Linear Distance Or Length Patents (Class 702/158)
  • Patent number: 8355886
    Abstract: A method to determine the misalignment and/or clearance of a door relative to its frame includes a phase to determine a law of variation of the clearance and/or misalignment values for the different inspection points, in relation to various opening positions of the door taken with respect to a reference position in which the door occupies its closed position, a measurement phase in which the door occupies any position relative to the frame, and during which the clearance and/or misalignment values are measured, and a phase to take into account the measured clearance and/or misalignment values and the law of variation so as to determine the true values of clearance and/or misalignment at the different inspection points corresponding to the door in its reference closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Edixia
    Inventors: Michel Ollivier, Arnaud Legeard
  • Patent number: 8352210
    Abstract: A system determines the revolutions of an object using multiple accelerometers. A difference vector between at least 2 multi-axis accelerometers spaced some distance apart is used to calculate the two-dimensional or three-dimensional centripetal acceleration vector. The centripetal acceleration vector is then used as a rough estimate for the sampling rate for a digital tracking bandpass filter. This bandpass filter extracts angular orientation data leading to a sampling rate and to a revolution totalizer. The number of revolutions of the object, along with a known diameter of an attached object, such as a vehicle wheel, may be used to calculate distance traveled by the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Stemco LP
    Inventor: Mark J. Kranz
  • Patent number: 8344741
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for monitoring clearance in a rotary machine are provided. According to one embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a method for monitoring clearance between a rotatable member and a stationary member in a rotary machine. The method may include providing a flex circuit capacitance sensor. The flex circuit capacitance sensor may include at least one capacitance sensing layer, at least one shielding layer adjacent to the capacitance sensing layer, at least one ground layer adjacent to the shielding layer, and a set of conducting leads connected to the capacitance sensing layer. Further, the method may include mounting the capacitance sensor between a portion of the rotatable member and a portion of the stationary member. Clearance may be determined between the rotatable member and the stationary member based at least in part on a capacitance indication from the capacitance sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Boris Sheikman, Jack E. Howard, Brandon Rank, Raymond Verle Jensen
  • Patent number: 8326572
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a pipe length in an air conditioning system includes a detector to detect a signal traveled through a pipe and a first impedance coupler that couples to one end of the pipe, where the detector detects the signal traveled through the pipe at the first impedance coupler. A processor determines a pipe length based on the detected signal and a signal generator generates the signal to be sent through the pipe. A second impedance coupler couples to another end of the pipe, where the signal generator sends the signal to the pipe through the second impedance coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jun-Tae Kim, Chi-Sun Ahn, Seung-Hwan Jung, Sang-Chul Youn, Duck-Gu Jeon
  • Publication number: 20120296578
    Abstract: A system for in situ fastener preload measurement. The system includes a length measuring tool adapted to grip a fastener by the axially opposed ends of the fastener, and a computing device coupled to the length measuring tool and comprising a database and a display. The length measuring tool is provided with tips adapted to seat in indentations disposed in the axially opposed ends of the fastener, with the indentations having a shape complementary to the shape of the tips, and the indentations being disposed such that the deepest points of the indentations are axially opposite each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GAMESA Innovation & Technology, S.L.
    Inventor: Juan REDIN
  • Patent number: 8305215
    Abstract: A method and system for identification, tracking and locating in wireless communications and wireless networks. The method and system use reference and/or pilot signals that are present in wireless communications and wireless networks. The method and system can also use RTT, TOA and time-stamping measurements/techniques to determine one or more reference signals traveling time between the Base Station (eNB) or its functional equivalent and mobile device (UE) and or network device. The method and system includes multi-path mitigations processor and multi-path mitigations techniques and algorithms which improve the track-locate accuracy. The method and system allow achieving increased accuracy by using multi-path mitigations processor and multi-path mitigations techniques and algorithms. The techniques of Digital Signal Processing and Software-Defined Radio are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Invisitrack, Inc.
    Inventors: Felix Markhovsky, Truman Prevatt
  • Patent number: 8275572
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting objects. A first plurality of electromagnetic signals having a first frequency and a second plurality of electromagnetic signals having a second frequency are transmitted. At least one of the first frequency and the second frequency is changed through a range of frequencies. A delayed difference frequency signal substantially equal to a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency is monitored for. The delayed difference frequency signal is generated by an object having non-linear electrical characteristics in response to the object receiving the first plurality of electromagnetic signals and the second plurality of electromagnetic signals. A range measurement is generated for the object by comparing the delayed difference frequency signal and an undelayed difference frequency signal. The undelayed difference frequency signal is substantially equal to the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard H. Burns, Donald Elliot Harrington
  • Publication number: 20120221189
    Abstract: A distance measuring system comprises a vehicle and an electronic key. The vehicle includes a user interface system. The portable electronic key includes a distance data gathering component configured to determine a distance travelled by the electronic key and create distance data based on the distance travelled, and a communication component configured to communicate the distance data to the user interface system which is configured to output distance information based on the distance data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Heather KONET, Jade ZUEGE
  • Publication number: 20120209563
    Abstract: An example of a configuration of an information processing system of the exemplary embodiment includes a first input device on which at least a portion of a user's body is allowed to be put and an information processing apparatus for processing data obtained from the first input device. The first input device includes a first platform on which at least a portion of a user's body is put; and a distance data output unit. The distance data output unit outputs distance data determined in accordance with a distance to an object positioned in a direction away from a platform surface of the first platform. The information processing apparatus includes a data acquisition unit and a processing unit. The data acquisition unit acquires the distance data outputted by the distance data output unit. The processing unit performs a predetermined process, based on the distance data acquired by the data acquisition unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Genyo TAKEDA, Noboru Wakitani
  • Patent number: 8244487
    Abstract: A measuring system for tensile or compressive tests is provided. A set of mirrors includes a first plane mirror and a second plane mirror. The angles between the first plane mirror and the first axis and between the second plane mirror and the first axis are both a specific included angle, such that the first and second plane mirrors are symmetrical to the first axis. An object to be tested is disposed between the set of mirrors and an image capturing apparatus. Two extremities of the object have the first and second labels, respectively. The first and second mirror images of the first and second labels are generated through the first and second plane mirrors, respectively. After the object is tensed or compressed, the image capturing apparatus obtains the displacement of the first and second labels according to the shifting of the first and second mirror images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Wei-Chen Lee, Ming-Chung Wu
  • Patent number: 8234070
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention sets forth an apparatus for registering a scoring event. The apparatus includes a target having a surface; a sensor, positioned in proximity to the target, adapted to detect the occurrence of a scoring event caused by the presence of a projectile in the scoring area and to determine a trajectory of the projectile; a time tracking device adapted to keep track of time of the scoring event; a location sensing device adapted to identify a location of the apparatus; a true north detection device adapted to detect the direction of true north with respect to the surface of the target; and a controller, coupled to the sensor and the true north detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: AAI Corporation
    Inventors: Niall B. McNelis, Matthew Livelsberger
  • Patent number: 8209146
    Abstract: A system and method is described for determining a distance to a desired target via correlating a pulse modulated signal with its corresponding reflected signal, while compensating for noise error in the reflected signal to allow for a more precise distance determination. Further details and features are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventor: Paul A. Maltseff
  • Patent number: 8209145
    Abstract: A method to increase the accuracy of the interpolation of railroad mileposts is disclosed. Based upon image data and data provided in customer track charts, reference points are selected along the track, and their location is verified using GPS data. Once verified, the locations of various points between the reference points are determined using mathematical interpolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Georgetown Rail Equipment Company
    Inventors: David Pagliuco, Christopher M. Villar, John Anthony Nagle, II, Steven C. Orrell
  • Patent number: 8209134
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement (EDM) from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes: comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM); comparison to historical data; and modeling based on linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Sophie Lin
    Inventors: David H. Parker, John M. Payne, Sophie Lin, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20120143562
    Abstract: A method is provided for estimating distances between sensor nodes. The method includes receiving a temporal sequence of measurements of a selected local environmental condition from each of the sensor nodes. The method includes determining an amount of correlation between the measurements of the selected local environmental condition that were received from two or more of the sensor nodes. The method also includes estimating distances between the two or more of the sensor nodes based on the determined amount of correlation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Yuliy Baryshnikov
  • Patent number: 8175840
    Abstract: An apparatus for tracking an posture of a moving object in a three-dimensional space having a z-axis facing a reference surface of the moving object, an x-axis perpendicular to the z-axis in a virtual vertical plane including the z-axis, and a y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis in a virtual horizontal plane including the x-axis is described. A reference surface direction determination unit detects which direction the reference surface is facing with the x-axis as an axis of rotation. The x-axis deviation determination unit detects how far an x-axis direction of the moving object is relatively deviated from a magnetic north direction. The determination unit determines the posture of the moving object based on how far the x-axis of the moving object is deviated and which direction the reference surface is facing in response to detection signals of the reference surface direction determination unit and the x-axis deviation determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Jin Sang Hwang, Jeong-Whan Lee
  • Patent number: 8173962
    Abstract: An evaluation method and apparatus is provided for evaluating a displacement between patterns of a pattern image by using design data representative of a plurality of patterns superimposed ideally. A first distance is measured for an upper layer pattern between a line segment of the design data and an edge of the charged particle radiation image, a second distance is measured for a lower layer pattern between a line segment of the design data and an edge of the charged particle radiation image; and an superimposition displacement is detected between the upper layer pattern and lower layer pattern in accordance with the first distance and second distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Takumichi Sutani, Ryoichi Matsuoka, Hidetoshi Morokuma, Akiyuki Sugiyama, Hiroyuki Shindo
  • Patent number: 8170831
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for measuring a dimension of a circular object. First to third sensors arranged in a straight line are disposed above a track to respectively measure time instants when the circular object moves past the first to third sensors. The dimension of the circular object is calculated according to distances between the first and second sensors and between the second and third sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Maw-Yuan Liou
  • Publication number: 20120092179
    Abstract: A measurement system measures a gap between a plurality of rotating bucket tips and a stationary shroud surface. The system includes a sensor secured to the shroud surface, where the sensor senses a distance between each of the rotating bucket tips and the shroud surface, and a key phasor indexing each of the plurality of rotating bucket tips. A processor receives data from the sensor and the key phasor and calculates a shift against each of the plurality of buckets. The processor determines a time to bucket replacement based on current service hours of the plurality of rotating buckets tips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: KrishnaKumar PG, Daniel Howard Tragesser, Saurav Dugar, Joseph Vincent Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 8159330
    Abstract: A device for determining the dimensions of a parcel includes a platform and two adjacent walls. Each of the platform and walls are provided with a respective antenna for transmitting and receiving RF energy. The parcel to be measured is placed on the platform and registered against the walls. A responding device, having RFID tags attached thereto, is placed on a corner of the parcel. Each of the antennae are energized, and response signals from the RFID tags are measured. Based on the response signals from the RFID tags, the dimensions of the parcel can be determined, and the parcel can be rated for delivery based on the determined dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Braun
  • Publication number: 20120084052
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hoist length measuring method comprising: a first step of setting a hoist length L to an initial length (L0+L1); a second step of determining whether a preset time period has elapsed after the operation of a hoist has started; a third step of determining whether a hook is falling or rising if it is determined that the preset time period has elapsed; and a fourth step of calculating a hoist length at the time of determination using the following respective equations for a case in which the hook is falling and for a case in which the hook is rising, wherein L0 represents the distance between the center of the hook and the center of the shaft of the motor of the hoist when the hook of the hoist is located at an upper limit, and L1 represents the distance between the center of the hook and the center of an object hanging on the hook, and the equation for the case in which the hook is rising is L=L??L, and the equation for the case in which the hook is falling is L=L+?L, wherein AL represents the va
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Gy-Yun Choi
  • Patent number: 8145448
    Abstract: A system and a process for determining the timing and position of contestants on a track. This system comprises at least one directional antenna in communication with at least one competitor communication device that can be coupled to each contestant. A remote base station, is in communication with the positioning device, wherein the positioning device determines a contestant time as the contestant passes the projected field and also determines the position of the contestant in relation to an inside guide such as a rail. There is also a process which includes attaching at least one competitor communication device on at least one contestant, starting a race, and then recording the position and time for each contestant and transmitted from the competitor communication device to a remote base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Fernando Vincenzini
  • Patent number: 8126677
    Abstract: A method includes comparing a scanning interferometry signal obtained for a location of a test object to each of multiple model signals corresponding to different model parameters for modeling the test object, wherein for each model signal the comparing includes calculating a correlation function between the scanning interferometry signal and the model signal to identify a surface-height offset between the scanning interferometry signal and the model signal and, based on the identified surface-height offset, calculating a height-offset compensated merit value indicative of a similarity between the scanning interferometry signal and the model signal for a common surface height. The method further includes, based on the respective merit values for the different model signals, determining a test object parameter at the location of the test object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Zygo Corporation
    Inventors: Peter De Groot, Xavier Colonna De Lega
  • Patent number: 8116553
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for determining a descriptor, comprising calculating a maximum distance for a plurality of points in a sector between each of said plurality of points and an origin; calculating a minimal distance from one of said plurality of points and a target line, wherein said maximum distance is an initial value; computing a plurality of Fourier coefficients from said minimal distances; and defining an invariant descriptor from said Fourier coefficients, and appropriate means and computer-readable instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc.
    Inventor: Sebastien Racaniere
  • Publication number: 20120029871
    Abstract: A device and method of precise distance measurement of a transmission line to any object below it is disclosed, along with a network of such devices. The technique employs ultrasonic sensor technology to measure the distance to the nearest object, be it vegetation or a crossing conductor below, and reports that distance wirelessly to the system operator or transmission asset owner. The ultrasonic measurement package may be part of a Transmission Line Security Monitor, which mounts to a transmission line conductor and is powered by the transmission line, transmitting the data by radio links. The technology is equally applicable to encroachment of objects from the side (for example, other transmission lines), as well as to other electrical lines, such as distribution lines, or to other sensing. A built-in transceiver allows the device to communicate with other devices and forward alerts from these devices in a daisy-chain fashion to the intended recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Philip E. Spillane
  • Patent number: 8099256
    Abstract: A method of determining the dimensions of a mailpiece by means of a portable measuring device having a housing provided with an opening having a side reference surface along which the mailpiece is guided under a position sensor in a first pass along a first dimension of the mailpiece, after which pass a value for the first dimension of the mailpiece is determined by a processing unit and is communicated to a franking system to which the portable measuring device is connected, and in a second pass along a second dimension of the mailpiece, after which pass a value for the second dimension of the mailpiece is determined by the processing unit and is communicated to the franking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Neopost Technologies
    Inventor: Marek Krasuski
  • Patent number: 8098367
    Abstract: Tools and techniques for estimating elevations, including without limitation tools and techniques that employ mobile stations with laser detectors for receiving a beam emitted from a laser source and estimating an elevation of the mobile station based on the received beam. In some instances, a mobile station may be configured to identify, based on some or all of a variety of factors, a situation in which the elevation of the detector is likely to change to the extent that the slope of the emitter needs to be adjusted to account for this change in elevation. The mobile station may also be configured to inform the laser source that the slope of the emitted beam should be adjusted. In response, the laser source may adjust the slope of the emitted beam accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Kirk, Nicholas Talbot
  • Patent number: 8090553
    Abstract: A cable length detection apparatus is provided to detect the length of a cable having at least three pairs of wires for transmitting video signals. The cable length detection apparatus has a signal compressing circuit, a signal converting circuit and a length calculating circuit. The signal compressing circuit compresses an electrical signal into one pair of wires. The signal converting circuit converts the electrical signal transmitted by the pair of wires into a value. The length calculating circuit then calculates the length of the cable according to the value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Aten International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sun-Chung Chen
  • Patent number: 8082120
    Abstract: A method and hand-held scanning apparatus for three-dimensional scanning of an object is described. The hand-held self-referenced scanning apparatus has a light source for illuminating retro-reflective markers, the retro-reflective markers being provided at fixed positions on or around the object, a photogrammetric high-resolution camera, a pattern projector for providing a projected pattern on a surface of the object; at least a pair of basic cameras, the basic camera cooperating with light sources, the projected pattern and at least a portion of the retro-reflective markers being apparent on the 2D images, a frame for holding all components in position within the hand-held apparatus, the frame having a handle, the frame allowing support and free movement of the scanning apparatus by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Creaform Inc.
    Inventors: Éric St-Pierre, Pierre-Luc Gagné, Antoine Thomas Caron, Nicolas Beaupré, Dragan Tubic, Patrick Hébert
  • Publication number: 20110302091
    Abstract: A system for estimating cost or time to repair a damaged vehicle includes an electronic measuring system that can measure control points of the vehicle and determine whether those control points are out of tolerance (i.e., damaged) even though the damage is not perceptible by the human eye. The system further takes into account various efficiencies and inefficiencies due to extent of damage, type of material, etc. by adding to or subtracting from estimated cost or time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Hornedo
  • Patent number: 8065105
    Abstract: A system including a platform having a receptacle adapted to a bottom of a shoe or foot; securing mechanism, associated therewith; a sole for contacting a ground surface; a mechanism associated with the sole and a platform bottom, including: motor and a thrusting element, activated by the motor, the thrusting element adapted to move between the sole and the platform to apply an upward force against the platform bottom, thereby changing a platform height with respect to the sole; a sensor device adapted to associate with a lower limb, and to produce a locomotion data signal, and a microprocessor, operatively connected to the sensor device and motor, adapted to: receive locomotion information based on the signal; process the locomotion information to determine a locomotion phase, and control a timing of the mechanism, based on the determination, to change the height during a locomotion swing phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Step of Mind Ltd.
    Inventors: Simona Bar-Haim, Mark Belokopytov
  • Publication number: 20110279366
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ranging finding of signal transmitting devices is provided. The method of signal reception is digitally based only and does not require receivers that are analog measurement devices. Ranging can be achieved using a single pulse emitting device operating in range spaced relation with a minimum of a single signal transmitter and a single digital receiver and processing circuitry. In general a plurality of transmitting pulsed emitters may be ranged and positioned virtually simultaneously in 3-dimensions (XYZ coordinates) using a configuration of a plurality of digital receivers arranged in any fixed 3-dimensional configuration. Applications may involve at least one single transmitter to receiver design to determine range, or at least one transmitted reflecting signal off from an object to determine range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: XYZ INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Andrew H. Lohbihler
  • Publication number: 20110255735
    Abstract: A probe monitoring system for riverbed elevation monitoring at bridge piers is revealed. The system includes a housing, a measuring rod, a moving member, a control module, a photographic unit and a sensing unit. The housing is fixed on the pier. Both the moving member for driving the measuring rod and the control module for control of the moving member are mounted in the housing. When the control module drives the measuring rod to move downward and the sensing unit on the bottom of the measuring rod approaches the riverbed, a sensing signal is sent to the control module. Thus the moving member stops moving the measuring rod and the photographic unit takes pictures of the measuring rod to generate an image. Then the riverbed elevation is obtained according to the image or the movement of the moving member and is sent to a remote monitor unit for real-time monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: NATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORIES
    Inventors: WEN-YI CHANG, TENG-YI YU, JIHN-SUNG LAI, WHEY-FONE TSAI, FRANCO LIN, LUNG-CHENG LEE, YU-HUI LIAO, HO-CHENG LIEN, CHIN-HSIUNG LOH
  • Publication number: 20110231150
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting objects. A first plurality of electromagnetic signals having a first frequency and a second plurality of electromagnetic signals having a second frequency are transmitted. At least one of the first frequency and the second frequency is changed through a range of frequencies. A delayed difference frequency signal substantially equal to a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency is monitored for. The delayed difference frequency signal is generated by an object having non-linear electrical characteristics in response to the object receiving the first plurality of electromagnetic signals and the second plurality of electromagnetic signals. A range measurement is generated for the object by comparing the delayed difference frequency signal and an undelayed difference frequency signal. The undelayed difference frequency signal is substantially equal to the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard H. Burns, Donald Elliot Harrington
  • Publication number: 20110196645
    Abstract: A system and method for testing objects using a mechanical arm sets one or more first positions. When a user selects one or more second positions of the mechanical arm, a distance between each of the second positions and each of the first positions is calculated. A nearest first position of each of the second positions is determined. Each of the second positions is stored in a test list corresponding to each of the nearest first positions. The mechanical arm is controlled to move to each of the nearest first positions, and tests objects located at the second positions stored in each test list corresponding to each of the nearest first positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HSIEN-CHUAN LIANG, SHEN-CHUN LI, SHOU-KUO HSU
  • Patent number: 7995217
    Abstract: A position sensing apparatus and method, motion control system, and integrated circuit are provided that include a plurality of sensors and a tracking processor. The plurality of sensors includes a linear array of sensors that sense a plurality of features of an object. A spacing between two of the plurality of sensors is substantially smaller than a spacing between two of the plurality of features. The tracking processor samples signals from the sensors, compares the samples to previous samples and calculates a position of the object. The plurality of sensors may include a second linear array of sensors. Centers of the sensors of the second linear array may be offset from centers of the sensors of the first linear array along a longitudinal axis of the plurality of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Widder
  • Patent number: 7991576
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a portable device that generates position and orientation data to facilitate movement within a building. The device can be, for example, handheld or affixed to a cane. Data for navigation is derived from reflections from interior surfaces and dead reckoning sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventor: Stergios I. Roumeliotis
  • Patent number: 7983873
    Abstract: A non-contacting deviation measurement system projects a first line and a second line upon a surface of an object. The projections of the first line and second line are arranged to overlap at an intersection line oriented at a nominal location such that when the surface is oriented at the nominal location, the intersection line appears on the surface. As the location of the surface deviates from the nominal location, the first line and second line as projected upon the surface move away from one another. The distance between the lines may be used to calculate the deviation from the nominal location. The deviation calculated may be compared to a predetermined maximum allowable deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Moore, Brett Olin
  • Patent number: 7982662
    Abstract: This scanning array scans an area around the array for nearby objects, collision obstructions, and terrain topography. The scanning array can scan for sounds emitted by objects in the vicinity of the scanning array, passive energy receipt sources, or it can also send out an energy beam and scan for reflections from objects within the energy beam. The energy beam can be optical, laser, radar or other energy emitting sources. The scanning array of the invention can be used for helicopter detection and avoidance of collision risk and can be used for other scanning purposes. Scanning of an entire hemisphere or greater is accomplished by manipulating the scanner platform through the coordination of either linear actuators or gimbals so as to produce nutation without rotation. This motion allows transceivers to be directly coupled to transmitting and sensing modules without the losses associated with slip rings and other coupling devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Intellex, LLC
    Inventor: James Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20110172956
    Abstract: Shortest path searcher 105 searches shortest paths from each landmark node to other landmark nodes based on the measured values of distance metrics between the landmark nodes which are stored in distance metric storage 102, and calculates distance metrics along the discovered shortest paths. Coordinate generator 101a generates coordinate axes of a predetermined dimension number from the distance metrics along the shortest paths which are calculated by shortest path searcher 105. Coordinate calculator 104a calculates coordinates of a coordinate-to-be-calculated node from the distance metrics between the coordinate-to-be-calculated node and the landmark nodes and the coordinate axes generated by coordinate generator 101a. Distance metric estimator 134 estimates a distance metric between two coordinate-to-be-calculated nodes whose coordinates are calculated by coordinate calculator 104a, using the calculated coordinates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Shinji Nakadai
  • Patent number: 7979231
    Abstract: A method and system for estimation of inertial sensor errors is provided. The method includes receiving first inertial output data from a master inertial measurement unit (IMU) mounted on a host platform, with the first inertial output data comprising a change in velocity (delta V) and a change in angle (delta theta), and receiving second inertial output data from a remote IMU mounted on the host platform at a predetermined fixed distance from the master IMU, with the second inertial output data comprising a delta V and a delta theta. The first inertial output data is compared with the second inertial output data to determine a difference between the delta V of the first inertial output data and the delta V of the second inertial output data, and to determine a difference between the delta theta of the first inertial output data and the delta theta of the second inertial output data. The determined differences are applied to estimate inertial sensor errors in the remote IMU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Charles P. Eckert
  • Publication number: 20110166820
    Abstract: A balanced drumstick system and method permanently reposition the longitudinal center of gravity of a plurality of wood drumsticks to common new specified location to create custom sets of balanced wood drumsticks. The system and method automate the repositioning of the longitudinal center of gravity of wood drumsticks to increase accuracy and to decrease time to create sets of custom wood drumsticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: David James Hughlett
  • Publication number: 20110166824
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to automated apparatuses and methods for measuring fastener hole depth, fastener length, countersink depth and/or hole diameters in a workpiece (or other object) in an automated and extremely rapid, efficient and accurate manner. The apparatuses may be operably connected with a power source and with one or a plurality of computers or other data collection devices to transmit fastener hole depth, countersink depth and/or hole diameter measurement data and/or information to them each time that a fastener hole is measured, while the apparatus is continuously measuring fastener holes (i.e., with no interruptions).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: PROJECTION WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Brett Stanton Haisty, Roger Curtis Richardson, Bobby Dean McAllister
  • Publication number: 20110161045
    Abstract: Provided are a device and a method for detecting a stopped state of a vehicle which are capable of precisely detecting the stopped state of the vehicle in order to automate an operation which is externally provided to the stopped vehicle such as an alignment adjusting operation; and an alignment adjusting device to which the device and the method for detecting a stopped state of a vehicle are applied. An arithmetic unit detects, with respect to the left-front tire, for example, an evaluation point of the left-front tire on the basis of the gravity point of a triangle comprising, as vertexes, a point A, a point B, and a point C which are detected by a group of distance sensors; detects an evaluation point of the left-front fender on the basis of a point detected by the group of distance sensors; and detects the stopped state of the vehicle on the basis of the respective evaluation points of the respective tires and the respective evaluation points of the respective fenders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Atsushi Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 7970577
    Abstract: A method for evaluating placement errors within a lithographic mask, the method includes: providing or receiving a reference result that represents a distance between a reference pair of points of a reference element; measuring, for each pair of points out of multiple pairs of points that are associated with multiple spaced apart elements of the lithographic mask, the distance between the pair of points to provide multiple measurement results; wherein differences between a measurement result and the reference result are indicative of relative placement errors; and determining relative placement errors in response to relationships between the reference result and each of the measurement results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials Israel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shmuel Mangan, Michael Ben-Yishai, Lior Shoval
  • Patent number: 7969311
    Abstract: A method and system for identification, tracking and locating in wireless communications and wireless networks. The method and system use reference and/or pilot signals that are present in wireless communications and wireless networks. The method and system might also use RTT, TOA and time-stamping measurements/techniques to determine one or more reference signals traveling time between the Base Station (eNB) or its functional equivalent and mobile device (UE) and or network device. Other wireless networks that do not use reference and/or pilot signals may employ one or more of the following types of alternate embodiments of present invention: 1) where a portion of frame is dedicated to the ranging signal/ranging signal elements; 2) where the ranging signal elements are embedded into (spread across) transmit/receive signals frame(s); and 3) where the ranging signal elements are embedded with the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: InvisiTrack, Inc.
    Inventors: Felix Markhovsky, Truman Prevatt
  • Publication number: 20110144815
    Abstract: A sensor system monitors deflection of turbine blades of a wind turbine. The system includes a first component configured on the turbine blades. A second component is configured on the tower at a height so as to detect the presence of the first component as the blades rotate past the tower. The second component generates a corresponding measurable parameter or value that is indicative of distance between the blades and tower. The second component is disposed substantially completely around the circumference of the tower so as to detect the first components at any rotational position of the turbine nacelle relative to the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Ulrich Neumann
  • Patent number: 7962312
    Abstract: A method involves using at least one device supported by a user while the user is in locomotion on foot during an outing to automatically measure amounts of time taken by the user to complete respective distance intervals. During the outing, data representing the automatically measured amounts of time may be automatically stored in memory of the least one device. Another method involves using at least one device supported by a user while the user is in locomotion on foot during an outing to automatically identify occasions on which a user completes respective distance intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Darley, Thomas P. Blackadar
  • Patent number: 7962311
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for discriminating the morphology of a passenger seating in an automotive seat, comprising the steps of i) providing a set of a plurality of capacitive sensors (100) covering substantially a transversal cross section of a seat, ii) collecting the outputs of said plurality of capacitive sensors (100) provided on the seat, iii) determining the morphology of a target (10) facing the seat on the basis of measured distance separating the target (10) from the sensors (100) and measured surface of the sensors (100) covered by the target (10), from said outputs, and iv) comparing the determined morphology with at least a reference so as to classify the determined morphology between a plurality of reference ones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Computer Products (Europe) S.A.S.
    Inventors: Claude Launay, Tomoaki Hirai, Joaquim Da Silva, Florent Voisin, Takanori Ninomiya, Shunji Maeda
  • Publication number: 20110125420
    Abstract: A system and method for enhancing inspections using infrared cameras through in-field displays and operator-assisted performance calculations. A handheld infrared imaging system typically includes an infrared camera having a programmed computer and an interactive user interface suitable for displaying images and prompting response and accepting input from the infrared camera operator in the field during an inspection. An operator may designate at least one thing of interest on a displayed infrared image; and the programmed computer may uses a performance algorithm to estimate performance associated with the thing of interest. The programmed computer may extract information or parameters from previously measured data. The programmed computer may vary the way in which it displays new measurements based on the information extracted from the stored data. One or more of the parameters extracted from the IR image may be adapted to provide an automated alert to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: CSI TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Raymond Earl Garvey, III, Robert Darrell Skeirik