Patents Issued in January 24, 2017
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Patent number: 9551601Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed for coupling an averaging picot tube (APT) primary element to a process pipe. A mounting assembly mounts the APT primary element to the process pipe such that a length of the APT primary element extending into the process pipe is adjustable to accommodate different sized process pipe diameters. The mounting assembly includes a weld coupling coupled to the process pipe over an opening in the process pipe and having the APT primary element extending therethrough into the process pipe. An extension pipe nipple is connected to the weld coupling and has the APT primary element extending therethrough such that a transition between a neck section and a sensor section of the APT primary element is positioned inside the extension pipe nipple. A union component, a ferrule, and a cap keep the APT primary element in the mounted position and form a process seal.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Dieterich Standard, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Robert Strom, Paul Timothy Deegan, David Russell Mesnard
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Patent number: 9551602Abstract: To suppress the generation of bubbles of gas dissolved in a fluid, a flow evaluating portion compares a measured flow rate value with a preset reference flow rate value and determines whether a fluid is flowing through a measurement tube. When the flow evaluating portion determines that the fluid is not flowing through the measurement tube, a magnetic excitation controlling portion imposes a limitation so that a magnetic excitation current reduces to an electric current value less than a magnetic excitation current obtained in normal measurement. When the flow evaluating portion determines that the fluid is flowing through the measurement tube, the magnetic excitation controlling portion releases the limitation on the magnetic excitation current.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Azbil CorporationInventor: Youhei Sakano
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Patent number: 9551603Abstract: An ultrasonic flow meter device comprises a fluid passage forming section including a measurement fluid passage, and an opening facing a bottom surface of the measurement fluid passage; a pair of ultrasonic transducers which transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave via the opening; a partition plate which partitions the measurement fluid passage; and an identification section provided on an end surface of the partition plate and used to identify an obverse surface and a reverse surface of the partition plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masato Satou, Hidetomo Nagahara, Yuji Fujii
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Patent number: 9551604Abstract: A multiphase flowmeter includes a first flow quantity measurer configured to transmit and receive a first measurement signal, the first flow quantity measurer being disposed on an outside wall of a vertical pipe line, a second flow quantity measurer configured to transmit and receive a second measurement signal, the second flow quantity measurer being disposed on an outside wall of a horizontal pipe line which is connected to the vertical pipeline, and a flow quantity parameter calculator configured to receive the first measurement signal from the first flow quantity measurer and the second measurement signal from the second flow quantity measurer, the flow quantity parameter calculating a flow quantity parameter in accordance with the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Yuichi Hayashi, Satoshi Fukuhara, Rai Itou
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Patent number: 9551605Abstract: A fuel-level measuring apparatus measures the level of fuel in a vehicle fuel tank. The apparatus can ensure a sufficient capacity of the fuel tank and sense the fuel level even when the fuel tank has a thin or complicated shape. A fuel-level measuring apparatus that senses the level of fuel in a vehicle fuel tank disposed below a floor panel of a vehicle includes a tank band that secures the fuel tank to a body of the vehicle, and a strain gauge attached to the tank band. The fuel level can be obtained from strain in the tank band detected by the strain gauge.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoki Ogiwara, Masaki Wakao, Takeshi Watanabe, Kotaro Tanaka, Akihiro Taguchi
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Patent number: 9551606Abstract: A measurement device is provided for determining a distance of the measurement device from a medium and a flow speed of a medium by evaluating a transmission signal emitted by the fill level measurement device and reflected by the medium. The measurement device includes an antenna arrangement for emitting the transmission signal in two different directions. The flow speed of the medium can be determined using the Doppler shift of the transmission signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: VEGA GRIESHABER KGInventors: Josef Fehrenbach, Juergen Motzer, Daniel Schultheiss
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Patent number: 9551607Abstract: Disclosed is a method of measuring the level of a liquid in a vessel, such as a chemical reactor, by radar. The method particularly pertains to situations wherein a supercritical fluid is present above the liquid. More particularly, the method serves to cope with the typical vigorous circumstances of a chemical reaction, such as urea synthesis. The invention foresees the use of a tube extending into the liquid, so as to guide the radar waves to the surface level of the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: STAMICARBON B.V.Inventor: Klement Riegman
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Patent number: 9551608Abstract: A wearable device and a method for controlling the same are disclosed herein. The wearable device, comprising a bio-signal sensor unit configured to sense a bio-signal; a storage unit configured to store data; and a processor configured to control the bio-signal sensor unit and the storage unit, wherein the processor is further configured to: generate first reference data including a weight of a first reference object and a first bio-signal being generated by holding the first reference object when the first bio-signal is detected, generate measurement data including a second bio-signal being generated by holding a measurement object, when the second bio-signal is detected, and obtain a weight of the measurement object by comparing the measurement data with the first reference data.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Eunhyung Cho, Sinae Chun, Jongho Kim, Jihwan Kim
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Patent number: 9551609Abstract: A method includes receiving characteristic information from a sensor. The characteristic information may be representative of a characteristic of a weight bearing structure of an aircraft when a force is applied to the weight bearing structure. The method includes determining a weight of the aircraft based on the characteristic information. The method includes receiving attitude information from an attitude sensor. The attitude information indicates whether the aircraft is situated on a level surface. The method includes determining a balance condition based on the attitude information and the weight of the aircraft. The balance condition indicates whether the weight of the aircraft is distributed evenly. The method includes generating an alert when the balance condition indicates that the weight of the aircraft is not distributed evenly.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Paul R. Smith, Adam C. Steele, Tristan E. Lee, Ryan W. Hoffman, Kyle M. Fanelli
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Patent number: 9551610Abstract: A Remotely Powered Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks (RPUASN) paradigm and the node architecture for RPUASN are disclosed. In RPUASN, sensor nodes harvest and store power supplied by an external acoustic source, extending their lifetime indefinitely. Necessary source characteristics are determined. The ability of an RPUASN sensor to harvest its required power is disclosed with respect to source parameters and distance to the source. Performance of RPUASN is directly related to the sensing coverage and communication connectivity over the field the sensor nodes are deployed. The required number of RPUASN nodes and the volume which is guaranteed to be covered by the nodes is disclosed in terms of electrical power, range, directivity and transmission frequency of the external acoustic source, and node power requirements.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventors: Semih Bilgen, Alper Bereketli
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Patent number: 9551611Abstract: A reporting system includes a mobile computing device that wirelessly communicates with one or more sensors to track the use of a protective product. Reports are provided on the mobile computing device to remind and motivate a user of the protective product to use it at times most beneficial for receiving the intended protection from it.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventors: Ian James Oliver, Stephen Edward Ecob
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Patent number: 9551612Abstract: Aspects of a monochromator are described herein. In one embodiment, the monochromator includes a light source that provides light, a diffraction grating including a first diffraction grating and a second diffraction grating, a grating drive motor that rotates the diffraction grating to provide dispersed wavelengths of light, a detector that detects a portion of the dispersed wavelengths of light, and processing circuitry that controls a grating drive motor to regulate an angular velocity of the grating based on an angular orientation of the diffraction grating. By using a diffraction grating having multiple, different dispersive surfaces, measurements of relatively high precision and quality may be taken throughout a wider spectral range. In another aspect, the processing circuitry controls a sample drive motor to vary an angle of incidence of the dispersed wavelengths of light onto a sample for evaluation.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: WESTCO SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS, INCInventors: Jerome J. Workman, Jr., Tushar Saraf, Thomas Andrew Bennett
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Patent number: 9551613Abstract: A portable spectroscopic device for acquiring single-frame spatial, spectral, and polarization information of an object. The device includes a modular dispersion element assembly that is coupled to a mobile computing device and disperses light into a plurality of different wavelengths. The mobile computing device includes a sensor and is configured to receive and analyze the plurality of wavelengths. The mobile computing device is also configured to perform automatic calibrations to determine the absolute wavelength axis and make stray-light corrections with minimal user intervention, thus making it amenable for untrained users not familiar with the state of the art. The mobile computing device is also configured to extend dynamic range.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: BOOZ, ALLEN & HAMILTONInventors: Zigurts Krishna Majumdar, Allan O. Steinhardt, Lyla Joanna Fischer
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Patent number: 9551614Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for cavity-enhanced spectroscopy are described herein. One system includes an optical frequency comb (OFC) coupled to a laser source, and a cavity coupled to the OFC comprising a number of mirrors, wherein at least one of the number of mirrors is coupled to a piezo-transducer configured to alter a position of the at least one of the number of mirrors.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: James Allen Cox
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Patent number: 9551615Abstract: A monochromator has at least one optical grating which is rotatable in relation to incident light of a source of light, a drive unit to rotate the optical grating by a connected drive rod around a longitudinal axis, and a control unit to control the drive unit and thereby the rotation of the optical grating. The drive unit further has a first damping element with at least one electrical conductive surface, and a second damping element which provides at least one magnetic field having a magnetic axis which penetrates the electrical conductive surface. One of the first and second damping elements is fixed to the drive rod and is rotatable along with the drive rod around the longitudinal axis thereof in relation to the other one of the second or first damping element.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: TECAN TRADING AGInventors: Lutz Niggl, Andreas Steinbacher
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Patent number: 9551616Abstract: An approach to noninvasively and remotely detect the presence, location, and/or quantity of a target substance in a scene via a spectral imaging system comprising a spectral filter array and image capture array. For a chosen target substance, a spectral filter array is provided that is sensitive to selected wavelengths characterizing the electromagnetic spectrum of the target substance. Elements of the image capture array are optically aligned with elements of the spectral filter array to simultaneously capture spectrally filtered images. These filtered images identify the spectrum of the target substance. Program instructions analyze the acquired images to compute information about the target substance throughout the scene. A color-coded output image may be displayed on a smartphone or computing device to indicate spatial and quantitative information about the detected target substance.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventors: Gary L. McQuilkin, Gregory L. Engelke
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Patent number: 9551617Abstract: Raman spectroscopic analyzer including: a beam-casting unit 3 for receiving a light beam generated by a light source and for converging the light beam on a predetermined position in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal direction of a measurement chamber through which a liquid sample is passed; and a light-receiving unit placed at a distance in the longitudinal direction from the predetermined position, for receiving scattered light emitted from the fluid sample. Among the scattered light which enters the light-receiving unit, the portion which enters this unit after being reflected by the inner wall surface opposite to this unit is eliminated, so that the amount of noise in the Raman spectroscopic measurement is considerably reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATIONInventors: Takahide Hatahori, Naoji Moriya
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Patent number: 9551618Abstract: An accurate and robust wavefront-division polarimetric analysis method and device, allows the quasi-instantaneous measurement of the polarization states of a luminous object. The device can be used to produce a plurality of light beams, all polarized according to different polarization states, from a single upstream light beam. The polarized light beams, which do not overlap and which carry information items that are complementary in terms of polarization, are analyzed simultaneously by a plurality of detectors that measure the luminous intensity of each beam. Processing elements digitally process the luminous intensity values obtained in order to determine the polarization state of the upstream light beam. The operations performed by the processing elements prevent luminous intensity variations in the split light beams during the division of the wavefront of the upstream light beam.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: HORIBA JOBIN YVON SASInventors: Olivier Acher, Simon Richard, Thanh-Liem Nguyen
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Patent number: 9551619Abstract: A pulsed emitter of electromagnetic radiation having a frequency range of 0.1 to 10 THz is described. The pulsed emitter includes an electromagnetic radiation gain medium and a pulse inducing element. The electromagnetic radiation gain medium is for generating electromagnetic radiation having the frequency range of 0.1 to 10 THz. The pulse inducing element is configured to induce an electromagnetic radiation pulse in the gain medium.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Brown, James H. Stanley
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Patent number: 9551620Abstract: A system and method for monitoring system including a embedded sensor coupled to an article, wherein the embedded sensor is a direct write embedded sensor using a high temperature light emitting material. A camera system detects illumination signals from the embedded sensors. A processing section processes the illumination signals and determines gas/surface temperatures and strain data for the article.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Prabhjot Singh, Guanghua Wang, Mark Allen Cheverton, Jeffrey Joseph Popielarczyk, Joseph John Shiang
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Patent number: 9551621Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sensor body which has a first surface and a cavity with an opening in the first surface, a cantilever which has a base end portion supported on the first surface and a distal end portion provided to form a gap from a peripheral edge of the opening inside the opening, is flexurally deformed according to a pressure difference between an inside and an outside of the cavity, and is formed of a semiconductor material, and a displacement measurement unit which measures a displacement of the cantilever vibrating according to the pressure difference at a frequency larger than a lower limit frequency fLOW (Hz) defined by Expression (1), where a width (?m) of the gap is represented by G, a volume (ml) of the cavity is represented by V, and a proportional constant is represented by k.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignees: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC., THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYOInventors: Isao Shimoyama, Kiyoshi Matsumoto, Hidetoshi Takahashi, Minh-Dung Nguyen, Yoko Shinohara, Takeshi Uchiyama, Manabu Oumi, Masataka Shinogi
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Patent number: 9551622Abstract: Disclosed is a rotor for a torque sensor configured to improve a mechanical coupling force with respect to a jig in a process of adjusting a torque center, thus enabling a fine adjustment, the rotor including a rotor body having a sleeve coupled to a rotating shaft and a yoke protruding from an outer circumference of the sleeve, a ring-shaped magnet coupled to an outer circumference of the yoke, and an anti-slip structure formed on the rotor body and partially coming into contact with a jig during a rotating process for adjusting a torque center, thus inhibiting slipping between the rotor body and the jig when a rotating force is transmitted, so that slipping between the jig and the rotor body is inhibited to enable precise transmission of the rotating force whereby accuracy is improved during fine adjustment of the torque center.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventor: Changhwan Lee
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Patent number: 9551623Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring and determining the force, the torque and the power on a crank, in particular the pedal crank of a bicycle, comprising an evaluation device, in particular a bicycle computer, and at least one pedal, wherein the force and angular speed variables are converted into electrical signals and supplied to the evaluation device, the pedal comprises a pedal body, a deformation element, a pedal shaft and an angle transmitter, and wherein the force variable is determined by measuring the deformation of the deformation element using strain gauges, preferably by measuring the individual normal strains of the strain gauges, and wherein four pairs of strain gauges assigned to each other are arranged at different angles, preferably +/?45, with respect to the pedal shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Momes GmbHInventors: Michael Biermann, Jean-Michel Asfour
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Patent number: 9551624Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the tensile force of a long object, in which the sensor (1) and the display unit (6) can be separated from one another and, if that is the case, communicate in a wireless manner.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Honigmann Industrielle Elektronik GmbHInventor: Jürgen Herhaus
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Patent number: 9551625Abstract: A pressure measurement system for use in blood circuits comprised of a pressure sensing pod and a force measurement device. The pressure sensing pod can include a flexible, moveable, fluid-impermeable diaphragm and can be formed via either a one-shot or a two-shot molding process. A mechanical engagement member of the force measurement device engages with a mechanical engagement feature of the diaphragm, and the engagement member is operative to move in concert with movement of the engagement feature of the diaphragm based on pressure variations with the pressure sensing pod. The force measurement device generates and outputs to a processor a signal based on detected force associated with movement of the engagement member.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: NXSTAGE MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: James M. Brugger, Dennis M. Treu, Jeffrey H. Burbank, Scott W. Newell, William J. Schnell, Kenneth E. Buckler
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Patent number: 9551626Abstract: Provided is a leak testing method of a workpiece including spaces which are three partitioned void portions, the leak testing method being capable of separately learning an amount of leakage from each of the spaces, and precisely determining whether the workpiece is normal or defective. The leak testing method includes steps of obtaining total leakage amounts, and a step of calculating, based on the obtained total leakage amounts, a first leakage amount, a second leakage amount, a third leakage amount, a fourth leakage amount, a fifth leakage amount and a sixth leakage amount which are amounts of leakage from respective routes when gas is injected to a workpiece at a predetermined pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Tetsuya Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 9551627Abstract: Various examples are provided for dynamic simulation of wind velocity and pressure. In one embodiment, among others, a dynamic wind simulator includes a fan and a fast-acting damper connected to an inlet of the fan. The fast-acting damper configured to modulate airflow provided by the fan at frequencies up to 10 Hz. In another embodiment, a system includes a fan and an air outlet path of the fan connected to a testing assembly configured to support a specimen for testing. An air inlet path of the fan includes a fast-acting damper configured to modulate airflow provided by the fan to the testing assembly at frequencies up to 10 Hz. The testing assembly may include a pressure chamber and/or a test section.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC., SPECIAL-LITE, INC.Inventors: Forrest James Masters, Henry L. Upjohn, II, Kenneth R. Bowditch, James Paul Jesteadt, Yan Shen, Cedric Adam, Bob Nicholson
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Patent number: 9551628Abstract: An automation cell incorporating elements for performing secondary operations on a machined part is adapted to be disposed adjacent to a machining center for performing the primary operations on the part. The cell incorporates a robotic arm capable of being moved into position with respect to the machining center so as to load machined parts into the machining center and unload primarily machined parts for the performance of secondary operations in the cell. In a preferred embodiment the automation cell performs roll check operations on the primarily machined gear by bringing it into meshed engagement with a master gear and rotating the meshed gears and employing a sensor to monitor the roll-out of the machined gear.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Automation Controls & Engineering, LLCInventors: Predrag Lazic, Chris Mackey, Steve Moore
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Patent number: 9551629Abstract: A method and a system for acquiring a vibratory signal for troubleshooting a rotary motor, including: an input receiving a temporal vibratory signal of the motor and at least one current rotational speed of at least one shaft of the motor, and a sampling mechanism sampling the temporal vibratory signal in real time with at least one sampling signal synchronised with the at least one current rotational speed thus generating a corresponding synchronous vibratory signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: SNECMAInventor: Geoffroy Nicq
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Patent number: 9551630Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension device of at least one reactor module to a test bench comprising at least one suspension arm, at least one upstream fixing assembly adapted to be fixed to a ceiling or wall of the test bench, at least one downstream fixing assembly adapted to be fixed to a reactor module, said suspension arm extending between two attachment ends adapted to be respectively fixed to the upstream fixing assembly and to the downstream fixing assembly, characterized in that said arm has a flexible median area whereof at least one cross-section dimension is less than the same cross-section dimension at the level of the attachment ends, the downstream casing comprising a fall-protection device.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Michael Bertin, Jean-Michel Boudin, Aurelien Caplain
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Patent number: 9551631Abstract: A system and method for is provided to determine a fuel flow cutout delay between transmitting a signal to stop a fuel flow to a fuel accumulator of a fuel system and the actual stop of fuel flow to the fuel accumulator. The fuel flow cutout delay is used to determine when pressure data from a sensor associated with the fuel accumulator is unaffected by fuel flow to the fuel accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: David M. Carey, Donald J. Benson, Sanjay Manglam, Paul V. Moonjelly, Richard E. Reisinger
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Patent number: 9551632Abstract: A probe assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The probe assembly may include a probe, and a fastener to retain the probe within a case of the gas turbine engine, the fastener including a sealing arrangement with a heat shield of the gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Eli Cole Warren, Nicholas R. Leslie
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Patent number: 9551633Abstract: A system for improved reliability operations of a system with a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) are presented. The system includes a processor configured to execute a model library to model a safety system. The model library includes a plurality of subsystem models each configured to derive a reliability measure. The system also includes the HRSG and an HRSG advisory system. The HRSG advisory system may be executed by the processor and is configured to receive one or more condition monitoring algorithm results, receive one or more measurements; and determine a probability of failure for the HRSG based at least in part on the one or more condition monitoring algorithm results, the one or more measurements, the model library, or a combination thereof. Moreover, determining the probability of failure includes determining a most likely state of a plurality of states of the HRSG.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Maria Cecilia Mazzaro, Frederick William Block
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Patent number: 9551634Abstract: A testing apparatus for a touch panel is disclosed, which includes a control system, a plurality of supporting members and a plurality of contact members. The supporting members are respectively connected to the control system, wherein one side of each of the supporting members includes at least one contact member, which is configured to be used to touch the touch panel. The contacting members are capable of being moved relative to the touch panel when the supporting members are driven by the control system. Also a method for using the same apparatus is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Wistron Corp.Inventors: Jian-Wu Hou, Shou-Lun Chang
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Patent number: 9551635Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of a system for handling and processing chemical and/or biological samples, a MicroChamber comprises a substrate, a reservoir formed on the substrate for receiving a chemical and/or biological sample, and an encoder such as a barcode or other suitable device. The encoder encodes information describing at least one characteristic of the substrate and/or reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Biogenex Laboratories Inc.Inventors: Krishan L. Kalra, Wallace Chang, Ravishankar Melkote
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Patent number: 9551636Abstract: An automated method for analyzing seeds generally includes collecting image data from individual seeds using a seed sampling system, determining at least one characteristic of each of the individual seeds based on the collected image data, and removing tissue from each of the individual seeds using the seed sampling system. The method also includes, prior to removing the tissue sample from each of the individual seeds, adjusting at least one operational parameter of the seed sampling system based on the at least one characteristic of the seed from which the tissue is to be removed to thereby allow for generally consistent removal of tissue from each of the individual seeds. In some aspects, the method further includes analyzing the tissue removed from the seeds for presence or absence of at least one characteristic, and selecting seeds based on presence or absence of the at least one characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Kevin L. Deppermann, Lee Yannakakis, Andrew M. Singleton, Angela R. Cargill, David W. Finley, Brian J. Forinash, Allen N. Ondes, Sam R. Eathington, Heather M. Forbes, Bruce J. Schnicker, Jason K. Bull
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Patent number: 9551637Abstract: Disclosed is a sheath delivery system that uses a continuous flow of sheath fluid into a pressurized internal reservoir that substantially matches the outflow of sheath fluid through the nozzle of a flow cytometer. A substantially constant level of the sheath fluid is maintained. If the sheath fluid level falls below a desired level, or goes above a desired level, a dampened control system is used to reach the desired level. In addition, air pressure in the pressurized internal container is controlled so that an external sheath container can be removed and refilled with additional sheath fluid without stopping the sheath delivery system 100. Differences in pressure are detected by a droplet camera, which measures the droplet breakoff point to determine the pressure of the sheath fluid in the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Daniel N. Fox, Nathan Michael Gaskill-Fox
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Patent number: 9551638Abstract: Performance of an article of sporting equipment, such as a ball bat, is measured by applying a force through a spring of known elastic properties to compress the article of sporting equipment. Compliance of the article of sporting equipment to a known standard is based on the compression of the article of sporting equipment.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Richard A. Brandt
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Patent number: 9551639Abstract: Device and method for measuring true triaxial creep of a geotechnical engineering test block, including a supporting structure; the device includes four confining pressure-plates and upper-and-lower compression-plates forming an enclosed cavity for the test block; confining pressure-plates include two long confining pressure-plates and two short-confining pressure-plates, upper-and-lower compression-plates are rectangular top and bottom steel-plates, two L-shaped long confining pressure-plates bent towards the outer side lapped on two adjacent side faces of the bottom steel-plate, two L-shaped short-confining pressure-plates bent towards the outer side lapped on remaining two-side faces of the bottom steel-plate, and bottom ends of the short-confining pressure-plates are placed on the bottom steel-plate; top ends of long confining pressure-plates lapped on the top steel-plate, and top steel-plate leans against inner side faces of two short-confining pressure-plates; vertically pressure sensors corresponds toType: GrantFiled: December 2, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: SHANDONG UNIVERSITYInventors: Shucai Li, Liping Li, Hongliang Liu, Qinghan Wang, Shaoshuai Shi, Qianqing Zhang, Zhenhao Xu, Zongqing Zhou, Jing Wang, Cong Hu
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Patent number: 9551640Abstract: A mechanism is provided for identifying a wire-pull test location on a wire of a microelectronic package. A first distance between a first terminating location of the wire on the microelectronic package and a second terminating location of the wire on the microelectronic package is determined. Based on the first distance, a second distance from either the first terminating location or the second terminating location is determined as the wire-pull test location for testing a strength of a connection of the wire to at least one of the first terminating location or the second terminating location. An adjustment is performed such that a visual guide is oriented on the wire at the wire-pull test location.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mark T. W. Lam, Katsuyuki Yonehara
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Patent number: 9551641Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exchangeable needle cartridge for a drilling measuring device with a guiding device for a drilling needle. The guiding device includes a telescopic tube with a plurality of telescopic tube sections which extends between a working end, at which a retainer for retaining the drilling needle in a rotationally fixed manner is arranged, and a docking end, at which a docking device for coupling the telescopic tube to a driving device of the drilling measuring device is arranged. Also disclosed is a docking device comprising a coupling device for transmitting torque from the driving device of the drilling resistance measuring device to the telescopic tube, a transmission device for converting the rotational motion of the driving device of the drilling measuring device into a linear motion of the telescopic tube, and furthermore structure for detachably fastening the exchangeable needle cartridge to the drilling measuring device.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: IML-INSTRUMENTA MECHANIK LABOR GMBHInventors: Erich Hunger, Sebastian Hunger
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Patent number: 9551642Abstract: A method includes forming a mixed vapor supply stream (MVSS) including measured amounts of water vapor, hydrocarbon vapor, and a carrier gas. For multiple target temperatures, the method includes (i) cooling the MVSS to form a first liquid stream and a mixed vapor outlet stream (MVOS), (ii) cooling the MVOS to condense vapor and form a second liquid stream, (iii) measuring an amount of a selected component in the second liquid stream, and (iv) calculating an amount of the selected component in the first liquid stream as the difference between the measured amounts of the selected component in the MVSS and the second liquid stream. The amount of the selected component as a function of the target temperature is analyzed to identify a lowest temperature at which the first liquid stream is expected to contain none of the selected component other than an amount soluble in the first liquid stream.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Athlon Solutions LLCInventors: Russell Strong, Richard W. Saulnier
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Patent number: 9551643Abstract: Systems for sterile separation of magnetically labeled sample components and methods for using the same are provided. Embodiments of the systems include a magnetic separation device and a pliant sample container, where a portion of the pliant sample container is operatively coupled under pressure to the magnetic separation device. Also provided are methods of using the systems, as well as pliant sample containers configured for use with the subject systems and methods.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Brian David Warner, Liping Yu
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Patent number: 9551644Abstract: A flow cytometer apparatus and methods for detecting and clearing a clog therein are disclosed. An example method for detecting a clog may include (i) detecting, via a fault detection system of a flow cytometer, a first plurality of events associated with a first aliquot from a first sample well, (ii) determining a count of the first plurality of events associated with the first aliquot, (iii) determining whether the count of the first plurality of events is below a minimum count tolerance and (iv) (a) if the count of the first plurality of events is below the minimum count tolerance, then determining that the flow cytometer has a clog, (b) if the count of the first plurality of events is equal to or above the minimum count tolerance, then detecting a second plurality of events associated with a second aliquot from a second sample well.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: IntellicytInventor: Aaron B. Kennington
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Patent number: 9551645Abstract: A particle analyzer, comprising a source of a substantially nondiffracting light beam; a flow path configured to produce in a flowcell a ribbon-like core stream having a cross-sectional aspect ratio of at least 4 and a largest cross-sectional dimension of at least 50 micrometers; the flowcell being configured to expose a segment of the core stream to the light beam; a detector configured to receive a signal resulting from an interaction of a particle in the core stream with the light beam; a first sorting actuator connected with the flowcell, downstream of the exposed segment of core stream; a plurality of sorting channels in fluid connection with the flow path and downstream of the first actuator; the actuator having multiple actuation states, each state configured to direct at least one part of the core stream to a corresponding channel; a second sorting actuator connected with the flowcell, opposite the first actuator, and operable in coordination with the first actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Kinetic River Corp.Inventor: Giacomo Vacca
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Patent number: 9551646Abstract: An apparatus for environmental tests includes a chamber having formed therein a test space for disposing a sample, and a tray that is provided on the upper surface of the chamber and has an open upper surface. A front wall of the tray is configured by an operation unit where switches are provided. A rear wall of the tray is configured by a control unit housing a control substrate. A left wall and a right wall of the tray are configured by hollow bodies connecting the operation unit and the control unit. The tray is covered with a lid.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: ESPEC CORP.Inventors: Osamu Matsuguma, Tetsuya Shimada, Shuichi Kanazawa
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Patent number: 9551647Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tunable optical light source spanning the UV-range and possible also the visible and near-IR wavelengths. The tunable optical light source includes an input light source, a focusing element, a non-linear crystal arranged to convert the frequency of at least part of the output spectrum of the super continuum source, and a holding unit for the non-linear crystal. The input light source is a super continuum light source with a spectral bandwidth of at least about 300 nm and the holding unit is adjustable for changing the frequency converted output wavelength of the non-linear crystal wfc such that the lowest obtainable output wavelength wUV of said tunable light source is ultraviolet. The disclosure further relates to an illumination source and an optical measurement system.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2012Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: NKT PHOTONICSInventors: Carsten L. Thomsen, Frederik Donbaek Nielsen, Sascha Hauser, Eberhard Riedle, Maximilian Bradler
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Patent number: 9551648Abstract: The invention is directed to a substrate for generating surface plasmons (SPs) and surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) by means of an excitation radiation, wherein the substrate has a carrier layer and a coating with gold or silver. A surface of the carrier layer is provided with identical surface structures arranged in an array of rows and columns. The surface structures are recesses with an elongate shape which are arranged with a first periodicity (PH) and with a second periodicity (PV) in direction of the rows and orthogonal to the direction of the rows, respectively. The invention is further directed to a method for the production of the substrate and to uses of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Inventor: Yerzhan Ussembayev
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Surface sampling method, device, and system for enhanced detection of chemical and biological agents
Patent number: 9551649Abstract: A system, method, and device for analyzing a sample using spectroscopy. The system includes a spectroscope, a sample vial with a swab removably sealable within a transparent enclosure, the swab including an absorbent collection substrate. The system further includes a sample vial adaptor configured to affix to the spectroscope, and a sample vial receptacle that receives the sample vial. The adaptor is configured to position the sample vial such that the transparent portion of the enclosure is between the swab and the laser of the Raman instrument, and such that the swab is positioned at the focal distance of the laser.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: SRC, INC.Inventors: Stephen R. Houghton, Marc P. Roberts, Nicole J. Surace Clayton, James W. McLean, Robert M. Cannon -
Patent number: 9551650Abstract: An integrated optofluidic system for trapping and transporting particles for analysis is provided comprising a planar substrate; a microfluidic channel; and a waveguide integrated with the channel. A microsphere particle in the integrated optofluidic system can act as a cavity, allowing light to circulate many thousands of times around the circumference of the microsphere. Optical trapping and transport is used for nanoscale positioning to excite the microsphere resonances. Sensitive measurements on molecules can be accomplished by monitoring changes in whispering gallery modes (WGMs) that propagate around the circumference of the microsphere. By using a broadband or supercontinuum light source, a microsphere can be trapped and many WGM resonances can be excited through the visible and near-infrared wavelengths simultaneously. After the resonances are measured using the waveguide transmission, the microsphere can be freed by decreasing the optical power and the process repeated with a different microsphere.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Cornell UniversityInventors: Arthur Nitkowski, Michal Lipson