Patents Issued in January 3, 2017
  • Patent number: 9534912
    Abstract: Computationally implemented methods and systems that are designed for receiving a request for transporting one or more end users towards a destination location; presenting at least one or more portions of a travel plan for facilitating the one or more end users to travel to the destination location from a starting location, the travel plan identifying at least two route legs including at least one transport route leg that calls for at least one transportation vehicle unit to transport the one or more end users over the transport route leg; and transmitting a request for one or more transportation vehicle units to rendezvous with the one or more end users at a rendezvous location in order to transport the one or more end users over the at least one transport leg. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene
  • Patent number: 9534913
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating and displaying a comparison of multiple modes of transportation for reaching a destination. One method includes receiving a start location and a destination location, and stops in between, receiving information related to at least one third party operated mode of transportation from a third party determining data related to the at least one third party operated mode of transportation and at least one user operated mode of transportation, generating and displaying determined data for at least one option for each of the plurality of modes of transportation, receiving a selection of a sort category, and determining the option of each mode of transportation to be displayed and an order in which the modes of transportation are displayed based on the selection of the sort category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Meghan Newlin, Cristian J. Whitney, Austin Brown, Kent Dennis Hollrah, Lindsay E. Moore
  • Patent number: 9534914
    Abstract: A route-determination module (RDM) is provided, with the RDM having as input one or more cognitive preferences of a traveler. Further, the RDM receives input on a current or a forecasted cognitive state of the traveler, along with the cognitive load associated with one or more potential routes for traveling to a destination. A recommended route is determined based on the preference(s), state, and/or cognitive load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lisa Seacat DeLuca, James R. Kozloski, Clifford A. Pickover
  • Patent number: 9534915
    Abstract: A set of images that each include a time and a date of image capture, a location of image capture, and a directional bearing of image capture are evaluated. The direction bearing of image capture specifies a direction of image capture relative to the respective location of image capture of each image. Images are correlated among the set of images that include a comparable date, time, and location of image capture. By analysis of image content within the correlated images, a determination is made that the correlated images include different directional representations of a single event, and that the single event is distinct from static fixed-location points of interest. Using the directional bearing of image capture of each correlated image, a location of an intersection region that results from intersecting directional bearings of image capture of the correlated images is identified as a dynamic attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Billy W. Chang, Sarbajit K. Rakshit
  • Patent number: 9534916
    Abstract: A method, a device and a computer readable medium are disclosed for navigation. The method includes determining map information for display on an integrated input and display device of a navigation device, based upon a determined route of travel of the navigation device; and differentiating at least a portion of the map information within a threshold distance of the determined route of travel, from other map information, to thereby emphasize the determined route of travel. The navigation device includes a processor to determine map information for subsequent display, based upon a determined route of travel of the navigation device, the processor further being useable to control display of at least a portion of the map information, determined to be within a threshold distance of the determined route of travel, in a manner differentiated from display of other map information, to thereby emphasize the determined route of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: TomTom International B.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Geelen, James Tebbutt, Jasper-Michiel Van Hemert
  • Patent number: 9534917
    Abstract: In an approach to providing navigation assistance, one or more computer processors receive a request for navigation assistance to a destination from a first user. The one or more computer processors dispatch a navigation assistance UAV to the first user. The one or more computer processors determine a route for the first user to follow to the destination. The one or more computer processors provide navigation assistance for the route to the first user using the navigation assistance UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kelly Abuelsaad, Gregory J. Boss, Kevin C. McConnell, Shane B. McElligott
  • Patent number: 9534918
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to identifying and displaying traffic lanes that are available for autonomous driving. This information may be displayed to a driver of a vehicle having an autonomous driving mode, in order to inform the driver of where he or she can use the autonomous driving mode. In one example, the display may visually distinguishing between lanes that are available for auto-drive from those that are not. The display may also include an indicator of the position of a lane (autodrive or not) currently occupied by the vehicle. In addition, if that lane is an autodrive lane the display may include information indicating how much further the vehicle may continue in the autonomous driving mode in that particular lane. The display may also display information indicating the remaining autodrive distance in other lanes as well as the lane with the greatest remaining autodrive distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Nemec, Brian Douglas Cullinane, Manuel Christian Clement, Robertus Christianus Elisabeth Mariet
  • Patent number: 9534919
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a navigation device having a display device and a processing device coupled thereto and configured to present on the display device an indicator of a legend location, determine at least one travel metric corresponding to at least one legend location, and present the at least one travel metric in tandem with the indicator of the legend location. The at least one travel metric includes one or more of the following: a travel route distance to the legend location from a current physical location, an estimated time of arrival at the legend location, and an estimated duration of travel to the legend location from the present physical location. A corresponding method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: David Vanderburgh
  • Patent number: 9534920
    Abstract: An information processing cooperation system, comprising: a first information processing terminal mounted on a vehicle; a second information processing terminal having a plurality of types of applications, wherein the first information processing terminal comprises: a condition determination unit configured to determine current conditions of at least one of the vehicle and a user riding on the vehicle; and an activation control unit configured to transmit, depending on the current conditions determined by the condition determination unit, an activation request for activating at least one of the plurality of types of applications to the second information processing terminal, wherein the second information processing terminal comprises: an application activation unit configured to activate an application corresponding to the activation request received from the activation control unit; and an application execution unit configured to execute the activated application in cooperation with the first information pr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: CLARION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryohei Kato, Takaaki Shiina, Kentaro Daikoku, Jun Li, Shinichi Amaya
  • Patent number: 9534921
    Abstract: Provided is a navi-system or the like capable of improving accuracy of road traffic information that is created based on probe information. A navi-client 2 creates probe information including an identifier that represents a detection result as to whether a communication with a vehicle-mounted device 3 has been established or not. A server communication device 1 discriminates or selects probe information in accordance with a difference of the identifier, and creates road traffic information based on the thus discriminated or selected probe information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tadafumi Nogawa
  • Patent number: 9534922
    Abstract: Present novel and non-trivial system, device, and method for recording a modification of an existing route plan are disclosed. The disclosed system may be comprised of a flight management system (“FMS”), at least one human-machine interface (“HMI”) device, at least one display unit, and a route modification generator (“RMG”). The disclosed device may be comprised of the RMG configured to perform the disclosed method, where such method may be comprised of receiving a request to modify an existing route plan; retrieving the route plan from the FMS; generating a message data set representative of one or more pre-formatted messages having one or more visually-conspicuous, user-interactive variable fields; updating the message data set in response to a user's selection of each field; sending the updated data set to the display unit; receiving a pilot's authorization to modify the route plan, and sending the accepted, modified flight plan to the FMS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick D. McCusker, Sarah Barber
  • Patent number: 9534923
    Abstract: The sensor device includes a counter for counting the number of count commands used to perform measurements while maintaining among multiple sensor devices the ratio of measurement intervals; a ratio-holding-unit for setting the ratio to a desired ratio and holding respective values of the ratio for each of the multiple sensor devices; a sampling-timing-generating-unit for receiving a count value of the counter and the setting value of the ratio held by the ratio-holding-unit, and for generating a sampling timing signal based on the comparison result between the count value and the setting value; and a sampling-unit for sampling a detection signal detected by the detecting unit, by using the sampling timing signal generated by the sampling-timing-generating-unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation
    Inventors: Masaya Yamashita, Shiro Kobayashi, Osamu Koizumi, Yuko Akagi
  • Patent number: 9534924
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to computing technologies. In particular, aspects of the disclosure relate to mobile computing device technologies, such as systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media to improve the calibration data by taking into account the effects of change in temperature on motion sensors. For instance, different levels of error may be associated with a motion sensor at different temperature levels. In one implementation, the sensor measurement data associated with the various orientations at a temperature is used in determining the calibration data for that temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Disha Ahuja, Victor Kulik, Carlos M. Puig, Ashish Nagesh Desai
  • Patent number: 9534925
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a vibratory structure gyroscope is provided herein. An annular cavity is formed in a first surface of a substrate, the annular cavity defining an anchor post located in a central portion of the annular cavity. A bubble layer is formed over the first surface of the substrate and over the annular cavity. The substrate and the bubble layer are heated to form a hemitoroidal bubble in the bubble layer over the annular cavity. A sacrificial layer is deposited over the hemitoroidal bubble of the bubble layer and an aperture is formed in the sacrificial layer, the aperture disposed over the anchor post in the annular cavity. A resonator layer is deposited over the sacrificial layer and the sacrificial layer between the bubble layer and the resonator layer is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Horning, Burgess R. Johnson, Robert Compton, Eugen Cabuz
  • Patent number: 9534926
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the autocalibration of an inertial rig comprising an inertial core defining a sensor reference frame, implemented in the course of at least two missions (Mn, Mn+1) each comprising the determination, on the basis of measurements of gyroscopes, of the orientation of the rig in a reference frame comprising the north axis (N) and the vertical axis (Up), the method comprising the implementation:—in the course of a mission (Mn), of an estimation (200) of drift errors of the gyroscopes for the orientation of the rig at least with respect to the north axis (dgyrN); and—in the course of a following mission (Mn+1), of a calculation (400) of corrections of drift errors (DXn) of the sensor reference frame (X,Y,Z), on the basis of the estimated drift errors; and—of a calculation (600) of drift errors (Xn+1), consisting in correcting drift errors (Xn) of the sensor reference frame that were calculated during the previous mission (Mn).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SAGEM DEFENSE SECURITE
    Inventors: David Roberfroid, Vincent Cournou
  • Patent number: 9534927
    Abstract: A microcontroller unit (MCU) characterized by including a buffer is provided. The MCU is a part of a mobile device. The MCU fetches a plurality of samples from a sensor of the mobile device, performs a preset processing according to the samples, stores the samples and/or a result of the preset processing in the buffer, and provides the result or a signal based on the result to the central processing unit (CPU) of the mobile device or an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: CYWEEMOTION HK LIMITED
    Inventors: Zhou Ye, Chin-Lung Li, Shun-Nan Liou, Chien-Chih Hsu
  • Patent number: 9534928
    Abstract: A smart grid for improving the management of a power utility grid is provided. The smart grid as presently disclosed includes using sensors in various portions of the power utility grid, using communications and computing technology to upgrade an electric power grid so that it can operate more efficiently and reliably and support additional services to consumers. The smart grid may include distributed intelligence in the power utility grid (separate from the control center intelligence) including devices that generate data in different sections of the grid, analyze the generated data, and automatically modify the operation of a section of the power grid. Further, the intelligent devices in the power utility grid may cooperate together to analyze and/or control the state of the power grid. Finally, the distributed intelligence may further include distributed storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Taft
  • Patent number: 9534929
    Abstract: A wireless sensor network at a monitored location can be configured to generate sensor channel(s) of data to assess operational conditions at the monitored location. Inputs based on the sensor channel(s) of data are provided to a host system for analysis of a demand to one or more resources at the monitored location. Response messages can be generated based on the demand analysis and transmitted to actuator(s) at the monitored location to effect an adjustment to the operational conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Senseware, Inc.
    Inventors: Julien G. Stamatakis, Serene Al-Momen
  • Patent number: 9534930
    Abstract: A configured mode of operation of a wireless sensor node unit can selectively activate a first subset of sensor channels of data and selectively deactivate a second subset of sensor channels of data. The configured mode of operation customizes the sensor functionality in the wireless sensor node unit in support of the delivery of data streams to customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Senseware, Inc.
    Inventor: Julien G. Stamatakis
  • Patent number: 9534931
    Abstract: An encoder includes a first rotator connectable to a rotating shaft and including a first pattern, and a first detection unit positioned at a non-rotatory member and configured to detect the first pattern. The encoder also includes a second rotator connectable to an output shaft that is rotatable around a predetermined axis and is configured to output rotation caused by the rotating shaft. The encoder also includes a second detection unit positioned at the non-rotatory member and configured to detect the second pattern, and a reference unit configured to position the first detection unit and the second detection unit by a common position reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignees: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED, NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Ueda, Kou Ohno, Toru Morita
  • Patent number: 9534932
    Abstract: An XMR angle sensor arrangement with a safety mechanism comprises an XMR angle sensor having a sensing area for sensing an in-plane magnetic field and for outputting a sensor signal based on the in-plane magnetic field component sensed in the sensing area; a permanent magnet, which is rotatably arranged with respect to the XMR angle sensor to generate a first in-plane magnetic field component in the sensing area of the XMR angle sensor; an excitation current rail path, which is arranged proximate to the sensing area of the XMR angle sensor; and an excitation current provider configured to provide the excitation current rail path with an excitation signal having a excitation signal strength, wherein the excitation signal strength of the excitation signal is chosen to generate a second in-plane magnetic field component in the sensing area of the XMR angle sensor which results, due to a super position of the first and second in-plane magnetic field components, in an expected change of the direction of the result
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Granig
  • Patent number: 9534933
    Abstract: A human machine interface includes a capacitive sensor disposed on an interior side of a face plate. A control device is rotatably coupled to the face plate and is disposed on an exterior side of the face plate. The control device includes at least one electrically conductive element. The control device rotates about an axis substantially perpendicular to the face plate such that the at least one electrically conductive element follows the rotation of the control device. The capacitive sensor senses a rotational position of the at least one electrically conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventor: Gerald Tang-Kong
  • Patent number: 9534934
    Abstract: A measurement system (22) for measuring the position of a work piece (28) along a first axis includes a grating (234), and an encoder head (238) that directs a first measurement beam (240) at the grating (234) at a first angle, and directs a second measurement beam (242) at the grating (234) at a second angle. An absolute value of the first angle relative to a normal (244) of the grating (234) is different from an absolute value of the second angle relative to the normal (244) of the grating (234). Additionally, the first measurement beam (240) has a first wavelength, and the second measurement beam (242) has a second wavelength that can be different from the first wavelength. Further, the first measurement beam (240) and the second measurement beam (242) can impinge at approximately the same location on the grating (234).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric Peter Goodwin
  • Patent number: 9534935
    Abstract: An encoder includes a scale including an origin detecting pattern, an origin detector, and a processor. The origin detector includes a plurality of detecting element groups including a first, second, third, and fourth detectors. The first and second detectors and the third and fourth detectors are symmetrically arranged to a center of each detecting element group, respectively. A part of the origin detecting pattern having a physical characteristic different from an origin peripheral part is shorter than each detecting element group. The origin detector outputs a first signal from the first and third detectors, and a second signal from the second and fourth detectors. The processor outputs a fifth signal based on a third signal from the first signal and a first threshold, and a fourth signal from the second signal and a second threshold as an origin signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: CANON PRECISION, INC.
    Inventor: Ryo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9534936
    Abstract: A reference signal generation circuit generates a reference signal from a reading result of the reference point detection pattern. The first light-receiving element array includes a first light-receiving element that outputs a first signal, and a second light-receiving element that is disposed in a first direction of the first light-receiving element and outputs a second signal. A second light-receiving element array includes a third light-receiving element that outputs a third signal, and a fourth light-receiving element that is disposed in the first direction of the third light-receiving element and outputs a fourth signal. The second light-receiving element array is disposed in a second direction of the first light-receiving element array. The reference signal generation circuit outputs a reference signal that starts at a period when levels of the first and second signal become equal and ends at a period when levels of the third and fourth signal become equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihide Kimura
  • Patent number: 9534937
    Abstract: A device and method include a broadband light source in communication with a waveguide to provide a light signal for interrogating each of a plurality for sensors within the waveguide. An analyzer modulates the light signal with a microwave signal and demodulates and evaluates light signals reflected by the sensors. An amplitude and a phase of each reflected signal from each sensor is distinguished in the time domain and the modulated signal is reconstructed in the frequency domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: HABsonic, LLC
    Inventors: Hai Xiao, Jie Huang, Xinwei Lan, Ming Luo
  • Patent number: 9534938
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically measuring and storing a various measured values of an item, or a sequence of measured values of one or more item(s) suitable for single-handed use by a user. In particular, the present invention relates to a mobile computing device with one or more sensors for determining when to measure and record a particular value of one or more items. The mobile computing device may automatically measure the values based on sensing a change in the temperature value or through using proximity as detected by one or more onboard sensors. Additionally, the mobile computing device may automatically measure the values based on coming within range of an external proximity device. In response to automatically measuring the values, the measured values are stored along with additional information for record keeping purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Squadle, Inc.
    Inventors: Le Zhang, William K. Chen
  • Patent number: 9534939
    Abstract: A flameproof feed-through (200) includes a feed-through element (210) comprising a substantially planar shape, a first interface region (211), and a second interface region (212), wherein one or more conductors (217) extend between the first interface region (211) and the second interface region (212). The flameproof feed-through (200) further includes one or more body portions (220) assembled to the feed-through element (210), with the one or more body portions (220) holding the feed-through element (210) in position with respect to the aperture. The first interface region (211) of the feed-through element (210) extends at least partially to a first side (201) of the flameproof feed-through (200) and wherein the second interface region (212) of the feed-through element (210) extends at least partially to a second side (202) of the flameproof feed-through (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: William M Mansfield, Craig B McAnally, Shaun E Shanahan, Richard L Woolf
  • Patent number: 9534940
    Abstract: A resolver can have a stator installed in a housing simply, without requiring a special jig. In the resolver including a housing and a stator core fixed in the housing, the stator core is fixed to the inside of the housing by rotating relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: MINEBEA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takaaki Ochiai, Shumei Shirayanagi, Fujito Kawai
  • Patent number: 9534941
    Abstract: A pointer device, an instrument cluster, and a display for an instrument cluster are described herein. The pointer device includes a pointer with a stem and paddle. The instrument cluster includes a technique to display a bar graph based interface with a mechanically driven pointer. The display allows for a dual representation employing multiple pointers, with one pointer dedicated to a dial-based display, and another pointer dedicated to a bar graph display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James Paul Farell
  • Patent number: 9534942
    Abstract: A variable orifice fluid flow sensor is provided that includes a biasing member and a bending member positioned proximate the biasing member. The biasing member includes at least one biasing element extending from the biasing member into contact with a non-flapper portion of the bending member to exert a contact force on the bending member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: James Nyal Mashak
  • Patent number: 9534943
    Abstract: A measuring tube for magneto-inductive flowmeter systems, having a measuring tube for the flow of an electrically conductive medium and a magnetic field generating device for generating a magnetic field, at least two measuring electrodes which tap the measurement voltage induced in the electrically conductive medium and preferably an evaluation unit. The measuring electrodes have externally accessible measuring contacts, wherein the measuring tube forms a first functional unit with the measuring electrodes, and mating contacts corresponding to the measuring contacts of the measuring electrodes, the magnetic field generating device and an evaluation unit, if present, form a second functional unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Krohne AG
    Inventors: Christine Perfetti, Josef Neven
  • Patent number: 9534944
    Abstract: A method for determining and/or monitoring fill level of a medium in a container with a measuring device, which works according to the travel time measuring method, wherein measurement signals are transmitted toward the medium and are received, wherein from the high-frequency total measurement signal, composed by superimposing the transmitted measurement signals, the reflected wanted echo signals and the disturbance echo signals, a raw echo curve or digitized envelope curve is ascertained. The wanted echo signals and/or the disturbance echo signals in the raw echo curve or the digitized envelope curve are ascertained based on an ideal echo curve, which shows the amplitude of the echo signals of an ideal reflector as a function of the distance from the ideal reflector, and based on the ascertained wanted echo signal the fill level is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Alexey Malinovskiy, I, Stefan Gorenflo, Dietmar Spanke, Edgar Schmitt
  • Patent number: 9534945
    Abstract: A multi-tank indirect liquid level measurement device and method for wastewater tanks in a recreational vehicle may be implemented using a sealable reservoir that holds pressurized air, a manual piston pump that supplies and/or pressurizes the air in the reservoir, a rotary valve that incorporates a selection disk with an axial passage that is rotationally coupled to a connection disk that has a plurality of pipes, each of which connect on their other end to the wastewater tanks to be gaged. A bourdon tube pressure gage displays the pressure difference between the sealable reservoir and atmospheric pressure, which is an indirect reading of the height of the wastewater in the tank being gaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: John Vander Horst
  • Patent number: 9534946
    Abstract: An electrostatic capacitance fluid level sensor includes a hermetic terminal having two terminal pins inserted through a metal base, a detection device including two electrodes for fluid level detection by electrostatic capacitance and two connecting terminals configured to fix the pins to the electrodes respectively. The connecting terminals are formed into such a shape as to include parts parallel to the electrodes and parts orthogonal to the electrodes by bending the terminals at bends, respectively. The parallel parts are fixed to sides of the electrodes opposed to sides of the electrodes facing each other, respectively. The orthogonal parts are fixed to the pins respectively. One of the terminals has a larger thickness than the other thereby to have a sufficient stiffness to hold the detection device. At least one of the terminals is deformable by a weaker force than a force causing the electrodes to deform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: UBUKATA INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Murata
  • Patent number: 9534947
    Abstract: An instrument adapted for the determination of fluid levels within a vessel by the comparison of the density of the fluid along the length of the instrument, said instrument comprising: (i) at least one generally linear source array comprising a plurality of sources of penetrating radiation, shielding and collimation means and a source supporting structure for supporting the sources and shielding and collimation means in a linear array (ii) at least one generally linear detector array comprising a plurality of radiation detectors, supported on a detector support structure, capable of detecting radiation emitted by the sources, and (iii) means to position the source and a respective detector array such that (a) radiation emitted from each of the sources is capable of following a linear path from the source, through the vessel and material to at least a respective one of the detectors forming a part of the respective detector array, and (b) the linear axis of the source array and the linear axis of its respecti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: JOHNSON MATTHEY PLC
    Inventors: Paul David Featonby, Peter Jackson, Benjamin Metcalfe, Thomas John Partington
  • Patent number: 9534948
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and a device for measuring the weight of a load, which is displaced with a load lifting device over the edge of a raised loading surface and thus pulled onto the same or pushed down from the same, wherein during this operating process, in a support of the load lifting device loaded by the load, the force currently acting due to the displacement of the load is measured during the passage through a predetermined weighing window and the weight of the load is determined mathematically from the course thereof. Preferably, the load sensor is constructed as a tube which is equipped with two deformation sensors equipped essentially at right angles to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: DIGI SENS AG
    Inventor: Martin Lustenberger
  • Patent number: 9534949
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pre-collapsed capacitive micro-machined transducer cell (10) comprising a substrate (12), and a membrane (14) disposed above a total membrane area (Atotal), wherein a cavity (20) is formed between the membrane (14) and the substrate (12), the membrane comprising a hole (15) and an edge portion (14a) surrounding the hole (15). The cell (10) further comprises a stress layer (17) on the membrane (14), the stress layer (17) having a predetermined stress value with respect to the membrane (14), the stress layer (17) being adapted to provide a bending moment on the membrane (14) in a direction towards the substrate (12) such that the edge portion (14a) of the membrane (14) is collapsed to the substrate (12). The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such pre-collapsed capacitive micro-machined transducer cell (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Dirksen, Ronald Dekker, Vincent Adrianus Henneken, Adriaan Leeuwestein, Bout Marcelis, John Douglas Fraser
  • Patent number: 9534950
    Abstract: A visible LED light scattering apparatus comprising a substantially hollow spherical cavity including a light entry port arranged to receive visible light from an LED mounted outside the cavity, a light exit port located opposite the entry port and through which the LED light exits the cavity for analysis, and a baffle located in a central region of the cavity in a direct optical path between the entry port and the exit port to interrupt the passage of visible LED light between the entry and exit ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Feasa Enterprises Limited
    Inventors: Eamonn O'Toole, Timothy Davern, Michael Crowley
  • Patent number: 9534951
    Abstract: A measuring module for remission photometric analysis of one or a plurality of specimens is provided with the following features: a transmitter with a transmission channel for transmitting a measuring radiation to location of the specimen; a first focusing device for focusing the measuring radiation on the specimen; a receiver with a receiving channel to receive the radiation reflected by the specimen; a second focusing device made of plastic for focusing the measuring radiation reflected by the specimen onto the receiver, whereby the second focusing device further comprises a filter which is designed to filter a fluorescence radiation from the specimen excited by the measuring radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignees: Jenoptik Polymer Systems GmbH, Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Buchwald, Susanne Gaumitz, Stefan Kalveram, Sebastian Trick
  • Patent number: 9534952
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for monitoring parameters in a high power fiber laser or amplifier system without adding a tap coupler or increasing fiber length. In some embodiments, a cladding stripper is used to draw off a small percentage of light propagating in the cladding to an integrated signal parameter monitor. Parameters at one or more specific wavelengths (e.g., pump signal wavelength, signal/core signal wavelength, etc) can be monitored. In some such cases, filters can be used to allow for selective passing of signal wavelength to be monitored to a corresponding parameter monitor. The filters can be external or may be integrated into a parameter monitor package that includes cladding stripper with integrated parameter monitor. Other parameters of interest (e.g., phase, wavelength) can also be monitored, in addition to, or as an alternative to power. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure (e.g., system-on-chip).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Creeden, Joseph M. Owen
  • Patent number: 9534953
    Abstract: A laser output measuring apparatus in which an optical separator is disposed in a position that is rotated by a predetermined angle about an optical axis of a laser beam converged by a lens, and further rotated by a predetermined angle about the optical axis of the laser beam and a straight line perpendicular to an incident surface of the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Fumio Shoda, Hidenori Fukahori, Takayuki Yanagisawa, Mitoru Yabe, Tetsuya Nishimura, Shuhei Yamamoto, Yoko Inoue, Tetsuo Funakura
  • Patent number: 9534954
    Abstract: An optical filter device includes a variable wavelength interference filter having a stationary substrate, a movable substrate, a stationary reflecting film, and a movable reflecting film, and a housing adapted to house the variable wavelength interference filter therein. The housing has a base substrate, a lid bonded to the base substrate, and forming an internal space between the base substrate and the lid, and a lid-side glass substrate adapted to block a light passage hole provided to the lid. Further, the lid-side glass substrate has a substrate edge located outside the outer peripheral edge of the light passage hole, and is bonded to the lid in an area extending from the outer peripheral edge of the light passage hole to the substrate edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Matsuno, Shuichi Tanaka, Akira Sano
  • Patent number: 9534955
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an ultraviolet (UV) sensor configured to detect a target UV spectrum (e.g., UVB spectrum). The UV sensor includes a first photodiode with a first UV spectral response and a second photodiode with a second UV spectral response. A filter layer having a graded spectral response is formed over the second photodiode, and the second UV spectral response is affected by a controlled parameter (e.g., thickness) of the filter layer. The UV sensor further includes a subtraction circuit coupled with the first photodiode and the second photodiode. The subtraction circuit is configured to provide a differential response based on a difference between the first UV spectral response and the second UV spectral response. The controlled parameter of the filter layer can be selected such that the differential response provides a detected spectral response of the target spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher F. Edwards, Dan G. Allen, Cheng-Wei Pei, Timothy K. McGuire, Joy T. Jones, Nicole D. Kerness
  • Patent number: 9534956
    Abstract: Systems and methods permit use of efficient solid state emitters for broad spectrum continuous spectrum lighting defined by illumination data. The illumination data, which can be sold as a commercial product, can be recorded or authored and include spectral, temporal, and spatial information. Intensities of individual emitters such as LEDs can be controlled through a combination of pulse width modulation (PWM) and amplitude modulation (AM) of drive currents. The combination of PWM and AM permits fine tuning of the spectrum of emissions and creation of free space optical data channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: TELELUMEN, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Paolini
  • Patent number: 9534957
    Abstract: An unevenness inspection apparatus including: an image pickup section obtaining a pickup image of a test object; an image generating section generating each of a color unevenness inspection image and a luminance unevenness inspection image based on the pickup image; a calculating section calculating an evaluation parameter using both of the color unevenness inspection image and the luminance unevenness inspection image; and an inspecting section performing unevenness inspection using the calculated evaluation parameter. The calculating section calculates the evaluation parameter in consideration of unevenness visibility for both color and luminance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kunihiko Nagamine, Satoshi Tomioka
  • Patent number: 9534958
    Abstract: Detecting infrared radiation from a rodent in a cage using an infrared sensor array with a field of view that corresponds to a moving area of the rodent to determine position, velocity, head position, etc. and determining a behavior of the rodent based on the detected infrared radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventors: Michael E. Lhamon, Anuj Agarwal
  • Patent number: 9534959
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated infrared sensor device, comprising a sensor substrate and a filter substrate. The sensor substrate has a back surface and a front surface opposite the back surface, in which the back surface has a cavity defined therein and the front surface has at least one infrared sensing element formed therein or arranged thereon, covered with a cap for protecting the at least one sensing element, e.g. against mechanical damage and dust, and/or against stray radiation. The filter substrate is arranged on the back surface of the sensor substrate such that the filter substrate at least partially covers the cavity. The filter substrate is adapted in shape and composition to transmit infrared radiation and to attenuate radiation in at least part of the visible light spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: MELEXIS TECHNOLOGIES NV
    Inventors: Luc Buydens, Sam Maddalena
  • Patent number: 9534960
    Abstract: There is provided a method for measuring a temperature using a thermistor with which it is possible to precisely measure a temperature above a thermoelectric device by using a thermistor disposed on the thermoelectric device in a module for controlling a temperature of a component arranged on the thermoelectric device by using the thermoelectric device. In the method for measuring a temperature using a thermistor, by electrically connecting the thermistor to an electrode pin through a thermoelectric device or a bridge sub-mount mounted on the thermoelectric device when electrically connecting a top surface of the thermistor and the electrode pin, it is possible to suppress direct heat exchange between the thermistor and the electrode pin. Further, it is possible to effectively suppress heat exchange between the thermistor and a package lid by internal gas of a package by covering the thermistor with a polymer material, such as an epoxy having low thermal transmittance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Jeong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 9534961
    Abstract: Provided are a metal nitride material for a thermistor, which has high reliability and high heat resistance and can be directly deposited on a film or the like without firing, a method for producing the same, and a film type thermistor sensor. The metal nitride material for a thermistor consists of a metal nitride represented by the general formula: (M1?vAv)xAly(N1?wOw)z (where “M” represents at least one element selected from Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co, “A” represents at least one element selected from Mn, Cu, Ni, Fe, and Co, which is different from the selected “M”, 0.0<v<1.0, 0.70?y/(x+y)?0.98, 0.45?z?0.55, 0<w?0.35, and x+y+z=1), wherein the crystal structure thereof is a hexagonal wurtzite-type single phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiaki Fujita, Hiroshi Tanaka, Noriaki Nagatomo