Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the vapor or gas content of a vacuum chamber (1) by a vapor sensor (21) located in the fore-line of a vacuum system is provide. The gas or vapor content is determined by first providing a zero condition for the sensor using the vacuum pump (25) and them referencing the sensor response to the chamber gas during the evacuation cycle.

Abstract: A resolver output correction device receives sine output signal and cosine output signal from a resolver. Each of the sine output signal and the cosine output signal has an offset error and a gain differential error due to a secular variation. The correction device detects maximal and minimal values with respect to both the sine output signal and the cosine output signal. It calculates average values between the maximal values and the minimal values. Then, it corrects the offsets of the signals based on the average values. It also calculates gain differentials between the maximal value and the minimal value with respect to both the sine and cosine signals. Then, it corrects the gain differentials of the signals based on the calculated gain differentials. As a result, both the offset and gain errors of the signals are corrected with accuracy.

Abstract: An abnormality determining device for a longitudinal acceleration sensor for a vehicle has: a first acceleration estimating unit based on a wheel speed; a second acceleration estimating unit based on the throttle angle; a determination-permission deciding unit for setting a determination-permission region based on the estimated values of the first and second acceleration estimating unit so as to output a determination-permission signal when a deviation between the vehicle acceleration by the first acceleration estimating unit and by the second acceleration estimating unit is within a predetermined value; and a determining unit for setting an abnormality determining region based on the vehicle acceleration estimated by the second acceleration estimating unit and for determining that the longitudinal acceleration sensor is abnormal, if the output value of the longitudinal acceleration sensor exists in the abnormality determining region for a predetermined time or longer in a state that a determination-permissio

Abstract: A thermal type air flowmeter arranges a temperature-dependent heating resistance element in an air flow path and measures the air flow rate from the output of a gauge circuit containing the heating resistance element. A calculation circuit in the flowmeter is provided for correcting the output characteristic by a polynomial expression higher than a quadratic expression. Thereby, high flowmeter measuring accuracy is achieved in lieu of laser trimming and with small-scale circuit composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method of calibrating the parameters of a Viterbi detector 138 in which each branch metric is calculated based on noise statistics that depend on the signal hypothesis corresponding to the branch. An offline algorithm for calculating the parameters of data-dependent noise predictive filters 304A-D is presented which has two phases: a noise statistics estimation or training phase, and a filter calculation phase. During the training phase, products of pairs of noise samples are accumulated in order to estimate the noise correlations. Further, the results of the training phase are used to estimate how wide (in bits) the noise correlation accumulation registers need to be. The taps [t2[k], t1[k], t0[k]] of each FIR filter are calculated based on estimates of the entries of a 3-by-3 conditional noise correlation matrix C[k] defined by Cij[k]=E(ni?3nj?3|NRZ condition k).

Abstract: A method and a magnetic field and acceleration sensor for simultaneously sensing magnetism and acceleration are disclosed, the method comprising the steps of applying a current to first and second movable structures which are movable in a first direction, spaced from fixedly arranged first and second sensing electrodes, respectively, and arranged in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, applying magnetic field and/or acceleration signals to the first and second movable structures, detecting capacitance changes from the first and second sensing electrodes, the capacitance changes being caused by the distance change between the first and second movable structures and the first and second sensing electrodes, respectively, outputting a magnetic field signal by subtracting a signal detected from the second sensing electrode from a signal detected from the first sensing electrode, and outputting an acceleration signal by adding the signals detected from the first and second sensing electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing quality control in a medical analysis instrument is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) sending one or more quality control specimens to an operator of the analytical instrument; 2) directly or indirectly communicating control data to the analytical instrument, wherein the control data relates acceptable standards to the analytical instrument; 3) analyzing the quality control specimen using the analytical instrument and thereby creating instrument analysis data; 4) evaluating the instrument analysis data using the control data to determine a functional status of the analytical instrument; 5) providing notice to the operator regarding the functional status of the analytical instrument; and 6) optionally preventing the reporting of patient data from the instrument if the functional status is unacceptable.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the offset value of a longitudinal acceleration sensor,

Abstract: A calculator for calculating an opened amount of a throttle valve with high accuracy regardless of voltage fluctuation and noise. The calculator includes a valve sensor for detecting the opened amount of the throttle valve to generate a detection voltage. A memory stores an initial zero point detection value. A calculation circuit obtains the difference between the detection voltage and the initial zero point detection value and calculates the opened amount of the throttle valve with the difference. When a plurality of detection voltages that are less than the initial zero point detection value are generated, the calculation circuit calculates a new zero point detection value that is greater than a smallest one of the plurality of detection voltages by a predetermined value and updates the initial zero point detection value with the new zero point detection value.

Abstract: An electromagnetic drive causes a cantilever of a probe-based instrument to deform flexurally by transmitting a high frequency AC signal through an electromagnetic actuator located in the vicinity of the cantilever. The AC signal preferably is an RF carrier signal having a frequency that is substantially higher than the resonant frequency of the cantilever. The carrier signal may, if desired, be modulated with a lower frequency modulation signal to induce the cantilever to oscillate, preferably at resonance. Alternatively, the carrier signal may be transmitted to the electromagnetic actuator without being modulated in order to deflect the cantilever quasi-statically. Cantilever response can then be monitored either directly in response to the imposition of the electromagnetically induced deformation of the cantilever in response to probe/sample interaction to obtain measurements regarding characteristics of the sample, the environment, and/or the cantilever.

Abstract: A resolver output correction device receives sine output signal and cosine output signal from a resolver. Each of the sine output signal and the cosine output signal has an offset error and a gain differential error due to a secular variation. The correction device detects maximal and minimal values with respect to both the sine output signal and the cosine output signal. It calculates average values between the maximal values and the minimal values. Then, it corrects the offsets of the signals based on the average values. It also calculates gain differentials between the maximal value and the minimal value with respect to both the sine and cosine signals. Then, it corrects the gain differentials of the signals based on the calculated gain differentials. As a result, both the offset and gain errors of the signals are corrected with accuracy.

Abstract: If a difference between a value evaluated by prorating a sum of an average value of a signal outputted from a signal processing portion within a second predetermined time before a start of a pseudo drive and an average value of the signal outputted from the signal processing portion within a third predetermined time after an end of the pseudo drive, and an average value of the signal outputted from the signal processing portion within a first predetermined time from the start to the end of the pseudo drive does not fall within a predetermine value, the sensor error is determined.

Abstract: A screw is incorporated into a heating barrel. A ball screw is connected to a rear end portion of the screw through a load cell, and a servomotor for injection is connected to the ball screw. First, the heating barrel is retreated and separated from a mold, and the screw is moved to the half stroke position. After the screw is advanced for a preset period of time, the servomotor is stopped by automatic decompression to detect an output of the load cell. Similarly, after the screw is retreated for a preset period of time, the servomotor is stopped by automatic decompression to detect an output of the load cell. An average of outputs of the load cell after the screw advances and retreats is calculated and considered to be an output of the load cell under no-load conditions, thereby performing zero adjustment of the load cell.

Abstract: Techniques for measuring the baseline of the energy filter in nuclear and other spectrometers that filter pulses output by a preamplifier to measure the energy of events occurring in a detector connected to the preamplifier. These spectrometers capture the peak amplitudes of the filtered pulses as estimates of the underlying event energies and subtract a baseline value from these captured peak values in order to compensate for the energy filter's non-zero amplitude in the absence of any preamplifier output pulses. A second, baseline filter is connected to the preamplifier's output, where the basewidth of this baseline filter is significantly shorter than that of the energy filter. Times are determined when the baseline filter is not filtering preamplifier output pulses, output values from the baseline filter are captured during such determined times, and these baseline values captured from the baseline filter are used to create an accurate estimate of the energy filter's baseline value.

Abstract: A classification apparatus, notably for uses in recognition or characterisation of odors, comprises a plurality of sensors for generating raw data representing a plurality of instances of a plurality of different classes; and a processing unit for processing said raw data so as to determine an identification model. The identification model comprises definitions of the classes and a particular allocation rule selected dependent upon the application. The class definitions are established by analysing data obtained during a learning phase, the analysis being performed according to a particular information extraction method. During a later identification phase, the identification model enables an instance of unknown class to be allocated to an appropriate class amongst those defined during the learning phase. The information extraction method can be selected dependent upon the application.

Abstract: The present invention provides a neutral point voltage adjuster of a torque sensor which comprises: a pair of coils having inductances changing mutually in a reverse direction in accordance with a torque; and a differential amplifier means inputting first and second sub-voltages based on each inductance change of both coils, and amplifying a difference between the first and second sub-voltages so as to output it as a main voltage, and which uses a neutral point where no torque is inputted as a boundary between right and left directions, and detects each torsional torque in the right and left direction, comprising: a neutral point voltage setter for displacing a main voltage of an output from the differential amplifier on the basis of an adjusting signal so as to set a neutral point voltage; a memory for storing a neutral point voltage setting state by the neutral point voltage setter; and a neutral point voltage adjuster for storing a neutral point voltage used as a reference of a main voltage, and inputting

Abstract: A screw is incorporated into a heating barrel. A ball screw is connected to a rear end portion of the screw through a load cell, and a servomotor for injection is connected to the ball screw. First, the heating barrel is retreated and separated from a mold, and the screw is moved to the half stroke position. After the screw is advanced for a preset period of time, the servomotor is stopped by automatic decompression to detect an output of the load cell. Similarly, after the screw is retreated for a preset period of time, the servomotor is stopped by automatic decompression to detect an output of the load cell. An average of outputs of the load cell after the screw advances and retreats is calculated and considered to be an output of the load cell under no-load conditions, thereby performing zero adjustment of the load cell.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the amount by which the centerline of a shaft disposed in a vessel is offset from the central vertical axis of the vessel, and for measuring the height of such shaft above the inside bottom of the vessel. Apparatus includes a shaft centerline offset measurement device, a shaft height measurement device, and a control/display console. Each measurement device includes a transducer or optical encoder for sensing a displaced position of a biased plunger to which a code strip is mounted. The devices may be combined into a single shaft offset and height measurement device. Improved methods include calculating shaft offset based on a plurality of readings from the transducer, and applying trigonometric relationships. The apparatus and methods are particularly useful in the verification of paddle or basket shafts utilized in dissolution testing stations, so that the dissolution testing protocol complies with government agency guidelines.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an acceleration sensor by utilizing a two point analysis involves positioning the acceleration sensor at a first angle, measuring a first output voltage and positioning the sensor at a second angle and measuring a second output voltage and thereafter calculating a sensitivity ratio and a zero position output voltage based on the angles and voltages. Further, the method of the present invention optionally includes a second calibration after the acceleration sensor is installed onto a vehicle. Thus, the present invention improves accuracy in determining actual vehicle acceleration.

Abstract: A friction drive apparatus includes an edge detection system for determining a lateral position of a strip material advancing in a longitudinal direction. The edge detection system includes a first sensor and a second sensor for monitoring the lateral position of the strip material. The friction drive apparatus also includes instructions for automatically aligning the strip material as the strip material is advanced a predetermined aligning distance and instructions for calibrating the second sensor with respect to the first sensor to compensate for any potential discrepancies therebetween. The apparatus and methods of the present invention ensure that the strip material is properly aligned in the friction drive apparatus and limit waste of strip material during those operations.

Abstract: A rollover sensor for a vehicle continuously determines the inclination of a vehicle in at least one axis. In order to cancel drift deviations in the sensor, the inclination is average in the at least one axis, continuously along a defined route. The formed average value is assumed as the zero position. Inclination of the vehicle due to inclination of the road surface is compensated based on variations in ambient air pressure indicative of changes in altitude.

Abstract: An electronic circuit dynamically compensates a sensor output signal subject to varying conditions. In particular, the circuitry dynamically determines the DC offset level of an incoming sensor analog output signal. The DC amplitude or offset level varies as a result of changing conditions, such as speed, airgap, alignment and temperature. The circuitry compares the DC offset level with the original sensor analog output signal by way of a comparator to provide a digital output signal with a zero DC offset, which compensates for the varying conditions.

Abstract: A sensor system is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor for sensing an input between a first, minimum sensor input value and a second, maximum sensor input value. The sensor generates a sensor output signal relative to the sensor input value. The sensor is subject to offset and gain errors. The system further includes a microprocessor having first and second output signals and a signal conditioner coupled between the sensor and the microprocessor. The signal conditioner generates a first signal conditioner signal when the sensor input value equals the minimum sensor input value and generates a maximum signal conditioner signal when the sensor input value equals the maximum sensor input value. The signal conditioner includes circuitry for minimizing the sensor offset error and circuitry for minimizing the sensor gain error.

Abstract: A coating thickness gauge is provided with a facility to store one or more zero offset values and to automatically subtract a chosen zero offset value from a measured coating thickness value. The gauge may be used to conveniently determine the thickness of coatings applied to rough surfaces using the zero offset calibration method where the gauge is provided with a key or keys. In order to prevent accidental adjustment of the calibration or any other important operational parameter of the gauge said key or keys must be depressed and held for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method of correcting drift in a sensor includes the step of identifying a calibration command. A nominal zero pressure sensor drift correction factor for the sensor is identified by relying upon a calibration voltage value and a calibration temperature value secured at a nominal zero pressure condition. Sensor output is subsequently adjusted according to the nominal zero pressure sensor drift correction factor.

Abstract: The device is constructed to position a measuring sensor, especially a sensor head at an angle to a sensor shaft, precisely at the point of measurement and in the direction of a fluid flowing in a test tube, in which there is an adjuster through which the measuring sensor, in a coaxial arrangement, can be adjusted via a first adjusting motor about its axis and/or by a second adjusting motor along its axis. A control device communicates with an electronic computer for controlling the sensor adjustment. An adjuster (4) is coupled to the sensor to rotate in unison therewith and has a rotatable pendulum which, in the position of rest transversely to the test tube axis defines the zero position of the sensor. Limit positions of the pendulum are predetermined from a relative movement of the adjuster about the axis which can be photometrically converted into position signals.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus for a programmable comparator is provided which does not need circuits for offset adjustment and gain adjustment or high precision parts makes possible inexpensive construction of the apparatus itself, and at the same has a wide adjustment range and can carry out high precision calibration. The programmable comparator compares the analog voltage value corresponding to a supplied digital code and the voltage value corresponding to the electric current value of an electric current supplied by a predetermined power supply point, and outputs the result. In the calibration apparatus, the power supply means supplies to a power supply point an electric current having an electric current value indicated, and an electric current detection means converts the electric current value of the electric current flowing through the power supply point to a voltage value, and this value is output to the programmable comparator.

Abstract: A method of resetting a product scale of a retail checkout terminal includes the step of detecting absence of an item on the product scale. The method also includes the step of generating an absence signal in response to the detecting step. The method further includes the step of determining a first idle value with the product scale. The method also includes the step of comparing the first idle value to a reset value. Moreover, the method includes the step of generating a first control signal if the first idle value matches a reset value. The method also includes the step of generating a second control signal if the first idle value does not match the reset value. Yet further, the method includes the step of resetting the product scale in response to generation of the second control signal. An apparatus for resetting a product scale of a retail checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for calibrating a neutral point of a longitudinal acceleration sensor of a vehicle, having a detector for detecting that the vehicle is running at a speed higher than a predetermined threshold speed, a detector for detecting that the vehicle is not braked beyond a predetermined threshold braking, a detector for detecting that the vehicle is not driven beyond a predetermined threshold traction, and a detector for detecting output of the longitudinal acceleration sensor to provide a deflection of its neutral point when the running detector is detecting that the vehicle is running at a speed higher than the predetermined threshold speed, the braking detector is detecting that the vehicle is not braked beyond the predetermined threshold braking, and the traction detector is detecting that the vehicle is not driven beyond the predetermined traction, respectively.

Abstract: A personal inertial surveying system includes an inertial sensor and processing equipment adapted to be mounted to or carried by a person walking through a region being surveyed. As the person walks inaccuracies in position measurement due to drifts in the inertial sensor can be conveniently corrected. Corrections can be performed often during brief pauses as the person paces though the region, resulting in improved accuracy in the survey.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analysing a sample, in which a neural network is trained to correct for measurement drift of a given analytical instrument (e.g., a mass spectrometer). The training is carried out using first and second sets of data obtained by the instrument from samples of known compositions at initial and subsequent instants of time, respectively. The trained neural network is used to transform data, obtained by the instrument from a sample of unknown composition at said subsequent instant of time, to an estimate of the data which would have been obtained by the instrument from that sample at the initial instant of time. The transformed dasta is then analysed to analyse the sample of unknown composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a navigation sppratus for finding a vehicle location by calculating on the basis of an output data of an acceleration detecting means for detecting a vehicle acceleration.The navigation apparatus provides at least one acceleration detecting means for detecting a vehicle acceleration and stop judge means for judging a vehicle stopping state from the output variation of the acceleration detecting means.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for measuring a temperature of a body in a non-contact mode based on heat flux measurement. The system includes a temperature measurement apparatus to be positioned in close proximity to a body for measuring the temperature of the body. The temperature measurement apparatus comprises a thermally conducting element, a first and a second temperature sensor, and a temperature modulation arrangement. The first and second temperature sensors are mounted in the conducting element and each measures a temperature of the conducting element. The temperature modulation arrangement modulates the temperature of the conducting element until the temperatures at the first and the second temperature sensors are substantially the same. When these temperatures are equalized, heat flux into the conducting element is zero and the temperature of the conducting element represents the temperature of the body. The apparatus thus enables accurate non-contact temperature measurement of a body.