Patents Issued in March 20, 2018
  • Patent number: 9921105
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a spectrometer apparatus comprising a mobile device including an integrated camera, having a camera lens and an image sensor. The camera lens is located within a body of the mobile device that comprises a detachable housing coupled to the body of the mobile device. The detachable housing includes a first end and a second end opposed to the first end. The first end includes an optical input and the second end includes an opening that is substantially aligned with the camera lens. An optical spectrometer device is located within the housing and optically coupled to both the optical input at the first end of the housing and the camera lens at the second end of the housing. The optical spectrometer device receives a target image from the optical input and generates a spectral image that is received by the image sensor via the camera lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Solomon Assefa, Sergio A. Bermudez Rodriguez, Levente Klein, Theodore G. van Kessel
  • Patent number: 9921106
    Abstract: An integrated imaging spectrometer for hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system is disclosed. The integrated imaging spectrometer features photonic PLCs that include an array of input channel waveguides, one for each pixel of an image scene. Spectral grating filters are positioned along the length of each waveguide to extract the spectral components as the light propagates to the end of the waveguide. The filters route the optical energy to photodetectors and the detected electrical signals are captured by a read out integrated circuit (ROIC). Together the PLC, detectors, and ROIC form an imaging layer. Stacking imaging layers generates a device capable of recording an entire 3D high-resolution spatial/spectral image data cube in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Richard L. Davis
  • Patent number: 9921107
    Abstract: A spectrometer system comprising a housing configured as a handheld device with a screen; a source of narrow band illumination; a sensor that detects Raman scattering signals; a source of wide band illumination; an optical element that detect Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) signals; a memory device comprising a library of information with Raman scattering reference information and FTIR reference information; and a processor configured to execute software instructions, wherein the software instructions are configured to: direct the narrow band illumination to the sample; detect the Raman scattering signals; direct the wide band illumination to the sample; detect the FTIR signals; determine a composition of the sample from a similarity between the Raman scattering spectral information and the Raman scattering reference information, and from a similarity between the FTIR spectral information and the FTIR reference information; and display the composition of the sample on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Derek Hargreaves, Timothy M. Pastore, Gregory H. Vander Rhodes, Brendon D. Tower
  • Patent number: 9921108
    Abstract: A color conversion information generating apparatus includes the following elements. A specific color value obtaining unit obtains a specific color value of a device-dependent color space. A first color element value obtaining unit obtains a first color element value of a device-independent color space by converting the specific color value in accordance with color reproduction characteristics of a display device displaying an image of a subject. A second color element value obtaining unit obtains a second color element value of the device-independent color space by converting a colorimetric value of a color sample which approximates to the specific color value on the basis of a reference value. A generating unit generates, if the first color element value approximates to the second color element value, color conversion information for converting plural color values of the device-dependent color space into plural color values of the device-independent color space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Fujio, Toshihiro Iwafuchi
  • Patent number: 9921109
    Abstract: Methods for characterizing a beam parameter associated with an electromagnetic beam of a light source. The light source exposes a phase-shifted target through a set of focal distances relative to a focal plane of a substrate. At each focal distance of the set, registration values are measured and used to determine one or more registration slopes as a function of focal distance. The registration slopes are compared with baseline registration slopes to characterize the current relative state of the beam parameter in question. Beam parameters that may be characterized in this manner include degree of polarization and polarization rotation relative to an initial polarization direction. Phase shift test patterns advantageously used for beam characterization are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Benchmark Technologies
    Inventors: Yuqiang Tu, Patrick Reynolds
  • Patent number: 9921110
    Abstract: A radiation sensor includes an integrated circuit radiation sensor chip (1A) including first (7) and second (8) thermopile junctions connected in series to form a thermopile (7,8) within a dielectric stack (3). The first thermopile junction (7) is insulated from a substrate (2) of the chip. A resistive heater (6) in the dielectric stack for heating the first thermopile junction is coupled to a calibration circuit (67) for calibrating responsivity of the thermopile (7,8). The calibration circuit causes a current flow in the heater and multiplies the current by a resulting voltage across the heater to determine power dissipation. A resulting thermoelectric voltage (Vout) of the thermopile (7,8) is divided by the power to provide the responsivity of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Walter B. Meinel, Kalin Lazarov
  • Patent number: 9921111
    Abstract: A method for performing optical wavefront sensing includes providing an amplitude transmission mask having a light input side, a light output side, and an optical transmission axis passing from the light input side to the light output side. The amplitude transmission mask is characterized by a checkerboard pattern having a square unit cell of size ?. The method also includes directing an incident light field having a wavelength ? to be incident on the light input side and propagating the incident light field through the amplitude transmission mask. The method further includes producing a plurality of diffracted light fields on the light output side and detecting, at a detector disposed a distance L from the amplitude transmission mask, an interferogram associated with the plurality of diffracted light fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: RAM PHOTONICS, LLC
    Inventor: Seung-Whan Bahk
  • Patent number: 9921112
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically measuring and storing a various measured values of an item, or a sequence of measured values of one or more item(s) suitable for single-handed use by a user. In particular, the present invention relates to a mobile computing device with one or more sensors for determining when to measure and record a particular value of one or more items. The mobile computing device may automatically measure the values based on sensing a change in the temperature value or through using proximity as detected by one or more onboard sensors. Additionally, the mobile computing device may automatically measure the values based on coming within range of an external proximity device. In response to automatically measuring the values, the measured values are stored along with additional information for record keeping purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Squadle, Inc.
    Inventors: Le Zhang, William K. Chen
  • Patent number: 9921113
    Abstract: A temperature change detection apparatus for monitoring temperature change in various portions of a large space includes a trip logic unit configured to execute a trip operation based on receipt of a trip signal at the trip logic unit; a plurality of temperature sensors each including a sensing portion composed of optical fiber cable and each being configured to generate light information indicating an amount of Brillouin scattering that occurs within the sensing portion; a plurality of monitoring units configured such that each monitoring unit determines a temperature value corresponding to each temperature sensor connected to the monitoring unit based on an amount of Brillouin scattering indicated by the light information generated by each of the connected temperature sensors, an each monitoring unit generates a trip signal when a determined temperature value exceeds a running average by more than a threshold amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Loewen, Brett J. Dooies, Seth Ryan Paul Strege, Nicholas Francis O'Neill
  • Patent number: 9921114
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor includes a film part, and a sensing unit. A circumscribing rectangle circumscribing a configuration of a film surface of the film part has a first side, a second side, a third side connected to one end of the first side and one end of the second side, a fourth side connected to one other end of the first side and one other end of the second side, and a centroid of the circumscribing rectangle. The circumscribing rectangle includes a first region enclosed by the first side, line segments connecting the centroid to the one end of the first side, and to the one other end of the first side. The sensing unit includes sensing elements provided on a portion of the film surface overlapping the first region. Each sensing element includes a first, second magnetic layers, and a spacer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Fuji, Kei Masunishi, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Yoshihiro Higashi, Michiko Hara, Akio Hori, Tomohiko Nagata, Shiori Kaji, Akiko Yuzawa
  • Patent number: 9921115
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a strain sensor, system and method of fabrication and use that includes an optical fiber, an optical signal generator that transmits an optical signal through the optical fiber, at least two photonic crystal slabs within the optical fiber separated by a first segment of optical fiber, a photo-detector that detects a reflected optical signal from the at least two photonic crystal slabs, and a processor that computes a mechanical strain over the first segment of optical fiber based on the reflected optical signal detected by the photo-detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: Michael A. Carralero, Ty Aaby Larsen, Priya Maratukulam
  • Patent number: 9921116
    Abstract: A system including a current module, a second module, and a temperature module. The current module is configured to determine an amount of current drawn from a power source by a hydraulic pump of a transmission based on a current signal received from a current sensor. The current signal is indicative of the current drawn by the hydraulic pump. The second module is configured to determine (i) a speed of the hydraulic pump based on a speed signal received from a speed sensor, or (ii) an output torque of the hydraulic pump based on the amount of current drawn by the hydraulic pump. The speed signal is indicative of the speed of the hydraulic pump. The temperature module is configured to estimate a temperature of a hydraulic fluid circulated by the hydraulic pump based on (i) the amount of current drawn by the hydraulic pump, and (ii) the speed or the output torque of the hydraulic pump. The second module is configured to adjust the speed of the hydraulic pump based on the temperature of the hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mehmet Emin Inan, Paul A. Adam
  • Patent number: 9921117
    Abstract: A Prony brake used as a rotational load absorption unit, or dynamometer, to measure power output of a prime mover includes a cylindrical tube disposed within a sealed tank containing coolant water. Disposed within the cylindrical tube is a fixed stator shaft, which is attached to the center of a stator plate having its outer periphery disposed in closely spaced relation to the tube's inner surface, with the stator shaft further coupled to a hydraulic control system. Disposed within the stator plate's outer periphery are plural radially spaced pistons for applying a radially outward friction braking force to the inner surface of the rotating cylindrical tube. The stator shaft is provided with first and second ports and passageways for respectively transporting hydraulic control fluid and lubrication fluid. Also included is a supplemental cooling water supply wherein cooling water is circulated with the Prony brake by the rotating cylindrical tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Aaron W. Warsaw
  • Patent number: 9921118
    Abstract: A power measurement assembly mounted within an axle. In a specific example, the axle is a spindle that is interconnects the cranks of a bicycle, exercise, bicycle, or other fitness equipment. The power measurement assembly may include strain gauges connected with an appropriate circuit (e.g., Wheatstone bridge) that provides an output of the force on the axle by a rider pedaling the crank. In the case of an axle, the strain gauges measure the torsion due to the applied torque on the crank. The value is converted to a power value by a processor and that value is then wirelessly transmitted for display. The processor and/or the transmitter may be mounted within the axle. A separate power measurement assembly may be mounted on one of the cranks, which may include its own processor and transmitter or may take advantage of the processor and transmitter within the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: FOUNDATION FITNESS, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Patrick A. Warner
  • Patent number: 9921119
    Abstract: Method for checking a device for a vehicle for detecting an impact, in particular an impact with a pedestrian, by means of at least one impact-sensing means which is based on at least a first volume, in particular by means of an impact-sensing means which is based on at least one hose, a device having means for carrying out such a method and a corresponding system, in which at least one first variable is acquired, wherein the at least one first variable represents a pressure and/or a volume and/or a change in pressure and/or a change in volume in the first volume, and a result of the checking of the device is determined as a function of a profile of the at least one first variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michel Walz, Alexander Herrmann, Denis Mader, Gunther Lang, Hansjoerg Markus Hild, Daniel Schoenfeld, Michael Schmid
  • Patent number: 9921120
    Abstract: A process device for coupling to an industrial process for use in monitoring or controlling the process includes a device housing configured to physically couple to the industrial process. A process variable sensor is configured to measure a process variable and measurement circuitry coupled to the process variable sensor provides an output related to the sensed process variable. A piezoelectric transducer provides an electrical output related to pressure pulsations in the industrial process. Electrical circuitry in the housing includes an input configured to receive the electrical output from the piezoelectric sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hedtke
  • Patent number: 9921121
    Abstract: A pressure measuring instrument having a sensor carrier, a casing, a plug connector, evaluation electronics, and a pressure sensor. The sensor carrier supports the pressure sensor adapted to output a pressure-proportional, electrically detectable pressure signal. The sensor carrier has a base body, a pressure terminal formed together with the base body to be connected to the source of the pressure to be detected, and a seat having several different circle geometries, each having an annular surface adapted for mounting a pressure sensor. The pressure terminal has a connecting channel opening inside the seat, and the annular surfaces of the individual circle geometries are axially staggered with respect to the port of the connecting channel, wherein the annular surface having the smallest diameter is closest to the connecting channel port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignees: Wika Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG, Wika Instrumentation Suzhou Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Holger Glaab, Julian Huenerth
  • Patent number: 9921122
    Abstract: A calibration rig (1), for calibrating a torque wrench (9), comprises a support structure (3) for supporting the torque wrench (9) during calibration. The support structure (3) comprises: a support member (7) which is free to move substantially vertically; means for applying a balance force (14, 15) to the support member (7), wherein the balance force acts counter to a force exerted by the weight of the torque wrench (9) when a handle of the torque wrench (9) is received by the support member (7); means for applying a measured torque (6) to the torque wrench (7); and means for resisting rotation (16) of the torque wrench (9) as a result of the applied torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: NORBAR TORQUE TOOLS, LTD.
    Inventor: Steve Lawson
  • Patent number: 9921123
    Abstract: A Pipe Mapping Probe Apparatus for Searching Pipe Route Position includes: a first disc fitted and fastened on a shaft member thread-fastened to the inner side of a connection shaft at a first side of an internal body of a first pig; a cap coupled to a side of the shaft member outside the first disc; a first pig coupled to the shaft member; elastic members composed of three flexible springs coupled to a second side of an external body of the first pig; a cable that electrically connects a battery, a sensor unit, and a control board of the first pig and an encoder of a second pig, is connected with the battery through a first cable socket coupled to the external body of the first pig, and is connected to an encoder through a second cable socket disposed at the center of the second plate coupled to a first side of the second pig and through an encoder socket on the top of the encoder disposed in an internal body of the second pig; the second pig coupled to second sides of the elastic members at the first side o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: WATER RESOURCES FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Won Kim, Young Soo Seok, Kyung Sob Lee, Se Wan Lee, Dong Hyun Kim, Kyung Seok Oh, Yong Gun Lee, Jung Hun Oh, Gwang Ho Jin, Ja Yong Koo, In Hwan Hyun
  • Patent number: 9921124
    Abstract: A weld seam monitoring apparatus includes a layer of sealant applied to the area surrounding the weld seam; a first layer of sheet material adapted to provide an air space and overlying the weld seam; a second layer of sheet material overlying the first layer of sheet material; and a fluid impermeable sealant overlying the second layer of sheet material. An air tight space is formed between the second layer of sheet material and the weld seam. The apparatus further includes a vacuum source, and the air tight space is in fluid communication with the vacuum source. The apparatus further includes vacuum monitoring means configured to monitor the status of a vacuum created in the air tight space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: Christos Sotirious Haritou, Alan Fada
  • Patent number: 9921125
    Abstract: A system that holds a liquid such as water includes an electrode coupling the system to a surface. A capacitance sensor is coupled to the electrode. A processor is coupled to the capacitance sensor. The processor is adapted to receive a signal from the capacitance sensor to determine whether the liquid is present at the surface and to send one or more indication signals if liquid is present at the surface. A response circuit coupled to the processor causes the system to take responsive action in response to receipt of an indication signal. Responsive action includes causing the system to perform a failsafe action, such as automatic shutdown. A communication circuit notifies a user that a fault has occurred in the system over a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryce T. Osoinach, Lawrence T. Roshak
  • Patent number: 9921126
    Abstract: A system for detecting leaks is provided comprising an accumulator, a flow controller in communication with the accumulator, and a flow meter/sensor in communication with the accumulator, the flow controller and a UUT. The flow meter is structured to supply gas from the accumulator to the UUT and measure a flow rate of the supplied gas, the flow meter providing feedback to the flow controller representing the flow rate, and the flow controller responding to the feedback by supplying flow compensation gas to the accumulator to maintain a desired pressure in the accumulator. Methods are also provided for detecting small leaks, especially with large units under test (“UUTs”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Advanced Test Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Nehemia Sagi, Oleksandr Ivanchenko, George Lawrence Bishop, III
  • Patent number: 9921127
    Abstract: An assembly and method of testing the integrity of a sealing ring of a flexible pipe are disclosed. The method includes locating a first sealing ring adjacent a first collar member and a layer of flexible pipe body; energizing the first sealing ring by urging the sealing ring towards a primary pressure-retaining end fitting component, or by urging the pressure-retaining component towards the sealing ring; locating a second sealing ring adjacent the first collar member and a second collar member; energizing the second sealing ring by urging the sealing ring towards the pressure-retaining component, or by urging the pressure-retaining component towards the sealing ring; and pressurizing the region between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring through a port extending towards the region to a predetermined pressure of 5 MPa or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventors: Judimar de Assis Clevelario, Fabio de Souza Pires, Felipe Areas Vargas, Everton Vieira de Almeida, Andre Luis de Souza Breves
  • Patent number: 9921128
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for measurement of residual stresses are provided. For example, a method includes indenting a first portion of a sample having residual stress and generating a residual stress reference zone at a second portion of the sample. Indenting and generating a residual stress reference zone may be performed in situ (e.g., on the same instrument platform, etc.). The present disclosure also provides a method for generating a residual stress reference, the method including providing a first sample having a residual stress and reducing the residual stress in at least a portion of the sample, wherein reducing the residual stress includes raster scanning wear, or exposure to laser energy, ion beam energy, electron beam microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, heat energy, vibration energy; and exposing the sample to ultrasonic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: EXPONENTIAL BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Dehua Yang, Ryan Farel
  • Patent number: 9921129
    Abstract: A method and system are described, for the continuous remote monitoring of deformations in a pipeline (10) suitable for the transportation of a pressurized fluids, such as, for example, pipelines designed for the transportation of low- and high-pressure fluids (natural gas, crude oil, water, oil products) that cannot be controlled by using Intelligent Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) systems, or sections of pipeline exposed to the risk of landslides and/or earthquakes in which catastrophic breakages can be generated, with a consequent interruption in the transportation service. The method and system envisage the application of the guided wave technique for the remote-controlled monitoring of the tensional state of the pipeline (10) also on extensive sections, having a length equal to hundreds of meters, using a relatively reduced number of sensors (12) installed on the outer surface of the pipeline (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Giunta, Francesco Bertoncini, Florin Octavian Turcu, Marco Raugi
  • Patent number: 9921130
    Abstract: A fatigue testing device 1 comprises a fixing member 4 constituted by a lower jig 2 and an upper jig 3. The lower jig 2 and the upper jig 3 are fixed with a bolt 5, and a sheet or plate-shaped metal plate 6 is fixed in a cantilever state such that it is interposed between the lower jig 2 and the upper jig 3. The lower jig 2 has a fixing surface 2a to which the metal sheet or plate 6 is fixed, and the fixing surface 2a has a curved shape such that the space between the fixing surface 2a and the metal sheet or plate 6 increases with increasing distance from the location where the metal sheet or plate 6 is fixed to the fixing surface 2a. The upper jig 3 also has a fixing surface 3a to which the metal sheet or plate 6 is fixed, and the fixing surface 3a has a curved shape such that the space between the fixing surface 3a and the metal sheet or plate 6 increases with increasing distance from the location where the metal sheet or plate 6 is fixed to the fixing surface 3a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Nisshin Steel Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Sadayuki Nakamura, Hiroyasu Matsubayashi, Akira Hironaka, Ryoji Hirota
  • Patent number: 9921131
    Abstract: Methods are provided for estimating the NOx content of exhaust gas produced by an internal combustion engine. The method includes determining one or more operating parameters. The method further includes applying the determined operating parameter(s) to a global NOx model. The global NOx model may be derived using a plurality of steady state data points relating to local NOx emission models. The steady state data points may be derived using a plurality of set and variable operating parameters. The global NOx model allows for prediction of the engine-out NOx content of exhaust gas in real time and without a NOx sensor, even if engine operating parameters change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC.
    Inventor: Navtej Singh
  • Patent number: 9921132
    Abstract: A system and method to inspect flaws associated with a part. The system includes a first image capturing device configured to capture a first set of images of the part and a computer operably associated with first image capturing device and configured to receive and analyze the first set of images. The method includes treating the part with a magnetic particle and fluorescent penetrant processing, capturing a first set of images of an outer surface of the part with the first image capturing device, and identifying a part defect with an algorithm associated with the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Nissen, Edward Hohman
  • Patent number: 9921133
    Abstract: An tread depth measuring system includes a tread measuring apparatus, a processor, a supporter, and a warning apparatus. The tread measuring apparatus is positioned on the ground and configured to measure a tread depth. The processor is coupled to the tread measuring apparatus and configured to compare the tread depth measured by the tread measuring apparatus with a preset critical depth. The supporter stands on the ground. The warning apparatus is supported by the supporter and coupled to the processor. When the tread depth measured by the tread measuring apparatus is less than the preset critical depth, the processor sends a control signal to actuate the warning apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Yen Lee
  • Patent number: 9921134
    Abstract: System for determining tire wear for tires of a wheeled motor vehicle including a direct tire pressure determination unit being configured to measure at least the tire pressure of the tires; an indirect tire pressure determination unit being configured to determine for at least some of the tires a roll radius factor corresponding to or depending from the roll radius of the respective tire; a tire force determination unit being configured to determine a vertical force factor corresponding to or depending from a vertical force applied to the tires; and a processing unit for determining the tire wear for such tires of the motor vehicle for which the indirect tire pressure determination unit provides the respective roll radius factor, namely by compensating the roll radius factor of the tires provided by the indirect tire pressure determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, NIRA Dynamics AB
    Inventors: Michael Unterreiner, Thomas Svantesson, Anders Svensson, Peter Lindskog
  • Patent number: 9921135
    Abstract: A device for rotating a tire includes a fixed support, a driving belt, a plurality of first pulleys, and at least one second pulley. The driving belt has a contact face for contacting an annular part of the tire, and the driving belt enables rotation of the tire. The first pulleys are mounted on the support and are in abutment with the driving belt on a side opposite to the contact face in order to press the contact face radially against the annular part of the tire. The at least one second pulley is in abutment with the contact face of the driving belt and is mounted for translational movement on the support in order to locally space the contact face apart from the annular part of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Gérard Bor, Alexandre Joly
  • Patent number: 9921136
    Abstract: A sensor unit is configured as a single body, removably mounted in its entirety to a test point location on a machine so machine vibrations propagate into the single body. Within are an accelerometer, circuit board, wireless interface, signal processor, and battery. The sensor unit transmits sensor data wirelessly in real time to a data collection unit. A technician with data collection unit in hand goes from machine to machine, along a route of multiple test point locations on multiple machines, mounting and dismounting the sensor unit and collecting machine vibration data. The sensor unit is configured to reduce frequency response impacts of the mass and volume of the circuit board, wireless interface, signal processor, and battery on dynamic behavior of the sensor unit with respect to machine vibrations to achieve a frequency response rating comparable to a wired sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: 01dB-Metravib, Societe Par Actions Simplifee
    Inventors: Bertrand Wascat, Philippe Poizat, Patrick Labeyrie, Thierry Mazoyer
  • Patent number: 9921137
    Abstract: An apparatus having a sample sectioning device including a cutting mechanism that is operable to cut sections from a sample and a sample holder that is operable to hold the sample. The apparatus further includes a drive system coupled with the sample holder to drive movement of the sample holder and a reciprocating member coupled to the drive system to drive vertical movement of the drive system. The reciprocating member to move in a reciprocating manner within an angle of rotation of less than 180 degrees. A surface orientation sensor may further be provided that is operable to sense an orientation of a surface of the sample held by the sample holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Hwai-Jyh Michael Yang, Xuan S. Bui
  • Patent number: 9921138
    Abstract: A sterile injector comprises a body having a cavity, a hollow needle positionable at a distal end of the injector, a probe holder receivable within the needle, a probe connected to a distal end of the holder, and a driving element axially displaceable within the cavity, for causing relative motion between the probe and the needle upon displacement of the driving element. A sample is injected into a sealed container by displacing the driving element to a first position causing the probe to extend from the needle, applying the extended probe with a sample, displacing the driving element to a second position causing the sample laden probe to be retracted within the needle, piercing a seal of a sealed container with the needle, and displacing the driving element to a third position distally spaced from the first position, after which the probe is injected into the container interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Mor Research Applications Ltd.
    Inventors: Amir Hadayer, Noa Hana Hadayer, Arie Leonid Marcovich
  • Patent number: 9921139
    Abstract: A portable, hand-held sampler for collection of aquatic biotic samples. A pump with an exhaust tube and a water intake tube is attached to a frame. A battery is attached to the frame and electrically connected to the pump. A handle is attached to the bottom of the frame for an operator to hold the sampler in one hand. A switch is electrically connected to the pump and to the battery and attached to the frame near the handle for the operator to control activation of the pump with the same single hand. A venturi tube assembly with a sample intake tube is attached to the exhaust tube. The pump draws water into the water intake tube and sample material into the sample intake tube and the venturi tube diverts the sample material away from the pump and into a sample collection reservoir to prevent damage to the sample material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Department of the Interior
    Inventor: Marc A. Blouin
  • Patent number: 9921140
    Abstract: A system for tracking one or more subjects for collecting airborne contaminants. The system includes one or more subjects configured to collect air contaminants. Each of the one or more subjects includes an identification tag encoded with identification information identifying the each subject. The system further includes an identification reader configured to decode the identification information encoded within the identification tag of a scanned one of the one or more identification tags. A computer receives and stores the decoded identification information in a record in a database. The computer may also receive and stored an identification code for a user who scanned the scanned identification tag in the record in the database. Additional records in the database are created each time the identification tag of one of the one or more subjects is scanned. The one or more subjects are thereby tracked as they collect airborne contaminants and are incubated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Veltek Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosario S. Calio, Mark A. Phillips, John Joyce
  • Patent number: 9921141
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for separation of heterogeneous analyte. In some embodiments, the systems and methods herein utilize an analyte holding portion that receives a volume of analyte. The analyte holding portion may include an analyte receiving portion and a microfluidic separation channel, A rotatable carrier holding the analyte holding portion may be rotated by a rotational actuator so as to apply a centrifugal force to the volume of analyte such that the analyte is separated into at least two components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Sanjay Jayavanth, Payal Keswarpu, Manoj Varma
  • Patent number: 9921142
    Abstract: A portable testing apparatus for a Brinell test meeting the load time requirements of the ASTM E10 standard. The apparatus incorporates a hydraulic accumulator acting on a cylinder which is connected to an indenter. The accumulator keeps a constant force on the indenter for the period of time of the test despite hydraulic leakage or creep of the indenter into the material that would cause a reduction in pressure if not for the accumulator. Usually, the test time length is 10 seconds. Pressure is set using springs usually in a settable sequence valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Giancarlo Mazzoleni
  • Patent number: 9921143
    Abstract: A portable Brinell testing apparatus that meets the load time requirements of the ASTM E10 standard. The invention uses a constant force spring connected to a lever arm which is pivoted on fulcrum 32. The mechanical advantage of the mechanism is able to achieve a force of up to 3000 Kgf with constant force spring 26 that can be activated by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Giancarlo Mazzoleni
  • Patent number: 9921144
    Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting particulate matter are described herein. One device includes a laser, a reflector, an ellipsoidal reflector, and a detector, wherein the laser is configured to emit a beam, the reflector is configured to reflect the beam toward the ellipsoidal reflector, and the ellipsoidal reflector has a first focal region located on a path of the reflected beam, and a second focal region located at a surface of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Barrett E. Cole, Robert P. Costello
  • Patent number: 9921145
    Abstract: A method of determining degradation of a thermoplastic when exposed to light and heat includes illuminating the thermoplastic with a desired wavelength of light at a desired irradiance while maintaining the ambient air surrounding the thermoplastic at a desired temperature. The method is useful to measure the discoloration rate of transparent, translucent and opaque thermoplastics such as polycarbonates, the discoloration rate being determined by transmission or reflectance spectra of transmitted or reflected white light through or from the thermoplastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventor: Christopher Luke Hein
  • Patent number: 9921146
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pipeline management supporting server capable of unifying management of attribute data of a pipe component and location information on a pipe network, efficiently detecting an abnormality of a pipeline remotely, and diagnosing the degradation state of the pipeline. The pipeline management supporting server (1) of the present invention includes: a private data processing unit (11) and a statistical calculation processing unit (12). The private data processing unit (11) includes an event data acquisition section (114) that acquires event data of a pipeline measured by a sensor(s), a measured event data storage section (112) that stores the event data of the pipeline, a pipeline database data storage section (111) that stores pipeline database data, a possible abnormality detection section (113), and an information output section (115).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Kamoi
  • Patent number: 9921147
    Abstract: The invention is a method for characterizing a liquid sample, said liquid sample containing particles, the method comprising the following steps: a) illuminating said sample using a light source that is able to emit an incident light wave towards the sample; b) detecting, using a photodetector, a light wave transmitted by the sample thus illuminated; c) characterizing the sample depending on an intensity of the light wave detected by the photodetector. The method comprises, prior to step c), applying an acoustic wave to the sample, said acoustic wave forming pressure nodes and pressure antinodes in the sample, so as to separate, in the latter, a poor portion, poor in particles, and rich portion, rich in particles, such that, in step c), the sample is characterized: either on the basis of the intensity of the light wave transmitted by the poor portion; or on the basis of the intensity of the light wave transmitted by the rich portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Vivian Aubert, Myriam-Laure Cubizolles, Cedric Poulain, Maxime Huet, David Rabaud
  • Patent number: 9921148
    Abstract: A polarized light imaging apparatus is provided. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a light source for producing light beams; an illumination optic coupled to the light source for guiding the light beams towards the sample; a linear polarizer coupled to the illumination optic and configured to produce a linearly polarized light towards the sample respective of the light beams; a TIR birefringent polarizing prism (BPP) coupled to the sample to maximize a refraction difference between ordinary waves and extraordinary waves of light returning from the sample; and a detection optic unit coupled to the non-TIR BPP for guiding the light waves returning from the sample towards a single polarization sensitive sensor element (SE), the SE is configured to capture at least one frame of the sample respective of the light waves returning from the superficial single-scattering layer of the sample apart from the deeper diffuse layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: MOBILEODT LTD.
    Inventors: David Levitz, Ariel Beery
  • Patent number: 9921149
    Abstract: A controller of an optical measurement apparatus causes, in a condition that a rotational speed of a rotary body is controlled so that the speed is a specified value, a light source to generate light having a constant intensity and apply the light to an irradiation region, and acquires first timing information based on a change with time of an intensity of reflected light or transmitted light that is output from a second detection unit receiving the reflected light or transmitted light of the applied light. The controller causes the light source to periodically generate pulsed light in accordance with the first timing information and apply the pulsed light to the irradiation region, and acquires second timing information based on a result which is output from the first detection unit whose measurement is periodically enabled in accordance with the first timing information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Mizuguchi
  • Patent number: 9921150
    Abstract: A method can include transmitting, from a light source, light through a fuel tank ullage, and determining, by a processing device, an amount of absorption of at least one wavelength of the transmitted light. The method can further include determining, by the processing device based on the amount of absorption of the at least one wavelength of the transmitted light, a chemical composition of the fuel tank ullage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Radoslaw Zakrzewski, Mark Sherwood Miller, Michael A. Lynch
  • Patent number: 9921151
    Abstract: An optical computing device utilizes an Integrated Computational Element (“ICE”) core to correct calibration transfer errors in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael N. Simcock, David L. Perkins
  • Patent number: 9921152
    Abstract: Methods and systems for performing simultaneous spectroscopic measurements of semiconductor structures at ultraviolet, visible, and infrared wavelengths are presented herein. In another aspect, wavelength errors are reduced by orienting the direction of wavelength dispersion on the detector surface perpendicular to the projection of the plane of incidence onto the detector surface. In another aspect, a broad range of infrared wavelengths are detected by a detector that includes multiple photosensitive areas having different sensitivity characteristics. Collected light is linearly dispersed across the surface of the detector according to wavelength. Each different photosensitive area is arranged on the detector to sense a different range of incident wavelengths. In this manner, a broad range of infrared wavelengths are detected with high signal to noise ratio by a single detector. These features enable high throughput measurements of high aspect ratio structures with high throughput, precision, and accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Shankar Krishnan, David Y. Wang
  • Patent number: 9921153
    Abstract: A method for segmenting the data of a 3D sensor produced in the presence of aerosol clouds and for increasing the situation awareness and the location detection of obstacles involves transforming the sensor data are transformed into a 3D measurement point cloud, determining related subsets as measurement point clusters from the 3D measurement point cloud of an single measurement cycle of the 3D sensor based on the local measurement point density, determining at least one of the characteristic parameters of the individual measurement point clusters, the characteristic parameters including position, orientation in space, and shape, and determining a time variation of the characteristic parameters using the recorded parameters calculated from subsequent measurement cycles, from which the association of a measurement point cluster with a real obstacle or with the aerosol cloud results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS DS ELECTRONICS AND BORDER SECURITY GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Wegner, Thomas Muensterer
  • Patent number: 9921154
    Abstract: System, including methods and apparatus, for performing a multiplexed digital assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Yann Jouvenot, Serge Saxonov, Simant Dube, John Frederick Regan