CABLECAM, INC.Inventor: Stephen Wharton
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Patent number: 7997117Abstract: A method of calibrating an electrically controlled hydraulic valve having a known relationship between flow rate through the valve and displacement of a valve element is disclosed. The method includes ascertaining a first current level for actuating the electrically controlled hydraulic valve to move the valve element to a position adjacent an inlet port, and a first displacement of the valve element responsive to the first current level. The method also includes ascertaining a second current level for actuating the electrically controlled hydraulic valve to move the valve element from the position adjacent the inlet port to a position permitting flow through the inlet port, and ascertaining a second displacement of the valve element responsive to the second current level. The method further includes establishing a relationship between current and displacement associated with the electrically controlled hydraulic valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jiao Zhang, Benjamin Yoo, Aleksandar M. Egelja, Tonglin Shang, Matthew James Beschorner
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Patent number: 7988440Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus and a method for the measurement of the vertical position of upper and lower punches, pairwisely associated to a rotatably driven rotor of a rotary tablet press and rotating synchronously with the rotor, which perform a vertical movement in certain regions along the circumference of their rotational movement during a rotation of the rotor. The apparatus features at least one scale arranged on at least one of the upper and/or lower punches, running in parallel to the vertical movement direction of the respective upper and/or lower punch, and at least one reading device associated to the scale, also rotating synchronously with the rotor, by means of which a vertical position of the respective upper and/or lower punch can be measured by reading out the scale. The inventions is furthermore related to a corresponding rotary tablet press and a corresponding method.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Fette GmbHInventors: Ingo Schmidt, Keno Freyer, Werner Seifert, Wolfram Lämmerhirt
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Publication number: 20110179851Abstract: A method for producing a mouth guard having an encapsulated sensor module. The method includes vacuum forming a first sheet of thermoplastic material using a mold to produce a first mouth guard layer, attaching a sensor module to the first mouth guard layer with a hot melt adhesive, vacuum forming a second sheet of thermoplastic material over the sensor module to produce a second mouth guard layer, storing a default threshold level in the sensor module, and calibrating the sensor module to account for sensor alignment. In an example embodiment, the first and second layers are formed such that they define an open area that allows a user's tongue to touch their upper palate after the mouth guard has been inserted and such that the layers define a channel for accepting a plurality of teeth, including the incisors of a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2011Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: X2IMPACT, INC.Inventors: Christoph Mack, Jed McCann, Christopher B. Doughty, Robert Snook, Zachary Williams
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Publication number: 20110174050Abstract: Support device (1) for probe (2) to measure the physical characteristics of air in contact with an aerodynamic surface (3) comprises: a rod (9) affixed to a probe (2) to distance probe (2) from an aerodynamic surface (3) such that probe (2) measures the air undisturbed by the aerodynamic surface (3); a support (4) adapted to be affixed to the aerodynamic surface (3) to which the foregoing rod (9) is connected such that support (4) permits rotation of rod (9) about the principal axis (12) of probe (9) to calibrate the position of probe (2) and such that the rotation of rod (9) may be locked once the position of probe (2) has been calibrated. An aerodynamic surface (3) comprising device (1), and a method for the calibration of probe (2) to measure the physical characteristics of the air in contact with an aerodynamic surface (3) are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: EADS CONSTRUCCIONES AERONAUTICAS, S.A.Inventor: Rafael Huertos Sanz
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Publication number: 20110174051Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: Giesecke & Devrient GmbHInventors: David Sacquard, Jurgen Schutzmann
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Publication number: 20110146371Abstract: An iterative method for calibrating a transducer array characterized by calibration parameters, based on time delay measurements between transducer pairs, comprising the steps of: creating a distance data set that includes pairwise distances between estimated positions of transducer; forming a time delay measurement data set that includes time delay measurements between transducer pairs; generating from the time delay measurement data set an estimate of at least one calibration parameter; modifying the time delay measurement data set and the distance data set based on the estimated calibration parameters; denoising the modified distance data set with an iterative algorithm; updating the estimated positions of transducers based on the denoised modified distance data set; and repeating at least a portion of the steps until the difference between the estimated positions of transducer pairs and updated estimated positions of transducers satisfies a stopping criterion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Olivier Roy, Neb Duric, Ivana Jovanovic, Martin Vetterli
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Publication number: 20110132066Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Mark Uebel, James Robert Rivenbark, JR., Jonathan Daniel Brandmeyer, Christopher Todd Hilliard
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Publication number: 20110132065Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Mark Uebel, James Robert Rivenbark, JR., Jonathan Daniel Brandmeyer, Christopher Todd Hilliard
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Publication number: 20110125441Abstract: Optical distortion calibration for an Electro-Optical sensor in a chamber eliminates calibration of the mirror controller and allows for calibration while the target is in motion across the FOV thus providing a more efficient and accurate calibration. A target pattern is projected through sensor optics with line of sight motion across the sensor FOV to generate a sequence of frames. Knowing that the true distances between the same targets remain constant with line of sight motion across the sensor's FOV, coefficients of a function F representative of the non-linear distortion in the sensor optics are fit from observed target positions in a subset of frames to true line of sight so that distances between targets are preserved as the pattern moves across the FOV. The coefficients are stored as calibration terms with the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Darin S. Williams, Jodean D. Wendt
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Publication number: 20110110392Abstract: A method of calibrating a position sensor in an automotive transmission having a transmission housing having mounted therein a casing (10) for the position sensor which includes a pressure member (14) movably supported in the casing (10), and an electrical displacement sensor (38) actuated by the pressure member (14) for measuring the position of the pressure member (14) relative to the casing (10), such that, after the casing (10) of the position sensor has been mounted in the transmission housing, the displacement sensor (38) is used for performing at least one calibration measurement for at least one gear position, and, for each gear position to be detected, a tolerance range for the corresponding measurement value of the displacement sensor is defined on the basis of the result of the calibration measurement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: ROLLAX GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Wolfgang Rösch, Thomas Ullrich
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Publication number: 20110088448Abstract: Calibration instrument for an altimetric device delivering an indication of the altitude of the location where it is located on the basis of an atmospheric pressure measurement, characterized in that it includes means for transmitting a signal carrying data representative of the altitude at which it is placed. The invention also concerns a device delivering an indication of the altitude of the place where it is located on the basis of an atmospheric pressure measurement and a calibration system including a calibration instrument and an altimetric device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: EM MICROELECTRONIC-MARIN SAInventor: Michel Willemin
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Publication number: 20110083489Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: ARZNEIMITTEL GMBH APOTHEKER VETTER & CO. RAVENSBURGInventors: Alexander Glunz, Arno Schroff
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Patent number: 7921690Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Mark Uebel, James Robert Rivenbark, Jr., Jonathan Daniel Brandmeyer, Christopher Todd Hilliard
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Publication number: 20110077890Abstract: Thermal drifts compensation method in a gaging device (1) with a transducer; the compensation method includes the steps of: determining and storing, in the course of a calibration operation, values of a thermal compensation coefficient (K) upon variation of a temperature (T) of the gaging device (1); detecting, in the course of a gaging operation, a current reading (X) of the gaging device (1); detecting, in the course of the gaging operation, a current temperature (T) of the gaging device (1); determining, in the course of the gaging operation, the current value of the thermal compensation coefficient (K) by means of the values of the thermal compensation coefficient (K) previously determined and stored in the course of the calibration operation as a function of both the current temperature (T) of the gaging device (1) and the current reading (X) of the gaging device (1); and correcting, in the course of the gaging operation, the current reading (X) of the gaging device (1) by means of the current value of tType: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Bruno Zanetti, Matteo Aldrovandi, William Montanari
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Publication number: 20110061441Abstract: A gantry stage orthogonality error measurement method and error compensation method for homing processing includes: decoding and storing an encoder value of a current position of the Gantry stage that structurally matches an orthogonality; monitoring at least one of (a) sensors for homing processing and (b) encoder index signals respectively set on a master axis and a slave axis of the Gantry stage while the Gantry stage is driven at low speed; and in the event that the index signal is detected, decoding a linear encoder value of at least one of (a) the master axis and (b) slave axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Byoung gwan Ko
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Publication number: 20110066393Abstract: A measuring apparatus (1; 1?) for measuring a manipulator (10), with a measuring body (2; 2?) having at least one measurement point (3; 3?) that is fixed in relation to the measuring body for determining a position (TTCP,3; TTCP,3?) relative to a reference point (TCP) that is fixed in relation to the manipulator, and an attaching device connected to the measuring body (5) for fixing on the surroundings, includes at least one calibration point (7; 7?) connected to the measuring apparatus for determining a position (TR, M; TR,M?) relative to the surroundings and/or at least one measurement point (6) positioned on the attaching device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: KUKA ROBOTER GMBHInventors: Michael Groll, Thomas Purrucker, Dietmar Tscharnuter
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Patent number: 7905027Abstract: A method for determining probe tip diameters with improved accuracy and reliability that includes performing a routine for determining probe tip diameter multiple times with the arm of the coordinate measurement machine in different machine positions. Diameter values associated with each of the calibration routines may be combined in a manner that provides more accurate diameter measurements.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Hexagon Metrology, Inc.Inventor: Richard MacManus
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Publication number: 20110048103Abstract: A method and a system for motion tracking, capable of tracking a trajectory of a movable object by an architecture having at least three accelerometers arranged in a predefined structure. The trajectory, displacement and rotational angle of the movable object are determined by ways of extrapolation, numerical calibration and vector transformation according to the acceleration signals detected by the at least three accelerometers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Chao-Min Su, Tsun Chieh Chiang, Chih-Wei Yi, Wen-Tein Chai, Pin-Chuan Liu, Jiun-Long Huang
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Publication number: 20110048102Abstract: A circuit to detect a movement of an object has a calibration time period that ends when peak detectors in the circuit stop updating for a predetermined amount of time. A method associated with the circuit is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Devon Fernandez, Glenn A. Forrest
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Publication number: 20110048104Abstract: A test sample is provided for testing performance of measuring and monitoring equipment for production lines, for example for foodstuffs or pharmaceuticals, and in particular, contamination monitoring equipment employing X-rays and/or metal detectors to spot foreign bodies in packaged products. The test sample may comprise a laminated card enclosing a standardised test piece such as a metal particle of specified size. The card or other sample bears at least one identification containing a barcode, readable by an optical scanner. To test the equipment, a card is placed on a product package passing through the equipment, the optical scanner reads the barcode to confirm that the correct test sample has been submitted, and the results for the test sample are recorded in a computer log. If the results do not match those expected from the particular test sample submitted, the equipment fails the test and requires recalibration or repair.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: CHEYNEY DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT LIMITEDInventor: Richard John Parmee
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Publication number: 20110041585Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary encoder comprising internal error control with a monitoring unit comprising at least a computing module, a verification means, a memory unit and an alarm unit. The invention also relates to a method for checking a rotary encoder when said encoder is in operation, the rotary encoder generating at least one measuring signal pair representative of the amount of rotation. In order to be able to determine the functioning of the rotary encoder, even when said rotary encoder is stationary, it is provided according to the present invention that a characteristic value should be created in the monitoring unit from current amplitude values of the measuring signal pair, said characteristic value being used in a comparison with at least one quality value representative of the functional states of the rotary encoder.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2008Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventors: Bernhard Hiller, Jochen Wilhelmy, Roland Kirchberger
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Patent number: 7885743Abstract: An electric mirror control device provided with a proportionality constant conversion means for converting the proportionality constant of a detection output voltage to the angle of a mirror surface to be positive or negative. When an up-down sensor and a right-left sensor for detecting the angle of the mirror surface have a plurality of specifications, each of which has a different proportionality constant of the detection output voltage to the angle of the mirror surface, controller determines the specification of the angle sensors based on whether the proportionality constant of the detection output voltage output via the proportionality constant conversion means is positive or negative, and controls an up-down motor or a right-left motor in accordance with the determined specification stored in advance.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiki Noro, Kenji Shioiri
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Patent number: 7882723Abstract: A form measuring mechanism (100) which measures form of an object (102) by bringing a probe (124) into direct contact with the object includes a plurality of reference spheres (130a, 130b) for calibrating the probe, a judging system/controller (154) for judging form abnormal values common in position and size to each other and form abnormal values not common to each other obtained by measuring the reference spheres, and a notifying display unit (156) for notifying at least any one of a contamination or dust adhering state of the probe judged from the common form abnormal values and a worn state and contamination or dust adhering states of the reference spheres judged from the form abnormal values not common to each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: Yasuhiro Takahama, Masaoki Yamagata
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Patent number: 7869976Abstract: An electric power generator system is provided with improved power efficiency due to a reduced sensitivity to errors in the sensing of angular rotor position. The system includes a power generator with a rotor, and a position encoder connected to sense angular position of the rotor and to generate a position signal accordingly. A processor receives the position signal, calculates an angular position in response, calculates an estimated angular position based on earlier received position signals, and finally generates a processed angular position based on the calculated angular position and the estimated angular position. This processed angular position is a more reliable measure of the rotor position, reducing the influence of short-term errors in the position signal, allowing normal wind turbine operation during temporary position encoder failure, and allowing an orderly shutdown during complete position encoder failure.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Kim Brøndum Larsen, Mogens Lønberg Lau, Flemming Buus Bendixen
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Publication number: 20110000277Abstract: A method for determining probe tip diameters with improved accuracy and reliability that includes performing a routine for determining probe tip diameter multiple times with the arm of the coordinate measurement machine in different machine positions. Diameter values associated with each of the calibration routines may be combined in a manner that provides more accurate diameter measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: Hexagon Metrology, Inc.Inventor: Richard MacManus
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Patent number: 7860681Abstract: Combination is disclosed for deriving and displaying the full complement of nine dynamic parameters associated with a mechanical motion transmission system; the parameters comprise: (1) angular displacement, (2) angular velocity, (3) angular acceleration, (4) moment of force (i.e. torque), (5) kinetic energy, (6) work, (7) power, (8) momentum and (9) impulse. Quasi-instantaneous, absolute measurements are derived from elapsed-time measurements between successive sensing of fixed, equal, position events such as electric pulses generated by an incremental shaft encoder. The parameters are displayed on the X and Y axes of a Cartesian or other suitable graph where the X-axis (i.e. the independent axis) indicates the angular displacement of the encoder expressed as a succession of fixed, equal position events in the units of radians. The Y-axis (i.e. the dependent axis) indicates the absolute value of the parameters.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Inventors: Stanley R. Schaub, Pieter Van Vliet
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Publication number: 20100319207Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine has a probe head, a calibrating body and an apparatus for recording and correcting measured values obtained by the probe head. A mechanical flexibility at predetermined points on the surface of the calibrating body is determined. The mechanical flexibility is stored in the apparatus in the form of a data record. The calibrating body is scanned point by point by means of the probe head in order to obtain the measured values. Thereafter, the probe head is calibrated by correcting the measured values using the data record. A similar approach can also be used on workpieces having a known mechanical flexibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventor: Tobias HELD