Patents Issued in April 14, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160102966
    Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods relate to inspecting uncured fiber-reinforced composite components by non-contact 3D measurements of the component using 3D digital image correlation with patterned illumination. Systems comprise a light projector configured to project a light pattern onto a form, a digital camera configured to image the light pattern, and may comprise and/or be associated with an AFP machine that is configured to lay uncured composite on the form. Methods comprise projecting a light pattern onto a form, acquiring a baseline 3D profile of the form by imaging the light pattern on the form, laying an uncured fiber piece onto the form, projecting the light pattern onto the uncured fiber piece, acquiring a test 3D profile of the fiber piece by imaging the light pattern on the uncured fiber piece, and computing a thickness difference between the test 3D profile and the baseline 3D profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James A. Grossnickle, Kevin Earl McCrary, Karl M. Nelson, Craig Allen Cramer
  • Publication number: 20160102967
    Abstract: Described is a technology for measuring ink film thickness by use of differential lighting between two differently positioned light sources. The technology involves an image capture device, a first set of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and a second set of LEDs, where the image capture device is attached to a printer. The first set of LEDs is positioned in parallel to an image capture axis to illuminate a target object evenly from above with a light perpendicular to the target object (e.g., substrate with deposited ink droplets). The second set of LEDs is positioned to illuminate the target object at an angle, thereby casting a shadow. The image capture device takes two snapshots of the target object, utilizing a different light source (of the two sets of LEDs) for each snapshot. The snapshots are compared to determine the shadow's magnitude and the ink film thickness based on the shadow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Peter HEATH
  • Publication number: 20160102968
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for curvature and thin film stress measurement are disclosed. The apparatus comprises two light sources and a detector. Two light beams from the two light sources with an angle are not parallel. The two light beams are collimated and projected onto a specimen with a pitch. The detector receives the light beams reflected from the specimen. The curvature of the specimen is calculated via a distance between spots of the light beams on the detector or a size variation of one of the spots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Chung-Yuan WU, Robert Champetier, Chung-Hua FU, Bu-Chin CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20160102969
    Abstract: An optical shape sensing system and method with at least two optical fibers (OSF1, OSF2) both comprising optical shape sensing elements. A processor (P) is arranged to register a coordinate system indicative of a position of one of the optical fibers (OSF1) in space, and to register a position (R2) of the other optical fiber (OSF2) in relation to this coordinate system. An optical console system (C, C1, C2) serves to interrogate the optical shape sensing elements in both optical fibers (OSF1, OSF2), and to accordingly determine a measure of a three-dimensional shape (I) of both optical fibers (OSF1, OSF2), based on the registered position (R2) of the second optical fiber (OSF2) in relation to the coordinate system. This provide the possibility of providing 3D optical shape sensing of the length of both optical fibers (OSF1, OSF2), thus allowing 3D shape reconstruction of e.g. long medical devices with lengths of several meters. More than two shape sensing optical fibers, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: MARCO VERSTEGE, SANDER HANS DENISSEN, BHARAT RAMACHANDRAN
  • Publication number: 20160102970
    Abstract: Provided herein is a three-dimensional shape measurement apparatus capable of measuring a shape of a measurement object using an interferometer and color information of the measurement object, the apparatus including a light source for emitting a light; a light divider for reflecting the light emitted from the light source or transmitting a light reflected by the measurement object; a lens unit for focusing the light reflected by the light divider Onto the measurement object; a light detector for detecting the light reflected from the measurement object; and a light adjuster arranged on a light path between the light source and the light divider, and configured to interrupt the light being emitted from a central area of the light source to reduce interference of light occurring in the lens unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Tae Yong Jo, Young Min Hwang, Seong Ryong Kim, Sang Soo Kang, Heui Jae Pahk
  • Publication number: 20160102971
    Abstract: A method for measuring flatness of a sheet includes acquiring a pattern image by projecting a light and dark pattern composed of light portions and dark portions onto a surface of the sheet, which is traveling between adjacent rolling stands, from a projection unit situated between the rolling stands, and capturing an image of the light and dark pattern with an image capture unit situated between the rolling stands, and measuring the flatness by analyzing the acquired pattern image. Arrangement parameters L0, ?, ?, hc and hp satisfy the following mathematical expression (1). 0.75 ? L 0 ? tan ? ? ? + tan ? ? ? 1 / h C - 1 / h P ? 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Yoshito ISEI, Tomoya KATO, Yasuhiro AIHARA
  • Publication number: 20160102972
    Abstract: The invention makes it possible to measure an object with a three dimensional shape that is made of various materials with a high degree of precision and at high-speed, without requiring a vast amount advance of preparation. A measuring unit detects internal scattering light measuring areas in a captured image, and obtains profiles of internal scattering light components in the areas. An estimating unit estimates the internal scattering light components in three-dimensional coordinate measuring areas based on the profiles of the internal scattering light components in the internal scattering light measuring areas. A reducing unit reduces the internal scattering light components in the three-dimensional coordinate measuring areas to generate a direct-reflected light component image. Then, a calculating unit calculates three-dimensional coordinates on measuring lines based on the direct-reflected light component image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Toshihiro Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20160102973
    Abstract: A method for determining and verifying ply orientation of composite laminates includes performing a first scan of a prepared edge of a composite laminate using an off-axis inclined light source directing light at a first acute angle to a first area on the prepared edge to produce a first scanned image; rotating an orientation of the off-axis inclined light source relative to the prepared edge, such that the off-axis inclined light source directs light at a second acute angle symmetrically opposite the first acute angle; and performing a second scan of the prepared edge using the off-axis inclined light source directing light at the second acute angle to the first area on the prepared edge to produce a second scanned image. The method includes comparing the first and second scanned images to determine a ply orientation of each ply, and verifying the ply orientation against a baseline ply orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Gonze, James R. Kendall, David C. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20160102974
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring cooling effectiveness of a component is disclosed. The method includes providing a component having a surface provided with a coating including a volatilization-susceptible constituent and a volatilization-resistant constituent. Further, the method includes supplying a first gaseous medium over the surface of the component through a plurality of holes in the component and feeding a second gaseous medium along the surface of the component. The method includes exposing the surface of the component to the first and second gaseous mediums for a predetermined period. The method further includes determining a thickness of the coating exposed to the flow of the first and second gaseous mediums. The method includes analyzing the thickness of the coating to determine whether the coating is removed from the surface of the component upon exposure to the first and second gaseous mediums.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Peter Joel Meschter, Lawrence Bernard Kool, James Albert Tallman
  • Publication number: 20160102975
    Abstract: Methods to improve the accuracy of non-contact measurements of an object's dimensions using a dimensioning system are disclosed. The methods include a method for creating a mathematical model (i.e., error model) based on an observed correlation between errors in an estimated dimension and the characteristics of the measurement used to obtain the estimated dimension. These error models may be created for various dimensions and stored for future use. The methods also include a method for using the stored error models to reduce the error associated with a particular dimensioning-system measurement. Here an error model is used to create an estimated error. The estimated error is then removed from the estimate of the dimension to produce a final estimate of the dimension that is more accurate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Scott McCloskey, Ryan Andrew Lloyd, Jingquan Li, Brian L. Jovanovski
  • Publication number: 20160102976
    Abstract: In a surveying device having a base for positioning the surveying device and a pitch component having an optical beam path for surveying a target, the pitch component is radially and axially mounted and is rotatable in relation to the yaw component in a yaw component, which is movable in relation to the base, on the basis of a rotation body chucked in a self-centering manner in two cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Josef MÜLLER, Stefan PETKOV, Benjamin SCHÖLL
  • Publication number: 20160102977
    Abstract: The invention provides a surveying instrument, which comprises a GNSS device, a frame unit rotatable in a horizontal direction, a telescope unit as mounted rotatably in a vertical direction on the frame unit, an image acquiring unit installed on the telescope unit, a driving unit for rotating and driving the frame unit and the telescope unit, a horizontal angle measuring unit for detecting a horizontal angle of the frame unit, a vertical angle measuring unit for detecting a vertical angle of the telescope unit, and a control device having a reference clock signal generating unit for producing a reference clock signal, wherein the control device produces a time signal to indicate a standard time from a signal acquired from the GNSS device, puts a time stamp on the time signal based on the reference clock signal, associates the time signal with the reference clock signal, measures a horizontal angle by the horizontal angle measuring unit at a moment when the telescope unit sights the sun and acquires an image s
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Takeshi Ishida, Nobuyuki Nishita, Jumpei Kochi, Goro Iwasaki, Hiroyuki Nakabe
  • Publication number: 20160102978
    Abstract: A rotation velocity sensor includes a driving unit, a proof mass, a rotation sensing element, a compensating unit, and a rotation sensing unit. The driving unit generates a vibration driving signal and a reference signal. The proof mass is driven by the vibration driving signal to vibrate in a first direction. The rotation sensing element senses a vibration of the proof mass to generate a charge signal which corresponds to a portion of the vibration of the proof mass in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The compensating unit generates a compensation signal according to the reference signal. The rotation sensing unit converts the charge signal to a voltage signal or a current signal, and compensates the voltage signal or the current signal according to the compensation signal to cancel a noise in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Lupu Liao, Chiung-C. Lo, Ying-Che Lo
  • Publication number: 20160102979
    Abstract: A system comprises a mechanical resonator; an analog circuit operably coupled to the mechanical resonator; the analog circuit arranged to receive a mechanical resonator measurement signal and to output a mechanical resonator actuation signal to the mechanical resonator; and a digital actuator operably coupled to the analog circuit and configured to provide a frequency sweep of signals to the analog circuit that induces movement of the mechanical resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: HUGUES BEAULATON, THIERRY CASSAGNES, LAURENT CORNIBERT, VOLKER WAHL
  • Publication number: 20160102980
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sensor element for capturing a first and a second component of a physical variable. The sensor element comprises a first measuring transducer for measuring a first component, directed in a first measuring direction, of the physical variable. The sensor element further comprises a second measuring transducer for measuring a second component, directed in a second measuring direction, of the physical variable, wherein the first and second measuring transducers are formed or arranged on or in a carrier substrate, which contains a material on or in which measuring transducers can be produced during processing with a predefined processing method, said measuring transducers being formed to measure the physical variable in a first or second measuring direction, wherein a measuring angle between the first and the second measuring direction depends on the material of the carrier substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Reinhard Neul
  • Publication number: 20160102981
    Abstract: Accuracy of a positioning device may be determined without requiring the device to be at any specific location, such as a test location. Instead of comparing the reported location and directional data to a known location and directional data, the present technology may use multiple discrete location and directional reports for comparison with the reported data at multiple locations. The multiple comparisons are used to assess the relative accuracy of the positional telematics system. The reported location may be a GPS location or from another positioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Jonathan Hubbard, Christopher A. Kantarjiev
  • Publication number: 20160102982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for optimally recording or transmitting positional data and events of an object, said apparatus including input means to continuously provide positional data to a microprocessor and a memory device to store selected positional data wherein the microprocessor is programmed to compare new positional data from said input means to previously recorded log of positional data and creates a new log if the new positional data differs from the previously recorded log in accordance with pre-determined parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: Geotab, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Charles Cawse
  • Publication number: 20160102983
    Abstract: Example systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for displaying a map of a multi-floor building are presented. In one example, a first view may be presented for display. The first view may include a floor map of each of multiple floors of a building. The floor maps may be arranged in parallel according to position within the building and displayed at an angle between perpendicular to the floor maps and parallel to the floor maps. During the presenting for display of the first view, a user selection of a first one of the floor maps may be received. In response to the user selection, an animation from the first view to a second view may be presented for display. The second view may display the first one of the floor maps at an angle perpendicular to the first one of the floor maps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Waqas Javed, Alexander Kaber Carroll
  • Publication number: 20160102984
    Abstract: Road geometries may be determined from sparse data by receiving mobile device data points comprising data indicating positions of vehicles having traveled on a roadway of a geographic area, the roadway involving a convergence or divergence of road branches for the roadway. At least one trajectory angle for a particular mobile device data point of the mobile device data points may be determined using at least one trajectory line connecting the particular mobile device data point to an adjacent mobile device data point, and mobile device data points may be grouped based on the trajectory angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Ole Henry Dorum
  • Publication number: 20160102985
    Abstract: An apparatus installed on a host vehicle derives travel locus/condition information relating each of a plurality of reception positions on the vehicle to a corresponding reception condition (e.g., received signal strength), and updates the information at each of successive positions along a travel locus of the vehicle. The currently obtained information is compared with reference travel locus/condition information previously obtained by travel along a reference travel locus, in the same travel direction, by the host vehicle or similar vehicle. Degrees of similarity between the currently obtained information and the reference information are evaluated, and the results used to detect changes in position of the host vehicle along a direction at right angles to its advancement direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Tsuneo Nakata, Toru Nagura
  • Publication number: 20160102986
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a processor and memory including computer program code, the memory and computer program code configured to, with the processor, enable the apparatus at least to: generate, in respect of a road intersection, grouped probe data using probe data derived from probed vehicular movements through the road intersection, wherein the grouped probe data is generated by grouping together probe data comprising vehicle trajectories which have respective common heading angles at points of entry to and exit from the road intersection; and provide the grouped probe data for use in lane-level mapping of the road intersection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: Here Global B.V.
    Inventors: Xiang MA, Xin CHEN, Vlad ZHUKOV
  • Publication number: 20160102987
    Abstract: Present invention provides a method for inferring the type of a road segment, comprising the steps of: collecting historical driving trajectory data of a plurality of vehicles for a target road segment, performing a statistic on the historical driving trajectory data, and obtaining statistical features of the target road segment; extracting topological features of the target road segment from topological structure data of the road network; merging the statistical features with the topological features of the target road segment, and obtaining an arrogated feature vector of the target road segment; building a logistic regression model according to the arrogated feature vector, and obtaining a first inferred type of the target road segment. The present embodiment considers both the driving trajectory data of a plurality of vehicles and the topological structure data of the road network, the accuracy of the present invention is high, and the inferred result is accurate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Ye Ding, Haoyu Tan, Min Gao, Lionel M. Ni
  • Publication number: 20160102988
    Abstract: Systems and methods of route guidance on a user device are provided. In one aspect, a system and method transmit partitions of map data to a client device. Each map partition may contain road geometries, road names, road network topology, or any other information needed to provide turn-by-turn navigation or driving directions within the partition. Each map partition may be encoded with enough data to allow them to be stitched together to form a larger map. Map partitions may be fetched along each route to be used in the event of a network outage or other loss of network connectivity. For example, if a user deviates from the original route and a network outage occurs, the map data may be assembled and a routing algorithm may be applied to the map data in order to direct the user back to the original route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Iljya Kalai, Keith Ito, Andrey Yuryevich Ulanov, Andrew Tesch Miller, Michael Siliski
  • Publication number: 20160102989
    Abstract: The route from a prescribed starting node to a prescribed destination node is determined on the basis of digital map data stored in a memory unit such that, for possible expansion of a respective current node, total costs are determined for the current node on the basis of a sum of edge costs for an optimum route from the starting node to the current node and a destination-node-related heuristic value for the current node and a prescribed destination-node-related correction value. The destination-node-related correction value is in this case representative of a mean value for cost ratios for respective nodes in a prescribed set, wherein the respective cost ratios are dependent on the edge costs of the connections that are situated between the current node and the respective node in the set and that represent an optimum route between the current node and this node in the set and on a heuristic value for the current node in relation to this node in the set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Marcello TAVA
  • Publication number: 20160102990
    Abstract: A predefined area is divided into a plurality of tiles, a respective one of the tiles of the area being determined as a starting tile and the respective remaining tiles being determined as reference tiles, and special nodes, being predefined that are arranged in the starting tile or in the respective reference tile. For the respective starting tile, a correction value is determined, in each case in relation to one of the reference tiles, such that a respective cost ratio is determined for each special node of the respective starting tile in relation to each special node of the reference tile on the basis of the edge costs of the connections that are situated between the respective special node of the starting tile and the respective special node of the reference tile. The cost ratio is also determined on the basis of a heuristic value of the respective special node of the starting tile in relation to the respective special node of the reference tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Marcello TAVA
  • Publication number: 20160102991
    Abstract: A navigation apparatus and method which uses personal contact-based route guidance. A route guidance generator receives information about personal contacts including a location, a description and a rating value for route guidance and generates route guidance suitable for navigation applications. The personal contacts based guidance can be combined with normal street and maneuver based guidance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Esther Abramovich Ettinger
  • Publication number: 20160102992
    Abstract: A street-level view can realistically reflect that objects occlude depicted route paths. Such objects can include guardrails, buildings, or any of a variety of other objects as described herein. A superior user experience that portrays route paths while taking real-world geometry into account can result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Ana Lilia Otero Diaz, Hae Jin Lee, Luis Eduardo Cabrera-Cordon, Doyop Kim
  • Publication number: 20160102993
    Abstract: Location technologies are combined with other information systems to provide augmented information for individuals such as a traveler in an automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Edward H. Nortrup
  • Publication number: 20160102994
    Abstract: Systems and methods for attitude fault detection based on air data and aircraft control settings are provided. In one embodiment, a sensor monitor for an aircraft attitude measurement system comprises: an aircraft model configured to model a plurality of states, the plurality of states including at least an aircraft attitude state, an aircraft velocity state, a sink rate error state, and a wind velocity state; a propagator-estimator configured to utilize the plurality of states of the aircraft model to process air data measurements and attitude measurements from a first inertial measurement unit of the aircraft attitude measurement system; and a residual evaluator configured to input residual error values generated by the propagator-estimator, wherein the residual evaluator outputs an alert signal when the residual error values exceed a predetermined statistical threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Mats Anders Brenner, John R. Morrison, Danny Thomas Kimmel, Jay Joseph Hansen
  • Publication number: 20160102995
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods and techniques for calibrating a barometric pressure sensor of a mobile device. In one embodiment, a barometric pressure sensor of a mobile device may be calibrated by determining that a location of the mobile device is on a particular discrete vertical of a plurality of discrete vertical levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Arnold Gum, Mark Leo Moeglein
  • Publication number: 20160102996
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining an angle ? an estimate of a true angle ? from a resolver excitation signal Vex(t)=A sin(?t) and modulated resolver output signals Vs(t,?)=A×sin(?)×sin(?t) and VC(t,?)=A×cos(?)×sin(?t), where ? is an angular frequency and t is time, is provided. The apparatus may include a converter comprising a closed loop phase-locked loop (PLL) system configured to produce an angle ? and two digital signals BitØ(?) and Bit1(?) for estimating the true angle ? using Vex(t), Vs(t,?) and VC(t,?) signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Mohieddine BENAMMAR
  • Publication number: 20160102997
    Abstract: A magnet assembly retained on the rotor of a rotary position sensor such as, for example, the drum of a vehicle pedal. The drum of the vehicle pedal includes a retention pocket for the magnet assembly. In one embodiment, the magnet assembly includes a magnet with a pair of spaced apart legs and a pair of pole pieces abutted against the exterior of the legs. Each of the pole pieces includes a plurality of pointed barbs that are pressed into the material of the retention pocket on the drum of the vehicle pedal to retain the magnet assembly on the vehicle pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Michael L. Wurn, Murray Kaijala, William W. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20160102998
    Abstract: A scale and related method for a length-measuring system for recording the absolute values of angles or distances. The scale includes a printed circuit board, at least one track for identifying length information or angle information and a coding for identifying the scale. The coding has at least one coding element comprising at least two electrodes and a conductive connection between the electrodes on an insulator substrate. The electrical connection is configured to be irreversibly destroyed when an electrical current is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Hanspeter Romer, Manuel Altmeyer, Martin Rupp
  • Publication number: 20160102999
    Abstract: An encoder interferometry system includes an encoder scale arranged to receive and diffract a measurement beam. The system further includes one or more optical elements configured and arranged to receive a first diffracted measurement beam and a second diffracted measurement beam from the encoder scale and to redirect the first diffracted measurement beam and the second diffracted measurement beam toward the encoder scale such that the first diffracted measurement beam and the second diffracted measurement beam propagate along non-parallel beam paths having an angular separation ? following a second diffraction at the encoder scale. The system further includes a first detector arranged to receive the first diffracted measurement beam and a second detector arranged to receive the second diffracted measurement beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Jan Liesener
  • Publication number: 20160103000
    Abstract: Optical position encoding mechanisms and methods for use in reimaged optical imaging systems. In one example, a reimaged optical imaging system includes an imaging detector, an optical component, and at least one light source coupled to the optical component and configured to be reimaged onto the imaging detector, wherein a position of an image of the at least one light source at the imaging detector encodes a position of the optical component relative to the imaging detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Eric C. Fest, Page E. King, Justan V. Forsyth
  • Publication number: 20160103001
    Abstract: A rotation angle “?” is calculated by means of an operational equation below by using a count value Ttrig i of a clock signal stored at a timing of the rise of a trigger signal output during the scanning operation of a three-dimensional scanner 1, a count value “i” of the pulsed angle signal counted immediately before the counting, count values Ti and Ti+1 of the clock signal stored at a timing of the rise of the respective angle signals which rise before and after the rising, and an angular pitch “?” which is an angle of one pitch of plenty of slits acting as a main scale and disposed at regular intervals formed along a circular circumference of a dial board 11.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Satoshi YANOBE, Masae MATSUMOTO
  • Publication number: 20160103002
    Abstract: Various aspects of this disclosure comprise systems and methods for synchronizing sensor data acquisition and/or output. For example, various aspects of this disclosure provide for achieving a desired level of timing accuracy in a MEMS sensor system, even in an implementation in which timer drift is substantial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Andy Milota, James Lim, William Kerry Keal
  • Publication number: 20160103003
    Abstract: An orifice plate assembly for use with a process variable transmitter for measuring flow of a process fluid includes a single piece body having a circumferential support ring. A first face of the circumferential support ring is configured to be sealingly coupled to a first flange of a first process pipe. A second face of the circumferential support ring is configured to be sealingly coupled to a second flange of a second process pipe. A flow plate region is positioned between the first and second pipes and has first and second sides. The flow plate region is concentric with the circumferential support ring. At least one flow orifice in the flow plate region provides a restricted fluid path between the first and second process pipes. A first pressure tap is configured to fluidically couple to the process variable transmitter to the process fluid proximate the first side of the flow plate region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Hering
  • Publication number: 20160103004
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow measuring device for measuring a parameter of a flow formed from a fluid which flows in a main direction of flow in a line, comprising a first line section for conducting the fluid out of the main direction of flow; a second line section for conducting the fluid back into the main direction of flow; a line connection section for connecting the first line section to the second line section; at least one ultrasound device for transmitting and/or receiving ultrasound waves; and an evaluation unit for carrying out a transit-time difference measurement and for determining the parameter, wherein at least one swirl generating unit for generating a swirl is provided which is arranged downstream of the first line section such that the generated swirl is directed in a direction which is opposite to a direction of a swirl present downstream of the first line section and upstream of the swirl generation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Andreas EHRLICH, Mario KUNZELMANN, Alexander NEROWSKI
  • Publication number: 20160103005
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer, comprising a coupling element which has a first recess, the first recess being provided for the arrangement of a piezoelectric element which feeds an ultrasound signal into the coupling element, and there being disposed between the piezoelectric element and the coupling element an intermediate layer which comprises a metal disc, the metal disc comprising retaining elements each with a first segment lying on the same plane as the metal disc and projecting radially from the perimeter of the metal disc and each having a second segment which adjoins the first segment, projects from the plane of the metal plate and is connected to the first segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Achim Wiest, Andreas Berger
  • Publication number: 20160103006
    Abstract: An FMCW type radar level gauge configured to transmit an electromagnetic transmit signal and receive an electromagnetic return signal reflected from the surface, the electromagnetic transmit signal having a bandwidth of at least 1 GHz, a relative bandwidth (max frequency/min frequency) of less than 2.5 and an upper frequency limit less than 4 GHz. The gauge comprises a single conductor probe mechanically suspended in the tank and extending into the product in the tank, and a matching arrangement providing an electrically matched connection between an electrical feed-through and the single conductor probe. According to the present invention, the relatively expensive still-pipe is replaced with a relatively inexpensive a single conductor acting as a surface wave-guide (SWG).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Olov Edvardsson
  • Publication number: 20160103007
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a guided wave radar level gauge for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank, said guided wave radar level gauge i.a. comprising a probe comprising a plurality of elongate probe sections each being pivotably connected to an adjacent probe section by means of a joint, said joint allowing probe sections to pivot between an operating state where said probe sections are substantially aligned along a straight line, and a transporting state. The present invention also relates to a probe, and to a method for arranging a guided wave radar level gauge in a tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Hakan Fredriksson
  • Publication number: 20160103008
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a guided wave radar level gauge system comprising a transceiver for generating an electromagnetic transmit signal within a predetermined frequency range having a center frequency, a flexible single conductor probe having a first end connected to the transceiver and extending towards and into the product to a second end of the flexible single conductor probe; and a probe aligning member attached to the second end of the flexible single conductor probe for keeping the flexible single conductor probe substantially vertically extending from the first end to the second end. The probe aligning member exhibits a horizontal extension that increases with increasing distance from the first end of the flexible single conductor probe along a vertical distance greater than one half of a wavelength of the transmit signal at the center frequency. Hereby, determination of filling levels close to the bottom of the tank is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Olov Edvardsson, Michael Larsson
  • Publication number: 20160103009
    Abstract: A fuel tank system for use in a vehicle comprises a fuel tank having a volume comprising a first or primary range and a second or preliminary range. A fuel level sensor assembly disposed in the fuel tank comprises a receiving unit, a first fuel level sensor positioned to move with the level of fuel in the first or primary range of the fuel and a second fuel level sensor positioned to move with the level of fuel in the second or preliminary range of the fuel. The receiving unit delivers a signal to a control module that indicates that the fuel level is within the preliminary range or the primary range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffery J. Milton, Kristin M. DeMare, William L. Villaire
  • Publication number: 20160103010
    Abstract: A liquid level detector includes a casing, a float, a magnet body, and a switch mechanism. The casing is fixed to the container and includes a tube section extending along a gravity direction. The float floats on the surface of liquid and is displaced upward or downward along the gravity direction, being guided by the tube section. The magnet body is held by the float to be displaced upward or downward in conformity with the surface of liquid. The switch mechanism is accommodated in the tube section and is switched between its on-state and off-state by the upward or downward displacement of the magnet body. The casing includes a first casing part and a second casing part. The first casing part includes the tube section, a first locking section that is formed radially outward of the tube section, and a first guide section that is formed at a tip of the tube section in its extending direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Atsushi YASUDA, Makoto HATANO
  • Publication number: 20160103011
    Abstract: The invention relates to an elastically deformable load bearing structure comprising a measuring assembly for gauging the size of a load (12) acting on the load bearing structure (1, 15, 40, 60) in a loadable section (3). The structure also comprises a mechanical transmission element embodied as a rod (8), extending from the loadable section (3) to a measuring section (5) of the load bearing structure (1, 15, 40, 60), and operationally interacting with a sensor (6) arranged on the measuring section (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: DIGI SENS AG
    Inventor: Martin Lustenberger
  • Publication number: 20160103012
    Abstract: A method for monitoring for a surge condition includes detecting a surge condition through vibration signals measured at at least one location in a turbomachine. Detecting a surge condition includes determining a ratio-metric indicator RBR by comparing a blade frequency band ?B to a reference frequency band ?R. Detecting a surge condition includes calculating a surge score SS with the following equation: SS = R BR - R ? R ? wherein R? is a sample mean of a set of ratio-metric indicators and R? is a sample standard deviation of a set of ratio-metric indicators. Detecting a surge condition includes determining whether a surge condition exists based on the surge score.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventor: Lei Liu
  • Publication number: 20160103013
    Abstract: The ultrasonic inspectability of a supplied part out of which a final component is to be machined is determined by following a set of inspection rules for ultrasonic inspection of the supplied part. The rules determine which parts of the polygon cannot be inspected by a scan at a given ultrasound beam angle (typical beam angles are 0°, +20° and ?20° relative to the perpendicular direction to the edge) along a given edge of the polygon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen Samuel WISEALL, Anthony Bernard PHIPPS, David Cameron WRIGHT, Sree Vamsi TAMMINENI, James William Cheang MEAS
  • Publication number: 20160103014
    Abstract: A sensor module for a vehicle includes a sensor unit enclosed in a housing. The sensor unit has an active end which emits or receives said radiation beam. The housing has a removable cover, a back wall for mounting to the vehicle, a bottom wall, a first end wall and a second end wall spaced apart from the first end wall. The radiation beam is directed through an opening in the first end wall. The active end is internal to the housing and spaced apart internally from the first end wall. A hollow sleeve is received by the opening, and a portion of the sleeve receives at least a portion of the sensor unit. The active end of the sensor unit is inside the sleeve and spaced apart from an end of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: DAVID D. MUNDHENKE, Phillip C. Mahoney
  • Publication number: 20160103015
    Abstract: Provided are a circular polarization filter including a circularly-polarized light separating layer (preferably, a layer having a cholesteric liquid crystalline phase fixed therein or a laminate including a reflective linear polarizer and a ?/4 phase difference layer), in which the circularly-polarized light separating layer selectively transmits either right-handed circularly polarized light or left-handed circularly polarized light in a specific wavelength region, a transparent medium which is transparent with respect to light in the specific wavelength region is provided at least on one surface side of the circularly-polarized light separating layer, and the transparent medium has an inclined surface which forms an angle of 1° to 30° relative to the surface on the transparent medium side of the circularly-polarized light separating layer, and sensor system using the circular polarization filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuyoshi ICHIHASHI