Patents Issued in December 15, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160363440
    Abstract: Polarization-based coherent gradient-sensing systems and methods for measuring at least one surface-shape property of a specularly reflective surface are disclosed. The method includes: reflecting a first circularly polarized laser beam from a sample surface to form a second circularly polarized laser beam that contains surface-shape information; converting the second circularly polarized laser beam to a linearly polarized reflected laser beam; directing respective first and second portions of the linearly polarized reflected laser beam to first and second relay assemblies that constitute first and second interferometer arms. The first and second relay assemblies each use a pair of axially spaced-apart gratings to generate respective first and second interference patterns at respective first and second image sensors. Respective first and second signals from the first and second image sensors are processed to determine the at least one surface-shape property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: Ultratech, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Stites
  • Publication number: 20160363441
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring the position of an object relative to a reference are disclosed. In an arrangement, a pressurized fluid is used to drive rotation of a cylinder around a piston and to bias the cylinder longitudinally. Ducts are provided in the cylinder and arranged so at to provide pulses of the fluid out of the cylinder through a reading port, the pulses being such as to uniquely identify the position of the cylinder relative to the piston and thereby of the object relative to the reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Kamaljit Singh CHANA, Jonathan Shamus SULLIVAN
  • Publication number: 20160363442
    Abstract: A method for characterizing a sample, by estimating a plurality of characteristic thicknesses, each being associated with a calibration material, including acquiring an energy spectrum (Sech) transmitted through this sample, located in an X and/or gamma spectral band, naled spectrum transmitted through the sample; for each spectrum of a plurality of calibration spectra (Sbase(Lk; Ll)), calculating a likelihood from said calibration spectrum (Sbase(Lk; Ll)), and from the spectrum transmitted through the sample (Sech), each calibration spectrum (Sbase(Lk; Ll)) corresponding to the energy spectrum transmitted through a stack of gauge blocks, each formed of a known thickness of a calibration material; estimating the characteristic thicknesses (L1, L2) associated with the sample according to the criterion of maximum likelihood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: Commissariat a L'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Andrea BRAMBILLA, Alexia GORECKI, Alexandra POTOP
  • Publication number: 20160363443
    Abstract: A device and method for estimating the elevation angle of one or more objects surrounding a user terminal, include a light-collecting lens arrangement that collects sky scene light from a wide angle, an eyepiece lens arrangement that collimates the sky scene light collected by the light-collecting lens arrangement, and an elevation limit marking that is superimposed over the sky scene light. The elevation limit marking defines an elevation angle above a horizon of the earth that all the one or more objects in a field of view of the device must remain below so that the user terminal has an unobstructed view of the sky in all azimuthal directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Melvin S. Ni
  • Publication number: 20160363444
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and a method for detecting a level degree of an OHCV. The device may include a laser beam transmission unit, at least one baffle, a laser beam reception unit, and a controller. The laser beam transmission unit, the baffle and the laser beam reception unit may be sequentially arranged at an identical horizontal level inside the OHCV. The at least one baffle may be provided with a via-hole. The laser beam transmission unit may be configured to generate a laser beam through the via-hole and toward the laser beam reception unit. The laser beam reception unit may be configured to receive the laser beam and transmit information about the received laser beam to the controller. The controller may be configured to monitor the real-time information about the laser beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicants: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., HEFEI XINSHENG OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD .
    Inventor: Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20160363445
    Abstract: Embodiments for modifying a spring mass configuration are disclosed that minimize the effects of unwanted nonlinear motion on a MEMS sensor. The modifications include any or any combination of providing a rigid element between rotating structures of the spring mass configuration, tuning a spring system between the rotating structures and coupling an electrical cancellation system to the rotating structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Ozan ANAC, Joseph SEEGER
  • Publication number: 20160363446
    Abstract: Interferometric measurement device includes a light source emitting a source signal and optical coupling elements receiving the source signal, directing part of the latter towards a measurement pathway including a Sagnac ring interferometer, of frequency fp, producing a power output signal POUT polarized according to a first polarization direction, tapping off another part of the source signal towards a compensation pathway producing a return power compensation signal PRET, and directing the output and compensation signals towards detection elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Herve LEFEVRE, Frederic GUATTARI, Cedric MOLUCON, Stephane CHOUVIN
  • Publication number: 20160363447
    Abstract: A method of displaying information pertaining to an air vehicle is disclosed. Information is displayed indicative of first portions of a map where distance between a current altitude of the air vehicle and terrain in the map are within a first threshold. Information is displayed indicative of second portions of a map where a distance between the current altitude of the air vehicle and terrain in the map are within a second threshold. The first and second portions are updated based on a change in the current altitude of the air vehicle. In another example, a map including a projected flight path of an aircraft is displayed. Location-based information pertaining to radio frequency (RF) status between the aircraft and at least one ground radio is displayed on the map. The location-based information pertaining to RF status is updated based on a change in the current position of the air vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew Royds Hayes
  • Publication number: 20160363448
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for improved pedestrian dead reckoning. In an embodiment, the crab angle of a device, i.e., the angle by which the device direction of travel differs from the device orientation, is determined via the processing of measurements from a vector accelerometer. The measured acceleration vector is rotated so that one component is vertical, and the crab angle is then found by determining a horizontal direction having the greatest energy. Correlations between the two horizontal acceleration components and the vertical acceleration component may be computed to determine the user's gait, further improving dead reckoning, e.g., for improving indoor position resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: SENIONLAB AB
    Inventors: David Tornqvist, Fredrik Gustafsson, Per Skoglar
  • Publication number: 20160363449
    Abstract: An example portable apparatus for logging propulsion data associated with a manual mobility assistance device is described herein. The portable apparatus can include an accelerometer configured to detect acceleration of the manual mobility assistance device, an angular position sensor configured to detect rotation of a wheel of the manual mobility assistance device, and a controller operably coupled to the accelerometer and the angular position sensor. The controller can include a processor and a memory operably coupled to the processor, the memory having computer executable instructions stored thereon, that when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive acceleration data detected by the accelerometer and angular position data detected by the angular position sensor, and store the acceleration data and the angular position data in the memory. The accelerometer, the angular position sensor, and the controller can be configured to removably couple to the manual mobility assistance device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Sandra A. Metzler, Jad Mubaslat, Sarah Kinsey Shaffer, Lee K. Nishio, Kyle Allen Eakins, Carmen P. DiGiovine
  • Publication number: 20160363450
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a wait time client enables prediction of wait times (e.g., time required to checkout at a grocery store) based on crowdsourced wait data. In operation, the wait time application downloads predicted wait data from a server. The predicted wait data reflects measured wait times for one or more location, such as the ticket line at a movie theater. The wait time client then selects a wait time data point that corresponds to a location of a point-of-interest. Based on the selected wait time data point, the wait time client determines a predicted wait time at the point-of-interest. Advantageously, by leveraging crowdsourced, deterministically measured wait times, the wait time clients enables the incorporation of realistic and up-to-date predicted wait times into the trip planning process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Pratyush SAHAY, Rajesh BISWAL
  • Publication number: 20160363451
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-sensor merging based super-close distance autonomous navigation apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a sensor subsystem, an information merging subsystem, a sensor scanning structure, and an orientation guiding structure, wherein a visible light imaging sensor and an infrared imaging sensor are combined together, and data are acquired by combining a passive measurement mode composed of an optical imaging sensor and an active measurement mode composed of a laser distance measuring sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Tianxu ZHANG, Sufei FAN, Yimeng CHEN, Heng YAO, Zhengtao LI, Zheng WANG, Wei HUANG, Zhenghua HUANG
  • Publication number: 20160363452
    Abstract: A method to provide a user an informational tour of a location includes emitting a position signal from a wireless device at a position along the informational tour, detecting the position signal with an electronic device, and outputting information based upon the position signal with the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: 6Planes, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Mehlman, Hien Le
  • Publication number: 20160363453
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method for assigning identifiers to geographic locations within digital map data, comprising selecting a region within the map data, dividing the region into a first plurality of cells each uniquely addressable by an identifier of a first length, selecting a portion of the region and dividing the portion into a second plurality of cells each uniquely addressable by an identifier of a second length, wherein the second length is shorter length than the first length and a geographic location within the portion of the region may be uniquely identified by an identifier of the first length and an identifier of the second length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Pieter Andreas Geelen
  • Publication number: 20160363454
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a travel purpose acquisition unit that acquires a travel purpose of a mobile object; a setting unit that sets multiple travel routes in different travel directions in a forward area with respect to the mobile object; a calculation unit that calculates, regarding each of the multiple travel routes, a predictive value of a travel state in which the mobile object travels along each of the multiple travel routes; a computing unit that computes, regarding each of the multiple travel routes, an evaluation value for the mobile object to realize traveling according to the travel purpose from weighting values that are predetermined according to the travel purpose and the predictive values; and a determining unit that determines, as a travel route to be followed next, a travel route with the highest evaluation represented by the evaluation value among the multiple travel routes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Wataru HATANAKA, Daiki INABA, Hiroshi SHIMURA
  • Publication number: 20160363455
    Abstract: A route search apparatus configured to search a route from a set place of departure to a set destination comprises network data that includes nodes and links representing a road network, an average cost value indicating an average of travel time of each of the links, and a variance value indicating a degree of variance of the travel time, and a route searcher configured to determine the route from the place of departure to the destination as a recommended route, based on the average cost value, the variance value and a weight coefficient of the variance value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicants: ZENRIN CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiko MASUTANI, Hiroyuki TASHIRO, Tomoko ARITA, Motohiro NAKAMURA, Tomoki KODAN, Atsushi IKENO, Yoshitaka KATO, Sadahiro KOSHIBA, Kazuteru MAEKAWA, Koichi USHIDA
  • Publication number: 20160363456
    Abstract: The invention discloses a vehicle management system which is energy centric. The system may be configured to operate on a terrestrial vehicle, a nautical or on an aerial vehicle. It is configured to allow a user input a route comprising legs, each leg associated with an activity and an energy consumption mode. The system captures parameters from sensors to compute a position of the vehicle and a predicted energy consumption per leg. The system comprises a display unit which associates graphically the activities and their energy consumptions. It allows the user to simulate what if scenarios, to visualize the impact of modifications of some of the parameters of energy consumption on an energy/time/range budget.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: ECOLE NATIONALE DE L'AVIATION CIVILE
    Inventors: Matthieu Pujos, Raïlane Benhacene, Hélène Gaspard-Boulinc, Denis Louviot, Jean-Luc Vinot
  • Publication number: 20160363457
    Abstract: In order to improve radio-frequency (RF) coverage along a route to/from an incident, a method and apparatus for autonomous dispatching of network equipment is provided herein. During operation, a route to/from an incident scene will be determined. RF coverage, and or the load level of the equipment along the route will be determined, and a determination whether or not adequate coverage/capacity will be provided to vehicles along the route is made. A base station will be dispatched along the route based on a determination if equate coverage/capacity will be provided to vehicles traveling along the route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: STANKO JELAVIC, MIRCEA CAPOTA, DANIEL A TEALDI
  • Publication number: 20160363458
    Abstract: A contextual description of the arrival location can be determined based on individual or combined attributes, which include (i) a text-based identifier of one or more of the multiple places, and (ii) a spatial relationship as between one or more of the places, or as between the multiple places and the arrival location. The contextual description can be provided for a navigation interface of a computing device used by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Fei Guo
  • Publication number: 20160363459
    Abstract: This electronic device for aiding with the piloting of an aircraft includes: an acquisition module, configured to acquire a current value of the roll angle of the aircraft; a computing module configured to compute a roll angle limit corresponding to a beginning of stalling of the aircraft; and a display module, configured to display, on a screen, a first symbol indicating a current orientation of the aircraft. The computing module is configured to compute at least one roll margin, each roll margin depending on a corresponding roll angle limit and the current value of the roll angle, and the display module is configured, when the display condition is verified, to display, on the screen, at least one second symbol positioned relative to the first symbol, the deviation between each second symbol and the first symbol representing a respective roll margin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Sylvain LISSAJOUX, Bruno AYMERIC, Didier POISSON
  • Publication number: 20160363460
    Abstract: There is described a computationally efficient quaternion-based orientation estimation model for a moving object using a specialized gradient descent correction step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Omid SARBISHEI
  • Publication number: 20160363461
    Abstract: A sensor wire count reduction system having various features is disclosed. Signals from multiple sensors may be combined together to reduce the number of wires implemented to convey the signals to a remote location. Multiple binary sensor outputs may be represented on a single wire as a multi-level signal, and may be decoded at a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Harald Klode, Albert Keith Pant
  • Publication number: 20160363462
    Abstract: An embodiment of a position sensing system includes a signal generation circuit to generate an excitation signal according to a selected characteristic signal, a drive circuit to drive an excitation source with the excitation signal, an input circuit to receive a sensor output while driving the excitation source, a signal detection circuit to identify a component of the sensor output corresponding to the characteristic signal, and a control circuit to determine the position of the movable object as a function of the identified component of the sensor output. The positioning system may be included an electronic camera, where the movable object may be a lens. The excitation source may be a conductive coil, the excitation a magnetic field, and the sensor a magneto resistive sensor. Alternatively, the excitation source may be an optical excitation source, the excitation an optical excitation, and the sensor an optical sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Eoin E. ENGLISH, Javier CALPE MARAVILLA, Robert GUYOL, Alan J. O'DONNELL, Maria Jose MARTINEZ, Jan KUBIK, Krystian BALICKI
  • Publication number: 20160363463
    Abstract: A processor of a position detection device intermittently performs an acquisition process during a measurement period to acquire a detection signal induced in a detection coil depending on the position of an object by driving an excitation coil. The processor configured to monitor whether or not the processor is executing the acquisition process without driving the excitation coil during a monitoring period set before the measurement period of the processor, and the processor is configured to execute a predetermined process when the processor is executing the acquisition process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Masahisa NIWA, Kunitaka OKADA, Kazuma HARAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20160363464
    Abstract: A scale includes a scale grating formed with a period P. A light source grating includes a grating formed with a period 2P, the light source grating being disposed between a light source and the scale. Interference fringe detection means is configured to be able to detect a bright part of an interference fringe with the period P, the interference fringe being generated by the light source grating and the scale. The interference fringe detection means detects a first interference fringe formed by light coming from the scale and a second interference fringe formed by light coming from the scale, a position of a bright part of the second interference fringe being shifted from a position of a bright part of the first interference fringe by a half of the period P (i.e., P/2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kato
  • Publication number: 20160363465
    Abstract: A proximity sensor and a detection method thereof are provided. The proximity sensor includes the proximity sensing unit and a control unit. The proximity sensing unit generates a sensing value in response to an object. The control unit is coupled to the proximity sensing unit. The control unit obtains the sensing value from the proximity sensing unit, compares the sensing value and a default value to obtain a comparing result, calculates a status accumulative time according to the comparing result, and determines whether the status accumulative time exceeds a default time, so as to determine a proximity status of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Kuo-Liang Teng, Jih-Liang Juang
  • Publication number: 20160363466
    Abstract: Method for securing a sensor (1) to a support (2), the support (2) comprising a receiving zone (16) for the sensor (1) and a crimping zone (17), the sensor (1) comprising a housing (20) provided with a projecting zone (25), wherein, in said method:—the sensor (1) is moved next to the receiving zone (16) of the support (2) and brought into contact with all or part thereof, and—all or part of the crimping zone (17) is deformed such that said portion(s) of the crimping zone (17) that is/are deformed in this way press(es) against all or part of the projection zone (25) so as to keep the sensor (1) in position with respect to the support (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: Valeo Systemes de Controle Moteur
    Inventors: Florent Rampillon, Manuela Mateos-Bugatti, Didier Le Cunff, Christophe Lopes
  • Publication number: 20160363467
    Abstract: A fastening device for a sensor at a fitting including a quick clamping mechanism (4) which clamps the fitting (14), characterized in that the quick clamping mechanism (4) is supported at a first holding part (2) which is connected to a second holding part (3) which supports the sensor (12), with the first holding part and the second holding part (2, 3) forming a clamping device, wherein the first holding part (2) includes two hoops (5, 6), wherein at least one hoop (5) engages behind a fitting support unit (10) of the second holding part (3) and the quick clamping mechanism (4) is fastened between the two hoops (5, 6) of the first holding part (2), wherein the quick clamping mechanism (4) is led or rotatably supported at an axle (9) which connects the hoops (5, 6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Andreas BEHRENS
  • Publication number: 20160363468
    Abstract: A gauge adaptor apparatus allows easy connection and removal of a gauge to a hydronic system or other fluidic piping system for taking a pressure or temperature reading. The gauge adaptor apparatus is compatible with standard hose connections and can be used to quickly and easily add a gauge onto a hydronic system without requiring extensive labor and without needing to halt the operation of the system. Gauge adaptor apparatuses can be used to take one-time readings, or they can be left permanently installed for ongoing readings of the system. Gauge adaptor apparatuses take up little space, are highly compatible with existing fluid valves and system configurations, can be installed quickly and easily without requiring much labor, and can be easily removed for system draining, servicing, or replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Reck, Mark J. Roy, Andrew J. Terry
  • Publication number: 20160363469
    Abstract: A rotation angle detector comprises a rotating body including a plurality of track parts, and an abnormality detecting unit for detecting an abnormality based on signals generated in detection units. The detection units generate a first signal based on a first track part and a second signal based on a second track part. The abnormality detecting unit includes a judgement unit for judging an occurrence of an abnormality when the difference between the fluctuation range of the first signal and the fluctuation range of the second signal is larger than a predetermined fluctuation range judgement value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Nishioka, Shunichi Odaka, Keisuke Imai
  • Publication number: 20160363470
    Abstract: An airflow sensor is disclosed to overcome the problem of having an undetectable wind speed range. The airflow sensor may include a frame and an impeller. The frame includes a rotation detector. The impeller is rotatably coupled with the frame and includes a plurality of blades and a rotating member. The rotation detector generates a detection signal according to a rotational cycle of the rotating member. Moreover, an airflow detecting module is further provided to overcome said problem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Alex Horng, Shit-Chin Wu, Tsung-Hsin Cheng
  • Publication number: 20160363471
    Abstract: A non-intrusive flow measurement and detection device is provided. The device includes a first transducer; a second transducer; and detection/reporting circuitry coupled to the first and second transducers. The non-intrusive flow measurement and detection device is mounted to a pipe or conduit with the first and second transducers in contact with an outer surface of the pipe or conduit. The first transducer detects and measures vibration in the pipe or conduit in response to gas or liquid flowing through the pipe or conduit. The second transducer detects and measures sound in the pipe or conduit in response to gas or liquid flowing through the pipe or conduit. The detection/reporting circuitry compares the measured flow and flow rate determined by the first and second transducers with established limits to determine if the flow and flow rate is within the established limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Andre Olivier, Nicholas Olivier, William Dopson
  • Publication number: 20160363472
    Abstract: The invention relates to a Coriolis flow sensor. The sensor comprises a housing and at least a Coriolis-tube with at least two ends being fixed in a tube fixation means. The flow sensor comprises excitation means for causing the tube to oscillate, as well as detection means for detecting at least a measure of displacements of parts of the tube during operation. According to the invention, the Coriolis flow sensor comprises a reference mass, as well as further excitation means arranged for causing the reference mass to oscillate during operation, as well as further detection means for detecting at least a measure of displacements of the reference mass during operation. Additionally, control means are provided for controlling the excitation means and/or further excitation means based on vibrations measured by the detection means and/or further detection means. This way a Coriolis flow sensor with active vibration isolation is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: BERKIN B.V.
    Inventors: Joost Conrad LÖTTERS, Marcel Ronald KATERBERG, Wouter Bernardus Johannes HAKVOORT, Willem David KRUIJSWIJK, Lubbert VAN DE RIDDER
  • Publication number: 20160363473
    Abstract: A system for inspecting urea quality includes a lower ultrasonic sensor, which is in contact with a urea liquid and installed at a bottom portion of a urea tank inside the urea tank, outputting an ultrasonic wave toward a top portion and receiving the ultrasonic wave reflected on a urea liquid surface; an upper ultrasonic sensor, which is in contact with the air and installed at the top portion of the urea tank inside the urea tank, outputting the ultrasonic wave toward the bottom portion and receiving the ultrasonic wave reflected on the liquid surface of the urea; and a controller, which is electrically connected with the upper ultrasonic sensor and the lower ultrasonic sensor, configured to calculate distances from each ultrasonic sensor to the urea liquid surface by the ultrasonic wave, and configured to determine whether the urea quality is abnormal from the calculated distances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Jang Hyun JUNG
  • Publication number: 20160363474
    Abstract: A variable-resistor plate for a liquid level detector includes: a substrate main body that is formed from a material having insulation properties; sliding electrodes that are spaced from each other and are arranged side by side along a slide locus of a slide member, which is displaced relative to the plate in accordance with a liquid surface level, on the substrate main body; a resistor that mutually connects the sliding electrodes to generate electric resistances between the sliding electrodes and that enables the correction of the variations in resistance value among individuals through adjustment of a shape of the resistor on the substrate main body; an adjustment contact part that is formed at at least one sliding electrode and is located to be deviated from the slide locus of the slide member, a measuring part of a measuring device being brought into contact with the adjustment contact part; and a pair of correction contact parts that are formed at a correction electrode, which is provided on the substra
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Yoshifumi TERADA
  • Publication number: 20160363475
    Abstract: A thin personal weighing device comprising a bottom plate, extending along a reference plane, a top plate movably mounted with regard to the bottom plate along a direction perpendicular to the reference plane, four resilient elements directly interposed between the top and the bottom plate, four LC circuits positioned at a vicinity of an edge of the bottom plate, and a conductive material coating, arranged on the top plate, the four LC resonators and the at least conductive material coating exhibiting an inductance. Movement of the conductive material coating relative to each of the four LC resonators introduces a variation of the inductance. A computation unit detecting the variations of the inductance is electronically coupled with the LC resonators and configured to correlate the variations of the inductance with an actual weight placed on the weighing device. The thickness of the weighing device is less than 25 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas Bedetti, Antoine Joussain, Eric Carreel
  • Publication number: 20160363476
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing electronic weight measurement using a handheld apparatus (e.g., fishing net or other handheld apparatus, etc.). In some embodiments, the handheld apparatus might measure a raw signal weight of an item (e.g., fish or other suitable item), and might measure at least one of angle of tilt or angle of rotation of the item with respect to the handheld apparatus, and, in some cases, might also measure at least one of angle of tilt or angle of rotation of the item with reference to gravitational direction of the Earth. The handheld apparatus might calculate a processed signal weight of the item based at least in part on the measured angle of tilt and/or rotation of the item with respect to the at least one of the weight measurement sensor or the handle, and might display the processed signal weight of the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Chadd Van Komen, Edward J. Kim, Michael D. Chase
  • Publication number: 20160363477
    Abstract: Systems and method for providing an audio output with an acoustic intensity analyzer. The acoustic intensity analyzer includes an acoustic intensity array, a controller, and an orientation sensor. The acoustic intensity array is fixed to the acoustic intensity analyzer. The controller is coupled to the acoustic intensity array to produce the audio output using acoustic holography based on an input from the acoustic intensity array. The controller is configured to set an aim of the acoustic holography in a selected direction. The orientation sensor is coupled to the controller and mechanically fixed to the acoustic intensity analyzer such that there is no relative movement between the orientation sensor and the acoustic intensity array. The orientation sensor detects a change in an orientation of the acoustic intensity array and provides an orientation signal to the controller for adjusting the aim of the acoustic holography to maintain the selected direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew Doller
  • Publication number: 20160363478
    Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus for sensing a level of a processing medium in a chemical delivery apparatus are provided herein. In some embodiments, a chemical delivery apparatus includes: a support structure; a container coupled to the support structure to hold a chemical precursor within an interior of the container; an excitation source configured to cause vibrations in an exterior surface of the container; and a measurement device configured to measure a frequency of the vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Faruk GUNGOR
  • Publication number: 20160363479
    Abstract: System and methods for accurate measurement and real-time feedback of solar ultraviolet exposure for management of ultraviolet dose. The systems can include a wearable device and a mobile device, the system performing accurate measurement of UV exposure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Emmanuel DUMONT, Shayak BANERJEE, Mauricio CONTRERAS
  • Publication number: 20160363480
    Abstract: To shorten the length of an electric wiring between a capacitor and a PD, and to improve high frequency characteristics. An optical module of the present invention includes a light receiving element disposed at such a position that light from an optical transmission path is received on a light receiving surface in a state that the light receiving surface faces the optical transmission path; a spacer jointed to the optical transmission path and to the light receiving element in such a manner that a gap between the optical transmission path and the light receiving element is kept at a predetermined distance that light from the optical transmission path is allowed to enter the light receiving surface; and a capacitor electrically connected to the light receiving element, and disposed along with the light receiving element on a surface of the spacer on the same side as that joined to the light receiving element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Taro KANEKO
  • Publication number: 20160363481
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spectrometer having a plurality of dispersive optical elements arranged such that electromagnetic radiation entering into the spectrometer is incident on the dispersive optical elements to be split spectrally there; the dispersive optical elements differ from one another with respect to their spatial positions and/or their spectral splitting capabilities; the dispersive optical elements are arranged such that the spectra generated by the respective dispersive optical elements by the splitting of the electromagnetic radiation extend in the same direction and are adjacent to one another transversely to this direction of the spectral splitting; and a detector resolving spatially in two dimensions and being located in the optical path of the split electromagnetic radiation for the detection of at least some respective part sections of the spectra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Julian EDLER, Pascal ORTWEIN, Michael OVERDICK, Markus DAMBACHER, Rolf DISCH
  • Publication number: 20160363482
    Abstract: A white light spectroscopy system includes a super continuum light source having an input light source including semiconductor diodes to generate an input beam having a wavelength shorter than 2.5 microns. The light source includes a cladding-pumped fiber optical amplifier to receive the input beam, and a photonic crystal fiber to receive the amplified optical beam to broaden the spectral width to 100 nm or more forming an output beam in the visible wavelength range. The output beam is pulsed with a repetition rate of 1 Megahertz or higher. The system also includes a lens and/or mirror to receive the output beam, to send the output beam to a scanning stage, and to deliver the received output beam to a sample. A detection system includes dispersive optics and narrow band filters followed by one or more detectors to permit approximately simultaneous measurement of at least two wavelengths from the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Mohammed N. ISLAM
  • Publication number: 20160363483
    Abstract: Wearable devices for taking symmetric thermal measurements. One device includes first and second thermal cameras physically coupled to a frame worn on a user's head. The first thermal camera takes thermal measurements of a first region of interest that covers at least a portion of the right side of the user's forehead. The second thermal camera takes thermal measurements of a second ROI that covers at least a portion of the left side of the user's forehead. Wherein the first and second thermal cameras are not in physical contact with their corresponding ROIs, and as a result of being coupled to the frame, the thermal cameras remain pointed at their corresponding ROIs when the user's head makes angular movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: Facense Ltd.
    Inventors: Arie Tzvieli, Ari M Frank, Gil Thieberger
  • Publication number: 20160363484
    Abstract: A metrology system is presented for measuring parameters of a structure. The system comprises: an optical system and a control unit. The optical system is configured for detecting light reflection of incident radiation from the structure and generating measured data indicative of angular phase of the detected light components corresponding to reflections of illuminating light components having different angles of incidence. The control unit is configured for receiving and processing the measured data and generating a corresponding phase map indicative of the phase variation along at least two dimensions, and analyzing the phase map using modeled data for determining one or more parameters of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Gilad BARAK, Dror SHAFIR, Danny GROSSMAN
  • Publication number: 20160363485
    Abstract: A non-contact temperature sensor is provided, the sensor including: an insulating film, a thin film thermistor portion formed on a front-surface of the insulating film, a pair of comb shaped electrodes formed on the thin film thermistor portion, a pair of pad electrodes formed on the front-surface of the insulating film, a pair of pattern wiring portions, and a pair of lead frames that is adhered to the pair of pad electrodes on the front-surface side of the insulating film, wherein the thin film thermistor portion is formed in a thermistor forming region arranged on the front-end side of the insulating film, the pad electrodes are formed in an electrode forming region arranged on the base-end side of the insulating film, the front-end side of the pair of lead frames is arranged to surround the circumference of the thermistor forming region in a non-contact manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenzo Nakamura, Masashi Nishiyama, Fumio Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20160363486
    Abstract: Provided is an optical temperature sensor including a temperature sensing element having light transmission characteristics that vary with temperature, a hollow holding member that holds the temperature sensing element, and an optical fiber that is arranged inside the holding member, the optical fiber including a tip face that is disposed to face the temperature sensing element at a position separated from the temperature sensing element by a predetermined distance. The temperature sensing element allows light emitted from the tip face of the optical fiber to be incident thereon, allows the incident light to be transmitted therethrough, and allows reflected light of the transmitted light that has been reflected by a measuring object to be transmitted therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Takari YAMAMOTO, Kenichiro YAMADA, Yoshiki YAMAKAWA, Yuji MIZUMA, Hirokazu TANIGUCHI, Masatoshi TABIRA
  • Publication number: 20160363487
    Abstract: A temperature sensor for generating bit stream having duty ratio depending on temperature, includes: voltage generator to receive control bit and output first voltage having CTAT characteristic when the control bit is in first state and to output second voltage having PTAT characteristic when the control bit is in second state; integrating circuit to integrate value obtained by multiplying input voltage with a first coefficient in the first state and to integrate value obtained by multiplying the input voltage with second coefficient in the second state; quantizer to generate the bit stream by quantizing an output of the integrating circuit; pattern generator which is enabled in calibration mode and generates test signal having predetermined duty ratio; and subtraction circuit which is enabled in the calibration mode and subtracts reference voltage for calibration from an output voltage of the voltage generator in the first state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: Yoshihisa SAKANO
  • Publication number: 20160363488
    Abstract: A system includes a magnetostrictive sensor. The magnetostrictive sensor includes a driving coil configured to receive a first driving current and to emit a first magnetic flux portion through a target and a second magnetic flux portion. The magnetostrictive sensor also includes a first sensing coil configured to receive the first magnetic flux portion and to transmit a signal based at least in part on the received first magnetic flux portion. The received first magnetic flux portion is based at least in part on a force on the target. The magnetostrictive sensor includes a magnetic shield disposed between the driving coil and the first sensing coil. The magnetic shield is configured to reduce the second magnetic flux portion received by the first sensing coil. The magnetic shield includes a composite with a conductive material and an insulating material, a metamaterial, or a mesh structure, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Pekka Tapani Sipila, Lam Arthur Campbell, Dan Tho Lu
  • Publication number: 20160363489
    Abstract: A sensing device has a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of sets of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a plurality of first axis signal lines, a plurality of second axis signal lines, and a plurality of second signal lines. The second substrate is above the first substrate and has a reset structure. The second electrodes are on the first surface of the second substrate in array. Each set of first electrodes is on the first substrate in array, corresponding to one of the plurality of second electrodes, and having at least one first axis electrode and at least one second axis electrode. The first axis electrode and the second axis electrode both partially overlap with the corresponding second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Szu-Ju Li, Jung-Hao Wang, Hsin-Hung Pan, Meng-Song Yin