Displacement, Motion, Distance, Or Position Patents (Class 73/1.79)
  • Patent number: 8166796
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventor: Jason Vaughn Clark
  • Patent number: 8165839
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jan Boese, Matthias John
  • Patent number: 8165964
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventor: Nina Oertel
  • Patent number: 8159681
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Bock, Michael Hermann, Wolfgang Holzapfel, Karsten Saendig, Johannes Trautner
  • Patent number: 8157537
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Petrolog Automation, Inc
    Inventor: Cesar Antonio Chavez Zapata
  • Patent number: 8151622
    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: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Uebel, James Robert Rivenbark, Jr., Jonathan Daniel Brandmeyer, Christopher Todd Hilliard
  • Publication number: 20120079869
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Intelligrated Headquarters, LLC
    Inventor: Troy E. Asman
  • Publication number: 20120067106
    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 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: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Andreas Kirsch, Christoph Biggel
  • Publication number: 20120065912
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: L. Andrew CORKAN, Daniel V. Romanelli
  • Patent number: 8117908
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Liebherr-Elektronik GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Engler, Nejat Mahdavi, Christian Thuerigen
  • Patent number: 8103153
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Uhl, Günter Grupp, Thomas Maier
  • Patent number: 8096163
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventor: Gunter Goldbach
  • Publication number: 20120000269
    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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Wolfgang Pucher, Markus Kühler
  • Patent number: 8079246
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: David Garmire, Hyuck Choo, Richard S. Muller, James Demmel, Sanjay Govindjee
  • Patent number: 8067707
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Limoges
  • Publication number: 20110277534
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Renishaw plc
    Inventors: David Roberts McMurtry, Geoff McFarland, Kenneth Cheng-Hoe Nai, Stephen James Trull, Nicholas John Weston
  • Publication number: 20110271736
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventor: Christophe Dang Van Nhan
  • Patent number: 8051564
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Graham David Sherlock, Christopher Edward Thompson
  • Patent number: 8037736
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: George W. Banke, Jr., James M. Robert, Carlos Strocchia-Rivera
  • Publication number: 20110247391
    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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: SMS SIEMAG AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jürgen Seidel, Olaf Norman Jepsen
  • Patent number: 8020425
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Skultety-Betz, Bjoern Haase, Michael Mahler, Ulli Hoffmann, Reiner Krapf, Christoph Wieland
  • Patent number: 8014900
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sun-gi Hong, Jeong-gon Song
  • Publication number: 20110204197
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: CABLECAM, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen Wharton
  • Patent number: 7997117
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jiao Zhang, Benjamin Yoo, Aleksandar M. Egelja, Tonglin Shang, Matthew James Beschorner
  • Patent number: 7988440
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Fette GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Schmidt, Keno Freyer, Werner Seifert, Wolfram Lämmerhirt
  • Publication number: 20110179851
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: X2IMPACT, INC.
    Inventors: Christoph Mack, Jed McCann, Christopher B. Doughty, Robert Snook, Zachary Williams
  • Publication number: 20110174050
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: EADS CONSTRUCCIONES AERONAUTICAS, S.A.
    Inventor: Rafael Huertos Sanz
  • Publication number: 20110174051
    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: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: David Sacquard, Jurgen Schutzmann
  • Publication number: 20110146371
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Olivier Roy, Neb Duric, Ivana Jovanovic, Martin Vetterli
  • Publication number: 20110132066
    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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Uebel, James Robert Rivenbark, JR., Jonathan Daniel Brandmeyer, Christopher Todd Hilliard
  • Publication number: 20110132065
    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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Uebel, James Robert Rivenbark, JR., Jonathan Daniel Brandmeyer, Christopher Todd Hilliard
  • Publication number: 20110125441
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Darin S. Williams, Jodean D. Wendt
  • Publication number: 20110110392
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: ROLLAX GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rösch, Thomas Ullrich
  • Publication number: 20110088448
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: EM MICROELECTRONIC-MARIN SA
    Inventor: Michel Willemin
  • Publication number: 20110083489
    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: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: ARZNEIMITTEL GMBH APOTHEKER VETTER & CO. RAVENSBURG
    Inventors: Alexander Glunz, Arno Schroff
  • Patent number: 7921690
    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: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Uebel, James Robert Rivenbark, Jr., Jonathan Daniel Brandmeyer, Christopher Todd Hilliard
  • Publication number: 20110077890
    Abstract: 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 t
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Bruno Zanetti, Matteo Aldrovandi, William Montanari
  • Publication number: 20110061441
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Byoung gwan Ko
  • Publication number: 20110066393
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: KUKA ROBOTER GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Groll, Thomas Purrucker, Dietmar Tscharnuter
  • Patent number: 7905027
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard MacManus
  • Publication number: 20110048103
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chao-Min Su, Tsun Chieh Chiang, Chih-Wei Yi, Wen-Tein Chai, Pin-Chuan Liu, Jiun-Long Huang
  • Publication number: 20110048102
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Devon Fernandez, Glenn A. Forrest
  • Publication number: 20110048104
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: CHEYNEY DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard John Parmee
  • Publication number: 20110041585
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Bernhard Hiller, Jochen Wilhelmy, Roland Kirchberger
  • Patent number: 7885743
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Noro, Kenji Shioiri
  • Patent number: 7882723
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Takahama, Masaoki Yamagata
  • Patent number: 7869976
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Kim Brøndum Larsen, Mogens Lønberg Lau, Flemming Buus Bendixen
  • Publication number: 20110000277
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Hexagon Metrology, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard MacManus
  • Patent number: 7860681
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Stanley R. Schaub, Pieter Van Vliet
  • Publication number: 20100319207
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Tobias HELD