Patents Issued in March 20, 2018
-
Patent number: 9921055Abstract: The time and labor required to set an extraction region of point cloud data is decreased. A shape measuring apparatus includes a projecting unit that projects a measurement beam onto a measurement region of a measurement target, an imaging unit that captures an image of the measurement target onto which the measurement beam is projected, a movement mechanism that relatively moves the projecting unit or the imaging unit with respect to the measurement target so that a position of the measurement region of the measurement target changes, and an extraction region setting unit that sets an extraction region for image information used for calculating a position of the measurement target from capture images captured by the imaging unit, on the basis of positions of images of the measurement beam captured by the imaging unit when the measurement beam is projected onto different measurement regions.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventor: Kenta Kanto
-
Patent number: 9921056Abstract: Devices and methods are described that provide for scanning surfaces and generating 3-dimensional point clouds that describe the depth of the measured surface at each point. In general, the devices and methods utilize scanning mirror(s) that reflect a laser beam into a pattern of scan lines. When the raster pattern of scan lines is directed at a surface, reflections of the laser beam from the surface are received and used to the generate 3-dimensional point clouds that describe the measured surface depth at each point. The motion of the scanning mirror(s) can be dynamically adjusted to modify the characteristics of the resulting 3-dimensional point cloud of the surface. For example, the adjustment of the scanning mirror motion can modify the resolution or data density of the resulting 3-dimensional point cloud that describes the measured depths of the surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Jari Honkanen, P. Selvan Viswanathan
-
Patent number: 9921057Abstract: Methods, systems and device are provided for improving the range and accuracy of proximity measurement such as in ultrasonic sensing systems. In particular, the blind zone caused by reverberation signals can be reduced or eliminated by attenuating signals received during the time period corresponding to the blind zone without. In an implementation, an attenuator circuit is selected by a switch to process received signals during the blind zone time period and deselected by the switch after the time zone time period. Additionally, the accuracy and range of the measurement can be improved by varying the gain provided to the received signals based on the varying measuring distance. In an implementation, a gain-adjustable amplifier is controlled by a gain control signal to provide incremental gain as time increases.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY, CO., LTD.Inventors: Wancheng Zhou, Liming Huang
-
Patent number: 9921058Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamic tracking of on-stage objects using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) presented herein do not require illumination to track a randomly moving object and are easily configurable for various stage sizes and for stages movable relative to the ground. In some instances, a tracking method includes determining an initial state of an MEMS motion tracker carried on a dynamic object, such as a performer. Acceleration and orientation information gathered by the motion tracker is monitored. A change of state in response to the monitored acceleration and orientation information is then determined. An instant state is calculated using the change of state and the initial state. Actuation signals based on the calculated instant state are generated for actuating a gimbal. The gimbal faces a device supported thereby toward the dynamic object.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL N.V.Inventors: Vikas Kumar Sinha, Nishant Omar
-
Patent number: 9921059Abstract: A measurement value correction method according to the present invention is a measurement value correction method for correcting a measurement value obtained by tracing a surface of a work piece with a stylus, and including a step of preparing a plurality of work pieces made from same design data, a step of adopting one of the work pieces as a master work piece and obtaining a reference measurement value with the stylus, a step of obtaining calibration data based on a difference between the reference measurement value and the design data, a step of adopting one of the plurality of work pieces other than the master work piece as a measurement target work piece and obtaining a target measurement value with the stylus, and a step of obtaining a corrected measurement value by correcting the target measurement value by using the calibration data.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATIONInventor: Tomonori Goto
-
Patent number: 9921060Abstract: A target object (20) for a laser measuring device (11) emitting a search beam and a measurement beam, including a reflector device (21) having at least one reflector element (22) for reflecting the measurement beam, a receiving device (23) having at least one receiving element (24) for receiving the search beam, a transmitting device (25) having at least one transmitting element (31, 32, 33) for emitting a visible transmission beam (34, 35, 36) and a control device (26) having an evaluation element (27) for evaluating the received search beam and a control element (28) for controlling the receiving and transmitting devices (23, 25) is provided. The transmitting device (25) emits a first and a second visible transmission beam (34, 35), wherein the color of light of the first visible transmission beam (34) differs from the color of light of the second visible transmission beam (35).Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventor: Andreas Winter
-
Patent number: 9921061Abstract: A method for operating a construction laser by means of a remote controller, which has an input field, for initiating an action of the construction laser, wherein the remote control unit contains a sensor for determining a change in a parameter of the remote control unit, and the change in the parameter influences the at least one action, wherein the parameter is a parameter from the group comprising position, tilt, and movement of the remote control unit, and the action is an action or one operating mode from the group comprising rotational speed of the laser head, cross-sectional mode, mask mode, scan mode, tilt of the plane spanned by the particularly rotating laser beam, and point mode. To enable easy handling, following activation of the input field, the action is initiated only when the degree of change in the parameter of the remote control unit has reached a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: STABILA MESSGERÄTE GUSTAV ULLRICH GMBHInventor: Andreas Weber
-
Patent number: 9921062Abstract: The invention provides a surveying instrument, which comprises a horizontal rotating unit, a measuring unit installed on the horizontal rotating unit, a coupler for mechanically coupling the horizontal rotating unit with the measuring unit, and a connector for electrically connecting the horizontal rotating unit with the measuring unit, wherein the coupler couples the horizontal rotating unit with the measuring unit and can separate from each other, the connector can electrically connect the horizontal rotating unit with the measuring unit and can separate from each other, wherein the horizontal rotating unit comprises a driving unit for rotating the measuring unit, a horizontal angle detector for detecting a horizontal angle, and a horizontal angle control unit for calculating horizontal angle data based on a signal from the horizontal angle detector and for controlling the driving unit, wherein the measuring unit comprises a distance measuring unit for performing a distance measurement, a vertical angle detType: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: TOPCON CorporationInventor: Ken-ichiro Yoshino
-
Patent number: 9921063Abstract: Systems and methods of calibrating and adjusting for deviations in a vehicle's heading system, such as the attitude heading and reference system of an aircraft or the heading system of a ship, positioned along the Earth's surface involve calibrating magnetometers for hard iron and misalignment errors using single heading measurements. This can be accomplished by obtaining both actual and theoretical readings for the magnetometer of the heading system, and comparing these values to obtain calibration values for the heading system. The vehicle may be repositioned, such as to North, South, East, and west magnetic headings, with the procedure repeated at each of these headings, and the calibration values averaged, further increasing the accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS & SUPPORT, INC.Inventor: Shahram Askarpour
-
Patent number: 9921064Abstract: A method and system for guidance of an off-road vehicle comprises a crop row sensor for sensing position data for one or more crop rows. A primary guidance path of the vehicle is determined based on the sensed position data for the one or more crop rows if there not a material gap in the crop row for the current location of the vehicle. Alternately or cumulatively, a secondary guidance path of the vehicle is determined based on a historic path heading of the vehicle if there is the material gap in a crop row for a current location of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Tyler D. Schleicher
-
Patent number: 9921065Abstract: A unit for improving positioning accuracy of an autonomous vehicle driving on a road includes a first computation unit configured to compute a first position of the vehicle at a time T1 using data from at least an inertial measurement unit (IMU); a second computation unit configured to compute a second position of the vehicle at the time T1 using data from at least one external sensor and a map; a comparison unit configured to compute a position difference between the computed first and second positions; a correction unit configured to correct an error parameter of the IMU, wherein the error parameter is used for correcting a third position of the vehicle computed by the first computation unit at a time T2 with the computed position difference at time T1, if the second computation unit is unable to compute a fourth position of the vehicle at the time T2.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Mattias Erik Brannstrom, Joakim Lin Sorstedt, Peter Karlsson
-
Patent number: 9921066Abstract: A system for analyzing the use of a mobile resource, such as a vehicle, includes a central processing unit adapted to receive a plurality of geographic locations and create an optimal travel route between the geographic locations, and an analyzer device incorporating global positioning satellite (GPS) technology being positionable with a mobile resource for comparing an actual route traveled by the mobile resource with the optimal travel route created by the central processing unit. The central processing unit includes mobile resource management software stored therein adapted to use pre-selected criteria for creating the optimal travel route. The pre-selected criteria may include time, distance, cost, load parameters, territory, and customer requirements.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Telogis, Inc.Inventor: Steven T. Brown
-
Patent number: 9921067Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating odometry of a materials handling vehicle. One embodiment of a method includes determining a current location of the materials handling vehicle, determining an odometry distance from the current location to a destination based on a calculation of a determined number of rotations of a wheel and a circumference of the wheel, and determining a positioning system distance from the current location to the destination. Some embodiments include comparing the odometry distance with data from the positioning system distance to calculate a scaling factor, applying the scaling factor to a fast alpha filter to achieve a fast filter result, and applying the scaling factor to a slow alpha filter to achieve a slow filter result. Similarly, some embodiments include applying the fast alpha filter to the scaling factor to smooth noise, calculating an updated odometry distance utilizing the scaling factor, and utilizing the updated odometry distance.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Timothy William Fanselow, Justin Forbes Thode, Ryan Michaels Estep
-
Patent number: 9921068Abstract: A device and associated methods for escaping from a venue when a threat is detected is described. Venues can be buildings or outside areas and contain the area where the threat constitutes a hazard to a protected person. Threats include fire, terrorists, gunmen, explosion, collapse, loss of critical resources and crowd panic. The device incorporates a machine learning system implemented with a neural network or other pattern matching system and is trained in steps. Pre-training is based on general requirements such as edge-detection and audio analysis. Principles and data for venue layouts and human behavior can be included. The produced model is further trained from data gathered from sensors and servers after entry into the venue. Operation of the model produces warnings of threats and a plan of escape with steps of the plan communicated to the protected person by audio, visual or tactile sensory channels.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventor: Thomas Danaher Harvey
-
Patent number: 9921069Abstract: The invention is intended to be able to generate map data even if a location not suited for identification of a matching position exists. A map data creation device creates map data, the map data being used for autonomous movement by a vehicle (1a), a vehicle (1b) and/or other vehicles (1), based on a relative position of the vehicle (1b) which exists around the vehicle (1a), relative to the vehicle (1a), the relative position being measured by the vehicle (1a), and object shape data of an object which exists around the vehicle (1b), the object shape being measured by the vehicle (1b). Moreover, the relative position of the vehicle (1b) relative to the vehicle (1a) is calculated based on the object shape data measured by the vehicle (1a).Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Yukihiko Ono, Kenjiro Yamamoto, Ryoko Ichinose, Akira Oshima
-
Patent number: 9921070Abstract: A transportation management system that includes tools for generating an optimized trip plan that can be updated, such as based on driver input, during implementation of a planned trip. The system includes a comprehensive trip optimization tool that generates a trip plan with fuel stop and rest stop optimization. The system includes tools calculating estimated time of arrival (ETA) and projected time of availability (PTA) for the driver, and these tools are adapted to provide the ETA and PTA for the entire trip (rather than only providing an ETA for the next stop). The system further includes tools accepting driver input and/or allowing driver manipulation of a dispatched trip plan such as using pre-filtered alternatives for fuel stops or rest stops or routes, e.g., based on stored driver preferences, that may be less optimal than those in the original trip plan but still viable.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: TRIMBLE INC.Inventors: William George Nimchuk, David Johnmichael McKinney
-
Patent number: 9921071Abstract: Aspects generate customized routes that select between human-powered and motorized transport option segments to maximize well-being objective in navigating a traveler to a destination. Amounts of human-powered transport options that a traveler is willing, able or recommended to perform via the traveler's own physical exertions in reaching a destination are determined as a function of well-being or cost objectives and performance limits. Recommended routes to the destination having human-powered and/or motorized transport option segments are generated that meet well-being objectives without exceeding amounts that the traveler is currently able to perform, and excluding segments that require efforts that do not meet the well-being objective or exceed the amounts that the traveler is currently able to perform.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Aaron K. Baughman, Malolan Chetlur, Christian Eggenberger, Peter K. Malkin
-
Patent number: 9921072Abstract: Predicting the future location of a user based on predicting the route that the user might take is disclosed. The routes used by the user in the past are indexed to generate a dictionary of routes which can be further augmented with contextual data. The prior routes are encoded within the dictionary such that each term representing a respective one of the prior routes comprises a collection of unique identifiers wherein each of the unique identifiers represents a segment of the respective one of the prior routes. Techniques of text prediction, term frequency for dictionary scores and other language processing techniques are used to predict the further route of the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Visa International Service AssociationInventors: Joseph Spears, Mark Carlson, Patrick Stan
-
Patent number: 9921073Abstract: An eyewear-type mobile terminal includes a camera; an output unit configured to output road guide information; and a controller configured to: acquire information about a current position; cause the output unit to output the road guide information for a route from the current position to a destination; cause the camera to acquire visual information in real-time while the road guide information is output; and update the road guide information in real-time based on the acquired visual information.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jeongyoon Rhee, Taeseong Kim, Taekyoung Lee, Yujune Jang
-
Patent number: 9921074Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for creating a route are disclosed. In embodiments, the method comprises identifying a start location and a destination for a user; identifying defined needs of the user; obtaining satellite imagery of a specified area between the start location and the destination. The satellite imagery is analyzed to identify defined local features affecting the defined needs of the user in the specified area; and a route is selected for the user, from the start location to the destination, based on the defined local features in the specified area. In embodiments, selecting the route includes identifying a plurality of candidate routes from the start location to the destination; generating a score for each of the candidate routes using the defined local features, and selecting one of the candidate routes based on the generated scores for the candidate routes.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Fabrizio Nascimento Caldas, Argemiro José de Lima, Joaquim Siqueira de Mattos, Leonardo José da Costa Gonzales, Guilherme Segantin Viteri
-
Patent number: 9921075Abstract: A computer implemented method for performing route guidance using text includes obtaining an optimal route that connects a start point and an end point of a route input by a user; comparing a route history stored in a memory with the optimal route and extracting a route portion from the optimal route, the route portion being replaceable by a route portion in the route history; creating route guidance for the route portion extracted from the optimal route by using a text indication known to the user, the known text indication specifying the replaceable route portion in the route history; and creating route guidance for a route portion in the optimal route, the route portion being not replaceable by a route portion in the route history, by using a new text indication that specifies the route portion that is not replaceable.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventor: Masayoshi Teraguchi
-
Patent number: 9921076Abstract: Provided is a display control device allowing the direction of a map information shown on a display to be correctly recognized. A display control unit displays on a display of a mobile terminal map information reproducing a scenery, thus making it possible to display on top of the map information a coordinate position display section corresponding to the current location of the mobile terminal. Here, there are provided a map information display determination section for displaying on the display the map information in a fixed orientation; and an angular difference display determination section for displaying on the display an angular difference between an angle of direction in which the mobile terminal is pointed and an angle of direction of the map information shown on the display.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Techno Craft Corporation Ltd.Inventor: Masanari Togasaka
-
Patent number: 9921077Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for dynamic route estimation and prediction using discrete sampled location updates from various mobile devices for the purpose of providing a graphical representation of a mobile device's route along a known network path of map data. The embodiments also provide supplemental route metrics, such as traveled distance, elapsed time, etc., and the capability to assign destination points for the purpose of providing the ability to modify location update points in an application, such as a route planner, and/or to store the dynamically generated route based on various preferences for later retrieval.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Inventors: Michael Sheha, Angie Sheha, Stephen Petilli, Arun Yalagadda
-
Patent number: 9921078Abstract: An exemplary method includes a personal navigation assistance system detecting an upcoming trip of a user to a destination, accessing data associated with the upcoming trip from a plurality of disparate information sources, aggregating the accessed data associated with the upcoming trip, generating, based on the aggregated data, navigational assistance content for the upcoming trip, and providing the navigational assistance content for the upcoming trip to a computing device for presentation to the user. In certain examples, aggregated data includes real-time parking space availability information, and the navigational assistance content includes parking assistance content generated based on the real-time parking space availability information. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventor: Allen Moore
-
Patent number: 9921079Abstract: A takeover information transmission system includes a takeover information acquisition unit that acquires takeover information for transferring a first travel route, on which a terminal device provides guidance, to an in-vehicle device as a second travel route on the basis of information pertaining to the first travel route, and a takeover information transmission unit that transmits the takeover information acquired by the takeover information acquisition unit to the in-vehicle device.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Daisuke Tanizaki, Kenta Onishi, Motohiro Nakamura, Kazunori Watanabe
-
Patent number: 9921080Abstract: A mounting assembly and method that utilize Hall effect sensors to detect orientation and insertion of a portable device in a base are provided. Hall effect sensors positioned on one of a portable device and a base are arranged to interact with one or more magnets positioned on the other of the portable device or the base such that a change in proximity of at least one of the magnets to at least one of the sensors will cause the sensor to output a voltage signal that differs depending on the nearness of the magnet. Depending on at least one of the magnitude of the signal, the profile of the signal over time, and the identity of the sensor that output the signal, it is determined whether the orientation of the portable device in the base is correct and/or if the portable device is fully inserted in the base.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: DATALOGIC IP TECH S.R.L.Inventors: Marco Pifferi, Alessio Riccardi
-
Patent number: 9921081Abstract: In a method for monitoring a rotation of a compressor wheel of an exhaust-gas turbocharger, which compressor wheel has on the peripheral side a number n of blades, an inductive sensor is provided for detecting the speed or rotational frequency, which sensor produces at least one output signal as a function of eddy currents generated as the blades pass by, and the rotational speed of the compressor wheel is inferred from a fundamental frequency of the output signal. In addition, information about a fault of the compressor wheel is derived from at least one modulation of the output signal, e.g., amplitude modulation, and an imbalance of the compressor wheel is detected.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Klaus Lerchenmueller
-
Patent number: 9921082Abstract: A position measurement system including a material measure and a scanning device movable relative to one another with respect to a measurement direction. The material measure has a plurality of markings which are arranged in a row with respect to the measurement direction, wherein the scanning device includes a transmitter winding arrangement. Multiple receiver coils are provided which are arranged in a row with respect to the measurement direction. The inductive coupling between the transmitter winding arrangement and the receiver coils is a function of the position of the scanning device with respect to the material measure. The transmitter winding arrangement defines multiple separate transmitter areas which are arranged in a row with respect to the measurement direction. A maximum of one single receiver coil is situated in each of the transmitter areas. At least one switching means is provided via which the two adjacent receiver coils are differentially interconnectable.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Guenter Reusing, Johannes Muehlfeld
-
Patent number: 9921083Abstract: A method for locating a mobile element in a predetermined zone, including supplying power to an on-board module in the mobile element, where the on-board module includes an electronic circuit and an on-board coil, generating a locating signal by the electronic circuit and transmission of the locating signal via the on-board coil, picking up the locating signal by receiver coils on a support in proximity to the predetermined zone, each of the receiver coils configured to pick up the locating signal when the mobile element is in proximity, and determining a location of the mobile element in the predetermined zone by detecting a signal level on the support in the form of an array by a processing unit connected to the support. The electronic circuit and the on-board coil constitute an RLC circuit that oscillates, generating the locating signal by sudden interruption of the current through the on-board coil.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignees: VALOTEC, ASSOCIATION INSTITUT DE MYOLOGIEInventors: Jean-Christophe Lourme, Gary Tendon, Jean-Yves Hogrel
-
Patent number: 9921084Abstract: A fastening device for a sensor at a fitting including a quick clamping mechanism (4) which clamps the fitting (14), characterized in that the quick clamping mechanism (4) is supported at a first holding part (2) which is connected to a second holding part (3) which supports the sensor (12), with the first holding part and the second holding part (2, 3) forming a clamping device, wherein the first holding part (2) includes two hoops (5, 6), wherein at least one hoop (5) engages behind a fitting support unit (10) of the second holding part (3) and the quick clamping mechanism (4) is fastened between the two hoops (5, 6) of the first holding part (2), wherein the quick clamping mechanism (4) is led or rotatably supported at an axle (9) which connects the hoops (5, 6).Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: SICK AGInventor: Andreas Behrens
-
Patent number: 9921085Abstract: A system and method for optimizing a fiber optic sensor by properly clocking or rotationally orienting a window with a fiber optic focuser. This method may include shining light through the focuser into the window and receiving with a reflectometer a first reflection from a first surface of the window and a second reflection from a second surface of the window. Next, the method may include calculating a delta of intensities between the first and second reflections, and then rotating an orientation of the window to a next rotational orientation. The steps of rotating the orientation of the window, receiving reflections, and calculating their delta may be repeated any plurality of times to solve for a plurality of deltas. Then, the method may include the steps of determining which one of the deltas is the largest and fixing the window to the focuser at a rotational orientation associated therewith.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLCInventor: Ryand Jeremy Ferguson Tucker
-
Patent number: 9921086Abstract: A position measurement system includes a material measure and a sampling device, arranged movably with respect to one another relative to a measurement direction. The material measure includes a multiplicity of markings arranged in a row relative to the measurement direction. The sampling device includes a transmitter winding arrangement and a plurality of receiver coils. The receiver coils are arranged in a row relative to the measurement direction such that inductive coupling between the transmitter winding arrangement and the receiver coils is dependent on a position of the sampling device relative to the material measure. The sampling device further includes an operational amplifier having a first and a second output terminal. The receiver coils are connected via a switching device to the operational amplifier such that a single coil or a pair of receiver coils is configured for selective connection on an input side to the operational amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Johannes Muehlfeld
-
Patent number: 9921087Abstract: This system for measuring a flow rate includes a receiver of bulk acoustic waves, a first emitter of bulk acoustic waves in the fluid, intended to be arranged upstream of the receiver in such a way as to emit acoustic waves to the receiver, a second emitter of bulk acoustic waves in the fluid, intended to be arranged downstream of the receiver in such a way as to emit acoustic waves to the receiver, and a signal processing device designed to determine a flow rate value according to at least one characteristic of an electrical signal supplied by the receiver. It further includes an element for synchronizing the first and second emitters with each other in such a way as to generate destructive acoustic interferences between the acoustic waves that they emit before they are received by the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternativesInventor: Jean-Pierre Nikolovski
-
Patent number: 9921088Abstract: A device (1) for determining temperature and a measuring arrangement for determining flow that allows for a secure attachment on an object. The device has a measuring element (2) with a temperature-dependent electric resistance value. The measuring element (2) is surrounded by a thermally conductive fixing element (5) and is encompassed by a retaining bracket (6).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Krohne AGInventors: Tao Wang, Neil Harrison
-
Patent number: 9921089Abstract: A pressure type flow rate control apparatus is provided wherein flow rate of fluid passing through an orifice is computed as Qc=KP1 (where K is a proportionality constant) or as Qc=KP2m (P1-P2)n (where K is a proportionality constant, m and n constants) by using orifice upstream side pressure P1 and/or orifice downstream side pressure P2. A fluid passage between the downstream side of a control valve and a fluid supply pipe of the pressure type flow rate control apparatus comprises at least 2 fluid passages in parallel, and orifices having different flow rate characteristics are provided for each of these fluid passages, wherein fluid in a small flow quantity area flows to one orifice for flow control of fluid in the small flow quantity area, while fluid in a large flow quantity area flows to the other orifice for flow control of fluid in the large flow quantity area.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignees: Fujikin Incorporated, National University Corporation Tohuku University, Tokyo Electron Ltd.Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Masahito Saito, Shoichi Hino, Tsuyoshi Shimazu, Kazuyuki Miura, Kouji Nishino, Masaaki Nagase, Katsuyuki Sugita, Kaoru Hirata, Ryousuke Dohi, Takashi Hirose, Tsutomu Shinohara, Nobukazu Ikeda, Tomokazu Imai, Toshihide Yoshida, Hisashi Tanaka
-
Patent number: 9921090Abstract: A temperature sensing device comprising a plurality of thermocouples in a hollow tube, where the thermocouples sensing tips contact the outer wall of the tube, and a heat flux source that heats the hollow tube. The hollow tube is inserted through a cross section of a pipe perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The apparatus measures a void fraction in a two-phase flow of a liquid-gas mixture flowing through the pipe. A process of measuring void fraction whereby the hollow tube is heated to an initial temperature, and in the presence of a liquid-gas mixture flow through the pipe the difference is calculated between the initial temperature of the tube and the temperature during liquid-gas mixture flow, to determine the void fraction in the two-phase flow of liquid-gas mixture through the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and MineralsInventors: Wael Hasan Ahmed, Hassan Mohamed Badr
-
Patent number: 9921091Abstract: In order to provide a thermal mass flowmeter which makes higher accuracy of gas flowrate measurement possible while reliability in the thermal mass flowmeter is ensured (while deterioration or breakage caused by droplet adhesion is prevented), the thermal mass flowmeter according to the present invention has a heating element for generating heat by conduction, a temperature detection bridge circuit for detecting a temperature of the heating element, and a sensor element driving circuit portion connected to the heating element and the temperature detection bridge circuit and executing conduction control to the heating element, in which the sensor element driving circuit portion has an output mechanism and an output impedance adjustment mechanism and the output impedance adjustment mechanism is disposed between the output mechanism and the heating element and its output impedance is higher than an electric resistance value of the heating element and less than 1 M?.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Matsumoto, Hiroshi Nakano, Satoshi Asano, Yasuo Onose
-
Patent number: 9921092Abstract: A method for determining one or more fluid flow parameters for a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided. The fluid is a mixture of solid particles and gas. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a meter operable to determine the velocity of the fluid flow through the pipe, which meter is substantially insensitive to the particulate/gas mass ratio of the fluid flow; b) determining the velocity of the fluid flow within the pipe using the meter; and c) determining a particulate/gas mass ratio using a density value for the gas within the flow and the determined fluid flow velocity.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: CIDRA CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Douglas H. Loose
-
Patent number: 9921093Abstract: A first magnetic holder is attached to a U-shaped curved tube portion of a synthetic resin made measurement tube, and a magnetomotive body having a magnetic pole surface facing forward is embedded in a distal end of the first magnetic holder. A second magnetic holder is provided on a substrate at a position facing the distal end of the first magnetic holder with a space apart therefrom. The second magnetic holder includes a permanent magnet disposed to face the magnetomotive body in the first magnetic holder with a magnetic pole surface facing toward the first magnetic holder, so that the magnetic pole surface having a magnetic pole opposite to that of the magnetomotive body face each other. The permanent magnet of the second magnetic holder retains the curved tube portion of the measurement tube elastically with a space apart therefrom by attracting the magnetomotive body with a magnetic attraction force.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: ATSUDEN CO., LTD.Inventors: Eiichi Murakami, Yoshiaki Suzuki
-
Patent number: 9921094Abstract: A surgical instrument flow indicator comprises a body defining a flow passage comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is configured to be fluidically coupled to a fluid supply source and wherein the outlet is configured to be fluidically coupled to the surgical instrument. The flow indicator further comprises a flow indication mechanism in flow communication with the flow passage, the flow indication mechanism being configured to transition from a first state to a second state in response to a threshold force exerted on the flow indication mechanism, wherein in the second state, the flow indication mechanism has an arrangement indicating to an observer that the flow indication mechanism transitioned from the first state to the second state.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Timothy Allen Limon
-
Patent number: 9921095Abstract: A sensor for measuring a level of a liquid such as fuel and/or water in a tank such as a fuel tank. The sensor includes a stack of capacitors, each capacitor with one or more graphene measurement electrodes and one or more graphene reference electrodes. A measurement system is arranged to measure a capacitance of each capacitor between its measurement electrode(s) and its reference electrode(s) and thereby infer the liquid level. The graphene measurement and reference electrodes are formed in a single layer of graphene oxide by reductive etching.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITEDInventors: Franklin Tichborne, Joseph K-W Lam
-
Patent number: 9921096Abstract: A coaxial fluid level sensor can be easily assembled and maintained with a minimum of required tooling by using U-shaped spacers to center an inner rod within an outer shell. The U-shaped spacers can be snapped onto the inner rod before or as the inner rod is inserted into the outer shell. The sensor can be extended by attaching additional inner rods and outer shells end to end.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Michael Wardas, Stuart James Heath
-
Patent number: 9921097Abstract: A sensor device includes: a first sensor group (13) in which a plurality of first vibration sensors for detecting vibration acceleration in one direction with respect to an object to be detected are arranged to face the same direction; a phase difference calculation unit (220) which, based on a plurality of first signals indicating the vibration acceleration detected by each of the plurality of first vibration sensors included in the first sensor group (13), calculates a first phase difference indicating the phase difference between the plurality of first signals; and an acceleration calculation unit (230) which, using the first phase difference and the plurality of first signals, calculates vibration acceleration in a first direction perpendicular to a surface on which the plurality of first vibration sensors are arranged, and vibration acceleration in a second direction parallel to the surface on which the plurality of first vibration sensors are arranged.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: NEC CORPORATIONInventors: Junichiro Mataga, Yasuhiro Sasaki, Masatake Takahashi, Shigeki Shinoda
-
Patent number: 9921098Abstract: An optical unit includes an optical element serving as a light guide path, which includes an incident entrance, an emitter, a light coupler which is arranged in the case where a plurality of incident entrances are arranged, and which couples a primary light, and a light separator which is arranged in the case where a plurality of emitters are arranged, and which separates the primary light to each of the emitters. The optical unit further includes a detector which directly or indirectly detects a leakage light leaking outside of the light guide path from the light guide path.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshinori Tanaka, Satoshi Ohara
-
Patent number: 9921099Abstract: The present invention relates to a space-based instrument which provides continuous coronal electron temperature and velocity images, for a predetermined period of time, thereby improving the understanding of coronal evolution and how the solar wind and Coronal Mass Ejection transients evolve from the low solar atmosphere through the heliosphere for an entire solar rotation. Specifically, the present invention relates to using a 6U spherical occulter coronagraph CubeSat, and a relative navigational system (RNS) that controls the position of the spacecraft relative to the occulting sphere. The present invention innovatively deploys a free-flying spherical occulter, and after deployment, the actively controlled CubeSat will provide an inertial formation flying with the spherical occulter and Sun.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Joseph M. Davila, Douglas M. Rabin, Nelson Reginald, Qian Gong, Neerav Shah, Phillip C. Chamberlin
-
Patent number: 9921100Abstract: A photometric device (1) measuring light emitted from a measuring object such as a display (2) includes two types of filters including interference filters (20X, 20Y, and 20Z) and an LVF (21), a disk (22) supporting the interference filters and the LVF, a motor (23) rotatably drive the disk to cause the light emitted from the measuring object to scan the interference filters and the LVF sequentially, a photoreceptor (13) converting light passed through the interference filters and light passed through the LVF to an electrical signal, a photometric controller (14) outputting photometric information based on the electrical signal of the light passed through the interference filters and converted by the photoreceptor and the electrical signal of the light passed through the LVF and converted by the photoreceptor.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: TOPCON TECHNOHOUSE CORPORATIONInventor: Yuzo Izaki
-
Patent number: 9921101Abstract: A scanning photometer and attendant methods are provided. The scanning photometer is generally characterized by first and second fluorophore excitation sources, an objective lens, and a common emission detector for the detection of first and second fluorophore emission originating from the excitation of the fluorophores via passage of excitation energy, via an optical path of the objective lens, from the excitation sources. Excitation energy and emission energy conditioning elements are likewise provided, operatively interposed before or after the objective lens as the case may be.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: DOUGLAS SCIENTIFIC, LLCInventors: Adnanul Haq, Richard J. Schoeneck
-
Patent number: 9921102Abstract: A moving platform borne infrared image-spectrum associated detection system includes an optical hood, a broadband optical system, a two-dimensional servo system, an infrared optical fiber, a Fourier interference spectrum module, an image-spectrum associated detection processing module, a power supply module, and a display module. Incident light enters from the optical hood to the broadband optical system, and is split by a spectroscope. Transmitted light is focused by a long-wave imaging lens group on an infrared detector for imaging. Reflected light is focused by a broadband spectrum lens group to an optical fiber coupler, enters the Fourier interference spectrum module through the infrared optical fiber to form an interference pattern, and undergoes Fourier transform to obtain spectral data.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Tianxu Zhang, Xiaobing Dai, Xiangyan Liu, Jindong Fei, Li Liu, Hongtao Yu, Shoukui Yao
-
Patent number: 9921103Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.Inventors: Takafumi Yokino, Katsumi Shibayama
-
Patent number: 9921104Abstract: Methods and systems for performing simultaneous spectroscopic measurements of semiconductor structures over a broad range of angles of incidence (AOI), azimuth angles, or both, are presented herein. Spectra including two or more sub-ranges of angles of incidence, azimuth angles, or both, are simultaneously measured over different sensor areas at high throughput. Collected light is linearly dispersed across different photosensitive areas of one or more detectors according to wavelength for each subrange of AOIs, azimuth angles, or both. Each different photosensitive area is arranged on the one or more detectors to perform a separate spectroscopic measurement for each different range of AOIs, azimuth angles, or both. In this manner, a broad range of AOIs, azimuth angles, or both, are detected with high signal to noise ratio, simultaneously. This approach enables high throughput measurements of high aspect ratio structures with high throughput, precision, and accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: KLA-Tencor CorporationInventors: Shankar Krishnan, Alexander Buettner, Kerstin Purrucker, David Y. Wang