Abstract: A method for determining a load exerted on a tire, fitted on a vehicle, during running of the vehicle on a rolling surface, is disclosed. The method includes acquiring a first signal comprising a first signal portion representative of a radial deformation; measuring an amplitude of the radial deformation in the first signal portion; estimating a rotation speed of the tire corresponding to the radial deformation; estimating an inflation pressure of the tire corresponding to the radial deformation; and deriving the load exerted on the tire from the amplitude, the rotation speed, and the inflation pressure. The first signal portion is representative of the radial deformation to which a first tread area portion of the tire is subjected during passage of the first tread area portion through a contact region between the tire and the rolling surface. A system for determining the load exerted on the tire is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for calculating a destruction rate of refrigerant by establishing a calibration line using standard refrigerant gases and measuring the amount of refrigerant remaining in exhaust gas discharged after destruction of waste refrigerant. For this purpose, the present invention provides a method for calculating a destruction rate of refrigerant, the method including: establishing a calibration line using standard refrigerant gas samples whose concentrations are known; sampling exhaust gas finally discharged after decomposition of waste refrigerant; measuring the concentration of refrigerant remaining in the sampled exhaust gas; and calculating the amount of undestroyed refrigerant using the concentration of refrigerant remaining in the exhaust gas, the amount of exhaust gas discharged, and the known density of refrigerant.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for inducing fractures in a subterranean formation and more particularly methods and apparatus to place a first fracture with a first orientation in a formation followed by a second fracture with a second angular orientation in the formation are disclosed. The first and second fractures are initiated at about a fracturing location. The initiation of the first fracture is characterized by a first orientation line. The first fracture temporarily alters a stress field in the subterranean formation. The initiation of the second fracture is characterized by a second orientation line. The first orientation line and the second orientation line have an angular disposition to each other.

Abstract: Temperature compensation is applied to correct for temperature mismatch between a reference chamber and a disposable chamber in a pneumatic pumping system for dialysis fluid for peritoneal dialysis. The mismatch creates an error in the calculation of pumping volume of dialysate fluid. Applying a correction for the temperature mismatch helps to more precisely control the volume of dialysate that is metered to the patient. Also disclosed are ways to keep temperatures constant and to use temperature sensors to accurately measure the temperatures of the chambers. In other aspects, the temperature of the dialysate fluid itself may be measured and used to apply a correction to the volume of fluid that is pumped to the patient.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating an object using infrared data is provided. In particular, infrared data corresponding to the object is processed to enhance a set of signal features. The infrared data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present.

Abstract: Methods for measuring the leakage rate of a downhole pump using either measured axial load information from the drive rod string or using measured production data. The invention is for methods of applying the leakage rate to a downhole dynamometer card, for a reciprocating rod pump, for determining well production.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing a device under test includes a control apparatus, a plurality of test modules, and a plurality of relay apparatuses that connect the control apparatus and the plurality of test modules, each relay apparatus including (1) an upper port section connected either to the control apparatus or to a relay apparatus nearer the control apparatus; and (2) at least one lower port section connected either to a relay apparatus nearer the plurality of test modules or to a corresponding test module, where each relay apparatus receives, at one of the at least one lower port section, a packet transmitted from the corresponding test module to the control apparatus, and transmits, from the upper port section, the received packet after adding thereto port identification information of the one of the at least one lower port section.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for gathering data are disclosed. For example, a plant matter sensor includes a pair of parallel spaced apart sensor arms and a control console, a first of the arms having a plurality of emitter spaced along its length, each emitter configured to emit a signal substantially perpendicularly to the arm to be received by a corresponding receiver on the second arm. The console contains controller means to control the rate, strength and regularity of the signal emitted by each of the emitters, collectors to collect data from each receiver as to the existence or absence of receipt of a signal, a processor to process data received from the controllers and the collectors and determine the height of any plant matter traversed by the plant matter sensor and predetermined intervals, and storage to store the plant matter height data generated by the processor for subsequent download or analysis.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for identifying planned markers while drilling a borehole. In one example, the method includes obtaining a plan containing planned markers that each corresponds to a baseline marker from an existing well. Each of the baseline markers corresponds to a waveform from a log file obtained from the existing well and is associated with a waveform representation of the corresponding waveform. Each of the planned markers is associated with an estimated true vertical depth (TVD) value. A second log file corresponding to the borehole is obtained that contains waveforms representing formation information detected within the borehole. The second log file is scanned for a planned marker based on the estimated TVD value and the waveform representation of the baseline marker corresponding to the planned marker. At least one match may be identified and reported for the planned marker.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical waveguide, in which a waveguide structure including a waveguide layer of ZnS—SiO2 is deposited on a first layer, wherein a first refractive index of the first layer is lower than the refractive index of the waveguide layer. A sensor arrangement includes a planar optical waveguide, a light source, a sensor, an application unit for applying an analyte on top of the planar waveguide and a processor connected to the sensor.

Abstract: A system for synchronizing components of a downhole system includes: a source assembly including a source clock; an electromagnetic source associated with the source assembly and configured to emit an electromagnetic signal into an earth formation at a transmission time; a receiver assembly including a receiver clock; an electromagnetic receiver associated with the receiver clock and configured to detect the electromagnetic signal; and a processor configured to identify a receipt time of the electromagnetic signal based on the receiver clock and adjust the receiver clock by comparing the transmission time to the receipt time.

Abstract: A data processing system which comprises: a first sensor adapted to provide indications of a first type on a vehicle's engine operational mode; a second sensor adapted to provide indications of a second type related to the vehicle movement; and a processor adapted to identify one or more vehicle idling periods, based on at least one indication of the first type and at least one indication of the second type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calculation of the local magnification and/or the local distortion of a spectacle lens in at least one predetermined or predeterminable viewing direction, with the spectacle lens being designed to correct a refraction deficit of an eye, and having at least one object-side surface and one second eye-side surface, comprising the following steps: Calculation for the predetermined or predeterminable viewing direction of the profile of a main beam which originates from a predetermined or predeterminable infinitesimally small object and, after refraction by the spectacle lens, passes through the rotation point of the eye, through the entrance pupil of the eye or through the principal plane of the eye; determination of the main curvatures and directions of a local wavefront associated with the main beam on refraction by the spectacle lens; calculation of the local magnification and/or the local distortion of the spectacle lens from the determined main curvatures and directions o

Abstract: Systems and methods for container analysis and tracking. A method includes scanning a plurality of items by a first data processing system to generate x-ray image data of the items, each of the plurality of items having a unique identifier. The method includes performing a computer implemented image recognition process on the x-ray image data to identify the items. The method includes interactively reviewing the x-ray image data with a human operator by a second data processing system, including displaying the x-ray image data to the human operator. The method includes recording the result of the human operator's review. The method includes determining, for each item, if the results from the computer implemented image recognition process and interactive review meet criteria for items that are exceptions that should not be shipped, and storing an exception indicator for each item using the respective unique identifier.

Abstract: In a method for servicing a field device of process automation technology having at least two measurement channels, with the assistance of an external service unit, separate device descriptions are provided in the service unit for the measurement channels. The individual measurement channels can be invoked on the service unit via the corresponding device descriptions as logical units, so that, in servicing, the field device appears to the user as at least two logically independent field devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring system, having an output module for generating a control signal in response to an input signal, a monitoring module for generating the input signal for the output module, an output device for outputting an output signal in response to the control signal, and a feedthrough device for preventing outputting of the output signal. According to the invention, the monitoring module is designed to instruct the feedthrough device to prevent outputting of the output signal when there is a deviation between the control signal and a control signal which is expected on the basis of the input signal.

Abstract: A luminance sensing system and method and a computer program product thereof are provided. The system includes: a first luminance sensing unit, arranged at a first position, and used for sensing a light ray luminance at the first position to generate a first illumination value; a second luminance sensing unit, arranged at a second position, having a displacement unit, and used for sensing a light ray luminance at the second position to generate a second illumination value; and a computing unit, electrically connected to the first luminance sensing unit, the displacement unit, and the second luminance sensing unit, and used for acquiring the first illumination value and the second illumination value, acquiring luminance range information by using the first illumination value. When the second illumination value does not conform to the luminance range information, the computing unit controls the displacement unit to move the second luminance sensing unit.

Abstract: A cloud-based instrument driver system enables a user device to interact with one or more instruments through a remotely located driver cloud. The driver cloud may store drivers and ancillary software. The user device may be connected to each instrument either directly or indirectly, for example, over one or more computer networks, and may be connected to and communicate directly with the driver cloud over the computer network. However, the driver cloud and the instrument may not be in direct communication. The user device relays commands and responses to and from the instrument to the driver cloud for translation into a format suitable for processing by the user device. Utilization of the driver cloud obviates the need to obtain, install and maintain any drivers and/or ancillary software on the user device in order to enable the device to interact with the instrument.

Abstract: A frequency spectrum analyzing apparatus for performing a frequency spectrum analysis with respect to a detected value of an operating parameter of an internal combustion engine in synchronism with rotation of the engine, is provided. The operating parameter is sampled at predetermined time intervals, and a sampled value is converted to a digital value. Intensities of first and second elements are calculated with respect to a predetermined number of the sampled values. The first elements and second elements respectively correspond to a plurality of frequency components contained in the detected value, and a phase of the second element differs from a phase of the first element by 90 degrees. Frequency component intensities corresponding to the plurality of frequency components are calculated in synchronism with rotation of the engine, using the first element intensities and the second element intensities.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining travel history can be based on noninvasive analysis of stable isotope ratios in the body of an individual. A method for reconstructing a travel history for an individual can include collecting a sample of exhaled breath from the individual and analyzing the sample to obtain a breath isotope ratio. The breath isotope ratio can be transformed to a body water isotope ratio and compared to a map model correlating input isotope ratios to geographic locations so as to determine a travel origin for the individual.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to techniques for decoding two or more signals that vary sinusoidally with respect to a parameter value to produce a decoded signal that varies linearly with respect to the parameter value. The techniques may include receiving a first signal and a second signal, the first signal varying with respect to a parameter value according to a first sinusoidal function having a period and a first phase, the second signal varying with respect to the parameter value according to a second sinusoidal function having the period and a second phase different from the first phase. The techniques may further include performing one or more arithmetic operations using the first signal, the second signal, and an offset value to generate a third signal that varies linearly with respect to the parameter value for at least one-half of the period of the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: Provided is a test apparatus that tests a device under test, comprising: a test module that tests the device under test by sending signals to and receiving signals from the device under test; a test controller that controls the test module; and a network that transmits communication packets between the test module and the test controller, wherein at least one of the test module and the network transmits to the test controller a usage state packet that indicates a usage state of a communication buffer that buffers the communication packets.

Abstract: A sensor device for measuring the compression travel and/or the compression rate of wheels and/or axles of vehicles, in particular of commercial vehicles, may include at least one sensor measuring in a contactless manner. The sensor device may include a radar and/or high-frequency sensor generating a beam, which is emitted and received after reflection at a reference and reflection surface.

Abstract: A method for determining a turbidity point and a free carbohydrate buffer coefficient of an iron-carbohydrate complex. The method includes: (1) contacting the complex with an acid; (2) determining hydrogen ion concentrations and solution turbidities of the complex in acid degradation; and (3) mathematically fitting the data, to obtain the turbidity point of the complex and the free carbohydrate buffer coefficient through mathematical treatment. A method for evaluating the safety of the iron-carbohydrate complex with the turbidity point and the free carbohydrate buffer coefficient.

Abstract: A performance testing framework enables multiple components working together to test a deployed application automatically in an unattended manner and to analyze the test results easily. At very high level, the performance testing framework can run performance tests on a tested system with one or more variations without user intervention and save the test results and configuration metadata to a database for later analysis. Each of the variations is composed of a set of logical dimensions and values associated with each of those dimensions to be tested.

Abstract: A method of generating reference spectra includes polishing a first substrate in a polishing apparatus, measuring a sequence of spectra from the first substrate during polishing with an in-situ optical monitoring system, for each spectrum in the sequence of spectra, determining a best matching reference spectrum from a first plurality of first reference spectra to generate a sequence of reference spectra, calculating a value of a metric of fit of the sequence of spectra to the sequence of reference spectra, comparing the value of the metric of fit to a threshold value and determining whether to generate a second library based on the comparison, and if the second library is determined to be generated, storing the sequence of spectra as a second plurality of reference spectra.

Abstract: An electronic seal of the present invention includes a bolt. The bolt is used to mount on a door latch of a cargo and inserts into a shell. The shell is provided with a control circuit to actively send a warning signal as the bolt is moved. As such, the user of the electronic seal can be properly informed to prevent theft.

Abstract: A method for optimum sensor layout for detecting an intruder may include selecting candidate sensor locations within a representation of an area of regard. The method may also include determining a sub-region of detection for each sensor based on a preset probability of detection of the intruder traversing a sub-region associated with each sensor. The method may additionally include determining each pair of sensors with overlapping sub-regions of detection and determining a lowest probability of detection for any path between each pair of sensors with overlapping sub-regions of detection. The method may further include determining an optimum layout of sensor locations or sensors from candidate sensor locations based on a path of the lowest probability of detection for any path between each pair of sensors with overlapping sub-regions of detection.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating a vehicle using infrared data is provided. In particular, evaluation data for the vehicle is obtained, which includes infrared data for a plurality of sides of the vehicle as well as vehicle identification data for distinguishing the vehicle from another vehicle. The infrared data is processed to enhance a set of signal features. Additional non-infrared based data also can be obtained for evaluating the vehicle. The evaluation data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present. The anomaly(ies) can be correlated with a possible problem with a component of the vehicle. Data on the anomaly, problem, and/or vehicle identification can be provided for use on another system, such as a remote inspection station, maintenance system, and/or the like.

Abstract: A test system for facilitating determining whether a plasma processing system (which includes a plasma processing chamber) is ready for processing wafers. The test system may include a computer-readable medium storing at least a test program. The test program may include code for receiving electric parameter values derived from signals detected by at least one sensor when no plasma is present in the plasma processing chamber. The test program may also include code for generating electric model parameter values using the electric parameter values and a mathematical model. The test program may also include code for comparing the electric model parameter values with baseline model parameter value information. The test program may also include code for determining readiness of the plasma processing system based on the comparison. The test system may also include circuit hardware for performing one or more tasks associated with the test program.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a step detection. An accelerometer measurement in the form of a multi-dimensional acceleration vector is obtained. The magnitude of the accelerometer measurement is filtered using a low pass filter. A threshold for a down-crossing is provided as is a threshold for an up-crossing. A step detection is triggered if the magnitude of the accelerometer measurement is greater than or equal to the threshold for an up-crossing.

Abstract: A billiard cue stroke simulator includes a wireless acceleration sensing device and a computing system. The wireless acceleration sensing device measures acceleration of a billiard cue along two or more axes of a coordinate system during a stroke of the billiard cue and generates acceleration data including the acceleration data. Additionally, the wireless acceleration sensing device transmits a wireless communication signal including the acceleration data to the computing system. The computing system generates image data indicating movement of the billiard cue during the stroke of the billiard cue based on the acceleration data and displays the image data. In this way, the billiard cue stroke simulator simulates the stroke of the billiard cue.

Abstract: A method for detecting and alerting a driver of vehicles in their blind spots, includes: tracking movement and relative position of a driver to one or more vehicles; determining one or more driver blind spots; determining when at least one of the one or more vehicles approaches one of the driver blind spots; determining when at least one of the one or more vehicles occupies one of the driver blind spots; activating one or more indicators in response to one or more vehicles approaching and occupying one of the driver blind spots; wherein the one or more indicators comprise light emitting diodes (LED), liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma, projected elements, and electroluminescent elements; and wherein a sequence and pattern of activating the one or more indicators is determined based on the relative position of the driver to the one or more vehicles.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring operation of an LED string. An exemplary system includes an LED string, a circuit that supplies current to the LEDs, a current measuring circuit that measures current through the LEDs, a voltage measuring circuit that measures voltage across the LEDs, and a temperature sensor that measures temperature proximate to the LEDs. A processor calculates a predicted string voltage based on a predefined voltage-current curve, number of LEDs, a predefined temperature coefficient value, the measured string current, a measured junction temperature, a life curve function, a prestored calibration string current value, a prestored calibration string voltage value, a prestored junction calibration temperature and an accumulated time value. The process also calculates an error value based on the predicted string voltage and a measured string voltage and generates an indication that there is a failure in the LED string if the calculated error value is greater than the predefined error limit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bore measurement unit having an elongate main body with first and second ends. A first adjustment mechanism is disposed near the first end and a second adjustment mechanism is disposed near said second end. The adjustment mechanisms expand or contract, through triangulating arms, to relative diameters, such that when the unit is inserted into a hollow bore it may be centered therein. A measuring portion of the unit measures the internal diameter of the bore. The measuring unit includes at least one sensor and preferably takes more than three readings at each distance of insertion to formulate a best fit circle of the inner bore diameter.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the potential friction between a tire and a rolling surface wherein: the tire is rotated on the rolling surface so as to subject a crown portion of the tire to an acceleration radial component; data are obtained which are representative of the acceleration radial component to which the crown portion is subjected during at least one tire revolution; starting from the data, data are selected which are representative of at least one transition region of the acceleration radial component; the selected data are processed so as to obtain information correlated with the steepness of transition of the at least one transition region; and the potential friction is estimated on the basis of the information correlated with the steepness of transition.

Abstract: A hierarchical and distributed system architecture for a container monitoring and security system is provided. The architecture may be a hierarchical chain of separate, related processing elements. The partitioning of functions and distribution of processing among these or other similar hierarchical elements in the network is provided. The elements may further be described in successive layers, each have a greater level of network intelligence than the former.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to determining the attenuation of an electromagnetic signal passing through a conductive material. An antenna is provided and placed in relatively close proximity to the conductive material. An alternating current is passed through the antenna and the impedance of the antenna is measured. The attenuation is determined using the measured impedance. A single frequency measurement may be made, or multiple measurements using different frequencies may be made. Grouped parameters based on properties of the material and the frequency of the current are used to relate the coil impedance to the attenuation. A current frequency for which the ratio of the antenna's resistive part of the impedance to the angular frequency of the current is substantially insensitive to at least one of the parameters is preferred.

Abstract: A cloud computing system for real-time streaming of drilling data from a drilling rig using satellites, wherein the system includes client devices for transmitting the drilling data. Radio boxes disposed around the drilling rig to form a local area network for connecting with the client devices. A router and switch connected to the local area network for receiving and transmitting the drilling data. A processor and data storage configured to receive the drilling data and form well logging data for transmission to the router and switch. A modem in communication with the router and switch used to send the drilling data to satellite dishes. A server positioned apart from the drilling rig used to receive drilling data and from well logs and executive dashboards. The server can stream the drilling data, well logs, and executive dashboard in real-time to remote client devices.

Abstract: A system for real-time streaming of drilling data from a drilling rig using satellites, wherein the system includes client devices for transmitting the drilling data. Radio boxes can be disposed around the drilling rig and can form a local area network for connecting with the client devices. A router and switch can be connected to the local area network for receiving and transmitting the drilling data. A processor and data storage can be configured to receive the drilling data and form well logging data for transmission to the router and switch. A modem in communication with the router and switch can send the drilling data to satellite dishes. A server positioned apart from the drilling rig can receive drilling data and from well logs and executive dashboards. The server can stream the drilling data, well logs, and executive dashboard in real-time to remote client devices.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the diffusion tensor anisotropy or the surface energy anisotropy that does not require the formation of particular structures, and that is capable of being performed in cases of moderate-amplitude perturbations. The invention relates to measuring the temporal evolution of natural or artificial roughnesses, and analyzing the results in the firm of the 2D power spectral density for moderate-amplitude perturbations typically characterized by amplitude/wavelength ratios of the perturbation for a spatially defined perturbation having two wavelengths along two orthogonal directions, the ratios typically being less than 0.3.

Abstract: A computer system automates the creation, modification, and rendering of digital designs of architectural structures. The system uses the mathematical cuboid—a three-dimensional object defined by its width, depth, and height—as its primitive element (fundamental building block). The term “box” is used herein to refer to cuboids. A box, once defined in terms of its width, depth, and height, may be rendered automatically in two or three dimensions. Multiple boxes, and the relationships among them, may be defined, and such multiple boxes may be rendered automatically in accordance with their defined relationships. The user may change any feature in any box—such as the width of one box—and, in response, the entire design may be re-rendered automatically to reflect not only the specific change made by the user to a particular box, but also changes to other boxes necessitated by the user's change.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To provide a resonance calculation program capable of evaluating a physical quantity such as an effective cross section in a radial direction of a circular region of a fuel rod by making a resonance calculation based on the equivalence principle.

Abstract: Intelligent lighting devices, with sensors, programmed processors and communication capabilities and networked with a hierarchy of computers, to form a system to monitor one or more conditions external to the lighting devices not directly related to operational performance of the respective lighting devices, for a variety of applications separate and in addition to the lighting related functions of the networked devices.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: Transport scheduling and transport processes for low microbial (“LM”) bulk products are described. The transport scheduling and processes facilitate low microbial activity in a LM bulk product during the transport of the LM bulk product.

Abstract: A method for fitting a vehicle body component to a body shell of a vehicle having at least one side wall includes the steps of gauging an actual position of a partial area of the side wall relative to a first coordinate axis of the vehicle, plotting a first reference point relative to the first coordinate axis on the basis of the gauged actual position, and mounting the vehicle body component at a designated position relative to the first reference point. The partial area may advantageously be a vehicle A-pillar, B-pillar, or C-pillar. The method affords a simpler and more cost-effective fitting of the vehicle body components. The method is also feasible in less mechanized production facilities.

Abstract: An automated method for developing new products within a development entity, comprises receiving respective catalogs of technology assets, each including at least one of a patent, trade secret, know-how, documentation, prototypes, pre-production units, production samples, tooling, and demonstration frameworks. Each catalog corresponds to a discrete pool of technology assets having subject matter in common. The development entity also receives, from the originating owner, title to each pool in exchange for an equity interest in the development entity and an option to re-acquire the pool upon payment of a reacquisition fee to at least one primary investor. Further development of each technology asset pool is funded by at least one primary investor, who receives an equity interest in the development entity in exchange for its capital investments. Costs expended by the development entity to develop new product concepts corresponding to each asset pool are separately tracked.

Abstract: A gas detector with a compensated electrochemical sensor exhibits altered sensitivity in response to decreasing stochastic noise in an output thereof. A gain parameter can be adjusted to alter sensitivity. A life-time estimate can be made based on sensitivity.