Patents Issued in December 21, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170363440
    Abstract: Technologies for pedometric sensing in footwear include a step tracker compute device. The step tracker compute device is to receive acceleration data indicative of movement of a foot of a user, generate energy contour data indicative of energy levels over time, based on the received acceleration data, determine dynamic energy thresholds indicative of peaks in the energy contour data, and detect steps of the user based on the dynamic energy thresholds and the energy contour data to generate step data. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Mohsin Y. Ahmed, Suraj Sindia
  • Publication number: 20170363441
    Abstract: An advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) portal system and method for coordinating access to meter data within an AMI data repository. The advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) portal system includes a data repository, a first portal, and a second portal. The data repository is configured to store data related to a plurality of devices within an AMI. The first portal includes a device list. The device list includes a list of at least one of the plurality of devices associated with an organization. The performance portal is configured to retrieve the device list from the first portal, and further configured to request meter kpi data for the at least one of the plurality of devices in the device list from the data repository.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Richard Carpenter, Kurt Kikendall
  • Publication number: 20170363442
    Abstract: A metering system for metering consumption of a commodity. The metering system includes a meter socket, a meter, and a controller. The meter socket has a tag with identification information. The meter includes a sensor configured to read the identification information from the tag of the meter socket and provide a signal indicative of the identification information from the tag. The controller includes a memory and a processor and is configured to record energy consumption data from the meter. The processor is configured to receive the signal indicative of the identification information of the tag and associate the energy consumption data with the identification information of the tag. The processor is further configured to store the energy consumption data associated with the identification information of the tag in the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Vlad Pambucol, John Richard Holt, Konstantin Labastov, David Cooper, Scott Holdsclaw
  • Publication number: 20170363443
    Abstract: A sensor data collection system includes a plurality of sensors operatively coupled to a corresponding set of endpoints, the endpoints configured to communicate sensor data to a central data collection point via a data communication protocol. A proxy service-enabled endpoint facilitates interoperability with the data collection system for the benefit of endpoints that are otherwise incompatible with the data communication protocol. The endpoint includes a remote endpoint interface module configured to receive communications from at least one of the incompatible endpoints containing incompatible endpoint sensor data. A remote endpoint virtualization module operatively coupled to the remote endpoint interface module and associated with the at least one of the incompatible endpoints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Roger K. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20170363444
    Abstract: A rotation angle detection apparatus includes a magnet that is provided to a rotating shaft of a rotating body and rotates with the rotating shaft to generate magnetic flux and a magnetic sensor that is provided at a distance from the magnet and detects a magnetic flux interlinked with the magnetic sensor. The rotation angle detection apparatus has a magnet magnetic flux detection circuit that detects a magnet magnetic flux generated from the magnet, a disturbance magnetic flux detection circuit that detects a disturbance magnetic flux, which is a magnetic flux other than the magnet magnetic flux and is interlinked with the magnetic sensor, and a correction circuit that corrects a result of detection of the magnetic sensor based on a result of detection of the magnet magnetic flux detection circuit and a result of detection of the disturbance magnetic flux detection circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya KAWAMURA, Hirofumi KINJOU, Toru WAKIMOTO, Hideaki NAKAYAMA, Masataka YOSHIMURA
  • Publication number: 20170363445
    Abstract: A high bandwidth Hall sensor includes, for example, a Hall element for generating a first polarity Hall-signal output current. An amplifier receives, at a first input, the first polarity Hall-signal output current and outputs a feedback current of a second polarity opposite the first polarity in response. The feedback current is coupled to the first input, and the feedback current suppresses an instantaneous voltage generated by the first polarity first Hall element output current at the first input. In an embodiment, the feedback current suppresses the instantaneous voltage generated by first polarity Hall element output current such that the effects of the Hall element source impedance are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Arup Polley, Srinath Ramaswamy, Baher S. Haroun, Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay
  • Publication number: 20170363446
    Abstract: A capacitor detection system and a passive-type pin-diverging module thereof are disclosed. The passive-type pin-diverging module is applied to two conductive pins of a capacitor, including a base structure and a rotatable structure. The rotatable structure is rotatably disposed on the base structure, and the rotatable structure has a curved surface. The two conductive pins of the capacitor respectively pass through two through holes of a seat board, each conductive pin has a lateral contact surface, the two lateral contact surfaces concurrently slidably contact the curved surface so as to diverge the two conductive pins, and the seat board is held by the two diverged conductive pins so as to prevent the seat board from being separated from the capacitor. The friction resistance between the conductive pin and the rotatable structure is decreased due to the sliding contact between the lateral contact surface and the curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: KUO-CHEN HUANG, MING-GOO CHIEN, MING-TSUNG LIANG
  • Publication number: 20170363447
    Abstract: A sensor for an encoder. The sensor includes a sensing circuit, an active setting module, an inactive setting module, and a sensor interface. The sensing circuit module is configured to generate an output signal related to a sensed characteristic. The active setting module includes a first pole width setting. The first pole width setting is associated with a first pole width for the encoder. The first pole width setting is accessible by the sensing circuit module. The inactive setting module includes second pole width setting. The second pole width setting is associated with a second pole width for the encoder. The second pole width setting is not accessible by the sensing circuit module. The sensor interface is configured for retrieving the second pole width setting from the inactive setting module and writing the second pole width setting to the active setting module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: John Santos
  • Publication number: 20170363448
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the angular position of a laser beam emitter using only distance measurements. What is physically measured is a feature that is affixed to the laser beam emitter and moves with it. Respective distances which are respective functions of the azimuth and zenith angles are measured using respective position encoders. In accordance with some embodiments, the respective distances are measured using linear encoders (optical or magnetic); in accordance with other embodiments, the respective distances are measured using laser interferometer-based encoders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Casey J. Dunn, Navrit P. Singh
  • Publication number: 20170363449
    Abstract: A through-beam multi-digit dry meter is disclosed, wherein a lower and an upper holding plate are fastened together; two brackets are integrally connected on the lower holding plate. A 180° curved frame is between the brackets, on which is a flexible printed circuit. Engagement holes are in the brackets. A light-transmitting hollow character wheel shaft is in the engagement holes. Character wheels are on the light-transmitting hollow character wheel shaft and made of light-transmitting material. On the left and/or right side of a character wheel, short black strips are stamped. Long black strips are stamped on the character part of the character wheel head to tail, on which numbers are printed. The meter enables direct reading of three to eight character wheels to measure gas, electricity of water of large flow within the national standard limitation, which is easy to produce and assemble and saves the cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Liangcheng Dong, Wenchun Wang, Weiguo Yu
  • Publication number: 20170363450
    Abstract: A highly integrated programmable sensor interface with improved sensor signal calibration and conditioning functions is described. The programmable sensor interface according to the present invention sensor interface provides programmable gain, digital offset correction and bias for one or more signal channels on one chip on a per channel basis. According to another aspect of the invention, the sensor interface provides reference voltage and sensor biasing by using an on-chip precision voltage regulator. According to one aspect of the invention, multiple inputs are multiplexed and each is applied to a variable gain instrumentation amplifier, which connects to the output. The offset of a given channel is controlled by an on-chip DAC which has multiple digital storage registers, allowing each channel to have a unique, stored offset. Offsets and gains are programmed externally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Smith, Dale Wedel
  • Publication number: 20170363451
    Abstract: A modular sensor system may include a sensor bus architecture configured for interchangeable sensor modules. Stackable sensor modules, such as rods, may have input/output (I/O) connectivity. The sensor modules may interconnect with a sensor bus head, a sensor bus terminus, and/or one another. The uppermost sensor module may connect to the sensor bus head, and the lowermost sensor module may connect to the sensor bus terminus. Between the sensor bus head and the sensor bus terminus, various sensor modules may be connected. The modular arrangement of the sensors in the system of some embodiments is provided such that the sensors are interconnected through a sensor bus network. The sensor bus communication scheme may allow hot-swapping of sensors and relatively low power operation for energy-constrained sensor data collection applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Edyza, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammed Rana Basheer, Atul A. Patel
  • Publication number: 20170363452
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a viscosity measurement device. According to one aspect of the present invention, provided is a viscosity measurement device comprising: a housing which has an inlet port, an outlet port and a measurement space positioned between the inlet port and the outlet port; a magnetic body arranged in the measurement space; an electromagnet for moving the magnetic body; a position measurement part for measuring the position of the magnetic body; a flow rate measurement part for measuring the flow rate of fluid which flows in the measurement space; and a control part for measuring the viscosity of the fluid on the basis of the strength of a magnetic field generated by the electromagnet and the shear strain rate of the fluid which passes through the measurement space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Kyounghoon MIN, Sundhyun PARK, Yehoon IM
  • Publication number: 20170363453
    Abstract: A fluid flow detecting system and approach incorporating a collar configured to be clamped to a fluid conveyance mechanism, a temperature probe held within temperature sensing range of the fluid conveyance mechanism with the collar, an ambient temperature sensor, and a controller connected to the temperature probe and the ambient temperature sensor. The controller may incorporate a data analytics module to determine fluid flow starts, characteristics of fluid flows and fluid stops from temperatures received from the temperature probe and the ambient temperature sensor. The system may further incorporate a heater in contact with the fluid conveyance mechanism to increase speed and accuracy of determinations of fluid flow starts, characteristics of fluid flows and fluid stops by the data analytics module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Philipp Roosli, John Tavares, Ravi M. Sagar, Brendan Donecker
  • Publication number: 20170363454
    Abstract: An agricultural sprayer arrangement includes a chassis; a ground engaging traction member carried by the chassis; a liquid tank carried by the chassis; a boom carried by the chassis; a conduit associated with the boom in fluid communication with the liquid tank that acts as a fluid flow path; a nozzle having an inlet in fluid communication with the conduit; a first flow sensor placed upstream of the inlet in the fluid flow path that provides a first flow signal; a second flow sensor placed downstream of the inlet in the fluid flow path that provides a second flow signal; and an electrical processing circuit coupled to the first flow sensor and the second flow sensor that is configured to compare the first and second flow signals to determine a flow rate decrease and issue an alarm if the flow rate decrease is less than a predetermined threshold level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Bingcheng Ni
  • Publication number: 20170363455
    Abstract: The present invention has been made to improve measurement accuracy of a thermal flow meter. In the thermal flow meter according to the invention, a circuit package (400) that measures a flow rate is molded in a first resin molding process. In a second resin molding process, a housing (302) having an inlet trench (351), a bypass passage trench on frontside (332), an outlet trench (353), and the like are formed through resin molding, and an outer circumferential surface of the circuit package (400) produced in the first resin molding process is enveloped by a resin in the second resin molding process to fix the circuit package (400) to the housing (302).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Noboru TOKUYASU, Shinobu TASHIRO, Keiji HANZAWA, Takeshi MORINO, Ryosuke DOI, Akira UENODAN
  • Publication number: 20170363456
    Abstract: An onboard system that reduces a mental pressure on a driver includes a remaining amount detector that detects a remaining amount of a power source remaining in a vehicle, a lighting detector that detects that a low power source indicator provided in the vehicle lights up, a lighting remaining amount storage unit that stores, as a lighting remaining amount, the remaining power source amount detected by the remaining amount detector at a timing at which the lighting detector detects the lighting of the low power source indicator, a notification remaining amount detector that detects a remaining power source amount larger by a predetermined amount than the lighting remaining amount stored in the lighting remaining amount storage unit, and a notifier that notifies information for promoting supply of the power source after the remaining power source amount larger than the lighting remaining amount by the predetermined amount is detected before the lighting remaining amount is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: TECHTOM LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki TOMITA, Isamu TSUTSUI
  • Publication number: 20170363457
    Abstract: The measuring cup includes numerous embodiments configured for a user to precisely determine the cup contents without need to lift the cup to one's eye level or to lower the eye level to the level of the cup contents. The various embodiments include folding cups; cups having transparent passages in the wall; cups having adjustably positionable bottoms; cups having level indicator rods in the cup interior extending upward from the cup bottom; cups having one or more filaments extending across the cup interior; cups having rigid level indicators spanning the cup interior; cups having adjustably positionable level indicator tabs therein; cups having buoyant level indicator tabs adjustably positionable in the cup interior; and cups having removable clip-on scales extending down along the interior of the cup wall, the scales having a plurality of attachment points for the removable attachment of a level indicator tab at a desired attachment point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: MOHD AFTAB ALAM, FAHAD IBRAHIM AL-JENOOBI, ABDULLAH M. AL-MOHIZEA
  • Publication number: 20170363458
    Abstract: An electric wave type biosensor includes: an electromagnetic wave irradiation unit; and a reflected wave receiving unit which receives a reflected wave and obtains an I signal obtained by multiplying the irradiated electromagnetic wave signal and the received reflected signal, and a Q signal obtained by delaying the I signal only by a predetermined phase. The electric wave type biosensor further includes: a differentiation calculation unit which differentiates the I signal and the Q signal and calculates an I signal differential value and a Q signal differential value; and an angular velocity calculation unit which calculates an angular velocity of the I signal and the Q signal, based on the I signal and the Q signal and the I signal differential value and the Q signal differential value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigetomo Mitani
  • Publication number: 20170363459
    Abstract: Provided are a system and a method for measuring a liquid level of a vehicle fuel tank, and more particularly, to a system for measuring a liquid level of a vehicle fuel tank including an ultrasonic sensor unit provided on a bottom surface in the vehicle fuel tank to acquire measurement data for calculating a distance from the bottom surface in the fuel tank to a fuel surface and a central processing unit using the measurement data transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor unit by a preset number of times for a preset time to calculate liquid level information of the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Se Jin KIM, In Gon KIM, Jong Hyuk YOON
  • Publication number: 20170363460
    Abstract: A case holder with weighing sensor that weighs accurately, has a fixing base of a weighing sensor built in the holder, and ensures the fixed end and the loading end of the weighing sensor meet weighing principle. It includes a grip and a lifting arrangement arranged at two ends of the lower surface of the grip and allowed to pass through a case surface to be fixedly connected with a stressed plate below the case surface. A neutral zone of the grip provides a fixing base for arranging a weighing sensor. A fixed end of the weighing sensor is fixedly connected on the fixing base with screw. A loading end of the weighing sensor includes a rigid and structurally closed lifting bushing fixedly connected thereon. The lifting bushing is arranged around the grip, the fixing base, and the weighing sensor and has two ends separately arranged to the corresponding lifting arrangement. The inner wall of the lifting bushing and the grip have a gap therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Xuefeng GUAN
  • Publication number: 20170363461
    Abstract: An optical fiber sensor system includes a light source, a modulation unit, an optical coupler, a polarization separator, a first polarization controller optically coupled to the polarization separator, and a first detection unit that includes a first optical detector that receives the first component, converts the first component into a first electrical signal, and detects stress. The first polarization controller controls a polarization state of light input to the polarization separator so that the first electrical signal exhibits a first-order response to the stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Takafumi Ohtsuka
  • Publication number: 20170363462
    Abstract: An optical receiver (100) for detection of light from one or more sources (108) comprises an opaque layer (102) disposed on a first surface. An aperture (104) is formed in the opaque layer. An optical detector (106) has a detection region disposed on a second surface. The first and second surfaces are spaced apart from one another such that light passing through the aperture (104) illuminates a corresponding illumination region (110) on the second surface, and is detected by the optical detector (106) In the event that the detection region overlaps the illumination region. Multiple apertures may be formed in the opaque layer, and/or multiple optical detectors may be disposed on the second surface. The optical receiver may thereby enable optical signals originating at different locations to be detected, and distinguished, over a wide field of view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Jean Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20170363463
    Abstract: A non-power-driven photometer is provided, the photometer comprising: a body; and multiple narrow angle photoreceivers (narrow angle probes) formed in the body, wherein the multiple narrow angle probes receive light in the atmosphere, which is incident over a range of different azimuth angles, and allow the characteristics of the atmosphere to be analyzed with reference to the relationship between the received light and the azimuth angle of the narrow angle probe corresponding to the received light. According to the present invention, since the photometer is driven without being supplied with power, light intensity measurement can be performed in a short time. Further, since light intensity measurement can be performed with no movement or only a short-distance movement of a vehicle or airplane equipped with the photometer, the problem of errors caused by differences in the time and location of measurement can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Kyu Young Choi
  • Publication number: 20170363464
    Abstract: The present application discloses implementations that relate to devices and techniques for sensing position, force, and torque. Devices described herein may include a light emitter, photodetectors, and a curved reflector. The light emitter may project light onto the curved reflector, which may reflect portions of that projected light onto one or more of the photodetectors. Based on the illuminances measured at the photodetectors, the position of the curved reflector may be determined. In some implementations, the curved reflector and the light emitter may be elastically coupled via one or more spring elements; in these implementations, a force vector representing a magnitude and direction of a force applied against the curved reflector may be determined based on the position of the curved reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Alex Shafer, Adam Reich, Emily Cooper
  • Publication number: 20170363465
    Abstract: An optical detector(110) is disclosed, comprising: at least one optical sensor(122) adapted to detect a light beam(120) and to generate at least one sensor signal, wherein the optical sensor(122) has at least one sensor region(124), wherein the sensor signal of the optical sensor(122) exhibits a non-linear dependency on an illumination of the sensor region(124) by the light beam (120) with respect to a total power of the illumination; at least one image sensor(128) being a pixelated sensor comprising a pixel matrix(174) of image pixels(176), wherein the image pixels(176) are adapted to detect the light beam(120) and to generate at least one image signal, wherein the image signal exhibits a linear dependency on the illumination of the image pixels(176) by the light beam(1,6) with respect to the total power of the illumination; and at least one evaluation device(132), the evaluation device(132) being adapted to evaluate the sensor signal and the image signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Robert SEND, Ingmar BRUDER, Sebastian VALOUCH, Stephan IRLE, Erwin THIEL
  • Publication number: 20170363466
    Abstract: In an optical sensor, a detecting part includes detecting elements, and a light-shielding portion providing directional characteristics of light to the detecting elements such that the detecting elements indicate different intensities of light received in a specified direction. A signal processing part has an adjustment value for processing detection signals. The adjustment value is set as follows. Based on information of an inclination angle of a window glass of a vehicle to which the detecting part is attached, from the detecting elements, a detecting element having a directional characteristic of light suitable for the inclination angle is selected. The adjustment value is then set so as to coincide a signal value of a detection signal of the selected detecting element with a target value, when the detecting part is irradiated with light in a predetermined direction in a state where the detecting part is inclined at the inclination angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Jun ISHIHARA, Takamitsu OOKURA
  • Publication number: 20170363467
    Abstract: A light receiver (50) is provided having a plurality of avalanche photodiode elements (10) that are each biased by a bias above a breakdown voltage and that are thus operated in a Geiger mode to trigger a Geiger current on light reception, wherein the avalanche photodiode elements (10) have a first connector (20, 22, 28a-b) and a second connector (20, 22, 28a-b); and wherein a first signal tapping circuit (12) for reading out the avalanche photodiode elements is connected to one of the connectors (20, 22, 28a-b). In this respect, a second signal tapping circuit (12) for reading out the avalanche photodiode elements (10) is connected to the other connector (20, 22, 28a-b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Klaus CLEMENS, Gottfried HUG, Stefan SEITZ
  • Publication number: 20170363468
    Abstract: A spectrometer includes a light detection element provided with a light passing part and a light detection part, a support fixed to the light detection element such that a space is formed between the light passing part and the light detection part, a first reflection part provided in the support and configured to reflect light passing through the light passing part in the space, a second reflection part provided in the light detection element and configured to reflect the light reflected by the first reflection part in the space, and a dispersive part provided in the support and configured to disperse and reflect the light reflected by the second reflection part to the light detection part in the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Takafumi YOKINO, Katsumi SHIBAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20170363469
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an integrated spectral unit including a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) interferometer fabricated within a first substrate and a light redirecting structure integrated on a second substrate, where the second substrate is coupled to the first substrate. The light redirecting structure includes at least one mirror for receiving an input light beam propagating in an out-of-plane direction with respect to the first substrate and redirecting the input light beam to an in-plane direction with respect to the first substrate towards the MEMS interferometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Yasser M. Sabry, Diaa Abdel Maged Khalil, Mostafa Medhat, Hisham Haddara, Bassam Saadany, Khaled Hassan
  • Publication number: 20170363470
    Abstract: A spectrometer (100) and an optical input portion (32) thereof are disclosed. The optical input portion (32) comprises an assembly structure (322), and the assembly structure (322) is formed at a hole wall (321) of a through hole (3211) of the optical input portion (32). A light (L1) is incident into a dispersing element (2) of the spectrometer (100) along an optical path (13) after passing through the through hole (3211), and is dispersed by the dispersing element (2). The assembly structure (322) is used to be detachably assembled with an optical element (200). When the optical element (200) is assembled with the assembly structure (322), an optical axis of the optical element (200) is linked to the optical path (13). As a result, the light (L1) passing through the optical element (200) is incident to the dispersing element (2) along the optical axis and the optical path (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: MENG-HUA WANG, KUEI WU CHANG, CHANG CHENG CHOU, CHIEN-HSIANG HUNG, JAN LIANG YEH
  • Publication number: 20170363471
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of optical systems. The envisaged multi-scan optical system is compact and stable. The system comprises an excitation source, a hydra fiber cable, a wavelength selector, an optical element, and a detector. The excitation source is configured to emit composite light. The hydra fiber cable has a head and a plurality of tentacles, and is configured to receive the composite light via a second lens. The plurality of tentacles is configured to emit the composite light towards the wavelength selector which includes a plurality of optical slits (s1-s8) and a plurality of shutters. The wavelength selector is configured to selectively collect and filter the composite light directed by a first lens and the plurality of tentacles by means of the plurality of shutters. The detector is configured to detect the plurality of spectral line scans reflected by the optical element for spectrometric analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Priyadarshan Divyadarshan PANT
  • Publication number: 20170363472
    Abstract: A system is described that combines spectropolarimetry with scatterometry. The system uses an annular mirror and liquid crystal devices to control the angle of the incident light cone, the polarization and wavelength, an imaging setup and one or more video cameras so that spectroseopic-polarimetric-scatterometric images can be grabbed rapidly. The system is also designed to incorporate additional imaging modes such as interference, phase contrast, fluorescence and Raman spectropolarimetric imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Ibrahim ABDULHALIM
  • Publication number: 20170363473
    Abstract: A method for estimating an input spectrum from sensor data acquired by an optical sensor assembly, having an aperture, a Fabry-Perot interferometer, and an optical sensor element, the method including: obtaining first calibration data representative of a spectral response function of the optical sensor assembly for a first setting of the aperture; computing second calibration data from the first calibration data, the second calibration data being representative of a spectral response function of the optical sensor assembly for a second setting of the aperture, where the second setting corresponds to a setting applied during the acquiring of the sensor data; and estimating the input spectrum as a function of the second calibration data and the sensor data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: VITO NV
    Inventor: Stefan LIVENS
  • Publication number: 20170363474
    Abstract: An inexpensive thermopile temperature detector is particularly adapted to monitoring of electrical equipment, such as a power bus bar, within an enclosed area such as a cabinet. The detector may have a plastic housing, a thermopile sensor and a plastic Fresnel lens. Each sensor also includes a calibrated element such that, but for calibration, the same sensor may be used for various applications for different target sizes and distance or, more generally, with respect to effective target percentage of field of view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Francesco Pompei
  • Publication number: 20170363475
    Abstract: A flame detector configured for radiant energy monitoring, quantification, and information transmission. The system has at least one optical sensor channel, each including an optical sensor configured to receive optical energy from a surveilled scene within a field of view, the channel producing a signal providing a quantitative indication of the optical radiation energy received by the optical sensor within a sensor spectral bandwidth. A processor is responsive to the signal from the at least one optical sensor channel to provide a flame present indication of the presence of a flame, and a quantitative indication representing a magnitude of the optical radiation energy from the surveilled scene. An Artificial Neural Network may be used to provide an output corresponding to a flame condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Shankar B. Baliga, Javid Huseynov, John G. Romero, Cristian Filimon
  • Publication number: 20170363476
    Abstract: A method for aligning a projected beam on a reflector in a reflective-type beam detector, the method including adjusting the projected beam so as to: project on to substantially all, if not all, of a reflective surface of the reflector; or project on to at least a portion of a reflective surface of the reflector until a constant, or within a predetermined threshold of a constant, signal is received from the reflector; and detecting one or more edges of the reflective surface of the reflector and thereby: centering the projected beam, so as to align an approximate center of the projected beam on, or within a predetermined threshold of, an approximate center of the reflective surface of the reflector; and/or determining a shape or profile of the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: FFE Limited
    Inventors: Jacob Andelin, Gareth Dibden, Marcus Perch
  • Publication number: 20170363477
    Abstract: A semiconductor product comprising: a semiconductor substrate and a test structure, the test structure comprising: a thermopile and at least one temperature sensitive element, the at least one temperature sensitive element being located in the substrate, or between the substrate and the thermopile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Peter HOFMANN, Kerst GRIESBACH, Monika REINHOLD
  • Publication number: 20170363478
    Abstract: A MEMS device includes a bolometer attached to a silicon wafer by a base portion of at least one anchor structure. The base portion comprises a layer stack having a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) configuration such that the base portion acts as a resistive switch such that, when the first DC voltage is applied to the patterned conductive layer, the base portion transitions from a high resistive state to a low resistive state, and, when the second DC voltage is applied to the patterned conductive layer, the base portion transitions from a high resistive state to a low resistive state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Ashwin K. Samarao, Gary O'Brien, Ando Feyh, Fabian Purkl, Gary Yama
  • Publication number: 20170363479
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein for alerting customers to product temperature compliance during delivery whereby a retail product intended to be maintained below one or more temperature threshold values through a supply chain delivery process is identified, a temperature threshold value of the retail product is determined, an irreversible thermochromic indicator having an activation temperature that corresponds to the temperature threshold value of the retail product is identified, the thermochromic indicator is affixed to the retail product prior to commencing the supply chain delivery process, and verification, via a user interface, is obtained from a customer receiving the retail product that the thermochromic indicator is in its inactivated state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Nicholas Harvey
  • Publication number: 20170363480
    Abstract: In a thermocouple, a pair of thermoelements extend within a protective sheath. The thermoelements are spaced from the sheath by an insulator. The sheath comprises an outer sheath formed from a metal alloy adapted to provide mechanical support and corrosion resistance during use of the thermocouple, typically at elevated temperature. The sheath further comprises an inner sheath positioned between the outer sheath and the thermoelements and formed from a nickel-based alloy containing less than 10 wt % Cr, to prevent diffusion of Cr and/or Mn from the outer sheath to the thermoelements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: TE Wire & Cable LLC
    Inventors: Cathie Rae, Michele Scervini
  • Publication number: 20170363481
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to enhance fault detection accuracy offered by a fault detection apparatus. A microcomputer reads a characteristic signal input thereto. The microcomputer compares a characteristic read from the characteristic signal with a previously established reference value. The previously established reference value represents a characteristic exhibited by a resistor that is connected with a temperature sensor circuit when the temperature sensor circuit operates normally. The microcomputer determines whether the characteristic exhibited by the resistor falls within a detection range. If it is determined that the characteristic falls with the detection range, the temperature sensor circuit is detected to be operational and information indicating that the temperature sensor circuit is operational is output to a host control apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Shinichirou HIDA, Satoru SHIGETA
  • Publication number: 20170363482
    Abstract: A brake temperature sensing system for an aircraft including a sensor apparatus and an interrogation apparatus. The sensor apparatus includes a temperature sensor for attachment to a brake disc of an aircraft brake, and a relay for attachment to the brake. The temperature sensor is configured to wirelessly transmit a measurement signal containing information relating to a temperature of the brake disc, responsive to receiving a wireless interrogation signal. The relay is configured to receive an interrogation signal from the interrogation apparatus; wirelessly transmit the interrogation signal to the temperature sensor; receive the wireless measurement signal from the temperature sensor; and transmit the received measurement signal. The interrogation apparatus comprises a controller configured to generate an interrogation signal; and a transceiver configured to transmit the generated interrogation signal to the sensor apparatus; and receive the measurement signal transmitted by the sensor apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Kurt BRUGGEMANN, Brice CHERAY
  • Publication number: 20170363483
    Abstract: Systems and methods for directly sensing, measuring, or monitoring the temperature of an electrical conductor (31) of a power cable (10), are provided. A surface acoustic wave (SAW) temperature sensor (20) is used that includes a substrate (20S) with a transducer (20T) disposed thereon. The transducer (20T) conducts conversion between an electromagnetic signal and a SAW signal that propagates on the substrate (20S). At least a portion of the substrate (20S) is disposed in thermal contact with the electrical conductor (31) such that the SAW signal varies with the temperature of the electrical conductor (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Sihua Yuan, Zhiguo Wen, Zheng Huang, Xuetao Yu, Gaofei Guo, Ming Zhang, Justin M. Johnson, Ronald D. Jesme, Jaewon Kim
  • Publication number: 20170363484
    Abstract: A rotating device according to an embodiment includes a temperature detector disposed on a rotator, a transmitter disposed on a rotation axis of the rotator so as to rotate together with the rotator, and transmitting an output signal that indicates the detection result of the temperature detector, and a receiver supported on the rotation axis of the rotator so to face the transmitter, and receiving the output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuma ENDOH, Yuichi Tsuboi, Akira Ozawa
  • Publication number: 20170363485
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology provide systems and methods for an improved header and corresponding port associated with a transducer assembly. The header and port define mating threaded portions, thread stop portions, and a weld gap region. The thread stop portions are configured to mate and maintain a pre-loading tension between the threaded portions during and after applying a weld in the weld gap region. The weld gap region is configured to have a predetermined gap distance such that the weld seals the transducer without stress in the weld. The mating of the first and second thread stops are configured to maintain at least a portion of the pre-loading tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Dominic Catalano, Sergio Radossi, Robert Gardner
  • Publication number: 20170363486
    Abstract: A low power consumption multi-contact micro electro-mechanical strain/displacement sensor and miniature autonomous self-contained systems for recording of stress and usage history with direct output suitable for fatigue and load spectrum analysis are provided. In aerospace applications the system can assist in prediction of fatigue of a component subject to mechanical stresses as well as in harmonizing maintenance and overhauls intervals. In alternative applications, i.e. civil structures, general machinery, marine and submarine vessels, etc., the system can autonomously record strain history, strain spectrum or maximum values of the strain over a prolonged period of time using an internal power supply or a power supply combined with an energy harvesting device. The sensor is based on MEMS technology and incorporates a micro array of flexible micro or nano-size cantilevers. The system can have extremely low power consumption while maintaining precision and temperature/humidify independence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Paul D OKULOV
  • Publication number: 20170363487
    Abstract: A structure for strain detection is provided with a ceramic main body which is attached to a detection target, in which strain is to be detected, and a stress concentrated section which is formed in the main body and which is fractured at a predetermined strain or greater. Assuming the dimension of the entire main body in one direction is represented by Lm and the dimension of the stress concentrated section in the one direction is represented by Lc, then it holds that Lc<Lm. The stress concentrated section is constituted by a thin-walled portion in the one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi KURIBAYASHI, Toshiyuki Konishi, Masaki Sue, Atsuo Kondo, Keiichiro Watanabe, Shingo Iwasaki, Ryoichi Yamanaka, Yoshinobu Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20170363488
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piezoceramic sensor in a housing having a layer (3), preferably a PZT layer, made of a piezoelectric material, on both sides of which there is a respective sensor electrode (2), both sensor electrodes (2) being connected in each case to a pole (5, 6). In order that no potential difference, which would allow for the charge to be dissipated by way of the surface, is formed between the housing and the sensor electrodes (2), it is proposed according to the invention that the layer (3) protrudes beyond the sensor electrode (2) on at least one side of the layer (3), and a protective electrode (1) which encompasses the sensor electrode (2) at an insulating distance (7) is arranged on that part of the layer (3) which protrudes beyond the sensor electrode (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen SCHREINER
  • Publication number: 20170363489
    Abstract: A pressure sensing device that may include a first and second sensing elements that comprise one or more piezoresistive materials; wherein the first sensing element has a first gradient; wherein the second sensing element has a second gradient; wherein the second gradient differs from the first gradient; wherein the first and second gradients facilitate a determination of a load of and a location of an event that involves applying pressure on the first and second sensing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Hossam HAICK, Meital SEGEV-BAR, Gady KONVALINA