Abstract: A method of estimating an electrical capacitance of a circuit component is carried out by decomposing the capacitance into a sum of terms associated with respective contributions from a central part and peripheral parts of the component. A component to which the method can be applied comprises two rectangular conducting plates placed parallel to each other. One of the two plates is greater than the other. The component furthermore includes two different dielectrics. A first dielectric covers the large plate and separates the two plates, and a second dielectric surrounds the first plate and the first dielectric. A method of defining a dimension of a capacitor is also presented.

Abstract: An electrical power (AC/DC) monitoring system remotely monitoring batteries and electrical power systems through a call center, providing continual monitoring, monthly reports, near real time viewing and service response. Modular by design, a plurality of individual input modules, which receive an analog voltage input, convert this signal to a digital format and send the digital signal to a central control which collects the data, then, at scheduled intervals, sends the collected data to a web server which contains the main software for the system. This software performs data comparisons, charts trends, predicts failures, plans and schedules service visits, then archives the data for future references. Alarm notifications are provided to the customer via Email, office phone (land line), cell phone (wireless), PDA, pager, etc. and can also be sent to a service provider to initiate the service response.

Abstract: An inspection system for detecting anomalies on a substrate. The inspection system has a sensor array for generating image data. A first high speed network is coupled to the sensor array and receives and communicates the image data. An array of process nodes is coupled to the first high speed network, and receives and processes the image data to produce anomaly reports. Each process node has an interface card coupled to the first high speed network, that receives the image data from the first high speed network and formats the image data according to a high speed interface bus protocol. The interface card sets a register indicating whether a predetermined amount of image data has been stored in a memory, and the process node reads the register to determine whether the predetermined amount of image data has been stored in the memory, and initiates image processing when the register indicates that the predetermined amount of image data has been stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method of determining fluid flow in a volume containing two or more fluid components, including determining a pressure field for the volume. One or more streamlines are determined from the pressure field, and the fluid composition is solved for the fluid composition along the, or each, streamline. The pressure may also be solved along the, or each, streamline. The step of solving along the, or each, streamline may be performed using a finite difference technique.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying the weight or cost of segments of an irregularly shaped item involves passing a sensor bar supported above a supporting surface over the item lying on the surface. A compact hand-held embodiment of the sensor bar enables the operator to move the sensor bar in various linear or non-linear motions over the item surface as the sensor bar moves laterally across the item surface while the sensor bar support posts remain in constant contact with the supporting surface. The sensor bar contains one or more sensors which generate signals corresponding to the height of the item as the sensor bar traverses the item. At the same time, a displacement detector arrangement generates signals corresponding to displacement of the sensor bar relative to the support surface. These signals are processed in a signal processor to determine the volume of an uncut segment of the item lying behind the sensor bar at successive positions.

Abstract: A measuring instrument (1) has an arm (4) having a detector at a distal end thereof, and an arm guide (53) supporting the arm (4) in a manner movable in the axial direction thereof, the measuring instrument measuring a dimension of a workpiece based on the position of the detector. The arm (4) includes a main arm (41) and a sub-arm (42) that are sequentially arranged in the arm guide (53) and are supported in a manner movable relative to a former component thereof. The measuring instrument (1) has a synchronous driver (54) for moving the main arm (41) on the base side and the sub-arm (42) located next to the main arm (41) in the axial direction of the main arm (41).

Abstract: A system and method for calculating the flow rate of a dispensing point or flow capacity of a pump and fuel delivery system and determining if the dispensing point or fuel delivery system has a blockage and/or a performance problem if the calculated dispensing point flow rate is other than expected. The calculated dispensing flow rate is calculated by collecting fuel tank level data points for a dispensing point that fall within start and stop events of the dispensing event. The slope of a fitted line to the fuel tank level data points is used as the indication of the flow rate of the dispensing point. Different mathematical techniques may be used to improve the flow rate calculation to compensate for the minimum resolution of collecting fuel tank level data and the dead time included in the data of a dispensing transaction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting fuel sensor performance during motion are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving tank geometry information, receiving sensor configuration information, and receiving tank motion information. The method then computes a fuel (surface) plane-to-sensor intersection for at least one tank position based on the tank motion information, and also computes a wetted volume at every fuel (surface) plane-to-sensor intersection for each sensor location based on the sensor configuration information. Finally, the method computes a fuel quantity at every fuel (surface) plane-to-sensor intersection based on a sum of the wetted volumes.

Abstract: The device is a miniature, self-contained solid state orientation sensor. The unit utilizes three magnetometers and three accelerometers to calculate pitch, roll, and yaw (compass heading) angles relative to the earth's magnetic and gravitational fields. The three orientation angles are output in digital RS232 or optional multi-drop RS485. The device can also be programmed to provide raw accelerometer and magnetometer data in true physical units. The device is capable of measuring angles from 0 to 360 degrees on the yaw axis, 0 to 360 degrees on the pitch axis, and ?70 to +70 degrees on the roll axis. The yaw output is compensated for errors due to pitch and roll using embedded algorithms. Applications include fast solid state compassing, robotics, virtual reality, down-hole well drilling, and body position tracking for biomedical and multimedia applications.

Abstract: A detection method of reduced air pressure of tires based on the rotational speed of wheels mounted on a vehicle. The method includes steps of: determining the rotational speed of each wheel, memorizing the rotational speed of each wheel, determining the loading sensitivity of the dynamic load radius of tires caused by movement of a load during turning, comparing the loading sensitivity with the loading sensitivity of the dynamic load radii of tires at initialization which are preliminarily memorized, and judging decompression of tires based on the result of the comparison. Further, a loading sensitivity-calculating method of determining the loading sensitivity of the dynamic load radii of tires includes steps of: determining a lateral acceleration during turning of a vehicle, determining the shift rate of a judgment value which is the relative comparison of rotational speed of wheels on a pair of diagonals of a vehicle, and determining the loading sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system of calibrating the control delay time, providing effective calibration for the control delay time provided by a control chip to reach the optimal effect for effective reading. The control chip uses the connected buffer chip to produce a training sequence when the buffer chip enters a training mode. After the control chip receives the training sequence, the control chip will produce the training data to compare with the predefined pattern inside it and adjust the control delay time. Finally, the control chip will produce an optimal adjusting control delay time to allow the data strobe signal to control the effective retrieved range of the data.

Abstract: A calibration system is provided for use in generating calibration data for calibrating an X-Y digitiser. The calibration system uses an alignment head having an array of magnetic field generators which are for alignment with the X-Y digitiser. Each of the magnetic field generators is individually drivable so that calibration data can be obtained for different positions on the X-Y digitiser corresponding to the positions of the magnetic field generators in the array.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system is disclosed. In one such embodiment, a system may comprise a first measuring unit disposed within a structure, a first processor disposed in operative communication with the first measuring unit, and a second processor disposed within the structure. The first measuring unit may comprise a first sensor adapted to detect a first parameter. The first measuring unit may be adapted to output a first signal associated with the first parameter. The first processor may be adapted to receive the first signal and to control the first measuring unit. The second processor may be disposed in operative communication with the first measuring unit and the first processor.

Abstract: Analytical solutions to error bounds on the temperature depth distribution have been given in this invention. Solving the one dimensional steady state heat conduction equation for different sets of boundary conditions and radiogenic heat generation and incorporating Gaussian randomness in the thermal conductivity analytical closed form solutions to the mean and variance in the temperature depth distribution have been obtained. These closed form analytical solutions of mean and variance for the temperature field for different conditions have been used to compute and display the plot and results of the temperature depth profiles along with its error bounds. Quantifying the error statistics in the system output due to errors in the system input is very essential for a better evaluation of the system behavior. Earth Scientists involved in understanding the subsurface thermal structure relevant to geodynamical studies will benefit using these findings.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates automatically generating a performance table for an object, wherein the object is subject to fluid flow. The system operates by first receiving a description of the object and testing parameters for the object. The system executes a flow solver using the testing parameters and the description of the object to produce an output. Next, the system determines if the output of the flow solver indicates negative density or pressure. If not, the system analyzes the output to determine if the output is converging. If converging, the system writes the output to the performance table for the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing data passing between an SAS/SATA device and a plurality of other devices are presented. A system includes a plurality of physical interfaces configured for passing data between the SAS/SATA device and the other devices. The system also includes a test interface, or test PHY, configured for coupling to the physical interfaces for analysis of the data passing through those physical interfaces. The test PHY may be integrally configured with the SAS/SATA device and may substantially minimize alteration of characteristic impedance caused by external analysis of the data. The system may also include a multiplexer for selectively coupling the PHYs to the test PHY.

Abstract: A flow monitoring system includes a first temperature-sensitive resistive device, thermally coupled to a first portion of a fluid transfer apparatus, for producing a first temperature-dependant voltage signal representative of the temperature of the fluid within the first portion of the fluid transfer apparatus. A first current control device, coupled to the first temperature-sensitive resistive device, controls a first current signal flowing through the first temperature-sensitive resistive device. A second temperature-sensitive resistive device, thermally coupled to a second portion of the fluid transfer apparatus, produces a second temperature-dependant voltage signal representative of the temperature of the fluid within the second portion of the fluid transfer apparatus. A second current control device, coupled to the second temperature-sensitive resistive device, controls a second current signal flowing through the second temperature-sensitive resistive device.

Abstract: Various methods are described which increase the efficiency and accuracy of a signal processor in determining parameters of a fluid using signals output by a spatial array of sensors disposed along a pipe. In one aspect, parameters used for calculating the temporal Fourier transform of the pressure signals, specifically the amount or duration of the data that the windowing function is applied to and the temporal frequency range, are adjusted in response to the determined parameter. In another aspect, an initialization routine estimates flow velocity so the window length and temporal frequency range can be initially set prior to the full array processing. In another aspect, the quality of one or more of the parameters is determined and used to gate the output of the apparatus in the event of low confidence in the measurement and/or no flow conditions. In another aspect, a method for determining a convective ridge of the pressure signals in the k-? plane is provided.

Abstract: A system and method quickly and effectively display battery status and/or other parameters of a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, a method displays parameters of a portable electronic device in a power-off state by storing a plurality of user-definable settings in response to a power-off condition. In addition, the method detects an activation of a status input, and in response applies power to a display, and displays a status of the stored parameters on a display, while maintaining operational logic of the personal electronic device in a power-off state. In another embodiment, a method displays a current battery-power status of a portable electronic device, while in a power-off state. This method retrieves a battery-power status that was previously measured and saved. Using this retrieved information, along with a measured amount of time since the information was measured or saved, method determines the current battery-power status.

Abstract: A test support process and a test support program for producing a post-update test pattern when a program under test is updated. When a program under development is updated, a post-update operation description defining details of an operation of a function included in the program under development after the update is acquired. Next, a pre-update operation description having high commonality with the post-update operation description is selected from among pre-update operation descriptions defining details of operations of functions included in the program under development before the update. A pre-update test pattern for an operational test of the selected pre-update operation description is extracted from among pre-update test patterns prepared for operational tests of the program under development before the update. A post-update test pattern for an operational test of the post-update operation description is generated by inheriting at least a portion of the extracted pre-update test pattern.