Patents Issued in December 7, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170350717
    Abstract: An approach is provided for route calculation using a navigation system by considering potential mistakes. The approach involves calculating, using the navigation system, at least one route. The approach also involves querying a map database to identify one or more intersections along the at least one route. The approach further involves calculating a predicted probability of a user making a routing mistake at the one or more intersections. The approach further involves calculating a travel time, a travel distance, or a combination thereof that is predicted to result from the user making the routing mistake. The travel time, the travel distance, or a combination thereof represents a predicted severity of the routing mistake. The approach further involves initiating a recalculation of the at least one route to accept or avoid the one or more intersections based on the predicted probability of the user making the routing mistake and the predicted severity of the routing mistake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventor: Wanli CHENG
  • Publication number: 20170350718
    Abstract: Arrangements herein relate to an information-attainment system and a method of operating same. The system can include an inquiry input system to receive an inquiry for a point-of-interest (POI). The system can also include an occupant monitoring system to determine a potential occupant vector with respect to the POI. The system can further include a processor and a location determination system to acquire positioning information that is directly associated with the POI based on the potential occupant vector. The processor can receive the inquiry for the POI and the positioning information directly associated with the POI based on the potential occupant vector. In response to the receipt of the inquiry for the POI and the positioning information, the processor can be configured to identify the POI and acquire information associated with the POI that is responsive to the inquiry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventor: Jason A. Schulz
  • Publication number: 20170350719
    Abstract: A server identifies landmarks associated with users as the users take part in trips or otherwise interact with a navigation system. The server causes presentation of the identified landmarks to the users during future trips, such as part of navigational directions along a route to a particular destination, or on a visible portion of a map user interface. Presentation of the user-specific landmarks allows the users with more context and thus the ability to better navigate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Moore, Vincent Dumont, Mathieu Courtemanche, Cady Wachsman, John Christopher O'Hare
  • Publication number: 20170350720
    Abstract: A head up display arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a global positioning system module emitting geographic location coordinates associated with the motor vehicle. A database includes lane marking location data stored in association with corresponding geographic location coordinates. An electronic processing device is communicatively coupled to the global positioning system module and to the database. The electronic processing device receives the geographic location coordinates and retrieves from the database lane marking location data stored in association with the received geographic location coordinates. The electronic processing device transmits the retrieved lane marking location data. A head up display is communicatively coupled to the electronic processing device and receives the transmitted lane marking location data. The head up display displays virtual lane markings dependent upon the received lane marking location data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventor: DONALD ALLEN TURNER
  • Publication number: 20170350721
    Abstract: A method of updating an all-attitude angle of an agricultural machine based on a nine-axis MEMS sensor includes the following steps: establishing an error model of a gyroscope, an electronic compass calibration ellipse model and a seven-dimensional EKF filtering model, and setting a parameter vector corresponding to a vehicle motional attitude (S1); acquiring data including an acceleration and an angular velocity of a motion of vehicle, and an geomagnetic field intensity in real time (S2); calculating an angle, a velocity, position information, and a course angle of the vehicle by established error model of the gyroscope and the electronic compass calibration ellipse model(S3); data-fusion processing the angle, the velocity, the position information and the course angle of the vehicle by the seven-dimensional EKF filtering model, and updating a motional attitude angle of the vehicle in real time. The steps of the method have a small error, high precision, and reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: SHANGHAI HUACE NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Qiang REN, Jiejun WANG, Wending DAI, Guangjie CAO, Guangyang DONG, Rui TU
  • Publication number: 20170350722
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a signal from a sensor. The signal includes a first in-phase component and a first quadrature component. The first in-phase and quadrature components are identified. A rate signal is applied to the sensor and the sensor generates a sensed rate signal. A second in-phase and quadrature components associated with the sensed rate signal are determined. A phase error based on the first and the second in-phase components, and the first and the second quadrature components is determined. The method may further include reducing error in measurements associated with the sensor by dynamically compensating for the determined phase error, e.g., by modifying a clock signal, by changing a demodulation phase of a demodulator used to identify the in-phase and the quadrature components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Doruk Senkal, Joseph Seeger
  • Publication number: 20170350723
    Abstract: A method for locating at least one movable magnetic object relative to a network of at least N tri-axial magnetometers linked together mechanically with no degree of freedom to retain a known relative position of these magnetometers, N being an integer number at least equal to 2, comprises, continuously: a step of detection of a magnetometer capable of being magnetized, i.e. capable of delivering as output measurements comprising a measurement bias following a magnetization; a step of correction, by means of a correction bias, of the measurements delivered by the magnetometer capable of being magnetized, the correction bias corresponding to a deviation between the measurements supplied by the magnetometer as input for a location filtering and the estimations, upon the location filtering, of the data delivered by the magnetometer; and a step of consideration of the magnetometer as not capable of being magnetized, by taking into account the step of correction of the magnetometer capable of being magnetized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Tristan HAUTSON, Rabeb ALOUI
  • Publication number: 20170350724
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device, to a system, and to a method for detecting an offset between two joined, in particular pressure joined components during operation of said components and to the use of an RFID transponder for detecting an offset between two joined, in particular pressure joined components during operation of said components. In respect of the device, there is a first element, provided for attaching to one of the components, and a second element, provided for attaching to the other of the components, wherein the first and second element are coupled and/or can be coupled to each other across a joint of the components such that an offset influences the coupling, wherein the device furthermore has a transmission unit, which is designed to transmit a state and/or a dimension of the coupling without contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Terentschenko, Rene Wermke
  • Publication number: 20170350725
    Abstract: Methods and systems for implementing a rotation sensing device are provided. The rotation sensing device may include a magnet, a magnetic field sensor located in a fixed position relative to the magnet, the magnetic field sensor configured to sense a magnetic field of the magnet, and a flux conductor configured to alter the magnetic field of the magnet, wherein the flux conductor is mounted to a rotatable element. The magnet may be mounted in a fixed position relative to the flux conductor, and the magnetic field sensor may be configured to generate a signal based on a sensed strength of the magnetic field in accordance with rotation of the flux conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce H. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20170350726
    Abstract: An angle sensor includes a detection signal generation unit for generating detection signals, and an angle detection unit for generating a detected angle value on the basis of the detection signals. The angle detection unit includes a signal conversion unit for performing a conversion operation, and an angle operation unit for performing an angle operation. The conversion operation is to convert the detection signals into first and second operation signals. The angle operation is to calculate the detected angle value using the first and second operation signals. The conversion operation includes an operation using a correction-term-containing function Which contains a correction term for reducing a first error or a second error occurring in the detected angle value. When the angle to be detected varies with a predetermined period, the first error varies with the predetermined period, whereas the second error varies with a period ½ the predetermined period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuya WATANABE, Hiraku HIRABAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20170350727
    Abstract: A method for determining a position of a movable element of a linear actuator of a motor vehicle includes supplying a current to a coil of the linear actuator so as to move and/or hold the movable element by a magnetic field of the coil generated by the supplied current; modulating the current supplied to the coil with an electrical alternating variable having a predetermined frequency; determining an impedance or an admittance of the coil at the predetermined frequency by measuring a further variable at the predetermined frequency; and determining the position of the movable element as a function of the determined impedance or admittance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: ANDREAS VON DAHL, CARL JOHANNES SCHLOCKERMANN
  • Publication number: 20170350728
    Abstract: A scale for inductive position measurement along a measurement direction X includes a support channel made of electrically conductive material having two interconnected spaced-apart side walls extending parallel to the measurement direction X and enclosing an interstitial space therebetween. A succession of first graduations made of electrically conductive material are disposed on the support channel, located in the interstitial space opposite and spaced from one of the two side walls and extending parallel to the measurement direction X. A succession of second graduations made of electrically conductive material are disposed on the support channel, located in the interstitial space opposite and spaced from the other one of the two side walls and extending parallel to the measurement direction X. The succession of first graduations and the succession of second graduations form a gap configured to receive a scanner operable to inductively scan the first graduations and the second graduations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Marc Oliver Tiemann, Tarek Nutzinger
  • Publication number: 20170350729
    Abstract: A device for inductive position determination comprises a coil, a positional element, a scanning device for determining an inductance of the coil and an evaluation device for determining a position of the positional element in relation to the coil, based on the inductance determined. In certain embodiments, the positional element comprises a ferromagnetic and electrically insulated material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ajoy Palit, Joachim Degen
  • Publication number: 20170350730
    Abstract: A rotary element is equipped with a pattern representing a reflected binary code on at least three bits. A detection circuit is configured to sense the pattern and deliver an incident signal encoded in reflected binary code on at least three bits. The incident signal is converted by a transcoding circuit into an intermediate signal encoded in reflected binary code on two bits. A decoding stage decodes the intermediate signal and outputs at least one clock signal representing the amount of rotation of the rotary element and a direction signal representing the direction of rotation. A processing circuit determines the movement of the rotary element, and has at least one general purpose timer designed to receive the at least one clock signal and direction signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventor: Vincent Onde
  • Publication number: 20170350731
    Abstract: An electrostatic encoder (40) detects the rotation angle of a rotor (42) with great accuracy based on the change in the capacitance between electrodes arranged on a stator (41) and the rotor (42). Detection electrodes (44a to 44d) and transmission electrodes (45a to 45d) are arranged circumferentially and alternately on the stator (41). Detection signals (phase A, phase B) amplitude-modulated based on the rotation of the rotor (42) and having a mutual phase difference of 90 degrees are output from adjacent ones of the detection electrodes. Modulated signals (V1, V2) are generated by demodulating the detection signals having a mutual phase difference of 90 degrees. Applying resolver-digital (RD) conversion processing to the modulated signals allows obtaining the rotation angle of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: ORIENTAL MOTOR CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Daiki Kondo
  • Publication number: 20170350732
    Abstract: The system with branched optical fibers provides diagnostics and measurement of static and/or dynamic parameters in structures and structural elements. The system includes a structural material or element having a branched optical fiber embedded therein. The branched optical fiber includes a primary optical fiber segment and at least one secondary optical fiber segment branching therefrom. One or more fiber Bragg grating sensors are arranged on, and are in optical communication with, the primary optical fiber segment and the at least one secondary optical fiber segment. A signal analyzer receives signals generated by the fiber Bragg grating sensors representative of a magnitude of the physical parameter of the structural element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventor: SAMIR MEKID
  • Publication number: 20170350733
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor enabling positioning of a flexible element subject to applied forces. The sensor includes at least two spatially separated light permeable tubes, each having first and second ends arranged on respective first and second frame portions of the flexible element. At least one of the first or second ends of at least one light permeable tube are attached to a corresponding first frame portion by a joining unit. Each of the at least two spatially separated light permeable tubes includes at least one light detecting device, connectable to a processing unit, and arranged at a light detecting position of a corresponding light permeable tube to detect light from at least one light emitting device through the corresponding light permeable tube and transferring information including information relating to the detected light to the processing unit, enabling the processing unit to determine the bend of the light permeable tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventor: Niklas SALOMONSSON
  • Publication number: 20170350734
    Abstract: A sensing system adapted to receive backscattered signal from a sensing fiber includes a first Faraday rotator mirror; a second Faraday rotator mirror; an optical hybrid coupled to the Faraday rotator mirrors, wherein one of the mirrors is coupled with an optical path difference; a 3-port optical circulator coupled to the sensing fiber and the optical hybrid; a first photodetector coupled to the circulator; and three photodetectors coupled to the optical hybrid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Philip Nan Ji, Ting Wang
  • Publication number: 20170350735
    Abstract: Local strain and optionally other properties of an optical sensing fiber are detected as a function of position along the optical sensing fiber. A light pulse with a plurality of simultaneous laser modes at mutually different wavelengths is transmitted into the optical sensing fiber. Light produced by backscattering of the light pulse in the optical fiber is fed to a multi-way coupler, via a first and second optical path with different optical path lengths. Intensities of different phase combinations of light from the paths are detected by detectors at the outputs of the multiway coupler. A data processing system computes relative phase values of light from the first and second paths for a series to time points with time delays corresponding to scattering at different positions along the fiber. In an embodiment, inelastically scattered light such as due to Brillouin scattering and/or Raman scattered light is selective passed to the detectors and detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Lun Kai CHENG, Erwin Johannes Martinus GILING
  • Publication number: 20170350736
    Abstract: Position information of a movable body within an XY plane is measured with high accuracy by an encoder system whose measurement values have favorable short-term stability, without being affected by air fluctuations, and also position information of the movable body in a Z-axis direction orthogonal to the XY plane is measured with high accuracy by a surface position measuring system, without being affected by air fluctuations. In this case, since both of the encoder system and the surface position measuring system directly measure the upper surface of the movable body, simple and direct position control of the movable body can be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuichi SHIBAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20170350737
    Abstract: A flow sensor comprises a flow restriction disposed within a passage such that a fluid passing through the passage must pass through the flow restriction. The flow sensor also has an upstream pressure sensor coupled to the passage at a point upstream of the flow restriction and configured to measure and provide an upstream pressure of the fluid within the passage, a downstream pressure sensor coupled to the passage at a point downstream of the flow restriction and configured to measure and provide a downstream pressure of the fluid within the passage, and a temperature sensor coupled to the passage and configured to measure and provide a temperature of the fluid within the passage. The flow sensor also includes a flow sensor processor coupled to the upstream and downstream pressure sensors and the temperature sensor and configured to accept measurements therefrom and calculate a compensated flow rate based at least in part on the measured pressures and temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Adrian D. DESILVA, Huy Thanh VU, Richard LE, Jeffrey Harold MILLER, Hector GONZALEZ, Raul VALDEZ, Chiun WANG
  • Publication number: 20170350738
    Abstract: In an aspect, an electromagnetic flow meter assembly includes a flow tube housing having a flow inlet and a flow outlet at opposing ends of a fluid passageway running through the flow tube housing and further having an electrode receptacle defining a cavity opening into the fluid passageway. The flow meter assembly also includes an electrode positioned within the electrode receptacle and having a sensing end surrounded by a porous plug fitted within the cavity, said porous plug providing wetted exposure of the sensing end of the electrode when the fluid passageway is filled with fluid. The flow meter assembly further includes one or more channels configured to vent entrained gas from around the porous plug when the porous plug is fitted within the cavity and the fluid passageway is filled with fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventor: Christian Heizenroeder
  • Publication number: 20170350739
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus 100 includes a measurement unit 10 to propagate an ultrasonic wave in a medium 98 that flows inside a pipe 99 and to receive the ultrasonic wave, a difference calculating section 23a to calculate a difference signal obtained by taking a difference in waveforms of reception signals at least between two received ultrasonic waves, and an identifying section 23d to identify a reception timing of transmission of an ultrasonic wave based on a target signal component included in the difference signal. According to the identification of the reception timing based on the target signal component included in the difference signal, a flow velocity of the medium 98 can be measured precisely by using the reception timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Satoru SAKAUE, Masami KISHIRO, Souichi ARAI
  • Publication number: 20170350740
    Abstract: An apparatus for identifying and measuring volume fraction constituents of a fluid using time domain analysis and frequency domain analysis to identify individual volume fraction constituents within a pipe on a real time basis and to measure the volume of the individual volume fraction constituents flowing through the pipe on a real time basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Mohr and Associates
    Inventors: Charles L. Mohr, Brandt C. Mohr, Benno Mohr, Michael Stordahl, James Van Corbach, Erik Von Reis, Christopher Mulkey, Ryan Sams, David Hurley, Gordon Anderson, Daniel Kenney, William Rausch, Edgar Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20170350741
    Abstract: A fluid analysis system receives a fluid sample having a first liquid component and a second liquid component. The fluid sample is taken from a pipeline through a sampling apparatus to obtain a representative sample of the fluid flowing through the pipe. The representative sample flows into a circulation loop having a circulating pump, a liquid component analyzer, and a cylindrical vessel, with interconnecting piping and actuated valves there between, with the actuated valves and the circulating pump controlled by a digital processor. Once a determination of the relative percentages of the first liquid component and the second liquid component have been determined, the processor stops the circulating pump and activates a piston in the cylindrical vessel which sweeps the cylindrical vessel of any fluid contained in the vessel in preparation of receiving a subsequent fluid sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventor: Dan W Marshall
  • Publication number: 20170350742
    Abstract: A Coriolis mass flow measuring device and/or density measuring device (100) includes two bent measuring tubes (110a, 110b), which extend mirror symmetrically to a first mirror plane between the measuring tubes, an actuator arrangement (140) and at least one sensor arrangement (142a, 142b); at the inlet end and at the outlet end, in each case, a collector (120a, 120a), with which the measuring tubes are joined, wherein the collectors (120a, 120b) each fulfill the functionality of a node plate; a support body (124), which connects the collectors (120a, 120b) rigidly with one another; and inlet end and outlet end, in each case, at least one plate-shaped coupler (132a, 132b, 134a, 134b), which connect the measuring tubes pairwise with one another, in order to form an oscillator, wherein the couplers have tube openings for measuring tubes, wherein the measuring tubes are connected at least sectionally with the couplers, wherein inlet end and outlet end, in each case, at least one coupler (132a, 132b, 134a, 134b) h
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Hao Zhu, Alfred Rieder, Ennio Bitto
  • Publication number: 20170350743
    Abstract: A device includes: an outer case; an inner case; a cylindrical base having a distal end that penetrates through a cylinder of the outer case to be fixed to the outer case; and a fastener configured to be mounted on the distal end of the base, the fastener including: an exterior configured to be guided by a guide provided to the inner case; a fastener-side engaging portion engageable with the inner case; and a contact peripheral portion configured to be contact with the outer case to prevent the inner case from rotating relative to the outer case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Takahiro Matsuda, Jinichi Todoroki
  • Publication number: 20170350744
    Abstract: The present disclosure reveals a level indicator for use with storage tanks on recreational vehicles, where recreational vehicles include but are not limited to recreational vehicles, recreational trailers, buses, airplanes, or boats. The level indicator comprises a sensor attached to the bottom of a storage tank where the sensor is calibrated to indicate the amount of liquid above the sensor in the tank. As the level of the tank changes, a readout meter indicates the volume of liquid present by percentage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventor: Fred B. Gerson
  • Publication number: 20170350745
    Abstract: Disclosed herein a liquid level detection device capable of appropriately detecting a liquid level of a high temperature plasma raw material in a reservoir for storing the high temperature plasma raw material. The liquid level detection device includes: an upper limit level sensor configured to detect that the liquid level of the tin is elevated from downward to reach an upper limit level; and a refilling level sensor configured to detect that the liquid level of the tin is lowered from upward to reach a refilling level or a lower limit level. A detection responsiveness of the liquid level of the upper limit level sensor is higher than the refilling level sensor or the lower limit level sensor, and a detectability of the liquid level of the refilling level sensor or the lower limit level sensor is higher than the upper limit level sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: USHIO DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihisa NAGANO, Gota NIIMI
  • Publication number: 20170350746
    Abstract: A device that measures fluid level in fuel storage tanks of mining trucks resistant to rapid filling includes an externally mounted sensor, a protective metallic tube, an anchorage system, and a pressure dissipator; and a remote monitor system that controls fluid level in fuel storage tanks of mining trucks includes a device that measures fluid level in fuel storage tanks of mining trucks including an externally mounted sensor, a protective metallic tube, an anchorage system and pressure dissipator, antennas, a Web server, remote means, and a power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventor: Pablo Andrés Gaete Maureira
  • Publication number: 20170350747
    Abstract: A sensor detects a fuel level and fuel concentration in a fuel tank of a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) that uses flexible fuel such as ethanol fuel or alcohol fuel. The fuel sensor includes: a level sensor which is inserted into a lower surface of a pump module housing; and a concentration sensor which is mounted on a side surface of the pump module housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventor: Sun-Mi Oh
  • Publication number: 20170350748
    Abstract: An electromagnetic flow meter includes a flowtube including a coil disposed in the vicinity of a measurement tube, and electrodes disposed on the measurement tube, a converter including an excitation unit configured to generate an excitation signal and output the excitation signal to the coil through an excitation cable, and a detection signal receiving unit configured to receive a detection signal from the electrodes through a signal cable, and generate a flow rate signal, and a miswiring detection unit configured to perform miswiring diagnosis on the excitation cable or the signal cable on the basis of a difference between a change amount of the flow rate signal when the excitation signal is being output and a change amount of the flow rate signal when the excitation signal is not being output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Toru SHIMURA
  • Publication number: 20170350749
    Abstract: A device for weighing aircraft includes a weighing platform configured to receive a undercarriage leg of the aircraft and to generate weighing signals, a first calculation unit configured to calculate weighing information from the weighing signals generated by the weighing platform, a communication unit configured to transmit to a central device and to receive signals including at least one signal representing the weighing information calculated by the calculation unit, and a ground rolling unit configured to move the weighing platform over a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: AIRBUS SAS
    Inventor: Diego Alonso Tabares
  • Publication number: 20170350750
    Abstract: A system of calculating a payload weight, the system including: a first sensor configured to measure a first load associated with a first member of a lifting machine; a second sensor configured to measure a second load associated with a second member of the lifting machine; and a calculating device configured to calculate the payload weight being carried by the lifting machine based on the first load and the second load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Bruce Alexander Leslie, Nicholas simon Hillier
  • Publication number: 20170350751
    Abstract: A security device in an electronic device which protects against unauthorized disassembly includes light sources, a plurality of photosensitive elements, a detection unit, a storage unit, a processor, and light guiding devices. Light conducting channels are provided between the light sources and the induction elements. Barrier objects that block light are installed at certain first light guiding channels of the light guiding channels, and are removed from the first light conducting channels when the electronic device is disassembled, so that induction signals output by the photosensitive elements are changed from the model or original digitally-recorded signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: XIAO-HU TANG, PEI LIU
  • Publication number: 20170350752
    Abstract: Material structures, systems and devices are disclosed. The material structures are active materials, which are able to emit UV/visible light under excitation by bias, by light beam or by electron beam. The input unit is a source of voltage/current or a source of light or a source of electron beam. The active unit is a material structure containing one or more layers of the described materials. The system may include a passive unit such as a ring resonator, a waveguide, coupler, grating or else. Additional units such as a control unit, readout unit or else may be also incorporated. The distinguished characteristic of the present invention is that the UV or visible emission from the described structures cannot happen without the presence of at least one of the following quasi-particles: surface plasmons, surface plasmon polaritons, bulk plasmons and/or bulk plasmon polaritons. These quasi-particles assist the UV and the visible light emission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventor: VENTSISLAV METODIEV LAVCHIEV
  • Publication number: 20170350753
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spectrophotometer comprising a light source; and a light sensor for measuring the light emitted by the light source and passing through or reflected a sample; and being characterized by an offset generator for applying an offset value to an output of the light sensor. The invention further relates to a method for performing a related spectrophotometric measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard GUENNEWIG
  • Publication number: 20170350754
    Abstract: In an approach to monitoring sunscreen effectiveness, a computer receives input from a user. The computer receives data corresponding to ultraviolet radiation exposure from a first ultraviolet radiation sensor and a second ultraviolet radiation sensor. The computer determines an amount of ultraviolet radiation received by the first ultraviolet radiation sensor and the second ultraviolet radiation sensor. The computer determines whether the amount of ultraviolet radiation received by the first ultraviolet radiation sensor is similar to the amount of ultraviolet radiation received by the second ultraviolet radiation sensor. The computer determines whether the amount of ultraviolet radiation received by the first ultraviolet radiation sensor is below an alert threshold. In response to determining the amount of ultraviolet radiation received by the first ultraviolet radiation sensor is not below an alert threshold, the computer transmits an alert message to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Michael S. Brown, James D. Cleaver, Louise A. McGuire, Michael J. McGuire
  • Publication number: 20170350755
    Abstract: An image sensor may include one or more pixels having a charge steering structure that may selectively route charge from a photodiode to increase the dynamic range of the pixel. The charge steering structure may be a coupled gate structure that routes overflow charge to a voltage supply and to one or more integrating storage structures during an exposure period. The charge steering structure may be two integrating storage structures directly connected to the photodiode that each integrate charge generated by the photodiode in an alternating fashion during an exposure period. Storage structures and transistors within the charge steering structure may receive control signals, which may be asserted in a mutually exclusive manner. Pixels may also include a dual-gain structure, which may provide additional charge storage capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Tomas GEURTS
  • Publication number: 20170350756
    Abstract: An image sensor may include an array of image pixels coupled to analog-to-digital conversion circuitry formed from pinned photodiode charge transfer circuits. Majority charge carriers for the pinned photodiodes in the charge transfer circuits may be electrons for photodiode wells formed from n-type doped regions and may be holes for photodiode formed from p-type doped regions. Pinned photodiodes may be used for charge integration onto a capacitive circuit node. Pinned photodiodes may also be used for charge subtraction from a capacitive circuit node. Comparator circuitry may be used to determine digital values for the pixel output levels in accordance with single-slope conversion, successive-approximation-register conversion, cyclic conversion, and first or second order delta-sigma conversion techniques. The array of image pixels used for imaging may have a conversion mode wherein at least a portion of the pixel circuitry in the array are operated similar to the charge transfer circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Roger PANICACCI
  • Publication number: 20170350757
    Abstract: A method refocuses on an optical assembly target surface, using at least one beam originating from a short-pulse optical source, having at least one optical system for focusing the beam on the surface. Refocusing occurs after learning reference conditions for which the assembly is considered as focused. A focusing signal is detected representing a time overlap of the pulses between a beam reflected and a reference beam not reflected by the surface and comes from the source, one of the beams delayed by a delay line, the beam optical path on which the delay line is placed is varied, on the basis of the reference conditions, to cause the focusing signal to reach or go beyond a predetermined threshold. The focus is adjusted on the basis of variation knowledge in the path between the reference conditions and the conditions for which the focusing signal reaches or goes beyond the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicants: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, UNIVERSITÉ DE LILLE 1, ISEN
    Inventor: Arnaud DEVOS
  • Publication number: 20170350758
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is adapted to acquire multiple IR images of a scene with a single-shot (also referred to as a snapshot). The plurality of acquired images having different wavelength compositions that are obtained generally simultaneously. The system includes at least two optical channels that are spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels are configured to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards an optical FPA unit comprising at least two detector arrays disposed in the focal plane of two corresponding focusing lenses. The system further comprises at least one temperature reference source or surface that is used to dynamically calibrate the two detector arrays and compensate for a temperature difference between the two detector arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Nathan Adrian Hagen
  • Publication number: 20170350759
    Abstract: A spectral measurement device includes a light reflection grating having a plurality of movable gratings and a movable grating drive unit that displaces the movable gratings to alter a grating pattern of the light reflection grating, a light detecting element that detects light incident on the light reflection grating, a storage unit storing a relationship between a light quantity to be detected by the light detecting element and corresponding light intensities at differing wavelengths for different grating patterns, and a computation unit that calculates light intensities at the differing wavelengths of the light incident on the light reflection grating based on the light quantity of the incident light detected by the light detecting element for each of the different grating patterns by altering the grating pattern based on the relationship between the light quantity and the corresponding light intensities for the different grating patterns stored in the storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi AZUMI, Hidetaka NOGUCHI, Hidenori KATO, Masashi SUEMATSU, Masayuki FUJISHIMA
  • Publication number: 20170350760
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an optical measurement system comprising an electrically tunable Peltier element, a detector for detecting radiation from a radiation source in a measurement area, the detector being in thermal connection with the Peltier element, an electrically tunable Fabry-Perot interferometer placed in the path of the radiation prior to the detector, the Fabry-Perot interferometer being in thermal connection with the Peltier element, and control electronics circuitry configured to control the Peltier element, the interferometer, and the detector. The present invention further concerns a method for analyzing the spectrum of an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Spectral Engines Oy
    Inventors: Jarkko Antila, Uula Kantojärvi, Jussi Mäkynen
  • Publication number: 20170350761
    Abstract: A mirror plate (100) for a Fabry-Perot interferometer (300) includes a substrate (50), which includes silicon (Si), a semi-transparent reflective coating (110) implemented on the substrate (50), a de-coupling structure (DC1) formed on the substrate (50), a first sensor electrode (G1a) formed on top of the de-coupling structure (DC1), and a second sensor electrode (G1b), wherein the de-coupling structure (DC1) includes an electrically insulating layer (60a), and a first stabilizing electrode (G0a), which is located between the first sensor electrode (G1a) and the substrate (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Aapo Varpula, Christer Holmlund, Anna Rissanen
  • Publication number: 20170350762
    Abstract: Portable analytical equipment, systems, methods, and techniques related thereto is disclosed. Portable analytical equipment can comprise a controller and a probe. The probe can interrogate a sample and receive a response to the interrogation. The controller can select and/or initiate an analysis related to interrogating the sample via the probe. The analysis can be selected from a portfolio of analyses stored on the controller. The controller can analyze the response to the interrogation based on reference data stored on the controller. The controller can determine an indication based on the analyzing the response for presentation via a low-power interface, which can comprise an LED or electrophoretic element. The controller can further be connected to an external device, e.g., a smartphone or remote PC, to present collected data and the analyzing of the response to the interrogation. The disclosed subject matter can be employed in hand-held analytical equipment, e.g., a hand-held Raman spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Brian James MARQUARDT, John Scott VAN VUREN
  • Publication number: 20170350763
    Abstract: A detection device (113) for a microscope comprises a dispersive element (211) in the beam path (290) of light and a selection element (212). The selection element (212) separates a beam path (291) of a spectral portion of the light from the beam path (290) of the light. The detector device (113) furthermore comprises a focusing optical unit (213) configured to focus the beam path (291) of the spectral portion of the light onto a sensor (214). By way of example, the microscope may be a confocal microscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: David SHAFER, Tiemo ANHUT, Matthias WALD
  • Publication number: 20170350764
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting defects in a composite is provided. After a ply of material for a workpiece is positioned, thermal energy is applied to a top surface of the ply of material, and a digital thermographic camera captures images of the top surface. A computer processor determines heat characteristics of the top surface to identify regions of the top surface with different heat characteristics. Such different areas are identified as regions that include a defect. The defect regions can be repaired prior to disposing additional plies of material over previously-applied plies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. THOMPSON, Gary E. GEORGESON
  • Publication number: 20170350765
    Abstract: Method for the manufacture of a temperature sensor with a thermocouple comprising the following successive steps: a) introduction, in a support tube made of a ceramic material, of two thermocouple wires until they extend beyond said support tube; b) welding the ends of said thermocouple wires extending beyond said support tube so as to form a thermocouple hot point; c) introduction, at least partially, of the support tube into a reinforcement tube made of a stainless steel; d) fixing a cap onto said reinforcement tube so as to protect said hot point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Valeo Systemes de Controle Moteur
    Inventors: Nicolas Gelez, Piotr Zakrzewski, Pascal Castro
  • Publication number: 20170350766
    Abstract: A measuring arrangement comprising a first pair of thermowires wherein the two thermowires of the first pair are insulated completely from one another by an insulation, such as, for example, a material, which serves for electrical insulation between the two thermowires of the first pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Wetzer GmbH + Co.Kg
    Inventor: Dietmar Saecker