Force Or Torque Measurement Patents (Class 702/41)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9279486
    Abstract: A swing drive mechanism, including: a vibrating mechanism, a motor driving the vibrating mechanism, and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is connected between the vibrating mechanism and the motor. The vibrating mechanism is provided with a grating and a photocoupler that detects the position of the vibrating mechanism. The photocoupler is electrically or electronically connected to a micro-control processor. The micro-control processor controls the photocoupler to detect the grating and adjusts the rotation speed of the motor. The micro-control processor is electrically or electronically connected to an accelerometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Shupeng WU
    Inventor: Shupeng Wu
  • Patent number: 9268316
    Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating an inertia and a friction coefficient for a controlled mechanical system are provided. In one or more embodiments, an inertia estimator can generate a torque command signal that varies continuously over time during a testing sequence. The velocity of a motion system in response to the time-varying torque command signal is measured and recorded during the testing sequence. The inertia estimator then estimates the inertia and/or the friction coefficient of the motion system based on the torque command data sent to the motion system and the measured velocity data. In some embodiments, the inertia estimator estimates the inertia and the friction coefficient based on integrals of the torque command data and the velocity data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: LINESTREAM TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventor: Gang Tian
  • Patent number: 9242625
    Abstract: A road friction coefficient estimating unit calculates a tire sideslip angle and a cornering force, and estimates a road friction coefficient on the basis of the ratio of the calculated cornering force to the calculated tire sideslip angle. A vehicle travels on multiple road surfaces that differ in road friction coefficient, and tire sideslip angles and cornering forces on the road surfaces are detected in advance. The road friction coefficient estimating unit stores, in a memory, a correlation among the detected tire sideslip angles, the detected cornering forces, and the road friction coefficients in the form of numerical values or a mathematical expression, and estimates a road friction coefficient using the correlation stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuma Kouchi, Yuji Kariatsumari
  • Patent number: 9243969
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for calibrating a force constant of a movable stage. In an exemplary method, in first and second preliminary pre-stepping motions of the stage, a baseline force and a calibration force, respectively, as exerted by the stage are measured. From a force-variation ratio of the baseline force and calibration force an inverse closed loop factor is estimated. In at least one subsequent pre-stepping motion of the stage before a respective use of the stage for holding an object, a residual force-variation ratio is estimated, a force-compensation factor is updated from the residual force-variation ratio, and a respective force-variation coefficient is determined from the force-compensation factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Pai-Hsueh Yang
  • Patent number: 9211475
    Abstract: Obtaining means obtains acceleration data from an input device. Swing detection means detects a swing of the input device in a real space when an acceleration represented by the acceleration data satisfies a predetermined condition. Type determination means determines a type of swing of the input device in the real space by using an acceleration in a predetermined axial direction among all the accelerations represented by the acceleration data obtained by the obtaining means after the detection by the swing detection means. Object moving means moves a predetermined object in a virtual game space according to the type determined by the type determination means. Display control means displays the virtual game space with the object therein on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 9159245
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for gathering data from a horse and rider and providing training to the rider are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method of training an equestrian rider can include performing a ride by an equestrian rider on a horse, and obtaining ride data from the ride, the ride data including video, inertial measurements, rider joint, head, torso, and/or limb information, horse joint, head, torso, and/or limb information, and at least one force measurement between the horse and the rider during the rider. The ride data can then be analyzed and at least one riding improvement to be made by the rider can be identified, and the at least one riding improvement to be made to the rider can be relayed to the rider to provide training for a subsequent ride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Sarcos LC
    Inventors: Fraser M. Smith, Marc X. Olivier
  • Patent number: 9140824
    Abstract: A modeling framework for evaluating the impact of weather conditions on farming and harvest operations applies real-time, field-level weather data and forecasts of meteorological and climatological conditions together with user-provided and/or observed feedback of a present state of a harvest-related condition to agronomic models and to generate a plurality of harvest advisory outputs for precision agriculture. A harvest advisory model simulates and predicts the impacts of this weather information and user-provided and/or observed feedback in one or more physical, empirical, or artificial intelligence models of precision agriculture to analyze crops, plants, soils, and resulting agricultural commodities, and provides harvest advisory outputs to a diagnostic support tool for users to enhance farming and harvest decision-making, whether by providing pre-, post-, or in situ-harvest operations and crop analyzes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: ITERIS, INC.
    Inventors: John J. Mewes, Dustin M. Salentiny
  • Patent number: 9132772
    Abstract: A seat passenger determination apparatus includes: a door closing timing detector configured to detect door closing timing after having gotten out of the vehicle directly or indirectly; a counter unit configured to start counting when the load detected by the load detector falls within a threshold value and reset the count when the load is deviated from the threshold value; a determination processing unit configured to determine that no passenger is seated on the vehicle seat because the passenger has gotten out, and transfer the mode to the not-seated recognition mode when the state in which the load within the predetermined threshold value continues for a predetermined time is detected by the counter unit; and a count restricting unit configured to stop the counting process performed by the counter unit temporarily when the door-closed state is detected by the door closing timing detector during the determination by the determination processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Fujii, Takahiro Izuno, Isao Honda, Yoshiaki Tomatsu, Yusuke Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9086332
    Abstract: A performance evaluation method of a vehicle member includes a calculation process for performing an analysis using a partial structure CAE model modeling a module where a member of a vehicle to be evaluated and a collision test device for conducting a collision test on the member are combined, and obtaining a value of a collision performance evaluation parameter in the partial structure CAE model; a calculation process for determining a boundary condition of the partial structure CAE model; a calculation process for determining a test condition of a member collision test device based on the boundary condition of the partial structure CAE model; and a test process for conducting a collision test using a physical member collision test device and a physical member, based on the set condition of the member collision test device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasunori Ito, Kazuyuki Kawano, Yasuharu Tanaka, Hiroshi Yoshida, Toshiyuki Kanda, Satoshi Hirose
  • Publication number: 20150142341
    Abstract: Provided is a test system capable of stable torque control. A test system is provided with: an excitation torque command calculation unit which calculates an excitation torque command value; a shaft torque command calculation unit which defines a value obtained by adding up a base torque command value and the excitation torque command value as a torque command value; a controller which determines a first control input value such that a shaft torque detection value becomes the shaft torque command value; a feedforward input calculation unit which defines a value obtained by removing components equal to or less than a predetermined frequency from the shaft torque command value as a second control input value; and an addition unit which defines a value obtained by adding up the first and second control input values as a torque current command value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Takao Akiyama, Yoshimasa Sawada
  • Patent number: 9026377
    Abstract: A method for sensing a force applied to an aircraft includes receiving a derivative of the acceleration of a motion of a portion of the aircraft, determining whether the derivative of the acceleration of the motion of the portion of the aircraft exceeds a threshold, and outputting an indication that a force has been applied to the portion of the aircraft responsive to determining that the derivative of the acceleration of motion of the portion of the aircraft exceeds the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Karim Khial, James J. Howlett, Vineet Sahasrabudhe, Naji S. Yakzan
  • Patent number: 9026379
    Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus capable of controlling, tracking and measuring the tightening torque and the locking force and a method thereof. The device comprises a control device, a transducing device, and a sensing device. The transducing device comprises a second connector and a first signal transmitter. The control device communicates with the transducing device through a second signal transmitter and the first signal transmitter wiredly or wirelessly. The sensing device comprises a first connector and a sensor, and electrically connects to the transducing device through the second connector and the first connector. The sensing device senses the torque applied to a fastener to transmit real-time sensing data to the control device. The control device compares the real-time sensing data with a setting value so as to measure, control or track the locking force or tightening torque applied to the fastener in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: China Pneumatic Corporation
    Inventors: Hsiu-Feng Chu, Che-Min Lin
  • Patent number: 9026378
    Abstract: A device for detecting a twist angle and/or a torque of a shaft occurring on the shaft and methods for operating the device uses at least one first encoder and at least one second encoder at a predefined spacing therefrom. Each encoder influences at least one coil parameter, is associated with at least a part of the circumference of the shaft, and has at least one track having at least one period per revolution of the shaft. At least first and second inductive sensors scan the first and second encoders, respectively. Each inductive sensor provides a respective sensor signal reflecting at least one measure for the rotational angle of the shaft within the period, and a difference ascertainment unit ascertains and provides the twist angle of the shaft as an angle difference of the two rotational angles detected by the inductive sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Balluff GmbH
    Inventors: Sorin Fericean, Andrea Hiller-Brod, Reinhard Droxler, Markus Fritton, Daniel Kraeter
  • Publication number: 20150120217
    Abstract: A method for estimating torque transmission characteristics of a dry type clutch may include a data receiving step for receiving information of an estimated point representing torque transmission of the clutch according to an actuator stroke acquired in real time while a vehicle is travelling, a reference points moving step for moving a series of four reference points selected on an existing line representing a change in the torque transmission of the clutch according to the actuator stroke, based on the received information of the estimated point, and an update step for newly plotting a line representing the change in the torque transmission of the clutch according to the actuator stroke, using the four reference points which have been moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Ho Young Lee, So Young Lee, Young Min Yoon, Jin Sung Kim, Seung Sam Baek
  • Publication number: 20150113853
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting fishing conditions are disclosed. An example system includes a housing having a first portion connected to a second portion to create a watertight seal. The example housing encloses, for example, sensors configured to measure force applied to the housing and a processor to determine acceleration based on an output from the sensor, and to determine if the sensor output indicates a fish strike. Other sensors (such as sensors to measure water clarity, temperature, acidity, and the like) can also be included within the housing. The example housing also includes a transceiver communicatively coupled to the processor configured to wirelessly transmit an indication of the fish strike or other water conditions based on data received from the sensor(s). In an embodiment, the system provides for data aggregation, enabling anglers to ascertain fishing conditions based on data from a plurality of sensors over a wide geographic area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Michael McKeough, Dean Demertzis, Paurav Patel
  • Patent number: 9002680
    Abstract: Non-video game computer user interfaces utilize human foot action to generate input for controlling the interface (e.g., a graphical user interface). Computer systems that use such input may include: (a) at least one input system including one or more sensing devices for sensing action by one or more feet; (b) a data transmission system for transmitting the sensed foot action to (c) a processing system that utilizes the foot action input to provide control data input for a user interface; and (d) an output device for producing a non-video game computer output based, at least in part, on data provided by the processing system. The control data relating to the foot action is used, at least in part, for controlling a user interface associated with the computer output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Nurse, James C. Meschter, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, Allan M. Schrock, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 9002662
    Abstract: The method for calculating rotational torque between inner and outer rings of a four point contact ball bearing assembly includes an individual torque calculation step for calculating the rotational torque for each of rolling elements and a total sum calculation step for determining the rotational torque. In the individual torque calculation step, data on a contact condition representative of the extent of approximation to the two point contact state or four point contact state is used. For the contact condition data, the four point contact ratio Cf, which is the ratio of surface pressure of one of respective maximum contact pressures P1 and P2 between two partial raceways in an inner ring or outer ring, which one is higher than the other of the maximum contact pressures P1 and P2, relative to a surface pressure of the other of the maximum contact pressures, is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Michio Hori, Tomoya Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8990027
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the state of a foundation supporting a building (I) and embedded in the ground, consisting of using a plurality of sensors (4, 5) arranged on the building to acquire a set of measurements (mi1, mi2) relating to the foundation and/or to the building according to a predetermined acquisition mode; calculating, from said set of measurements, a set of condition indicators (iJ1,iJ2) characteristic of an embedding rigidity of the foundation; and making a comparison between a set of values derived from the set of calculated condition indicators and a set of thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: Soletanche Freyssinet, Institut Francais des Sciences et Technologies des Transports, De L'Amenagement et des Reseaux
    Inventors: Gilles Hovhanessian, Frédéric Bourquin
  • Patent number: 8987615
    Abstract: An axle load monitoring system configured for use on an axle housing is provided. The axle load monitoring system can include a mounting structure and a strain gauge. The mounting structure can have a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion. The first end portion can be fixedly coupled to the axle housing. The second end portion can be fixedly coupled to the axle housing. The intermediate portion can be offset away from the axle housing. The strain gauge can be fixedly coupled to the mounting structure at the intermediate portion. The strain gauge can be configured to measure strain of the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay M. Khatavkar, Bhan P. S. Sengar, Rohit Tikekar, Abhijit V. Nilangekar, Ajay G. Guddeti
  • Publication number: 20150081231
    Abstract: [Subject] Provided is a method of estimating a frictional resistance increase rate of a ship bottom coating film simply and quickly without individual differences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: CHUGOKU MARINE PAINTS, LTD.
    Inventor: Hirohisa Mieno
  • Publication number: 20150066392
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium has stored therein a material evaluating program. The material evaluating program includes a first program code and a second program code. The first program code causes a computer to evaluate, in units of pages included in a material, an object impression degree for each of all objects included in each of the pages, the object impression degree indicating the strength of an impression made by the object included in the page. The second program code causes the computer to display an evaluation result about the object impression degrees obtained by executing the first program code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Masato TANBA, Yoshitaka MATSUKI, Yosuke NAKAZATO, Satoshi KAWAKAMI, Wataru ENDO
  • Publication number: 20150057954
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and device for evaluating a wooden board with an elongated direction. Data indicating fiber orientation over the surface of the board is acquired and for a number of board sub-portions a nominal local modulus of elasticity, MOE, is determined based on the fiber orientation data and a nominal material parameter. A nominal global MOE in the elongated direction for the wooden board as a whole is generated and compared with a secondary global MOE. Based on the fiber orientation data and this comparison an estimated local modulus of elasticity, MOE, in said elongated direction is generated for a number of board sub-portions. This data may be used e.g. for reliable strength grading of wooden boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Innovativ Vision AB
    Inventors: Anders Olsson, Erik Serrano, Jan Oscarsson, Bertil Enquist, Marie Johansson, Bo Källsner
  • Publication number: 20150057955
    Abstract: A position control apparatus is provided that can perform accurate nonlinear compensation control immediately after the apparatus is activated. At a time of acceleration, a signal amplification ratio is calculated and designated for each signal vector element based on information related to acceleration/deceleration at a starting time and the structure of a signal vector that is determined for a target plant, and as a result, a signal vector for which the strength of linear independence is increased is generated. Because the strength of the linear independence condition of the signal vector is increased, the speed of convergence of identification for a low-frequency disturbance element, such as a gravitational torque or a sliding-mode load torque, can be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Satoshi Eguchi
  • Patent number: 8965577
    Abstract: A force sensor includes a base unit, an elastic supporting unit, an action unit supported by the elastic supporting unit, and a detection unit that detects at least one of an external force acting on the action unit and a moment acting on the action unit. The detection unit includes a light source, a diffraction grating, a photodetector array that receives an interference image formed by light that has been emitted from the light source and diffracted by the diffraction grating and outputs signals having different phases, and a calculation unit that calculates a displacement of the action unit with respect to the base unit on the basis of the signals and calculates at least one of the external force and the moment acting on the action unit on the basis of the displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasumichi Arimitsu
  • Publication number: 20150045952
    Abstract: According to a torque detecting method, gravitational torque applied to a rotary shaft of an arm is detected in a condition where position control of the arm is stopped, when the arm is located at a first position at which the arm is oriented in a direction different from a direction of gravitational force. Then, a gravity coefficient used for calculating gravitational torque corresponding to a position of the arm is calculated, based on the gravitational torque and the first position. Then, gravitational torque during position control is calculated, based on the position of the arm detected during the position control, and the gravity coefficient. Further, an actual output torque during the position control is calculated, based on operating torque applied to the rotary shaft and detected during the position control, and the gravitational torque calculated during the position control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Kosaka, Kunihiro Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8950825
    Abstract: A bicycle rear hub includes a hub spindle, a drive part, a hub shell and a driving force measuring part. The drive part is rotatably supported on the hub spindle, and configured to receive a driving-force-input member. The drive part includes a coupling part having a liquid storage area filled with a liquid. The hub shell is rotatably supported on the hub spindle and operatively coupled to the coupling part of the drive part for rotation by the drive part on the hub spindle. The driving force measuring part includes a liquid pressure sensor that detects pressure of the liquid in the liquid storage area of the coupling part of the drive part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Satoshi Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20150039246
    Abstract: Provided is a dynamometer system provided with a shaft-torque meter, and capable of an equivalent evaluation to that of a system provided with a load cell. A dynamometer system is provided with an encoder for detecting the angular velocity, a shaft-torque meter for detecting the shaft torque, and a control device (6A) for controlling the dynamometer on the basis of the angular velocity (omegaM) of the dynamometer and the detection value (Tsh) of the shaft-torque meter. The torque-control device (6A) is provided with: a computed-torque calculation unit (61A) for calculating a computed-torque value (Tcal) by adding the detection value (Tsh) to a value obtained by multiplying the angular acceleration (omegaMss) by the moment of inertia (JM); and a computed-torque controller (62A) for calculating a torque-current-command value (Tdyref), on the basis of an externally inputted command value (Tref) and a computed-torque value (Tcal).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Toshimichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8949044
    Abstract: A control device includes a force detector configured to detect a force in a normal direction and a force in a shearing direction of fingertips of a robot hand device respectively as a normal force and a shearing force, and an object detector configured to calculate a friction coefficient using the normal force and the shearing force detected by the force detector and to detect whether or not a thin-film object having a maximum friction coefficient different from a maximum stationary friction coefficient between the fingertips is grasped between the fingertips on the basis of the calculation result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Tsuboi, Takeo Kishida
  • Publication number: 20150019013
    Abstract: A displacement measuring cell may be used to measure linear and/or angular displacement. The displacement measuring cell may include movable and stationary electrodes in a conductive fluid. Electrical property measurements may be used to determine how far the movable electrode has moved relative to the stationary electrode. The displacement measuring cell may include pistons and/or flexible walls. The displacement measuring cell may be used in a touch-sensitive robotic gripper. The touch-sensitive robotic gripper may include a plurality of displacement measuring cells mechanically in series and/or parallel. The touch-sensitive robotic gripper may be include a processor and/or memory configured to identify objects based on displacement measurements and/or other measurements. The processor may determine how to manipulate the object based on its identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Rose, James Adam Rose, Stephen D. Rose, Raymond Cooper, Jeffrey John Sweda
  • Publication number: 20150019144
    Abstract: A method of validating a compressive axial preload on adjacent rotatable elements serially arranged around a shaft, created through application of a progressively increasing axial tension to a tensioning member configured to compress the elements when the axial tension is applied. The method includes monitoring a load in the tensioning member and/or in one or more of the elements, and an elongation of the tensioning member, during application of the axial tension, determining at least one validation parameter from the load and the elongation, comparing each validation parameter with a respective predetermined range therefor; and if at least one of the at least one validation parameter is out of the respective predetermined range, correcting the preload on the elements, and repeating the method. A method of applying the compressive preload and a system for validating the compressive preload are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Patrice REMY, Pierre GAUDET
  • Patent number: 8935105
    Abstract: A system and method for processing sensor signals is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor array, a multiplexer, a converter, a selection module and a combination module. The sensor array measures a physical parameter in a first dimension on a seat and generates a first set of sensor signals. The sensor array measures the physical parameter in a second dimension on the seat and generates a second set of sensor signals. The multiplexer multiplexes the first set of sensor signals into a first signal stream and the second set of sensor signals into a second signal stream. The converter converts the first signal stream to a first set of digital signals and the second signal stream to a second set of digital signals. The selection module determines a set of first-dimension data and a set of second-dimension data. The combination module forms a set of two-dimensional data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Bessho, Makoto Honda
  • Patent number: 8924162
    Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting an end of life of a wind turbine component including receiving environmental conditions indicative of natural surroundings of wind turbines within a wind turbine farm, receiving component performance metrics indicative of an operation of wind turbines within a wind turbine farm, and distributing the wind turbines into peer-clusters such that the wind turbines within each of the peer-clusters have similar environmental conditions. The methods and systems further include identifying a low performing wind turbine and a remaining portion of wind turbines within one of the peer-clusters based upon a predicted performance model, processing the component performance metrics of the low performing wind turbine, identifying a critical component of the low performing wind turbine and predicting the end of life of the critical component of the low performing wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: University of Cincinnati
    Inventors: Edzel R. Lapira, Hassan Al-Atat, Jay Lee
  • Patent number: 8922399
    Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of force sensitive input devices and methods are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, an input device may comprise a first input key configured to output a first analog signal as a function of force applied to the first input key, a second input key configured to output a second analog signal as a function of force applied to the second input key, a third input key configured to output a third analog signal as a function of force applied to the third input key, a fourth input key configured to output a fourth analog signal as a function of force applied to the fourth input key, and a controller configured to output movement data including both direction and magnitude in response to the first, second, third, and fourth analog signals, where the movement data is formatted for presentation to a driver of a computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Aimpad, LLC
    Inventors: Nikhil Bajaj, Lance William Madsen
  • Patent number: 8918292
    Abstract: An angle measuring device or system can include a wrench and a digital angle meter. The wrench can include a head for engaging a fastening device, a central axis about which the wrench or bracket rotates during use, and a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the central axis. The digital angle meter can be attached to the wrench or bracket and include a housing, a processor, and at least one gyrometer. The at least one gyrometer including a first axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis for determining the rotational orientation of the wrench or bracket relative to a reference position. A sensor of the digital angle meter allows for an automated and accurate calculation of a total angle of rotation of the nut or bolt about the central axis using a ratcheting wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: James Wener
  • Publication number: 20140360804
    Abstract: The torque detection apparatus detects torque using torsion of a torsion bar. The torque detection apparatus includes a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft connected with a torsion bar in which torsion is produced when torque is applied, at least one optical scale that moves with rotations of the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, at least one optical sensor that is paired with the optical scale, and detects the polarization of transmissive light or reflected light, the polarization varying depending on a position where light source light is passed through or reflected on the optical scale, and a computing unit that computes a relative rotational angle of the optical scale with respect to the optical sensor, and computes rotational displacements of the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Oguchi, Kunihiko Sasao, Sumio Sugita
  • Patent number: 8892366
    Abstract: A method of measuring torque acting on a drive shaft (13) and a torque measurement system for implementing said method. Vibration sensors (18, 20) are attached to each of said main gearbox (11) and said tail gearbox (15) in order to detect gear mesh vibrations resulting from interaction of said drive shaft (13) with said main gear (12) and said tail gear (16), said detected gear mesh vibrations being transferred to an evaluation unit (19) for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Doleschel, Georg Wurzel
  • Patent number: 8892368
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying extensometric sensors in railway tracks, in combination with electronic equipment and a post-processing of the signals and data obtained to measure the stresses on railway tracks and the like, as well as to measure contact forces between the wheel of the vehicle or train and the actual rail on which it is travelling. According to the method, the following is performed: capturing micro-deformations in a known point of the track; analyzing these micro-deformations; identifying the element corresponding to the micro-deformation signal peaks coinciding with the passage of the train over one of the cross members of the track; analyzing the micro-deformation signal peaks previously identified; obtaining signals by means of sensors (5) arranged in plates (6) screwed to the rail (7); and finally calibrating each detected micro-deformation peak and the relationship thereof with the magnitudes to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Product & Process Development, S.L.
    Inventors: Luis Maria Saracho Rotaeche, Iker Unai Arostegui Camacho
  • Patent number: 8890686
    Abstract: A monitoring device includes a device interface for communication with a bridge device, wherein the device interface, when coupled to the protective headgear via the bridge device, receives event data in response to an impact to the protective headgear. A processing device executes an event simulation module that processes the event data to generate simulation display data that animates the impact to the protective headgear. A user interface includes a display device that displays the simulation display data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: THL Holding Company, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Howard, Richard Cutler
  • Publication number: 20140336955
    Abstract: Real-time clock circuitry integrated in an electronic torque tool facilitates time-stamping of torque data acquired by the electronic torque tool. The time stamped torque data may be displayed on a display integrated in the electronic torque tool or may be communicated to an external device. The real-time clock circuitry may be adjusted based on information received from an external device or may be manually input to a keypad of the electronic torque tool. A calibration timer integrated in the electronic torque tool monitors time between calibrations of the tool and notifies a user upon expiration of a calibration interval. A secondary power source is coupled to the real-time clock circuitry to maintain power to the real-time clock circuitry during battery replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Jie Li, Jerry A. King, Chris Lawton, Nathan J. Lee, Andrew R. Lobo
  • Patent number: 8880358
    Abstract: A sensing device including a sensor, a triggering mechanism and a covering is provided. The covering is positioned in contact with a body such that the triggering mechanism extends from a moving segment to a reference segment and across a joint center located therebetween. Movement of the moving segment activates the triggering mechanism to provide a force input to the sensor, actuating the sensor to generate an output defining at least one measurement of the movement. The measurement may be one or more of rotation, translation, velocity, acceleration, and joint angle. An intermediate mechanism may be interposed between the triggering mechanism and the sensor. The sensing device may include a means to process or record measurements corresponding to movement of the moving segment and joint center. A system and method of measuring the movement of a moving segment is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas J. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8874386
    Abstract: A method for determining a load exerted on a tire, fitted on a vehicle, during running of the vehicle on a rolling surface, is disclosed. The method includes acquiring a first signal comprising a first signal portion representative of a radial deformation; measuring an amplitude of the radial deformation in the first signal portion; estimating a rotation speed of the tire corresponding to the radial deformation; estimating an inflation pressure of the tire corresponding to the radial deformation; and deriving the load exerted on the tire from the amplitude, the rotation speed, and the inflation pressure. The first signal portion is representative of the radial deformation to which a first tread area portion of the tire is subjected during passage of the first tread area portion through a contact region between the tire and the rolling surface. A system for determining the load exerted on the tire is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Pirelli Pneumatici S.p.A.
    Inventors: Massimo Brusarosco, Federico Mancosu, Daniele Arosio
  • Patent number: 8868356
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide multi-channel OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) for imaging biological tissue, and for temperature and/or force sensing, preferably in real time. In one embodiment, an optical signal processing system comprises: a processor; a memory; a receiving module to receive in real time input from multiple channels of OCT producing interfering optical signals representing multiple measured distances for a target imaging object; a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module to apply FFT on the interfering optical signals in real time to produce Fourier frequencies corresponding to the multiple measured distances; and a calculation module to calculate in real time multiple force components of a force applied on the target imaging object to cause at least some of the multiple measured distances for the target imaging object based on the Fourier frequencies from the FFT module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu Liu
  • Patent number: 8862377
    Abstract: A system for sensing a force applied to an aircraft includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a processor operative to define a first velocity vector as a function of a first velocity due to a rotation motion of the aircraft, define a second velocity vector as a function of a second velocity due to the rotation motion of the aircraft, define an instant axis of rotation of the aircraft as a function of the first velocity vector and the second velocity vector, determine whether a force has been exerted on a first portion of the aircraft, and output an indication that a force has been exerted on the first portion of the aircraft responsive to determining that the force has been exerted on the first portion of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Karim Khial, James J. Howlett, Stuart C. Wright
  • Publication number: 20140303907
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic force measurement are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes applying forces to a model in at least one direction at at least one location, receiving information from at least one sensor, and identifying a math model of a model support structure. In particular embodiments, the method can further include generating a force estimator. In further particular embodiments, the method the force estimator can be an optimal unbiased minimum-variance input and state estimator based on a linear time invariant math model taking the form of a digital filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin M. Roughen, Myles L. Baker, Dan Stuewe
  • Publication number: 20140303908
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for contactless determining a behavior of a loaded tyre or wheel, comprising the steps of determining a contour of at least a portion of the tyre or wheel; simulating loading of the tyre or wheel with a virtual loading element bearing against the tyre for at least one rotary position of the wheel on the basis of the determined contour, a displacement of the determined contour caused by the virtual loading element and at least one parameter associated to the tyre or wheel or to a part of the tyre; and determining the behavior of the loaded wheel using the simulation results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Paolo Sotgiu, Francesco Braghiroli, Marco Tralli
  • Patent number: 8855943
    Abstract: A system and methods for actuator fatigue monitoring is disclosed. At least two measured actuator forces are received from at least two actuators respectively, and a hybrid force is calculated. The hybrid force is calculated based on a force fight of the at least two actuators calculated based on the at least two measured actuator forces, and a monitored actuator force among the at least two measured actuator forces. An air load of the at least two actuators is estimated based on the at least two measured actuator forces, and a fatigue anomaly is determined based on the hybrid force and the air load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gen Matsui, Douglas B. Kirkland
  • Patent number: 8849588
    Abstract: A hardness test method performed by a controller of a hardness tester includes a first measurement process measuring an indentation curve (indentation history curve) for a plurality of times under a same condition with respect to a test specimen for verification in a predetermined environment; a setting process setting an acceptable range of variation in a load loading curve based on load loading curves (load loading history curves) of the plurality of the indentation curves obtained by the first measurement process; a second measurement process measuring an indentation curve under a same condition as the first measurement process with respect to the test specimen in an actual usage environment; and a judging process judging whether a load loading curve of the indentation curve measured by the second measurement process is within the acceptable range of variation in a load loading curve set by the setting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Sawa, Eiji Furuta
  • Publication number: 20140278152
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for modeling turbine parameters. One of the methods includes obtaining, along multiple points of a blade of a turbine from a minimum radius rmin of the blade to a maximum radius rmax of the blade, lift coefficients Cyi and drag coefficients Cxi. At the multiple points of the blade from rmin to rmax, corresponding components of an upstream fluid flow velocity vector uh,Ri and u?,Ri and components of a downstream fluid flow velocity uh,Li and u?,Li are obtained. Averaged directions ?i of the upstream and downstream fluid flow velocity vectors are computed using the components of the upstream fluid flow velocity vector uh,Ri and u?,Ri and the components of the downstream fluid flow velocity uh,Li and u?,Li. The total torque M of the turbine is computed including summing, from rmin to rmax, (Cxi sin ?i+Cyi cos ?i).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventors: Pavel Babikov, Francesco Iorio
  • Publication number: 20140271193
    Abstract: A system and method for pressure based load measurement are provided. The system and method measure at least one pressure differential on an airfoil and determine at least one aerodynamic load associated with the at least one pressure differential. The determined at least one load is used to modify characteristics of the airfoil to increase efficiency and/or avoid damage. The determined at least one aerodynamic load may be further utilized to balance and/or optimize loads at the airfoil, estimate a load distribution along the airfoil used to derive other metrics about the airfoil, and/or used in a distributed control system to increase efficiency and/or reduce damage to, e.g., one or more wind turbines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FRONTIER WIND, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathon P. Baker, Edward A. Mayda