With Light Detector (e.g., Photocell) Patents (Class 356/28)
  • Patent number: 8508723
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring wind velocities are provided. A laser wind velocimeter with a radiation source includes a fiber laser. All optical signals, transmitted and received, are conveyed by optical fibers. An amplifier amplifies a source laser, which is then transmitted to one or more transceivers. The one or more transceivers, each projecting along a different axis, and each with a single optical fiber input/output interface act as both the transmission device to focus the radiation at a target region, and as the receiving system for collecting reflected radiation. The one or more transceivers transmit radiation to the target region. A portion of the reflected radiation collected by the receiving system is analyzed to determine the Doppler shift, which can me used to measure wind velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Optical Air Data Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Chia-Chen Chang, Priyavadan Mamidipudi, Lance LeClair, Peter Gatchell, Daniel Dakin, Elizabeth A. Dakin
  • Publication number: 20130190971
    Abstract: An exemplary multifunction light transceiver device includes a plurality of light sources. At least one luminescent member is configured to emit visible light responsive to radiation incident on the luminescent member. A controller selectively controls the light sources to achieve multiple functions. The controller controls at least one of the light sources to irradiate the luminescent member to illuminate an area near the device. The controller controls at least one of the light sources to communicate information from the device. The controller also controls at least one of the light sources to emit light toward an object. A detector associated with the controller detects any portion of light that is reflected toward the detector. The controller uses any detected light for making a determination regarding an object from which the detected light reflected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Noel Wayne Anderson
  • Publication number: 20130162974
    Abstract: Systems and methods for laser based measurement of air parameters for use, e.g., on aircraft are disclosed. An example system includes a coherent source of radiation, a modulator, a transceiver, an optical mixer, and a measuring system. The coherent source produces a coherent radiation beam, and the modulator is configured to modulate the coherent radiation beam. The transceiver is configured to transmit the modulated radiation beam to, and receive a scattered radiation signal from a target region. The optical mixer is configured to determine a difference between the scattered radiation signal and the reference radiation beam. The measuring system is configured to determine at least one of velocity, air density, pressure, temperature, barometric altitude, angle of attack, angle of side slip, icing and turbulence based on the difference between the scattered radiation signal and the reference radiation beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Optical Air Data Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Dakin, Priyavadan Mamidipudi, Philip L. Rogers, Daniel C. Dakin
  • Publication number: 20130162975
    Abstract: A fan rotation speed detection system includes a sampling and modulating unit, a lighting unit, a light sensing unit, a demodulating unit, and a control chip. The sampling and modulating unit generates a sampling frequency signal. The sampling frequency signal is a square wave signal. The lighting unit emits light on fan blades of a fan when the square wave signal is at a high level. The light sensing unit senses light reflected from the fan blades and generate a detection signal. The demodulating unit demodulates the detection signal to generate a demodulated signal when the square wave signal is at a high level. The control chip accounts a rotation speed of the fan according to the demodulated signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (WUHAN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: ZHI-YONG GAO, HAI-YI JI, YU-LIN LIU
  • Publication number: 20130166113
    Abstract: A method of using LIDAR on an airborne vehicle is described. A beam of radiation is transmitted to target areas at least one of above, below, and in front of the airborne vehicle, the target areas including particles or objects. Scattered radiation is received from the target areas. Respective characteristics of the scattered radiation are determined. Air turbulence factor or characteristics are determined from the respective characteristics. The airborne vehicle is controlled based on the air turbulence factor, such that turbulence experienced by the airborne vehicle is minimized. Alternatively, the airborne vehicle is controlled based on the characteristics to avoid colliding with the one or more objects. In another example, the airborne vehicle is controlled based on the characteristics to reduce headwind or increase tailwind, and substantially reduce a carbon footprint of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Optical Air Data Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Dakin, Priyavadan Mamidipudi, Philip L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8472011
    Abstract: A motion rate sensor for detecting the rate of movement of an article, comprising: a housing relative to which, in use, the article moves, a detection unit disposed within the housing, the detection unit including a conversion device adapted for generating detector signals caused by the motion of the article, and processing circuitry adapted for receiving said detector signals and outputting motion signals indicative of the rate of movement of the article. In embodiments, the detector signals are caused by variations in optical or light energy, in magnetic fields or radiation intensity. The variations may be caused by variations on the surface in the article, for example a random or repetitive pattern. An apparatus and method for calibrating the sensor are also disclosed, as are a system and method for determining the speed of motion of an article using the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nigel J. Cronin, Adam Guy
  • Patent number: 8467037
    Abstract: A method and device for optimizing the orientation of a laser anemometer on an aircraft. The device can determine an optimal orientation of a sighting axis of the anemometer and deduce therefrom the orientations of the other sighting axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Damien Perrie, Guillaume Preaux
  • Publication number: 20130141711
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the synchronicity of a rotary platen (22) in a vacuum deposition chamber (24). A light source (64) projects a highly collimated light beam (66) onto the rotating platen (22), thereby tracing a circular swept path (67). The swept path (67) passes alternately through samples (20) on the platen (22) and intervening webs (58, 60). The samples (20) are significantly more reflective than the webs (58, 60). The platen (22) includes an asymmetry feature (60) along the swept path (67). A detector (62) measures light signals reflected from the platen (22) along the swept path (67), and generates a unique signal upon encountering the asymmetry feature (60). A microcontroller generates a trigger pulse synchronized to the unique signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: K-SPACE ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: K-SPACE ASSOCIATES, INC.
  • Patent number: 8451434
    Abstract: A zeta potential measurement system comprising: a cell having a cell wall and bottom for holding suspended particles; an optical measurement probe having a probe tip comprising a transparent and conducting thin film coating which prevents ionic current from accumulating charge on the probe tip, and wherein the optical measurement probe is inserted through the cell wall such that the probe tip is in fluid communication with the sample; a counter electrode inserted through the cell wall opposite to the optical measurement probe; a laser source which is disposed so as to deliver light to the optical measurement probe via an optical directional coupler and optical waveguide; wherein the optical measurement probe focuses the light onto a front surface of the probe tip, such that the light reflected from the front surface of the optical measurement probe and light backscattered from particles in the sample are collected by the probe tip, and thereafter focused to a optical waveguide and delivered through the couple
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Microtrac Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J Freud, Michael N Trainer
  • Patent number: 8446575
    Abstract: In a Doppler velocimeter, the incoming Doppler-shifted beams are heterodyned to reduce their frequencies into the bandwidth of a digital camera. This permits the digital camera to produce at every sampling interval a complete two-dimensional array of pixel values. This sequence of pixel value arrays provides a velocity image of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip L. Reu, Bruce D. Hansche
  • Patent number: 8447474
    Abstract: Externally deployed airbag system for a vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags deployable outside of the vehicle, an anticipatory sensor system for assessing the probable severity of an impact involving the vehicle based on data obtained prior to the impact and initiating inflation of the airbag(s) in the event an impact above a threshold severity is assessed, and an inflator coupled to the anticipatory sensor system and the airbag for inflating the airbag when initiated by the anticipatory sensor system. The airbag may be housed in a module mounted along a side of the vehicle, in a side door of the vehicle (both for side impact protection), at a front of the vehicle (for frontal impact protection) or at a rear of the vehicle (for rear impact protection). Also, the externally deployed airbag can be deployed to cushion a pedestrian's impact against the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: American Vehicular Sciences LLC
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 8441622
    Abstract: A Lidar measurement device for vehicular traffic surveillance and method for use of same are disclosed. In one embodiment, video circuitry acquires video of a field of view having a target therein. A steerable laser progressively transmits laser range-finding signals to the field of view in a horizontal and vertical step-wise manner and receives reflected laser range-finding signals from the target. A processing circuit portion determines target data of the target based upon range and time measurements associated with the reflected laser range-finding signals. The processing circuit then integrates the target data into the video such that the video may displayed with an image of the target and speed measurement associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Gammenthaler
  • Publication number: 20130114066
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring parameters such as the material properties or structural integrity of a wind turbine blade on a wind turbine. An example method comprises detecting light reflected from a wind turbine blade, generating a value based on the detecting, comparing the value to a threshold value and determining a parameter of the wind turbine blade based on the comparing. A further embodiment comprises determining a wind velocity by detecting reflected light from a target area in front of the wind turbine blade. An example system comprises a detector configured to detect light reflecting from a turbine blade and to produce a value representative of the detected light. The system also comprises a comparator configured to compare the value to a threshold value and to determine a parameter of the turbine blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: BLUESCOUT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Priyavadan Mamidipudi, Elizabeth A. Dakin, Frederick C. Belen, JR., Philip L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8432536
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for determining distance between a first platform and a second platform. In one embodiment, the first platform includes a plurality of receivers which are positioned at different distances from the second platform. Each receiver receives a signal from the second platform. Each receiver includes multiple time slots for placing the received signal in a time slot that corresponds to an arrival interval of the received signal. The system also includes a processor for determining the distance between the first and second platforms based on examining the arrival interval of the received signal in each of the receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Exelis, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Scott Winsor, Valentine Christian, Paul Zavattero
  • Publication number: 20130094012
    Abstract: A method and device for measuring the flow speed of a fluid, in one example, of air, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • Patent number: 8422001
    Abstract: Method of measuring the velocity of an aircraft at a given instant, by laser Doppler anemometry, by performing the steps of acquiring a backscattered signal on at least three oriented line-of-sight axes, and calculating the spectrum of the backscattered signal on each of the line-of-sight axes. Further, acquiring an additional backscattered signal on at least one additional line-of-sight axis (X4) not coincident with one of the three first line-of-sight axes (X1, X2, X3), and calculating the spectrum of the backscattered signal on the additional line-of-sight axis (X4). Several candidate velocity vectors ({right arrow over (V)}c) and of the projections of the candidate vectors on at least one line-of-sight axis (X1, X2, X3, X4) are calculated. The consistency of the candidate vectors ({right arrow over (V)}c) is calculated as a function of their projections and as a function of each spectrum of the corresponding backscattered signal on the respective calculation axis (X1, X2, X3, X4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Xavier Lacondemine, Jean-Pierre Schlotterbeck, Alain Renard
  • Patent number: 8409024
    Abstract: A system that captures, analyzes and provides feedback related to golf is described. The system is designed to capture and analyze an initial trajectory of a golf ball and predict a subsequent flight of the ball. The system may be configured to provide immediate feedback that may be utilized by a player to improve their performance as well as provide entertainment value above and beyond what is normally associated with the play of a game of golf. The analysis and feedback system may be portable and may be operable for use in an area where golf is normally played, such as a golf course or an area where golf training takes place, such as a driving range. In one example, the analysis and feedback system may be integrated into a golf bag. Further, the system may be designed to be non-intrusive such that a player may use the system and receive feedback during normal activities associated with golf, such as out on a golf course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Pillar Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Marty, Thomas A. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20130063713
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle provided with at least one detector designed to detect external measuring equipment that emits laser pulses for detecting or measuring the speed of the vehicle. The vehicle is further provided with at least one glass fibre cable whose first end is fixed in front of the detector, facing said detector, and with a transparent receiving element connected to the glass fibre cable for receiving the laser pulses and passing said pulses on to the glass fibre cable. The receiving element is attached to the exterior of the vehicle and, in stretched condition, extends along a length of at least 0.25 m on the vehicle surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Stichting Noble House
    Inventors: Tom Marnix Alexander De Wilde, Patrick Dijkstra
  • Patent number: 8395761
    Abstract: A flow meter for use in dialysis is described, that uses a thermal wave to generate a signal in the fluid for which the flow rate is to be measured. The phase angle of the thermal wave signal changes when traversing downstream. The phase difference between the signals received downstream, compared with a reference excitation source signal is measured, and used to determine the flow rate of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Mark F. Smith
  • Patent number: 8391552
    Abstract: The application relates to particle trajectory recognition from a Centroid Population comprised of Centroids having an (x, y, t) or (x, y, f) coordinate. The method is applicable to visualization and measurement of particle flow fields of high particle. In one embodiment, the centroids are generated from particle images recorded on camera frames. The application encompasses digital computer systems and distribution mediums implementing the method disclosed and is particularly applicable to recognizing trajectories of particles in particle flows of high particle concentration. The method accomplishes trajectory recognition by forming Candidate Trajectory Trees and repeated searches at varying Search Velocities, such that initial search areas are set to a minimum size in order to recognize only the slowest, least accelerating particles which produce higher local concentrations. When a trajectory is recognized, the centroids in that trajectory are removed from consideration in future searches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventor: Franklin D. Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20130033695
    Abstract: A high-energy laser system intercepting a target using a phase conjugate mirror includes a laser oscillator which generates a laser beam irradiated to the target, a light amplifier which receives the laser beam irradiated to and reflected by the target so as to amplify it, a phase conjugate mirror which reflects the amplified laser beam. And the laser beam that is reflected by the phase conjugate mirror is amplified again in the light amplifier, and then irradiated to the target so as to intercept the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hong Jin Kong, Jae Sung Shin, Sang Woo Park, Kang Sup Shim, Seong Woo Cha
  • Publication number: 20130016335
    Abstract: Techniques, devices and systems are disclosed for characterizing particles in a fluid sample by optical space-time coding. In one aspect, a microfluidic device for optical detection of particles includes a substrate, a microfluidic channel formed on the substrate and structured to carry a fluid sample containing particles, in which the microfluidic channel is structured to transmit a probe light, and a mask formed on one side of the microfluidic channel and structured to include a pattern of openings along the microfluidic channel, in which at least two of the openings have varying dimensions across the microfluidic channel, and in which the pattern of openings encodes a waveform on the probe light that transmits through the microfluidic channel to allow optical detection of a position of a particle in the microfluidic channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Yu-Hwa Lo, Tsung-Feng Wu, Zhe Mei
  • Patent number: 8355119
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring a relative velocity between an object surface (O) and a sensor (1) having at least one light-sensitive element (2) according to the spatial frequency filtering method, wherein the light-sensitive element (2) is read out at time intervals, and wherein the spatial frequency filter is designed as at least one masking grating having a variable grating constant. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the relative velocity is firstly measured with a first grating constant k1 having a large period length and/or over a short observation time period t1 (rough measurement) and then the measurement of the relative velocity is repeated for an exact determination using a second grating constant k2 having a small period length and/or over a long observation time period t2 (fine measurement). The invention further relates to a sensor for velocity measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Fraba AG
    Inventor: Arno Bergmann
  • Patent number: 8355118
    Abstract: A laser scanner measuring system is disclosed, which has a laser scanner and a calibration target. The laser scanner comprises a light emitting element for emitting a pulsed laser beam, a rotary projecting unit for projecting the pulsed laser beam, a distance measuring unit, and a control unit for driving and controlling the light emitting element and the distance measuring unit. The calibration target has a reflection sector with a known shape and with high reflectance and is installed at a known position. In use, there is a step for judging a reflected pulsed laser beam from the reflection sector by detecting a level of light quantity, a step for determining a center position of the reflection sector based on the result of the judgment, and a step for calibrating the laser scanner measuring system based on the determined center position and on the known position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Ogawa, Hiroto Shibuya, Shigeyuki Yamaguchi, Ryousuke Miyoshi, You Sasaki, Hiroyuki Konno, Jeffrey Robert DeBoer
  • Publication number: 20130003071
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring parameters such as the material properties or structural integrity of a wind turbine blade on a wind turbine. An example method comprises detecting light reflected from a wind turbine blade, generating a value based on the detecting, comparing the value to a threshold value and determining a parameter of the wind turbine blade based on the comparing. A further embodiment comprises determining a wind velocity by detecting reflected light from a target area in front of the wind turbine blade. An example system comprises a detector configured to detect light reflecting from a turbine blade and to produce a value representative of the detected light. The system also comprises a comparator configured to compare the value to a threshold value and to determine a parameter of the turbine blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Catch The Wind, Inc.
    Inventors: Priyavadan MAMIDIPUDI, Elizabeth A. Dakin, Frederick C. Belen, JR., Philip L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8346503
    Abstract: A method enables linear web velocities generated with reference to angular velocity signals generated by encoders at different rollers in a double reflex printing registration system to be equalized. The method includes identifying a low frequency component of a first linear velocity of a moving web, identifying a high frequency component of a second linear velocity of the moving web, and computing a linear velocity for the moving web at a roller in a print zone with reference to the identified high frequency component of the second linear velocity and the identified low frequency component of the first linear velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Yongsoon Eun, Jeffrey J Folkins, Jess R Gentner
  • Patent number: 8339584
    Abstract: A laser Doppler velocimeter uses self-mixing amplification of backreflections from scatterers below the surface of a flow. A time domain signal is divided into segments that are roughly equal to a transit time of particles through a focus of a laser beam. The segments are connected to a frequency domain through the use of an FFT algorithm to produce frequency domain data segments. Signal-to-noise ratio is enhanced through signal processing techniques using the segments to produce a final enhanced signal spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: William R. Christian, Ray C. Delcher, Tong Chen, Mohsen Khoshnevisan, Phillip B. Liescheski, Michael A. Metcalf
  • Patent number: 8339583
    Abstract: Presented is a system and method for detecting clear air turbulence comprising an image capturing element, a lens having focal length adapted to focus a scene onto the image capturing element such that the combination of the lens and array of pixels are capable of optically resolving any visual distortions of features in the scene that are caused by turbulent air, and a processor. The processor compares the image with a subsequent image, or a stored image of the scene, to detect a change in refraction of light received from the feature in the scene that is due to turbulence and produces an indication of the area of turbulence in the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Brian J. Tillotson
  • Publication number: 20120310451
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring a time delay between two output signals measured by two adjacent optical sensors, the time delay resulting from a movement of an object moving in a given direction. The method comprises the steps: carrying out a spatial filtering of the signals Ph1 and Ph2 delivered by a first and a second optical sensor; calculating a first order derivative and carrying out a temporal low-pass filtering of the signals; calculating the second order derivative of the signals; measuring the delay between the signals; and is characterized in that the step of measuring the delay is a feedback loop based on an estimated delay between the temporally filtered signals. Device and set of devices for measuring the angular velocity of a luminance transition zone and steering aid system for fixation and tracking a target comprising at least one such luminance transition zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE D'AIX-MARSEILLE
    Inventors: Lubin Kerhuel, Stéphane Viollet, Franck Ruffier
  • Patent number: 8325327
    Abstract: Methods and systems for using laser Doppler velocimeters to determine and use wind velocities at the locations of impending and occurring events such as sports events are presented. Laser Doppler velocimeters are used to determine wind velocities where an event is occurring or an impending event is about to occur. The determined wind velocities are used to generate and display a representation of the impending or occurring event that accounts for the effect of the determined wind velocities on the impending or occurring event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: BlueScout Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip L. Rogers, Alisa K. Rogers, Elizabeth A. Dakin, Christopher D. Bedford
  • Patent number: 8325328
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a single-particle LIDAR anemometry method and system comprising the continuous emission of one or more light beams through a gas containing particles, said beam being focused onto a measurement volume, a step of detecting a signal backscattered by particles passing through said volume, the method being characterized in that it comprises at least the following phases: determining in a time period ?t the frequency of each of the pulses included in the backscattered signal; distinguishing pulses based on duration and/or intensity and/or frequency-modulation criteria; and estimating the displacement velocity of said beam relative to the gas from several of the frequencies determined over the time period ?t excluding those corresponding to the pulses distinguished during the preceding step A notable application of the invention is for the measurement of the airspeed of an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Alain Renard, Xavier Lacondemine, Jean-Pierre Schlotterbeck
  • Publication number: 20120300192
    Abstract: Disclosed is a measurement system for a dry powder agent including a nozzle to direct the dry powder agent, and an indicator operable to recognize a dry powder agent discharge event. In an exemplary method, a velocity of the powder exiting the nozzle may be computed, and an agent concentration calibration curve may be selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Dharmendr Len Seebaluck, Robert Glaser, Mark P. Fazzio, Louis W. Rance, Brian Powell
  • Publication number: 20120303315
    Abstract: Device for measuring speed of oblong products moving along feed direction and emitting radiations, in particular rolled metal products in rolling line, including two radiation sensors, disposed reciprocally at close distance respectively defining an optical observation window, at pre-arranged distance from each other. Each window covers the image of an advancing product determinate portion equal to relative window width, irrespective of portion's movements transverse to feed direction. Sensors observe the presented product portion, on each occasion, in correspondence with associated windows consecutively along feed direction, and measure continuously intensity of radiation from the product portion in correspondence with the windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: DANIELI AUTOMATION SPA
    Inventor: Ferruccio Della Vedova
  • Patent number: 8310656
    Abstract: A method for use in controlling a system includes tracking three-dimensional movements of a hand-held controller for the system, mapping the tracked three-dimensional movements of the handheld controller onto a two-dimensional image plane of a screen of a display for the system, and displaying one or more images on the two-dimensional image plane of the screen based on the mapping of the tracked three-dimensional movements of the handheld controller. Some embodiments may include one or more sensors configured to track three-dimensional movements of a hand-held controller for the system, and a processor configured to perform the above mentioned steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
    Inventor: Gary M. Zalewski
  • Patent number: 8310653
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a laser scanner measuring system, which has a laser scanner and a calibration target, wherein the laser scanner comprises a light emitting element for emitting a pulsed laser beam, a rotary projecting unit for projecting the pulsed laser beam for scanning, a distance measuring unit, which has a distance measuring light receiving unit, for measuring a distance by receiving a reflection light from an object to be measured, and a control unit for driving and controlling the light emitting element and the distance measuring unit, and wherein the calibration target has a reflection sector with a known shape and with high reflectance and is installed at a known position, comprising a step for judging a reflected pulsed laser beam from the reflection sector as received by the distance measuring light receiving unit by detecting a level of light quantity, a step for determining a center position of the reflection sector based on the result of the judgment, and a step for calibratin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Ogawa, Hiroto Shibuya, Shigeyuki Yamaguchi, Ryousuke Miyoshi, You Sasaki, Hiroyuki Konno, Jeffrey Robert DeBoer
  • Publication number: 20120283985
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring rotational speed of a shaft, comprising the steps of: coupling an optical pickup to a shaft speed sensor having an indicator light that pulses proportionally to rotational speed of a shaft being measured by the speed sensor; receiving light pulses from the indicator light of the speed sensor; and determining the rotational speed based on the rate of received light pulses. Furthermore, the invention discloses a condition monitoring equipment for a wind turbine using the above measuring method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Schubert
  • Patent number: 8306662
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a position detection device for a mobile robot, including a light-emitting element for emitting light, a light reception element on which light transferred from a bottom, of the light emitted from the light-emitting element and then reflected from an obstacle, is focused, and a signal processing unit for calculating a distance between a position where the light incident on the light reception element is focused and the obstacle. A position detection method using a mobile robot may include operating a robot cleaner, receiving light transferred from a bottom, of light emitted from the robot cleaner and then reflected from an obstacle, and detecting a distance between the robot cleaner and the obstacle from which the light is reflected, determining whether the distance between the robot cleaner and the obstacle increases, and determining whether the robot cleaner has approached the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sang Yun Kim
  • Publication number: 20120273571
    Abstract: In order to determine crosswind effects between a weapon and its intended target (204) a crosswind gradient measuring apparatus (600) directs a first pulsed coherent light beam (646) and a second pulsed coherent light beam (648) to the target (204). Light of both beams scattered back by aerosols in the air is measured by using a detector (652) thus generating a beat frequency in the detector signal. The beat frequency indicates a Doppler-shift due to crosswind as a function of range between weapon and target wherein the range is determined by the time of flight. The information determined by such a Doppler differential interferometer, DDI, is utilised by a signal processor (608) to calculate the bullet's crosswind offset which enables manual of automatic adjustment of an aiming mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: LOGOS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Michael Kremer
  • Publication number: 20120274922
    Abstract: A system for detecting the trajectory of a projectile includes at least one pulsed laser transmitter configured to transmit pulsed laser light beams over a three dimensional area. At least one sensor is configured to sense the pulsed laser light beams reflected off of the projectile. A microprocessor is coupled to the laser transmitter and laser sensor to calculate a first position of the projectile at a first time based upon the first pulsed laser light beam reflected off the projectile and sensed by the laser sensor. A microprocessor calculates a second position of the projectile at a second time based upon a second pulsed laser light beam reflected off the projectile and sensed by a laser sensor. A microprocessor calculates the trajectory of the projectile based upon the first projectile position and the second projectile position and the time differences between these positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Bruce HODGE
  • Patent number: 8294883
    Abstract: An optical method and apparatus are described for the measurement of properties of a travel vehicle or a travel surface upon which the travel vehicle travels, which includes providing an incident light from a light source to the travel surface, collecting light reflected from the travel surface, determining a surface induced Doppler shift from the incident and collected light and determining at least one of a motion property of the travel vehicle and a surface property of the travel surface based on the determined surface induced Doppler shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Carvel Holton, Mehdi Ahmadian
  • Patent number: 8279423
    Abstract: A system for computation of wind velocity including a laser adapted to transmit a beam to a target, a collecting lens for receiving a beam returning from the target, and receiver optics comprising a multi-element detector array at a focal plane of the collecting lens, wherein for each element of the multi-element detector array there is a specific optical path in the atmosphere leading from the laser to the target and back from the target to the element; and processor apparatus operative to measure signal fluctuations of an element of the multi-element detector array, and compute therefrom crosswind velocity of wind in the atmosphere, wherein said processor apparatus is operative to calculate turbulence strength changes and wind profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Soreq Nuclear Research Center
    Inventor: Joseph Shapira
  • Patent number: 8279424
    Abstract: A Doppler velocimeter apparatus that may have a coherent light source for generating a beam of coherent light. A modulating subsystem may receive and modulate at least a first portion of the beam of coherent light to form a first beam portion, the first beam portion forming a frequency offset and being a modulated, coherent optical signal. An optical element may receive the first beam portion and direct the first beam portion at a subject, the first beam portion being reflected from the subject to form a reflected beam that has a frequency that is modified in relation to the motion of the subject. A processing subsystem may receive a second portion of the beam of coherent light, and also the reflected beam, and uses the second beam portion and the reflected beam to determine a Doppler shift of the reflected beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David C. Soreide, Jonathan M. Saint Clair
  • Patent number: 8279422
    Abstract: A method of an apparatus for measuring or determining the movement characteristics of an object uses the detection of changes in beams. A set of beams F1-B1, F2-B2, F3-B3 is disposed in the movement path of the object; at relative angles to each other; and at acute angles to the intended direction of the object. The number of changes in the beams or durations between changes in the beams are recorded. The relative times, durations or differences in relative times, at which different beams of the set are changed are measured. The resulting measurements are associated with the relevant movement characteristics of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Francis Mooney
  • Publication number: 20120236291
    Abstract: A method of analyzing pulses from a flow cytometer in which particles in a fluid pass through an excitation volume of an electromagnetic radiation and interact with the electromagnetic radiation to generate signals in the form of pulses includes generating a time-dependent pulse indicative of the characteristics of one or more particles passing through the excitation volume of the electromagnetic radiation, determining a measurement window by selecting a portion of the pulse with a starting point and an ending point above a predetermined value, and calculating a first derivative of the pulse with respect to time over the measurement window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Pittaro, Bruce Goldman, Ray Lefebvre, David A. King
  • Publication number: 20120229792
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a number of blades and an optical measurement system comprising a light source, such as a laser, an optical transmitter part, an optical receiver part, and a signal processor. The light source is optically coupled to the optical transmitter part, which includes an emission point for emitting light in a probing direction. The optical receiver part comprises a receiving point and a detector. The optical receiver part is adapted for receiving a reflected part of light from a probing region along the probing direction and directing the reflected part of light to the detector to generate a signal used to determine a first velocity component of the inflow. The emission point is located in a first blade at a first radial distance from a center axis, and the receiving point is located in the first blade at a second radial distance from the center axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: LM GLASFIBER A/S
    Inventors: Peter Fuglsang, Lars Fuglsang, Lars Christian Hvidegaard Hammer
  • Patent number: 8264674
    Abstract: [PROBLEMS] A separation unit can confirms a separation state, a detection unit enhances a lighting efficiency and a light reception sensitivity, and a dispensing unit ensures the normal state of a specimen. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A specimen separation device characterized by comprising a container for storing a specimen, a nozzle for sucking and ejecting the specimen from the container, a nozzle operating means for moving the nozzle vertically and laterally, and a nozzle controlling means for controlling the suction force and ejection force of the nozzle. A specimen identification device comprising a nozzle for sucking a specimen from a container storing the specimen, a flow path for allowing the specimen to flow therethrough, and a measuring unit having a monitoring light lighting unit and a light receiving unit for observing (monitoring) the specimen that are installed in a flow path, characterized in that the above nozzle, the flow path and the measuring unit are formed in an integrated structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Ken Tsukii, Jie Xu
  • Publication number: 20120206712
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring wind velocities are provided. A laser wind velocimeter with a radiation source includes a fiber laser. All optical signals, transmitted and received, are conveyed by optical fibers. An amplifier amplifies a source laser, which is then transmitted to one or more transceivers. The one or more transceivers, each projecting along a different axis, and each with a single optical fiber input/output interface act as both the transmission device to focus the radiation at a target region, and as the receiving system for collecting reflected radiation. The one or more transceivers transmit radiation to the target region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Optical Air Data Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Chia-Chen Chang, Priyavadan Mamidipudi, Lance Leclair, Peter Gatchell, Daniel Dakin, Elizabeth A. Dakin
  • Publication number: 20120188531
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for characterizing a two-phase flow in a channel (11), and to a related method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Delville, Jöel Plantard, Sébastien Cassagnere, Matthieu Robert de Saint Vincent
  • Publication number: 20120169053
    Abstract: A magnitude and direction, or a measure responsive thereto, of a velocity (V) of a first portion (17) of an atmosphere (20) are determined from at least first and second portions of scattered light (30) generated along a common beam of light (28) within the first portion (17) of the atmosphere (20) and received along linearly independent directions at locations that are relatively remote with respect to one another, at least one of which is relatively remote from a source (11) of the beam of light (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Michigan Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Tchoryk, JR., Charles J. Richey, Paul Byron Hays, David Keith Johnson, David Michael Zuk
  • Publication number: 20120169805
    Abstract: A sensor device including a base, first and second proximity sensors mounted to the base at a pre-determined distance from one another, and circuitry programmed to determine presence and speed of an article passing by the sensor device based upon signaled information from the proximity sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: John E. Bateson, Cris R. Miller, Yanhua Li