Mechanical Measurement System Patents (Class 702/33)
  • Publication number: 20120143518
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system of automatically evaluating vehicle devices using a vehicle simulator. The system includes a vehicle simulator that is configured to replicate an actual vehicle in combination with vehicle devices mounted therein. The system also includes a system base configured to generate and output an input signal to be input into a controller in order to operate the vehicle devices that are targeted for evaluation according to contents set in a test case data entered by an evaluator. Additionally, the system base also measures and analyzes an output signal from the controller in response to the input signal. Further a signal connecting unit is configured to connect the vehicle simulator with the system base via a signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jong Ho Kim, Jung Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 8190378
    Abstract: An element damage determination unit calculates a cumulative value of a damage value using a Manson-Coffin law for a plurality of finite elements of a continuum based on a result of a stress/distortion analyzing process, and determines whether or not the cumulative value of the damage value is equal to or exceeds a threshold. A calculation unit obtains first correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the number of cycles of a load and a growth rate of a crack occurring in the continuum based on the determination result. A Manson-Coffin law change unit changes a Manson-Coffin law based on the first correspondence information and second correspondence information indicating the correspondence between an actual measurement value of the number of cycles of a load applied to the continuum and an actual measurement value of the growth rate of a crack occurring in the continuum at that time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hidehisa Sakai, Katsufumi Morimune, Masanori Motegi, Tsutomu Iikawa
  • Patent number: 8185326
    Abstract: A method and apparatus comprises a number of sensors and a computer. The number of sensors is capable of being associated with a location of an object having quantum dots. The number of sensors is capable of sending energy into the location, and the energy is capable of causing a response from the quantum dots. The number of sensors is capable of detecting the response. The computer is coupled to the number of sensors and capable of determining whether corrosion is present in the location using the response detected by the number of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Gary E. Georgeson
  • Patent number: 8185327
    Abstract: In a particular system for monitoring of a composite workpiece, at least one ultrasonic testing transducer is mounted to a surface of the composite workpiece and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic energy to and from the composite workpiece during mechanical loading of the composite workpiece. An ultrasonic pulser/receiver is operatively coupled to the at least one ultrasonic testing transducer. A computing system is operatively coupled to the ultrasonic pulser/receiver. The computing system includes a data acquisition component configured to acquire data from the ultrasonic puller/receiver and a data analysis component configured to analyze the acquired data. The data analysis component may be further configured to analyze the acquired data for initiation of failure of the composite workpiece and/or growth of failure of the composite workpiece. Further, failure of the composite workpiece may include cracking and/or delaminating and/or disbonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Fogarty, Gary E. Georgeson
  • Patent number: 8178356
    Abstract: Naturally present chloride concentration in natural water is utilized for the development of the technique to gauge the performance of percolation tanks in space and time. The chloride mass balance technique is simple, sensitive, reliable and yet powerful enough to resolve the temporal variation due to the effect of silting or climate factors. The percolation efficiency data of percolation tanks can aid in the formulation of guidelines for selection of suitable sites for future tanks with greater efficiency. Otherwise unscientific construction of percolation tanks in sites that yield poor percolation efficiency is uneconomical, and the very purpose of their construction will be forfeited. Thus the technique developed using chloride mass balance in tank water for evaluation of tank performance is highly economy oriented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventors: Balbir Singh Sukhija, Dontireddy Venkat Reddy, Pasupuleti Nagabhushanam, Mutyala Venkata Nandakumar
  • Patent number: 8180466
    Abstract: A process device is configured to meet a desired Safety Integrity Level (SIL). A device interface is configured to couple to the process device and provide an output related to operation of a component of the process device. A component monitor monitors operation of the component and identifies a safety event of the component. A safety response module responds to a safety event of the component in accordance with a safety response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Longsdorf, Dale Davis, Robert Hedtke, Scott Nelson
  • Patent number: 8175743
    Abstract: A measurement system that includes an industrial machine and an interferometer can detect when abnormality has occurred in measurement targeted at a reflector attached to a movable body, for example, in a case where the movable body has moved too close to the interferometer. A judging section of the interferometer judges that there is abnormality in measurement targeted at the reflector on the basis of a received-light signal. Upon such an abnormality judgment, a stop command outputting section of the interferometer outputs a stop command to the industrial machine. A stopping section of the industrial machine stops the driving operation of a moving mechanism upon receiving an input of the stop command, thereby stopping the movement of the movable body. The measurement system makes it possible to prevent the industrial machine, which includes the movable body and the moving mechanism, from colliding with the interferometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Nara
  • Publication number: 20120109538
    Abstract: A process to preserve the kinematic state of a target includes determining an initial kinematic state estimate of the target using an observer with an active sensor. The initial kinematic state estimate includes a range from the observer to the target, a velocity of the target, and an acceleration of the target. The process further includes constructing an Extended Kalman Filter using the initial kinematic state estimate. The Extended Kalman filter is constructed by updating the initial kinematic state estimate as a function of time, receiving an angles-only measurement into the observer, calculating a new kinematic state as a function of the angles-only measurement, comparing the initial kinematic state estimate with the new kinematic state, constraining a rate of the target, and correcting the initial kinematic state estimate as a function of the comparison of the initial kinematic state estimate with the new kinematic state. The target is permitted to maneuver, and the observer is not required to maneuver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: James A. Covello, Tormod Fretheim
  • Patent number: 8170705
    Abstract: An orthotic vending machine may comprise a measuring apparatus and an orthotic fabricating apparatus. The measuring apparatus may comprises a plurality of probes capable of sensing pressure at various pixels on the underside surfaces of the person's feet at various configurations (e.g., flat plane, shoe contour, or prescriptive optimal) and determining the heights at the various pixels for the various configurations. The fabricating apparatus may lay down a plurality of discs on a base layer having different hardnesses based on the measured pressure and heights by the measuring apparatus to fabricate customized orthotics. Alternatively, the fabricating apparatus may form the customized orthotic via solidifying a polymerizeable material in a honeycomb structure based on the measured pressure and heights by the measuring apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Alipes, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Koelling, Venugopal Subramanyam
  • Publication number: 20120095699
    Abstract: 1st and 2nd pulsed waves are transmitted along 1st and 2nd transmit beams where at least one of the beams is broad in at least one direction, and the transmit timing between said 1st and 2nd pulsed waves are selected so that the pulsed wave fronts overlap in an overlap region R(r,t) that propagates along at least one measurement or image curve ?(r) in the material object. At least the scattered signal produced by nonlinear interaction between said 1st and 2nd waves in the overlap region is received and processed to form a nonlinear interaction scattering image signal along ?(r). The measurement or image curve ?(r) can be scanned laterally by either changing of the relative transmit timing between the 1st and 2nd pulsed waves or the direction of at least one of the 1st and 2nd transmit beams, or both. The methods are applicable to image nonlinear scattering sources for both electromagnetic and elastic waves, and combinations of these.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: SURF Technology AS
    Inventors: Bjørn A. J. Angelsen, Rune Hansen, Thor Andreas Tangen
  • Publication number: 20120095700
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a methodology, procedure, system, method and computer-accessible medium can be provided to obtain particular information relating to at least one transport property of a material containing at least one membrane, and to determine, e.g., a permeability of the membrane of the material and/or a surface area of the membrane of the material, as a function of, e.g., the obtained particular information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: New York University
    Inventors: Dmitry S. Novikov, Jens Jensen, Joseph A. Helpern, Els Fieremans
  • Publication number: 20120089345
    Abstract: A method for separately measuring the compressibility and resonant frequency of a disc brake pad allows better conclusions to be drawn as to the properties of the disc brake pads by creating identical test conditions for measuring the compressibility and resonant frequency for the purpose of quality assurance. The method includes performing the compressibility and resonant frequency measurements on the same disc brake pad in a time-delayed manner, immediately one after the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL BREMSBELAG GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Giese, Christoph Kölsch
  • Patent number: 8155989
    Abstract: An automated user-implemented method for optimizing cost, schedule and performance of maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) on manmade structure, such as pavements. The method utilizes a database containing information on the condition of the manmade structure, the information on condition further including a condition index; applies one or more algorithms to data in the database to yield schedule and budget for M&R of the manmade structure; correlates the type of M&R and schedule for performing the M&R with alternative budgets that a user may enter into the software supporting the method and outputs and displays work plans associated to each of the alternative budgets for use by managers in planning future M&R work and predicting performance thereof by evaluating past work on the manmade structure. The system may be implemented by a user on the internet as well as on individual personal computers. Specific implementations include PAVER™ and microPAVER™ software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Arthur B. Baskin, Mohamed Y. Shahin, Robert E. Reinke
  • Patent number: 8152987
    Abstract: There is described a method for ensuring and monitoring electrolyzer safety and performances in a manufacturing process which uses at least one electrolyzing cell containing at least one cathode and at least one anode separated by a membrane, comprising the step of: determining a safe single voltage operation range depending of the current and corresponding to the normally working electrolyzing cell; determining a reference voltage deviation depending on the time derivation of the current; measuring the voltage over time at the terminals of the electrolyzing cell; determining the measured voltage deviation by calculating the time derivative of the measured voltage; comparing the measured voltage to the safe single voltage operation range and the measured voltage deviation to the reference voltage deviation over time; stopping the manufacturing process when the measured voltage is outside the safe single voltage operation range or the difference between the measured voltage deviation and the reference voltage
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Recherche 2000 Inc.
    Inventors: Gilles Tremblay, Helmut Lademann, Georges Simard, Michel Veillette, Said Berriah
  • Publication number: 20120078534
    Abstract: A method and system using fiber optic sensors are provided for the distributed monitoring of the condition of machinery having multiple elements. A sensor including an optical fiber is mechanically coupled to, or in the proximity of, multiple elements of machinery in order to monitor vibration, temperature, and/or strain of such elements. Data are collected in a form suitable for storage, transmission, and analysis, and may be used to control alarms, machinery, or may be displayed to convey condition of machinery. One embodiment is the monitoring of elements of conveyor systems, such as rollers, bearings, idler wheels, power components, and the belt. The detection of condition and changes in condition, as well as the display of information, is enhanced by using information from a plurality of related or similar elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: John S. Selker, Frank Selker
  • Patent number: 8142368
    Abstract: A novel method for soft tissue characterization includes obtaining a sequence of surface stress patterns as a function of an increasing compression force when a probe is pressed against the tissue over the location of the lesion of interest. A number of elasticity features are then calculated to characterize the tissue and the lesion located therein including strain hardening, loading curve average slope, lesion peak signal under a predetermined load, tissue heterogeneity, lesion shape and lesion mobility. At least three elasticity features are provided as an input to a statistical Bayesian classifier trained on a clinical database to calculate the probability of the lesion being benign or malignant. Additional patient-related parameters may be further provided as inputs to the classifier to increase the accuracy of differentiation between benign and malignant lesions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Artann Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Egorov, Armen P. Sarvazyan
  • Publication number: 20120072128
    Abstract: The density of a fluid is determined using a vibratory resonant densitometer in an environment. The densitometer includes a tubular sample cavity and other densitometer parts. The method includes measuring a plurality of parameters characterizing the environment. The method further includes adjusting a model of the sample cavity using the measured parameters. The method further includes receiving a sample fluid into the sample cavity. The method further includes vibrating the sample cavity to obtain a vibration signal. The method further includes calculating the density of the sample fluid using the model and the vibration signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Li Gao
  • Patent number: 8130112
    Abstract: In one aspect, an alarm mask for condition monitoring in a wind turbine is automatically generated. A reference data selecting definition is selected from a control definition repository in the wind turbine. The reference data selecting definition specifies a time interval of recorded reference data. Reference data is selected from a sensor located in the wind turbine recorded during the time interval. A reference value is calculated based on the reference data. A first and a second alarm mask factor are selected from the control definition repository. A first alarm mask is calculated based on multiplying the first alarm mask factor and the reference value. A second alarm mask is calculated based on multiplying the second alarm mask factor by the reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Gram & Juhl A/S
    Inventors: Klaus Gram-Hansen, Axel Juhl, Troels Kildemoes Moeller
  • Patent number: 8131482
    Abstract: A method of determining a quantity of rotor slots in an induction motor through analysis of voltage and current signals. An approximate slip is calculated according to an approximate slip function that is independent of a rotor slots quantity. A fundamental frequency is calculated from a representation of the voltage signal. A saliency frequency is calculated from a representation of the current signal. For each rotor slots index in a set of rotor slots indices, a slip estimate is calculated according to a slip estimation function that includes the saliency frequency, a saliency order, the fundamental frequency, a rotor slots index in the set of rotor slots indices, and a quantity of poles of the motor, such that the slip estimate is evaluated at respective ones of the set rotor slots indices. A slip estimation error signal is calculated according to a slip estimation error function that includes a difference between the approximate slip and respective ones of the slip estimates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Turner, Roy S. Colby, Zhi Gao
  • Patent number: 8126658
    Abstract: Provided is a method for rapidly, surely, and easily identifying a factor of a shape defect of an artifact attributed to elastic recovery of deformation upon molding by using the numeric value simulation technique, thereby eliminating lowering of dimension accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Nonomura, Jiro Iwaya, Takayuki Yamano
  • Patent number: 8112242
    Abstract: A system for determining a property of a paving-related material is provided. Such a system comprises a measuring device for selectively and directly measuring the property. A computer device is capable of executing a software program product and communicating with the measuring device. The computer device directs the measuring device to measure the property of the paving-related material according to a parameter determined by the software program product, and to receive data comprising the measured property from the measuring device. A communication element operably engaged between the measuring device and the computer device allows communication therebetween. The communication element is configured to allow the computer device to be spaced apart from the measuring device, thereby allowing the computer device to be prepared, to include the parameter and to manipulate the data, in spaced apart relation with respect to the measuring device. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Troxler
  • Publication number: 20120029837
    Abstract: An engine revolution meter for displaying an engine revolution number display value includes an obtaining device, a calculating device, and a determining device. The obtaining device obtains an engine revolution number measurement value corresponding to a measured revolution number of an engine of a vehicle. The calculating device calculates the display value based on the measurement value. The determining device determines whether the measurement value is greater or less than a reference value. When the determining device determines that the measurement value is less than the reference value, the calculating device calculates the display value in such a manner that the display value changes at a first rate different from a second rate at which the measurement value changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahira Katoh, Kenichi Hiura, Minoru Sumiya
  • Patent number: 8106754
    Abstract: When an insulation resistance value of an ignition plug is smaller than a prescribed value, an engine operation state is switched so as to raise a temperature of the ignition plug, thereby promoting deposit cleaning. Such a measures-against-deposit carrying-out state is counted. When a count value exceeds a certain value, that is, when the measures against deposit have sufficiently been performed but the insulation resistance value of the ignition plug is smaller than the prescribed value, it is determined that conductive deposit has adhered to the ignition plug, and for example, an alarm light is turned on in order to urge a driver to perform maintenance of the ignition plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsushi Hashizume
  • Patent number: 8108155
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the quality of maintenance performed on a wind turbine. A restoration factor is used to determine the quality of maintenance performed of the wind turbine. A restoration factor determined after a scheduled maintenance is compared to historical and comparative references to determine the quality of the maintenance performed on the wind turbine. Based upon these comparisons, maintenance of the wind turbine may be modified to increase the capacity of the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Ingemann Hvas Sandvad, Cher Ming Tan, Pey Yen Siew, Yee Soon Tsan
  • Publication number: 20120022805
    Abstract: A probabilistic data signal processor used to determine health of a system is described. Initial probability distribution functions are input to a dynamic state-space model, which iteratively operates on probability distribution functions, such as state and model probability distribution functions, to generate a prior probability distribution function, which is input to a probabilistic updater. The probabilistic updater integrates sensor data with the prior to generate a posterior probability distribution function passed to a probabilistic sampler, which estimates one or more parameters using the posterior, which is output or re-sampled and used as an input to the dynamic state-space model in the iterative algorithm. In various embodiments, the probabilistic data signal processor is used to filter output from any mechanical device using appropriate physical models, which optionally include chemical, electrical, optical, mechanical, or fluid based models.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Streamline Automation, LLC
    Inventors: Rodrigo E. Teixeira, Alton J. Reich
  • Publication number: 20120022796
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus and method for analyzing mechanical inputs. The apparatus comprises mechanical elements configured to receive mechanical inputs and a piezoresistive sensor configured to convert the mechanical inputs into electric signals. The apparatus further includes electrical elements configured to determine voltage components of the electric signals and a processor configured to analyze the voltage components, wherein the voltage components are analyzed to determine a plurality of characteristics of the mechanical inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Idan Beck
  • Publication number: 20120016599
    Abstract: The present invention provides golf ball recommendations correlating to a golfer's swing parameters determined by comparing the flight characteristics of a golf ball driven by the golfer with a database of flight characteristics of golf balls associated with particular swing parameters. The swing parameters in the database may be correlated with golf ball flight characteristics determined using empirical tests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Ishii
  • Publication number: 20110307188
    Abstract: A method for collecting and evaluating driving related data, comprising using one or more sensors associated with a handheld mobile device to automatically collect driving data during a data collection session; and using one or more processors to execute computer readable instructions stored in non-transitory memory to calculate, based at least on the collected driving data, one or more metrics related to the driver's driving behavior, and display on a display device the one or more calculated metrics related to the driver's driving behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: State Farm Insurance
    Inventors: Jufeng Peng, Brian Fields, Paul Rutkowski, Benjamin Bowne
  • Patent number: 8078429
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a plant diagnostic system for diagnosing a problem with the plant. The plant diagnostic system can include an agent-based plant diagnostic network that has an adaptive global agent located in a central facility, a plant expert agent located at the plant and a plurality of subsystem resident agents. Each of the subsystem resident agents can be assigned to a subsystem of the plant. A diagnosis agent can also be included, the diagnosis agent operable to be instructed by the adaptive global agent, transmitted to the plant expert agent, be received by the plant expert agent, transmitted by the plant expert agent back to the adaptive global agent and be received by the adaptive global agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Liu Qiao
  • Publication number: 20110295522
    Abstract: The invention provides a run-flat device comprising a magnet. The run-flat device can be incorporated into a tyre condition monitoring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Westley Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Michael Clark, Trevor Chandler
  • Patent number: 8068104
    Abstract: An apparatus for graphically displaying analytical data, comprising a generic model to graphically represent a complex set of physical characteristics potentially leading to catastrophic failure of a physical system. A central region represents failure of the physical system; a series of concentric ridges represents level of function. Wedge shaped regions upon the ridges represent predetermined subsystems of the physical system. An icon is displayed with changes in the icon proportional to time, and any one or more of color, position, shape, and rotation of the icon representing prescribed analysis of the physical characteristics. Mappings correlate predetermined characteristics of the system with failure of the physical system, levels of functioning represented by the ridges, subsystems represented by the wedge shaped regions, and/or analysis of the physical characteristics represented in the icon. A sensor interface receives measurements, and a graphics generator prepares a presentation of the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Carlyle Rampersad
  • Patent number: 8069001
    Abstract: An isotherm sensor tracks space vehicle temperatures by a thermal protection system (TPS) material during vehicle re-entry as a function of time, and surface recession through calibration, calculation, analysis and exposed surface modeling. Sensor design includes: two resistive conductors, wound around a tube, with a first end of each conductor connected to a constant current source, and second ends electrically insulated from each other by a selected material that becomes an electrically conductive char at higher temperatures to thereby complete an electrical circuit. The sensor conductors become shorter as ablation proceeds and reduced resistance in the completed electrical circuit (proportional to conductor length) is continually monitored, using measured end-to-end voltage change or current in the circuit. Thermocouple and/or piezoelectric measurements provide consistency checks on local temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)
    Inventors: Sergey Gorbunov, Edward R. Martinez, James B. Scott, Tomomi Oishi, Johnny Fu, Joseph G. Mach, Jose B. Santos
  • Publication number: 20110288786
    Abstract: In a batch process control system employing storage tanks without mixers, properties of the storage tank pump out feedstock may be modeled to more accurately control the quality of a process. This model may not require the measurement of input or pump out flow or assume perfect blending. Rather, the developed model may assume that feedstock input into a storage tank may remain layered with some mixing due to continuous convection, turbulence during loading, or other factors. The model may include a projection of the properties describing a storage tank layer of input material into the model. For each new load of storage tank input feedstock, model zones may be shifted and the zone from which the feedstock is drawn may be updated with the properties from the new load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: FISHER-ROSEMOUNT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Terrence L. Blevins, Wilhelm K. Wojsznis, Christopher J. Worek
  • Publication number: 20110288789
    Abstract: A systematic method and system for testing the charging and starting systems of a vehicle, which requires each individual test to pass before proceeding is provided. In addition, the invention incorporates an improved alternator test that determines whether the alternator belt is slipping using data read using a vehicle data port. Further, the invention provides a battery bank test that correlates the voltage before and after a load is applied to the battery bank to the batteries' conditions. When testing the starter, the oil temperature is read via the vehicle data port, allowing for a determination of whether the current draw is abnormally high.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Dale B. Henningson
  • Patent number: 8065105
    Abstract: A system including a platform having a receptacle adapted to a bottom of a shoe or foot; securing mechanism, associated therewith; a sole for contacting a ground surface; a mechanism associated with the sole and a platform bottom, including: motor and a thrusting element, activated by the motor, the thrusting element adapted to move between the sole and the platform to apply an upward force against the platform bottom, thereby changing a platform height with respect to the sole; a sensor device adapted to associate with a lower limb, and to produce a locomotion data signal, and a microprocessor, operatively connected to the sensor device and motor, adapted to: receive locomotion information based on the signal; process the locomotion information to determine a locomotion phase, and control a timing of the mechanism, based on the determination, to change the height during a locomotion swing phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Step of Mind Ltd.
    Inventors: Simona Bar-Haim, Mark Belokopytov
  • Patent number: 8065106
    Abstract: A moving light test system allows connecting moving lights to an interface board and conveying the lights and orienting and testing the lights while they are attached to the board. The lights can be mechanically and electrically connected to the board, and once connected, can be tested in multiple ways without reconfiguring or removing the lights. The board has a connector that can be plugged in at various locations, and the board can also be handled by mechanical devices. In this way, once the light is connected to the board, it does not need to be re-handled. In addition, lights can be tested in different orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventors: Robin Lee, Chris Conti
  • Publication number: 20110282594
    Abstract: A system assesses activity of a sportsman engaged in board sports. At least one sensor detects movement of the sportsman, and a processor processes data from the sensor to assess activity of the sportsman. Activity of sportsmen engaged in human powered sports is compared. A plurality of activity sensing units is associated with the sportsman. Each of the units (a) attach to one of either the sportsman or to a human powered vehicle ridden by the sportsman, and (b) wirelessly communicate activity to a remote location. The activity comprising one or more of airtime, speed, drop distance, power and energy absorbed. A database, accessible by Internet and connected to the remote location, provides access to the activity via the Internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Curtis A. Vock, Dennis Darcy, Peter Flentov
  • Patent number: 8060232
    Abstract: Methods and computer storage media provide for the installation of potted inserts and installation validation. According to embodiments described herein, an insert is placed within an insert aperture of a panel or other structure. Potting compound is injected into a potting cavity surrounding the insert through a fill hole in the insert until potting compound overflows from another fill hole. The installation is validated by applying a force to the installed insert at a determined frequency using a mechanical impedance instrument and measuring a response frequency. The response frequency is compared to an acceptable frequency range to determine whether the insert is properly installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael P. Kuntz, Mark L. Younie, Gary E. Georgeson
  • Patent number: 8055454
    Abstract: A method may include and/or involve at least one mote of a mote network detecting a mechanical disturbance, and the at least one mote applying information about when the mechanical disturbance was detected in order to facilitate determination of a location of the at least one mote with respect to at least one other mote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110259094
    Abstract: A method for checking the functionality of at least one injector (10) of an internal combustion engine (8), in which at least the functionality of a lambda sensor (12), which is designed to ascertain a state of the at least one injector (10) is checked, a steady-state operating condition of the internal combustion engine (8) being set, and a check being performed as to whether at least one signal of the lambda sensor (12) is stable for the set operating condition. Depending on whether the signal of the lambda sensor (12) is stable, a lambda value for the at least one injection valve (10) is measured using the lambda sensor (12) at the set operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Johannes Zeidler, Steffen Peischl
  • Patent number: 8042347
    Abstract: A compressor inlet pressure estimation apparatus for a refrigeration cycle system is disclosed. An electronic control unit 14 uses Tefin_lag(N) as an actual corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) during a period Tp1 included in the timing t1 to t2. During a period Tp2 included in the timing t1 to t2, Tefin_fwd(N) is used as the actual corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N). Thus, a highly accurate corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) can be determined over the on period (t1 to t2) of a compressor 2. In addition, Tefin_fwd(N) is used as the actual corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) during the off period (t2 to 3) of the compressor 2. As a result, a highly accurate corrected temperature Tefin_AD(N) can be determined over the whole period including the on and off periods of the compressor 2. In this way, a highly accurate estimated value Ps_es(N) of the refrigerant inlet pressure of the compressor 2 can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu Sawada, Yasutane Hijikata
  • Publication number: 20110257900
    Abstract: A rubber cleat is instrumented with two triaxial accelerometers to measure the multi-directional response of the cleat due to the forces within the tire footprint of a ground vehicle. The cleat data is used to detect faults in the front and rear suspension in addition to the wheel tire despite variability in the data. This offboard diagnostic technique is proposed to enable condition-based maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Douglas E. Adams, Tiffany Lynn Di Petta, David Joseph Koester, Grant A. Gordon
  • Patent number: 8041517
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for indexing, archiving, analyzing and reporting pipe and other void network data. Specifically, multi-dimensional indexing and correlation of spatial, temporal, feature, environmental, uncertainty and/or context-based data is synchronized, indexed and analyzed across a wide variety of pipe networks at various times. The present invention preferably includes data represented at several different levels of reference including: referenced to the sensor with which it was collected; referenced to the robot or platform upon which the sensor is attached; and the world. The structure and functionality of the system provides for extensive querying, trouble-shooting and predictive analysis for pipe networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: RedZone Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Thayer, Carlos Felipe Reverte, Eric C. Close, Prasanna Kumar Velagapudi, William Ommert
  • Patent number: 8036836
    Abstract: A method for adjusting signal data detected in a structural health monitoring (SHM) system to compensate for the effects of environmental variables acting thereon includes constructing a baseline data space comprised of sets of signal data. Current signal data sets are collected for comparison to the baseline data space. The collected current signal data sets are amended to best match baseline signal data sets in the baseline data space. A set of indices are computed for comparing the amended current signal data set to the baseline signal data sets. A threshold for detection is determined by outlier detection for the computed indices. A signal in the collected signal data set is determined to be detected on the basis of the threshold. A representation of the detected signal strength is provided on the basis of the computed indices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Acellent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bao Liu, Shawn J. Beard, Fu-Kuo Chang
  • Publication number: 20110213537
    Abstract: An electrical control system for distinguishing between an electrical fault and a shaft shear condition in a gas turbine engine, the control system including, in one aspect, a detection circuit including: two or more probes, each probe including an associated resistor having a predetermined range of resistance, and each probe being disposed in the engine adjacent a rotary mounted shaft component, where mechanical interference between one or more of the probes and the shaft component renders the associated resistor substantially non-conductive; sensor processor(s) in communication with each probe, determining a probe operational status based on a measured resistance to current conducted through each probe, and generating a fault code when the measured resistance of at least one of the plurality of probes is not within the predetermined range of resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Kevin Allan Dooley, Antwan Shenouda
  • Patent number: 8010320
    Abstract: The invention increases the fidelity of gas turbine engine module performance estimates that in turn enhance performance tracking and visibility. The methodology obviates input signal filtering since filtering may mask the onset and detection of a rapid measurement shift indicative of serious engine performance issues. The invention supports trend detection processes for timely detection, isolation and alerting of performance and engine system related faults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Allan J. Volponi
  • Publication number: 20110208442
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for testing a valve control system in an aircraft fuel supply system having a plurality of control valves, wherein the control system includes a processor adapted to receive feedback signals from each of the plurality of control valves, the method comprising the steps of: connecting a test device to the control system such that the test device is connected for signal transmission to the processor; outputting a signal to the processor simulating a feedback signal from at least one of the control valves; detecting a control signal which is output by the processor to the at least one of the control valves; and identifying the detected control signal which is output by the processor to the control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Jürgen Lohmann
  • Patent number: 8000936
    Abstract: A data analysis program operable for displaying at least one representation of a buried pipeline in a geographical area and associated on-pipe current values at various locations along the pipeline. The data analysis program is storable in a memory device and executable by a processor to generate a display on a display device. The data analysis program includes instructions for displaying a digital map representing at least a portion of the buried pipeline extending across the geographical area being surveyed. The program further includes instructions for displaying a current plot of current values associated with the various locations in the geographical area, and instructions for displaying a table having a plurality of fields including the leakage current values and associated geographical coordinates where the current values were measured in the geographical area being surveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Thomas James Davis
  • Patent number: 8000934
    Abstract: A method and a device for diagnosing an ascertainment of a performance quantity of an internal combustion engine. Within the scope of a first diagnostic process a first value which is characteristic of a first performance quantity of the internal combustion engine ascertained at a first point in time after switching off the internal combustion engine is compared to a predefined value, and an error is identified when in the comparison it is detected that the absolute value of a first difference between the first value and the predefined value exceeds a predefined first threshold value for the first point in time. The predefined first threshold value is predefined to be smaller the longer the time since the internal combustion engine has been switched off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Oberascher, Damien Bouvier
  • Patent number: 7996183
    Abstract: A performance monitoring apparatus for a fluid machinery which includes a predicted performance curve calculator for obtaining a curve representing the relationship between a pressure coefficient and a flow coefficient by non-dimensional characteristics per a plural fluid control quantities from a compression ratio or a pressure difference and an inlet flow rate of the fluid machinery, and a performance monitoring calculator for obtaining an actual performance head from fluid control quantities, a suction pressure, a discharge pressure, a suction temperature, a compression coefficient, a gas average molecular weight, and a specific heat ratio at the time of the operating fluid machinery, and obtaining a predicted performance head from a predicted performance curve, fluid control quantities, and an inlet flow rate; and calculating a performance degradation from the ratio of the predicted performance head to the actual performance head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Takeda, Shinji Ogino, Kazuko Takeshita