Electromechanical Or Magnetic System Patents (Class 702/115)
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Patent number: 7239968Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring and adjusting angular speed or rotational frequency of a fan as well as wear. As a result of being able to monitor the angular speed or rotational frequency of a fan, a prediction of both wear and failure can be made. Due largely to increasing internal friction related to the amount of wear, the energy required to operate a fan at a given angular speed or rotational frequency varies. Hence, an algorithm and certain devices can be employed to make wear and failure predictions of either an mechanical or electrical fan based on energy consumption relative to an angular speed or rotational frequency.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Valere Power, Inc.Inventors: Gregory H. Fasullo, Rick L. Barnett
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Patent number: 7239973Abstract: For testing of the appliance, a test adapter is used as an interface, which is inserted into the smart card reader of the appliance. Advantageously, a contact of the smart card reader is used for testing of the appliance, which is not used by the appliance, when operating with a smart card. One of the contacts used for testing of the appliance is in particularly the contact for the programming voltage VPP according to the ISO/IEC 7816-3:1997(E) standard. In a preferred embodiment, the test adapter comprises a serial adapter interface to a RS232 plug, which is coupled to a computer for testing of the appliance. This allows to use the XON/XOFF protocol via two data lines for testing of the appliance. The electronics part of the test adapter is powered via the smart card reader interface, when the test adapter is inserted into the smart card reader of the appliance. The appliance is especially a set-top box or a digital satellite receiver.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Christian Schahl, Jean-Pierre Bertin, Claude Rambault, Jean-Michel Boulben
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Patent number: 7219028Abstract: A device testing apparatus, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) testing apparatus, using one host computer to test a plurality of the devices, such as to burn-in test HDDs. A host computer having at least two serial communication ports is communicably connected to power cards which supply operating power to each HDD to be tested. A serial communication exchanger is communicably connected to the serial communication ports of the host computer and to the HDDs, and responds to channel selection instructions issued by the host computer to selectively establish a serial communication channel among HDDs, the power card, and the host computer. The single host computer conducts the testing of the HDDs by communicating with the HDDs via the established serial communication channel.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Min-won Bae, Sung-uk Moon, Jeong-cheol Choi
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Patent number: 7203615Abstract: A flight test installation system for collecting aircraft data includes a sensor level configured to convert aircraft physical inputs into plural measurable electrical parameters, an acquisition level configured to perform at least one of an analogue, discrete or digital bus data acquisition to acquire each of the plural measurable electrical parameters, and a concentration level configured to receive data streams from each of the analogue, discrete and digital data buses, and to switch and duplicate frames in the received data streams without modifying a content of the data streams. The flight test installation system also includes a recording and analysis level configured to record and analyze the content of each of the data streams.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Airbus FranceInventors: Jean-Pierre Mao, Jean-Pascal Caturla, Pascale Maether, Nathalie Revaux, Frederic Abadie
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Patent number: 7174264Abstract: A fault diagnosis section activates a driving component alone, measures an operation state signal and a paper passage time, and stores feature values (Vm, ov, Tqs, ots) extracted as a determination reference in a storage medium. A paper passage fault determination section determines whether or not a fault has arisen on the basis of the paper passage time when an apparatus is under normal operating conditions. A diagnosis target block determination section determines an order to operate a detail fault diagnosis when it is determined that there is a plurality of diagnosis target blocks.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kaoru Yasukawa, Koji Adachi, Eigo Nakagawa, Tetsuichi Satonaga, Norikazu Yamada, Koki Uwatoko
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Patent number: 7174263Abstract: A flow verifier for in-situ verification of a device under test (DUT), including an inlet connectable to a DUT, an outlet connectable to a vacuum pump for drawing gas through the DUT and the flow verifier, a vessel having a predetermined volume, diffusive media connecting the inlet to the vessel, an outlet valve connecting the vessel to the outlet for controlling flow from the vessel to the outlet, at least one temperature sensor operatively connected to the vessel for providing temperature measurements from within the vessel, and a pressure transducer operatively connected to the vessel for providing pressure measurements from within the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Ali Shajii, Daniel Alexander Smith
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Patent number: 7136768Abstract: A method and system for performing reliability analysis of disk drive failure mechanisms is provided. The information for performing the analysis is obtained in accordance with the invention from a database generated from identification information stored about individual drives, and drive families, that are deployed in the field. An error database stores error codes that are issued by a disk drive upon a particular event. These error codes are reported to a storage system administrator and recorded in the error database. The disk drive information and the error codes are mapped, and error codes are translated into failure mechanisms for a particular drive family. An analysis is performed whereby a hazard rate plot is provided for either all failure indicators or selected failure indicators or subpopulations for a particular drive family over a given time.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Network Appliance, Inc.Inventors: Sandeep Shah, Jon G. Elerath
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Patent number: 7136769Abstract: A control system for a failure mode testing system is described. The control system employs at least one control algorithm that enables the testing system to be operated at optimal pressure and frequency levels in order to generate a desired system response, such as a desired energy level and desired slope of the fast Fourier transform of the system response. Also described are a pressure dither system and a frequency ringing system for enhancing the operation of the actuator cylinders of the failure mode testing system. All three of the systems can be incorporated, either singularly or in combination, into a computer software program that can be employed to operate and control the failure mode testing system.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Entela, Inc.Inventors: Alexander J Porter, Mark A Smith
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Patent number: 7117112Abstract: A method for testing wireless communication devices in stages in a production line for the assembly of said devices, comprises assembling each respective wireless communication device such that each device includes an interactive test component for interactively testing the device; and testing each device using the interactive test component at an interactive test stage of the production line. The testing maybe performed at the interactive test stage without an external test system. A test result may be stored to the device for storing to an external testing database at a subsequent testing stage and for controlling the performing of subsequent testing.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Research in Motion LimitedInventor: Winston Mok
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Patent number: 7092834Abstract: In a method for determination and representation of adjustment steps for operation of an apparatus requiring adjustment, such as a diagnostic imaging apparatus, the implementation of manual adjustments by a user is supported. The method determines which adjustment steps are necessary for adjustment of the apparatus for a particular operation thereof and displays then in a list on a display medium. The adjustment steps are ordered corresponding to a sequence that is necessary for adjustment of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Swen Campagna
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Patent number: 7085666Abstract: A magnetic head testing apparatus includes reference information storing unit for holding a predetermined reference sampling period and a number of reference samplings, sampling unit for sampling reproduced data read a plurality of times from a magnetic medium in the reference sampling period, sampling number acquiring unit for acquiring a sampling number of measured data from a reproduced data base on a sampling result, sampling number ratio calculating unit for calculating a ratio of the sampling number of the measured data and the number of reference samplings, sampling data re-acquiring unit for changing the sampling period of the measured data depending on the calculated ratio and re-acquiring the sampling data and a measured data overlap-displaying unit for overlap-display of the sampling data re-acquired from the measured data a plurality of times.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Taketoshi Aratani, Tetsuya Mukunoki, Kazuteru Hashizume, Takao Sugawara, Kiyoharu Yagyu
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Patent number: 7085656Abstract: A technique for eliminating edge artifacts in magnetic microscopy includes the steps of scanning a SQUID over an object under study to acquire values of magnetic fields produced by currents running in the object to create a first data set having N data points. At the end of the first data set, N zero data points are added to create a second data set having 2N data points. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is further applied to the 2N data set to obtain k-space having b(k) values. The b(k) values of the k-space are averaged, and the averaged b(k) values corresponding to k exceeding a predetermined k value are filtered off. A set of current density representations i(k) in the k-space are obtained to which inverse FFT is applied to obtain a map of current densities I(x,y) of the object. A system for performing the method of the present invention includes a software designed to suppress (or eliminate) edge artifacts present in the obtained images.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2005Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: University of MarylandInventors: Claudio Felipe Busko, John Matthews, Frederick Charles Wellstood
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Patent number: 7062398Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disk drive is disclosed. The disk drive comprising a disk, a head actuated radially over the disk, a host interface for receiving disk commands from a host system, and a semiconductor memory for storing a drive operating program and a manufacturing program. The drive operating program comprising a disk access procedure for processing disk commands and a disk access vector for calling the disk access procedure. During a development stage, the manufacturing program is executed by an external test system that sends disk commands to a development drive. During a manufacturing stage, the manufacturing program is executed internally on each disk drive being manufactured by calling the disk access procedure of the drive operating program through the disk access vector.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2005Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael S. Rothberg
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Patent number: 7043387Abstract: Apparatus for testing functionality of a printed circuit board used to control operation of a printing press, including a plurality of input switches for providing to the circuit board test input signals simulating function control signals from a printing press control input, the function control signals controlling a plurality of functions of the printing press; a plurality of test loads simulating printing press loads for receiving from the circuit board output drive signals developed in response to the test input signals; and a processor for controlling operation of the input switches and for monitoring responses of the test loads in response to the output drive signals, whereby proper functionality of the printed circuit board in response to each of the plurality of function control signals is analyzed under simulated conditions of an actual operating printing press.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: NYT Press Services LLCInventor: Alan S. McNulty
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Patent number: 7039542Abstract: A method of measuring a motor constant is provided in a vector control apparatus for an induction motor. A voltage output phase ?v is set at a previously set arbitrary phase. Prior to applying a current, a current command is fed to operate the vector control apparatus with a proportional-plus-integral controller being set operative. After conduction for a predetermined time, the gain of the proportional-plus-integral controller is set to zero to maintain an integrated value constant and accordingly fix a voltage command value. In this state, a current command value and a detected current value are measured. This measurement is performed at two levels of current, and a primary resistance value (or a line-to-line resistance value) is derived from the slope.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yasukawa DenkiInventors: Shuichi Fujii, Hideaki Iura, Kozo Ide, Yoshiaki Yukihira
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Patent number: 6978446Abstract: A method for changing an operation performed by an electronic device includes defining a process flow chart of the operation to be performed by the electronic device, the process flow chart having one or more primitive actions, the operation having one or more components, the primitive action operating on the components to produce an output. The method further includes determining a number of information dispersal units for each of the components. For each of the components, defining a set of information dispersal units, transforming one or more of the primitive actions of the operation using a transform function to create a transformed primitive action, and applying each of the transformed primitive actions to all the respective sets of information dispersal units to produce a transformed set of transformed information dispersal units.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Bruce Roy Archambeault, Josyula R. Rao, Pankaj Rohatgi, Helmut Scherzer
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Patent number: 6954712Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for testing a peripheral device such that the device can remain installed in a housing and connected to a communication bus such as a SCSI bus. The apparatus, system, and method include a communication port that is connectable to a peripheral device connected to a terminated communication bus. The communication port is connected to a first transceiver and a second transceiver. A microcontroller is also connected to the first transceiver and the second transceiver. The microcontroller is programmed to detect an operation mode for the peripheral device and selectively activate the first transceiver or the second transceiver based on the detected operation mode. The microcontroller is further programmed to perform a logical diagnostic test on the peripheral device using the activated transceiver. A user interface is included to communicate to a user a result of the diagnostic test.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Robert LaMar Bingham, Jeremy Andrew Cohn, Kamal Emile Dimitri, Hector E. Mery, Daniel Scott Moore, Robin Daniel Roberts
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Patent number: 6895362Abstract: A system to monitor the integrity of a railway track is provided. The system comprises a mechanical signal source and a correlation detector. The mechanical signal source coupled to the railway track and is configured for generating a mechanical signal pulse train over the railway track. The correlation detector monitors the integrity of the railway track by observing the pulse trains transmitted by the mechanical signal sources. If the railway track is intact, then the pulse train will travel to the correlation detector and afford the opportunity for repeatable detection.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Michael Davenport, Ralph Thomas Hoctor, Nick Andrew Van Stralen
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Patent number: 6853939Abstract: The winding testing unit provides systems and methods for determining normal and/or abnormal characteristic signatures of same-voltage windings residing in a device, such as transformer, without the need for a comparison to past historical data. A plurality of characteristic signatures [H(f)'s] are determined for each of a plurality of windings. A plurality of differential characteristic signatures [H(f)'s] are then determined from a plurality of H(f) pairs selected from the plurality of H(f)'s. The differential H(f)'s are compared and at least one significant asymmetry is identified between the differential H(f)'s.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventor: Larry T. Coffeen
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Patent number: 6842729Abstract: A system for physical emulation of electronic circuits or systems includes a data entry workstation where a user may input data representing the circuit or system configuration. This data is converted to a form suitable for programming an array of programmable gate elements provided with a richly interconnected architecture. Provision is made for externally connecting VLSI devices or other portions of a user's circuit or system a network of internal probing interconnections is made available by utilization of unused circuit paths in the programmable gate arrays.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Quickturn Design Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen P. Sample, Michael R. D'Amour, Thomas S. Payne
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Patent number: 6823275Abstract: An apparatus comprises an edge detector, a memory and a pulse-input engine. The edge detector is configured to receive an input signal and a counter signal. The edge detector is further configured to send a set of time values based on the input signal and the counter signal. Each time value from the set of time values is uniquely associated with a detected edge transition from the input signal. The memory is coupled to the edge detector. The memory is configured to receive from the edge detector the set of time values. The memory is configured to store the set of time values. The pulse-input engine is coupled to the memory. The pulse-input engine is configured to measure a set of pulse-to-pulse delays based on the set of the time values stored in the memory.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: David R. Brown, Matthew C. Meyer, Ajay P. Mishra, Jeffrey A. Norris, David C. Rasmussen
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Patent number: 6820020Abstract: A first resistance value of an electromagnetic transducer is calculated based on an examination current of a first current value. A second resistance value of the electromagnetic transducer is calculated based on the examination current of a second current value different from the first current value. A quantity of variation in temperature is derived based on the first and second resistance values. An expected lifetime of the electromagnetic transducer is calculated based on the derived quantity of variation in temperature. A current value for a sensing current to be supplied to the electromagnetic transducer is determined based on the calculated expected lifetime. It is possible to reliably set the maximum current value for the sensing current without suffering from deterioration or a shortened lifetime of the electromagnetic transducer resulting from a fracturing or destructive phenomenon such as a migration.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Yukimasa Yokoyama, Toru Simozato
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Patent number: 6804600Abstract: A sensor error compensation system and method is provided that facilitates improved sensor error detection and compensation. The sensor error compensation system includes an expected value generator and a sensor fault detector. The expected value generator receives sensor data from a plurality of sensors in a turbine engine. From the sensor data, the expected value generator generates an expected sensor value for a sensor under test. The expected sensor value is passed to the sensor fault detector. The sensor fault detector compares the expected sensor value to a received sensor value to determine if a sensor error has occurred in the sensor under test. If an error has occurred, the error can be compensated for by generating a replacement sensor value to substitute for erroneous received sensor value.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Onder Uluyol, Emmanuel O. Nwadiogbu
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Publication number: 20040186677Abstract: Apparatus for testing functionality of a printed circuit board used to control operation of a printing press, including a plurality of input switches for providing to the circuit board test input signals simulating function control signals from a printing press control input, the function control signals controlling a plurality of functions of the printing press; a plurality of test loads simulating printing press loads for receiving from the circuit board output drive signals developed in response to the test input signals; and a processor for controlling operation of the input switches and for monitoring responses of the test loads in response to the output drive signals, whereby proper functionality of the printed circuit board in response to each of the plurality of function control signals is analyzed under simulated conditions of an actual operating printing press.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: NYT Press Services LLCInventor: Alan S. McNulty
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Publication number: 20040148118Abstract: The appliance comprises an audio port, which is usable as an interface for testing of the appliance. In a preferred embodiment, the appliance comprises stereo output ports, one port for a reception of digital test signals from a control computer and the other port for a transmission of digital signals from the appliance to the control computer. For the separation of the test signals and the audio signals a test adapter is used which is coupled between the appliance, the control computer and an amplifier for the audio signals. The test signals are modulated onto a carrier signal having a frequency of above 20 kHz, for example a frequency within the frequency range of 1-10 MHz. This allows a serial connection, which is compatible with the widely used RS232 link for set-top boxes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2004Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventors: Patrick Will, Olivier Horr
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Publication number: 20040148129Abstract: An operation monitoring unit 11 for acquiring process data from sensors 10 installed to a gas turbine and operation information of the gas turbine; communication units 12, 14 for transmitting each of said two kinds of data on the gas turbine acquired in the operation monitoring unit 11; an analysis server 16 which calculates values of equivalent operating time using each of the two kinds of data obtained through the communication units 12, 14, the value of equivalent operating time evaluating a degree of damage of a diagnosed position for each of a plurality of degradation-and-damage modes, and calculates a value of whole equivalent operating time by adding the values of equivalent operating time for the individual degradation-and-damage modes; and a facility management unit 15 client-server systemized using the analysis server 16 and a WWW browser 20 or WWW server 19 are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventors: Jinichiro Gotoh, Yasushi Hayasaka, Shigeo Sakurai, Hiraku Ikeda
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Publication number: 20040133378Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the activity of a system of one or more electromechanical components that receive electrical current from a power supply. The method and system samples an actual current supplied to the electromechanical component from the power supply. Next, the method and system reads a theoretical current for the activity of the system. A statistical value is computed from comparing the actual current and the theoretical current. This statistical value is compared to upper and lower threshold values. Depending upon this comparison, the system issues various output messages. Further, if this comparison indicates that one of the electromechanical components is failing, the method and system will shut that component down.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Douglas Wallace Todd, Diana Joyce Hellman, Michael Philip McIntosh, Jason Lee Peipelman
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Patent number: 6760277Abstract: A test system for a design of a network device under test includes an oscillator configured for generating a first clock signal for a first clock domain, and field programmable gate arrays. Each field programmable gate array is configured for performing device operations according to the first clock domain and transferring data to another device at a network data rate based on a second clock domain. Each field programmable gate array includes clock conversion logic configured for generating a second clock signal for the second clock domain, based on the first clock signal. Hence, the generation of the second clock signal within each field programmable gate array ensures that timing accuracy is maintained, enabling communication between the field programmable gate arrays at high-speed data rates based on the second clock domain.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventor: Rizwan M. Farooq
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Patent number: 6760680Abstract: Apparatus for testing functionality of a printed circuit board used to control operation of a printing press, including a plurality of input switches for providing to the circuit board test input signals simulating function control signals from a printing press control input, the function control signals controlling a plurality of functions of the printing press; a plurality of test loads simulating printing press loads for receiving from the circuit board output drive signals developed in response to the test input signals; and a processor for controlling operation of the input switches and for monitoring responses of the test loads in response to the output drive signals, whereby proper functionality of the printed circuit board in response to each of the plurality of function control signals is analyzed under simulated conditions of an actual operating printing press.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: NYT Press Services LLCInventor: Alan S. McNulty
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Publication number: 20040122613Abstract: (Subject)Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Kazumasa Ide, Kenji Miyata, Kazuo Shima, Masayuki Tani
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Patent number: 6754605Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for automating data storage array components testing. A serial number of a data storage array component (i.e., product) is used to determine if the product is of high priority (rank) in comparison with other products in a queue and there is any test cell available for testing the product. Next, if a test is required, the product type and test requirements of the product are retrieved from a database based on the serial number, and the product is routed to the test cell from an assembly line. Then the product and a storage component interface module of the test cell are positioned so that the product and the storage component interface module face each other. The storage component interface module is chosen based on the test requirements retrieved from the database. Next the product is docked into the storage component interface so that the product is connected to the storage component interface module. Then the test is run to completion.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: LSI Logic CorporationInventors: James D. Pate, Justin B. Mortensen, Steven G. Hagerott
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Publication number: 20040073396Abstract: Apparatus for testing functionality of a printed circuit board used to control operation of a printing press, including a plurality of input switches for providing to the circuit board test input signals simulating function control signals from a printing press control input, the function control signals controlling a plurality of functions of the printing press; a plurality of test loads simulating printing press loads for receiving from the circuit board output drive signals developed in response to the test input signals; and a processor for controlling operation of the input switches and for monitoring responses of the test loads in response to the output drive signals, whereby proper functionality of the printed circuit board in response to each of the plurality of function control signals is analyzed under simulated conditions of an actual operating printing press.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventor: Alan S. McNulty
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Patent number: 6718273Abstract: A method for generating manipulated variables for the direct-axis and cross voltage, respectively, to represent the flux-forming current ID and torque-forming current IQ in field-oriented control of asynchronous machines, taking into account the stator voltage drop and steady-state internal voltage. The steady-state internal voltage is calculated on the basis of reference variables of the currents.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Harald Tschentscher, Martin Eisenhardt
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Patent number: 6714887Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for testing disc drives. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a microprocessor capable of storing at least one test program. Data transfer between the microprocessor and the disc drive under test is provided for in the form of an interface, such that the interface is compatible for connection to the disc drive under test.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: David Swee Hoon Wong, Chin Ker New, Chee Kong Tan
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Publication number: 20040059534Abstract: A residual amount detecting device for detecting information concerning a residual amount of recording medium. The residual amount detecting device includes an external force applying unit that applies an external force to a recording medium group in a thickness direction thereof and an external force detecting unit that detects the external force applied to the recording medium group. The external force detecting unit is disposed such that the recording medium group is set in a position between the external force applying unit and the external force detecting unit. With the residual amount detecting device, it is possible to detect information concerning the residual amount of a recording medium even before using up the recording medium group stacked in an image forming apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hidetoshi Nojiri
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Patent number: 6711513Abstract: A measurement system and method for determining a revolution rate of a rotating gear is described. Such a rotating gear can be, for example, a turbine or compressor. The described measurement system and method, for example, can perform highly accurate measurements and can be a fault tolerant system providing high reliability. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises an edge detector, a memory and a pulse-input engine. The edge detector is configured to receive an input signal and a counter signal. The edge detector is further configured to send a set of time values based on the input signal and the counter signal. The pulse-input engine is configured to measure a set of pulse-to-pulse delays based on the set of time values stored in the memory.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Ivensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: David R. Brown, Matthew C. Meyer, Ajay P. Mishra, Jeffrey A. Norris, David C. Rasmussen
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Patent number: 6708132Abstract: An improved microsystems testing and characterization system which allows the system user to identify specific structures, and thereby to initiate an automated testing sequence to be applied to that structure or a series of structures. The integrated control system that governs the present invention automates the power supply to the device under test, the precision motion control of all components, the sensor operation, data processing and data presentation. Therefore operation is autonomous once the microstructure is in place and the testing sequence is specified. The integrated testing system can be used to perform tests on an entire wafer or on a single die.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: InterScience, Inc.Inventors: Adolfo O. Gutierrez, Steven C. Aceto, Michelle D. Simkulet
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Publication number: 20040049361Abstract: A system and method for detecting alternator condition is provided. Information is taken from the vehicle powerline and the communication links, and processed by the vehicle ECU, such as the vehicle antilocking brake system ECU, to obtain data. The battery voltage ripple amplitude is then calculated and compared at different engine speeds. If the difference in the ripple amplitude at the different engine speeds is greater than a predetermined threshold value, a signal is sent indicating that the alternator has failed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Marv M. Hamdan, Gusztav Holler, Kenneth A. Grolle, Joseph M. Macnamara, Kirit A. Thakkar
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Publication number: 20040019447Abstract: A system whereby a magnetic tip attached to a surgical tool is detected, displayed and influenced positionally so as to allow diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to be performed rapidly, accurately, simply, and intuitively is described. The tools that can be so equipped include catheters, guidewires, and secondary tools such as lasers and balloons, in addition biopsy needles, endoscopy probes, and similar devices. The magnetic tip allows the position and orientation of the tip to be determined without the use of x-rays by analyzing a magnetic field. The magnetic tip further allows the tool tip to be pulled, pushed, turned, and forcefully held in the desired position by applying an appropriate magnetic field external to the patient's body. A Virtual Tip serves as an operator control. Movement of the operator control produces corresponding movement of the magnetic tip inside the patient's body.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Yehoshua Shachar
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Patent number: 6671649Abstract: A position calculation method that calculates the correct position of a terminal even when errors are not distributed symmetrically for positive and negative values, by calculating the position of a terminal using the delay time of received signals. The method calculates a first range that is a difference between a range from the terminal to each of antenna and a range from the terminal to a base antenna, the range being calculated from a wireless signal delay time; calculates a second range that is a difference between a range from an assumed terminal position for calculation to each antenna and a range from the assumed terminal position for calculation to the base antenna; calculates a likelihood of the position of the terminal, repeats these procedures to obtain a point where the likelihood is maximized, and determines an obtained most likely solution as the position of the terminal.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Mikio Kuwahara, Tomoaki Ishifuji, Takashi Yano, Kenzaburo Fujishima
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Publication number: 20030229465Abstract: A test methodology for use in a manufacturing process includes generating a test management matrix having a plurality of selectable test sites. Each test site indicates the optimum level of tests to be exercised on devices used to manufacture a product, such as a personal computer. Each test site is accessed through the intersection of inputs relating to aggregate test levels and quality of components used in the device. The tests identified at a selected test site are exercised to test the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Barry Alan Kritt
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Patent number: 6651192Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing disk drives, the disk drives having reliability attributes and manufacturing attributes, the manufacturing attributes comprising process or component manufacturing attributes is disclosed. The reliability attributes comprise measurements for predicting future reliability of the disk drives at the time of manufacture. The disk drives are prepared with a servo format. Each disk drive is connected to a test apparatus and then tuned to verify that each disk drive performs within expected limits. One or more technical screen tests are performed on all of the disk drives. A first sample set of the disk drives is selected automatically at a defined size using a randomizer. One or more extended tests are executed on the first sample set of disk drives to measure a margin magnitude for one or more of the reliability attributes. The margin magnitude is compared with a reference to detect a significant change.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joseph M. Viglione, Yvonne M. Utzig
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Patent number: 6640196Abstract: Systems and methodologies are disclosed for detecting faults and adverse conditions associated with electric motors. The method comprises obtaining a current signal associated with the motor, calculating a space vector from the current signal, determining a space vector angular fluctuation from the space vector, and analyzing the space vector angular fluctuation in order to detect at least one fault associated with the motor. Systems are disclosed having a diagnostics component adapted to obtain a space vector angular fluctuation from a current signal relating to operation of the motor, and to analyze the space vector angular fluctuation in order to detect at least one fault in the motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLCInventors: Peter J. Unsworth, Dragica Kostic Perovic
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Patent number: 6636823Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a stator winding fault in an induction motor includes sampling instantaneous signals from the motor and then deriving sequence components of at least some of the instantaneous signals using a power decomposition technique (PDT), one of the sequence components being a total negative sequence current component. In addition, the method includes calculating an expected negative sequence current based on at least some of the sequence components. Thereafter, the method subtracts the expected negative sequence current from the total negative sequence current to determine a fault negative sequence current, wherein the fault negative sequence current is indicative of the fault.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter J. Unsworth, Muslum Arkan
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Patent number: 6631336Abstract: A method and device applicable to HV generators and X-ray tubes, and a computer program and support for the program. In the method a determination is made of a scale of values representing the energy of the radio-frequency spectrum transmitted by radio wave over a given period in the electric discharges appearing in the system for a given test voltage, by artificially varying in the system the level of pollution of the system until dielectric failure of the system. A limiting value is chosen embracing the admissible pollution tolerances on manufacture. A measurement is made for each system of the same product type of the quantity of energy of the radio-frequency spectrum transmitted by radio wave by each of the systems under the same conditions. A comparison is made of the quantities measured with the limiting value chosen to determine a possible fluctuation of quality of the systems produced.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company LLCInventor: Hans Jedlitschka
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Patent number: 6618649Abstract: Techniques characterize a circuit breaker device utilizing an apparatus having an energy storage device for storing and releasing a particular amount of energy and a controller. The controller (i) disconnects the energy storage device from an interface and connects the energy storage device to an external power source to store the particular amount of energy in the energy storage device, and (ii) disconnects the energy storage device from the external power source and connects the energy storage device to the interface such that energy is released from the energy storage device through the interface and through the circuit breaker device. The circuit breaker device is deemed to belong to a first category when the circuit breaker device trips in response to the released energy, and a second category when the circuit breaker device does not trip in response to the released energy.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: EMC CorporationInventor: Marcel Shilo
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Patent number: 6615156Abstract: An absolute position detector that interprets, rather than avoids, abnormal sensory states. Different combinations of sensors in an array are activated as a marker travels along a path. The current activation/deactivation state of the array is converted into a digital signal that is reliably indicative of the current absolute position of the marker along the path. In a preferred embodiment, a dynamic magnetic field is provided whose current condition represents the current absolute position of a moving marker. As the marker moves, the condition of the field changes to activate different groups of Hall Effect devices in an array. The activated groups may comprise one or more Hall Effect devices in the array, depending on the condition of the field as created by the position of the marker. The current activation/deactivation state of the array is then converted, advantageously via truth table logic, into a digital signal representative of the current position of the marker.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: EIM Company, Inc.Inventors: Lynn H. Elliott, Gerald W. Scalf, Jason R. Lowery
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Patent number: 6587805Abstract: A system for testing inductive write head elements of a head stack assembly (“HSA”). A completed HSA is placed in a test apparatus. Test probes are aligned and placed in electrical contact with the head elements, preferably at a location between the head and the preamplifier. The HSA is then placed in a changing magnetic field. A low frequency magnetic field may be applied to test the head elements. The changing magnetic field induces electrical signals within the head elements. By analyzing these electrical signals, the condition and characteristics of the each head element can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventor: Mohammad Shoaib Aslami
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Publication number: 20030089156Abstract: A device and a method are proposed, which, upon triggering of the restraint devices via a control device (1), allow a systematic testing of the triggering characteristics of restraint devices in a motor vehicle under conditions as realistic as possible. For that purpose, the device according to the present invention includes an ambiency simulator (2), connectable to the control device (1), for stipulating defined peripheral states, an acceleration device for accelerating the control device (1), detecting means (3) for recording the triggering characteristics of the restraint devices in response to acceleration of the control device (1), and evaluation means for evaluating the recorded triggering characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Martin Schweizer, Peter Weissflog
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Patent number: 6564158Abstract: Apparatus and method having a probe and readout for taking electromagnetic field measurements by acquiring raw data and linearizing the data either during processing or after processing by using a curve-fitting equation to non-linearly interpolate between calibration data points. A curve-fitting equation of the form V/m=a+bxc is used for selected segments of the data and the invention requires only the retention of numerical values for the coefficients a, b, and c for each data segment. The coefficient values are stored in the probe and used either by the probe or the readout to construct calibrated data in volts per meter (V/m).Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Holaday Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jay A. Rabel, Steven R. Stadler