Patents Issued in April 28, 2020
  • Patent number: 10634548
    Abstract: A wireless, sterilizable scale comprising an upper module, on which an animal sits or explores, and a lower module that measures the weight of the animal. The lower module comprises a flexible membrane, through which the weight of the upper module and the animal is mechanically coupled. The flexible membrane is affixed at its perimeter to the perimeter of the lower module. The lower module is sealed by the membrane and comprises a load cell, batteries and electronics. The upper module removes easily from the lower module leaving the lower module intact and sealed for chemical sterilization. Electronics in the upper module connects to electronics in the lower module via an electrical connector that also penetrates the flexible membrane. IR communications from the upper modules transmits a series of weight values at two different data rates. The scale may be in a sterile cage free of electrical penetrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Vium, Inc
    Inventors: Jonathan Betts-Lacroix, Alexander Izvorksi, Kevin Harada
  • Patent number: 10634549
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a load frame, a support frame, and a plurality of load cells supporting the load frame on the support frame such that a load supported by the load frame is supported by the load cells, each load cell configured to produce a signal indicative of a load weight bearing upon that load cell. The load cells are calibrated after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac J. Charles, Unnati Ojha, Michael Provinzano
  • Patent number: 10634550
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for identifying characteristics of an antenna through detection of vibrational movement of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Scott L. Michaelis, Sammit A. Patel
  • Patent number: 10634551
    Abstract: Reflectometric vibration measurement system to monitor multiphase flows in production wells or pipelines using multimode fibers comprising: —a sensing multimode optical fiber; —an optical source with at least one fiber output port, which generates optical pulses which are to be sent to the sensing fiber; —an optical receiver with at least one multimode fiber input port; —an optical device with at least 3 multimode fiber ports, in which one port is connected to the optical source, one port to the optical receiver, and one port to the sensing multimode fiber; —a system for processing the output signals from the optical receiver, further comprising more than one spatial mode filter. A process for reconfiguring an optical reflectometry system which has already been installed in a monitoring structure is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Eni S.P.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Galtarossa, Luca Palmieri, Massimo Zampato
  • Patent number: 10634552
    Abstract: A vibration sensing optical fiber sensor is structured to include a probe light supplying section, an optical fiber, a polarimeter for reflected light, and a computing unit. The probe light supplying section generates, as probe light, light pulses that are switched alternately and periodically to orthogonal polarization directions. The probe light is inputted to the optical fiber. The polarimeter for reflected light measures a state of polarization of reflected light that is the probe light that has been reflected by the optical fiber. The computing unit carries out specifying of a position of vibrations by using the differential angular velocity from the state of polarization measured by the polarimeter for reflected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Kanda
  • Patent number: 10634553
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes separating, from a few mode optical fiber, a collection of backscattered Rayleigh signals based on a vibration of the few mode optical fiber at a vibration frequency at a first location along the few mode optical fiber, separating, from the few mode optical fiber, a collection of backscattered Stokes Raman signals and Anti-Stokes Raman signals based on a temperature of the few mode optical fiber at a second location along the few mode optical fiber, detecting the separated Rayleigh signals and Raman signals, determining, based on detecting the collection of backscattered Rayleigh traces, at least one of the first location, the vibration frequency, and an amplitude of the vibration, and determining, based on the detecting the collection of backscattered Raman signals, the temperature at the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Frode Hveding, Islam Ashry, Mao Yuan, Mohd Sharizal Bin Alias, Boon Siew Ooi, Muhammad Arsalan
  • Patent number: 10634554
    Abstract: A vibration data collection system performs an integration or differentiation process on incoming digitized vibration data in real time. The system uses a digital Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filter running at the input data rate to provide the integration or differentiation function. With this approach, the system reduces hardware complexity and data storage requirements. Also, the system provides the ability to directly integrate or differentiate stored time waveforms without resorting to FFT processing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Computational Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 10634555
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for protecting a UV-transmissive window. The system includes a first light source for emitting UV energy. The system also includes a UV transmissive window having a planar dimension and a thickness direction perpendicular to the planar dimension, the window positioned so that UV energy from the UV light source passes through the thickness dimension of the window. The system further includes a second light source for introducing a beam of light transverse to the thickness dimension of the window, a detector for detecting light received from the second light source after the light passes through the thickness dimension, and a control system responsive to changes in the detected light received from the second light source and configured to transmit an alert when a change in the detected light exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Xenon Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen R. Wilk, Saad Ahmed
  • Patent number: 10634556
    Abstract: A photo-detection device includes an APD, a current detecting unit to which a signal via a first terminal of the APD is input, a load element connected to a node between the APD and the current detecting unit, a quench signal generating unit to which a signal from the current detecting unit is input and which outputs a quench signal, and a switch connected to a second terminal of the APD and a first wiring line to which first potential is supplied. The node is connected via the load element to a second wiring line to which second potential different from the first potential is supplied, and the quench signal generating unit generates a one-shot pulse signal as the quench signal based on the signal from the current detecting unit and causes the quench signal to be input to the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yusuke Fukuchi
  • Patent number: 10634557
    Abstract: A meta-lens having a phase profile includes a substrate and a plurality of nanostructures disposed on the substrate. The nanostructures together define the phase profile of the meta-lens. The phase profile achieves an off-axis focus. Each nanostructure is designed according to at least one design parameter of the nanostructure that imparts a phase shift of light passing through the nanostructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Mohammadreza Khorasaninejad, Federico Capasso, Wei Ting Chen, Jaewon Oh
  • Patent number: 10634558
    Abstract: An air quality monitoring system that enables a wide scale deployment of instruments with enough accuracy for meaningful and actionable data is provided. In one aspect, an advanced technique is used to calibrate limited-capability gaseous chemical sensors to obtain accurate measurements by cross-calibrating those sensors with reference sensors to correct sensitivities to parameters that cause errors to measurements of targeted gases. In another aspect, air quality measurements are used to identify sources of chemicals in a localized level by accounting for local conditions using data such as ambient condition data and user-provided data about the local environment. In yet another aspect, a gaseous chemical sensor with an improved encasement having a cell for reflecting and lengthening light path is provided to reduce the limitations and enhance the accuracy of a conventional spectrophotometric gaseous chemical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventors: Anna Ailene Scott, Yan Azdoud, Christopher Daniel Kelley
  • Patent number: 10634559
    Abstract: A spectrally-scanned hyperspectral EO sensor trades the temporal properties of spectral information content for instantaneous situation awareness by capturing an image frame and scanning the spectral scene (wavelength) to build up spectral content. The objective optical system, preferably including a chromatic aberration enhancing device, separates spectral components of the incident radiation. A focus cell is used to adjust a relative axial focus position of the objective optical system with respect to a detector to at least two different axial focus positions to adjust the image position and read out an image frame for a spectrally-weighted component. A processor computes a relative spatial image contrast from a plurality of image frames at different wavelengths as a function of encoded focus cell position. A mechanism may be configured to move the enhancing device in and out of the optical path to form a dual gray-scale and hyperspectral EO sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Casey T. Streuber
  • Patent number: 10634560
    Abstract: A system is described that combines spectropolarimetry with scatterometry. The system uses an annular mirror and liquid crystal devices to control the angle of the incident light cone, the polarization and wavelength, an imaging setup and one or more video cameras so that spectroscopic-polarimetric-scatterometric images can be grabbed rapidly. The system is also designed to incorporate additional imaging modes such as interference, phase contrast, fluorescence and Raman spectropolarimetric imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Ibrahim Abdulhalim
  • Patent number: 10634561
    Abstract: An infrared sensor is formed in such a manner that an infrared receiver and a base substrate are spaced with a beam made of a thin-film phononic crystal in which through holes are arranged periodically. The beam made of a phononic crystal is formed in such a manner that a period P of through holes increases at arbitrary intervals in a direction from the infrared receiver toward the base substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kouhei Takahashi, Takashi Kawasaki, Yasuyuki Naito, Morio Tomiyama
  • Patent number: 10634562
    Abstract: According to a first aspect, there is provided a method of holographic wavefront sensing, the method including: receiving a light beam, which has a wavefront to be analyzed, on a transparent, flat substrate, which is provided with a lattice of opaque dots, wherein the substrate is arranged above an image sensor; detecting by the image sensor an interference pattern formed by diffracted light, being scattered by the opaque dots, and undiffracted light of the light beam received by the image sensor; processing the detected interference pattern to digitally reconstruct a representation of a displaced lattice of opaque dots, which would form the interference pattern on the image sensor upon receiving the light with a known wavefront; and comparing the representation of the displaced lattice to a known representation of the lattice of opaque dots on the substrate to determine a representation of the wavefront form of the received light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: IMEC VZW
    Inventors: Abdulkadir Yurt, Ziduo Lin, Richard Stahl, Geert Vanmeerbeeck
  • Patent number: 10634563
    Abstract: A count processor counts a zero crossing detection count C. A fraction processor for calculating a fraction Fj (j=1 to L) of the zero crossing detection count on the basis of the digital signal at sampling timings immediately before a zero crossing specifying and when the zero crossing specifying, and computing a fraction processing parameter Gj=Nj?Fj using a zero crossing detection number Nj(0?Nj?N?1) in a period corresponding to a sampling count N necessary for averaging determined in advance. The averaging is performed according to the following formula, where C is the output of the count processor at the end of an averaging period and Gj (j=1 to L) is L fraction processing parameters (L indicates the number of Gj included between the averaging counts N) computed by the fraction processor, and the phase of the digital signal is computed, whereby the phase is calculated on the basis of an input signal digital value obtained by an AD converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Wataru Kokuyama
  • Patent number: 10634564
    Abstract: A temperature sensing assembly includes first and second temperature sensors disposed within an elongate mineral insulated conductive sheath. A junction point of the first temperature sensor is electrically connected to the conductive sheath. The second temperature sensor is electrically isolated from the conductive sheath. Measurements obtained from the electrically isolated temperature sensor can be used to test insulation resistance of the assembly or temperature indications from the electrically isolated temperature sensor can be compared to measurements taken from the electrically connected junction point to take a variety of corrective actions during use of the temperature sensing assembly, such as adjusting the installation of the assembly or applying correction factors to measurements obtained from one of the temperature sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Daily Thermetrics Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond B. Litteaur, Jeffrey N. Daily
  • Patent number: 10634565
    Abstract: A temperature sensing apparatus and a temperature sensing method thereof are provided. A current source circuit provides a test current to a temperature sensing load, and the temperature sensing load generates a test voltage in response to the test current. A processing circuit determines a type of the temperature sensing load according to the test voltage, and determines a temperature according to the type of the temperature sensing load and a temperature sensing voltage generated by the temperature sensing load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Nuvoton Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shih-Feng Huang, Jia-Yan Su
  • Patent number: 10634566
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a temperature sensing device that includes a base structure that is positioned in proximity to a cavity of an organic substrate, an input transducer coupled to the base structure, and an output transducer coupled to the base structure. The input transducer includes a first piezoelectric material to generate vibrations which are transmitted on the base structure in response to input signals being applied to the input transducer. The output transducer includes a second piezoelectric material to receive the vibrations and to generate output signals which are used to determine a change in ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Feras Eid, Sasha N. Oster, Georgios C. Dogiamis, Thomas L. Sounart, Adel A. Elsherbini, Shawna M. Liff, Johanna M. Swan
  • Patent number: 10634567
    Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates a calibration method and circuit for a pressure sensing device. The calibration method, via at least one passive component (e.g., the default capacitor) installed in the pressure sensing device, obtains a calibration gain factor of at least one converter also installed in the pressure sensing device, and when the pressure sensing device is in a regular operating mode, the calibration gain factor can be used to calibrate the output of the converter, so that a sensing signal inputted into the pressure sensing device can be correctly converted to a relevant pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INC.
    Inventor: Sung-Han Wu
  • Patent number: 10634568
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a torque sensor includes: placing a first slip ring and a second slip ring inside a sensor case, the slip rings being distant from each other and each carrying respectively a first measuring terminal and a second measuring terminal which delimit an air gap therebetween; producing a sensor beam and a sensor beam subassembly, the sensor beam subassembly comprising a Hall effect cell configured to be placed in the air gap and measure the magnetic flux therein, and an electrical connection interface; and introducing the sensor beam into an access orifice which passes through a wall of the sensor case to open on the air gap, so as to place the Hall effect cell in the air gap, then fastening the sensor beam on the sensor case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: JTEKT EUROPE
    Inventor: Laurent Rey
  • Patent number: 10634569
    Abstract: A pressure measurement device comprising a pressure sensor of a first type and a pressure sensor of a second type different from the first, which sensors are mounted on a common support in order to be subjected to the same pressure, in which the pressure sensor of the first type is of the capacitive type, the device being characterized in that the pressure sensor of the first type comprises at least one membrane and a first internal channel passing through the common support, a second internal channel bringing a fluid to the membrane being in fluid flow connection with the first internal channel. A calibration method associated with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE
    Inventors: Eric Bailly, Jean-Christophe Riou
  • Patent number: 10634570
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a switched, multiple range sensor system including multiple transducers. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving and measuring at a first transducer and a second transducer, a pressure to generate a respective first and second pressure signal; amplifying the first and second pressure signals with corresponding first and second fixed-gain amplifier to generate first and second amplified pressure signals; selecting for monitoring, the first or second amplified pressure signal; converting the selected amplified pressure signal to an intermediate digital pressure signal; measuring, at a thermal sensor associated with the selected amplified pressure signal, a temperature; compensating, based on the measured temperature, the intermediate digital pressure signal to generate a compensated digital pressure output signal; and outputting the compensated digital pressure output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph VanDeWeert, Haig Norian
  • Patent number: 10634571
    Abstract: A pressure-equalization element for equalization of pressure differences between at least two spatial areas assigned to a field device used in automation technology, comprising a main body, consisting of a securing element having an axial bore, that is used for securing the pressure-equalization element in a wall of the field device, and a disc-shaped carrier component having a lateral end surface. The disc-shaped carrier component is provided with a specified number (n, where n>2) of substantially radially-running recesses corresponding to the axial bore, wherein the radially-running recesses are offset from one another by a defined angular offset, and wherein the radially-running recesses are provided with a gas-permeable, liquid-barrier membrane in the region of the lateral end surface of the disc-shaped carrier components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: ENDRESS+HAUSER SE+CO.KG
    Inventor: Ioan-Mircea Pol
  • Patent number: 10634572
    Abstract: A calibration method for a bonder. Characteristics of a force actuator of the bonder are measured and stored in such a way that the force actuator can be controlled optimally during production operation of the bonder on the basis of the measured data. Further, a device for fully automatic or partially automatic bonding force calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Hesse GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Walther, Hans-Juergen Hesse, Andreas Jochheim
  • Patent number: 10634573
    Abstract: A system and method are provided related to replacing components of a fully assembled torque sensor system having been previously calibrated, whereby the new system with its new components, which may be installed in a larger system, can be recalibrated at the location where the component replacement or servicing occurs. Individual components are provided with individual characteristics information, either on or associated with the shipped component, so the end user may retrieve the information and enter it in the software, such as that associated with a control unit, which is used with the fully assembled torque sensor. A database storing information about each manufactured component and their respective characteristics information, and fully assembled systems and their collective characteristics information, may be maintained and accessible by end users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: METHODE ELECTRONIC, INC.
    Inventor: Johannes Gießibl
  • Patent number: 10634574
    Abstract: A balance inspection device includes a bearing housing in which a bearing supporting a rotary shaft is provided, a jig that is disposed on one side of the bearing housing in a direction of a rotation axis and houses an impeller in an impeller housing space formed therein, a spray nozzle that is provided on the jig and includes a tip opened to the impeller housing space, and a gas supply unit that supplies gas to the spray nozzle. The spray nozzle is adapted to spray the gas from the tip while the gas supplied from the gas supply unit has a circumferential component opposite to a rotational direction of the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Kenkichi Murata, Seiji Yoshimura, Tsuyoshi Sato, Yuki Kurotaki
  • Patent number: 10634575
    Abstract: A gas detecting apparatus and method for detecting gas leaks are disclosed. The gas detecting apparatus includes an infrared (IR) detector configured to monitor a presence of one or more gases in a field-of-interest (FOI), wherein the IR detector generates IR light distribution information within the FOI; a controller configured to analyze the IR light distribution information to identify one or more locations of one or more gases in the FOI; and a visible light projector configured to project a visible image in the FOI based on the analysis by the controller, wherein the visible image depicts the one or more locations of the one or more gases in the FOI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Laboratory U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: John Armando Miranda
  • Patent number: 10634576
    Abstract: A system for detecting a leak or spill and mitigating losses resulting therefrom comprises a floor covering and a software application. The floor covering includes a sensor assembly, a processing element, and a transmitter. The sensor assembly generates information when exposed to liquid. The processing element determines a location of the liquid based upon the information from the sensor assembly. The transmitter transmits data regarding the liquid. The software application executes on an electronic device and is operable to receive data from the floor covering regarding the liquid; display a message that liquid has been detected on the floor covering; calculate an area of the liquid; determine whether a leak is still occurring and if so, shut an electronically controllable valve; transmit data regarding the liquid to an insurance provider; and/or receive insurance-related information from the insurance provider, such as information related to a proposed insurance claim or estimated damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Sean Schick, Steven J. Harris
  • Patent number: 10634577
    Abstract: A leak detection module for checking the seal-tightness of an object to be tested by tracer gas is provided, including a leak detector and a probe configured to be manipulated by a user; and a vision device including a processing and display unit configured to communicate with the leak detector, a securing means configured to secure the vision device on a head of the user, and a viewing surface fixed to the securing means and configured to be placed in a field of view of the user, the processing and display unit being further configured to display, on the viewing surface, information relating to detection of leaks including at least one signal representative of a concentration of tracer gas measured by the leak detector. A method for checking the seal-tightness of an object to be tested by tracer gas is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: PFEIFFER VACUUM
    Inventors: Smail Hadj-Rabah, Ghislain Jacquot, Mathieu Schreiner, Laurent Ducimetiere, Cyrille Nomine, Pascal Jourdan
  • Patent number: 10634578
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting leakage of a pipe by using a distance difference-frequency analysis includes: vibration detecting sensors, which are mounted at a predetermined distance in a longitudinal direction of a pipe and are configured to measure vibration signals of the pipe; and a control unit, which is configured to calculate a cross-correlation function by using the vibration signals, to reveal time delay information in the frequency domain by calculating time-delay frequency analysis diagram for the cross-correlation function, to calculate a distance difference-frequency analysis diagram by applying compensation conversion using frequency-dependent propagation speed information to the time-delay frequency analysis diagram, and to detect a leakage component of the pipe in the distance difference-frequency analysis diagram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: KOREA ATOMIC ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Doo-Byung Yoon, Jin-Ho Park, Jeong Han Lee
  • Patent number: 10634579
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting moisture that includes at least three conductors. One of the conductors has a different resistance than the other conductors. A liquid extends between the conductors. The difference between the impedance through a pair of conductors and the liquid and the impedance of through another pair of conductors and the liquid may be used to determine the position of the liquid along a length of the conductors. Similar methods may be used to determine an area of a liquid with respect to the conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Woodbury, Roc Lastinger
  • Patent number: 10634580
    Abstract: System identification from free response time decay history data of a dynamic system employs a new closed form shape fit for solving the dynamic system free response decay equation. The closed form shape fit allows for the treatment of the mode shapes as linear coefficients and allows the mode shapes for each sensor to be computed independently, thereby reducing computation time. The closed form shape fit efficiently provides mode shapes for a large set of sensors based on a fit from a small set of sensors. The closed form shape fit combined with a non-linear fit of frequency and damping characteristics efficiently estimates the optimal solution, thereby reducing the time to completion of non-linear optimization. A nonlinear optimization can incorporate the closed form shape fit into determining the Jacobian matrix of sensitivities and evaluating the residuals, thereby reducing the number of parameters and reducing the time to completion of the non-linear optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Charles E. Goodman
  • Patent number: 10634581
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided methods, systems, and apparatuses for predicting whether a point on a computer-generated aircraft or vehicle surface is adjacent to laminar or turbulent flow is made using a transition prediction technique. A plurality of boundary-layer properties at the point are obtained from a steady-state solution of a fluid flow in a region adjacent to the point. Included in the list of boundary-layer properties are computed coefficients or weights of mode shapes that describe the boundary-layer profiles. A plurality of instability modes are obtained, each defined by one or more mode parameters. A vector of regressor weights is obtained for the known instability growth rates in a training dataset. For each instability mode in the plurality of instability modes, a covariance vector is determined, which is the covariance of a predicted local growth rate with the known instability growth rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: AERION INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dev Rajnarayan, Peter Sturdza
  • Patent number: 10634582
    Abstract: A lens characteristic evaluation device includes: a scanning optical system configured to scan a surface of a test lens with a linear luminous flux; a Hartmann plate provided on a side opposite to the scanning optical system with respect to the test lens and having a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged pinholes, the Hartmann plate being configured to transmit the linear luminous flux which has passed through the test lens and radiated on the pinholes by the scanning performed by the scanning optical system; a screen on which the linear luminous flux having passed through the Hartmann plate is projected; and a photographing optical system provided on a side opposite to the Hartmann plate with respect to the screen and configured to photograph the screen while the scanning with the linear luminous flux is being performed by the scanning optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: TOPCON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Makoto Saika
  • Patent number: 10634583
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a condition of a mechanical system having an oil lubricated component. The method includes: (a) identifying a start of a load cycle, (b) measuring a load of the oil lubricated component, (c) measuring a temperature of a lubricating oil for the oil lubricated component, (d) calculating a first system performance parameter value for a load cycle, (e) repeating steps (a) to (d) for a plurality of load cycles, and (f) comparing a plurality of first system performance parameter values calculated to identify a change in the first system performance parameter values over the plurality of load cycles. The first system performance parameter value for the load cycle is selected from a friction coefficient for the oil lubricated component, a temperature increase coefficient for the lubricating oil for the oil lubricated component, and a temperature rise rate coefficient for the lubricating oil for the oil lubricated component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: MHWIRTH AS
    Inventors: Tor Inge Waag, Eivind Mogensen
  • Patent number: 10634584
    Abstract: A microscopic collection device, method for collecting a microscopic sample from a target surface, and the work stand for holding the microscopic collection device are provided. The microscopic collection device includes a holding element comprising a handle at one end and a collection platform connected to the holding element at a second end. The collection platform includes a collection surface on which the microscopic sample is deposited when the microscopic collection device comes into contact with the target surface. A tape is inserted through a slit and wrapped around the collection platform. The work stand includes a slit capable of holding the microscopic collection device such that the collection platform is perpendicular to the top surface of the work stand. A microscopic sample, collected using the microscopic collection device, is not only collected from the target surface but is also concentrated onto the collection face of the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: ROKU, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Heath Farris, Kevin Robert Gemp, David Masters
  • Patent number: 10634585
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for analyzing a liquid sample, including an analysis device comprising a casing including a through-opening leading into a housing adapted to receive a portion of a collecting device and extending longitudinally from the opening along an axis of insertion of the collecting device. The analysis system further includes a collecting device comprising a main body extending along a longitudinal axis and including a fluid chamber adapted to be inserted in the housing along the insertion axis and a receiving surface intended to receive the liquid sample extending substantially orthogonally relative to the axis of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: AVALUN
    Inventors: Patrick Pouteau, Vincent Poher, Paul Laurens
  • Patent number: 10634586
    Abstract: A fluid-tightly sealable sampling device for analysis of one or more substances in a fluid flow intended to pass through the sampling device is disclosed, wherein it comprises an adsorption device (1) which is hollow and is adapted to be provided with one or more reagents for adsorption of and reaction with said one or more substances in the fluid flow, a filter holder (2), which is hollow and is connected in a fluid-tight way with the adsorption device (1), a filter device (4) adapted to be provided with one or more reagents for adsorption of and reaction with said one or more substances in the fluid flow, a gasket (5) provided with at least one projection (6) engaged with at least one corresponding receiving slot in the filter holder (2), a first external cap (9) detachably connected with the inlet end of the sampling device in a fluid-tight way and a second external cap (13) detachably connected with the outlet end of the sampling device in a fluid-tight way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: PROVTAGAREN AB
    Inventors: Gunnar Skarping, Marianne Dalene
  • Patent number: 10634587
    Abstract: A system for isolating preselected cell types from a fluid sample that includes a plurality of cell types includes a cell-capture fluidic chip, and a chip holder configured to receive the cell-capture fluidic chip and to maintain the cell-capture fluidic chip with a substantially fluid-tight seal while in operation. The chip holder is further configured to release the cell-capture fluidic chip to be removed from the chip holder for further processing. The cell-capture fluidic chip includes a substrate, a laser micro-dissection membrane disposed on the substrate, and a channel-defining layer disposed on the laser micro-dissection membrane. The laser micro-dissection membrane has a surface adapted to capture preselected cell types preferentially over other cell types of the plurality of cell types. The channel-defining layer is removable from the laser micro-dissection membrane for further processing of the cell-capture fluidic chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Hsian-Rong Tseng, Mitch A. Garcia, Min Song, Libo Zhao, Shuang Hou, Tom Lee
  • Patent number: 10634588
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reagent for the disruption of cell material, containing an internal standard that is completely integrated into the reagent for control and evaluation of the completeness of disruption of the cell material and subsequent steps, comprising a step selected from sample preparation, extraction, enrichment, isolation, purification, reverse transcription, amplification and detection of the cell components obtained from the disrupted cells, or a combination of a plurality or all of these steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: QIAGEN GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Heckel, Katharina Beller
  • Patent number: 10634589
    Abstract: Methods of inactivation of a virus in a sample comprising a protein component are provided. Also provided are methods of reducing protein degradation or modification in to the presence of a reactive species, such as a reactive species generated as a result of UV exposure, are also provided. In another aspect, a method of reducing oxidation of methionine residues, tryptophan residues or both methionine and tryptophan residues in a protein subjected to UV light is provided. The disclosed methods can be performed at any scale and can be automated as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: AMGEN INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Edward Shultz, Roger Hart, Brent Welborn
  • Patent number: 10634590
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for Immunohistochemistry, including a slide holder assembly fixture, a slide holder, a slide holder frame, and a slide holder frame assembly adapted to be placed in communication with a driving force to draw fluid through the slide holder. The slide holder may include an injection port that allows consistent fluid delivery and recovery, while minimizing the introduction of air bubbles. The slide holder may include a reservoir that allows for filling, soaking, rinsing, flushing, uniform antibody coverage of the tissue and reduces handling time, space, and errors, and one or more sample chambers. The slide orientation in the slide holder allows for visualization of label information and tissue to confirm adequate antibody coverage. A multi-port frame allows multiple assays to be carried out concurrently, and is removable from a vacuum manifold and allows for easy transport from the vacuum manifold to an incubator/refrigerator and back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Scott, Paul Sydlowski, John Doyle, Ryan Amara, Libby Kellard, Sara Gutierrez, Marc Emerick
  • Patent number: 10634591
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a medical-sample filtration device includes: a container including at least one wall forming an internal surface, a first aperture adjacent to a first end of the wall, and a second aperture adjacent to a second end of the wall; a movable insert positioned within the container and including an external surface of a size and shape to reversibly mate with the internal surface of the container; a positioning unit affixed to the internal surface close to the second aperture; a filter unit affixed to the second aperture; a sample conduit affixed to the filter unit; a valve unit attached to the sample conduit; and a connector operable to close the valve when the movable insert is in a predefined position relative to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Tokitae LLC
    Inventors: John Thomas Connelly, Stephen Paul Harston, Bernhard Hans Weigl, Ozgur Emek Yildirim
  • Patent number: 10634592
    Abstract: A method for extracting an analyte in a sample is described. A sample and a solution in a microwave-extraction vial are microwave-heated and agitated. A vapor produced in the vial can be extracted into a liquid-phase medium contained in a porous membrane bag situated in the vial. The liquid-phase medium containing the vapor extract may then be analyzed for an analyte with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: Chanbasha Basheer, Abdulnaser Khaled Alsharaa
  • Patent number: 10634593
    Abstract: A method for testing for hydrogen embrittlement, including mounting a container around a steel alloy test specimen, the container having a closed bottom below a notched area on the test specimen and an open upper end above the notched area; applying a tensile load to the test specimen and sustaining the load for a selected duration to incubate potential hydrogen embrittlement cracks with a sub-critical flaw size if sufficient hydrogen in dangerous levels is present in the test specimen; then, while sustaining the load, dispensing a cryogenic fluid into the container, immersing and chilling the notched area, reducing the sub-critical flaw size for any hydrogen embrittlement cracks incubated; and with the sustained load, fracturing the notched area if the sub-critical flaw size of any hydrogen embrittlement cracks incubated reaches a critical flaw size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: GOFF OMEGA HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: W Craig Willan
  • Patent number: 10634594
    Abstract: A membrane test for mechanical testing of wearable devices is described. A mechanical testing system includes an actuation mechanism including a clamp to hold a membrane including stretchable electronics over an opening in the actuation mechanism, wherein the actuation mechanism is to apply pressure to the membrane through the opening; and a testing logic to control the application and release of pressure on the membrane by the actuation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Ravindranth V. Mahajan, Rajendra C. Dias, Pramod Malatkar, Steven A. Klein, Vijay Subramania, Aleksandar Aleksov, Robert L. Sankman
  • Patent number: 10634595
    Abstract: A method of measuring fracture strength of a superabsorbent polymer in order to predict a generation amount of fine powder is provided. Effects of many different treatments for increasing strength of the superabsorbent polymer may be evaluated by measuring a force at a time point when single particles having a uniform particle size of the superabsorbent polymer are fractured by pressurizing the particles at a constant rate within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daewoong Lee, Sung Hyun Park, Myung Han Lee
  • Patent number: 10634596
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a visualized supercritical carbon dioxide fracturing physical simulation test method, comprising: preparing a rock sample, preparing a prefabricated fracture; curing the rock sample; fixing the cured rock sample in a confining pressure chamber, and applying a preset three-way confining pressure and pore pressure to the rock sample; turning on a high-speed camera, injecting supercritical carbon dioxide fracturing fluid to the central hole, and continuously recording a fluid injection pressure and test surface image information of the rock sample until the test is ended; observing a hydraulic fracture inside. Through this method, it is possible to obtain images in the whole process of initiation and extension of the artificial fracture during supercritical carbon dioxide fracturing, and distribution rules of parameters, such as stress, strain and pore pressure on the surfaces of the rock sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: China University of Petroleum-Beijing
    Inventors: Guangqing Zhang, Xuelin Zheng, Yuanyuan Wang, Cankun Lin
  • Patent number: 10634597
    Abstract: This present application relates generally to a testing device for selecting a surfactant during oilfield subterranean operation technologies. More specifically, the application relates to providing a testing device for selecting a surfactant depending on the interaction of the surfactant with a combination of variables, including the formation hydrocarbon, source water and formation mineralogy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Anthony Klasner, Kurt William Hoeman, Denise Nicole Benoit