Abstract: This application generally relates to methods and systems for detecting spectrophotometer misalignment. In particular, the application may characterize the noise of a spectral measurement relative to a reference substrate known to exhibit a generally linear (flat) spectral output over a known spectrum. From the spectral measurement, a linear regression may be performed on a portion of the spectral output to determine a best fit line and a correlation of determination (“R-squared value”) may be determined correlated the measured data to the best fit line. Finally, the R squared value may be compared to a predetermined threshold R squared value to determine if the sensor is misaligned beyond an acceptable amount. If so, an alert may be generated.

Abstract: An information management system includes a storage medium storing position error information of the rotation sensor obtained based on information of the back electromotive force and output information from the rotation sensor in an inspection process in which a back electromotive force is measured by mechanically driving the rotary electrical machine after the rotary electrical machine and the rotation sensor are assembled, wherein the storage medium is provided in a state capable of being read via communication when a control device controlling the rotary electrical machine is assembled with the rotary electrical machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving accuracy of measurement of fluid pressure at a fluid port, such as at a supply port or control port of a fluid control valve, involves a closed-loop precision pressure measurement method with barometric pressure and temperature compensation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a redundant computerizing system comprising additionally to a master programmable automaton and a standby programmable automaton, a computerized monitoring device enabling a memory image of the comparison process concerning a certain number of output signals of the computerizing system to be set up.

Abstract: Fuselage sections of an aircraft are joined using splice elements that compensate for gaps caused by mismatches between mating surfaces on the fuselage sections. The fuselage sections are virtually assembled using computer models that are based on non-contact measurements of as-built fuselage sections. The virtually assembled fuselage sections are used to map the gaps between the mating surfaces. The mapped gaps are used to produce tool inserts having profiles that reflect the dimensions of the gaps. The tool inserts are used to manufacture splice elements having profiles that fill the gaps when the fuselage sections are assembled and joined, thereby eliminating the need for shims and spaces to fill the gaps.

Abstract: A configurable semiconductor has a device characteristic that is controllable as a function of at least one external impedance. A measurement circuit measures an electrical characteristic of the at least one external impedance and determines a select value corresponding to the measured electrical characteristic. A first circuit controls the device characteristic as a function of the select value.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine compensates for hysteresis error caused by friction at the non-driven end of the bridge. The bridge may have a single drive and/or a single scale. The methods, systems, and apparatuses compensate for errors in the x-direction and/or errors in the y-direction caused by rotation of the bridge. Some embodiments compensate for hysteresis errors in the x-direction caused by a vertically-movable ram.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for measuring and controlling an amount of flow and volume of liquid fluid and/or electrical energy consumed by an electro-pump. The method and system obtains a plurality of values for electrical parameters of the electro-pump including voltage value, currents value and active/reactive energy value; calculates the plurality values; and determines and controls the amount of instant flow and volume of said liquid fluid based on said calculated values. The system/method gathers these two measuring and controlling features (i.e. measuring and controlling the volume of liquid and amount of energy) in one casing, thereby, where applicable, provides a secure reference for policy making of both two parameters at the same time (e.g. for underground water resources).

Abstract: A method for measuring a gramload corresponding to a read/write head, where the head is an inner head of a plurality of heads in a head stack assembly (HSA), involves a measurement instrument having a plurality of cam-rods for systematically placing each of various heads in a preloaded state in order to measure the respective gramload of the heads. While an inner head's gramload is being measured, an adjacent inner head is configured in a supported state, and the cam-rod corresponding to the supported head transmits some additional force to the head whose gramload is being measured, e.g., via a common support arm for the adjacent inner heads. Therefore, this additional applied force is compensated for in order to provide more accurate gramload values.

Abstract: A method for matching an actual characteristic curve or diagram that characterizes the operating mode of a hydrodynamic component to a set characteristic curve or diagram is provided. The method includes a set characteristic curve or diagram of the hydrodynamic component is stored in a writable/readable memory storage unit a set manipulated variable being assigned to each operating point; the current actual characteristic curve is determined from the operating parameters that characterize the individual operating states and, for each operating point, is compared with the given set characteristic curve or diagram, a correction of the set manipulated variable being carried out for the respective operating point in the event of a deviation beyond a preset range of tolerances; and, in the event a deviation does not occur, the current set value is set as the new set value and read into the memory storage unit as a set manipulated variable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for effectuating verification and certification of verifiable devices. Preferably, but not necessarily, such certification occurs or is communicated remotely. A verifiable device may be directly or indirectly connected to an appropriate regulatory agency through a communication mechanism. One or more tests may be performed on the verifiable device to verify that the device is functioning properly. The test results are directly or indirectly transmitted to the regulatory agency. If the tests were passed then the verifiable device may be approved for use. When self-certification or remote certification is provided for, the need for in-person verification and certification procedures by agency personnel may be eliminated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a time base for a microcontroller and a simple circuit arrangement therefor, which comprises an RC-element having a specific time constant, said element being connected to a connection of the microcontroller. According to said method, the capacitor of the RC element is charged to an initial voltage in a first step, then in a second step, the number of timed impulses is counted until the voltage on the capacitor falls below the initial voltage to a determined percentage of the initial voltage or a voltage threshold value, and then in a third step, the counted number of timed impulses is used as a time base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for processing signals in a satellite/laser positioning system capable of generating location coordinates from received satellite signals and a received laser signal. A height coordinate bias value is maintained by a filter processor during periods when the laser signal is available. The height coordinate bias value represents an estimated difference between a satellite signal derived height coordinate and a laser signal derived height coordinate. During periods when the laser signal is available, the laser signal derived height coordinate is output. During periods when the laser signal is not available, a corrected height coordinate value is generated by applying the height coordinate bias value to the satellite signal derived height coordinate.

Abstract: An adaptive optics system is provided, comprising a deformable mirror configured to receive an input beam with an aberrated wavefront and to reflect the input beam to a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor array. The system further comprises the Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor array configured to receive the input beam from the deformable mirror, and to generate a plurality of sub-images from the input beam. The system further comprises a processor configured to measure, for each sub-image, two linear coefficients corresponding to a local wavefront aberration of the sub-image and to estimate, for each sub-image, three quadratic coefficients corresponding to the local wavefront aberration of the sub-image. The processor is further configured to reconstruct the aberrated wavefront of the input beam based on the measured linear coefficients and the estimated quadratic coefficients, and to provide control signals based upon the reconstructed wavefront to the deformable mirror to mitigate aberrations in the input beam.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of controlling a device having a calibration process. The calibration process has a partial calibration routine and a calibration routine. A detector within the control system is capable of receiving one or more input signals and determining whether a partial calibration or calibration should occur. The first step in the process involves starting the control method where the detector receives input signals or generates it own data within the detector. The detector also determines whether a partial calibration routine or a calibration routine will take place based upon the value of the input signals received. A partial calibration routine will be performed if the input signals to the detector do not favor a calibration.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a physical test cell includes the steps of: determining a set of inputs to be provided to the physical test cell based in part on a set of historical test data; providing the inputs to the physical test cell and receiving a set of outputs associated therewith, wherein the providing includes implementing a sequential space filling sampling procedure to substantially cover a region defined by the set of historical values; creating a virtual test cell comprising one or more response surfaces based on the set of outputs; and interrogating the virtual test cell to determine a calibration relationship between at least one of the inputs and at least one of the outputs. Smooth Kriging may be used to determine the virtual test cell.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at securely calculating and storing odometer data associated with a vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that checks the integrity of odometer data being received from a vehicle's engine. More specifically, the method includes receiving a first and second engine odometer values for an engine. Then, these odometer values are compared to determine whether data indicative of tampering was received. In this regard, if data indicative of tampering was received, aspects of the present invention adjust the official vehicle odometer value to account for the tampering.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an electrically actuated hydraulic valve in a system that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder connected to a machine element operates automatically. The system includes an ultrasonic sensor providing an indication of the position of the machine element. The calibration method includes the step of automatically applying a command signal to the hydraulic valve while monitoring the ultrasonic sensor to determine the level of the command signal required to cause the hydraulic cylinder to begin to move. The calibration method includes the additional step of automatically applying in succession a plurality of command signals of increasing level to the hydraulic valve while monitoring the ultrasonic sensor to determine the speed of movement of the hydraulic cylinder resulting from each of the command signals.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to calculation of a reel motor torque constant (“KT”). In one implementation, calibration logic energizes supply and take-up reel motors to wind tape from a supply reel to a take-up reel. The calibration logic, during winding, selectively disengages the supply reel motor and measures one or more attributes of the supply reel motor, such as the resulting voltage observed at the winding terminals of the supply reel motor and the angular velocity of the supply reel motor during the period of disengagement. The calibration logic then calculates KT based on the observed attributes.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving, by learning logic, historical metrics of a computing system being monitored. The learning logic determines, from the received historical metrics, forms of sub-functions that are included in an equation, wherein each sub-function represents a dependency between two components linked in a hierarchical structure representing the computing system being monitored. State determination logic receives metric values of the computing system being monitored, and determines states that minimize the equation composed of the sub-functions over the received metric values. Finally, anomalous behavior of the computing system may be detected based on the determined states.

Abstract: A data analysis system analyzes data sets that are characterized by a wide variety of probability density functions (PDFs), and also analyzes mixed populations, i.e., a single data set containing subsets of data that each fit a different distribution. The data analysis system receives quality control data from a product manufacturing or product testing floor, determines whether the data is a mixed population, and fits the data with a variety of PDFs. The data analysis system selects the best fitting PDF based on statistical characteristics calculated for each fitted PDF. The data analysis system generates performance capability parameters based on the best fitting PDF, and may generate reports illustrating the performance capability parameters. The data analysis system also adjusts statistical control limits to provide a more reliable process trigger and control plan. In this manner, the data analysis system may more accurately report product performance.

Abstract: A current/temperature measurement method using parasitic components in an electronic power circuit is disclosed. The measured values derived from these parasitic components with inadequate precision are first of all compensated for, in terms of their current/temperature or voltage dependence, during the production process. The evaluation which takes place during operation involves compensating for the temperature or current dependence of the sensor components using two measurements which are linearly independent of one another and appropriate arithmetic operations in an evaluation unit.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for optimizing a plurality of calibration maps for an algorithm of estimation of a control quantity of an internal combustion engine, each of the maps comprising a plurality of calibration values of said control quantity estimated by said algorithm. The optimization method comprises measuring the control quantity, estimating the control quantity, and individually optimizing each calibration map based on the measured control quantity and the estimated control quantity.

Abstract: A position-measuring system is for measuring the position of an object, movable in several degrees of freedom, relative to a stationary object. The position-measuring system includes at least one measuring graduation that is joined to one of the objects, as well as a plurality of scanning units which are joined to the other object and which generate raw position signals based on the optical scanning of the measuring graduation. Moreover, a multiplexer unit is provided, the raw position signals generated by the scanning units being supplied to the multiplexer unit, and from there, the raw position signals of the various scanning units being transmitted in time multiplex operation to a downstream sequential electronics, without converting the raw position signals into position values beforehand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the co-ordinates of a workpiece (9). According to said method: a first co-ordinate system, which has a fixed position in relation to the workpiece (9), is defined; first co-ordinates of the workpiece (9) are measured using a first co-ordinate measuring device (3); second co-ordinates of the workpiece (9) are measured using a second co-ordinate measuring device (5); and a common set of co-ordinates is generated from the first co-ordinates and the second co-ordinates in the first co-ordinate system or in a second co-ordinate system, which has a fixed position in relation to the workpiece (9). The method can be used in particular to determine co-ordinates of a plurality of workpieces (9) during and/or after the production and/or processing of the workpieces (9).

Abstract: A method serves to correct drift phenomena, in particular creep effects, occurring in an electronic balance that has a measuring transducer through which a measuring signal is formed which is representative of a load applied to the force-measuring device. The measuring signal is delivered by way of an analog/digital converter to a signal-processing unit that is supported by at least one processor, said signal-processing unit being capable of compensating drift deviations, for which purpose the signal-processing unit, via the processor, accesses drift parameters that are stored in a memory unit and serve as basis for calculating a time-dependent correction value by which the drift error of the measuring signal (ms) is corrected.

Abstract: A production testing system for testing an integrated circuit comprises a control module that generates a setpoint and a setpoint range. A configurable integrated circuit receives the setpoint and the setpoint range, that has M predetermined configurations, and generates N successive output signals by sequentially selecting N ones of M discrete values of an output characteristic of the configurable integrated circuit based on the setpoint and the setpoint range, where M and N are integers greater than one and where M is greater than N. An integrated circuit is tested in accordance with the N output signals of the configurable integrated circuit.

Abstract: A stepper motor device uses compensating non-sinusoidal driving values to compensate for operational non-sinusoidal drive characteristics of a motor of the device due to at least design and manufacturing imperfections in the motor. The compensating non-sinusoidal driving values may be derived using back electromagnetic force produced from the motor or using measured rotational positions of the motor when the motor is driven using known driving values.

Abstract: A testing system comprises a configurable integrated circuit that selectively communicates with one or more of N external impedances, that has M predetermined configurations that are selected based on an electrical characteristic of the one or more of the N external impedances, where N and M are integers greater than one. The configurable integrated circuit generates a selected one of M discrete values of an output characteristic of the configurable integrated circuit based on the selected one of the M predetermined configurations. An integrated circuit is tested in accordance with an output of the configurable integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method of calibrating once-around and harmonic errors of encoded nips is provided. An encoder with an index pulse is used to measure the velocity and rotation of the driven wheel or idler. The geometry of the drive train and wheel and idler is chosen so that their once around and harmonic frequencies are unique such that no other drive errors will generate these frequencies. The method includes running the idler or wheel at substantially constant velocity for N revolutions. Each index triggers the collection of velocity data, which is averaged for N revolutions. This process detects drive train motion errors that are periodic with respect to the timing of the index pulse (i.e., once per revolution of the wheel or idler). Once the velocity errors have been measured, corrections are made. This method may be incorporated in xerographic machines as part of a setup or calibration procedure.

Abstract: A method for generating an anti-shrink to delta creep amplitude performance metric for a tensilized tape. The method may include the steps of determining a zero point of the tensilized tape, determining a total length of the tensilized tape, generating a zero point ratio by dividing the zero point of the tensilized tape by the total length of the tensilized tape, and generating the anti-shrink to delta creep amplitude performance metric by subtracting the zero point ratio from a constant.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for recalibrating mass spectrometry data that provide improvement in both mass accuracy and precision by adjusting for experimental variance in parameters that have a substantial impact on mass measurement accuracy. Optimal coefficients are determined using correlated pairs of mass values compiled by matching sets of measured and putative mass values that minimize overall effective mass error and mass error spread. Coefficients are subsequently used to correct mass values for peaks detected in the measured dataset, providing recalibration thereof. Sub-ppm mass measurement accuracy has been demonstrated on a complex fungal proteome after recalibration, providing improved confidence for peptide identifications.

Abstract: A testing system comprises a configurable integrated circuit that has M predetermined configurations that are selected based upon an input signal. The configurable integrated circuit generates a selected one of M discrete values of an output characteristic of the configurable integrated circuit based on the selected one of the M predetermined configurations, where M is an integer greater than one. An integrated circuit is tested in accordance with an output of the configurable integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method of increasing control precision of a path of a product in a leveling machine including: a fixed support cage; two leveling assemblies with parallel rollers, which are placed above and below the strip respectively; devices necessary to adjust the interlocking of the rollers; a mechanism for measuring leveling forces at least of two sides of the machine; and a theoretical pre-setting model. The method directly measures at least one value for the spacing of the leveling rollers, which is compared to reference values, and uses the members for adjusting the position of the leveling rollers to maintain the measured values equal to the reference values. The method is particularly suitable for machines used to level flat metal products.

Abstract: An automated data library system employs a calibration sensor, the fiducial target and a controller in electrical communication with the calibration sensor to create a calibration sensor pixel image of a calibration area surrounding an expected location of the fiducial target within the automated data storage library by executing one or more vertical calibration sensor scans and/or one or more horizontal calibration sensor scans of the calibration area, and monitoring an output of the calibration sensor scans at defined position intervals. The expected location of the fiducial target can be on a data storage drive of the library or a storage shelf of the library. The controller can execute a debugging procedure, a diagnostic test and/or an error recovery procedure based on the calibration sensor pixel image.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the application of an algorithm to calculate a line that intersects a dynamic pressure waveform at two points. These points represent the point immediately prior to the suction valve closure event and the point directly after the event. The distance between each sample on the dynamic pressure waveform and the corresponding sample on the calculated line is determined. The suction valve closure event is identified with the sample located at the furthest distance from the calculated line.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for identifying force-ripple and/or side-forces in actuators used for moving a multiple-axis stage. The identified force-ripple and/or side-forces can be mapped, and maps of corresponding position-dependent compensation ratios useful for correcting same are obtained. The methods are especially useful for stages providing motion in at least one degree of freedom using multiple (redundant) actuators. In an exemplary method a stage member is displaced, using at least one selected actuator, multiple times over a set distance in the range of motion of the subject actuator(s). Each displacement has a predetermined trajectory and respective starting point in the range. For each displacement, respective section force-command(s) are extracted and normalized to a reference section force-command to define a section compensation-ratio.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a vending apparatus is provided. A vertical base reference position of a selector arm is stored, wherein the vertical base reference position corresponds to one of a plurality of rows in a cylindrical storage device. A horizontal base reference position is stored, wherein the horizontal base reference position corresponds to a compartment identifier identifying a compartment within each of the plurality of rows. A position of the selector arm corresponding to a media storage compartment is also stored, wherein the position comprises a vertical position and a horizontal position. A motor is initiated to move the selector arm along a vertical axis, wherein a movement of the selector arm results in one of an increment and/or a decrement to the vertical position of the selector arm.

Abstract: A method of computing gear modifications from a gear inspection chart is provided. The method includes extracting a gear profile from the gear inspection chart. The method also includes quantifying the gear profile. The method also includes determining a gear modification based on a quantified gear profile. The method also includes qualifying a gear based on the gear modification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means, system and method for measurement of stress strain and fatigue forecasting by the means of Integral Strain Gauges (ISGs) capable of recording information from a surface of a tested object, mathematical processor for analysis of the information recorded on the surface of such gauges. Integral Strain Gauges produced from a custom made reaction sensitive materials.

Abstract: A voltage regulator having a device characteristic comprises a first terminal connectable to a first external impedance. A measurement circuit communicates with the first terminal to measure the first external impedance. A control circuit controls the device characteristic as a function of the measured first external impedance.

Abstract: There is provided a method and a apparatus for measuring tire uniformity. The apparatus comprises a spindle, a rotating drum, a sensor and a computing means. The method comprises the steps of mounting a tire on the spindle, pressing a circumferential surface of a rotating drum against the tread surface of the tire with a first pressing force, rotating the tire around rotational axis thereof, and computing the forces which the tire acts on first and second planes of the tire by the computing means while the tire is rotating. The first plane is perpendicular to the rotational axis and in one sidewall side of the tire. The second plane is perpendicular to the rotational axis and in the other sidewall side of the tire. The forces are computed based on values obtained by the sensor measuring forces transmitted to the spindle from the tire at first and second positions. The first and second positions have different distances from the tire in the rotational axis direction.

Abstract: A vehicular steering apparatus can accurately detect occurrence of a disturbance even where steering torque is limited, and can achieve a low cost and simple construction. The apparatus includes a road surface reaction torque detector that detects an actual road surface reaction torque received by tires of a vehicle from a road surface, a vehicle speed detector that detects a vehicle speed, a steering wheel angle detector that detects a steering angle of a steering wheel, a target road surface reaction torque calculation section that calculates a target road surface reaction torque based on the vehicle speed and the steering wheel angle, and a disturbance occurrence detection section that detects occurrence of a disturbance to the vehicle and outputs a disturbance state signal. The disturbance occurrence detection section includes a sign comparison section that compares signs of the actual and target road surface reaction torques.

Abstract: A method is disclosed wherein a plurality of sensors mounted on a structure, a baseline data set for each of the plurality of sensors and a calibration procedure verify the integrity of a structural health management system. Initially a baseline data set is established. Before performing the structural health assessment a calibration-in data set for each of the plurality of sensors is collected. The calibration-in data set is compared to the baseline data set for each sensor of the plurality of sensors. If the calibration-in data set and the baseline data set match then a structure characterization is performed. If the calibration-in data set and the baseline data set do not match, a calibration-out procedure is performed to generate a calibration-out data set. If the calibration-out data set and the calibration-in data sets match, then a determination is made that the structural health management system was working.

Abstract: A re-calibration method and device for a three-dimensional visual sensor of a robot system, whereby the work load required for re-calibration is mitigated. While the visual sensor is normal, the visual sensor and a measurement target are arranged in one or more relative positional relations by a robot, and the target is measured to acquire position/orientation information of a dot pattern etc. by using calibration parameters then held. During re-calibration, each relative positional relation is approximately reproduced, and the target is again measured to acquire feature amount information or position/orientation of the dot pattern etc. on the image. Based on the feature amount data and the position information, the parameters relating to calibration of the visual sensor are updated. At least one of the visual sensor and the target, which are brought into the relative positional relation, is mounted on the robot arm.

Abstract: A configurable semiconductor has a device characteristic that is controllable as a function of at least one external impedance. A measurement circuit measures an electrical characteristic of the at least one external impedance and determines a select value corresponding to the measured electrical characteristic. A first circuit controls the device characteristic as a function of the select value.

Abstract: In a reflecting mask, an apparatus for fixing the reflecting mask and a method of fixing the reflecting mask, voltages are applied to elements of a conductive pattern spaced apart from each other on a rear face of the reflecting mask to fix the reflecting mask by using electrostatic forces. A flatness of the fixed reflecting mask is measured, and the electrostatic forces provided to portions of the reflecting mask are selectively adjusted in accordance with a measured result obtained from the measuring part, such that the reflecting mask is horizontally fixed and is substantially flat.

Abstract: Generally provided is a system and method that determines a force-travel profile of a shifter in a vehicle having a shifter having an associated shifter shaft for a transmission. The feel of the shifter to a user of the shifter may be improved by using present system. Additionally, accurate measurements for determining shifter forces applied to a shifter and corresponding position of the shifter are performed. In operation, the system correlates the forces applied to the shifter and associated movement of the shifter to determine an associated feel of the shifter. The system operates to equate the forces correlating to the shifter and movement of the shifter to calibrate a feel of the shifter for a user applying the force to the shifter to actuate the shifter.

Abstract: A method of identifying an electrical fault in an electrical system may include coupling an electronic service tool to an electronic control module. The method may also include instructing the electronic control module to disable an enable condition and modify a trip condition set by the electronic control module. The method may further include monitoring the electrical system as a user wiggles a component of the electrical system. The method may further include providing the electronic control module with electrical system data, and generating a fault code when the electrical system data fulfills the modified trip condition. The method may further include communicating the fault code to the user.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and apparatus for diagnosing a motor-operated valve capable of continuously measuring a preload of a spring cartridge at low costs, with high accuracy, and with ease, so that the elastic characteristics of the spring cartridge may be easily calibrated in a simple manner. The method and apparatus is for diagnosing a motor-operated valve including a valve disc 25, a worm 12 rotatably driven by motor power, a link mechanism which opens and closes the valve disc 25 with the rotational driving force transmitted from the worm 12, and a spring cartridge 13 containing disc springs 15 which expand or compress in response to reaction force acting on the worm 12 in its axial direction from the link mechanism.