Specific Signal Data Processing Patents (Class 702/32)
  • Patent number: 7233886
    Abstract: An improved empirical model-based surveillance or control system for monitoring or controlling a process or machine provides adaptation of the empirical model in response to new operational states that are deemed normal or non-exceptional for the process or machine. An adaptation decision module differentiates process or sensor upset requiring alerts from new operational states not yet modeled. A retraining module updates the empirical model to incorporate the new states, and a pruning technique optionally maintains the empirical model by removing older states in favor of the added new states recognized by the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: SmartSignal Corporation
    Inventors: Stephan W. Wegerich, David R. Bell, Xiao Xu
  • Patent number: 7231318
    Abstract: A predicted corrosion amount of a painted or unpainted atmospheric corrosion resistant steel is calculated by using extrinsic corrosion information including weather observation data, an amount of airborne salt, and an amount of sulfur oxide in a planned location for use where the atmospheric corrosion resistant steel is to be used, and intrinsic corrosion information on components of the atmospheric corrosion resistant steel. The weather observation data on this occasion preferably includes the annual wetness time, annual mean wind speed, and annual mean temperature. Moreover, it is preferable to calculate a corrosivity index, estimate a first-year corrosion amount of the atmospheric corrosion resistant steel and a rust stabilization index from the corrosivity index, and calculate a corrosion amount accumulated over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kihira, Yasumori Fujii, Yoshiyuki Harada, Takashi Kusunoki, Norihito Fujikawa, Hiroshi Takezawa, Hiromichi Yasunami, Kazumi Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 7225084
    Abstract: A measuring device for process technology, useful in measuring- and/or cleaning- and/or calibration-installations in the field of process automation for measuring pH-values and/or redox potentials and/or other process parameters, and an operating method therefor. The measuring device includes at least one central unit having at least one central computer, wherein, in the central computer a management system is provided for the dynamic management of input components (I) and/or output components (O) and/or functional components (F) and/or service components (D) and/or management components (V) and/or interface components (IX) and/or other system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Gunzert, Detlev Wittmer
  • Patent number: 7211438
    Abstract: Methods for predicting the presence of haemostatic dysfunction in a patient from a time-dependent measurement profile include performing a time-dependent measurement on an unknown sample and measuring a respective property over time so as to derive a time-dependent measurement profile. The slope of the time-dependent measurement profile is computed prior to clot formation. A biphasic waveform is detected in the time-dependent measurement profile based on the computed slope. The presence of haemostatic dysfunction in the patient is predicted based on the detected biphasic waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng Hock Toh, Colin Downey, Timothy J. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7206701
    Abstract: A variety of methods and systems related to automated quantitative analyses via digital spectroscopy techniques can be used to determine the quantity of one or more analytes in a sample. A parameter file can be used to control automated analysis. Suspect conditions related to parameters can be identified and-appropriate advisories provided. Suspect conditions related to analysis can be identified and appropriate warnings provided. Various algorithmic techniques are supported and can be selected by a user by modifying parameters via a parameter-editing user interface presented by software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Inventors: Donald P. Tuchman, Donald H. Lemmon, Brian C. Smith
  • Patent number: 7200494
    Abstract: A chromatographic analyzer is provided for facilitating curve filling by the linear least-square method for a chromatogram that contains a plurality of overlapping peaks. A chromatographic data processor executes fitting processing to each peak in an arbitrary time region having the plurality of peaks of the chromatogram starting from the front or back side of time region and the processed peaks are subtracted from the chromatogram in the time region so that the plurality of peaks in the chromatogram can be separated from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahito Ito, Kisaburo Deguchi
  • Patent number: 7197405
    Abstract: A computer facilitated, interactive method of requesting an spectrographic analysis of a sample having an unknown concentration or purity, performing an energy absorbance analysis of the sample to obtain spectrographic data regarding the analysis and comparing the spectrographic data to a stored spectrographic data regarding the analyses of the samples having a predetermined concentration and purity to determine the concentration or purity of the sample having an unknown concentration or purity. The requester can electronically request the analysis and monitor the progress of the analysis. The results of the analysis are electronically transmitted to the requester in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Medpro Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Earl Michael Pruett, Russell D. Odegard
  • Patent number: 7197401
    Abstract: An automatic peak selection method for multidimensional data that selects peaks from very noisy data such as two-dimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data is described. Such data are characterized by non-normally distributed noise that varies in different dimensions. The method computes local noise thresholds for each one-dimensional component of the data. Each point has a local noise threshold applied to it for each dimension of the data set, and a point is selected as a candidate peak only if its value exceeds all of the applied local noise thresholds. Contiguous candidate peaks are clustered into actual peaks. The method is preferably implemented as part of a high-throughput platform for analyzing complex biological mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: PPD Biomarker Discovery Sciences, LLC
    Inventor: Curtis A. Hastings
  • Patent number: 7194361
    Abstract: A method for matching paint on a vehicle, having the steps of receiving in a central computer vehicle identifying information relating to a specific vehicle and a first set of paint color data from a portion of the body of the vehicle. The central computer includes a processor, an electronic storage device in which a database is stored. The database includes vehicle identifying information for a plurality of vehicles, paint color data associated with respective vehicle identifying information, and paint formulations associated with paint color data. Software in the computer determines a best match paint formulation which relates submitted vehicle identifying information and submitted paint data to a paint formulation and compares the matched paint color data to the submitted paint color data so as to establish accuracy data. The accuracy data is applied to the process so as to be implemented in subsequent paint formulation identifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor G. Corrigan, Bernard L. Mabrey, Mark D. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7191071
    Abstract: The invention is a method of determining all the components of an absolute permeability tensor of a porous medium sample from permeability measurements, obtained for example by placing the sample in a permeameter which is useful for fast determination of permeability anisotropies of rocks and detention of internal heterogeneities. A pressure difference ?P is applied between the inlet and outlet faces of a laboratory rock sample, with zero flow conditions on the edges parallel to the mean flow obtained by confining it in a sheath under pressure. Starting from conventional permeability measurements in three directions and from the measurements of the two components of the viscous forces transverse to the sample, a permeability tensor k can be “inverted” by numerical solution of the corresponding boundary-value problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Moussa Kfoury, Benoit Noetinger, Michel Quintard
  • Patent number: 7181348
    Abstract: A computer implemented process for producing a representation of a reference spectrum for a hypothetical solution having a first pH condition, for use in determining the composition of a test sample, is disclosed, The process involves producing a position value for at least one peak of the reference spectrum in response to a measured pH condition of the test sample and a property of at least one peak in a base reference spectrum for the hypothetical solution, the base reference spectrum being associated with a pH condition of the hypothetical solution that is different from the measured pH condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Chenomx, Inc.
    Inventors: David Scott Wishart, Russell Greiner, Tim Alan Rosborough, Brent Allen Lefebvre, Noah Alexander Epstein, Jack Barless Newton, Warren Roger Wong
  • Patent number: 7171312
    Abstract: Chemical and biological detector systems, devices and apparatus. Such devices may be portable and wearable, such as badges, that are analyte-general, rather than analyte-specific, and which provide an optimal way to notify and protect personnel against known and unknown airborne chemical and biological hazards. The devices of the present invention are advantageously low-cost, have low-power requirements, may be wearable and are designed to detect and alarm to a general chemical and biological threat. A sensor device of the present invention in one embodiment includes two or more sensor devices, a processing module coupled to each of the sensor devices and configured to process signals received from each of the two or more sensor devices to determine an environmental state; and a communication module that communicates information about the environmental state to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Smiths Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Steinthal, Steven Sunshine, Tim Burch, Neil Plotkin, Chang-Meng Hsiung
  • Patent number: 7167815
    Abstract: The intensity of an odour can be quantified by determining what is the response of an odour sensing device to that odour, then transforming the response data to an odour intensity value based on transformation data relating to a set of selected reference odours. The transformation data includes organoleptic data indicating how odour intensity values assigned to the set of reference odours by a sensory panel depend upon the concentration of the reference compounds and includes data indicating how the response data of the odour sensing device when exposed to the set of reference odours depends upon the concentration of the reference compounds. The reference odours may be basic odours defining the dimensions of a multi-dimensional space in which odours can be defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Alpha M.O.S.
    Inventors: Saïd Labreche, Eric Chanie, Jean-Christophe Mifsud
  • Patent number: 7155347
    Abstract: A method and apparatus employing a hydrofluorocarbon agent for preventing a large volume of contained flammable fuel from exploding are disclosed. Generally, a method of the present invention comprises detecting a hazardous condition proximate the contained flammable fuel and applying a hydrofluorocarbon agent to an area proximate the fluid within 3–5 seconds of the hazardous condition detection. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a sensing device (24) for detecting the presence of a hazardous condition proximate a quantity of contained flammable fuel (14), and a discharging unit including a pressurizable vessel (16) containing therein the hydrofluorocarbon agent, and a discharge nozzle (20) located proximate the contained flammable fuel (14) and operably coupled with the vessel (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: John Going, Jef Snoeys
  • Patent number: 7142987
    Abstract: A sample archive method and system implement a plurality of sample carriers configured to support a plurality of sample nodes in a predetermined spatial relationship, sample storage devices for selectively placing the plurality of sample carriers in an archive, and sample node removal apparatus for locating and removing selected ones of the plurality of sample nodes. Alternative embodiments are disclosed wherein the sample node removal apparatus comprises a laser and a mechanical clipping tool, which may be manually operated or automated. An optical component may be operative to detect the location of selected sample carriers in the archive, selected ones of the plurality of sample nodes, or both. A positioning component may position the sample node removal apparatus responsive to signals transmitted by the optical component. Various apparatus and methods of archiving samples and preparing the same for analysis are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Genvault Corporation
    Inventor: Mitchell D. Eggers
  • Patent number: 7136758
    Abstract: The problem of how to select out of a large chemically accessible universe molecules representative of the diversity of that universe is resolved by the discovery of a method to validate molecular structural descriptors. Using the validated descriptors, optimally diverse subsets can be selected. In addition, from the universe, molecules with characteristics similar to a selected molecule can be identified. The validated descriptors also enable the generation of a huge virtual library of potential product molecules which could be formed by combinatorial arrangement of structural variations and cores. In this virtual library it is possible to search billions of possible product compounds in relatively short time frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventors: David E. Patterson, Richard D. Cramer
  • Patent number: 7133784
    Abstract: A method for providing improved estimates of properties of a chemical manufacturing process is disclosed. The method regesses process variables with scores or other gains obtained from the mathematical transformation of data obtained from an on-line analyzer. Chemical manufacturing processes using the method also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramaswamy Vaidyanathan, William D. Stephens, David R. Van Hare
  • Patent number: 7129095
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the sensing of analytes and in particular, to methods of determining, resolving, identifying, or quantitating such analytes once detected. This invention provides systems and methods for identifying analytes, comprising using an importance index to give greater weight to the responses from sensors that measure characteristics most useful for identification of analytes. In other aspects, the systems and methods are useful for increasing the stability of electronic nose systems by prolonging the predictive capability of the training set of known analytes. In still other aspects, the systems and methods are useful for detecting and responding to events correlated with the presence of an analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Smiths Detection Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Boehr, Shou-Hua Zhang, Chang-Meng Hsiung
  • Patent number: 7127356
    Abstract: A single-particle optical sensor, which has high sensitivity and responds to relatively concentrated suspensions, uses a relatively narrow light beam to illuminate an optical sensing zone nonuniformly. The zone is smaller than the flow channel so that the sensor responds to only a fraction of the total number of particles flowing through the channel, detecting a statistically significant number of particles of any relevant diameter. Because different particle trajectories flow through different parts of the zone illuminated at different intensities, it is necessary to deconvolute the result. Two methods of deconvolution are used: modified matrix inversion or successive subtraction. Both methods use a few basis vectors measured empirically or computed from a theoretical model, and the remaining basis vectors are derived from these few. The sensor is compensated for turbidity. Several embodiments are disclosed employing light-extinction or light-scattering detection, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Particle Sizing Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Nicoli, Paul Toumbas
  • Patent number: 7117046
    Abstract: At least one of the multiple process parameters (MPPs) is a controllable process parameter (CTPP) and one is a targeted process parameter (TPP). The process also has a defined target limit (DTV) representing a first limit on an actual average value (AAV) of the TPP. A first logical controller predicts future average values (FAVs) of the TPP based on the AAVs of the TPP over a first prior time period and the DTV. A second logical controller establishes a further target limit (FTV) representing a second limit on the AAV of the TPP based on one or more of the predicted FAVs, and also determines a target set point for each CTPP based on the AAVs of the TPP over a prior time period and the FTV. The second logical controller directs control of each CTPP in accordance with the determined target set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott A. Boyden, Stephen Piche
  • Patent number: 7117102
    Abstract: Descriptors of cohesive interactions in the solid state are calculated from a computational model of a solid state, i.e. from a small cluster of copies of the molecule of interest assembled using a molecular mechanics method. A model for predicting solubility is built using the cohesive interaction descriptors along with other descriptors useful for this purpose. Predicted solubility is computed for the compound of interest by computing the same descriptors and applying the solubility model. Explicit modeling of solid state allows to more accurately characterize cohesive interactions in solids, hence, more accurately predict solubility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Anton Filikov
  • Patent number: 7113835
    Abstract: A controller directs performance of a process having multiple process parameters (MPPs), including a controllable process parameter (CTPP), a targeted process parameter (TPP), a defined target value (DTV) representing a limit on an actual average value (AAV) of the TPP over a defined moving time period of length TPLAAV. A storage device stores historical data representing the AVs of the TPP at various times over a prior time period (PTP) having a length of at least TPLAAV. A processor predicts future average values (FAVs) of the TPP over a future time period (FTP) based on the stored historical data and the current values of the MPPs. The processor also determines a target set point for each CTPP based on the predicted FAVs, the current values of the MPPs and the DTV, and directs control of each CTPP in accordance with the determined target set point for that CTPP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott A. Boyden, Stephen Piche
  • Patent number: 7113870
    Abstract: The polar surface area of molecules is computed without reference to three dimensional molecular structures using a linear equation incorporating counts of nitrogens, oxygens, and related atom clusters. Methods and systems for predicting intestinal absorption and blood brain barrier penetration of candidate compounds use the polar surface area and the octanol/water partition coefficient as descriptors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Acclerys Software, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Egan, Giorgio Lauri
  • Patent number: 7110890
    Abstract: An automated system for evaluating biological samples which includes a centralized registry that contains protocols and configuration information for both instruments and analysis applications. The registry provides for improved automation of biological process runs using an autoanalysis applications manager component or daemon, which accesses and transmits the appropriate protocol and configuration information to selected instruments and/or applications. This information is used to instruct data capture by the biological instruments and direct the analysis of the data by the analysis applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Birkett, Puneet Suri, Kai C. Yung, Sylvia H. Fang, Salil Kumar, Benjamin B. Jones, Jon M. Sorenson, Yuandan Lou, Catherine E. Frantz
  • Patent number: 7110886
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a multi-channel chromatogram is realized for accurately resolving overlapping peaks on a multi-channel chromatogram to permit analysis of the composition of a sample. First, components of overlapping peaks are specified. A data matrix Dij is determined, and compressed in the wavelength direction to obtain a data matrix vector Di. Next, the two-dimensional data is deconvoluted, final standard deviation s0 is registered, and the deconvoluted two-dimensional data is reconvoluted to a retention intensity matrix. A quantitative spectral intensity matrix is computed, components are identified, and the identified components are quantified. Subsequently, an eigenvalue problem is solved, and the number n of components is estimated. The deconvolution and computation of the eigenvalue problem are iteratively executed until the peaks are isolated. Then, elution profiles are calculated, the components are identified, and the identified components are quantified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahito Ito, Kisaburo Deguchi
  • Patent number: 7107157
    Abstract: An automated measuring system includes an application server (2), a database server (1), and client computers (4) and measurement apparatuses (5) linking to the application server through a network (3). The application server includes a measurement information receiving module (21) for receiving measurement information; a procedure encoding module (23) for encoding all required measurement procedures for objects to be measured; a measurement apparatus assigning module (24) for assigning a suitable measurement apparatus to each of dimensions of the objects; a measuring module (25) for running the encoded measurement procedures to measure all the dimensions of the objects through the assigned measurement apparatuses; a tolerance calculating module (26) for obtaining measured data and a design value of each dimension, and for calculating an actual upper tolerance and an actual lower tolerance for each dimension; and a report generating module (28) for generating measurement reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsin-Pei Chang, Chih-Kuang Chang
  • Patent number: 7096126
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for detecting functional data of a living organism and for controlling the corporeal values of the living organism in a pain-free and simple manner as often as required. The influences of existing natural and artificial electric, electrochemical and electromagnetic fields are determined. Electrodes are used alternately as sensors and as actuators, and the electrodes detect and transmit values to a downstream data detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Texmed Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ernst Geutebrueck
  • Patent number: 7096127
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and lithography masks for measuring flare in semiconductor lithography. A layer of photosensitive material is exposed to a first test pattern and a second test pattern, the second test pattern comprising an opaque or attenuated region. The second test pattern is placed proximate features formed in a photosensitive material in a first exposure by the first test pattern, in a second exposure by the second test pattern on the same mask or a different mask. Alternatively, the second test pattern may be disposed proximate a portion of the first test pattern on a single mask using a single exposure. If flare exists in the optical system, the second test pattern causes line shortening in the features formed in the photosensitive material of the first test pattern. The line shortening can be measured to determine the effect of flare in the lithography system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: David Ziger, Ralf Ziebold, Frank Goodwin
  • Patent number: 7092839
    Abstract: A system for managing and reporting laboratory data wherein the data is obtained at remote data-taking stations, transferred instantaneously by wireless communication to a main data-storing/manipulating station for recording therein without being recorded at the remote data-taking stations, and reported only from the data-storing/manipulating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: VelQuest Corporation
    Inventors: William Buote, Kenneth N. Rapp, Burleigh M. Hutchins
  • Patent number: 7085654
    Abstract: A phase based system and method for determining signal consistency (e.g., in a video signal processing system). Various aspects of the present invention may, for example, include receiving a first and second signal, each of which includes a respective first sub-signal. A receiving module may, for example, affect such receiving. The first and second signals may be synchronized according to, at least in part, aspects of their respective first sub-signals. A signal synchronization module may, for example, effect such synchronization. Phase difference between respective sub-signals of the first and second synchronized signals may be determined (e.g., using sample-wise multiplication). Multiplication and accumulator modules may, for example, effect such a determination. A signal may be generated that is indicative of signal consistency based, at least in part, on the determination of phase difference between the respective sub-signals. An output module may, for example, effect such a signal generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander G. MacInnis
  • Patent number: 7072769
    Abstract: A blood component collection system with manipulation and optimization capabilities. In one embodiment, process parameters are derived from an input/configured predetermined blood component yield and which is based upon the maximization of at least one process parameter. Thereafter, the blood component collection procedure is performed with these derived process control parameters. In another embodiment, process parameters are derived from an input total procedure time from a maximized value for at least one of the other process control parameters so as to maximize blood component yield in this fixed time. Thereafter, the blood component collection procedure is performed with these derived parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Gambro, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Fletcher-Haynes, William Sweat, Richard Judy, Scott Butzke, Kim Pemberton, Frank Corbin, III, Robert W. Langley, Steven Gage Urdahl, Christopher Fletcher
  • Patent number: 7072773
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of analyzing three-dimensional data obtained from a chromatography/spectrometry process, in particular an LC/MS process using a two-dimensional multi-variant statistical analysis. The LC portion permits separation of analytes within a sample. The information obtained from such a procedure typically depends on retention time (Rt). As the analytes progress through the system, they enter the MS region of the LC/MS system. There they are ionized and a mass detector then detects these ionized species. The information procured from this procedure is generally reported as intensity for a corresponding m/z value. Therefore, an LC/MS system provides at least three pieces of information. Principle component analysis (PCA) is a robust method of multi-variant analysis of this type of data between different samples. However, typically, PCA analysis is performed using only two-dimensional data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Stephen Plumb, Chris Lee Stumpf, Marc V. Gorenstein
  • Patent number: 7069182
    Abstract: A database interpolation method is used to rapidly calculate a predicted optical response characteristic of a diffractive microstructure as part of a real-time optical measurement process. The interpolated optical response is a continuous and (in a preferred embodiment) smooth function of measurement parameters, and it matches the theoretically-calculated optical response at the database-stored interpolation points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Johnson, Fred E. Stanke
  • Patent number: 7064336
    Abstract: A portable radioactive-material detection system capable of detecting radioactive sources moving at high speeds. The system has at least one radiation detector capable of detecting gamma-radiation and coupled to an MCA capable of collecting spectral data in very small time bins of less than about 150 msec. A computer processor is connected to the MCA for determining from the spectral data if a triggering event has occurred. Spectral data is stored on a data storage device, and a power source supplies power to the detection system. Various configurations of the detection system may be adaptably arranged for various radiation detection scenarios. In a preferred embodiment, the computer processor operates as a server which receives spectral data from other networked detection systems, and communicates the collected data to a central data reporting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Daniel E. Archer, Brock R. Beauchamp, G. Joseph Mauger, Karl E. Nelson, Michael B. Mercer, David C. Pletcher, Vincent J. Riot, James L. Schek, David A. Knapp
  • Patent number: 7058519
    Abstract: A process system adapted for processing of or with a material therein. The process system includes: a sampling region for the material; an infrared photometric monitor constructed and arranged to transmit infrared radiation through the sampling region and to responsively generate an output signal correlative of the material in the sampling region, based on its interaction with the infrared radiation; and process control means arranged to receive the output of the infrared photometric monitor and to responsively control one or more process conditions in and/or affecting the process system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose I. Arno
  • Patent number: 7050911
    Abstract: The current invention relates to a method of identifying changes in biopolymers, especially in chromosomal DNA, using two or more different sets of labelled detector molecules, as well as to a diagnostic kit for detecting these changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Metasystems, Hard & Software GmbH
    Inventors: Ilse Chudoba, Thomas Loerch, Andreas Plesch
  • Patent number: 7047149
    Abstract: An optical measurement system for optically measuring a body to be inspected and obtaining an image of a desired item based on information obtained by the measurement includes means for displaying a number of measurement points, means for indicating a light irradiation position and a light detecting position and means for displaying a measurement position and a state of allocating a number to the measurement position. The system further includes means for displaying measuring time sequence data, means for setting a condition of acquiring data, means for displaying a status of acquiring the data, means for instructing control of measurement and means for marking a mark at a position measuring time sequence data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Maki, Yuuichi Yamashita, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Hideaki Koizumi
  • Patent number: 7047156
    Abstract: The inherent smoothing in bending stiffness measurement of wood boards as occurs in the machine grading of lumber can mask the effect of knots and other local characteristics affecting structural value. Improved estimates of local (pointwise) stiffness will be useful in decisions about further processing and use of a tested board. Measured compliance is reciprocally related to measured stiffness and is the convolution of local compliance and a “span function”. Span function is specific to the bending span configuration used and can change during measurement of a board. A general procedure for computing span function, which heretofore has been known only for simple bending spans, is disclosed. A Kalman filter uses this and other available information to optimally estimate local compliance from an observed relationship between local compliance and state variables of a state-space model. Method for linear algebraic determination of local compliance also depends on span functions and is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Kierstat Systems LLC
    Inventors: Friend K. Bechtel, Ning Wang, Timothy C. Hanshaw, Chin S. Hsu
  • Patent number: 7039523
    Abstract: A method of determining the salinity of an area of soil includes providing signal data from a radar scan of the area of soil. Improved vegetation correction is applied to the signal data using a Cloude decomposition method or a “xhv” method. In some circumstances existing vegetation correction methods are used and a synergistically improved corrected obtained. The corrected data is then inverted to determine the magnitude of the dielectric values. Salinity levels are calculated from each of the imaginary component of dielectric values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Gecoz Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Darren Bell
  • Patent number: 7024316
    Abstract: A flow cytometry apparatus and methods to process information incident to particles or cells entrained in a sheath fluid stream allowing assessment, differentiation, assignment, and separation of such particles or cells even at high rates of speed. A first signal processor individually or in combination with at least one additional signal processor for applying compensation transformation on data from a signal. Compensation transformation can involve complex operations on data from at least one signal to compensate for one or numerous operating parameters. Compensated parameters can be returned to the first signal processor for provide information upon which to define and differentiate particles from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: DakoCytomation Colorado, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl E. Ellison, Paul Barclay Purcell, George C. Malachowski, Matthias J. Ottenberg
  • Patent number: 7016790
    Abstract: An in-line hot-wire sensor for monitoring the mixing and the flow rate of slurry is disclosed. The hot-wire sensor may include a number of resistors organized into a Wheatstone bridge, as well as a frequency-domain transform mechanism. The resistors include a hot-wire resistor that is placed in-line with the slurry after substances have been mixed to become the slurry. The Wheatstone bridge thus yields a signal that is transformed to the frequency domain by the frequency-domain transform mechanism, such as by performing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the signal. The frequency-domain transform is used to monitor the mixing of the substances into the slurry, and the flow rate of the slurry. The signal may be amplified prior to transformation to the frequency domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tung-Ching Tseng, Li-Jia Yang
  • Patent number: 7013220
    Abstract: Optical scanner system approaches are described in which signal saturation data is produced in real-time. The data generated may be used for tuning a subsequent scan, in protection of optical detector components from damage or otherwise. Approaches for obtaining and storing or expressing the data are also disclosed. Also provided are methods of using the subject system is biopolymer array based application, including genomic and proteomic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas N. Dorsel, Jeffrey M. McMillan
  • Patent number: 7006928
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel device for determining the physical and chemical stability of substances and formulations by means of samples. Said device is provided with a vibration spectrometer, a container (1) for storing the samples in controlled conditions, a robot (10) for transporting the samples between the vibration spectrometer (12) and the container, and a computer (13) for controlling the processes and for automatically storing and evaluating the spectra of the samples received by the vibration spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: RPD Tool AG
    Inventors: Beat Federer, Markus Roggli, Martin Roth
  • Patent number: 7003405
    Abstract: An inverse analysis method for characterizing diffusion of vapor from an underground source of volatile contaminant using data taken by an in-situ sensor. The method uses one-dimensional solutions to the diffusion equation in Cartesian, cylindrical, or spherical coordinates for isotropic and homogenous media. If the effective vapor diffusion coefficient is known, then the distance from the source to the in-situ sensor can be estimated by comparing the shape of the predicted time-dependent vapor concentration response curve to the measured response curve. Alternatively, if the source distance is known, then the effective vapor diffusion coefficient can be estimated using the same inverse analysis method. A triangulation technique can be used with multiple sensors to locate the source in two or three dimensions. The in-situ sensor can contain one or more chemiresistor elements housed in a waterproof enclosure with a gas permeable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Clifford K. Ho
  • Patent number: 6999905
    Abstract: A method for extracting a signal of interest from a signal generated from at least one subject, comprises the steps of (A) obtaining a time-series signal generated from the subject as a data group consisting of a plurality of pieces of data, (B) obtaining a plurality of extracted data groups from the data group, wherein each extracted data group comprises a predetermined number of pieces of data selected from the data group, (C) calculating standard deviations of the plurality of extracted data groups to obtain a standard deviation group, and (D) referencing each standard deviation included in the standard deviation group and selecting the signal of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuta Ogawa, Hiroaki Oka, Nobuhiko Ozaki, Hirokazu Sugihara
  • Patent number: 6996478
    Abstract: The present invention provides a distributed sensing system in a networked environment for identifying an analyte, including a first sensor array connected to the network comprising sensors capable of producing a first response in the presence of a chemical stimulus; a second sensor array connected to the network comprising sensors capable of producing a second response in the presence of a physical stimulus; and a computer comprising a resident algorithm. The algorithm indicates or selects the most relevant sensor in the network to identify the analyte. The sensors can be separated over large spatial areas, wherein the sensor arrays are networked. Suitable networks include a computer local area network, an intranet or the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Smiths Detection Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Sunshine, M. Gregory Steinthal, Ajoy Roy
  • Patent number: 6993455
    Abstract: In the method, which is to be carried out on a computer system, firstly design data of a semiconductor substrate are read in and, on the basis thereof, a mask image is generated in the form of a data structure with contact holes and with auxiliary structures on the computer system. Afterwards, contact hole biases are determined by means of an optical proximity correction method and the relevant contact holes are corrected on the basis of these contact hole biases. By means of subsequent imaging simulation of the mask image on the semiconductor substrate, undesired imaging auxiliary structures and contact holes deviating from specified tolerances on the semiconductor substrate are detected and corrected. During the imaging simulation of the mask image, a mask bias is employed in order to compensate for three-dimensional mask effects. A real mask can be produced on the basis of the mask image thus determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Roderick Koehle, Reinhard Pufall
  • Patent number: 6970792
    Abstract: The disclosure includes pulse oximetry systems and methods for determining point-by-point saturation values by encoding photoplethysmographs in the complex domain and processing the complex signals. The systems filter motion artifacts and other noise using a variety of techniques, including statistical analysis such as correlation, or phase filtering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Masimo Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohamed K. Diab
  • Patent number: 6959247
    Abstract: A system for measuring a glucose level in a blood sample includes a test strip and a meter. The test strip includes a sample chamber, a working electrode, a counter electrode, fill-detect electrodes, and an auto-on conductor. A reagent layer is disposed in the sample chamber. The auto-on conductor causes the meter to wake up and perform a test strip sequence when the test strip is inserted in the meter. The meter uses the working and counter electrodes to initially detect the blood sample in the sample chamber and uses the fill-detect electrodes to check that the blood sample has mixed with the reagent layer. The meter applies an assay voltage between the working and counter electrodes and measures the resulting current. The meter calculates the glucose level based on the measured current and calibration data saved in memory from a removable data storage device associated with the test strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Home Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary T. Neel, Douglas E. Bell, T. Philip Wong, Allan Javier Caban, David K. Boehm
  • Patent number: 6957153
    Abstract: A method of controlling production of a gaseous product produced by one or more production plants such as an air separation plant, having a control system to vary production of the gaseous product. The gaseous product is consumed by a customer in accordance with a varying demand pattern. A storage capacity for the gaseous product which may be the pipeline itself or a gaseous receiver tank is provided. Control is exercised by a fuzzy logic program that utilizes the average rate of change of customer demand and storage capacity pressure to produce control data to vary the production rate of the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Esposito, Jr.