Patents Issued in November 9, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170322027
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a crimp tool angle sensor, a flange section module, and a diagnostic module. The crimp tool angle sensor measures at least one of a roll angle of a crimp tool, a pitch angle of the crimp tool, and a yaw angle of the crimp tool. The flange section module identifies a flange section of a vehicle on which the crimp tool is disposed based on at least one of the roll angle, the pitch angle, and the yaw angle. The diagnostic module determines whether at least one of the roll angle, the pitch angle, and the yaw angle is within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Jayce L. DELKER, Gregory A. FARRAR
  • Publication number: 20170322028
    Abstract: An integrated MEMS structure includes a driving assembly anchored to a substrate and actuated with a driving movement. A pair of sensing masses suspended above the substrate and coupled to the driving assembly via elastic elements is fixed in the driving movement and performs a movement along a first direction of detection, in response to an external stress. A coupling assembly couples the pair of sensing masses mechanically to couple the vibration modes. The coupling assembly is formed by a rigid element, which connects the sensing masses and has a point of constraint in an intermediate position between the sensing masses, and elastic coupling elements for coupling the rigid element to the sensing masses to present a first stiffness to a movement in phase-opposition and a second stiffness, greater than the first, to a movement in phase, of the sensing masses along the direction of detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Luca CORONATO, Gabriele CAZZANIGA
  • Publication number: 20170322029
    Abstract: A digitally controlled voltage controlled oscillator comprising an Nbit digital to analogue convertor arranged to receive a frequency change demand signal as a digital Nbit word, and having an output provided via an integrator to a voltage controlled oscillator configured to provide a frequency output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin Townsend, Michael Durston
  • Publication number: 20170322030
    Abstract: An inertial measurement system (200) for a longitudinal projectile, comprising a first, roll gyro to be oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the projectile; a second gyro and a third gyro with axes arranged with respect to the roll gyro such that they define a three dimensional coordinate system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: John Keith Sheard, Nicholas Mark Faulkner
  • Publication number: 20170322031
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for using map data of a known route to calibrate an accelerometer to one or more physiological parameters of a user. In one embodiment, the calibration comprises determining a current position of a user; consulting map data to identify a route having a starting and/or ending position within a predefined proximity to the current position, the route having a known length; collecting data with the accelerometer as the user traverses the route; calculating a calibration factor based on one or more physiological qualities specific to the user; and causing the calibration factor to be stored and applied to subsequently collected data from the accelerometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Kyler Eastman
  • Publication number: 20170322032
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to localizing mobile devices. In one example, a first location method associated with a first accuracy value may be used to estimate a location of the mobile device. A confidence circle indicative of a level of confidence in the estimation of the location is calculated. The confidence circle may be displayed on a mobile device. When other location methods become available, the size of the displayed confidence circle may be expanded based on information from an accelerometer of the client device or the accuracy of the other available location methods. This may be especially useful when the mobile device is transitioning between areas which are associated with different location methods that may be more or less accurate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Sorelle Alaina Friedler, Mohammed Waleed Kadous, Andrew Lookingbill
  • Publication number: 20170322033
    Abstract: A wayfinding system comprising: a first device comprising at least one sensor for sensing a spatial environment to generate a first map, said a first device positioned in a first position in said spatial environment; a second device for receiving signals from said first device to determine a relative position of said second device within said spatial environment; and wherein on said second device said relative position is used in conjunction with said first map to provide turn-by-turn navigation within said spatial environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: James Wu, Jason Gamblen, Matt MacGillivray
  • Publication number: 20170322034
    Abstract: An initial geometry including one dimensional representation of a path is accessed. The initial geometry may be based on traffic data. An envelope size is identified based on the path. The envelope size may be derived from a width, functional classification, or lane quantity associated with the path. A processor calculates a supplemental geometry based on the envelope size for the path and generates a two dimensional representation of the path based on the initial geometry, the supplemental geometry, and the envelope size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Pedro Alvarez Tabio Togores, Sunil Kumar Chintakindi, Andrew Calkins, Joy Hoeffler
  • Publication number: 20170322035
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to match probe points to road segments utilizing a trajectory identifier, thereby increasing the accuracy with which probe points, such as probe points in ambiguous locations, are matched to road segments. For a probe point having a respective trajectory identifier (ID) and associated with an ambiguous link tuple, the method identifies each probe point having the respective trajectory ID that is unambiguously matched to first or second branches. The method separately determines a number of probe points having the respective trajectory ID that are unambiguously matched to the first and second branches. The method matches the probe point having the respective trajectory ID and associated with the ambiguous link tuple to either the first branch or the second branch based upon the number of probe points having the respective trajectory ID that are unambiguously matched to the first and second branches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Ole Henry Dorum
  • Publication number: 20170322036
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, computer program products, and systems related to partial map updates are provided. An example embodiment provides a method comprising receiving updated map data comprises a plurality of links. One or more changed or new are identified links. The method further comprises determining a tiling of the updated map data and determining, based on the tiling of the updated map data, that a tile boundary between a first tile and a second tile intersects at least one of the one or more changed or new links. The method further comprises compiling a map update based on the updated map data, previous map data comprising at least one of the changed or new links intersected by the tile boundary, and the tiling, and providing the map update for at least the first tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Alex Gonopolskiy, Daniel Rolf
  • Publication number: 20170322037
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, computer program products, and systems related to partial map updates are provided. An example embodiment provides a method comprising receiving a map update for at least a first tile comprising map update data. The map update comprises updated map data for the first tile and previous map data for the first tile corresponding to one or more changed or new links intersected by a tile boundary between the first tile and a second tile. A map region of interest is determined, wherein the map region of interest comprises at least a portion of the first tile. The previous map data for the one or more changed or new links intersected by the tile boundary is used or displayed when a map update for the second tile has not been received and is not used or displayed when a map update for the second tile has been received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Alex Gonopolskiy, Daniel Rolf
  • Publication number: 20170322038
    Abstract: An apparatus, including a housing; display; keyboard; at least one microphone; at least one speaker; at least one camera; memory or database which stores travel schedule or itinerary information for a first individual; global positioning device; communication equipment, controller; and transmitter. If the controller detects a deviation of the apparatus from a travel schedule or itinerary or detects an absence of or leaving of the apparatus from an expected location, the controller generates a message and the transmitter transmits the message to a first communication device associated with a second individual. The apparatus initiates a telephone call to the first communication device or a second communication device, de-activates an on/off switching functionality of the apparatus, and deactivates a telephone calling on/off switching functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: RAYMOND ANTHONY JOAO, MARY ANTONETTE SPANO a/k/a CALVI
  • Publication number: 20170322039
    Abstract: Provided is an evacuation prediction system with which it is possible to cope with various situations related to evacuation at the time of estimating the time required for the evacuation of disaster victims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kumiko TADANO
  • Publication number: 20170322040
    Abstract: A method for routing a vehicle includes identifying one or more driving routes between a current location of a vehicle and a destination. The method includes determining a route cost for the one or more driving routes based on lane marking quality of a roadway within a corresponding driving route. The method includes selecting a route of the one or more routes with a lowest route cost. The method includes providing information about the route to a driver or control system for following the route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Brett Stephens, Jonathan Thomas Mullen, Shane Elwart
  • Publication number: 20170322041
    Abstract: A method for routing a vehicle includes determining, based on aggregated drive data from a plurality of sources, route costs for a plurality of potential driving routes for a vehicle based on reliability of an automated driving feature or driver assistance feature. The method includes selecting a route of the one or more potential driving routes based on the route costs. The method includes providing information about the route to a driver, automated driving system, or driver assistance system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Brett Stephens, Jonathan Thomas Mullen, Shane Elwart
  • Publication number: 20170322042
    Abstract: An apparatus for calculating a route in consideration of a vehicular driving situation includes a situation recognizer determining whether a route is required to be calculated; a distance calculator calculating an estimated movement distance in consideration of a vehicle speed and a first estimated time required for searching for a route leading to a destination when the route is required to be calculated; and a route calculator calculating a future position of a vehicle to which the vehicle will have moved by the estimated movement distance along a lane in which the vehicle is driving or along an optimal route from a vehicle position at a first point in time when the situation recognizer determined the route was required to be calculated, and calculating an additional optimal route leading to the destination, based on the future position of the vehicle as a starting point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Ji Hyun YOON
  • Publication number: 20170322043
    Abstract: A navigation system may include at least one processing device configured to determine, based on an output of one or more position sensors associated with the navigation system, a current location of at least one component associated with the navigation system and determine a destination location different from the current location. The navigation system may also acquire, from one or more image acquisition devices, a plurality of images representative of an environment of a user of the navigation system and derive, from the plurality of images, visual information associated with at least one object in the environment. The system may also determine one or more instructions for navigating from the current location to the destination location, wherein the one or more instructions include at least one reference to the visual information derived from the plurality of images. The system may also deliver to the user the one or more instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: GIDEON STEIN
  • Publication number: 20170322044
    Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for dynamic route estimation and prediction using discrete sampled location updates from various mobile devices for the purpose of providing a graphical representation of a mobile device's route along a known network path of map data. The embodiments also provide supplemental route metrics, such as traveled distance, elapsed time, etc., and the capability to assign destination points for the purpose of providing the ability to modify location update points in an application, such as a route planner, and/or to store the dynamically generated route based on various preferences for later retrieval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Sheha, Angie Sheha, Stephen Petilli, Arun Yalagadda
  • Publication number: 20170322045
    Abstract: As disclosed herein, a method for recognizing a previously-traveled route includes receiving recorded video data and a current video stream from one or more video capture devices, identifying one or more objects in the received video data to provide one or more recorded waypoints, identifying one or more visible objects in the received current video stream to provide one or more visible waypoints, comparing the visible waypoints to the recorded waypoints to provide one or more matching waypoints, and identifying a previously traveled path in the received current video stream corresponding to the one or more of the identified matching waypoints. A computer program product and computer system corresponding to the method are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Ilse M. Breedvelt-Schouten, Jana H. Jenkins, Jeffrey A. Kusnitz, John A. Lyons
  • Publication number: 20170322046
    Abstract: The automated lane management assist method, data structure and system receive unprocessed lane-specific limited-access highway information, including lane use and speed limits, from traffic detectors in the roadway or from other sources, process and develop processed and/or processed predicted information from these sources and calculate the travel time savings in adjacent lanes using the threshold value for time savings set by the driver, thus improving (decreasing) the overall travel time by assisting the driver or the automated vehicle in the selection of driving lanes and target speeds for vehicles, including in partially and fully automated vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Gordon
  • Publication number: 20170322047
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an advised driving speed to a driver of a vehicle travelling on a road network is disclosed. The method comprises determining an advised driving speed of a vehicle for a portion of the road network currently being traversed, determining a current speed of the vehicle on the portion of the road network, and determining a speed limit and/or an expected driving speed for the portion of the road network. An indication of the advised driving speed is then provided to the driver of the vehicle when: (i) the current speed of the vehicle is greater than a first threshold value based on the advised driving speed; and (ii) the speed limit and/or the expected driving speed is greater than a second threshold value. A method and apparatus is also disclosed for determining a score indicative of the compliance of a driver of a vehicle to an advised driving speed during a journey on a road network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Roeland Verheijen, Jasper Johannes Anthonius Pauwelussen, Christoph Ebert, Steffen Orlowsky, Marco Leupold, Markus Oesterreich
  • Publication number: 20170322048
    Abstract: A measurement tool includes a first member and a measurement member. The first member has a surface including a chart to be used for calibration of a stereo camera. The measurement member is arranged on the surface of the first member. The measurement member includes a light source and a second member. The light source is configured to emit light with a uniform intensity regardless of a position on the surface. The second member is configured to cover the light source and radiate the light from a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes having a size larger than the first hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Katsunobu YOSHIDA, Shin AOKI
  • Publication number: 20170322049
    Abstract: Systems and methods for environmental monitoring of high activity facilities, generally comprising low profile devices having sensing elements for various environmental uses, designed to provide the wireless communications network as a basis for performing a wide variety of tasks. The devices may be installed on an existing electrical system and may measure, among other things, electrical current on various circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew Wootton, Justin McKinney, Michael Crowell-Ingram, Evan Dorsky, Saarth Mehrotra, Erin Pierce, Victoria Preston, Jonathan Clark, Zhen Wei
  • Publication number: 20170322050
    Abstract: The invention relates to a counting sensor for counting the number of revolutions or of linear displacements of an object, wherein the counting sensor comprises: one single Wiegand module; at least one sensor element; a processing electronics connected to the sensor element; and a permanent magnet arrangement, which is movable relative to the Wiegand module; wherein the processing electronics is configured to obtain (i) direction informations indicating whether the permanent magnet arrangement moves in one direction or an opposite direction, and (ii) magnetic pole informations; and a data storage for storing a value, which indicates the number of the revolutions or of the linear displacements; wherein the processing electronics is configured: (i) to determine, on the basis of the direction information and the magnetic pole information, the number of the revolutions or of the linear displacements of the object and to store the corresponding value in the data storage, (ii) to perform, on the basis of a seque
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Walter MEHNERT, Thomas THEIL
  • Publication number: 20170322051
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes: a magnetic converging plate; Hall elements disposed on one surface side of the magnetic converging plate; wires connecting with the Hall elements; and a signal processing circuit that connects with these wires to receive a signal from the Hall element. Between the Hall element and the signal processing circuit, the two wires cross while being spaced apart from each other in a depth direction of a substrate, and forms a compensation loop between a cross of the two wires and the circuit, and in a planar view as seen in a depth direction, at least part of a region occupied by the compensation loop is covered by the magnetic converging plate. The compensation loop compensates an induced electromotive force caused to the closed loop formed by the wires including the Hall element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Ryuji NOBIRA, Takenobu NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20170322052
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive Wheatstone bridge includes two bridge branches connected in parallel between a supply potential Vb, wherein two series-connected resistor arrangements R1 and R3 or R2 and R4 are arranged in each bridge branch with an interposed measuring potential Vout. The resistor arrangements of the two bridge branches are situated diagonally opposite one another and at least two magnetoresistive resistor arrangements have a magnetically sensitive preferred direction. The preferred directions of diagonally opposing resistor arrangements of the bridge branches R1 and R4 or R2 and R3 differ by an angle other than 0° or 180°. An angle sensor includes at least two of the Wheatstone bridges offset by a predefined angle for determining an angular orientation of a magnetic field by a sine bridge and a cosine bridge. The measuring bridge reduces harmonics and optimizes resistance values, improving the accuracy of a phase-angle sensor signal and the sensor resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Johannes PAUL, Golzar ALAVI, Tsung-I YIN
  • Publication number: 20170322053
    Abstract: Disclosed is a camshaft or crankshaft sensor including a toothed target, a measuring cell adapted to supply a raw signal and a processor module having two modes of operation: 1) a measurement mode in which the processor module is adapted to supply an output port of the sensor a measurement signal representing the times of passage of the teeth of the target at the level of the measuring cell; and 2) a diagnostic mode in which the processor module is adapted to supply at the output port of the sensor a diagnostic signal different from the measurement signal and representing the amplitude of the raw signal. Also disclosed is a method and a module for diagnosing such a sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicants: Continental Automotive France, Continental Automotive GMBH
    Inventors: David MIRASSOU, Marie-Nathalie LARUE, Yann DINARD, Olivier MARLE
  • Publication number: 20170322054
    Abstract: A sensor system and method of using the system synergistically to improve the accuracy and usefulness of measured results is described. The system is comprised of electronically linked components that act as markers to trigger events, producers that gather data from sensors and aggregators that combine the data from a plurality of producers using triggers from marker devices to select the data of interest. The system is shown to be applicable to selection of data regions of interest and to analysis of the data to improve accuracy. The analysis of the data of any particular sensor within the system makes use of extrinsic data, being data generated by other sensors and intrinsic data, that is data or data limits that are known to be true from nature, laws of physics or just the particular information the user wants to acquire. The system is demonstrated on the analysis of Doppler radar measurements of a thrown object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Kirt Alan Winter, Jose Julio Doval
  • Publication number: 20170322055
    Abstract: A connector mechanism for safely and quickly attaching or detaching a sensor. The connector mechanism includes a sensor head assembly comprising a detector body with an internal channel, an open distal end, and a sensor head attachment connector (HAC) located within the channel. The HAC includes a first electrical connection having at least a first contact member and a first key component located in a fixed location relative to the first contact member. The connector mechanism includes a sensor cartridge comprising a cartridge housing with a probe component, a second electrical connection having at least a second contact member configured to mate with the first contact member, and a second key component that is located in a fixed location relative to the second contact member. The first and second key components engage one another before the first and second contact members engage one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lynn LANDIS
  • Publication number: 20170322056
    Abstract: A dial plate being nonopaque is in a disc shape. A slit member has slits each extending through the slit member in a thickness direction. A light source is located on an opposite side of the slit member from the dial plate. The light source is configured to emit light through the slits of the slit member toward the dial plate to project images on the dial plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicants: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Marc ARCEO
  • Publication number: 20170322057
    Abstract: A signal processing device (100) includes a prediction circuit (20) configured to generate Vb_T2 corresponding to an output signal to be obtained at T2 after T1, in accordance with Va_T1 obtained at the time T1, in a transition response period before Tr or Td elapses, where Tr denotes a time period during which an output signal Va(T) of a sensor (80) changes from a converged value Vc1 corresponding to a parameter P1 representing a certain property of an object to be measured to a converged value Vc2 corresponding to P2, and Td denotes a time period during which Va(T) changes from Vc2 to Vc1. The prediction circuit generates the predicted value so that TrE<Tr, TdE<Td, |1?Td/Tr|>|1?TdE/TrE| are satisfied, where TrE denotes a time period during which the predicted value becomes a value corresponding to Vc2, and TdE denotes a time period during which the predicted value becomes a value corresponding to Vc1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: YOSHIHISA ADACHI, TETSUYA OKUMURA, TETSUYA HAYASHI, SHIGEMI MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20170322058
    Abstract: A gas flowmeter and associated method of forming a glass flowmeter includes a body having a passage that communicates with an inlet and an outlet for receiving gas flow therethrough. A selectively variable valve controls a flow of gas to the outlet, and plural calibrated scales are operatively associated with the passage to represent a flow rate of gas through the passage. First and second floats having different material properties are received in the passage and are viewable in operative association with the calibrated scales.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: William E. Dennison
  • Publication number: 20170322059
    Abstract: A flow measuring device for monitoring and measuring the flow of gaseous material, specifically high temperature gas using a low pressure drop measurement system, is provided. The device is adapted to fit within the pipeline of a flow system and may be installed wherever flow measurement is needed. In one embodiment, the device comprises a housing, multiple averaging pitot tubes to determine the total velocity and static pressure measurements, a differential pressure gauge to display the pressure, and a valve or valves to cut off flow as needed. Additionally, the present invention utilizes a means for cooling the temperature of the gas, thus negating the need for very expensive gauges capable of operating under very high temperatures. Overall, the flow measuring device herein provides a more efficient and cost-effective product and method to measure the flow of a liquid or gas, specifically a high temperature gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Eric Lowe
  • Publication number: 20170322060
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electromagnetic flowmeter includes a measurement pipe, a first coil, a second coil, core members, and an electrode. An object to be measured flows through the measurement pipe. The first coil is provided radially outside the measurement pipe, the first coil generates a magnetic field in the measurement pipe. The second coil is provided radially outside the measurement pipe and forms a pair with the first coil, the second coil generates the magnetic field in the measurement pipe. The core members are provided in an inner circumference of the first coil and an inner circumference of the second coil in a radial direction of the measurement pipe. The electrode is provided in the measurement pipe, the electrode detects induced electromotive force generated from a flow of the object to be measured through the measurement pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Shinichiro SAKATA
  • Publication number: 20170322061
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus 100 comprises a measurement unit 10 to propagate, using sensors 11 and 12 provided in a pipe 99, a measurement wave in a medium 98 flowing through the pipe and receive the measurement wave, a trigger detecting section 21 to detect whether or not a level of the received measurement wave exceeds a predetermined trigger level, and a specifying section 22 to specify a reception timing of the measurement wave based on a waveform part in a period of the received measurement wave different from a period in which the level of the received measurement wave exceeds the trigger level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Shingo NOGUCHI, Masami KISHIRO
  • Publication number: 20170322062
    Abstract: A thermal air flow sensor that produces less measurement error is provided. The thermal air flow sensor includes: a semiconductor substrate; a heating resistor, resistance temperature detectors, and an electrical insulator that includes a silicon oxide film, wherein the heating resistor, the resistance temperature detectors, and the electrical insulator are formed on the semiconductor substrate; and a diaphragm portion formed by removing a portion of the semiconductor substrate. The heating resistor and the resistance temperature detectors are formed on the diaphragm portion. The thermal air flow sensor further includes a silicon nitride film formed as the electrical insulator above the heating resistor and the resistance temperature detectors. The silicon nitride film has steps conforming to the patterns of the heating resistor and the resistance temperature detectors. The silicon nitride film has a multilayer structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Norio ISHITSUKA, Keiji HANZAWA, Yasuo ONOSE, Noriyuki SAKUMA
  • Publication number: 20170322063
    Abstract: Several embodiments include a method of computing a phase composition ratio of a two-phase mixture in a pipe. For example, the phase composition ratio is a void fraction or a dryness fraction. The two-phase mixture can have one or more material substances that do not travel as a whole (e.g., at least two of solid phase, liquid phase, and gaseous phase or two liquid materials of different densities that do not mix). A load cell can measure, continuously, weight of the pipe and content of the pipe. Then, a computing system or a circuit can compute, continuously, a moving average of the continuously measured weight. The computing system or the circuit can compute a change in the phase composition ratio of the two-phase mixture based on the computed moving average.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: John R. Sisler, Kenneth D. Boetzer, Sadiq Jafar Mohammed Zarrouk
  • Publication number: 20170322064
    Abstract: A method of determining a fraction of one or more phases in a multi-phase fluid in a conduit is provided. The method includes exciting (602) a sensing device to cause emission of electromagnetic waves of a range of frequencies into a multi-phase fluid. The sensing device comprises an antenna and a dielectric layer, selected to cause resonance in at least one of a first set of frequencies or a second set of frequencies based on a flow state of the multi-phase fluid, when placed proximate to the multi-phase fluid. The method also includes receiving (604) transmitted or reflected electromagnetic waves from the multi-phase fluid. The flow state of the multi-phase fluid is selected (606) based on a classification parameter. Fractions are determined (608) utilizing at least one fraction determination model that is selected based on the flow state of the multi-phase fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Prafull SHARMA, Aparna Chakrapani Sheila-Vadde, Suma Memana Narayana BHAT, Vikram MELAPUDI
  • Publication number: 20170322065
    Abstract: A liquid level detection device is provided with a fixed body and a rotating body, and includes a float and an arm. The arm has an insertion portion to be inserted into the rotating body and an extending portion extending straight and bent relative to the insertion portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Hiroshi HASHIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20170322066
    Abstract: A liquid level detection device is provided with a fixed body and a rotating body, and includes a float and an arm. The arm has an insertion portion to be inserted in the rotating body and an extending portion extending straight and bent relative to the insertion portion. The rotating body has an insertion hole in which the insertion portion is inserted in an insertion direction, a holding portion having a receiving opening receiving the extending portion in an intersecting direction intersecting with the insertion direction and holding the extending portion received by the receiving opening, and a stopper releasing the receiving opening by moving in the insertion direction due to elastic deformation from a blocking state in which a blocking portion blocks the receiving opening. The stopper has a sliding surface portion facing an opposite direction to the insertion direction, on which the extending portion is allowed to slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Hiroshi HASHIMOTO, Isao MIYAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20170322067
    Abstract: A device and a method for detecting a water level of a water trap in a fuel cell can accurately output a water level of water collected in the water trap by reaction of the fuel cell. The device and the method for detecting a water level of a water trap can detect a change in a surrounding temperature of a water level sensor by mounting a separate temperature sensor in the water level sensor and accurately output the water level in the water trap regardless of the change of the surrounding temperature through a water sensor output value correction algorithm based on a detected temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Hyo Sub Shim, Bu Kil Kwon, Ho Suh, Seok Yun Jang
  • Publication number: 20170322068
    Abstract: A metering apparatus including a scale on which a metering head is disposed in such a manner that the scale measures the weight of the metering head, and a metering tool for taking up and dispensing substance, attached to the metering head. The metering tool is configured as a glass tubule having a glass punch slidably disposed therein, forming a seal. The metering head is provided with a first gripping tool for clamping the glass tubule in place and with a second gripping tool for clamping the glass punch in place. The metering head furthermore has a raising and lowering device for raising and lowering the second gripping tool relative to the first gripping tool, such that the glass punch can be raised and lowered in the glass tubule of the metering tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Rolf Gueller, Michael Schneider, Thomas Thaler, Markus Schindler
  • Publication number: 20170322069
    Abstract: A system for weight measurement for an aircraft having a weight on wheels threshold between a flight mode and a ground mode includes a weight on wheels sensor arrangeable on a landing gear assembly of the aircraft, and a computing device receiving first detected data from the sensor related to strain on the landing gear assembly. The computing device calculates a rate of change of the strain over time to determine when the landing gear assembly reaches the weight on wheels threshold. The system also measures aircraft gross weight in a static condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Michael G. Mastrianni, John H. Judge
  • Publication number: 20170322070
    Abstract: Described is unit for weighing containers (2) comprising a line (4) for transporting the containers (2) extending along a first path (P) which passes through a region (R1) for weighing and provided with a plurality of seats (5) for supporting the containers (2) arranged in succession along the first path (P); a plurality of elements (6) for vertical movement of the containers (2), each configured at the weighing region (R1) to make contact with and move vertically one of the containers (2) so as to place it in a raised position (PS1) disengaged from the corresponding supporting seat (5); a plurality of elements (7) for retaining the containers (2), each configured for retaining one of the containers (2) in the raised position (PS1); a plurality of weighing devices (8), each associated to, and carrying, a retaining element (7) for measuring the weight of a container (2) retained by the retaining element (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Pierluigi Castellari, Mario Palpati
  • Publication number: 20170322071
    Abstract: A serialized probe component for an optoacoustic device has a unique identifier associated therewith and includes, in an embodiment, an operative connection between a read-write memory and the optoacoustic device. Software adapted to generate and store logs in a read-write memory is executed on the optoacoustic device and stores logs concerning utilization of the serialized probe component on the read-write memory. A method for logging operational information concerning an optoacoustic device is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Gregory Schmid, William Ackerman, Bryan Clingman
  • Publication number: 20170322072
    Abstract: A vibration visualization element includes an optical member that retroreflects light or electromagnetic wave. The optical member includes: a fixed section, relative positional relationship of which with respect to a measurement object is fixed; and a movable section movably supported by the fixed section to allow relative positional relationship with the fixed section to be changed by application of an acceleration to the fixed section in a predetermined direction. The fixed section and the movable section are configured such that, according to the change in the relative positional relationship between the fixed section and the movable section, a reflection direction of the light or the electromagnetic wave is changed to change a luminance of reflected light in a retroreflection direction or an amount of reflected electromagnetic wave in the retroreflection direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: NAOHIDE WAKITA
  • Publication number: 20170322073
    Abstract: An optical detecting device has gas emission and pressure reduction function and includes a holder, a light penetrating component, a light detecting component, a hole structure, and a. The light penetrating component is disposed on the holder to form an accommodating space whereinside the light detecting component is disposed. The hole structure is formed on the holder to connect with the accommodating space. The waterproofing and ventilating component is disposed on the holder and covers the hole structure to prevent liquid from leaking into the accommodating space via the hole structure. While an inner gas pressure of the accommodating space is decreased, part of the gas is exhausted from the accommodating space via the hole structure and the waterproofing and ventilating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventor: Chi-Chih Shen
  • Publication number: 20170322074
    Abstract: A laser scanner which includes a transmission subsystem and a reception subsystem. The transmission subsystem includes a light source which emits a light beam and a scanning mirror rotatable about an axis which reflects the light beam toward a scanning area and which directs return light from objects toward the reception subsystem. The reception system may include a collecting mirror dimensioned and positioned to receive the return light from the scanning mirror. The reception system may also include a dichroic or interference filter disposed between the collecting mirror and the scanning mirror. The interference filter filters the return light from the scanning mirror and provides the filtered return light to the collecting mirror. The reception subsystem also includes a light detector disposed between the interference filter and the collecting mirror, in operation the light detector receives the filtered return light reflected from the collecting mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Gabriele Corrain, Giacomo Rigoni, Paolo Aprile
  • Publication number: 20170322075
    Abstract: A laser scanner which includes a light source which emits a light beam and a scanning mirror rotatable about an axis which reflects the light beam through a tilted protective window toward a scanning area and which directs return light from objects toward receiving optics. The laser scanner may include a collecting mirror which receives the return light, and an interference filter disposed between the collecting mirror and the scanning mirror. The window may include an anti-reflective coating which reduces reflection of internally scattered light. The tilted window may direct the reflective component of internally scattered light into a zone where an energy light absorber is present. A bulkhead system which may include a separation baffle may be provided to prevent light incident on the interference filter at an angle which is below an acceptance angle of the interference filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Enrico Lorenzoni, Giacomo Rigoni
  • Publication number: 20170322076
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a near-infrared absorbing filter, including an absorbing type infrared filtering medium having opposite first and second surfaces; an organic coating layer formed on the first surface of the absorbing type filtering medium for absorbing infrared rays; a first multi-layered film structure formed on the organic coating layer with the organic coating layer disposed between the first multi-layered film structure and the absorbing type infrared filtering medium; and a second multi-layered film structure formed on the second surface of the absorbing type infrared filtering medium. The near-infrared filter of the present disclosure is able to reduce the wavelength difference of T50 and T20 of the incident light within the range of from 0 to 30 degrees to less than 5 nm, thereby reducing chromatic aberration effectively and reducing ghost images of infrared reflections. The disclosure further provides an image sensor including the near-infrared absorbing filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: Platinum Optics Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Hsin-Miau PENG, Chung-Han LU, Liang-Yu YEN