Patents Issued in January 9, 2018
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Patent number: 9863830Abstract: A pressure sensor, including a platform of ceramic, a measuring membrane arranged on the platform, a pressure measuring chamber enclosed in the platform under the measuring membrane, and at least one metal body connected with the platform via a pressure-tight, preferably elastomer free, mechanical connection. Thermomechanical stresses arising from the connection are reduced by features including that the pressure-tight, mechanical connection occurs via an adapting body arranged between the platform and the metal body. The adapting body has a thermal expansion coefficient, which rises in direction (z) extending from the platform to the metal body from a coefficient of expansion corresponding to a thermal coefficient of expansion of the ceramic of the platform to a coefficient of expansion corresponding to the thermal coefficient of expansion of the metal body, and the adapting body is connected by a first joint with the platform and by a second joint with the metal body.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Ulfert Drewes, Elke Schmidt, Thomas Uehlin, Andrea Berlinger
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Patent number: 9863831Abstract: A sintered body comprises a first region which comprises a first material having a first effective coefficient of thermal expansion ?1, a second region which comprises a second material having a second effective coefficient of thermal expansion ?2, a transition region between the first region and the second region in which the effective coefficient of thermal expansion changes from the first effective coefficient of thermal expansion to the second effective coefficient of thermal expansion. The transition region has a sequence of layers with a mixture of at least the first material and the second material, with the mixing ratio of the layers varying in order to achieve a stepwise, in particular monotonic, change in the coefficient of thermal expansion.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KGInventors: Andreas Rossberg, Elke Schmidt, Anh Tuan Tham
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Patent number: 9863832Abstract: A method and system for identifying a work piece center of mass includes coupling a work piece to a manipulator assembly. The manipulator assembly includes a force and torque sensor. The work piece is positioned in at least two different orientations relative to a gravity vector with the manipulator assembly. The at least two different orientations include at least first and second orientations. In the first orientation the force and torque sensor measures a first torque and at least a first force associated with the work piece in the first orientation. In the second orientation the force and torque sensor measures a second torque associated with the work piece in the second orientation. The work piece center of mass is identified according to at least the measured first and second torques and at least the first force.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Anthony R. Vulcano
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Patent number: 9863833Abstract: A leak sensor includes a base layer which is formed by soaking a plate-shaped structure into a resin solution, particularly a fluorine-based resin solution, or formed of a plate-shaped structure of a resin, particularly a fluorine-based resin; and a sensor layer in which a leak detection part having a predetermined area is formed by coating or printing a mixture of a liquid resin or a liquid fluorine-based resin and a conductive material on the base layer in a predetermined pattern, wherein the leak detection part of the sensor layer is formed on a side surface of the sensor layer to be exposed to the outside. Therefore, even though the sensor is not located just under the leaked fluid, the sensor becomes in contact with the fluid, and thus can detect the fluid leakage.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: FLOWNIX CO., LTD.Inventor: Jae Heui Lee
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Patent number: 9863834Abstract: A seal testing system provides an indicator of the tightness of seals in packaging of the seal testing system includes at least partially light permeable thermoplastic film providing two flexible layers that are impermeable for liquid and that are circumferentially sealed to define chambers that store a seal testing fluid and that are interconnected via a narrowed intermediate passage. At least section of a seal between the film layers is weakened to allow release of the seal testing fluid when pressure is introduced in the chambers.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Inventor: Peter Kozin
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Patent number: 9863835Abstract: A hole detection method of a vehicle and a system performing the same may include positioning an air injection nozzle at a predetermined position of a vehicle body and positioning a sound sensor at a position corresponding to the air injection nozzle, injecting an air jet from the air injection nozzle, detecting a sound wave from the sound sensor, and calculating a characteristic of a water leakage hole formed on the vehicle body by using the sound wave detected from the sound sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, IUCF-HYU (Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University)Inventors: Tae Ho Kim, Yunsang Kwak, Sangkeun Ahn, Junhong Park
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Patent number: 9863836Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring apparatus for a steam plant, the apparatus comprising: a sensor unit (110) associated with a component of the steam plant, the sensor unit (110) being configured to provide an output indicative of the operating condition of the component; wherein the sensor unit (110) has a plurality of operating modes, each operating mode having a different resource usage; the apparatus further comprising: a selector (130) for selecting one of the plurality of operating modes; wherein the operating mode is chosen based on a current operating condition of the steam plant. The invention also relates to a method of operating such an apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Spirax-Sarco LimitedInventors: Christopher Michael Roland Agard Poczka, Lyubka Spasova
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Patent number: 9863837Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to detecting leaks in a patient monitoring system. The system can include a fluid handling network configured to receive a fluid sample drawn from a patient and to deliver at least a portion of the fluid sample to an analyte measurement system. The system can isolate at least a portion of the fluid handling network, can apply pressure to the at least a portion of the fluid handling network, can measure the pressure in the at least a portion of the fluid handling network, and can determine whether a leak is present in the at least a portion of the fluid handling network based at least in part on the measured pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: OptiScan Biomedical CoporationInventors: Peter Rule, James D. Causey, III
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Patent number: 9863838Abstract: The present invention provides an air tightness detection device for an aluminum alloy wheel hub, which is characterized by precision air pressure sensors, a lower clamp, a cone cylinder pressure plate, air pipes, a pressure plate, guide posts, an air inlet pipe, and a compressed gas control and detection system. A technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages that the cone cylinder pressure plate of the detection device reduces the space of an inner cavity of the wheel hub to further reduce inflating volume, thereby increasing detection efficiency; the characteristics of readily availability for preparation, no pollution and low cost are achieved by taking compressed air as a leakage indication gas.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: CITIC Dicastal CO., LTDInventors: Chunhai Liu, Zhigao Yin, Debin Tang, Jinqi Lv, Zhipeng Li, Aiguo Zhang, Zhihua Zhu, Yongning Wang, Changhai Li
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Patent number: 9863839Abstract: Examples disclosed herein generally relate to methods and apparatus for the positioning and alignment of an electrodynamic shaker system relative to an excitation point on a structure to be tested. The electrodynamic shaker system includes a base plate, a support plate, and a locking mechanism. The base plate comprises a plurality of rollable ball transfer units coupled to the base plate. The support plate, supporting an electrodynamic shaker and trunnion thereon, is seated on the ball transfer units of the base plate such that the support plate may be aligned relative to the test article via the ball transfer units. Once the electrodynamic shaker system is in the desired location, a flexure of the electrodynamic shaker may be precisely aligned with and coupled to a test article. The electrodynamic shaker system disclosed utilizes no precision components and is tolerant of dust, dirt, and other environmental contaminants typically present in testing locations.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: Mark Phillip Proulx
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Patent number: 9863840Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a multi-direction wind tunnel, or “windball,” are disclosed. The system can have a series of fans configured to provide air flow in a plurality of directions to enable accurate testing of aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and other vehicles capable of multi-dimensional flight. The system can comprise a spherical or polyhedral test chamber with a plurality of fans. The fans can be arranged in pairs, such that a first fan comprises an intake fan and a second fan comprises an exhaust fan. The direction of the air flow can be controlled by activating one or more pairs of fans, each pair of fan creating a portion of the air flow in a particular direction. The direction of the air flow can also be controlled by rotating one or more pairs of fans with respect to the test chamber on a gimbal device, or similar.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Inventors: Brian C. Beckman, Avi Bar-Zeev, Steven Gregory Dunn, Amir Navot
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Patent number: 9863841Abstract: A point diffraction interferometric wavefront aberration measuring device comprising an optical source, an optical splitter, a first light intensity and polarization regulator, a phase shifter, a second light intensity and polarization regulator, an ideal wavefront generator, an object precision adjusting stage, a measured optical system, an image wavefront detection unit, an image precision adjusting stage, and a data processing unit. The center distance between the first output port and the second output port of the ideal wavefront generator is smaller than the diameter of the isoplanatic region of the measured optical system and is greater than the ratio of the diameter of the image point dispersion speckle of the measured optical system over the amplification factor thereof. A method for detecting wavefront aberration of the optical system is also provided by using the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Shanghai Institute of Optics And Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of SciencesInventors: Xiangzhao Wang, Feng Tang, Guoxian Zhang, Shifu Xu
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Patent number: 9863842Abstract: Contact lenses often comprise a coating containing water so as to enhance comfort when being worn on the eye. The present invention is useful to determine the water content of the coating of a contact lens. To determine the water content of the coating, the lens having the coating to be measured is arranged under water. The reflectivity of the surface of the lens is then determined with the aid of a Chromatic sensor system.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Novartis AGInventor: Thomas Tonn
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Patent number: 9863843Abstract: A vehicle headlamp aiming system includes a displaceable aiming surface and an imaging system. The imaging system includes an indexing aim box having at least one imager oriented to capture images of a headlamp and/or one or more vehicle features adjacent to the headlamp and at least one fixed imager oriented to capture one images of the displaceable aiming surface to determine a headlamp cutoff height. The displaceable aiming surface is configured to selectively displace to allow passage of the vehicle. The indexing aim box is configured to translate between the headlamp and another headlamp. One or more computing devices are configured to perform methods for headlamp aim correction using the described system. The methods include providing image inputs from the imaging system and calculating therefrom an aim correction of the headlamps.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Albert Ekladyous, Diane Marie LaHaie, Ghassan E. Mady, Simon Howard Curwood, Kelley Maria Adams-Campos, Hardyal Singh, Jeffrey Paul Spencer
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Patent number: 9863844Abstract: In a method for measuring the positions of centers of curvature of optical surfaces of a single- or multi-lens optical system, an imaging lens system images an object plane into a first and a second image plane. The first image plane is produced by a first ancillary lens system having a first focal length and defining a first beam path, while the second image plane is produced by a second ancillary lens system having a second focal length that is different from the first focal length and defining a second beam path that is different from the first beam path. An object arranged in the object plane is then imaged simultaneously or sequentially at the first and the second image plane by means of measuring light. Reflections of the measuring light at optical surfaces of the optical system are detected by means of a spatially resolving light sensor. The actual positions of the first and the second center of curvature are calculated from the detected reflexes.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: TRIOPTICS GMBHInventors: Naoji Oya, Aiko Ruprecht, Eugen Dumitrescu
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Patent number: 9863845Abstract: Method/apparatus for performing the following acts on a system that includes an electrical motor followed by a gear, and a speed output unit: monitoring a first set of frequencies from the system over a measurement period when the system is in a known good operating condition; storing the first set of monitored frequencies or derivatives thereof as reference data in a long-term storage system; monitoring a second set of frequencies from the system over a measurement period when the system is in an unknown operating condition; comparing the second set of monitored frequencies with the first set of monitored frequencies in a frequency domain; in the frequency domain, detecting changes between corresponding frequencies resulting from the second set of monitored frequencies and the first set of monitored frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: KONECRANES GLOBAL CORPORATIONInventors: Heikki Mesiä, Juhani Kerovuori, Ilkka Harra, Aapo Jantunen, Janne Salomäki
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Patent number: 9863846Abstract: A transmission testing device that performs tests to verify transmission functionality has: an output shaft directly or indirectly coupled to a differential gear section of the transmission; a rotary driving unit for rotating the output shaft; and a cylindrical meshing unit comprising a meshing portion to mesh with a side gear of the differential gear section, and a chuck portion in which a fluid circuit is formed. The meshing unit is fixed to a differential case of the differential gear section by way of expanding the chuck portion in the radial direction of the chuck portion by applying pressure to the fluid in the fluid circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Fumihiko Ichikawa, Yoshinori Miura, Yuusuke Nishizawa
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Patent number: 9863847Abstract: A standard engine cold test method includes instructing, by a control device, a tester to perform an engine test. The tester drives a motor with a standard mode or a general mode according to a control of the control device to operate an engine which is a test object. The tester measures engine information depending on an operation of the engine using a sensor. A gathering device gathers the measured engine information. The gathered engine information is analyzed to determine abnormality of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Ho Jae Shin, Joong Cheol Nam, Jong Gu Do
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Patent number: 9863848Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g., Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Automotive Test Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson
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Patent number: 9863849Abstract: A method for operating at least one sensor element for detecting at least one property of a gas in a measured-gas space is described. The method comprises at least the following steps: at least one first step, in the first step at least one parameter being ascertained; at least one second step, in the second step the parameter being compared with at least one comparison value, in accordance with that comparison at least one feature being allocated to the sensor element or to at least one part of the sensor element. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Jens Schneider, Helge Schichlein, Frank Stanglmeier, Lothar Diehl, Eckart Reihlen
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Patent number: 9863850Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring the content of at least one compound in an exhaust gas stream resulting from internal combustion. A first relative proportion of a first compound in the exhaust gas stream is measured by means of a first sensor, and a defined flow of a first gas is added to said exhaust gas stream downstream said first sensor. A second relative proportion of said first compound in the combined stream of said exhaust gas stream and said added gas is measured by means of a second sensor, and a mass flow of said first compound in said exhaust gas stream resulting from said combustion in said internal combustion is determined by means of said first and second relative proportions and said defined flow of said first gas. The invention also relates to a system and vehicle dynamometer.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Rototest International ABInventor: Christian Engström
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Patent number: 9863851Abstract: An exhaust gas measuring information processing apparatus of the present invention detects troubles etc. of a flow sensor during a flow rate measurement and performs predetermined processing relevant to maintenance and check of the flow sensor. The exhaust gas measuring information processing apparatus includes a reception circuit that receives a flow rate measurement signal indicating a flow rate measurement value of exhaust gas flowing through an exhaust gas tube of an internal combustion engine and an operational state signal indicating an operational state of the internal combustion engine, and a processing executing circuit that executes predetermined processing relevant to maintenance and check of the flow sensor that outputs the flow rate measurement signal when a predetermined correlation is not satisfied between an index value for the operational state indicated by the operational state signal and the flow rate measurement value indicated by the flow rate measurement signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.Inventors: Katsumi Uratani, Shun Fukami
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Patent number: 9863852Abstract: Some of the embodiments provide a method comprising: during an operation phase, operating a rotating device at a first speed; during the operation phase, monitoring a first current consumed by the rotating device to operate at the first speed; comparing the first current to a second current measured during a calibration phase while rotating the device at a second speed, wherein the first speed is substantially equal to the second speed; and based on comparing the first current and the second current, predicting a possible failure of the rotating device.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.Inventors: Ravishanker Krishnamoorthy, Foo Leng Leong, Yayue Zhang, Edy Susanto
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Patent number: 9863853Abstract: A measuring device comprises a measuring unit and a synchronization unit. In this context, the measuring unit is embodied to implement a measurement task on the basis of first measurement parameters. The synchronization unit is accordingly embodied to synchronize the first measurement parameters with a further measuring device. The measuring device is then embodied to implement the measurement task jointly with the further measuring device on the basis of at least the first measurement parameters.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO. KGInventor: Thomas Braunstorfinger
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Patent number: 9863854Abstract: A system includes an industrial monitor communicatively coupled to at least one sensor that is coupled to a mechanical system. The industrial monitor is configured to determine at least one type of measurement regarding the operation of the mechanical system, wherein each type of measurement is associated with one or more measurements determined by the industrial monitor based on one or more inputs received from the at least one sensor. Additionally, the system includes a display device communicatively coupled to the industrial monitor, wherein the display device is configured to display the at least one type of measurement determined by the industrial monitor. Further, each type of measurement is displayed with an appearance that denotes a combined status of the one or more measurements associated with the type of measurement.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brian Martin Axness, Trevor Shaun Kavanaugh, Barrett Joseph Fuhrmann, Jr.
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Patent number: 9863855Abstract: The present invention provides an electrostatic atomizer comprising: a container having an inlet; an atomization electrode having one end projecting in the container; an opposite electrode provided in the container; a tubular collection electrode provided opposite to the atomization electrode; a mask surrounding an outer periphery of the tubular collection electrode; and a cooling part for cooling the tubular collection electrode. The opposite electrode is provided between the atomization electrode and the tubular collection electrode. The mask is formed of resin. The mask comprises a mask through-hole. The tubular collection electrode is inserted in the mask through-hole. One end of the tubular collection electrode is located in the mask through-hole. The present invention provides a method for efficiently obtaining a liquid sample from a gaseous sample and an electrostatic atomizer suitable for the method.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventor: Satoshi Arimoto
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Patent number: 9863856Abstract: A method for observing nanostructures by optical microscopy is provided. Firstly, a sample with a nanostructure and a vapor-condensation-assisted optical microscopy system are provided. The vapor-condensation-assisted optical microscopy system comprises a vapor-condensation-assisted device and an optical microscope comprising a stage. The vapor-condensation-assisted device is used to provide a vapor to sample on the stage in application. Secondly, locating the sample is located on the stage. Thirdly, a vapor is applied to the sample to observe the sample via the optical microscopy system.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignees: Tsinghua University, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Jiang-Tao Wang, Tian-Yi Li, Qing-Yu Zhao, Kai-Li Jiang, Shou-Shan Fan
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Patent number: 9863857Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array or a mechanically movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Xing Su, David J. Liu, Kai Wu, Kenneth B. Swartz, Mineo Yamakawa
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Patent number: 9863858Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a jacket for heating and cooling a test cell generally includes an inner liner having an exterior channel along at least a portion of the liner exterior wall surface; an outer shell tightly fitted over the interior liner; openings provided in the outer shell, the openings proximate upper and lower ends or segments of the channel of the inner liner; and connectors provided on the outer shell openings for connection of fluid lines, thereby providing for fluid flow intermediate the upper and lower ends or segments of the channel of the inner liner. An exemplary embodiment of a method for producing the jacket generally includes providing the channel in the inner liner and providing an interference fit between the inner liner and the outer shell, whereby fluid communication there between, and a substantially fluidly impenetrable seal between the inner liner and the test cell, are provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventor: Brigido Salgado
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Patent number: 9863859Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems and methods related to a load monitoring apparatus for testing of a material. The load monitoring apparatus may comprise a primary bar and one or more nested tubes substantially surrounding a portion of the primary bar. The one or more nested tubes are connected in series at alternate ends of the one or more nested tube. Further, the primary bar may comprise one or more sensors used to extract load sampling and monitor reflections of signals traversing the load monitoring apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Mississippi State University Research and Technology CorporationInventors: Wilburn Ray Whittington, Andrew Lars Oppedal
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Patent number: 9863860Abstract: An apparatus for measuring rheological properties of a multi-phase fluid is provided. The apparatus includes a static chamber configured to contain a multi-phase fluid having at least a first phase and a second phase. The apparatus also includes a rotor member submersed in the multi-phase fluid in the static chamber. The rotor member is rotatable about a horizontal rotational axis within the static chamber and the static chamber and the rotor member are oriented in a substantially horizontal direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY MADRASInventors: Chirag Khalde, Jitendra Sangwai
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Patent number: 9863861Abstract: A computer-implemented method of determining particle size and a computer-readable medium storing instructions to execute such a method are presented. The method entails obtaining an image of at least one particle and a calibration mark, wherein the particle and the calibration mark were captured using the same lens, correcting the image for distortion effects to generate a corrected image, wherein the same correction factor is applied to both the particle and the calibration mark, and determining a size of the particle using the corrected image. The method may be useful for obtaining the target size of coffee grounds that will produce the desired flavor. Coffee grounds may be sprinkled on a surface with the calibration mark and imaged with the calibration mark such that the correction factor for the calibration mark can be used to determine the particle size range of the coffee grounds.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Perfect Coffee, Inc.Inventors: Neil M. Day, Jr., Jing Dong
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Patent number: 9863862Abstract: The various embodiments described herein significantly increase charge probabilities of nanoparticles by first growing them to larger droplets using a diethylene glycol-based preconditioner, neutralizing the droplets with a bipolar charger, and then removing the condensed liquid to recover the original aerosol particles. The small droplet size is an important element in reducing the amount of aerosol particles with more than one charge. The high single-charge particle probability significantly enhances the monodisperse aerosol throughput of a DMA, while the reduced multiple charge probabilities ensure high monodispersity of DMA-classified aerosols and good data quality of SMPS measurements.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: TSI INCORPORATEDInventor: Hee-Siew Han
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Patent number: 9863863Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor apparatus (100) and a method for detecting clusters with magnetic particles in a sample. The sample is provided in at least one sample chamber (114) of a substantially planar cartridge (110) that is exposed to a modulated magnetic field (Bxz, Byz) generated by a magnetic field generator (190). The sample chamber (114) is illuminated with excitation light (L0), and the resulting output light (Ls) is detected by a light detector (180). The magnetic field (Bxz, Byz) may particularly rotate, inducing a corresponding rotation of clusters which in turn induces a variation of the detection signal (S). According to a preferred embodiment, excitation light (L0) is focused onto blocking spots (173) behind the sample chamber (114), thus shielding the light detector (180) from direct illumination.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Johannes Joseph Hubertina Barbara Schleipen, Menno Willem Jose Prins, Andrea Ranzoni
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Patent number: 9863864Abstract: Disclosed is a threshold selector that selects a threshold by generating a histogram from a detector signal and a flow cytometer. The detector signal includes both data and noise. A histogram is generated, which includes height data from the pulses of the detector signal as well as noise. The flow cytometer can be operated without samples to generate a histogram that includes only noise. The threshold signal can then be selected by selecting an intensity level on the histogram that is between the noise and data.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Bio-Rad Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Nelson Fox
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Patent number: 9863865Abstract: A MEMS-based cell sorting system is disclosed, which uses a novel combination of features to accomplish the cell sorting in the microfabricated channels housed in a disposable cartridge. The MEMS-based cell sorting system may include a microfabricated cell sorting valve that is responsive to an applied magnetic field. The MEMS-based cell sorting system may further include an electromagnet that generates a magnetic field to actuate the microfabricated cell sorting valve. The electromagnet may have a design which allows it to create a very localized magnetic field while having adequate thermal properties to operate reliably.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Owl biomedical, Inc.Inventors: John S Foster, Nicholas C. Martinez, Daryl W. Grummitt, Ralf-Peter Peters, Christian Peth, Markus Nagel
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Patent number: 9863866Abstract: A cold-test system for testing a camera at a cold temperature includes a test-chamber with a window, a nozzle, and a recirculator. The window is installed in the test-chamber so the camera is provided with a view of a test-target outside of the test-chamber. The nozzle is located proximate to a first edge of the window. The nozzle is configured to direct air from an air-source in a first direction and adjacent to an outside-surface of the window. The recirculator is located proximate to a second edge of the window opposite the first edge. The recirculator is configured to receive the air moving in the first direction and re-direct that air in a second direction opposite the first direction and adjacent to the air moving in the first direction opposite the window. The nozzle and the recirculator cooperate to form a bi-directional air-curtain proximate to the outside-surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Robert R. Bugher, Scott E. Stoerger, James C. Baar
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Patent number: 9863867Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems apparatus for automatically updating hard iron and soft iron coefficients of a magnetic sensor of a device are disclosed. One method includes making measurements of a magnetic field by the magnetic sensor during rotations of the device, determining by at least a criterion whether to input the measurements of the magnetic field into a coefficient estimator, calculating, by the coefficient estimator, new hard iron and soft iron coefficients upon receiving the measurements of the magnetic field, determining a quality of the newly calculated hard iron and soft iron calculated coefficients, and updating existing hard iron and soft iron coefficients to the newly calculated hard iron and soft iron coefficients only if the quality of the newly calculated hard iron and soft iron coefficients.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: PNI Sensor CorporationInventor: Davy J. Figaro
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Patent number: 9863868Abstract: Various systems and methods of analyzing one or more properties of a sample are provided. The system includes a self-contained purging device having a sample holder and one or more analyzers for analyzing one or more properties of the sample. The purging device is configured to remove sample contained within the sample holder when an analysis is complete. In one embodiment the purging device is configured via an air pump having a tube in fluid communication with an air inlet of the sample holder, wherein the air pump is configured to deliver pressurized air to the air inlet and thereby purge the sample. The pressurized air is localized ambient air, and substantially free of contaminants. Methods and other systems are also described and illustrated.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: H2Optx Inc.Inventors: Rudolf J. Hofmeister, Donald A. Ice, Scott W. Tandy
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Patent number: 9863869Abstract: In polarization-sensitive optical image measurement, noise-containing OCT signals obtained by polarization OCT are processed using a birefringence calculation algorithm, to obtain measured birefringence, after which noise is statistically adjusted to simulate a measured birefringence distribution and determine the noise characteristics of the measured birefringence values, and then Monte Carlo calculations are repeated by assuming different values for the noise level and the true birefringence value, respectively, to form three-dimensional histogram of combinations of true birefringence values, SN ratios, and measured birefringence values, after which specified measured birefringence values and SN ratios are assumed from the three-dimensional histogram information to obtain a true birefringence probability density distribution, and true birefringence values are estimated from the true birefringence probability density distribution.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBAInventors: Yoshiaki Yasuno, Deepa Kamath Kasaragod
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Patent number: 9863870Abstract: A method of using spectroscopic envelopes for determining components in a sample may include selecting spectroscopic envelopes and passing input light through a sample comprising at least one absorbing component is provided. The method includes measuring throughput light with a photo-detector and determining the concentration of the at least one absorbing component in the sample using the measured throughput, wherein at least one of the plurality of spectroscopic envelopes overlaps at least one absorption band of the at least one absorbing component in the sample. An apparatus for determining components in a sample including an input light source having a spectrum and a sample container having a fixed optical path-length is also provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of pre-selected spectroscopic envelopes to select spectral portions of the throughput light from the sample; and at least one photo-detector to measure the throughput light selected by the spectroscopic envelopes.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jing Shen, Christopher Michael Jones, Michael T. Pelletier
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Patent number: 9863871Abstract: An illumination device for a color sorter includes an LED substrate placed on a longitudinal chassis for heat radiation and a light source in which many LED elements are linearly aligned in the longitudinal direction on the LED substrate, and the light source is an integration of at least two light sources provided together, one of the light sources illuminating a side on which items-to-be-sorted flow down and the other one of the light sources illuminating a side of a background arranged to face a camera.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: SATAKE CORPORATIONInventors: Sumio Tagawa, Teruhiko Takeuchi, Hidenobu Kado
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Patent number: 9863872Abstract: A sample analyzer includes: a preparation unit configured to mix a sample with a reagent to prepare a measurement specimen; a measurement unit configured to irradiate the measurement specimen with light to acquire optical time series data; and a controller configured to divide the time series data acquired by the measurement unit into data segments, determine first regression lines respectively of the data segments, select the first regression line with the highest matching degree with the time series data, set as an analysis target region a region of the time series data matching with the selected first regression line among the time series data acquired by the measurement unit, determine a second regression line using the time series data included in the set analysis target region, and perform an analysis using the second regression line.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATIONInventor: Naoto Koshimura
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Patent number: 9863873Abstract: A method for analyzing a droplet fraction of an oil mist sample of a gas turbine is provided. A collecting device collects the oil mist sample, wherein the collecting device is arranged within a breather pipe which is coupled to the gas turbine such that oil mist is flowing through the breather pipe. The droplet fraction is separated from a gaseous fraction of the oil mist sample by a filter device, wherein the filter device is soaked with the droplet fraction, the droplet fraction is extracted from the filter device by using a tetrachloroethylene solvent. A composition of the droplet fraction is analyzed by a spectrometer.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Roger Brown, Robert Pearce
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Patent number: 9863874Abstract: A method for signal detection with a gas analysis system (1, 1?) includes a radiation source (3); a gas measuring section (9) containing gas to be measured; a Fabry-Perot interferometer (13); a thermal sensor (17) configured to cause a change in voltage between electrodes with electromagnetic radiation falling thereon and arranged such that radiation released by a second interferometer mirror falls on the thermal sensor. The method includes irradiating the gas measuring section with radiation source radiation, continuously increasing or decreasing a distance of interferometer mirrors during a generating of time signal pulses at a constant period of time from one another. After a predefined number of time signal pulses, the voltage generated between the electrodes is detected and stored as a measured signal value. After a further predefined number of time signal pulses, the voltage generated between the electrodes is detected again and stored as a measured signal value.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaAInventors: Peter Dreyer, Livio Fornasiero, Arne Tröllsch, Robert Jahns
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Patent number: 9863875Abstract: A process of in-situ detection of hollow fiber formation includes immersing a plurality of individual glass fibers in an index-matching material. The index-matching material has a first refractive index that substantially matches a second refractive index of the glass fibers. The process also includes exposing the individual glass fibers to a light source during immersion in the index-matching material. The process further includes utilizing one or more optical components to collect optical data for the individual glass fibers during immersion in the index-matching material. The process also includes determining, based on the optical data, that a particular glass fiber of the plurality of individual glass fibers includes a hollow fiber.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Eric J. Campbell, Bruce J. Chamberlin, Sarah K. Czaplewski, Scott B. King, Joseph Kuczynski
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Patent number: 9863876Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus including a photon emitter configured for reflecting photons from a surface of an article onto a first reflective surface. In addition, a second reflective surface is configured for reflecting photons from the surface of the article back onto the surface of the article. The apparatus also includes a detector configured to provide information corresponding to photons scattered from features of the article.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Joachim W. Ahner, David M. Tung, Stephen Keith McLaurin, Travis W. Grodt
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Patent number: 9863877Abstract: A scanner and an attenuated total reflection (ATR) objective for use in such scanners are disclosed. The ATR objective includes first and second optical elements and an input port. The input port receives an input collimated light beam that is focused to a point on a planar face of the first optical element by the second optical element such that substantially all of that portion is reflected by the planar face and no portion of the input beam strikes the planar face at an angle less than the critical angle. The second optical element also generates an output collimated light beam from light reflected from the planar thce that is characterized by a central ray that is coincident with the central ray of the input collimated light beam. A light beam converter receives the first collimated light beam and generates the input collimated light beam therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charles Hoke, Christopher Ryan Moon, Andrew Ghetler, Yuri Beregovski, Richard P. Tella, Yang Han
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Patent number: 9863878Abstract: In order to carry out various analyses at high accuracy in a site where analysis is needed using a disposable microchip, the microchip is disposed on a display of a tablet terminal device, and a sample or specimen is dropped into a flow path of the microchip to trigger a reaction of the sample in the microchip. Light emitted from the display of the tablet terminal device is applied to the microchip, and the reaction caused by the applied light in the microchip is measured. When an induced fluorescence method using the applied light is adopted as a measuring method, fluorescence that corresponds to the reaction is observed, and detected by, for example, a built-in camera of the tablet terminal device. The detection signal is analyzed by an arithmetic unit of the tablet terminal device.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignees: USHIO DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KYUSHU UNIVERSITY, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATIONInventors: Yuji Oki, Kinichi Morita
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Patent number: 9863879Abstract: A sample analyzer has a support for an assay sample vessel, a detector, and a shutter assembly. The assay sample vessel contains an assay sample within an assay sample reservoir. The detector has an optical axis aligned with the assay sample reservoir, so as to detect luminescence from the assay sample. The shutter assembly includes an illuminator and is positioned between the detector and the support, intersecting the optical axis, such that the illuminator causes luminescence of the assay sample. Thus both illumination and detection occur on the same side of the assay sample vessel.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Jasperse, Normand Desmarais