Instrument Proving Or Calibrating Patents (Class 73/1.01)
  • Patent number: 9638168
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting ice on a rotor blade of a wind turbine are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include releasing a pitch brake of a pitch adjustment mechanism associated with the rotor blade, controlling the pitch adjustment mechanism so as to maintain the rotor blade at a fixed pitch angle, monitoring a pitch-related parameter of the wind turbine while the rotor blade is maintained at the fixed pitch angle, and analyzing the monitored pitch-related parameter to determine whether ice is present on the rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jorge Gonzalez Castro
  • Patent number: 9618004
    Abstract: A compressor control apparatus, and a compressor control method. The compressor may be operated in an operation mode in which commercial power applied to the compressor does not pass through an alternating current capacitor when the load is in an overload state, thereby preventing the loss of a drive and effectively reducing the copper and core loss of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Gyunam Kim, Sungho Park, Taewoong Nah, Jaeyoo Yoo, Boram Lee
  • Patent number: 9575038
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a biological detector can include training a biological detector to detect a calibration compound, wherein the calibration compound comprises an odor that is detectable by the biological detector and is not used in an environment for which the biological detector is trained to detect odors, presenting the biological detector with a device comprising the calibration compound, and determining whether the biological detector will alert to the calibration compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: THE FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Furton, Katylynn Beltz
  • Patent number: 9429493
    Abstract: A manifold assembly for a portable leak tester includes a manifold housing defining a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a pressure port, and a fluid passage. The fluid passage connects the fluid inlet, the pressure port, and the fluid outlet in fluid communication. A supply control valve is mounted to the manifold housing. The supply control valve is operable to open and close fluid communication through the fluid passage, between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A pressure transducer is coupled to the pressure port. The pressure transducer is operable to sense a fluid pressure in the fluid passage. A manifold controller is mounted to and supported by the manifold housing, and is in communication with the supply control valve and the pressure transducer. The manifold controller includes all software and hardware necessary to control the supply control valve, the pressure transducer, and to communicate with a testing controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Cinetic Automation
    Inventor: Kenneth Halliwill
  • Patent number: 9417149
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a system for calibrating operation of a compressor unit in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A measuring device measures an operating parameter of the HVAC system at a position where the measuring device is mounted on a refrigerant line of the HVAC system. The measuring device switches states when the value of the measured operating parameter reaches a switching value. A controller estimates a value of the first operating parameter at the position where the first measuring device is mounted on the refrigerant line, and the controller determines whether the estimated first operating parameter is within a threshold percentage of the switching value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Berg, Rakesh Goel
  • Patent number: 9408341
    Abstract: A system for changing seed variety on a planter includes a plurality of row units with each row unit having a plurality of seed meters. Each seed meter has a guide for delivering seed to a transport belt and a switch that is activated and deactivated by a switch actuator on the belt. The belt has adjustable sidewalls, cover, and lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James Straeter
  • Patent number: 9297826
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring operation of MEMS accelerometers (100). In these embodiments a control loop (112) having a forward path (114) is coupled a MEMS transducer (110), and a test signal generator (124) and test signal detector (126) is provided. The test signal generator (124) is configured to generate a test signal and apply the test signal to the forward path (114) of the control loop (112) during operation of the MEMS accelerometer transducer (110). The test signal detector (126) is configured to receive an output signal from the control loop and detect the effects of the test signal in the output signal. Finally, the test signal detector (126) is further configured to generate a monitor output indicative of the operation of the sensing device to provide for the continuous monitoring of the operation of the MEMS accelerometer (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR INC.
    Inventors: Deyou Fang, Keith L. Kraver, Heinz Loreck, Mike A. Margules, Mark E. Schlarmann
  • Patent number: 9296658
    Abstract: The present application provides a method for analyzing a raw material for manufacturing of gypsum products, analyzing a plurality of gypsum products, and the gypsum products produced therefrom. Desirably, the analyzing of the raw material is conducted using prompt gamma neutron activation analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC
    Inventors: William E. Barger, Carmine Perri
  • Publication number: 20150143881
    Abstract: A system and method for moisture sensing and methods for making and using same. The present disclosure describes a fluid sensing array that comprises a first and second set of conducting lines with a fluid layer disposed between the first and second set of conducting lines. Proximate intersections of the sets of conducting lines define a plurality of sensing regions. Reading the plurality of sensing regions may provide for calculating a value for fluid volume present, a value for surface area where fluid is present, or a determination of the identity, class or a characteristic of a fluid present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Nitin Raut, Luke Stevens
  • Patent number: 9034572
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a calibration method of a sensor unit connected to a reaction vessel, wherein the sensor unit comprises at least one sensor device configured to be calibrated, at least one compartment containing a calibrating agent, and a housing. The method comprising inserting a sensitive element of the at least one sensor device into a compartment of the sensor unit containing a calibrating agent, withdrawing the sensitive element from the compartment; inserting the sensitive element into the reaction vessel and locking the sensor device in position, wherein the steps of the method are irreversible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: HAMILTON BONADUZ AG
    Inventors: Andreas Loebbert, Dirk Schoenfuss
  • Patent number: 9021853
    Abstract: A calibration device provides a lightweight rigid support for a long arm. The rigid support includes thin flat sheets separated by a light weight filler. The filler prevents wrinkling or rippling of the flat sheets. Three ball trihedral nest kinematic mounts may be attached to opposite ends of the long arm for precise mounting of retro-reflectors for optical calibration, or precision spheres may be attached to the opposite ends of the long tube to obtain a mechanical calibration standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Micro Surface Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Gleason, Eugene A Gleason, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150114076
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide phantoms, and associated methods of calibration which are suitable for use in both medical resonance imaging and radiographic imaging systems. A phantom for calibration of a medical imaging system, comprises a first component having a first outer shape, a portion of which defines part of at least one pocket; and a second component coupled to the first component and having a second outer shape, a portion of which defines another part of the at least one pocket. At least one of the first and second components comprises a reservoir, the reservoir having a shape at least a portion of which locates a centre of the at least one pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Duncan BOURNE, Martin SELL
  • Patent number: 9016105
    Abstract: A method for measuring the strain of material using a short cavity fiber laser, includes steps of: a) arranging the short cavity fiber laser, which laser comprises sequentially coupled laser diode pumping source, a wavelength division multiplexer, a fiber bragg grating, an active fiber and a loop mirror; b) fixing the short cavity fiber laser on the material whose strain will be measured, and matching the stretching direction of the fiber of the short cavity fiber laser with the direction of the strain produced by the material to be measured; c) measuring the drift amount of longitudinal mode output by the short cavity fiber laser; and d) calculating and obtaining the strain of the material to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Beijing Information Science & Technology University
    Inventors: Lianqing Zhu, Fei Luo, Wei He, Mingli Dong, Yinmin Zhang, Yudong Jia
  • Patent number: 9016104
    Abstract: A process for producing a reference body (10) provided with a slot (17) as a test crack for the nondestructive testing of materials can be used flexibly and includes the following steps: a) a reference body (10) and a mask (11) provided with a slot pattern (12) are provided; b) the mask (11) is applied to the reference body (10); c) material is removed from the reference body (10) through the mask (11) with an abrasive water jet (16); and d) the mask (11) is taken off the reference body (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Roland Richard Moser, Philipp Roth
  • Patent number: 9003861
    Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a coin sensor are disclosed herein. An auto-calibrating coin sensor configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a movable carrier holding at least one test coin or other test object. The carrier can move the test object past or through the coin sensor to calibrate the coin sensor. Embodiments of the present technology can include rotatable and linearly moveable carriers that are configured to move an attached test object through a coin sensor. Additionally, auto-calibrating coin sensors in accordance with the present technology can be configured to initiate an auto-calibration based on the commencement of a coin counting session, a set schedule, a temperature change, and/or other events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Outerwall Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Martin, Michael A. Stoy
  • Patent number: 9003863
    Abstract: A controlling unit and a method of correcting an actual limit value of a sensor signal is described, wherein above or below the limit value a specific state of the sensor is recognized, the method including the steps of determining a new limit value of the sensor, determining a stability criteria to decide whether the actual limit value is corrected with said new limit value and approaching the actual limit value to the new limit value when the conditions are fulfilled to correct the actual limit value for said sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Kirsch, Christoph Biggel
  • Patent number: 8997546
    Abstract: A method of detecting a fault of a frequency sensor having a bias resistor and associated with a rotary member. The following steps are performed while the rotary member is stationary: injecting into the bias resistor of the sensor inverted alternating signals (S1, S2) comprising at least one first alternation (A1) and at least one second alternation (A2), the first alternation being of amplitude greater than the amplitude of the second alternation; and detecting a frequency of an output signal (S?) from the sensor. A measurement circuit implementing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Sagem Defense Securite
    Inventors: Nicolas Geneste, Gwénaël Esteve
  • Publication number: 20150082856
    Abstract: An integrated sensor device including a first die, housing a sensor element to detect a quantity external to the sensor device and transduce the external quantity into an electrical sensing signal; a second die mechanically coupled to the first die so that the first and second dies are stacked on one another along one and the same axis; and at least one heater of a resistive type integrated in the first die and/or in the second die, having a first conduction terminal and a second conduction terminal configured to couple respective first and second conduction terminals of a signal generator for causing an electric current to flow, in use, between the first and second conduction terminals of the heater and generate heat by the Joule effect. It is possible to carry out calibration in temperature of the sensor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Dario PACI, Francesco PROCOPIO, Carlo VALZASINA, Paolo ANGELINI, Francesco DIAZZI, Roberto Pio BAORDA, Danilo Karim KADDOURI
  • Patent number: 8975080
    Abstract: A biosensor calibration method configured to measure a concentration of a specific substance contained in sample liquid to be measured, including: a first step configured to acquire a first output value that is output by the biosensor when first calibration liquid is brought into contact with the biosensor; a second step configured to acquire a second output value that is output by the biosensor when second calibration liquid having a different concentration from that of the first calibration liquid is continuously brought into contact with the biosensor after the first step and determine time for replacement of the biosensor on the basis of the first output value and the second output value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Ikeda, Mariko Kose, Tatsuro Murayama, Yuri Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 8973421
    Abstract: A competence diagnosis system for a urea water temperature sensor that can prevent a misdiagnosis when urea water is replenished in a urea tank. The system includes a urea water level condition determination unit that stores a urea water level, which is measured by a level sensor provided in the urea tank, in a storage unit immediately before key-off, obtains a level difference between the urea water level stored in the storage unit and a current urea water level after key-on, and allows a diagnosis by the competence diagnosis unit through temperature comparison when the level difference is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Hirotaka Takahashi, Yoshinori Hamaguchi, Masashi Mizutani
  • Publication number: 20150052967
    Abstract: A test sample is provided for testing performance of measuring and monitoring equipment for production lines, for example for foodstuffs or pharmaceuticals, and in particular, contamination monitoring equipment employing X-rays and/or metal detectors to spot foreign bodies in packaged products. The test sample may comprise a laminated card enclosing a standardised test piece such as a metal particle of specified size. The card or other sample may bear at least one identification containing a barcode, readable by an optical scanner. To test the equipment, a card is placed on a product package passing through the equipment, the optical scanner reads the barcode to confirm that the correct test sample has been submitted, and the results for the test sample are recorded in a computer log. If the results do not match those expected from the particular test sample submitted, the equipment fails the test and requires recalibration or repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: CHEYNEY DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard John PARMEE
  • Patent number: 8954184
    Abstract: System(s) and method(s) are provided for adjustment and analysis of performance of a tool through integration of tool operational data and spectroscopic data related to the tool. Such integration results in consolidated data that enable, in part, learning at least one relationship amongst selected portions of the consolidated data. Learning is performed autonomously without human intervention. Adjustment of performance of the tool relies at least in part on a learned relationship and includes generation of process recipe parameter(s) that can adjust a manufacturing process in order to produce a satisfactory tool performance in response to implementation of the manufacturing process. A process recipe parameter can be generated by solving an inverse problem based on the learned relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Sanjeev Kaushal, Sukesh Janubhai Patel, Kenji Sugishima
  • Patent number: 8952803
    Abstract: A regional security system includes a control panel which can receive one or more delay parameters, associated with a type of sensor or detector, or a portion of a region being monitored. The delay parameters can be stored in a programmable storage unit. When an alarm indicator has been received from one of the sensors or detectors, an alarm indicating message along with an associated, programmed and pre-stored delay can be forwarded to a central station. If the system is disarmed before the delay interval has terminated, a cancel message can be sent to the central station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Blum, Raymond J. Jordan, Catherine C. Sottile-Ramos
  • Publication number: 20150033820
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for inspecting a physical quality sensor, the apparatus including: a measuring unit measuring at least one reference sensor and an inspected sensor; and a display unit electrically communicated with the measuring unit. The measuring unit includes: a base including a first seating part mounting a reference substrate having at least one reference sensor mounted thereon and a second seating part seating the inspected sensor to be adjacent to the reference sensor; and an upper cover including a through-hole exposing the reference sensor and the inspected sensor to surrounding atmosphere and formed in a plate shape covering at least one reference sensor and the inspected sensor. According to the present invention, measured data of the inspected sensor is compared to measured data of the reference sensor under the same condition, such that it is determined that the inspected sensor is a good product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hee Jung KANG, Jeom Soo Cho, Gi Suk Kim
  • Patent number: 8949060
    Abstract: In order to set an inspection area in an inspection apparatus for inspecting a board, a plurality of measurement areas are set on a board, and then reference data and measurement data of at least one adjacent measurement area that is adjacent to a target measurement area for inspecting a measurement target, among the measurement areas, are acquired. Thereafter, at least one feature object is extracted from the adjacent measurement area. Then, a distortion degree is acquired by comparing reference data and measurement data corresponding to the feature object with each other, and thereafter the distortion degree is compensated for, to set an inspection area in the target measurement area. Thus, a conversion relation between the reference data and the measurement data may be correctly acquired, and an inspection area, in which distortion is compensated for, may be correctly set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Koh Young Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Bong-Ha Hwang
  • Patent number: 8949008
    Abstract: A control module for a vehicle for increasing fuel efficiency can include a controller configured to receive at least one input signal containing at least one vehicle operating parameter and to generate at least one output signal based upon the vehicle operating parameters. The output signal is configured to modify at least one of the operating characteristics of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sexton Partners, LLC
    Inventor: Nick Krengiel
  • Publication number: 20150020568
    Abstract: A method for measuring the strain of material using a short cavity fiber laser, includes steps of: a) arranging the short cavity fiber laser, which laser comprises sequentially coupled laser diode pumping source, a wavelength division multiplexer, a fiber bragg grating, an active fiber and a loop mirror; b) fixing the short cavity fiber laser on the material whose strain will be measured, and matching the stretching direction of the fiber of the short cavity fiber laser with the direction of the strain produced by the material to be measured; c) measuring the drift amount of longitudinal mode output by the short cavity fiber laser; and d) calculating and obtaining the strain of the material to be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Beijing Information Science & Technology University
    Inventors: Lianqing Zhu, Fei Luo, Wei He, Mingli Dong, Yinmin Zhang, Yudong Jia
  • Patent number: 8935128
    Abstract: The interference-compensated sensor for detecting an object located in a detection area in a contactless manner, particularly a rain sensor, is provided with a first and a second measuring channel each having a control device and an output, wherein both measuring channels are substantially identical. The sensor further comprises a main subtractor having an output for outputting the difference of the signals at the outputs of the measuring channels. The sensor is provided with a controller unit having an input that is connected to the output of the main subtractor and with an output for outputting a controller signal, by means of which the two measuring channels can be controlled in such a way that the signal at the output of the main subtractor can be controlled to zero. By means of the magnitude of the signal at the output of the controller, it can be determined if an object is located in the detection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: Mechaless Systems GmbH, ELMOS Semiconductor AG
    Inventors: Rolf Melcher, Erhard Musch, Erhard Schweninger, Roberto Zawacki
  • Patent number: 8919179
    Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the response of a metal loss sensor which is configured in a way that its insertion depth and orientation in the process fluid are adjustable. These adjustments affect local turbulence and thereby enable achieving a desired corrosion rate at the metal loss sensor. Corrosion rate comparison between the metal loss sensor and pressure containment boundary can be measured directly or indirectly by computing wall shear stresses at the sensor and the pressure containment boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Henry Alan Wolf, Alan M. Schliowitz, Manuel S. Alvarez, Anastasios Skoulidas, David Samuel Deutsch, Richard J. Basile
  • Patent number: 8918226
    Abstract: A temperature measuring method accurately measures a sheet-like object even when the sheet-like object has an uneven temperature distribution throughout. In this method, temperature measurement is conducted in a measuring area where the sheet-like object is to be measured for its physical quantity or in the vicinity of the measuring area during determination of the physical quantity by a physical quantity measuring device. One or more temperature sensors are located at a position proximal to each sheet-like object that streams in a predetermined direction relative to the temperature sensors, and air is jetted out toward the sheet-like object for creating an air curtain that surrounds each temperature sensor so that a gauge workspace substantially confining the atmosphere therein is defined over one or both of the opposite surfaces of the sheet-like object. The temperature sensors detect the temperature in the measuring area or its vicinity within the gauge workspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Yamabun Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Tojo, Shunzo Hirakawa, Toshiyasu Toyoda, Masaru Iguchi, Katayama Yusuke
  • Publication number: 20140352396
    Abstract: In a method for checking the plausibility of sensor signals, a first sensor element detects at least one first physical quantity and outputs it as a first sensor signal, and a second sensor element detects a second physical quantity correlated with the first physical quantity and outputs it as a second sensor signal. The first sensor element has a first reliability range having an upper limit and/or a lower limit, which range is related to the second physical quantity. The first physical quantity detected by the first sensor element is recognized as plausible if the second physical quantity detected by the second sensor element lies within the corresponding first reliability range of the first sensor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Christian Rauh, Christian Korn, Olaf Koerner, Stephan Rittler, Hansjoerg Markus Hild
  • Patent number: 8887546
    Abstract: A method for analyzing moisture content in an analyzer. In one embodiment a sample is introduced into an analyzer and an initial weight is obtained. The sample is then fortified where it is allowed to pick-up moisture. The temperature of the analyzer is increased and an initial fortified point is obtained wherein the sample has returned to its initial weight. Thereafter the analyzer obtains the final moisture content of the sample at a test finish time. In one embodiment satellite analyzers are biased against a standard analyzer so that more uniform results are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilfred M. Bourg, Jr., Scott Fagan
  • Publication number: 20140331736
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for calibrating a trigger unit which is connected via a trigger line to at least two sensors configured to be triggered. Each sensor is connected between two successive line portions of the trigger line. Each sensor has an input and an output, a controllable interrupter between the input and output; and a control circuit, which controls the interrupter. The interrupters of all sensors are initially open. The method comprises the following: transmitting a trigger pulse; in the sensor: receiving the trigger pulse and returning a response; in the trigger unit: receiving the response and calibrating the trigger unit; repeating the aforementioned steps, wherein each sensor reflects the trigger pulse, and the trigger unit measures the propagation times and is calibrated thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Kapsch TrafficCom AG
    Inventor: Oliver Nagy
  • Patent number: 8875557
    Abstract: A diagnostic flame sensing circuit having less filtration so that an AC component of a flame sensing input is available for circuit diagnostics. Synchronized data sampling may used to detect the peak to peak magnitude of the residual AC component. A comparison of the magnitude of the component relative to a magnitude of the component during normal operation of the circuit may be used to check the condition of nearly all of the elements in the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Chian, Timothy J. Nordberg
  • Publication number: 20140318209
    Abstract: A circuit assembly for plausibility checking of sensor signals, which can be generated by at least two separate sensor elements, includes at least one evaluation and control unit which receives the sensor signals via at least one interface unit and evaluates the received sensor signals for generating sensor data. A first evaluation and control unit is configured to receive the sensor signals of a first sensor element and to generate first sensor data from the first sensor signals. The first evaluation and control unit is configured to provide the generated first sensor data via at least one interface unit to a second evaluation and control unit, which receives and evaluates the sensor signals of a second sensor element to generate second sensor data. The second evaluation and control unit compares the generated second sensor data and the generated first sensor data to each other and inspects them for plausibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Mathias Reimann
  • Publication number: 20140311209
    Abstract: There is provided a portable electronic device with one or more integrated ambient sensors, such as temperature or humidity sensors, for measuring an ambient parameter, a display for displaying the parameter or related information and shared by other elements of the device, and a system receiving input relating to internal or external states of the device and generating in response to the input an accuracy measure of the ambient parameter measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Dominik NIEDERBERGER, Andrea SACCHETTI, Dominik BONI
  • Patent number: 8868236
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibration of a robot on a platform and a robot, in relation to an object using a measuring unit mounted on the robot including placing CAD models so that the robot reaches the object, manipulating the CAD models to move the measuring unit to a pose in relation to the platform allowing measurement of a feature on the object, storing the pose, and generating a CAD model of the feature. The real robot is moved to the pose, the real platform is moved where measurements of the feature can be made, 3D measurements of the feature are performed and based thereon generating a second CAD model, performing a best fit between the CAD models, and calculating a 6 degrees of freedom pose difference between the CAD models, and instructing the mobile platform to move to compensate for the pose difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventor: Torgny Brogårdh
  • Patent number: 8868365
    Abstract: A system and a method of generating an external parameter value for a separately excited motor controller are disclosed, the system including: a digital signal processor to convert a received analog electrical signal into a digital signal and to scale the digital signal, so as to generate a parameter value in conformity with a data format of the system; an external parameter generating module to adjust the parameter value with a calibration coefficient to obtain the external parameter value; the calibration coefficient being generated by a calibration coefficient generating module and being pre-stored in a calibration coefficient storing module; and a calibration coefficient generating module to read the parameter value generated by the digital signal processor and obtain an actual measuring value as a reference parameter value, to calculate a difference value between the parameter value from the digital signal processor and the reference parameter value, and to generate the calibration coefficient from a rat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Liuzhou Wuling Motors Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rijun Huang, Yulin Su, Ben Cai, Yanzhang Ye
  • Publication number: 20140260507
    Abstract: A system includes a sensor that is configured to measure an operating parameter of a machine and transmit a signal related to the measured operating parameter. The system also includes a passive signal modification circuit. The passive modification circuit is configured to receive the signal and generate a modified signal based on the received signal. Additionally, the modified signal that is generated has a characteristic that it exceeds a threshold value for an amount of time greater than a second amount of time that the received signal exceeds the threshold value. The passive modification circuit is further configured to control the amount of time that the modified signal exceeds the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Zahi Abawi
  • Publication number: 20140260508
    Abstract: A sensor system includes a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor, processing circuitry, measurement circuitry, stimulus circuitry and memory. The system is configured to provide an output responsive to physical displacement within the MEMS sensor to the measurement circuitry. The stimulus circuitry is configured to provide a stimulus signal to the MEMS sensor to cause a physical displacement within the MEMS sensor. The measurement circuitry is configured to process the output from the MEMS sensor and provide it to the processing circuitry, which is configured to generate stimulus signals and provide them to the stimulus circuitry for provision to the MEMS sensor. Output from the measurement circuitry corresponding to the physical displacement occurring in the MEMS sensor is monitored and used to calculate MEMS sensor characteristics. Methods for monitoring and calibrating MEMS sensors are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Tehmoor M. Dar, Bruno J. Debeurre, Raimondo P. Sessego, Richard A. Deken, Aaron A. Geisberger, Krithivasan Suryanarayanan
  • Publication number: 20140250969
    Abstract: A MEMS sensor includes a micro-electromechanical structure, a detection circuit, and a self-test circuit to test the health of the MEMS sensor during runtime operations. The self-test circuit is configured to inject into the micro-electromechanical structure a plurality of injected test signals that are broad-band frequency-varying frequency signals, which are based on spread spectrum based modulation. The injected test signals may a magnitude that is below an observable threshold of the sensor signal as well as a test-signal bandwidth that overlaps with a substantial portion of the sensor bandwidth, including the stimulus of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kamatchi Saravanan Alagarsamy, William A. Clark, Jishnu Choyi, James M. Lee, Vikas Choudhary
  • Patent number: 8823400
    Abstract: A diagnostic method and system is described for diagnosing an operating condition of a conductive particulate matter sensor. The sensor has a substrate with electrical resistance that varies with temperature and two electrodes on the substrate adapted to collect particulate matter between the electrodes, thereby establishing an electrically conductive path through collected particulate matter between the electrodes that can be detected by measuring electrical resistance between the electrodes, Relect. The diagnosis is performed by heating the substrate in the area between the electrodes and using the resistance between the electrodes to determine detecting whether contamination is present on the surface of the sensor. Heat may be maintained on the sensor to attempt to burn off a detected contaminant, and a subsequent resistance reading may be used to determine if the contaminant was successfully burned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lary R. Hocken, Charles S. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8794046
    Abstract: Self-diagnosis of a particle sensor may be used for determining a particle content in a gaseous stream. The particle sensor may include at least two interlocking, interdigital electrodes and a heating element. The heating element may be separated from the electrodes by an insulation layer. The particle sensor may be heated in a regeneration phase and a soot load on the particle sensor can thereby be removed. A semiconductive layer may be formed in the insulation layer directly beneath the electrodes by means of external doping or auto-doping. To perform a self-diagnosis, a measurement voltage may be applied at least periodically between the electrodes and a self-diagnostic current may be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sabine Roesch, Benjamin Gaertner, Johannes Grabis, Alexander Hetznecker, Thorsten Ochs, Henrik Schittenhelm
  • Publication number: 20140208821
    Abstract: A method for re-calibrating installed downhole sensors used in hydrocarbon wells by the application of a calibration string inserted in the wells and deployed in close proximity to the installed downhole sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services
    Inventor: Mikko Jaaskelainen
  • Patent number: 8791399
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to accurately detect a state of an object to be heated in a cooking vessel and effectively avoid cooking failure. An induction heating section (13) inductively heats a cooking vessel (11). A vibration detecting section (14) detects a vibration of the cooking vessel (11) via a top plate (12). A vibration waveform extracting section (15) extracts a vibration waveform of a frequency component having a frequency equal to a predetermined multiplication product of an induction heating frequency, from a waveform of the vibration detected by the vibration detecting section (14). A determining section (16) determines a state of an object to be heated, based on the vibration waveform extracted by the vibration waveform extracting section (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Sachio Nagamitsu, Makiko Noda
  • Publication number: 20140202227
    Abstract: An user calibratable environmental sensors for providing a solution for environmental monitoring sensors to be calibrated by users through a simple interface whereas previously such calibration, if possible depending on hardware, could only be achieved by doing it through a factory calibration requiring the user to send his sensors back to the manufacturer or to a calibration service provider. The user calibratable environmental sensors generally include a solution to solve the problem of environmental sensors that over time lose accuracy. In such cases typically calibration of the sensor probes is required. The invention solves this by enabling calibration within the logical unit controlling and/or communicating with the sensor probes. This allows a longer life time for sensor probes by enabling users to calibrate themselves their sensors if needed be.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Maarten Van Laere
  • Patent number: 8770009
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for providing compensation to a cyclical input signal is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a first detection unit (20) for detecting a first event in a cyclical output signal; a compensation signal generation unit (14) for generating a compensation signal; and a signal combination unit (8) for combining the compensation signal and the cyclical input signal to obtain the cyclical output signal. The compensation signal generation unit (14) is arranged to adjust the compensation signal at an instant which has a determined relationship with the detection of the first event. By adjusting the compensation signal at the right instant in a cycle of the cyclical output signal, the adjustment will not influence the further processing of the cyclical output signal. The method can be used to compensate the offset and sensitivity characteristics of a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Tiek, Paulus Thomas Gennissen
  • Publication number: 20140174147
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for estimating a characteristic of a sensor is disclosed that in one embodiment may include a chamber housing sensor, wherein the sensor includes a suspended movable force mass having an opening therethrough, a first partially reflective member that moves with the force mass and a second partially reflective member spaced from the first partially reflective member, a source of buoyant fluid configured to supply the buoyant fluid to the chamber at a plurality of pressures, a device for directing light to the first and second partially reflective members at a plurality of angles, a detector for providing signals corresponding to light passing through the second partially reflective member corresponding to each of the plurality of angles and each of the plurality of pressures, and a processor for determining the characteristic of the sensor from the signals provided by the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Carl Edwards
  • Publication number: 20140165690
    Abstract: A sensor position control apparatus and method that includes a guide rail formed to be elongated along one direction set to a longitudinal direction thereof and a position control unit coupled to the guide rail and configured to slide along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail. A sensor mount unit is connected to be moved together with the position control unit and has a sensor mounted on one surface thereof. In addition, an angle control unit is configured to change a direction which one surface of the sensor mounting unit faces and a position control driving unit is configured to transmit power to the position control unit. An angle control driving unit is configured to transmit power to the angle control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Jaehyun Lee
  • Publication number: 20140144203
    Abstract: The invention is a contour standard, which consists of a body having a rotationally symmetrical calibration region. The rotationally symmetrical calibration region encompasses a plurality of non-cylindrical axial sections, which can be concave, convex, by forming a predefined angle as radial projection or as radial depression. The calibration region has at least one measuring section, which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and which provides for axial calibration variables, as well as radial calibration variables. These calibration variables are compared with the sensed values to the calibration of a measuring instrument and the measuring instrument is adjusted based on the basis of the determined deviation. Due to the rotationally symmetrical calibration region, the contour standard is suitable both for the calibration of touch contour measuring instruments and also for the calibration of contour measuring instruments, which measure optically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: CARL MAHR HOLDING GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Kohler, Gerhard Wolf