Patents Issued in July 17, 2018
  • Patent number: 10024718
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for tracking signals from modular sensor segments are disclosed. One system includes modular sensor segments for tracking interactions with objects where each sensor segment includes an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver for tracking human physical interaction with objects. Each modular sensor segment includes a circuit board on which the transmitter and receiver are mounted and a light shield mounted on the circuit board configured to separate, transmit and receive optical signal paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Triangle Strategy Group LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Joseph Campbell
  • Patent number: 10024719
    Abstract: A measuring object for use in a heating apparatus for the thermal treatment of substrates is described, wherein the measuring object is the substrate to be treated or an object which in use has a substantially known temperature relation to the substrate to be treated, wherein the measuring object comprises a surface having at least one surface area, which acts as a measuring surface for an optical temperature measurement. A predetermined structure in the form of a plurality of recessions is formed in the surface area, in order to influence the emissivity of the surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: CENTROTHERM PHOTOVOLTAICS AG
    Inventors: Dieter Zernickel, Steffen Mueller
  • Patent number: 10024720
    Abstract: Hyperspectral imaging sensors that can readily switch between multiple common aperture imagers, and are more compact and lightweight than previous hyperspectral sensor designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: WAVEFRONT RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10024721
    Abstract: A bolometer. In one embodiment a graphene sheet is configured to absorb electromagnetic waves. The graphene sheet has two contacts connected to an amplifier, and a power detector connected to the amplifier. Electromagnetic power in the evanescent electromagnetic waves is absorbed in the graphene sheet, heating the graphene sheet. The power of Johnson noise generated at the contacts is proportional to the temperature of the graphene sheet. The Johnson noise is amplified and the power in the Johnson noise is used as a measure of the temperature of the graphene sheet, and of the amount of electromagnetic wave power absorbed by the graphene sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: RAYTHEON BBN TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventor: Kin Chung Fong
  • Patent number: 10024722
    Abstract: A temperature detection device (10) for a vehicle heater detects a fluid temperature. The device includes a temperature sensor (12) as well as a contact element (14) with a first side (16), around which the fluid can flow in at least some sections, and with a second side (18) facing away from the first side (16). The temperature sensor (12) is configured as a radiation sensor. The contact element (14) is arranged relative to the temperature sensor (12) such that at least a part of the radiation emitted from the second side (18) of the contact element (14) can be received by the temperature sensor (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Eberspächer Climate Control Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Humburg, Klaus Kennerknecht
  • Patent number: 10024723
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting electromagnetic radiation within a target frequency range is provided. The apparatus includes a substrate and one or more resonator structures disposed on the substrate. The substrate can be a dielectric or semiconductor material. Each of the one or more resonator structures has at least one dimension that is less than the wavelength of target electromagnetic radiation within the target frequency range, and each of the resonator structures includes at least two conductive structures separated by a spacing. Charge carriers are induced in the substrate near the spacing when the resonator structures are exposed to the target electromagnetic radiation. A measure of the change in conductivity of the substrate due to the induced charge carriers provides an indication of the presence of the target electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Harold Y. Hwang, Mengkun Liu, Richard D. Averitt, Keith A. Nelson, Aaron Sternbach, Kebin Fan
  • Patent number: 10024724
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution system includes an electrical connector, an electrical conductor and a temperature monitoring system. The electrical conductor is secured to the electrical connector to form an electrical connection. The temperature monitoring system includes a temperature monitoring device. The temperature monitoring device includes a temperature sensor coupled to the connector to detect a temperature of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: TE Connectivity Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen M. Parker
  • Patent number: 10024725
    Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature sensor system comprising a first ceramic housing part comprising a sleeve-shaped lower part with a first lower end having a first opening, and a second upper end having a second opening, and an upper part connected to the second upper end. The temperature sensor system further comprises a temperature probe element which is at least partially arranged in the lower part and which has a ceramic sensor element housing, a sensor element arranged in the sensor element housing, and electrical supply lines. The sensor element housing is at least partially arranged in the first opening. The ceramic sensor element housing has a higher thermal conductivity than the first ceramic housing part. Also disclosed is a method for producing a temperature sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventors: Jan Ihle, Oliver Bard, Gerald Kloiber
  • Patent number: 10024726
    Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a temperature detector having a thermosensitive element, element electrode wires, leads, and intermediate members. The temperature sensor is formed such that ends of the element electrode wires are embedded in the temperature detector, the leads are electrically connected to the respective element electrode wires, and the intermediate members electrically connect the element electrode wires to the respective leads. Each element electrode wire and the corresponding intermediate member are arranged being aligned in the extending direction, and bonded to each other, with opposing surfaces facing each other being abutted each other. The intermediate member and the corresponding lead are juxtaposed in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction, and bonded being overlapped with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouichi Yoshida, Toshiya Ozeki
  • Patent number: 10024727
    Abstract: The temperature sensor circuit includes a diode that is connected to a first potential at a cathode thereof. The temperature sensor circuit includes a voltage dividing circuit that is connected to an anode of the diode at a second end thereof and outputs a divided voltage. The temperature sensor circuit includes a second amplifying circuit that receives the first signal at a first input end thereof, receives the divided voltage at a second input end thereof, is connected to a first end of the voltage dividing circuit at an output end thereof and outputs a second signal so as to make the divided voltage equal to the first signal. The temperature sensor circuit includes a measuring circuit that calculates a voltage difference between the first signal and the second signal and outputs an output signal based on the result of the calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masatomo Tanaka, Hiroyuki Suwabe, Tomoshige Abe
  • Patent number: 10024728
    Abstract: A method and a circuit take a measurement of a sensor having first, second and third lead wires by: (a) providing first, second and third terminals for voltage measurements; (b) connecting a current sensing device (e.g., a reference resistor) to provide a signal at the third terminal that is indicative of the current in the third lead wire of the sensor; (c) connecting a first protective device between the first lead wire of the sensor and the first terminal; (d) connecting a second protective device between the second lead wire of the sensor and the second terminal; (e) connecting a first current source to the first lead wire of the sensor; (f) connecting a second current source to the second lead wire of the sensor; and (g) measuring a first voltage across the first and second terminals and a second voltage across the third terminal and the voltage reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Linear Technology LLC
    Inventors: Todd Stuart Kaplan, David Edward Bliss, Michael Keith Mayes
  • Patent number: 10024729
    Abstract: A temperature sensor is disclosed. In one aspect, the temperature sensor provides a digital output having a precise degree/code step. For example, each step in the digital output code may correspond to one degree Celsius. In one aspect, a temperature sensor comprises a precision band-gap circuit and a sigma delta modulator (SDM) analog-to-digital convertor (ADC). A bandgap voltage and a PTAT voltage may be provided from the band-gap circuit as an input to the SDM ADC. The SDM ADC may produce an output based on the difference between the PTAT voltage and the bandgap voltage. The temperature sensor may also have logic that outputs a temperature code based on the output of the SDM ADC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Saurabh Kumar Singh
  • Patent number: 10024730
    Abstract: A polyacrylamide tissue phantom embedded with multi-formulated thermochromic liquid crystals for use in the evaluation of RF ablation therapies is provided. The tissue phantom approximates the properties of biological tissue, and therefore provides a suitable substitute for use in testing the effects of RF and other energy-emitting devices on biological tissue. Also provided is a system for using the tissue phantom in the evaluation of RF therapies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic Ablation Frontiers LLC
    Inventors: Aaron R. Strunk, Alex Novichenok
  • Patent number: 10024731
    Abstract: An immersion device for measuring the temperature of a melt with an optical fiber, preferably a metal coated optical fiber, in a metallurgical vessel includes a feeding channel, feeding means for feeding an optical fiber into a disposable guiding tube and for feeding the disposable guiding tube together with the optical fiber into the melt, and control means for monitoring the position of an end of the optical fiber relative to an end of the disposable guiding tube. The relative position determines the quality of a temperature measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Jacobus Neyens, Michel Thys, Frank Stevens
  • Patent number: 10024732
    Abstract: A feeding device for feeding an optical fiber from a coil and for recoiling unused fiber for use in an apparatus for measuring the temperature of a melt is provided. The feeding device includes a support for a coil, a feeding mechanism for decoiling the optical fiber from the coil and recoiling the optical fiber, at least one motor for driving the feeding mechanism, and a load for the optical fiber which avoids a spring back effect of the optical fiber from the coil. Blockage is avoided when decoiling and recoiling the optical fiber from the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Jacobus Neyens, Michel Thys, Frank Stevens
  • Patent number: 10024733
    Abstract: The overall thermal performance of a building UATotal can be empirically estimated through a short-duration controlled test. Preferably, the controlled test is performed at night during the winter. A heating source, such as a furnace, is turned off after the indoor temperature has stabilized. After an extended period, such as 12 hours, the heating source is briefly turned back on, such as for an hour, then turned off. The indoor temperature is allowed to stabilize. The energy consumed within the building during the test period is assumed to equal internal heat gains. Overall thermal performance is estimated by balancing the heat gained with the heat lost during the test period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: CLEAN POWER RESEARCH, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Hoff
  • Patent number: 10024734
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling an inventory of point-of-care diagnostic devices. The inventory includes a main inventory and at least one subinventory. Each device has an ambient temperature shelf life. Data associated with the devices is entered, including: the current quantity and predetermined minimum quantity of devices in the main inventory; and the current quantity and predetermined minimum quantity of devices in the subinventory. A first timestamp is associated with each device when the device is transferred from the main inventory to the ambient temperature subinventory. The first timestamp is compared to a second timestamp prior to use of the device to determine whether the device's ambient temperature shelf life is exceeded. The current quantity of devices in the subinventory is updated in response to an event that causes a change in the current quantity of devices in the subinventory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care Inc.
    Inventors: Jody Ann Tirinato, Michael P. Zelin, Paul Andrew Gibson, Lyudmila Zaltsman, Graham Davis
  • Patent number: 10024735
    Abstract: A series of time-sequenced heat energy data arrays or data stream sets of a weld process region are processed by a weld data array or data stream processing system to produce a heat energy data set output that is related to weld process region features or weld process region heat energy data. The heat energy data set output can be displayed to a system user and modified by system user input to the weld data array or data stream processing system; alternatively, or in combination, the system user output and input, the heat energy data set output, or data produced from the heat energy data set output by the weld data array or data stream processing system, can be transmitted to a weld process controller to adjust parameters in the weld process responsive to the output of the weld data array or data stream processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: THERMATOOL CORP.
    Inventors: Thomas Ignatowski, Michael A. Nallen, Lesley D. Frame, Sean Patrick Lynch
  • Patent number: 10024736
    Abstract: A food thermometer includes a first portion for insertion into food. The first portion includes electronics sensitive to heat, and a third portion of the thermometer includes an antenna for transmitting data. According to one aspect, a completion time is estimated based on an ambient temperature and a rate at which the food temperature changes. According to another aspect, the thermometer includes an outer shell with a metallic portion and a non-metallic portion. An inner shell inside the outer shell extends from the metallic portion into the non-metallic portion such that the inner shell in the non-metallic portion serves as at least part of the antenna. The inner shell with the metallic portion of the outer shell serves as a coaxial transmission waveguide for an antenna signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Apption Labs Limited
    Inventors: Teemu Nivala, Joseph Cruz
  • Patent number: 10024737
    Abstract: In order to evaluate the cooling performance of cutting oil, cooling water, and the like more accurately than conventional means, there are provided a temperature measurement method and a temperature measurement device that can actually ascertain the temperature of a rotating tool such as a cutting tool during cutting or welding torch during welding in real time. The temperature measurement method uses a rotating holder that is rotatable around a rotating axis and has a hollow hole extending from a front end to a rear end along the rotating axis, and a rotating tool that is connected to the rotating holder and has a coaxial through hole with the hollow hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: YAMAMOTO METAL TECHNOS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masafumi Araki, Kengo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10024738
    Abstract: A MEMS force sensor has: a substrate; a fixed electrode coupled to the substrate; and a mobile electrode suspended above the substrate at the fixed electrode to define a sensing capacitor, the mobile electrode being designed to undergo deformation due to application of a force to be detected. A dielectric material region is set on the fixed electrode and spaced apart by an air gap from the mobile electrode, in resting conditions. The mobile electrode comes to bear upon the dielectric material region upon application of a minimum detectable value of the force, so that a contact surface between the mobile electrode and the dielectric material region increases, in particular in a substantially linear way, as the force increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Sebastiano Conti, Daniele Prati, Domenico Giusti
  • Patent number: 10024739
    Abstract: A pressing force sensor that includes a flat membrane piezoelectric element and a support. The flat membrane piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric sheet having a piezoelectric constant. A first electrode is formed on a first main surface of the piezoelectric sheet and a second electrode is formed on a second main surface thereof. Long directions of the first electrode and the second electrode and a uniaxial stretching direction of the piezoelectric sheet form an angle of 45°. An opening portion having an elliptical section is formed on the support. The flat membrane piezoelectric element abuts the opening portion of the support. The support and the flat membrane piezoelectric element are disposed such that the opening portion is included within an area of the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Kawamura, Masamichi Ando
  • Patent number: 10024740
    Abstract: Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be bonded to an outer surface of the insert in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan M. Rice, Steven H. Walker
  • Patent number: 10024741
    Abstract: A measuring device for determining a pressure map during application of pressure to at least one measurement layer between a first pressure body and a second pressure body the measuring device comprising: (i) at least one transmitter located on one peripheral edge of the measurement layer for emission of signals in the form of electromagnetic waves along a first signal route which runs through the measurement layer and at least one other signal route which runs through the measurement layer, and (ii) at least one receiver located on the peripheral edge for reception of the signals of the first signal route and other signal route(s), which signals are sent by the transmitter through the measurement layer and can be changed when pressure is applied. Furthermore this invention relates to a corresponding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: EV GROUP E. THALLNER GMBH
    Inventors: Boris Povazay, Antun Peic
  • Patent number: 10024742
    Abstract: A system includes a magnetostrictive sensor having a sensor head including a driving pole. The driving pole includes a driving coil that may receive a driving current and may emit a magnetic flux portion through a rotary structure. The sensor head also includes a sensing pole including a sensing coil that may receive the magnetic flux portion and may transmit a signal based at least in part on the received magnetic flux portion. The received magnetic flux portion is based at least in part on a force on the rotary structure. The sensor head also includes a temperature sensor disposed on the sensor head. The temperature sensor may measure a temperature of the rotary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dan Tho Lu, Pekka Tapani Sipila, Clifford James Uber
  • Patent number: 10024743
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring head acceleration and/or forces acting thereon are disclosed. A device for monitoring an acceleration or a force acting on the head of a user includes a flexible article adapted to be worn on the head of the user; and a monitoring assembly coupled to the flexible article. The monitoring assembly includes a sensor for measuring a force on the head and transmitting data relating to the force, the sensor disposed proximate to the head, a processor adapted to receive the force data from the sensor, and a flexible strip operatively connecting the sensor and the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignees: Reebok International Limited, MC10 Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Davis, William Marvin, Steven Fastert, Kevin Dowling, Paul E. Litchfield, Benjamin Schlatka, Gilman Callsen, Robert Rich, Dustin G. Simone, Keith A. Stern, Dennis Gaboriault
  • Patent number: 10024744
    Abstract: A control panel for a vehicle includes a flexible trim element, a rigid supporting member, a piezoelectric sensor arranged between the trim element and the supporting member, and a flexible element arranged between the piezoelectric sensor and the rigid supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventor: Omar Ben Abdelaziz
  • Patent number: 10024745
    Abstract: A dynamometer for automobile steering wheel position adjusting device which comprising: a rack box, a fixing fixture, a supplemental fixing fixture, a first dynamometer mechanism, and a second dynamometer mechanism. The fixing fixture which comprising a base panel, four locking devices, two supporting device; the two dynamometer mechanism are both provided with a dynamometer. The fixing fixture and the first dynamometer mechanism are mounted on the base surface of the rack box, the first dynamometer mechanism is arranged in front of the fixing fixture, the supplemental fixing fixture is mounted on the right side wall of the rack box and the second dynamometer mechanism is mounted on the left side wall of the rack box. The two dynamometer mechanisms test the force required to turn adjustment handle or to pull or push the telescoping column with the neck of the steering wheel position adjusting device respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: XIONG HUA MACHINERY (SUZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Rong Luo
  • Patent number: 10024746
    Abstract: A method of determining fluid pressure inside a conduit. The method includes positioning a conduit in a surgical system. The conduit having an external surface, and the surgical system having a pair of sensors. The conduit is positioned in the surgical system such that the external surface of the conduit applies a force on the pair of sensors when the conduit expands. The method includes a step of generating one or more electrical signals with the pair of sensors. The one or more electrical signals corresponding to the force on the pair of sensors. The method includes a step of determining the fluid pressure inside the conduit by converting the one or more electrical signals into a fluid pressure value through a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: GYRUS ACMI, INC.
    Inventors: Saeed Merza, Joey Magno
  • Patent number: 10024747
    Abstract: A pressure port assembly and related components and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the pressure port assembly may comprise a pressure port body, including pressure port bodies composed of a continuous material. Pressure port bodies within the scope of this disclosure may be coupled to pressure sensing elements, including pressure transducers. Apertures or other flow paths may be provided across a pressure port body. Methods of integrally forming a pressure port body comprising a continuous material are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Russell, Jonathan Cheney, Scott Sidwell, Luca Salmaso, Jeff Chance, Greg Liddiard
  • Patent number: 10024748
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for aligning a workpiece in a mass-centering device, in which in an initial position an upper flange (1) and a lower flange (2) are arranged concentrically around an axis (3) of a balancing spindle of the mass-centering device, with the upper flange (1) comprising an interface (4) for clamping means to clamp the workpiece, and the lower flange (2) an interface (5) for fastening means to fasten the device to the balancing spindle. At least two spring elements (22, 23) reside between the upper and the lower flange (1, 2), such that in the initial position the upper flange (1) takes support axially and radially exclusively on the two spring elements (22, 23). In the initial position, the upper flange (1) is movable relative to the lower flange (2) into an eccentric position by a force acting in opposition to the spring elements (22, 23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Schenck RoTec GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Breitwieser
  • Patent number: 10024749
    Abstract: A leak rate testing system for pressured containers such as inhalers includes a test chamber holding the pressurized containers and accumulating compounds leaking from the containers. A sample cell receives the compounds from the chamber and a spectroscopy system obtains spectral responses of compounds in the sample cell so that a controller can determine leak rates over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: MAX Analytical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin L. Spartz
  • Patent number: 10024750
    Abstract: A method for a vehicle, comprising: following a refueling event, venting a capless refueling assembly to a fuel tank; and then executing an evaporative emissions leak test. In this way, residual fuel trapped in the capless refueling assembly may be removed. This, in turn will prevent a pressure build-up in the capless refueling assembly which could lead to the downstream door opening during a leak test, thereby confounding results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Aed M. Dudar, Rob Ognjanovski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10024751
    Abstract: Multiple chemical tracers are provided in a fluid system, and measured to evaluate parameters of the system. The multiple chemical tracers include at least one reactive chemical tracer that provides a measurable signal with an intensity that changes as the reactive chemical tracer reacts in the fluid system. The signals of the multiple chemical tracers are compared to each other to evaluate a system parameter, such as temperature, pH, or system events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: CHEMTREAT, INC
    Inventors: John Richardson, Kevin White, Patrick Wood, James Wilkins
  • Patent number: 10024752
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a result of a benchmark leak detection test for a pressure system and determining whether the result indicates that a leak is present in the pressure system. In response to the result of the benchmark leak detection test indicating that a leak is not present in the pressure system, the method includes performing a subsequent leak detection test for the pressure system, comparing a result of the subsequent leak detection test to the result of the benchmark leak detection test, and determining, based on the comparison, whether the subsequent leak detection test indicates that a leak is not present in the pressure system. A time to determine whether a leak is not present based on the comparison is less than a time to determine whether a leak is not present based on the benchmark leak detection test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: INNOVATIVE PRESSURE TESTING, LLC
    Inventor: Charles M. Franklin
  • Patent number: 10024753
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a sealing system having a leakage sensing function. A leakage sensing unit is arranged in a sealed space which is formed between sealing members of a sealing device body so as to sense, in real time, whether the sealing members are leaking, wherein a sensing value of the leakage sensing unit can be transmitted to the outside by using a communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Sealink Corp.
    Inventor: Hee Jang Rhee
  • Patent number: 10024754
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of monitoring the health of an abradable seal located on a piston of an actuator, the method comprising the steps of: (i) measuring an initial velocity of said actuator piston while said actuator is maintained in a passive condition at an initial time; (ii) operating said actuator; (iii) measuring a subsequent velocity of said actuator piston while said actuator is maintained in a passive condition at a subsequent time; (iv) repeating steps (ii)-(iii) and either: recording or outputting the measured subsequent velocities over time; or determining a health status of said actuator when said subsequent velocity has increased above a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS SAS
    Inventors: Arnauld Hervieux, Bastien Le Riguer
  • Patent number: 10024755
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining an integrity of a sample chamber. In certain embodiments, formation fluid is collected from a subterranean formation within a sample chamber disposed in a downhole tool, the downhole tool is withdrawn from a wellbore, an estimated surface pressure of the collected formation fluid is determined, the estimated surface pressure of the collected formation fluid is compared with an actual surface pressure of the sample chamber, and the integrity of the sample chamber is determined based on the comparison of the estimated surface pressure and the actual surface pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Vinay K. Mishra, Hadrien Dumont, Adriaan Gisolf, Christopher Babin, Cosan Ayan, Beatriz E. Barbosa
  • Patent number: 10024756
    Abstract: Structural health monitoring (“SHM”) methods, apparatus and techniques involve building deformation fields maps (amplitude and phase related to excitation) on the surface of the structural component under monitoring based on a network of strain measurements by fiber Bragg grating sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignees: Embraer S.A., PUC-RIO (Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro)
    Inventors: Paulo Anchieta Da Silva, Fernando Dotta, Laudier Jacques De Moraes Da Costa, Arhur Martins Barbosa Braga, Luiz Carlos Guedes Valente, Daniel Ramos Louzada, Leonardo Salvini, Paula Medeiros Proença De Gouvêa
  • Patent number: 10024757
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sampling data in bandwidth constrained data acquisition systems are provided. More specifically, the method may include selecting an anti-aliasing filter corner frequency equal to a first frequency, selecting an oversampling rate that is greater than a data sample transmission bandwidth, wherein the data sample transmission bandwidth is a data sample transmission rate from a data acquisition system to a receiving entity for data samples acquired from a sensor and having a selected sample resolution, acquiring data samples at the oversampling rate with the data acquisition system, and transmitting a fraction of the acquired data samples in accordance with the data sample transmission bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John Niehues
  • Patent number: 10024758
    Abstract: An abnormality detecting device and method for detecting a symptom of a failure of a spindle of a machine tool before the spindle malfunctions. The abnormality detecting device for detecting an abnormality or malfunction includes a spindle motor and a motor controller. The motor controller includes a time measuring part which measures a spindle stopping time from when a free-run of the spindle motor accelerated to a predetermined number of rotations is started to when the spindle motor is stopped, a storing part which stores the spindle stopping time measured by the time measuring part, and a comparing part which compares a plurality of data with respect to the spindle stopping time stored in the storing part, and judges as to whether or not an abnormality exists in the spindle or the spindle motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yohei Kamiya
  • Patent number: 10024759
    Abstract: The invention relates to a three-in-one testing machine for a coded luggage lock. The three-in-one testing machine includes a testing machine table and a control unit. At least two coded lock fixing clamps, a code wheel code-rubbing testing mechanism and a key pulling/insertion/rotation testing mechanism are installed on a working table top of the testing machine table. In the invention, by means of the structure, two testing mechanisms on one testing machine can complete testing on three functions including the rotation life of a code wheel, key insertion/pulling to detect the fatigue strength of a lock kernel and a lock row and key rotation to detect the rotation strength of the lock kernel and the fatigue resistance of a locating pit cooperating with the lock kernel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Dongguan Jingyu Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zheng Xu, Xiangshou Zeng, Maotian He
  • Patent number: 10024760
    Abstract: Methods for monitoring a components include locating a plurality of machined surface features on the component, locating at least one reference point, and measuring a plurality of first distances between the plurality of machined surface features and the at least one reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Parvangada Ganapathy Bojappa, Jason Lee Burnside, Gregory Lee Hovis, William Farris Ranson, Jacob Andrew Salm
  • Patent number: 10024761
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining location of at least a part of a first object, the apparatus comprising: a controller configured to: control an actuator to move an optical arrangement relative to the first object; control the optical arrangement to transmit an electromagnetic wave; receive a signal from the optical arrangement; and determine a location of an edge of the first object by determining whether a change in a parameter of the signal satisfies at least one criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Duncan Cornes, Harold Heyworth, Joseph Reynolds
  • Patent number: 10024762
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for controlling the dynamic performance of wheels on an agricultural vehicle. A sensor is mounted on the agricultural vehicle that generates a signal corresponding to the deflection of the tire as the wheel is traveling along a surface. A controller receives the signal corresponding to the deflection of the tire and generates a control signal to an air regulator to either supply additional air to or remove air from the tire. An additional sensor may provide a signal corresponding to a variable load carried by the agricultural vehicle. An accelerometer may also be mounted on the agricultural vehicle and provide to the controller a signal corresponding to acceleration perpendicular to the surface. The controller is further configured to generate control the air regulator as a function of the varying load on the agricultural vehicle and/or based on the signal from the accelerometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: John Posselius, Kevin M. Smith
  • Patent number: 10024763
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving the uniformity of a tire by determining one or more high speed uniformity parameters of the tire are provided. The high speed uniformity parameters can be determined by continuously acquiring uniformity data while ramping the tire to and from high speeds. For instance, measured uniformity data can be continuously collected for the tire as the tire is increased to high rotational speeds and decreased from high rotational speeds. The measured uniformity data can then be analyzed to determine one or more high speed uniformity parameters for the tire. For instance, the measured uniformity data can be corrected for non-high speed uniformity contributions to the uniformity measurements, such as contributions resulting from non-uniformity of a road wheel use to load the tire during uniformity testing, contributions resulting from mass unbalance of the tire, and contributions from low speed uniformity parameters of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Verner Steve Nicholson, James Michael Traylor
  • Patent number: 10024764
    Abstract: A tire holding member for a tire testing machine includes: a bottom rim, which is attached to a bottom spindle that is able to rotate around a central axis in the vertical direction; a top rim, which is disposed above the bottom spindle and which is attached to the bottom end of a top spindle that is able to rotate around the central axis with the bottom spindle; and a convex-sided member. One of the bottom rim or the top rim has a hole with the central axis at the center thereof. The other of the bottom rim or the top rim has an end surface facing the one rim. The bottom rim and the top rim are positioned by each other in a state in which the center of each coincides at the central axis due to the protruding section and the hole engaging with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiko Wakazono, Masanobu Kurumaji
  • Patent number: 10024765
    Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing tire tread data to assess tire tread parameters, such as irregular wear characteristics of a tire tread, are provided. More particularly, an automated and robust flattening process c be performed to transform tire tread data, such as a tread surface map, into flattened tire tread data. The flattened tire tread data can provide tread heights defined in a measurement direction that is normal to the surface of the tire tread, as opposed to parallel to a radial axis of the tire. The flattened tread data can be analyzed to assess one or more parameters of the tread of the tire. For instance, local height indicators for the flattened tread data can be determined using a local maximum as a reference. Because the local height indicators are relative heights determined from a local maximum, quantification of tread depth can be more easily obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventor: Xavier Neau
  • Patent number: 10024766
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to methods, systems, devices, and non-transitory media for increasing repeatability and reliability of tire testing trials including one or more of the following: capturing position data from a position sensor, wherein the capture of the position data is indicative of alignment with the desired testing area along the first axis; determining whether the position data indicates that the testing wheel is aligned with the desired testing area along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, and when the position data indicates that the testing wheel is aligned with the desired testing area along a second axis, effecting initiation of a testing event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Sergio A. Botello, Jacob R. Kidney, Juan C. Dehoyos, Gregory A. Rasor, David O. Stalnaker
  • Patent number: 10024767
    Abstract: A method for collecting a compound from a surface, the method comprising providing a silicone adhesive collector comprising a silicone adhesive layer on a backing; contacting the silicone adhesives collector and a first solvent to provide a wetted collector; contacting the silicone adhesive layer of the silicone adhesive collector and a surface to be analyzed to provide a loaded collector; and removing the loaded collector from the surface to collect the compound. The disclosure also relates to a system for collecting a chemical compound from surfaces, the system comprising a silicone adhesive collector comprising a backing, and a silicone adhesive layer disposed on the backing; a first solvent; and instructions to dispose the first solvent on the silicone adhesive collector, the surface, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: TIAX LLC
    Inventors: John F. Martin, John R. Powell, Daniel J. Ehntholt, Paul Michael Drennan, Michael Jakubowski, Madeline McComish