Patents Issued in April 20, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170108328
    Abstract: In a OCT interferometer it is necessary to balance dispersion within the reference aim with dispersion within the object aim. This is normaly done by replicating within the reference aim the components found in the object aim. This adds to the complexity and cost of the OCT interferometer. A method is provided for determining the design of and designing a simplified OCT interferometer, in which the reference aim contains only a single piece of glass of a single glass type. This reduces the cost and complexity of the OCT interferometer, and reduces power loss and undesired reflections within the reference arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Hathaway, Rishard Weitz
  • Publication number: 20170108329
    Abstract: An automatic focus control apparatus includes a light detector, which receives light reflected by a surface of a wafer and generates a light reception signal based on the received signal, a controller, which generates a driving signal, the driving signal being one of a first signal and a second signal, the driving signal indicating whether to perform automatic focus control based on the light reception signal, a focus error corrector, which generates a focus error correction signal based on the driving signal, and a stage driver, which displaces a wafer stage supporting the wafer by adjusting the z-axis position of the wafer stage based on the focus error correcting signal if the driving signal is the first signal, and maintains the z-axis position of the wafer stage based on the focus error correction signal if the driving signal is the second signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: KWANG-SOO KIM, Harutaka SEKIYA, Kwang-jun YOON, Sung-won PARK, Young-duk KIM, Heon-ju SHIN, Byeong-hwan JEON
  • Publication number: 20170108330
    Abstract: A coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively distribute electromagnetic energy from at least one object onto a plurality of detectors. Each of the channels includes a localization code that is different from any other localization code in other channels, to modify electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Digital outputs from the detectors are processable to determine sub-pixel localization of the object onto the detectors, such that a location of the object is determined more accurately than by detector geometry alone. Another coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively distribute a partially polarized signal onto a plurality of pixels. Each of the channels includes a polarization code that is different from any other polarization code in other channels to uniquely polarize electromagnetic energy passing therethrough. Digital outputs from the detectors are processable to determine a polarization pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Gregory Johnson, Edward R. Dowski, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170108331
    Abstract: Portable device for contactless measurement of a size, such as the diameter, of small and medium sized objects, such as wires, bars or tubes, even in movement, which comprises a light beam generator (1), two light beam deflector elements (2, 4) located opposite each other, a measuring region (3), an enlarging lens (5), a light beam splitting device (6). The light beam is split into two parts to form two separate images of the object (14) to be measured, being perceived by two linear image sensors (7.1, 7.2) and processed by two electronic circuits (8.1 and 8.2) and by an electronic processing component (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Antonio SPIZZAMIGLIO, Paolo MICOSSI, Luciano BRESSAN
  • Publication number: 20170108332
    Abstract: Motion contrast depth scanning is disclosed herein. A disclosed example apparatus includes an illumination source that is to provide at least one of spatial or temporal changes to light emitted from the illumination source to a scene. The example apparatus also includes a motion contrast sensor, where pixels of the motion contrast sensor are to detect changes corresponding to the scene, and where the motion contrast sensor is to report measurements when a pixel change exceeds a threshold. The example apparatus further includes a processor to determine at least one of a reflectance, a depth, or movement of the scene based on the reported measurements by the motion contrast sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Oliver Strider Cossairt, Nathan Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20170108333
    Abstract: The invention provides a tilt angle measuring device, which comprises a discoid container for including a liquid forming a free liquid surface, a light emitting source for allowing a detection light to enter the free liquid surface, a photodetector for receiving the detection light reflected on the free liquid surface and a signal processing unit for detecting a tilt of the free liquid surface based on a detection signal from the photodetector, wherein the signal processing unit sets a detection light storage time of the photodetector so that an error incidence rate of the detection signal is a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Masaki Kamiki, Goro Iwasaki, Shinji Yamaguchi, Satoshi Yanobe, Eiji Takeuchi, Yosuke Okudaira
  • Publication number: 20170108334
    Abstract: The present invention provides a measuring device, which comprises a leveling unit, a measuring device main body provided on the leveling unit, a control unit, a first tilt angle measuring device for detecting a horizontality with high accuracy, and a second tilt angle measuring device for detecting a tilt angle in a wider range than a range of the first tilt angle measuring device and having a higher responsiveness than a responsiveness of the first tilt angle measuring device, wherein the control unit, the first tilt angle measuring device and the second tilt angle measuring device are provided in the measuring device main body and wherein the control unit drives the leveling unit based on a detection result of the second tilt angle measuring device, performs a rough leveling until a tilt angle detected by the second tilt angle measuring device reaches within a range in which the first tilt angle measuring device is capable of detecting and levels the measuring device main body horizontally based on a detec
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Masaki Kamiki, Goro Iwasaki, Shinji Yamaguchi, Satoshi Yanobe, Eiji Takeuchi, Yosuke Okudaira
  • Publication number: 20170108335
    Abstract: When one direction of plane directions of a substrate is a first direction and a direction of the plane directions of the substrate perpendicular to the first direction is a second direction, a vibrating member is supported at an outer peripheral section via a plurality of beam sections having first beam-configuring members that can displace at least in the first direction and second beam-configuring members that are joined to the first beam-configuring members and that can displace at least in the second direction. In at least a subset of the plurality of beam sections, beam-configuring members on a side of the outer peripheral section among the first beam-configuring members and the second beam-configuring members are integrated with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Minekazu SAKAI, Tomoya JOMORI
  • Publication number: 20170108336
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) motion sensor is provided that includes a MEMS wafer having a frame structure, a plurality of proof masses suspended to the frame structure, movable in three dimensions, and enclosed in one or more cavities. The MEMS sensor includes top and bottom cap wafers bonded to the MEMS wafer and top and bottom electrodes provided in the top and bottom cap wafers, forming capacitors with the plurality of proof masses, and being together configured to detect motions of the plurality of proof masses. The MEMS sensor further includes first electrical contacts provided on the top cap wafer and electrically connected to the top electrodes, and a second electrical contacts provided on the top cap wafer and electrically connected to the bottom electrodes by way of vertically extending insulated conducting pathways. A method for measuring acceleration and angular rate along three mutually orthogonal axes is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Motion Engine Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Mark Boysel, Louis Ross
  • Publication number: 20170108337
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical gyroscope includes: a substrate; a stator sensing structure fixed to the substrate; a first mass elastically constrained to the substrate and movable with respect to the substrate in a first direction; a second mass elastically constrained to the first mass and movable with respect to the first mass in a second direction; and a third mass elastically constrained to the second mass and to the substrate and capacitively coupled to the stator sensing structure, the third mass being movable with respect to the substrate in the second direction and with respect to the second mass in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Daniele PRATI, Carlo VALZASINA, Luca Giuseppe FALORNI, Matteo Fabio BRUNETTO
  • Publication number: 20170108338
    Abstract: A method for geo-localizing a carrier, comprises: acquiring a plurality of shots of the environment of the carrier; determining at least one datum relating to the position of the carrier for a set of shots; generating a virtual reconstruction of the environment from the shots of the set, from the positional data and from a measurement bias parameter for each position, the virtual reconstruction being parameterized depending on the measurement bias; and modifying the measurement bias parameter to be applied at each position to obtain a virtual reconstruction parameterized by a modified measurement bias, the modification being carried out so as to minimize the distance between the modified virtual reconstruction and an a priori virtual representation of the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique et Aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Dorra LARNAOUT, Steve BOURGEOIS, Vincent GAY-BELLILE, Michel DHOME
  • Publication number: 20170108339
    Abstract: A mobile device providing time regulated navigational guidance for travel to a flight gate in an airport terminal, based on the time for boarding the flight, the preferences of the traveler, estimated transit times on various segments of a route to the gate from a starting point of the travel (or the current location of the mobile device) involving different transportation modalities, and wait times at various queues in the airport. Notifications and/or reminders are provided according to the time estimates to guide the travel for timely travel to the gate and optionally recommend points of interests on the way to the gate within the time constraint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Dana Lu Silverstein
  • Publication number: 20170108340
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method including: utilizing at least one processor to execute computer code that performs the steps of: receiving at least one location map comprising a plurality of possible routes; identifying at least one location area configuration, wherein the location area configuration identifies a location, relative to the at least one location map, of at least one location area boundary segment; computing a utility of the at least one location area configuration, wherein the utility comprises an identification of any usefulness of identifying a route comprising at least one identified sub-route and wherein the at least one sub-route is identified using the at least one location area boundary segment; identifying at least one prominent location area boundary segment, wherein a prominent location area boundary segment comprises a location area boundary segment having a computed utility exceeding a predetermined threshold; and generating a location area map comprising a plurality of identified
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Umamaheswari C. Devi, Ravindranath Kokku, Vinay Kumar Kolar
  • Publication number: 20170108341
    Abstract: There are systems and methods for detour segments for patterns for bus routes to be performed by a transit vehicle as part of a schedule for a day, responsive to an interruption on the pattern, the system comprising a scheduling server, configured to receive an interruption for a pattern, determine a detour segment starting point and a detour segment ending point, check a detour segment database for an existing detour segment having the detour segment starting point and the detour segment ending point and if the checking returns an existing detour segment then apply the detour segment to the pattern, according to the detour segment parameters, to create a detoured schedule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Patrick John DEWIS, Dicky SUM, Christopher Elliot PETTIGREW
  • Publication number: 20170108342
    Abstract: In an approach for determining navigation routes, a computer identifies an emergency situation and a corresponding location. The computer identifies an emergency service based on the identified emergency situation and the corresponding location. The computer identifies an emergency treatment provider based on the identified emergency situation and the corresponding location. The computer determines a navigation route based on respective locations of the identified emergency situation, the identified emergency service, and the identified emergency treatment provider. The computer identifies one or more incoming devices on the determined navigation route. The computer determines an alternate navigation route for the identified one or more incoming devices, wherein the determined alternate navigation route reduces travel on the determined navigation route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Eric A. Foreman, Sudeep Mandal
  • Publication number: 20170108343
    Abstract: A system and method provides a route and turn-by-turn directions based on estimates of current and future traffic along the route. A client device may request turn-by-turn directions between an initial and a final location. A server may identify a plurality of routes between the locations. Each route of the plurality of routes may be divided into route segments. For each route segment of a particular route, the server may estimate a travel time. The travel time may be based on estimated vehicle volume data generated from information received from other users vehicle Based on the estimated travel time for each route segment of a particular route, the server may estimate a total travel time for the particular route. The server may repeat this estimate for each of the plurality of routes between the locations and select the route with the lowest estimated travel time. Based on the selected route, the server may generate turn-by-turn directions and transmit the directions to the client device for display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: David M. Barth
  • Publication number: 20170108344
    Abstract: A device may receive a request to identify one or more available fuel pumps. The device may determine selection parameters associated with identifying the one or more available fuel pumps. The selection parameters may include criteria used to identify whether a particular fuel pump is an available fuel pump. The device may receive pump information associated with a group of fuel pumps. The pump information may include information indicating whether each fuel pump, of the group of fuel pumps, is available. The device may identify, based on the selection parameters and the pump information, the one or more available fuel pumps. The device may provide, for display, information associated with the one or more available fuel pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Suraj SHINDE
  • Publication number: 20170108345
    Abstract: The present invention provides a route calculation device, a navigation device, a route calculation method, and a navigation device that can calculate a route that allows a user to arrive at a destination or a stop-off point within a determined time period. The route calculation device according to the present invention includes a communication available hours acquisition unit 11 that acquires communication available hours of a plurality of branch stations that establish communication with a mobile station, a reference time acquisition unit 12 that acquires a reference time, a road information acquisition unit 13 that acquires time information of a road section, and a route calculation unit 31 that calculates a first travel route that offers the shortest required time for stopping by the branch stations based on the communication available hours, the reference time, and the time information of a road section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoki ARAKAWA
  • Publication number: 20170108346
    Abstract: A method for providing a geo-fence service using a map provided via a navigation device includes: searching for at least one critical route from a current position of a vehicle or an origin to a destination mapped onto the map; displaying a first critical route onto the map along the vehicle can travel to the destination, the first critical route corresponding to a shortest route among the at least one searched critical route; and determining whether the vehicle deviates from a geo-fence area including the at least one searched critical route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Jae Kyu Cho, Nam Joon Kim
  • Publication number: 20170108347
    Abstract: Computerized systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with generating virtual map tiles according to an ad hoc specification are described. In one embodiment, a method includes defining, in response to receiving a request through an interface of a map server, virtual map tiles according to an ad hoc specification. The ad hoc specification indicates characteristics of the virtual map tiles including at least a format and map content of the virtual map tiles. The method includes computing the virtual map tiles from at least the map content specified by the ad hoc specification and according to the format indicated by the ad hoc specification. Computing the virtual map tiles includes computing the virtual map tiles in response to receiving the request. The method includes transmitting the virtual map tiles to a client device to cause the viewable region of the electronic map to be displayed on the client device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Honglei ZHU, Liujian QIAN, Siva RAVADA
  • Publication number: 20170108348
    Abstract: A method is described for incorporating a new waypoint into a current trip. The method includes configuring a trip definition and thereafter determining a proposed POI based upon: the trip definition, and a collection of potential proposed POI instances. The waypoint server system processes the collection of potential proposed POI instances, to render the proposed POI, by: (1) establishing POI ratings for individual ones of the collection of potential proposed POI instances based at least in part upon: the delay factor, and an estimate of additional delay arising from adding the individual POI to the current trip route; (2) establishing a rank ordering of the individual ones of the collection of potential proposed POI instances based upon the POI ratings; and (3) rendering the proposed POI from the rank ordering of the individual ones of the collection of potential proposed POI instances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Cody R. Hansen, David M. Zande
  • Publication number: 20170108349
    Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for creating, modifying, and viewing geographic areas and their corresponding routes and items of work. For example, an interface can be provided with a map display area and a route display area. The map display area and the route display area can be synchronized to create new routes, modify existing routes, and/or view information about various routes and/or items of work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: ROBERT SANTILLI, STEVE SNYDER, ELISABETH DEFRONZO, SVETLANA INSKEEP, JOEL TANTZER, KAREN LEVIN
  • Publication number: 20170108350
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for management of information, including environmental information, obtained by a variety of sensors associated with one or more distributed mobile sensor platforms. In certain embodiments, the geographically transitory nature of a mobile sensor platform may be leveraged to facilitate collection of environmental information over a larger geographic area than that of a fixed sensor platform. Embodiments disclosed herein provide for information consistency and/or quality checking of information obtained by mobile sensor platforms. Further embodiments may be used to incentivize the collection and/or acquisition of certain data via point and/or credit based compensation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Yutaka NAGAO
  • Publication number: 20170108351
    Abstract: A power usage estimation device includes an acquisition unit, a first storage unit, an analysis unit, an estimation unit, and a second storage unit. The first storage unit stores pieces of power information each including a corresponding one of power values acquired by the acquisition unit and a day and a time which are associated with the corresponding one of the power values. The analysis unit classifies one or more pieces of power information satisfying a predetermined condition, of the pieces of power information stored in the first storage unit per day, into one of groups which corresponds to the predetermined condition. The estimation unit estimates power usage of a branch circuit by comparing the one or more pieces of power information of the groups stored in the second storage unit between a plurality of days having identical attributes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Noriyoshi SHIMIZU
  • Publication number: 20170108352
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to sensors in general, and more specifically a sensor for detecting the position of an actuator. In some embodiments, a position sensor for detecting a position of an actuator with an electric motor may include: an evaluation circuit; a rectifier circuit; and additional filter components. The evaluation circuit, the rectifier circuit, and the additional filter components may be combined into an integrated circuit disposed in an IC housing. Electrical energy for operation of the position sensor may be drawn via control lines for the electric motor, rectified by the rectifier circuit, and filtered by the additional filter components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Wallrafen
  • Publication number: 20170108353
    Abstract: A sensor package is provided. The sensor package comprises a first lead comprising a first anchoring area configured to anchor the first lead to a package body; a second lead comprising a second anchoring area configured to anchor the second lead to the package body; a sensor component; and a capacitor coupled between the first and second anchoring areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Bernd Offermann, Jorg Kock
  • Publication number: 20170108354
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for ascertaining the path of a moved part includes a magnetic measuring assembly and a fixed sensitive measure element. The magnetic measuring assembly has a magnetic field with at least one spatial component that is changed by the movement of the part along the path to be ascertained. The position of the moved part is detected in relation to the fixed sensitive measuring element. The magnetic field is generated by at least one effective magnet connected to the moved part, and at least one support magnet arranged in a fixed manner in the measuring region of the sensitive measuring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Eduard Maiterth, Michael Kleinknecht, Mathias Kimmerle, Joerg Siedentopf
  • Publication number: 20170108355
    Abstract: A magnetic detection device has: a magnetic moving body which rotates about a rotating shaft and in which N-poles and S-poles are disposed alternately on an outer periphery thereof; magnetoresistive elements that are disposed at a spacing from the outer peripheral surface of the magnetic moving body; a signal processing unit that processes signals from the magnetoresistive elements; and a magnet that applies a bias magnetic field to the magnetoresistive elements. The magnetization direction of the magnet is parallel to the rotating shaft of the magnetic moving body. The magnetoresistive elements are disposed in a plane perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the magnet, and are disposed at a fixed spacing in the radial direction of the magnetic moving body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki SHIMAUCHI, Masahiro YOKOTANI, Akira KOSHIMIZU
  • Publication number: 20170108356
    Abstract: A position detecting system includes: a capsule medical device having therein a magnetic field generation coil for generating a magnetic field; detection coils configured to detect the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation coil, and to output detection signals; at least one reference coil configured to detect a magnetic field and to output a detection signal, and arranged at a position where a signal-to-noise ratio to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generation coil is smaller than a signal-to-noise ratio in each of the detection signals detected by the detection coils; and a magnetic field correction unit configured to correct magnetic field detection values based on the detection signals respectively output from the detection coils, using at least one reference magnetic field detection value that is a detection value of the magnetic field based on the detection signal output from the at least one reference coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro IIDA, Atsushi CHIBA, Yusuke SUZUKI, Atsushi KIMURA
  • Publication number: 20170108357
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical module and a manufacturing process thereof. The optical module includes a carrier, a light source, a light detector, a molding compound and a lid. The light source is disposed adjacent to a surface of the carrier. The light detector is disposed adjacent to the surface of the carrier. The molding compound encapsulates the light source and the light detector, and includes at least one guiding structure. The lid is disposed between the light source and the light detector, and surrounds the light source and the light detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Yung-Yi CHANG, Ying-Chung CHEN
  • Publication number: 20170108358
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the distribution of strain and temperature along an optical fibre (34) by analysing the distribution of the Rayleigh scattering and stimulated Brillouin scattering wavelength shifts along the length of a sensing fibre (34) using a Wavelength-Scanning Optical Frequency-Domain Analysis (WS-BOFDA) technique in which a wavelength-swept laser (12) sources a Brillouin “pump” radiation and excites a Brillouin ring laser (14) that sources a Brillouin “stimulus” radiation with wavelength shifted with respect to the excitation of a tuneable quantity. One optical Mach Zehnder or Michelson interferometer (27) is excited by the “stimulus” radiation on both the measurement arm, that comprises the sensing fibre (34), and the reference arm (38) while the “pump” radiation is injected only in the measurement arm by a controllable inhibition system (57).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Filippo BASTIANINI
  • Publication number: 20170108359
    Abstract: A floating probe mount and methods of use, includes a triangular shaped vertical telescopic member having a first end and a second end, wherein each end includes a means to offset and adhere each end to a sidewall of a tank, a floating probe holder capable of holding one or more probes having a non-rotational notch configured to slidably mate with the vertical telescopic member and, thus, functions to maintain the probe holder about a changing fluid level line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Jason Harper
  • Publication number: 20170108360
    Abstract: A multi-part air data probe sensor assembly facilitating rapid replacement is provided. In one embodiment, an air data probe sensor assembly comprises a mount plate interface including at least one mount plate electrical connector configured to mate with electrical lines of an aircraft and at least one mount plate pneumatic connector configured to mate with pneumatic tubes of an aircraft; and a detachable sensor body having at least one sensor electrical connector that is coupled with the at least one mount plate electrical connector and at least one sensor pneumatic connector that is coupled with the at least one mount plate pneumatic connector; and a mechanical seal provided between the mount plate interface and the detachable sensor body, wherein the mechanical seal is composed of a moisture blocking material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Yates Wong, Grant A. Gordon, Richard Bonvouloir, Patrick Flynn
  • Publication number: 20170108361
    Abstract: A flowmeter of the target type, having a flow-sensing probe constructed to be inserted into a pipe through a small hole. The required small size is achieved in part by allowing the probe to deflect and thus shift in orientation relative to the flow as the force on the probe changes, the resulting distortion of the signal being compensated for in firmware. The target is made contiguous with its support, maximizing the area presented to the flow relative to the size of the hole through which the probe is inserted. The flowmeter may be configured to be mounted to the outside of a pipe and include means for sealing to the outside of the pipe. It may also include pressure- and temperature-sensing elements and means to calculate mass flow of a gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Roger E. Dennison
  • Publication number: 20170108362
    Abstract: A method of detecting a particle comprises magnetizing a particle using an AC magnetic field; generating an AC voltage in a sensing device having a conductive substantially 2-dimensional lattice structure from the magnetized particle; superimposing a DC magnetic field on the generated AC voltage in the sensing device; and measuring an AC Hall voltage at the sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Engel, Rodrigo Neumann Barros Ferreira, Mathias Steiner
  • Publication number: 20170108363
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the flow of a fluid through a measuring tube using the magneto inductive measuring principle, comprising a magnet system for producing a constant magnetic field perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid, at least two measuring electrodes coupling with the fluid and secured on a measuring tube subsection for sensing an induced voltage, at least one electronics unit for signal registration, evaluation and/or power supply, and a housing, wherein the housing bounds and protects against the environment the measuring tube subsection and at least one other component secured outwardly thereto on the side facing away from the fluid, wherein the housing is manufactured at least partially of a thermoplastic material, which encases with accurate fit the measuring tube subsection and the at least one other component secured thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas SULZER
  • Publication number: 20170108364
    Abstract: A plastics meter housing, in particular for a fluid meter, contains a bowl-like body having a base and a thereto adjoining annular wall having hollow connection pieces integrally formed thereon and leading into the interior of the body. On the outer side of the base are configured a plurality of ribs, which radiate from a center, branch and run to the base rim. On the outer side of the wall is a plurality of wall ribs which at least partially intersect and run over at least a part of the wall height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: CHRISTOPH GRONAUER, DANIEL SIEGEL, MORITZ MAIER, NILS NIEBUHR, MARVIN FRANK
  • Publication number: 20170108365
    Abstract: A probe (14) of a material level measuring apparatus (10) inserts into a container (20). The material level measuring apparatus (10) transmits an electromagnetic wave signal. When the electromagnetic wave signal touches a surface of a material (30), a first reflected signal is generated. When the electromagnetic wave signal touches a bottom of the probe (14), a second reflected signal is generated. According to the first reflected signal and the second reflected signal, a first time-passing difference value (t1) and a second time-passing difference value (t2) are obtained. According to the first time-passing difference value (t1), the second time-passing difference value (t2) and a predetermined empty container time-passing difference value (t3), a first material level and a second material level are obtained. According to the first material level and the second material level, a third material level is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Liang-Chi CHANG, Chun-Han HUANG, I-Chu LIN
  • Publication number: 20170108366
    Abstract: A float gauge assembly for a storage tank having a port with an opening includes a body for attachment to the port of the storage tank and a gauge mountable to the body, the gauge having a gauge face for indicating a level or amount of material present in the storage tank, a float mechanism mounted to the body and cooperating with the gauge, the float mechanism including a float movable relative to the body in an operating position, the float being sized so that the float is unable to be inserted into the storage tank though the opening in the port, and a tube coupled to the float and having a dimension sized for inserting through the opening in the port, and an alignment element configured to rotationally fix the tube to the body when the float is in the operating position so that the gauge face accurately indicates the level of material in the storage tank when mounted to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Marshall Excelsior Co.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Blanchard, Alex L. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20170108367
    Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus is provided including a reservoir, a brew basket configured to container a flavorant for preparing a brewed beverage, and a heating mechanism fluidly coupled to the reservoir and the brew basket. A flow meter is configured to measure a volume of fluid supplied from the reservoir to the brew bask. The flow meter is configured to calibrate dynamically in response to at least one operating parameter of the beverage brewing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Justin Garrett Riley
  • Publication number: 20170108368
    Abstract: A sterile scale is described suitable for automated use in animal cages. A case is covered by a flexible membrane that provides both sealing against pathogens and mechanical compliance for transfer of weight on an above weighing platform through a single sealed penetration in the membrane to a load cell in the case. The membrane comprises a perimeter that is attached and sealed to the case with a membrane frame, a penetration area, penetrated by a rigid weight-bearing element, and an isolating compliance area. A skirt on the weighing platform surrounds the case, protecting detritus from entering from below onto the membrane, while providing open-air movement. The weighing platform and case are easily separated permitting fluid-based sterilization of both. The weight-bearing element may contain an electrical connection from the case to the platform, through the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Vium, Inc
    Inventors: Kevin Harada, Jonathan Betts-Lacroix
  • Publication number: 20170108369
    Abstract: A communicating sterile scale is described suitable for automated use in animal cages. An upper module provides a weighing platform, electronics, upward facing wireless communication elements, a protecting skirt, and interface to a combined weight-bearing and electrical penetration element. A lower module provides a case, internal electronics, load cell, power source, sterile-sealed flexible complaint membrane and a combined weight bearing and electrical penetration element through the membrane. The upper and lower modules are easily separable for sterilization by immersion in a sterilizing fluid. The power source in the case may be charged through same electrical penetrating element. The membrane comprises a perimeter that is attached and sealed to the case, a penetration area penetrated by the rigid weight-bearing element, and an isolating compliance area. The skirt on upper module protects detritus from entering from below onto the membrane, while providing open-air movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Vium, Inc
    Inventors: Kevin Harada, Jonathan Betts-Lacroix
  • Publication number: 20170108370
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a capacitive inventory sensor. A system includes a track configured for retaining items. A first conducting plate is positioned along a portion of the track, and a second conducting plate is positioned in parallel with the first conducting plate along a portion of the track. The second conducting plate is positioned a distance from the first conducting plate, and the second plate is configured to have the items placed on top of the second plate. The system further includes a capacitance sensor configured for connection to the first and second conducting plates, where the capacitance sensor is configured to measure a capacitance between the first and second conducting plates, and where the capacitance varies based on a number of items positioned on the sensor track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: John W. Pyne, Gary L. Overhultz, Gordon E. Hardman
  • Publication number: 20170108371
    Abstract: A scale includes a display apparatus, a weighing apparatus on which a scale pan assembly and a weight sensor are disposed, and a control apparatus that connects to the weighing apparatus; further including a lower cover and an upper cover that is buckled upside-down on and movably connected to the lower cover; and the display apparatus, the weighing apparatus, and the control apparatus are all disposed in a cavity formed by the upper cover and the lower cover. A groove-shaped protective cover is detachably connected to an interior side of the upper cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Yun Pan
  • Publication number: 20170108372
    Abstract: The invention relates to a UV light sensor produced in a CMOS method, comprising a substrate that has a surface, one or more sensor elements that detect radiation and are designed in said substrate, at least one passivation layer arranged over said substrate surface, and a functional layer that is arranged over said passivation layer and designed in the form of at least one filter. The problem addressed by the invention of providing a UV light sensor which is sensitive exclusively within the UV wavelength range is solved, in terms of arrangement, by means of filters designed directly on a planar passivation layer, and stray light suppressing means around said at least one sensor element and/or around the UV light sensor. In terms of the method, the problem is solved by measuring two output signal from at least two photo diodes fitted with different filters, and by determining a mathematical relationship between the two output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas REICHEL, Lutz SCHIFFNER, Matthias GARZAROLLI, Matthias SANDIG, Lars GOPFERT
  • Publication number: 20170108373
    Abstract: Optical sensing systems having improved vibration cancelation, and methods of achieving improved vibration cancelation. In one example, an optical sensing system includes an optical sensor configured to produce an unprocessed sensor output signal representative of a response of the optical sensor to at least an optical signature of interest and a local vibration excitation, a reference sensor configured to provide a reference signal responsive to the local vibration excitation, and a controller, including an adaptive digital filter, coupled to the optical sensor and to the reference sensor, and configured to receive the reference signal and to adjust one or more coefficients of the adaptive digital filter to minimize coherence between a residual signal and the reference signal, the residual signal being a difference between the sensor output signal and a filter output signal from the adaptive digital filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald Bruce Coleman, Richard James Mullen, Jeffrey Mazurek
  • Publication number: 20170108374
    Abstract: Infrared sensing systems having improved vibration cancelation, and methods of achieving improved vibration cancelation. In one example, an infrared sensing system includes an infrared sensor configured to produce a sensor output signal representative of a response of the infrared sensor to infrared excitation and vibration excitation, an accelerometer configured to provide an acceleration signal responsive to the vibration excitation, and a controller, including an adaptive digital filter, coupled to the infrared sensor and to the accelerometer, and configured to receive the acceleration signal and to adjust coefficients of the adaptive digital filter so as to minimize coherence between a residual signal and the acceleration signal, the residual signal being a difference between the sensor output signal and a filter output signal from the adaptive digital filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald Bruce Coleman, Richard James Mullen, Jeffrey Mazurek
  • Publication number: 20170108375
    Abstract: A 2-D sensor array includes a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of pixels disposed on the semiconductor substrate. Each pixel includes a coupling region and a junction region, and a slab waveguide structure disposed on the semiconductor substrate and extending from the coupling region to the region. The slab waveguide includes a confinement layer disposed between a first cladding layer and a second cladding layer. The first cladding and the second cladding each have a refractive index that is lower than a refractive index of the confinement layer. Each pixel also includes a coupling structure disposed in the coupling region and within the slab waveguide. The coupling structure includes two materials having different indices of refraction arranged as a grating defined by a grating period. The junction region comprises a p-n junction in communication with electrical contacts for biasing and collection of carriers resulting from absorption of incident radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Steven R.J. BRUECK, Alexander NEUMANN, Payman ZARKESH-HA
  • Publication number: 20170108376
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing an optical sensor that can be used for wind sensing and an optical scope. The optical sensor can include a photodiode, an electrical switch, a trans-impedance amplifier (TIA), and a capacitive trans-impedance amplifier (CTIA), enabling the optical sensor to perform both wind-sensing and range-finding functions. Some embodiments may include some or all of these components in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), depending on desired functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Tony Maryfield, Mahyar Dadkhah
  • Publication number: 20170108377
    Abstract: Embodiments include a spectral reflectance system comprising a light source. The system includes a platform configured to retain a sample. The system includes an optical director positioned in the optical path between the light source and the platform. The optical director couples light from the light source to the platform. The system includes a detector positioned to receive reflected light from the sample. The detector generates a signal representing the reflected light. The system includes a focusing system coupled to the optical director. In response to the signal the focusing system automatically focuses the light on the sample by controlling a position of the optical director to maximize a strength of the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Scott A. CHALMERS