Force Or Torque Measurement Patents (Class 702/41)
  • Patent number: 10514318
    Abstract: A method of aeroservoelastic coupling suppression, and particularly, the field of real time adaptive cancellation of elastic modes in discrete-time signals which measure the dynamics of a flexible structure. The flexible structure comprises a structure with elastic variable characteristics, and more particularly, a structure with non-linear aerodynamics. A method is disclosed for adaptively cancelling, in real time, N elastic modes in discrete-time signals which measure the dynamics of the flexible structure. Also disclosed is a computer program implemented on a computing device, a system and an aircraft implementing the mentioned method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE SAU
    Inventors: Francisco José Asensio Nieto, Rodney Rodriguez Robles, Alberto Sanz De Blas
  • Patent number: 10516354
    Abstract: To provide a motor control device capable of determining a rotor position with high accuracy not only in normal control but also in flux-weakening control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Sanden Automotive Components Corporation
    Inventors: Takeo Tsukamoto, Masafumi Hotta, Daisuke Hirono
  • Patent number: 10497277
    Abstract: There is provided a feedback provision method including specifying, by a processor, an action generated in a target and a generation time of the action on the basis of sensing data of the target, determining feedback to be provided in accordance with the specified action, and providing the feedback at a time corresponding to the generation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideyuki Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 10488368
    Abstract: An inventive approach is disclosed to integrate Digital Image Correlation (DIC) with the Acoustic Emission method that may be used for structural health monitoring and assessment of critical structural components in civil, mechanical, and aerospace industries. The inventive approach relies on passively recording acoustic emission across the specimen being tested and activating the DIC cameras automatically to measure deformation on the specimen's surface. The resulting acousto-optic system can be used to determine damage initiation, progressive damage development, identify critical regions and make lifetime predictions of the tested specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Antonios Kontsos, Ivan Bartoli, Prashanth Abraham Vanniamparambil
  • Patent number: 10482758
    Abstract: A control panel is used to monitor events within a security system or other automation system. In the event an intruder enters a physical location, the intruder may attempt to damage the control panel to disrupt its operation. One or more sensors of the control panel may detect disruption in the operation of the control panel. Example sensors may detect an impact force, sudden acceleration, removal from a mounted location, or disruption of communication with an input/output element, such as a display device. When an event is detected at the control panel itself, the control panel can send a signal to a remote service provider, and the remote service provider can follow-up with the customer. The control panel and/or remote service provider may also determine when the control panel loses partial or complete power loss to identify the disruption as a potential crash-and-smash entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Nye, Jungtaik Hwang
  • Patent number: 10464476
    Abstract: Lighting may be provided using light sources such as lighting systems with arrays of light-emitting diodes. A lighting system may be integrated into a seat, a door panel, a dashboard, or other interior portions of a system such as a vehicle. The interior portions of the vehicle may be illuminated using lighting systems to provide ambient light, to provide custom surface textures and other decorative patterns, to provide icons, text, and other information, and to provide custom gauges and other illuminated regions. Illuminated regions may overlap sensors such as capacitive touch sensors, force sensors, and other sensors. The light-emitting diodes in a lighting system may supply light that passes through openings in a cover layer. The layer may be formed from fabric, leather, or other materials. Lens structures may guide light through the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Clarisse Mazuir, Arthur Y. Zhang, Matthew E. Last
  • Patent number: 10459537
    Abstract: An encapsulated pressure sensor includes a pressure sensor having a pressure sensing surface and a mounting surface. The mounting surface is attached to a mounting substrate. A fluid contacts the pressure sensing surface of the pressure sensor. A deformable encapsulating member is attached to the mounting substrate and encapsulates the pressure sensor and the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Dominique Paul Barbier
  • Patent number: 10436690
    Abstract: An impact resistance test method of a glove having a protective material includes applying an impact force, with an impactor, to the glove at a plurality of locations on a section of the glove, measuring, with a load cell, a transferred impact force transferred through the section of the glove, and determining an impact resistance of the glove based on the measured transferred impact force. The impactor has a predetermined weight and is dropped from a predetermined height to apply the impact force to the section of the glove. An apparatus for carrying out the test method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: WELLS LAMONT INDUSTRY GROUP LLC
    Inventors: Dalia Taylor, William Trainer, Andrew Funk, Angela Fisher
  • Patent number: 10434660
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for surgical robotic arm admittance control. In one aspect, there is provided a system including a robotic arm and a processor. The processor may be configured to determine a force at a reference point on the robotic arm based on an output of a torque sensor and receive an indication of a direction of movement of the reference point. The processor may also determine that a component of the force is in the same direction as the direction of movement of the reference point, generate at least one parameter indicative of a target resistance to movement of the robotic arm, and control the motor, based on the at least one parameter, to move the robotic arm in accordance with the target resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Christopher Meyer, Shu-Yun Chung, Mingyen Ho
  • Patent number: 10390703
    Abstract: A system includes an acquisition section that acquires information from a sensor section attached to each player who is practicing an action in a target area, a processing section that generates area situation information on smoothness of movement of the players in the area based on the information from the sensor sections, and a display apparatus that notifies the area situation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeto Chiba, Tsubasa Shirai
  • Patent number: 10373055
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for training a variational auto-encoder (VAE) to generate disentangled latent factors on unlabeled training images. In one aspect, a method includes receiving the plurality of unlabeled training images, and, for each unlabeled training image, processing the unlabeled training image using the VAE to determine the latent representation of the unlabeled training image and to generate a reconstruction of the unlabeled training image in accordance with current values of the parameters of the VAE, and adjusting current values of the parameters of the VAE by optimizing a loss function that depends on a quality of the reconstruction and also on a degree of independence between the latent factors in the latent representation of the unlabeled training image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Deepmind Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Loic Matthey-de-l'Endroit, Arka Tilak Pal, Shakir Mohamed, Xavier Glorot, Irina Higgins, Alexander Lerchner
  • Patent number: 10334522
    Abstract: Redundant wireless sensor networks include a plurality of wireless sensors and a wireless data concentrator. The plurality of wireless sensors sense a parameter and transmit sensor signals representative of the parameter sensed. The wireless data concentrator receives the sensor signals and adjusts the transmission schedules of at least one of the plurality of wireless sensors based on a change in operating status of one or more of the plurality of wireless sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Radoslaw Zakrzewski, Jonathan Wieman
  • Patent number: 10292445
    Abstract: A dosimetry apparatus includes at least one sensor in a housing, a cover configured to permit compression waves to pass through, the cover is seated over the at least one sensor, and a dosimetry processing device with a memory. The dosimetry processing device is coupled to the at least one sensor in the housing. The dosimetry processing device is configured to execute programmed instructions stored in the memory comprising: obtaining readings from the at least one sensor; storing the readings with a time and date stamp when obtained; conducting an analysis based on the obtained readings; and outputting at least one of the stored readings or the conducted analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: David A. Borkholder, Werner Fassler, Andrew Blair, Kim Sherman, Derek DeBusschere
  • Patent number: 10283557
    Abstract: Various approaches are discussed for using four-side buttable CMOS tiles to fabricate detector panels, including large-area detector panels. Fabrication may utilize pads and interconnect structures formed on the top or bottom of the CMOS tiles. Electrical connection and readout may utilize readout and digitization circuitry provided on the CMOS tiles themselves such that readout of groups or sub-arrays of pixels occurs at the tile level, while tiles are then readout at the detector level such that readout operations are tiered or multi-level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Biju Jacob, Habib Vafi, Brian David Yanoff, Jeffery Jon Shaw, Jianjun Guo
  • Patent number: 10282035
    Abstract: An assembly for holding and controlling curvature of a glass plate for an optical touch sensitive system is described. The assembly comprising a first frame element extending in a first plane and configured to extend at least partially around a panel; at least one second frame element extending in a second plane and forming a support portion for the plate, and at least one spacing element positioned at least partially between the support portion and the first frame element. The spacing element us configured to control a curvature of the first frame element and wherein the at least one second frame element is configured to engage the plate at the support portion, is attached to the first frame element, and is tiltable, by controlling the curvature of the first frame element with said spacing element, to control a curvature of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: FlatFrog Laboratories AB
    Inventors: Aleksander Kocovski, Hakan Bergstrom, Jens Thorvinger
  • Patent number: 10260994
    Abstract: A method for servicing a landing gear strut in service supporting an aircraft including: determining a current amount of damping fluid in the landing gear strut; determining a required amount of the damping fluid for correct servicing of the landing gear strut; and adjusting the current amount of damping fluid in the landing gear strut so that the current amount of damping fluid complies with the required amount of damping fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Alan Shepherd, Julian Duncan
  • Patent number: 10219874
    Abstract: An endolumenal robotic system provides the surgeon with the ability to drive a robotically-driven endoscopic device to a desired anatomical position in a patient without the need for awkward motions and positions, while also enjoying improved image quality from a digital camera mounted on the endoscopic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Yu, Enrique Romo
  • Patent number: 10191468
    Abstract: A tool track display device includes a position information acquisition unit which acquires position information of at least one drive axle from a numerical control device and a position sensor provided on the at least one drive axle, a tool coordinate calculation unit which calculates coordinate values of the tool based on the position information of the at least one drive axle and information regarding the mechanical structure of a machine tool, a display attribute modification unit which modifies the display attribute of the tool track in accordance with the motion direction of the tool, and a display unit which displays the tool track based on the coordinate values of the tool calculated by the tool coordinate calculation unit and the display attribute modified by the display attribute modification unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi Tezuka, Hajime Ogawa
  • Patent number: 10166985
    Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a processor, at least one of state health and performance information associated with at least one vehicle actuator; processing, by the processor, the state of health and performance information to determine an acceleration value; and controlling the vehicle based on the acceleration value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Eric E. Krueger, Robert L. Nisonger, Edward T. Heil, Brandon C. Pennala, Patrick J. Monsere
  • Patent number: 10150467
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, a transmission, and a controller. The transmission is configured to alter clutch pressures in preparation for an upcoming shift between discrete gear ratios (e.g., input-to-output ratio). For example, the clutch pressures may spike to a heightened magnitude to prepare for the upcoming shift. The electric machine is configured to selectively propel the vehicle and perform regenerative braking. If regenerative braking demands occur during the clutch pressures being heightened during shift preparation, the controller is programmed to stop the preparing of the clutches. This can be done by reducing the clutch pressures back to their pre-preparation magnitude. The upcoming shift can be cancelled or delayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Todd McCullough, Bernard D. Nefcy, Stuart N. Ford
  • Patent number: 10139297
    Abstract: A method determines a link force within a power-steering mechanism of a vehicle, the method including a step (a) of determining an actuation force, which involves determining the actuation force that results from the assistance force exerted by the assistance motor and the driver force exerted by the driver of the vehicle on the steering mechanism; a step (b) of assessing dry friction; and a step (c) of calculating the link force, which has a summation sub-step which involves calculating an expression representing the link force, which uses the algebraic sum of the actuation force and the dry friction force, and a filtering sub-step which involves applying a low-pass filter in order to smooth the result of the expression when the expression is calculated upon a steering reversal of the steering mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT EUROPE
    Inventors: Sébastien Bourdrez, Pascal Moulaire, Christophe Ravier
  • Patent number: 10082432
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve actuator configured to determine, during operation of a valve by an alternating current (AC) motor of the valve actuator, an amount of torque produced by the AC motor. A process for measuring the amount of torque produced by the AC motor includes actuating a valve using the AC motor of the valve actuator, measuring, by a microcontroller of the valve actuator and during the actuating of the valve, a time interval between: (i) a first zero crossing of a waveform of AC voltage applied to the AC motor, and (ii) a second zero crossing of a waveform of AC current drawn by the AC motor, and determining, based on the time interval, an amount of torque produced by the AC motor during the actuating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Tri-Tee Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Roy Gilbert, Richard Lynn Cordray
  • Patent number: 10041858
    Abstract: To provide a dynamometer control device whereby excitation control can be performed so that a resonance phenomenon does not occur even when the moment of inertia of an engine is unknown. A dynamometer control device 6 is provided with an excitation signal generating unit 61 for generating a randomly or periodically fluctuating excitation signal, a speed controller 62 for generating an input signal to a dynamometer whereby a dynamo rotation speed matches a predetermined dynamo command rotation speed, a shaft torque compensator 64 for generating an input signal to the dynamometer whereby vibration of a shaft for connecting an engine and the dynamometer is suppressed using the detection value of a shaft torque sensor, and an adder 65 for generating a torque electric current command signal by adding the input signals generated by the speed controller 62 and the shaft torque compensator 64 to the excitation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Meidensha Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Akiyama, Nobuhiko Asakura
  • Patent number: 10031043
    Abstract: A method for detecting a structural fault in a structure includes the steps of, (a) performing a Brillouin measurement at a point along a sensing optical fiber which operably cooperates with the structure, to obtain a Brillouin gain spectrum at that point; (b) identifying at least two curves which, when added together, best fit the Brillouin gain spectrum; (c) identifying if peaks of the least two curves occur at different frequencies so as to determine if the structure has a structural fault. There is further provided a corresponding apparatus for detecting a structural fault in a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: OMNISENS SA
    Inventor: Marc Nikles
  • Patent number: 9978288
    Abstract: A system for providing interaction between a virtual human and a user, the system comprising: a tangible interface providing a physical interface between the user and the virtual human, an imaging system directed towards the physical interface to provide images of the user interacting with the tangible interface; a tracking system tracking at least one position or the user; a microphone capturing speech from the user; a simulation system receiving inputs from the tangible interface, the imaging system, the tracking system and the microphone, the simulation system generating output signals corresponding to the virtual human; and a display presenting the output signals to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Augusta University Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Chak Lum Lok, David Scott Lind, Juan Carlos Cendan, Andrew Brian Raij, Brent H. Rossen, Aaron Andrew Kotranza, Kyle John Johnsen
  • Patent number: 9964503
    Abstract: The present application is directed towards systems and methods for evaluating the integrity of objects through non-destructive means. The objects are evaluated for flaws and defects through the use of applied acoustic energy. The applied acoustic energy creates a dynamic response of the object being evaluated to determine the location of any flaws or defects in the object. During excitation, the flaws and defects in a sample object generate heat at the damaged or defective regions through frictional interactions of the discontinuities. A flaw detection system includes, a plurality of acoustic energy sources to excite an object, a camera to record metrics of the response of the object and a processor configured to receive and analyze the response of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Resodyn Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Lucon, Lawrence C. Farrar
  • Patent number: 9953360
    Abstract: A user enters into a subscription to receive footwear having one or more specified performance characteristics. As the user finishes wearing one set of footwear, the user can obtain a replacement set of footwear that also will have one or more specified performance characteristics. The performance characteristics may be consistent for each set of footwear provided according to the subscription. Alternately, the footwear performance characteristics may vary over the life of the subscription. Thus, the footwear provider may periodically obtain biometric information describing the user's athletic activities or performance. The footwear provider then can tailor the performance characteristics of footwear provided under the subscription to match the user's athletic activities or performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Shum
  • Patent number: 9921189
    Abstract: A sensor unit for inducing and indicating ultra sonic sound waves in at least one threaded fastener by physical contact with an end surface thereof, wherein the sensor unit includes: a support casing, a sensor element with forward contact surface for engaging the fastener end surface and movable relative to the support casing between rest and active positions, and a bias spring between the support casing and the sensor element to urge the sensor element into the rest position as the sensor element is out of contact with the fastener end surface and to bias the contact surface of the sensor element into physical contact with the fastener end surface in the active position. The support casing includes a positioning socket, engaged by the sensor element in the rest position, having a non-cylindrical and non-circular cross sectional inner shape and congruent with an outer shape of the sensor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Industrial Technique AB
    Inventors: Erik Vilhelm Persson, Björn Gustav Undén
  • Patent number: 9902201
    Abstract: In a method for recognizing a load state and for removing problems that may result from such a load state of a vehicle, measures are provided for recognizing the overall vehicle mass and/or load mass of a vehicle as well as for detecting a non-uniform load of a vehicle, and reaction possibilities are provided for the functionality, impaired by such a load, of a distance sensor situated on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Marcus Schneider, Ulrich Klee, Frank Suessenbach, Christian Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 9779888
    Abstract: An input device configured to communicate with a computing device includes at least one keycap, a support mechanism operably connected to the keycap and configured to move the keycap from a first position to a second position, a feature plate operably connected to the support mechanism, and a sensing member. The sensing member is configured to detect at least one of a change of position of the at least one keycap, a speed of the at least one keycap, an amount of force applied to the at least one keycap, or a location of a finger. The sensing member may be a capacitive sensor. In some embodiments, the input device may not include the support mechanism and the sensing member may be configured to detect the location of a finger regardless whether or not the keycap moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Craig C. Leong, James J. Niu, Keith J. Hendren, John M. Brock, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr., Brad Patton, Omar Sze Leung
  • Patent number: 9764357
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to integrated modules for Synchronized Array of Vibration Actuators (FIG. 125A). The modules provide physical interface, power and communication interfaces. Each module may include vibration actuators (FIG. 123A) which can be precisely attached and aligned to the module housing, a microcontroller or other microprocessor, and one or more sensors for closed loop control of actuators (FIG. 126G). Interleaved pairs of ERMs having a center of mass in the same plane eliminate parasitic torque. A single module can produce a vibration force that rotates at a specific frequency and magnitude, which on its own could cancel out some types of periodic vibrations (FIG. 125B). Two modules paired together and counter-rotating with respect to each other can produce a directional vibration at a specific frequency and magnitude, which could prove even more useful for canceling out a vibration. Such modules are also employed to produce beating patterns (FIGS. 131-133).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: General Vibration Corporation
    Inventors: John Houston, Gabe Graham, Charles Alexander Simpkins, Jr., Rob Morris, Nathan Delson
  • Patent number: 9740661
    Abstract: A physical quantity measuring apparatus of the present invention measures a physical quantity from a signal based on a physical quantity output by a physical quantity signal output apparatus. A correction signal output unit outputs a new correction signal based on a signal on the basis of a physical quantity obtained at a given measurement time, a correction signal obtained before that measurement time, and a filter coefficient. A large/small relationship determining unit determines a large/small relationship between the signal on the basis of the physical quantity and the correction signal obtained before that measurement time. A first filter coefficient output unit outputs a first filter coefficient based on the plural large/small relationships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation
    Inventors: Munehiro Kitaura, Norihiko Mikoshiba
  • Patent number: 9632609
    Abstract: The efficiency of a product cycle is considerably enhanced by avoiding loss from designing to production including member loss matching various sizes of touch sensor panels. Unit sensor sheets having a square outer shape on which a multiple number of sense lines 21 as a multiple number of conductive wirings are arranged in parallel, are disposed in 3 row, 3 column. Each end of each of the multiple number of sense lines 21 as a multiple number of conductive wirings is sequentially matched one-to-one between unit sensor sheets, for example, between the sensor sheets 2A and 2B, or the sensor sheets 2B and 2C, and electrically connected with each other, and thereby the respective multiple number of sense lines 21 as a multiple number of conductive wirings are connected in a longitudinal direction thereof and are integrated, in the 3 row, 3 column of the unit sensor sheets 2A-2I.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Tsukamoto, Nakae Nakamura, Satoru Kudose, Nobuaki Asayama
  • Patent number: 9606140
    Abstract: An acceleration sensitive indicator for indicating a centrifugation status of a biological sample, a sample container comprising the indicator, a centrifuge for centrifuging samples and an analytical system for analyzing centrifuged samples are disclosed. The indicator comprises at least one closed chamber, formed between two opposite surfaces, that comprises an indication zone that comprises at least two fluid transfer zones or at least one particle transfer zone. The at least one fluid transfer zone comprises a solid carrier phase and a fluid stabilized in the solid carrier phase or at least one non-stabilized non-Newtonian fluid having thixotropic and/or shear thinning properties. The at least one particle transfer zone comprises a particle stabilizing fluid comprising stabilized dispersed particles. The fluid or particles have a distribution with respect to the indication zone changeable upon application of a g-force above a threshold value, the change of distribution indicating the centrifugation status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Geza Burghardt, Michael Glauser, Oliver Gutmann, Daniel Mueller, Edwin Oosterbroek, Roger Sandoz, Emad Sarofim, Goran Savatic
  • Patent number: 9593927
    Abstract: A method for providing dynamic state information for a coordinate measuring machine that includes a base, a probe head, a machine structure linking the probe head to the base and a drive mechanism that moves the probe head. A dynamic model with first state variables represents an actual state of physical properties of the coordinate measuring machine. The first state variables are provided in a database and the actual state of the coordinate measuring machine is determined using the dynamic model. The state variables are monitored and, based thereon, the change of the state variables is determined. Updated, second state variables are set regarding the determined change of the first state variables. The dynamic model is updated using the second state variables in place of the first state variables, wherein the actual state of the coordinate measuring machine is calculated based on the second state variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventor: Bernhard Sprenger
  • Patent number: 9593928
    Abstract: A method for providing dynamic state information for a coordinate measuring machine that includes a base, a probe head, a machine structure with structural components linking the probe head to the base and a drive mechanism that moves the probe head relative to the base. A dynamic model is defined with actual state variables related to physical properties representing an actual state of the coordinate measuring machine. The actual state is derived by a calculation based on the dynamic model. A filtering process using the dynamic model includes deriving prediction variables based on the state variables that describe an expected proximate state of the coordinate measuring machine, measuring at least one of the state variables and determining observables, deriving successive state variables by comparing the prediction variables with the observables and updating the dynamic model using the successive state variables as the actual state variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventor: Bernhard Sprenger
  • Patent number: 9591993
    Abstract: A method and system for analyzing gait asymmetry between left and right feet of individuals by measuring and comparing stance phase time and/or stance phase force between left and right feet during gait, and providing real-time sensory feedback if stance phase time/force inequality exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Stacy J. Morris Bamberg, Randy J. Carson, Joseph B. Webster, Dante Bertelli
  • Patent number: 9573585
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a traction motor, a starter motor, and a battery bank, all controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with the vehicle's instantaneous torque demands so that the engine is run only under conditions of high efficiency, typically only when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine's maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbocharger may be provided, activated only when the load exceeds the engine's maximum torque output for an extended period; a two-speed transmission may further be provided, to further broaden the vehicle's load range. A hybrid brake system provides regenerative braking, with mechanical braking available in the event the battery bank is fully charged, in emergencies, or at rest; a control mechanism is provided to control the brake system to provide linear brake feel under varying circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: PAICE LLC, The Abell Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex J. Severinsky, Theodore Louckes
  • Patent number: 9546992
    Abstract: A fuel injection system has a common rail storing fuel, a fuel injector injecting the fuel, a fuel-passage supplying the fuel to the fuel injector, and a fuel-pressure sensor detecting a fuel pressure. An ECU acquires a waveform of a fuel pressure representing a change of a fuel pressure based on the detected fuel pressure at the fuel injection. The ECU calculates a speed of a fuel pressure wave forming the waveform of the fuel pressure based on a period of a pulsation of the waveform of the fuel pressure and a fuel passage length, and a fuel density based on the speed of the fuel pressure wave. The ECU further calculates a fuel cetane number, and a kinematic viscosity of the fuel based on the fuel density and the fuel cetane number. The ECU judges fuel properties based on the kinematic viscosity of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoyuki Yamada, Naoki Mikami
  • Patent number: 9544023
    Abstract: A Cable Assembly for supplying power includes wiring for carrying alternating electrical current, a plurality of Source Inductive Elements spaced at intervals along the wiring to provide power by induction; and an encapsulation layering that provides electrical insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Syscor Controls & Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolay Nikolov Tzonev, Dale John Shpak, David William Sime
  • Patent number: 9528864
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting a buildup of silt in a pipe or open channel of a fluid flow network. The pipe or open channel has a system with at least one set of velocity sensors to measure flow velocities at predetermined horizontal levels. The method includes the steps of computing flow using measured flow velocities and cross-sectional areas for each flow layer, summing the flows to provide a total flow, monitoring the measured flow velocities and storing the measured flow velocities to detect any ongoing reduction in flow velocity of at least a lowermost velocity sensor to provide an indication of a buildup of silt in the pipe or open channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: RUBICON RESEARCH PTY LTD
    Inventors: Damien Vernon Pearson, Reece Joseph Tyrrell, Gordon John Bish
  • Patent number: 9528892
    Abstract: There is provided a measuring device capable of measuring a propulsion force and a loss force by using a simple method. A first detection circuit that is a bridge circuit, to which a first strain gauge and a second strain gauge disposed such that detection directions are parallel to a longitudinal direction of a crank are connected, detecting bending deformation x occurring in the crank, and a second detection circuit that is a bridge circuit, to which a third strain gauge disposed such that a detection direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the crank and a fourth strain gauge disposed such that a detection direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the crank are connected, detecting bending deformation y and tensile deformation z occurring in the crank are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuteru Kodama, Nobuo Mioka, Ryujiro Fujita, Takehiko Shioda
  • Patent number: 9513124
    Abstract: A velocity calculation device includes: a vertical direction acceleration detection portion that is mounted on a vehicle and detects an acceleration in a vertical direction generated correspondingly to undulation of a road surface; a horizontal direction angular velocity detection portion that is mounted on the vehicle and detects an angular velocity about a horizontal axis orthogonal to a travel direction of the vehicle generated correspondingly to the undulation of the road surface; and a velocity calculation portion that calculates a velocity in the travel direction of the vehicle on the basis of the acceleration in the vertical direction and the angular velocity about the horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 9488668
    Abstract: A cycle crank includes a first portion for attachment to a cycle and a second portion spaced from the first portion for attachment to a pedal; wherein the crank includes a sensor for determining, in use, a value representative of a force applied to the crank; an angular rate sensor for determining, in use, the angular rated of rotation of the crank; and a processor for determining the angular position of the crank from the determined angular rate of rotation and associating the position with its corresponding value representative of a force applied to the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: BF1SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: John Bailey, Gavin Mark Skipper, Kevin James Ireland, James Ravi Shingleton
  • Patent number: 9482083
    Abstract: A method for controlling vibrations in a drilling system, the drilling system including an elongate body extending from surface into a borehole formed in an earth formation, and an associated drive system for driving the elongate body, the drive system comprising a torque controller, the method comprising obtaining a model of the drilling system; obtaining at least one input parameter for the model that relates to an uphole parameter of the drilling system; operating the drive system to provide a drive torque to the elongated body; obtaining at least one output parameter from applying the model using the at least one input parameter, the at least one output parameter including at least one modelled downhole parameter of rotational motion; using the modelled downhole parameter of rotational motion in the torque controller for determining an adjustment to the drive torque, so as to control vibrations; as well as a drilling system comprising a torque controller, which torque controller is adapted to use the mode
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Apostolos Doris
  • Patent number: 9463539
    Abstract: This system is a tool and monitor assembly that verifies clamps have been activated properly with the tool. The radio controlled clamp tool provides accountability and control with a strain gauge operation. The radio tool is designed to perform the operation of clamp tool, retain the signature and transmit the signal with data to an interface box for error proofing or tool analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: C.E. Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Casterline, Garry L. Courtney, Taylor Robert, Ralph P. Wharry, Charles Simpkins, Tom Booms
  • Patent number: 9446853
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for monitoring the wing anti-icing valve, comprising: time record device configured to record the time for opening or closing the anti-icing valve; data acquisition device configured to obtain the time for opening or closing the anti-icing valve recorded by the time record device; and message generation device configured to generate the anti-icing valve performance message according to the time for opening or closing the anti-icing valve obtained by the data acquisition device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Air China Limited
    Inventors: Fengliang Zheng, Zhuping Gu, Jiaju Wu, Lei Huang, Yi Zhu, Minjie Tang, Yi Shu
  • Patent number: 9442002
    Abstract: A method and device for remotely detecting structural integrity using reflections or scattering from windows or other portions of a structure. The long geometrical lever arm of a reflection on a building window, when viewed with suitable instruments, produces detectable modulation in the reflected light from minute vibrational changes upon the glass surface, revealing fundamental resonances and structural changes and failure in the building housing the window. By sensing very small changes in intensity and polarization, information may be obtained on fundamental resonances and structural changes, including failure or imminent failure of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Spectral Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Oliver Clark
  • Patent number: 9334069
    Abstract: A method that is stored in tangible form and accessible by a data processing system for determination of xenon propellant remaining in a tank for a defined life condition. A heater controller establishes a first stable temperature of a propellant tank. A measurement is performed of a temperature and a pressure at the first stable temperature of the propellant tank. A second higher stable temperature is provided in the propellant tank. A measurement is performed of a temperature and a pressure at a second stable temperature. A computer processor computes a mass based on density and volume in accordance with measurements of temperature and pressure at the first stable temperature and the second stable temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Linton Kankeki Honda, Steven Edward Core, Gregory Cardon McDonald
  • Patent number: 9283432
    Abstract: A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched the object into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving objects may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. The feedback information, such as a trajectory entry angle into the basketball hoop and/or an entry velocity into the hoop for the shot, may be output to the player in an auditory format using a sound projection device. The system may be operable to be set-up and to operate in a substantially autonomous manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Pillar Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Marty, Thomas A. Edwards, Ridge McGhee