Measurement System In A Specific Environment Patents (Class 702/1)
  • Patent number: 8521872
    Abstract: A computer-readable, non-transitory medium storing therein a verification support program that causes a computer to execute a process that includes detecting a point in time when data of any one transaction among a series of transactions that are to be transmitted in a prescribed sequence from a device under verification, is skipped; detecting a point in time when the data is first transmitted after the detected point in time when the data is skipped; computing time elapsing from the detected point in time when the data is skipped until the detected point in time when the data is transmitted; and outputting a computation result obtained at the computing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Matthieu Parizy, Hiroaki Iwashita
  • Patent number: 8521435
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to determine the capture cross-section of a subsurface formation at a desired depth in the formation. A database of Sigma values for known lithologies, porosities, and salinities is provided, and multiple Sigma measurements are obtained from a downhole logging tool. Within the database, Sigma values are interpolated to determine the respective depths of investigation of the multiple Sigma measurements. A monotonic function is fitted to the multiple Sigma measurements at the determined depths of investigation, and the capture cross-section of the subsurface formation at any desired depth in the formation is determined using the fitted function. Similarly, a system to determine the capture cross-section of a subsurface formation at a desired depth in the formation and/or a depth of invasion of drilling fluids is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chanh Cao Minh, Marie Laure Mauborgne, Roger Griffiths, Darwin Ellis
  • Patent number: 8509294
    Abstract: To provide a signal generator, a signal generating system, and a signal generating method capable of repeatedly generating an arbitrary waveform and making the phases of the head and tail of the generated waveform continuous with each other, without changing the frequency of the waveform. A signal generator (10, 11, 12) includes phase shift means (30) that receives waveform data which is repeatedly output n times, shifts the phase of each sample data item in an n-th waveform data item by a phase shift amount ?n corresponding to the number of times n the waveform data is repeatedly output, and outputs the waveform data to D/A conversion means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Anritsu Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Ito, Tatsuro Hanaya, Jun Ono
  • Patent number: 8504327
    Abstract: A detecting method employing a first sensor and a second sensor, includes: first processing for detecting, on the basis of an output value of the first sensor, a predetermined state defined in advance; second processing for starting the second sensor according to the detection of the predetermined state; and third processing for generating interpolation data from an output value of the first sensor in a predetermined time until the second sensor becomes capable of outputting a measurement value after being started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Yamada, Michihiro Nagaishi
  • Patent number: 8504387
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of optimizing the collection of specimens, e.g., of blood, when multiple laboratory tests have been prescribed at one time for a patient. Laboratory tests may use specimens such as blood drawn, e.g., through venipuncture, and patients may experience greater discomfort, inconvenience, and/or anxiety as more and more blood is collected, and at greater expense. Embodiments of the invention include computer systems configured to optimize the collection of specimens for laboratory tests to reduce the number of specimens that must be collected from a patient for any given set of laboratory tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Quest Diagnostics Investments Incorporated
    Inventor: Jason Lawrence O'Meara
  • Patent number: 8498818
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, an emissions calculation system calculates the emissions resulting from transporting a shipment that includes an individual or group of packages. In certain embodiments, the calculated emissions are based on estimated amounts of fuel used in the transportation process based on historical fuel usage and shipment data. In addition, various embodiments of the system generate and display (or otherwise make available) one or more reports of the calculated emissions information. For example, the reports may provide a total amount of carbon dioxide emitted for a particular shipment or group of shipments. In addition, the report may provide a breakdown of the amount of emissions resulting from various operational activities in the transportation process (e.g., resulting from pickup, delivery, and/or transportation between carrier facilities, and resulting from stationary operational activities, such as sorting or movement within each carrier facility).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: James Anthony Jones, Jr., Mark Matulevicus, David T. Ridley, David Guernsey
  • Publication number: 20130186405
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a medical device to ensure usage compliance by a patient are described herein. The method can include the steps of monitoring one or more parameters associated with the operation of the medical device, comparing the monitored parameters with one or more predetermined operational profiles and generating a signal that is indicative of whether the medical device is being used by the patient in substantial conformance with a predetermined usage pattern assigned to that patient. In one arrangement, the use of the medical device by the patient requires voluntary actions on the part of the patient to be in substantial conformance with the predetermined usage pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: OPENPEAK INC.
    Inventors: PAUL KRZYZANOWSKI, DAVID LEEDS
  • Patent number: 8491493
    Abstract: A method and system for assessing the health status of a patient, such as the asthma status of a patient, provides an asthma status score and a confidence rating indicative of the score's reliability using continuous real-time data. In some embodiments, the assessment comprises a multidimensional analysis in which asthma status scores and respective confidence ratings are generated for multiple individual asthma health dimensions as well as a summary asthma health dimension indicative of overall asthma health. In some embodiments, the individual dimensions include an environmental trigger dimension based on sensor-based environmental data, a physiological burden dimension based on sensor-based physiological data, a medication adherence dimension based on patient diary data and a perceived symptom dimension based on patient diary data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Nhedti Colquitt, Deepak Ayyagari
  • Patent number: 8494772
    Abstract: Methods for accurately and conveniently calculating the inventory of hydrogen storage in a stationary storage vessel using the external ambient temperature and the internal pressure are disclosed in the present invention. To account for the delay in the heat transfer from the ambient air to the storage vessel and then to the hydrogen gas a first order filter can be used on the external ambient temperature. Following the application of the first order filter on the external ambient temperature, an empirical equation is used to calculate the mass of hydrogen in the stationary storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Casey, Brandon W. Janak, Paul D. Burger
  • Patent number: 8486707
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for confirming the nucleotide sequence of an oligonucleotide is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: a) inputting the nucleotide sequence of an oligonucleotide; b) executing an algorithm that provides the predicted molecular formulas of fragments of the oligonucleotide; c) comparing the predicted m/z values of the predicted molecular formulas to experimentally-obtained m/z values obtained by analysis of the oligonucleotide by tandem mass spectrometry to determine if the predicted masses correspond with the experimentally-obtained masses. The method may be used, for example, to confirm the identity of an oligonucleotide after it is synthesized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Zoltan Timar, Gergo Hegedus
  • Patent number: 8483965
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detecting and categorizing subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs. Air samples are collected and analyzed by counting hydrocarbon ions, such as methane ions and counting at least one higher order hydrocarbon ions, such as propane, pentane or hexane. The methane ions and at least one higher order hydrocarbon ions are associated with location co-ordinates to form a first raw data set and second raw data set. The first and second raw data sets are analyzed and processed to produce hydrocarbon footprints. The hydrocarbon footprints are superpositioned with other available geological information and subsurface formations of interest are identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Sky Hunter Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Bradley, Russ Duncan, Aaron Balasch
  • Patent number: 8478480
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: International Electronic Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Robert W. Foss
  • Patent number: 8473235
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for scanning a product to detect metal in that product. The apparatus comprises a drive coil (4), for generating an electromagnetic field in the product, and a detection coil arranged to detect fluctuations in the magnetic field caused by the presence of a metallic particle in the product. A drive circuit (26) for the drive coil (4) comprises a plurality of switches (19 to 22) driven by a controller (16), which switch alternately connect the drive coil across a potential difference to cause the drive coil to be driven at an operating frequency determined by operation of the switches. Using a switching circuit to drive the drive coil (4) greatly increases the number of frequencies at which the drive coil may be operated. The invention has particular application to the food industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Clive Francis Kittel, Paul Jeffrey King
  • Patent number: 8452537
    Abstract: A system that predicts current tornado activity has been developed. The system includes a processor that receives model data from a meteorological data source that indicates tornadic activity and generates a model data tornado potential index. The processor also receives radar data indicative of tornadic activity and generates a radar data tornado potential index using weighted values assigned to different components of the radar data, where the components of the radar data comprise, a tornado vortex signature (TVS) data value, a mesocyclonic activity (MESO) data value, a precipitation and intensity (dBz) data value, a vertically integrated liquid (VIL) data value, and hail size data value. The processor further generates a composite tornado potential index using weighted values of the model data tornado potential index and the radar data tornado potential index and stores the index in an electronic, data storage media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Alan Havin, Robert J. Dreisewerd, Jr., Robert O. Baron, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8446608
    Abstract: There are provided an image forming apparatus which is capable of efficiently performing necessary actions to thereby reduce downtime. At least one job can be registered. Image formation is performed according to the at least one registered job. Action objects are detected on which actions necessary for the image forming apparatus should be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriaki Matsui, Kunio Tsuruno, Keizo Isemura, Shinsuke Ubayashi, Ichiro Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8447575
    Abstract: For determining an impact index which indicates the image or damage caused by an earthquake to a portfolio, an equation is stored for calculating a local earthquake intensity for a geographical location. The portfolio includes geographical locations and individual weighting factors assigned to the geographical locations. Furthermore, for the geographical locations stored are one or more impact ratio tables including impact ratios for different earthquake intensity levels. The impact index is calculated for the geographical locations by determining in each case the impact ratio for the local intensity at the respective geographical location, and adding up the impact ratios weighted in each case by the weighting factor assigned to the respective geographical location. An impact index that reflects the geographical distribution of the portfolio can be determined, without the need for a network of seismological measurement stations associated with the geographical locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin Bertogg
  • Patent number: 8442803
    Abstract: The present disclosure measures radiation doses on different directions. A partition is used, which has a certain attenuation ratio. With the partition, radiation doses on different directions can be determined without knowing the thickness or material of the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Atomic Energy Council - Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventors: Yi-Chang Chen, Lun-Hui Lee
  • Patent number: 8434316
    Abstract: A compressor inlet pressure estimation apparatus for a refrigeration cycle system is disclosed. An electronic control unit 14 answers YES by judging that the command to start a compressor 2 is issued when an air-conditioning switch is turned on in step S100. After that, the electronic control unit 14 answers NO in the case where a timer count time Tc is shorter than a predetermined time T1 in step S120. At the same time, Tefin_C is set to 15° C. in step S130. The lower one of Tefin_C and Tefin determined in this way is determined as Tefin_d (step S150). After that, Tefin_d is input to the first-order lag function to acquire Tefin_AD(N). Then, the control proceeds to step S170, where the estimated value Ps_es(N) of the refrigerant inlet pressure of the compressor 2 is determined using Tefin_AD(N) and Gr.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu Sawada, Yasutane Hijikata
  • Patent number: 8434315
    Abstract: A compressor drive torque estimating device to be adapted for a system provided with a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant is circulated by a compressor driven by a drive source mounted in a vehicle, comprising heat load detecting means for detecting a heat load of the refrigeration cycle, a storage unit storing a plurality of estimated drive torque characteristics establishing correlation between a drive torque change characteristic of the compressor and an elapsed time from a time of start of operation of the compressor, an estimated drive torque characteristic selecting means for selecting the one of the plurality of estimated drive torque characteristics stored in the storage unit based on detected values detected by the heat load detecting means, and an estimated drive torque calculating means for calculating an estimated drive torque of the compressor based on the estimated drive torque characteristic selected by the estimated drive torque characteristic selecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu Sawada, Yasutane Hijikata
  • Patent number: 8428912
    Abstract: A test stand sensor apparatus includes a sensor for acquiring data from the item under test and/or the environment, a power supply unit for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy, and a unit for the wire-free transmission of sensor data and of a code which is characteristic of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Neuwirth
  • Patent number: 8428913
    Abstract: A system for locating and tracking an object is provided. The system includes a measuring device configured to determine a property of a paving-related material, a locating device configured to determine a location of the measuring device, a tracking system configured to store tracking information associated with the measuring device and one or more properties determined by the measuring device, and a communications system configured to transfer, to a remote device, the location of the measuring device and the tracking information associated with the measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Troxler
  • Publication number: 20130096831
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for managing sensors. One example of embodiment includes a data reader to receive sensor measurements from sensors. A user value collector receives user values from users representing a user's measurement of an abstract concept. A data store saves the sensor measurements and the user values in computer readable memory. The system further includes a virtual sensor generator. The virtual sensor generator determines a mapping function based on the stored sensor measurements and user values. Furthermore, given a new set of sensor measurements from the sensors, the virtual sensor generator employs the mapping function to generate a new virtual sensor value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hoi Yeung Chan, Rajarshi Das, Jonathan Lenchner
  • Patent number: 8417466
    Abstract: A product ion spectrum is created on the basis of MS2 analysis data respectively obtained for a parent compound and a metabolite (S1 and S2). Additionally, a neutral loss spectrum, in which the mass of each product ion is replaced with a mass difference between the mass of the product ion and that of a precursor ion, is created (S3). Then, a common peak having the same mass in both the parent compound and the metabolite is extracted (S4), and a complementary peak appearing at a position corresponding to the difference between the mass of the common peak and that of the precursor ion is extracted (S5); the complementary peak corresponding to a common peak located on the product ion spectrum appears on the neutral loss spectrum, while the complementary peak corresponding to a common peak located on the neutral loss spectrum appears on the product ion spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8395541
    Abstract: A method of providing weather radar images to a flight crew of an aircraft includes obtaining raw volumetric radar data corresponding to at least one signal reflected off of a weather system. Based on the radar data, the weather system is computationally classified as being of a first type of a plurality of weather-system types. After classifying the weather system, the radar data is image processed, the image processing yielding an image representing the weather system and corresponding to the first weather-system type. The image is displayed on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ratan Khatwa, Santosh Mathan
  • Patent number: 8392120
    Abstract: A method for determining fracture geometry of a subterranean formation from radiation emitted from a fracture in the formation, including measuring gamma-radiation emitted from the fracture; subtracting background radiation from the measured gamma-radiation to obtain a peak-energy measurement; comparing the peak-energy measurement with a gamma-ray transport/spectrometer response model; and determining formation fracture geometry of the fracture in accordance with values associated with the response model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. McDaniel, Cody Ryan Peeples, Robin Pierce Gardner
  • Patent number: 8386599
    Abstract: This invention comprises a method and system for estimating unique visitors for Internet sites that is more accurate than the existing unique cookie/unique address counting methods. The invented method relies on the count of unique user identifiers (such as network addresses or preferably cookies)—I—that can be obtained from an existing cookie tracking/user access logging system. The number of unique visitors U is calculated substantially as a ratio of the count of unique cookies (or unique network addresses) to the number of visits N times the inflation factor X plus constant on that is approximately one (exactly one in the case of cookies). The number of visits is calculated by multiplying the sampling period t to the visitation frequency T1 minus one. The resulting estimate of the unique visitors is stable and does not diverge with sampling time unlike estimates directly obtained from the unique network address or unique cookie counts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Max Fomitchev
  • Patent number: 8365005
    Abstract: Methods of registering events in a wind power system comprising at least two data processors. The data processors of said wind power system are mutually time synchronized. Events are registered in said at least two data processors. The timing of said events registered in different of said at least two data processors is established according to said time synchronization. Events may be registered and preferably analyzed according to a common timing. The event analysis makes it possible to establish an analysis where events of different wind turbines are basically interrelated and where information regarding such interrelation may be important or crucial for establishment of control or fault detection based on correctly timed events from different wind turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: John Bengtson, Bo Lovmand, Tage Kristensen, Niels Erik Danielsen
  • Publication number: 20130018584
    Abstract: The electronic device controls an environment parameter detecting unit to detect the environment parameters of the environment which the electronic device is placed in periodically. It determines the environment parameter range which the detected environment parameters fall into. Determines whether the environment parameter range which the detected environment parameters fall into has changed, and switches a current working mode to one of the working mode sets for the environment range which the environment parameters fall into.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: QIANG YOU
  • Publication number: 20130006532
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a portable calibration apparatus for a medical monitor. The apparatus includes a cover placed in a front upper portion of the monitor and covering a front side of the monitor, at least five color sensors disposed on a surface of the cover facing the monitor to measure a color value and brightness of the monitor, a wired communication unit connected to the monitor through a communication cable to perform wired communication, and a controller calculating a color space based on the color value and brightness value measured by the color sensor, comparing the calculated color space with a preset standard value, and transmitting and receiving an instruction and calibration data needed for calibrating image quality of the monitor in accordance with comparison results to and from the monitor through the wired communication unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ADVAN INT'L CORP.
    Inventor: Kenzo SUDO
  • Patent number: 8335649
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for estimating photovoltaic power generation for use in photovoltaic fleet operation is provided. A set of sky clearness indexes is generated as a ratio of each irradiance observation in a set of irradiance observations that has been regularly measured for a plurality of locations, which are each within a geographic region suitable for operation of a photovoltaic fleet, and clear sky irradiance. A time series of the set of the sky clearness indexes is formed for all of the locations within the geographic region. Fleet irradiance statistics for the photovoltaic fleet are generated through statistical evaluation of the time series of the set of the sky clearness indexes. Power statistics for the photovoltaic fleet are built as a function of the fleet irradiance statistics and an overall power rating of the photovoltaic fleet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Clean Power Research, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Hoff
  • Patent number: 8332185
    Abstract: A method and system that calculate elementary symmetric functions of subsets of a set {Z} comprising a total of m numerical elements in an m2 time-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry A. Guern
  • Patent number: 8326538
    Abstract: Methods for monitoring a wellsite include transporting a mobile monitoring platform to a wellsite. The mobile monitoring platform includes a transportable chassis including two or more wheels; a mast supported by the platform and extendable vertically upward from the chassis; a transceiver including a wireless modem and an antenna; a controller adapted to communicate with the transceiver; and a power module electrically coupled to at least one of the transceiver and the processor. The methods include wirelessly receiving, at the transceiver, wellsite data from a plurality of sensors at or adjacent the wellsite; and wirelessly transmitting, in real-time, the wellsite data to a remote monitoring station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Occidental Permian Ltd.
    Inventors: Kirk Hobbs, Terrell Rowe, Judy Sisson
  • Patent number: 8326535
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for correlating overhead sky clearness for use in photovoltaic fleet output estimation is provided. A temporal distance that includes a physical distance between two locations, which are each within a geographic region suitable for operation of a photovoltaic fleet, is determined in proportion to cloud speed within the geographic region. A set of input sky clearness indexes is generated as a ratio of each irradiance observation in a set of irradiance observations that has been regularly measured for one of the locations within the geographic region, and clear sky irradiance. A clearness index correlation coefficient between the two locations is determined as an empirically-derived function of the temporal distance. The set of input sky clearness indexes is weighted by the clearness index correlation coefficient to form a set of output sky clearness indexes, which indicates the sky clearness for the other of the locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Clean Power Research, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Hoff
  • Patent number: 8326536
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for correlating satellite imagery for use in photovoltaic fleet output estimation is provided. Pixels in satellite imagery data of overhead sky clearness is correlated to a bounded area within a geographic region. Each pixel represents collective irradiance that is converted into point clearness indexes for the points within the bounded area relative to clear sky irradiance. The point clearness indexes in the point clearness indexes are averaged for the points within the bounded area into an area clearness index. A variance of the area clearness index is determined in proportion to a physical area covered by each pixel. For each point, a variance of the point clearness index is determined as a ratio of the area clearness index variance and the physical area relative to the point clearness index, regional cloud speed, and a time interval relating to a time resolution of collective irradiance observation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Clean Power Research, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Hoff
  • Patent number: 8321076
    Abstract: A system for controlling an aerospace vehicle using on-line inertia estimation may include an attitude sensor to measure an attitude of the aerospace vehicle. The system may also include a processor on board the aerospace vehicle. An inertia estimator operable on the processor may generate an on-line inertia estimate of the aerospace vehicle. A rate and attitude estimator operable on the processor may determine an angular position and angular velocity of the aerospace vehicle using the attitude measurement of the aerospace vehicle and the on-line inertia estimate for controlling movement and orientation of the aerospace vehicle without any rates of rotation of the aerospace vehicle being required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Manu Sharma, Qinghong W. Wang
  • Publication number: 20120296568
    Abstract: The present embodiments are generally directed to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrophotographic, including digital, apparatuses. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to an electrophotographic imaging member having a charge transport layer in which a charge transport molecule (CTM) concentration gradient is formed through a single coating pass using only a single charge transport layer solution, and time-of-flight based methods of measuring the CTM gradient through the thickness of the charge transport layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard A. Klenkler, Gregory McGuire
  • Patent number: 8306762
    Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of data associated with fluid flow through a conduit and potential control of the fluid flow. In one embodiment, a method includes a data processing unit obtaining from a sensor a signal representing a series of measurements of a physical parameter associated with fluid flow through the conduit. The data processing unit performs singular spectral analysis of this signal and thereby identifies recurring, possibly non-sinusoidal patterns in the signal. The data processing unit may construct a second signal from some or all of the recurring patterns identified in the first signal. Alternatively, the data processing unit may identify recurring patterns in the signal which are indicative of corresponding conditions associated with the fluid flow through the conduit. The data processing unit may then initiate control functions responsive to the recurring patterns and associated conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: William Joshua Sonnier
  • Patent number: 8306775
    Abstract: A rotation speed information detection apparatus, including: a wheel sensor for detecting passage of teeth of a gear provided in association with tires of a vehicle; a number-of-teeth calculation means for calculating the number of teeth of the gear passed per a sampling cycle set in advance; and a wheel speed calculation means for regularly calculating rotation speed information of the tire with using the number of teeth calculated. The number-of-teeth calculation means is configured to use a ratio between time information at the point and a remaining time until the time at which the next sampling cycle is started is reached to thereby calculate the number of remaining teeth to calculate the number of teeth passed during the sampling cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Fujita, Hiroaki Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 8305257
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of determining a wave height directional spectrum of an ocean wave field using the intermediate-frequency (IF) signal from marine radars with a rotating antenna, using either a fully coherent or a standard non-coherent transmitter/receiver modified for coherent-on-receive use. The method may include receiving the IF radar ocean surface echo signal for a series of transmit pulses, at a sequence of azimuthal antenna positions, and a number of antenna rotations covering several minutes, then generating a matrix of complex IF signal samples from these, deriving phases for each sample, generating the difference in phase for consecutive azimuths, then Doppler shifts, and finally radial velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis B. Trizna
  • Publication number: 20120278003
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for measurement and display of at least one characteristic of molten metal contained in a metal processing vessel that includes a probe supported by an immersion end of a lance. The probe is adapted to be submerged in the molten metal to obtain data in analog form identifying at least one characteristic of the metal while a module is connected to an end of the lance opposite from the immersion end. The module contains electronic circuitry for receiving analog data and for converting the analog data into digital form, and the module also contains electronic circuitry for transmitting digital data to a remotely located receiving device which may be a microprocessor used in readout and control of the metallurgical process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Paul A. Turner, David G. Janu
  • Patent number: 8298829
    Abstract: A method for determining a time of elution of a peptide of interest from a liquid chromatography column includes a step of obtaining chromatographic data for each of a plurality of candidate fragment ions of the peptide of interest. A time along a common chromatographic time is scale determined corresponding to maximum overlay of the ion signals measured for each of the plurality of candidate fragment ions. Finally, the determined time is assigned as the time of elution of the peptide of interest from the liquid chromatography column. In particular, the chromatographic data is acquired during selective reaction monitoring of an eluate from the liquid chromatography column containing the peptide of interest. The chromatographic data includes ion signals measured along the common chromatographic time scale for each of the plurality of candidate fragment ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Thermo Finnigan LLC
    Inventor: Amol Prakash
  • Publication number: 20120271548
    Abstract: A control element for a sensor network having a set of different sensors. In operation, the control element transfers connections between the control element and the set of different sensors, where the transfer connections are compliant with respective sensor-specific protocols. A sensor controller element is provided for each sensor, and establishes transfer connections between the control element and new sensors in runtime. Information obtained in a sensor-specific protocol format from the sensors is converted into a common format in the sensor controller elements. The common format information is processed by a set of common control components of the control element. The control element provides a service based on the information in the common format to at least one consumer, and updates the service in accordance with the sensors present in the sensor network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Koehler, Markus Hugger, Dietmar Krause
  • Patent number: 8290739
    Abstract: A method for determining a mobility of an object includes the steps of measuring at least a portion of a shape of an object under an initial increment of a weight load of a plurality of increments of a total weight load using a device and measuring at least a portion of the shape of the object under a next increment of a total weight load of a plurality of increments of a weight load using the device. Repeating the measurements until a total weight load is achieved and comparing the measurements from the device under the plurality of incremental weight loads, thereby determining a mobility of at least the portion of said object under the plurality of increments of weight loads. The method further includes adjusting the elevation and angular orientation of a support surface for the object to achieve further measurements and a device for obtaining such measurements. The method further includes comparing the mobility of a present object to a normal-object to determine a deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Amfit, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Tadin, Arjen Sundman
  • Patent number: 8280632
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting overlapping figures includes a chip overlap inspection unit configured to input a data file on each chip of a plurality of chips arranged in a writing pattern, and inspect an existence of an overlap between a plurality of chips, based on arrangement data on each region of the plurality of chips, a setting unit configured to set, with respect to the plurality of chips, a plurality of hierarchies and a plurality of cell regions of each of the plurality of hierarchies, an extraction unit configured to extract, with respect to a plurality of chips where the overlap occurs, a cell region where the overlap is located, from a higher hierarchy level to a lower hierarchy level in order, a figure overlap judging unit configured to judge an existence of an overlap between a figure in the cell region extracted and a figure in the other cell region extracted, and an output unit configured to output data on a plurality of figures overlapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: NuFlare Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinji Sakamoto, Shigehiro Hara, Hitoshi Higurashi
  • Patent number: 8275800
    Abstract: A spatial feature is considered for storage in a database system running on a computer. The spatial feature includes a polygon, P. The polygon includes an outer ring, OR, and the area within the outer ring. The polygon includes an interior ring contained within the polygon. The computer removes the interior ring from the polygon. The computer determines a line along which to split the polygon without regard for the location of the inner ring within the polygon. The computer splits the polygon into two polygons, SP1 and SP2, along the line. The computer applies the interior ring to the two split polygons by invoking a point set difference between the interior ring and the two split polygons. The computer stores the split polygons in the database system on the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Teradata US, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Virgil, Michael Leon Reed
  • Publication number: 20120239297
    Abstract: A sensor value acquiring method employed in a computer, comprising: acquiring a sensor value obtained by a sensor included in each terminal from the terminals; storing the acquired sensor value along with an identifier used to identify each terminal; differentiating the stored sensor values, each of the stored sensor value corresponding to a different identifier and obtaining differences through the differentiating; extracting identifiers corresponding to the differences each of which is equal to or smaller than a threshold value; instructing at least one of the terminals corresponding to the extracted identifier to acquire a corresponding sensor value; and transmitting an instruction for extending a sensor value acquisition interval to the terminals which are other than the at least of terminals corresponding to the extracted identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Koichi YOKOTA, Shinichi SHIOTSU, Hiroyasu SUGANO, Hideki TANAKA, Akira ITASAKI, Daisuke YAMASHITA
  • Patent number: 8271773
    Abstract: A configurable field device for automation technology with a partially dynamically reconfigurable logic chip FPGA, in which function modules are dynamically configured during runtime, and to a method for operating the configurable field device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Udo Grittke, Armin Wernet, Roland Dieterle, Axel Humpert, Dietmar Frühauf, Romuald Girardey, Jürgen Becker, Michael Huebner, Katarina Paulsson
  • Patent number: 8266129
    Abstract: A system for endoscope data management of an endoscopic image of a body acquired by an endoscope is provided. An image filing apparatus retrieves the image from the endoscope, and records data of the image and scope ID assigned to the endoscope in association with one another. A washer washes the endoscope. A memory is incorporated in the washer, for storing log information of washing of the endoscope. A data manager retrieves the log information on line with the washer, to record the scope ID and the log information in association with one another. A server device records the data of the image, the scope ID and the log information on line with the image filing apparatus and the data manager. Furthermore, the data manager includes an editor for editing the log information of the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kunimasa Shimizu, Takayuki Goto, Goro Miura, Takayoshi Kiuchi
  • Patent number: 8265908
    Abstract: Protection, measurement and control IEDs in a substation compute if switches they control may be operated safely, according to interlocking rules or physical principles as well as the dynamic topology of the substation. The IEDs have access to the substation electrical topology, to real-time information generated by other IEDs, and to the rules for interlocking. A standardized Substation Configuration Description (SCD) of the substation for which a Substation Automation system is intended, and a standardized description of the implemented device functions or capabilities of an individual IED are utilized. The substation topology is available from SCD file, real time information about the position of switches and line voltage/current can be obtained via an appropriate protocol, and the interlocking rules are available in script form. These features apply both to simulated and real devices, and increase system testing possibilities by supporting an efficient configuration of a simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Hubert Kirrmann, Michael Obrist, Wolfgang Wimmer
  • Patent number: 8260559
    Abstract: A system and method for measurement of radioactivity concentration of a radiopharmaceutical are disclosed. The radiopharmaceutical may be a radioactive tracer solution including a tracer solution and a buffer solution. The system may include a vial that receives the tracer solution and the buffer solution; a scale; a radioactivity measuring device; and a controller that determines the radioactive concentration based on a measured radioactivity of the tracer solution and the buffer solution in the vial, and a weight of the tracer solution and the buffer solution in the vial. The method may include the steps of (1) transferring the tracer solution into a vial; (2) measuring a radioactivity of the tracer solution in the vial; (3) determining a weight necessary to achieve a desired radioactivity concentration; and (4) diluting the tracer solution in the vial to the determined weight with a buffer solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Brussermann, Guido Schwartenbeck, Stefan Riese