Patents Issued in March 28, 2017
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Patent number: 9606214Abstract: The aircraft includes a fuselage and at least one aerodynamic interface surface. It further includes a gimbaled mirror system which includes a mirror supported by a gimbal to receive a light beam from a light emitting source and reflect the light beam to a first periscope fold mirror. A wave front measuring system includes at least five reflective which reflects the light beam to a fast steering mirror. The fast steering mirror reflects the light beam directly to a beam splitter wherein the light beam is split into a transmitted portion and a reflected portion of the light beam.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Bryan Lee Kelchner, Kenneth Jerkatis, Richard Brooks Holmes, Nikolaus Mcnerney, Jed Donaldson
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Patent number: 9606215Abstract: Embodiments disclosed aggregate a plurality of crowdsourced measurement sets for antennas received from a plurality of Mobile Stations (MS) with a Base Station Almanac (BSA), based on a measurement location estimate and a measurement location uncertainty estimate associated with each measurement set. A map comprising a plurality of map layers may be obtained, where each map layer associates locations in the BSA with spatially variable Forward Link Calibration (FLC) values for the antenna derived from the updated BSA data, wherein each spatially variable FLC value is associated with a corresponding location in the updated BSA data. Map layers, which may also include multipath map and/or received signal strength layers, may be provided to MS? as location assistance data.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Grant Alexander Marshall, Mark Leo Moeglein
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Patent number: 9606216Abstract: A terminal device for indoor positioning includes a communication module to receive access point (AP) radio environment information from one or more Aps, a memory module to store the AP radio environment information in a preset number of frame areas, the AP radio environment information being stored in order of reception, and a terminal control module to calculate an estimated location of the terminal device based on the order of the AP radio environment information stored in the preset number of frame areas.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: SK TELECOM CO., LTD.Inventors: Moonok Joe, Hoojeong Lee, Kwangyeob You, Seunghyun Choo
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Patent number: 9606217Abstract: Disparate positional data derived from one or more positional determinative resources are fused with peer-to-peer relational data to provide an object with a collaborative positional awareness. An object collects positional determinative information from one or more positional resources so to independently determine its spatial location. That determination is thereafter augmented by peer-to-peer relational information that can be used to enhance positional determination and modify behavioral outcomes.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: 5D Robotics, Inc.Inventors: David J. Bruemmer, Benjamin C. Hardin, Curtis W. Nielsen
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Patent number: 9606218Abstract: Determination of route completion from wireless network data is presented. A recording is performed of data associated with wireless devices while traveling. The recording is compared to an expected recording of data associated with wireless networks along a route. Execution of the route is then proven based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: HERE Global B.V.Inventor: Leon Stenneth
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Patent number: 9606219Abstract: A system for locating an object in a GPS-denied environment includes first and second stationary nodes of a network and an object out of synchronization with a common time base of the network. The system includes one or more processors that are configured to estimate distances between the first stationary node and the object and a distance between the second stationary node and the object by comparing time-stamps of messages relayed between the object and the nodes. A position of the object can then be trilaterated using a location of each of the first and second stationary nodes and the measured distances between the object and each of the first and second stationary nodes.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2010Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Progeny Systems CorporationInventors: Ronald G. Murdock, John D. Mackay, Douglas A. Cummins
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Patent number: 9606220Abstract: The present invention relates a method and device for tracking movements of marine animals or objects in large bodies of water and across significant distances. The method and device can track an acoustic transmitter attached to an animal or object beneath the ocean surface by employing an unmanned surface vessel equipped with a hydrophone array and GPS receiver.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Michael L. Berumen, Lloyd E. Smith, Pedro R. De la Torre Olazábal
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Patent number: 9606221Abstract: A circuit arrangement for a front end of an FMCW radar transceiver, with a signal terminal that is configured so as to couple to a signal filter device for purposes of signal exchange, a further signal terminal that is configured so as to couple to a VCO device for purposes of signal exchange, and an electronic circuit, which with the aid of a switching device included in the electronic circuit can be switched over between a reception circuit configuration and a transmission circuit configuration, is disclosed. The switching device has an RF switch, with which a signal route formed respectively in the RF switch, is embodied asymmetrically, in that the signal route in a reception circuit configuration and the signal route in a transmission circuit configuration have a different number of switching stages. A FMCW radar transceiver, and a method for the operation of a front end are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Inventors: Viswanathan Subramanian, Tao Zhang, Georg Boeck
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Patent number: 9606222Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic sensor device (1) for a motor vehicle, for detecting objects located in the surroundings of the motor vehicle, having a transmitting unit (2) for emitting an optical transmission signal (5), having a receiving unit (7) for receiving a reception signal (8) which is the transmission signal (5) reflected by an object, wherein the receiving unit (7) has at least two receiving elements (9, 10, 11) which are arranged distributed along a distribution direction (12), and reception optics (13), in particular a receiving lens which is positioned ahead of the receiving elements (9, 10, 11) in the propagation direction (14) of the reception signal (8), having a securing device (22) for securing the receiving optics (13), and having a diaphragm (21, 21?) for reducing the intensity of the reception signal (8), wherein the diaphragm (21, 21?) is secured to the securing device (22).Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: VALEO Schalter und Sensoren GmbHInventors: Heiner Bayha, Peter Horvath, Jens Nicolai
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Patent number: 9606223Abstract: An electronic device for wirelessly tracking the position of a second electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes transceiver circuitry having a beacon generator to generate a beacon at a particular frequency and direction. An antenna array transmits the beacon, and receives at least one reflected beacon from the second electronic device. The reflected beacon is received if a position of the second electronic device lies within a range of directions of the beacon. The transceiver circuitry further includes an injection-locked oscillator having an input coupled to the antenna array to receive reflected beacons, and to lock to the reflected beacon when the reflected beacon has a frequency value within locking range of the oscillator. Processing circuitry coupled to the transceiver circuitry tracks the position of the second device based on the lock condition of the oscillator.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Lattice Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Farshid Aryanfar, Marko Aleksić, Kambiz Kaviani
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Patent number: 9606224Abstract: A system includes a transmission unit, a first reception antenna, a second reception antenna, and a processing unit. The transmission unit is configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle traversing a route, includes a transmission antenna, and is configured to transmit a location signal to a target disposed along the route as the vehicle traverses the route. The first reception antenna is configured to receive at least one reflection signal of the location signal reflected off the target. The second reception antenna is configured to receive the at least one reflection signal. The processing unit is configured to obtain first reception information from the first reception antenna and second reception information from the second reception antenna, perform a comparison of the first and second reception information, and determine a position of the vehicle using the comparison of the first and second reception information.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIESInventors: Simone Soderi, Roberto Giusto
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Patent number: 9606225Abstract: A peripheral object detection apparatus that is installed in a vehicle to detect a peripheral object obstructing travel by a vehicle includes: a radar that obtains a reflection intensity by transmitting an electromagnetic wave and receiving an electromagnetic wave reflected by an object; and a determination unit that calculates an integrated value of an amount of variation in the reflection intensity within a predetermined section, obtained by the radar, and determines on the basis of the integrated value whether or not the object is a low object not obstructing travel by the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, FUJITSU TEN LIMITEDInventors: Toshinori Okita, Jun Itoh
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Patent number: 9606226Abstract: A detection system for detecting a residential pest, the detection system may include a trigger module that is configured to generate triggering signals for inducing a residential pest to increase an acoustic-detectable activity of the residential pest; and a sensor that is configured sense signals responsive to a generation of the triggering signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: WALL SENSOR Ltd.Inventors: Yosef Korakin, Nir Geva, Oren Shriki
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Patent number: 9606227Abstract: A spatial position x? of each ultrasonic transducer is accurately obtained for each probe in consideration of each edge transducer gap, and a delay time T(x?(n)) and a weighting coefficient W(x?(n)) are calculated on the basis of the position of each ultrasonic transducer. A control unit executes ultrasonic transmission/reception by using the calculated delay times and weighting coefficients to realize a suitable acoustic field with high deflection angle accuracy, small sidelobes, and the like as compared with the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Tatsuro Baba, Takuya Sasaki, Satoru Tezuka, Yasuo Miyajima
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Patent number: 9606228Abstract: A method of determining a timing of an occurrence of a signal includes: propagating the signal (such as an electrical signal) along a series of digital delay elements, or a delay line. Each delay element can have at least two states, each indicative of presence or absence of a signal. The distribution of states of at least a portion of the delay elements along the delay line are recorded multiple times during the time it takes a point (such as an edge) in the signal to propagate through the portion of the delay elements. The multiple recorded distributions are combined to determine the timing of occurrence of the signal to a greater resolution than the minimum system clock period and the minimum delay of each delay element.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: BANNER ENGINEERING CORPORATIONInventor: Ashley Karl Wise
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Patent number: 9606229Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a near infrared (NIR) light emitting diode (LED) having a predominant axis of NIR light transmission from the NIR LED and a lens that disperses NIR light received from the NIR LED with respect to first and second planes, the lens having an air to lens light entry boundary where light from the NIR LED enters a surface of the lens and a lens to air boundary where the light exits the lens in each of the first and second planes, wherein an intersection formed by the second plane with the surface is a line that is concave on each side of the predominant axis, and wherein a radius of the air to lens light entry boundary of the line successively increases over each span of a predetermined number of degrees progressing outwards along the line from the predominant axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Mark Clifford Buckley, Jie Zhao
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Patent number: 9606230Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor (10) is provided for detecting objects in a monitored zone (18), in particular a laser scanner, which has a light transmitter (20) for transmitting a transmitted light beam (24), a base unit (14) and a sampling unit (12) rotatable with respect to the base unit (18) for the periodic sampling of the monitored zone (12) by the transmitted light beam (14) and having a first circuit board (34), a light receiver (32) for generating a received signal from the light (28) remitted by objects in the monitored zone (18) and an evaluation unit (34, 42, 50, 52) for detecting information on objects in the monitored zone (18) with reference to the received signal. In this respect, the base unit (14) has a bearing (40) in which the first circuit board (34) is rotatably supported at its outer periphery with respect to the base unit (14).Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: SICK AGInventor: Ulrich Nubling
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Patent number: 9606231Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic device (1) comprising a detector for receiving radiation and a frame (3). Said frame is provided with an opening (30), in which the detector is located. The frame extends vertically between a radiation penetration face (300) and a rear face (301). The opening has a lateral face (4) running obliquely to the vertical direction. The oblique lateral face from the top view of the radiation penetration face has a first sub-section (41) and a second sub-section (42). The first sub-section is designed as a reflector for the radiation that is to be received by the detector and the second sub-section guides radiation that is incident on the second sub-section in the vertical direction away from the detector.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: OSRAM OPTO SEMICONDUCTORS GMBHInventor: Hubert Halbritter
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Patent number: 9606232Abstract: A method for compensating range offset of a range sensor located in a predetermined position in a spatial environment and comprising a pixel array adapted for measuring a distance, the spatial environment comprising at least two stationary reference positions located at predetermined reference distances, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining distance values to the reference positions; b) calculating differences between the distance values and the corresponding reference distances; c) determining a range offset value as the maximum of the differences; d) measuring distance values to positions within the spatial environment using the pixel array; e) correcting the measured distance values by subtracting the determined in-situ range offset value from each of the measured distance values.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: MELEXIS TECHNOLOGIES N.V.Inventor: Gaetan Koers
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Patent number: 9606233Abstract: A system uses range and Doppler velocity measurements from a lidar system and images from a video system to estimate a six degree-of-freedom trajectory (6DOF) of a target. The 6DOF transformation parameters are used to transform multiple images to the frame time of a selected image, thus obtaining multiple images at the same frame time. These multiple images may be used to increase a resolution of the image at each frame time, obtaining the collection of the superresolution images.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Digital Signal CorporationInventors: Richard L. Sebastian, Anatoley T. Zheleznyak
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Patent number: 9606234Abstract: An optical circuit can include a bidirectional amplifier connected so as to amplify source light prior to emission through an output device such as a telescope as well as amplification of reflected light received by the telescope. Such an optical circuit can be used in laser doppler velocimeter applications as well as other applications. The optical circuit can also include passive splitters or active switches to provide for advantageous multiplexing.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Tramontane Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jo Stephen Major, Jr., Hans Jurgen Hofler, Bradley D. Gaiser
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Patent number: 9606235Abstract: A laser metrology system may include a modulated measurement beam, a beam splitter for splitting the measurement beam into a local oscillator beam and a transmitted beam, an optical assembly for projecting the transmitted beam to a measured area on a surface of a target structure and for receiving a reflected beam from the measured area, a beam combiner for combining the reflected beam and the local oscillator beam into a detection beam, a detector for processing the detection beam, the detector including a micro-lens for projecting the detection beam, a photodetector for carrying out coherent detection of the detection beam and detector electronics in communication with the photodetector for generating informational data from the detection beam, and a range processor for computing dimensional data about the measured area from the informational data.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jonathan M. Saint Clair, Mitchell D. Voth, William D. Sherman, David C. Soreide
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Patent number: 9606236Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for processing LiDAR return data prior to analyzing the data to detect planted trees. LiDAR return data for an area in question is filtered to remove data that are not within a predetermined area of where trees have been planted. Planting data such as GPS data that is collected by tractors or other equipment records the location of where trees are planted. The planting data is used to filter the LiDAR return data by eliminating or ignoring LiDAR return data that are not within a buffer zone around the location where the trees have been planted. Once filtered, the LiDAR return data can be analyzed to detect trees or other items of interest in the LiDAR return data.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR CompanyInventor: Julio C. Rojas
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Patent number: 9606237Abstract: A spatially coded structured light is generated by an array of laser diodes (1) in order to perform structured light triangulation. The laser diodes (1a-c) are VCSEL, where the light is emitted in the direction perpendicular to the semiconductor wafer surface. Plural such laser diodes (1a-c) are integrated monolithically to form an array (1). The position of the individual laser diodes in the array is coded spatially to form a non-regular unique pattern. The light output by the lasers is projected by a refractive or diffractive optical system (2) into the space to be monitored to form the structured light pattern. An object (5) to be investigated may be illuminated by the VCSEL array (1) and a camera (3) captures the frames. A processing unit (4) controls the power of VCSEL (1a-c) and processes the data from the camera (3).Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A.Inventors: Norbert Herschbach, Jean-Luc Kaiser
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Patent number: 9606238Abstract: Low-energy consumption techniques for locating a movable object using a global satellite navigation system (GNSS) are provided. A mobile station attached to or included in a movable object can communicate bidirectionally with a fixed base station to determine a location of the movable object. The mobile station may communicate an estimated position to the base station and receive from the base station a set of GNSS satellites that are visible to the mobile station. The mobile station can acquire satellite timing information from GNSS signals from the set of satellites and communicate minimally-processed satellite timing information to the base station. The base station can determine the position of the mobile station and communicate the position back to the mobile station. By offloading much of the processing to the base station, energy consumption of the mobile station is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.Inventor: Scott J. Carter
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Patent number: 9606239Abstract: A high-linear amplifier receives, from an input bandpass filter, input signals including weak process signals and strong interference signals, amplifies the input signals, and transmits the amplified signals to an output bandpass filter. The high-linear amplifier includes a transistor and a feedback circuit that stabilizes the operating current of the transistor. The operating current includes the direct-current and low-frequency output signal currents of the transistor. The feedback circuit includes an interference detector that rectifies a portion of the high-frequency output signals of the transistor and extends the linear range of the high-linear amplifier. An interference indicator unit alerts an operator to the presence of excessively high levels of interference before the high-linear amplifier enters the non-linear mode. Amplified signals rejected by the output bandpass filter are reflected back to the high-linear amplifier stage.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andrey Mikhailovich Sokolov, Dmitry Vitalievich Tatarnikov, Konstantin Mikhailovich Bachmanov, Rifat Khaidarovich Yusupov
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Patent number: 9606240Abstract: A vehicle location determination system and method provide an estimate of real time location of the vehicle along a route in response solely to vehicle GPS information and vehicle speed information such that the estimated real time distance is robust to errors and disturbances associated with both the vehicle GPS information and vehicle speed information to ensure the estimated real time location information is accurate.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Pierino Gianni Bonanni, David So Keung Chan, Harry Kirk Mathews, Pramod Vachhani
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Patent number: 9606241Abstract: Sensor-assisted location technology is disclosed. Primary location technologies, such as GPS, can be used to determine the current location (e.g., a location fix) of a location-enabled device. In some instances, the primary location technology may be unreliable and/or consume more power than an alternative location technology. Sensors, such as accelerometers, compasses, gyrometers, and the like, can be used to supplement and/or increase the accuracy of location data. For example, a location-enabled device can identify an area with unreliable GPS location data and use sensors to calculate a more accurate location. Areas identified may be crowd-sourced. Sensors can be used to identify errors in the location data provided by primary location technology. Sensors can be used to modify a sampling interval of the primary location technology. Sensor can be used to smooth motion on a user interface between sampling intervals of the primary location technology.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Devrim Varoglu
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Patent number: 9606242Abstract: According to one aspect, a planar and volumetric dosimeter for use with a radiotherapy machine having a radiation source. The dosimeter includes a scintillating assembly including a plurality of scintillating optical fibers and configured to generate a light output in response to incident dose distribution thereon from the radiation source, and a photo-detector operable to convert optical energy emitted by the scintillating assembly to electrical signals for determining actual two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) dose distribution incident on the scintillating assembly using a tomographic reconstruction algorithm.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Inventors: Luc Beaulieu, Luc Gingras, Mathieu Goulet, Louis Archambault
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Patent number: 9606243Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a plurality of detection apparatuses configured to output image data based on radiation. The apparatus includes measurement units configured to respectively measure radiation detection levels in the plurality of detection apparatuses; and an irradiation determination unit configured to determine presence/absence of radiation irradiation based on the measured detection levels.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Tomohiko Matsuura
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Patent number: 9606244Abstract: An x-ray imager includes a scintillator layer configured to generate light from x-rays, a detector array configured to detect light generated in the scintillator layer, and a lens array situated between the scintillator layer and the detector array. The lens array may be configured to collect light and focus the collected light to the detector array.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Varex Imaging CorporationInventors: Arundhuti Ganguly, Ivan Mollov
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Patent number: 9606245Abstract: A system and method for imaging gamma- and x-ray, and charged particles sources employing a three dimensional array of scintillation elements arranged surrounding an emission source. According to a preferred embodiment, each element of the array comprises a scintillator element, a solid-state photon detector, and processing electronics to output an electronic signal. The elements may be efficiently packed in both the X-Y plane and stacked in the Z-axis, to provide depth of interaction information. The elements of the array are preferably hierarchically arranged with control electronics provided together for subarray modules (e.g., an n×m×1 module), and synchronization electronics provided at a larger scale. The modules preferably communicate with a control system through a shared addressable packet switched digital communication network with a control and imaging system, and receive control information from that system through the network.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignees: The Research Foundation for The State University of New York, The Research Foundation for The State University of New York, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, University of South Carolina, Cornell UniversityInventors: Steve Czarnecki, Andrzej Krol, Krishna Mandal, Mark D. Poliks, C. Ross Schmidtlein, Michael Thompson, James Turner
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Patent number: 9606246Abstract: A radiation image sensing apparatus includes an image sensor configured to sense a plurality of radiation images at a frame rate according to a synchronization signal, and a controller configured to control the image sensor. In a case in which the frame rate is lower than a predetermined frame rate, the controller causes the image sensor to perform a temperature controlling operation of generating additional heat other than heat generated by an image sensing operation in addition to the image sensing operation so as to reduce a change in a temperature of the image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yuichi Naito
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Patent number: 9606247Abstract: A customizable and upgradable imaging system is provided. Imaging detector columns are installed in a gantry to receive imaging information about a subject. Imaging detector columns can extend and retract radially as well as be rotated orbitally around the gantry. The gantry can be partially populated with detector columns and the detector columns can be partially populated with detector elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Gil Kovalski, Jean-Paul Bouhnik, Jonathan Sachs, Yariv Grobshtein, Yulim Zingerman, Arie Eshco, Yaron Hefetz
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Patent number: 9606248Abstract: A neutron detector includes an anode and a cathode. The cathode circumscribes the anode and has a plurality of planar segments facing the anode. In one embodiment, the neutron detector is part of an array of neutron detectors.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Dan Jay McCormick, Frederick L. Glesius, Thomas Robert Anderson, Nathan Herbert Johnson
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Patent number: 9606249Abstract: Calibration of an analyzing apparatus is performed using appropriate calibration data that reflects actual measurement conditions. The analyzing apparatus includes an emission unit, a collection filter, a calibration base material, a detection unit, and a composition analysis unit. The emission unit emits an exciting X-ray to generate a fluorescent X-ray by exciting particulate matter. The collection filter collects the particulate matter. The calibration base material is provided in a measurement area together with the collection filter when performing the calibration. The detection unit detects X-rays generated from the measurement area. The detection unit detects a calibration X-ray when performing the calibration. The composition analysis unit generates calibration data by using the calibration X-ray when performing the calibration.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.Inventors: Yusuke Mizuno, Tomoki Aoyama
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Patent number: 9606250Abstract: A method for determining relative location of an acoustic event along a channel such as a wellbore includes obtaining two acoustic signals at are obtained at two different and known depths in the wellbore, dividing the acoustic signals into windows, and determining the relative loudnesses of pairs of the windows. The power of the acoustic signals may be used as a proxy for the loudness of the acoustic event, and this determination can be made in the time or frequency domains. The relative depth of the acoustic event can then be determined relative to the two known depths from the relative loudnesses. The acoustic event may be, for example, casing vent flow, gas migration, a leak along a pipeline, or sounds observed in an observation well from a nearby well in which fracking is being performed.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Hifi Engineering Inc.Inventors: John Hull, Seyed Ehsan Jalilian, Philip Cheuk
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Patent number: 9606251Abstract: During a seismic survey, shots located close to one another are fired at a time interval shorter than an echo time interval and longer than a closest receiver time interval. During the echo time interval which follows a first shot, receivers located within a predetermined distance from the first shot location detect seismic reflections related to the first shot. During the closest-receiver time interval which follows the first shot, at least one seismic receiver located closest to the first shot location detects all the reflections from the first shot reaching this seismic receiver.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: CGG SERVICES SASInventor: Julien Cloud
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Patent number: 9606252Abstract: This disclosure is related to marine seismic sources, for example marine seismic sources known in the art as benders. Some embodiments of this disclosure use magnetic reluctance forces to produce seismic energy. For example, pole pieces may be attached to one or more plates of a marine seismic source, and a wire coil may induce an attractive force between the pole pieces to cause deformation of the plates to produce seismic energy. Such marine seismic sources may be components of a marine seismic survey system, and may be used in a method of marine seismic surveying. Methods of making marine seismic sources are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: PGS Geophysical ASInventors: Mattias Oscarsson, Oeystein Traetten, Rune Voldsbekk, Rune Toennessen
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Patent number: 9606253Abstract: Method, apparatus and system for calibrating and synchronizing a seismic acoustic source array (50) by taking into account both a time-break signal (500) and a near-field signal (504). A time delay between the time-break signal and the near-field signal is used to calculate an offset for adjusting the shooting of the source elements of the source array.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: CGG SERVICES SASInventor: Hélène Tonchia
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Patent number: 9606254Abstract: Systems, methods, and software for determining properties of a medium surrounding an exterior portion of a well casing are described. In some aspects, the properties of the medium are determined based on measurements of detected acoustic energy and distances between one or more acoustic transmitters and two or more acoustic receivers. The measurements are obtained based on operating the transmitters and the receivers within a wellbore that includes the well casing.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Arthur Chuen Hon Cheng, Mark Elliott Willis, Tatiana Gilstrap, Robert Eric Epstein
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Patent number: 9606255Abstract: An electronic motor vehicle sensor unit includes a housing, a control and evaluation device arranged in the housing, and at least one capacitive sensor electrode with a detection region (X, X?). The capacitive sensor electrode is coupled to the control and evaluation device and is arranged in the housing. The sensor unit further includes a lighting device with an illuminant that can emit an optical signal, wherein the lighting device is coupled to the control and evaluation device, and a target region (Y) identifying the detection region (X) can be marked outside the housing with the lighting device. The housing, the control and evaluation device, the at least one capacitive sensor electrode and the lighting device form an integrated assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Berthold Sieg, Erik Kiehl
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Patent number: 9606256Abstract: Determining parameters associated with a hydrocarbon bearing formation beneath a sea bed. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: obtaining data gathered regarding a plurality of distinct readings by sensors, the readings responsive to a source of electrical energy towed in water above the hydrocarbon bearing formation, the sensors sense an electrical parameter associated with the source; combining a first datum associated with a first path of travel of the source with a second datum associated with a second path of travel of the source, the second path of travel distinct from the first path of travel, and the combining creates a first combined datum; and determining the parameter associated with the hydrocarbon bearing formation by evaluating the first combined datum.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: PGS Geophysical ASInventors: U. Peter Lindqvist, L. Erik Magnus Bjornemo
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Patent number: 9606257Abstract: A method for determining existence of a fracture in a formation surrounding a wellbore drilled through subsurface rock formations includes calculating vertical resistivity, horizontal resistivity, apparent formation dip, apparent formation azimuth and axial resistivity for a plurality of longitudinal instrument spacings using measurements from a triaxial induction well logging instrument disposed in the formation. A spread in the axial resistivity values is determined and the axial resistivity spread threshold therefrom. Fracture indicator values and fracture orientation values are calculated from transverse components of the triaxial induction measurements. Presence of a fracture is indicated when at least one of the fracture indicator value exceeds a selected threshold, the axial resistivity spread exceeds the spread threshold and when the apparent formation dip exceeds a selected threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Peter T. Wu, Dong Weixin, Thomas D. Barber, Dean Homan
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Patent number: 9606258Abstract: A method of monitoring a flood front. The method may comprise installing at least one optical electromagnetic sensor in a wellbore which penetrates an earth formation. The sensor may be a part of an interferometer selected from the group consisting of a Mach Zehnder interferometer and a Michelson interferometer. The method may further comprise inducing an electromagnetic field in the earth formation. A first optical path length in a first optical waveguide of the sensor may increases in response to exposure to the electromagnetic field, and a second optical path length in a second optical waveguide of the sensor may decreases in response to exposure to the electromagnetic field. Additionally, the method may comprise monitoring the flood front by detecting via the sensor the electromagnetic field in the earth formation as the flood front progresses through the earth formation.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Mikko Jaaskelainen, Tasneem A. Mandviwala
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Patent number: 9606259Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved scanning process with a stationary X-ray source arranged to generate X-rays from a plurality of X-ray source positions around a scanning region, a first set of detectors arranged to detect X-rays transmitted through the scanning region, and at least one processor arranged to process outputs from the first set of detectors to generate tomographic image data. The X-ray screening system is used in combination with other screening technologies, such as NQR-based screening, X-ray diffraction based screening, X-ray back-scatter based screening, or Trace Detection based screening.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventor: Edward James Morton
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Patent number: 9606260Abstract: A method for monitoring oil based mud filtrate contamination is provided including steps of analytically dividing a fluid stream into two parts, determining a gas/oil ratio for a native fluid determining an apparent gas/oil ratio for the contaminated fluid and determining on a volume fraction, an oil based contamination level based upon the gas/oil ratio for the native fluid and the apparent gas/oil ratio for the contaminated fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Youxiang Zuo, Adriaan Gisolf, Anthony Smits, Oliver C. Mullins
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Patent number: 9606261Abstract: A person detector detects a person in an area facing one door surface. An open/close detector detects whether the door is in an open or closed state. When a detected state of the door switches from a closed state to an open state, an open-state person detection information recorder records whether the person detector is detecting a person or not. When the state of the door detected by the open and close detection sensor switches from the open state to the closed state, a closed-state person detection information recorder records whether the person detector is detecting a person or not. A room entry and exit detector detects that there occurs an entry into the room and there occurs an exit out of the room on the basis of a content recorded by the open-state person detection information recorder and the closed-state person detection information recorder.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: NEC SOLUTION INNOVATORS, LTD.Inventors: Hideyuki Shimizu, Kazuo Ishida
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Patent number: 9606262Abstract: A rain gauge that is resistant to damage from freezing water. The gauge includes a collector defining an open top vessel with a closed bottom for collecting water. The collector includes a plurality of tapered and curved sidewalls with curved corners connecting the sidewalls, the curved sidewalls having a direction of curvature and the curved corners having a direction of curvature opposite the direction of curvature of the curved sidewalls. The curved sidewalls tend to flex sufficiently when water collected therein freezes and expands, and thereby resists breakage from freezing of collected water.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Dalen Products, Inc.Inventor: E. Neal Caldwell
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Patent number: 9606263Abstract: The present invention relates to ophthalmic solutions and devices comprising at least one water soluble polymer having a molecular weight of at least about 500,000 Daltons and comprising linear or branched polyether pendant groups having a molecular weight of at least about 300.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Frank Molock, Kathrine Osborn Lorenz, Shivkumar Mahadevan