Instrument Proving Or Calibrating Patents (Class 73/1.01)
  • Patent number: 8360318
    Abstract: A system and method for auto-calibrating a barcode scanning tunnel to determine the orientation of one or more cameras with respect to a range finder and a conveyor belt comprises providing a scanning tunnel having a moveable surface, at least one range finder having an orientation, at least one camera having an orientation and at least one calibration object having at least one indicia disposed in a predetermined relationship to one or more features of the at least one calibration object, capturing at least one image of the at least one calibration object by the at least one camera, electronically detecting the at least one calibration object at least one indicia and the one or more object features and electronically calculating at least one component of the at least one camera orientation with respect to the moveable surface in response to information obtained from the image and the at least one calibration object at least one indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Reynolds, Edward Douglas Hatton, Mehul Patel
  • Patent number: 8350692
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling one or more remote sensors includes wirelessly communicating with the sensors, monitoring operation of each one of the sensors, and causing any one of the sensors that is operating in an unauthorized manner to be disabled. In one embodiment, the sensors can include micro-mechanical structure supporting electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry is capable of monitoring at least one performance parameter of the sensor, comparing the monitored parameter to a preset limit, and disabling the sensor if the preset performance limit is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Orr, Jon A Brewster
  • Patent number: 8348252
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for aligning a first workpiece to a second work piece that includes: (a) placing the first workpiece on an alignment apparatus including: (i) two or more fluid chambers disposed in fixed relation to each other, the chambers having a movable wall and one or more apertures for admitting or releasing fluid; (ii) fluid channels coupled to the one or more apertures that enable fluid to flow between at least two of the fluid chambers; and (iii) one or more valves disposed to enable or to stop the flow of fluid through one or more of the one or more fluid channels; (b) pumping incompressible fluid into the fluid chambers; (c) opening the one or more valves; (d) bringing the first and second workpieces into contact; (e) waiting a predetermined time for fluid flow in the fluid channels; (f) determining whether the first and second workpieces are aligned; (g) if they are aligned, shutting the valves; and (h) if they are not aligned, moving the second workpiece a prede
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Centipede Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Di Stefano, Peter T. Di Stefano
  • Publication number: 20130005047
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a luminescence lifetime sensing instrument 20 and of interrogating a target-analyte long-decay luminescence probe 120 includes measuring and reporting luminescence lifetime of the probe 120 employing excitation radiation filtered to remove emission radiation, or a starting time tstart delayed by a predetermined decay delay time, or delayed by a predetermined growth delay time, or an ending time comprising the time at which luminescence intensity has decayed or risen a predetermined percentage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: MOCON, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Mayer, Michael D. Howe, Timothy A. Ascheman, John Eastman
  • Patent number: 8345094
    Abstract: An inspection system for inspecting an interior surface of a pipeline has a frame adapted to travel in the pipeline and an imaging means for imaging a selected portion of the interior surface of the pipeline. The imaging means has a field of view and is mounted in a rotatable manner on the frame. The inspection system has with a two-dimensional pattern generator for generating a two-dimensional pattern projection. The generator is mounted with the imaging means to project the two-dimensional pattern projection in the field of view thereof. The imaging means provide images of the selected portion of the internal surface comprising the two-dimensional pattern projection for monitoring a perpendicularity of the optical axis of the imaging means with respect to the selected portion of the interior surface of the pipeline thanks to a shape of the two-dimensional pattern projection prior to inspection of the internal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Quebec Inc. (C-Tec)
    Inventors: Daniel Demers, Ludovic Legendre, Frederic Otis
  • Patent number: 8342741
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a sensor arrangement having at least one measuring sensor and at least one reference sensor for recording the same physical variable, and having an analysis unit electrically connected thereto, with a characteristic of the sensor arrangement being recorded in an initialization phase from measured values of the at least one measuring sensor and of the at least one reference sensor, and an alarm being given during continuous operation if the deviation from the characteristic lies outside a tolerance band. It is proposed to suspend the alarm dynamically so long as the changes in the measured value in the variation over time of the at least one measuring sensor or in the variation over time of the at least one reference sensor differ by more than a definable limit within a definable time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Harald U. Mueller, Paul Szasz, Ralf Huck, Steffen Keller, Tilo Merlin
  • Patent number: 8333103
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a force measuring probe comprises providing a probe having an insertion tube with a distal tip, a joint comprising a resilient member, a joint sensor in conjunction with a processor coupled to the probe wherein the processor has a memory of an axial displacement threshold for the joint stored therein; applying force to the distal tip; measuring the displacement and deflection of the distal tip; correlating the measured displacement and deflection of the distal tip to the applied force and storing the correlation in the memory until reaching the axial displacement threshold; applying force greater than the axial displacement threshold to the distal tip to define a new force value; measuring the position of the distal tip in a plane transverse to the direction of force exerted on the distal tip; correlating the measured position of the distal tip in the plane transverse to the direction of force to the new force value and storing the correlation in the memory until reaching a pre-establ
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel), Ltd.
    Inventors: Yevgeny Bonyak, Doron Ludwin
  • Patent number: 8327683
    Abstract: Example composite materials and calibration assemblies using the same. An example calibration assembly for use in calibrating a downhole formation evaluation tool includes a first body comprising a first material and having a first geometry, a second body comprising a second material formed to receive the first body, wherein the first and second materials and the first geometry are selected so that a calibration property of the calibration assembly substantially matches a corresponding calibration property of a third material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Radtke, Christopher Scott Del Campo, Dale Wayne Clinton, Qingyan He, Augdon John Sampa
  • Patent number: 8323978
    Abstract: A calibration device and method of using the device to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The device includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with an environmental concentration of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Mocon, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Ascheman, Daniel W. Mayer
  • Publication number: 20120297857
    Abstract: A fluid penetrant inspection test panel includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the first surface configured to receive a dye penetrant thereon, and a plurality of sensitivity indicators formed in the first surface, the plurality of sensitivity indicators having a cross-sectional profile defined by a continuous edge. The fluid penetrant inspection test panel may be formed to have either a rectangular shape or a triangular shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Paul Dunnwald
  • Publication number: 20120291515
    Abstract: A sensor unit is disclosed which includes a sensor and an information module. The sensor exhibits an optical behavior dependent on at least one variable of a sample. Sensor related information can be emitted by the information module as optical radiation. In embodiments the sensor related information includes calibration data for the sensor. The sensor related information may additionally include identification data for the sensor. In embodiments the information module measures at least one ambient parameter, and emits the measurement value in an optical signal. The measurement value is taken into account when determining at least one variable of a sample by means of the sensor unit. In embodiments the information module may also transmit status information of the sensor unit. Furthermore a method for determining a variable of a sample with a sensor unit and a measurement system is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: PreSens - Precision Sensing GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Stangelmayer, Damian Andrzejewski
  • Publication number: 20120291516
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Hayter, Geoffrey V. McGarraugh, Andrew H. Naegeli, John C. Mazza, Benjamin J. Feldman
  • Patent number: 8291743
    Abstract: A method and system for calibrating an electronic lapping guide (ELG) for transducer(s) having an ABS and a magnetic structure are described. The magnetic structure has a desired thickness, a bevel, and a flare point a distance from the ABS. The method and system include providing at least three ELGs. A first ELG has first and second edges first and second distances from the ABS. A second ELG has third and fourth edges third and second distances from the ABS. A third ELG has fifth and sixth edges fourth and second distances from the ABS. The first, third, and fourth distances correspond to a stripe height and an offset. The first, third, and fourth distance and/or the second distance corresponds to an intersection between the bevel and the desired thickness. The method and system also include measuring resistances of the ELGs, and calibrating the ELG(s) utilizing the offset and resistances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLC
    Inventors: Changqing Shi, Ming Jiang
  • Publication number: 20120265468
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to calibrate logging measurements from a logging tool for which one or more attributes vary over the course of logging. A logging tool is provided and a pre-logging calibration function for the logging tool is obtained. Logging measurements are made using the logging tool, and a post-logging calibration function for the logging tool is obtained. A variable calibration function using the pre-logging calibration function and the post-logging calibration function is determined, and the logging measurements are calibrated using the variable calibration function. The variable calibration function may be discreet or continuous and linear or non-linear. A non-linear calibration function may be based on measurements of one or more of the varying attributes of the logging tool. A discreet calibration function may have three or more calibration factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Mark Kenneth Dennis, Swapnesh Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 8288161
    Abstract: Articles of manufacture and methods of making and using same concern a container having an internal space and a passivated internal metal surface. The container contains a composition of an acid gas and a balance gas contained within the internal space and in contact with the passivated internal metal surface. The stability of the acid gas concentration over time is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Benesch, Malik Haouchine, Tracey Jacksier
  • Patent number: 8290733
    Abstract: A modular calibration method for a CMM, comprising preliminary calibration steps of several components prior to its mounting. The preliminary calibration steps yield specific mapping information for each calibrated component, which are then stored into map files generated and associated to the calibrated components. A final alignment takes place after once the CMM is mounted, which processes mapping information gathered during the preliminary calibration steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Hexagon Metrology AB
    Inventor: Bo Pettersson
  • Publication number: 20120247176
    Abstract: A test auxiliary device for testing a portable data terminal having a plurality of sensors includes a base, a carrying unit, a driving unit, and a controlling unit. The carrying unit is disposed on the base and includes a carrying platform and a carrying base. The carrying platform and the carrying base form a first angle and a second angle with the base, respectively, and thereby together form a compound slope. The driving unit drives the carrying unit to move, allowing the carrying platform to move with acceleration and at an angular velocity. The controlling unit receives sensing values generated by the sensors, respectively. The test auxiliary device further includes a test matching unit for testing the sensors in operation. Accordingly, the test auxiliary device assists users in determining whether the sensors of the portable data terminal are functioning well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: BING-CHENG OU, TZU-HAOMR SHENG, CHING-FENG HSIEH
  • Patent number: 8268249
    Abstract: An analytical cell including a lightguide with a plurality of conduits filled with a migration medium. The medium, the lightguide and a surrounding medium have refractive indices selected such that light entering the lightguide is internally reflected within the lightguide to provide substantially uniform illumination of the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Larry J. Carson, Joel R. Dufresne, Patrick R. Fleming, Michael C. Lea, Nicholas A. Lee, John Shigeura
  • Publication number: 20120222464
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a film-thickness measuring device and a calibration method thereof. The film-thickness measuring device has at least two fixing bases disposed in different calibration positions, a carrier machine table for carrying substrates and a measuring head. The measuring head receives a label of the present substrate being carried from the carrier machine table; obtains parameters of the calibration position that the label corresponds to from a saved corresponding relationship, and moves to a top of the calibration position that the obtained parameters correspond to, and then measures film-thickness of the calibration plate on the fixing base which is disposed in the calibration position to achieve calibration. The present invention automatically switches to corresponding calibration positions according to different substrates for calibrating, so as to prevent inconvenience caused by manual changing the calibration plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Chih-sheng Ko, Chengming He
  • Patent number: 8252593
    Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed that includes a first measurement unit for measuring a sample, a second measurement unit for measuring a sample, and an information processing unit for acquiring a first analysis result based on a result of the measurement by the first measurement unit and a second analysis result based on a result of the measurement by the second measurement unit. The information processing unit is configured to correct the first analysis result based on a first correction value, correct the second analysis result based on a second correction value, update the first correction value, and update the second correction value. A calibration method of a sample analyzer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Daigo Fukuma, Masaharu Shibata
  • Patent number: 8241911
    Abstract: A calibration card and method of using the card to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The card includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with the environment whereby the second mass of photoluminescent dye is exposed to an environmental concentration of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Mocon, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Ascheman, Daniel W. Mayer, Stephen D. Tuomela
  • Publication number: 20120198908
    Abstract: Electronic modules with small and flexible interfaces are disclosed. One example electronic module includes a power supply terminal configured to receive power for the electronic module and circuitry configured to carry out various functions. The functions carried out by the electronic module circuitry include simultaneously receiving both of the following via the power supply terminal: a power signal for carrying out a mission mode operation of the electronic module, and a data signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy J. WARNECK
  • Publication number: 20120198909
    Abstract: A measurement signal correction apparatus includes an analog/digital converter, a correction factor providing unit, and a measurement signal correction unit. The analog/digital converter is configured to convert an analog measurement signal read in using an interface into a digital measurement signal using a reference frequency signal. The correction factor providing unit is configured to provide a correction factor determined on the basis of the reference frequency signal. The measurement signal correction unit is configured to multiply the digital measurement signal by the correction factor in order to obtain a corrected measurement signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Buhmann, Marian Keck
  • Patent number: 8234905
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for selectively functionalizing a transducer microarray. The method provides a microarray including a field of transducers exposed to a shared local environment. A difference in the pH associated with the transducers is created. As a result, functional molecules are selectively bound to transducers in response to the pH associated with the transducers. In one aspect, the micro-array also provides a field of transducer pH-generating electrodes, one pH-generating electrode for each transducer, and a counter electrode. The difference in pH associated with the transducers is created by selectively applying a voltage potential between pH-generating electrodes and the counter electrode, to create a difference of pH in regions adjacent to the transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrei L. Gindilis
  • Publication number: 20120179383
    Abstract: A disc for calibrating a measurement unit of a test device and a calibration method using the same are provided. The disc includes a calibration unit to calibrate a measurement unit of a biomaterial test device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yeong Bae YEO, Ki Ju LEE
  • Patent number: 8187885
    Abstract: Fluorescently labeled microsphere calibration and quality control particles for use in establishing standardized fluorescence detector setup, monitoring daily QC of flow cytometers and quantitative calibration of the fluorescence detectors in traceable units of measure (molecules equivalent soluble fluorescence; MESF).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Nodality, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman Baylis Purvis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8190389
    Abstract: Devices and methods wherein an adapter is used to attach an electromagnetic image guidance component to a medical device such that an electromagnetic image guidance system may be used to track the location of the medical device within the body of a human or animal subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac J. Kim, Eric Goldfarb, Ketan P. Muni, Joshua Makower, Robert K. Deckman
  • Publication number: 20120125077
    Abstract: A downhole sensor calibration apparatus includes a rotational or gimbaling mechanism for guiding a sensing axis of an orientation responsive sensor through a three-dimensional orbit about three orthogonal axes. A method includes using measurements taken over the three-dimensional orbit to calibrate the sensor and determine other characteristics of the sensor or tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC
    Inventors: Paul F. Rodney, Adan Hernandez Herrera, Christopher Allen Golla, James H. Dudley, Joe Marzouk
  • Patent number: 8173071
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit disposed in communication with the at least one micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained within the at least one micro-fluidic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Govindarajan Natarajan, Emmanuel Delamarche, Eric A Eckberg, James N Humenik, Kathleen A McGroddy-Goetz, Scott Partington, Christopher F Perrera, Marco G Trivella, Timothy M Wiwel
  • Patent number: 8166795
    Abstract: A method for resetting a calibration of a sensor operating out-of-range in a hydraulic actuation system is provided. The hydraulic actuation system includes a pump, a reservoir, a plurality of work-ports, a plurality of sensors, and a valve system, and a controller for regulating the hydraulic actuation system based on fluid flow demand and sensed pressures. The method includes detecting the sensor operating out-of-range, opening all work-ports to the reservoir, resetting all sensors to reservoir pressure, supplying all sensors with fluid at maximum pump pressure, and sensing the maximum pump pressure at each sensor. Additionally, the method includes determining an average pressure value across all sensors, assigning the determined average pressure value to the sensor that is operating out-of-range, and resetting the calibration of the sensor that is operating out-of-range based on the reservoir pressure and the average pressure values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Wade L. Gehlhoff, Chris W. Schottler, Kishore Balasubramanian, Christian Fagerlund
  • Patent number: 8166794
    Abstract: A positive electrode active material quality judgment method that can easily and accurately judge the quality of a positive electrode active material used in a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell without having to complete the positive electrode. The positive electrode active material quality judgment method includes: heating a positive electrode active material mainly made of a lithium nickel composite oxide to a temperature x (° C.) of 200° C. or higher and 400° C. or lower; measuring the amount of carbon dioxide gas generated from the heating; and the positive electrode active material as a suitable positive electrode active material when the positive electrode active material satisfies formulas 3 and 4: y<(1.31x?258)/1000000(200?x<300)??formula 3 y<1.20x?225/1000000(300?x?400)??formula 4 where x is the heating temperature x (° C.) and y is the amount of carbon dioxide gas (mole/g) generated per 1 g of the positive electrode active material in the heating to the heating temperature x (° C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Takeda, Yoshio Kato, Shingo Tode, Masanori Maekawa, Shigeki Matsuta
  • Patent number: 8165840
    Abstract: A system and method automatically calibrate a posture sensor, such as by detecting a walking state or a posture change. For example, a three-axis accelerometer can be used to detect a patient's activity or posture. This information can be used to automatically calibrate subsequent posture or acceleration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hatlestad, Aaron Lewicke, Keith R. Maile
  • Publication number: 20120085142
    Abstract: Described is diagnosing radiometric detectors. The pulse amplitudes of the pulses acquired by the radiometric detector can be measured and stored temporarily. The pulse amplitude distribution determined in this manner is compared to a reference amplitude distribution, whereby error diagnosis and, if applicable, recalibration of the measuring device are made possible. In this manner temperature drifts and damage to the scintillator, EMC radiation and an increased rate of dark pulses of the photosensitive component may be detected and corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Winfried RAUER, Josef Fehrenbach, Ralf Koernle
  • Patent number: 8140290
    Abstract: Provided is a transfer characteristic measurement apparatus that measures a transfer characteristic of a circuit under test between input and output, comprising a test signal input section that generates a test signal by adding together a carrier signal having a prescribed frequency and an additional signal having a frequency that differs from the prescribed frequency, and inputs the test signal to the circuit under test; and a transfer characteristic measuring section that measures the transfer characteristic of the circuit under test at the frequency of the additional signal based on a result from a measurement of an output signal output by the circuit under test. The circuit under test may be formed on a semiconductor chip. The circuit under test may correct a signal input to the semiconductor chip, and outputs the corrected signal. The semiconductor chip may further include a sampling circuit that samples the output signal of the circuit under test at the frequency of the carrier signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Ishida, Kenichi Nagatani
  • Patent number: 8137642
    Abstract: A bubble point of a combination of a filter and a liquid is calibrated by applying an initial back pressure through the filter toward the liquid; taking a first plurality of measurements of the level of the liquid in the container; calculating a first variance of the first plurality of measurements; and comparing the first calculated variance with a known threshold variance. Then a second plurality of measurements of the level of the liquid in the container is taken; a second variance of the second plurality of measurements is calculated; and the second calculated variance is compared with a known threshold variance. The above described steps are repeated at incrementally increased back pressures until the first and second calculated variances are each greater than or equal to the known threshold variance, which is about 0.01. The bubble point is determined to be the back pressure at that point. If the determined bubble point is less than or equal to the known threshold bubble point, which is about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Cytyc Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Hutchins, Steven Scampini, Eric Baur
  • Patent number: 8127603
    Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a sensor element that converts an externally applied physical quantity to an electrical signal; a detection circuit that amplifies and detects the output signal of this sensor element; and an adjustment circuit that adjusts the output signal from the detection circuit to a predetermined signal by applying the power supply wherein the adjustment circuit comprises an amplifier circuit that amplifies the output signal from the detection circuit and a reference amplifier circuit that has a gain that is made to correspond to the gain of the amplifier circuit. This configuration allows the gain of the amplifier circuit in the adjustment circuit to be varied according to the power supply voltage and, as a results, provides a physical quantity sensor having reliable sensor detection sensitivity and high-accuracy ratiometric characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoichi Nagata
  • Patent number: 8131491
    Abstract: A method for evaluating data representing a plurality of excitations of a plurality of sensors; the method comprising: (a) storing the data as a plurality of entries in an information store; each respective sensor-excitation pair being a respective entry; (b) exercising a fit relationship employing at least one first sine value to determine a fit value substantially simultaneously for at least a portion of the plurality of entries; (c) ascertaining a measure of fit error between the data and the fit value for the portion of entries; (d) employing the measure of fit error to estimate at least one next sine value; (e) employing the at least one next sine value to perform a fit optimization operation with the data substantially simultaneously for the portion of entries; and (f) repeating steps (c) through (e) until a desired number of the sine values has been exercised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Charles Edward Goodman, William Brian Hayes
  • Publication number: 20120050686
    Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a handheld vision tester comprising a display, cursor control, interface port, and camera. The display delivers a series of images making up vision tests to a user who interacts with the vision tests by using the display and cursor control of the handheld vision tester. The camera verifies the user is taking the vision tests. The results of the vision tests are stored in the handheld communication device. The interface port allows for communication of the stored results of the vision tests with external devices. In another aspect, there is provided a calibration system for the handheld vision tester. The calibration system includes a stand to hold the handheld vision tester and a reflective surface substantially parallel to a display of the handheld vision tester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: VITAL ART AND SCIENCE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael Bartlett, William R. Krenik, Yi-Zhong Wang
  • Patent number: 8126670
    Abstract: A method for calibrating vectorial network analyzers, which provide exactly n test ports, for the testing of electrical components with differential connections, where several calibration measurements are implemented, and where several different calibration standards are connected to the test ports. In the method, n is a positive integer greater than 1, and exactly one arbitrary test port is used as a reference test port. The following measurements are implemented for the calibration: (n?1) calibration measurements, where the reference test port is connected to every further test port respectively in its own calibration measurement by direct connections or short matched lines of known reflection, length and attenuation, one calibration measurement where all n test ports are terminated by respectively known input impedances of arbitrary transmission properties, and one calibration measurement where all n test ports are terminated by unknown, respectively-identical, reflecting terminations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Holger Heuermann
  • Patent number: 8126669
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to specification, optimization and matching of optical systems by use of orientation Zernike polynomials. In some embodiments, a method for assessing the suitability of an optical system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus is provided. The method can include determining a Jones pupil of the optical system, at least approximately describing the Jones pupil using an expansion into orientation Zernike polynomials, and assessing the suitability of the optical system on the basis of the expansion coefficient of at least one of the orientation Zernike polynomials in the expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Totzeck, Daniel Kraehmer, Ralf Mueller, Johannes Ruoff, Vladan Blahnik
  • Patent number: 8117888
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating or adjusting an accelerometer, wherein the accelerometer is held stationary to obtain the signal outputs from the accelerometer, representing component vectors making up the composite vector of 1 g. Thus, gain or sensitivity, and the zero-g signal offset along for each axis of the accelerometer is determined and adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Perception Digital Limited
    Inventors: Kai Kin Chan, Chor Tin Ma
  • Patent number: 8117887
    Abstract: An operating device for testing torque wrenches is formed with a carrier for fixing a torque wrench to be tested. A transducer is coupled to the head portion of the torque wrench. A grip holder is provided for fixing the grip of the torque wrench and a deflecting mechanism is adapted for generating a torque to the head portion of the torque wrench to be tested. Further on a sliding mechanism is provided for sliding the grip in the grip holder without friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Eduard Wille GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Schwafertz, Lothar Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20120035824
    Abstract: In an electric circuit whose behavior is changed corresponding to a peripheral environment, an abnormality detection device can surely detect abnormality in the electric circuit even in a state where a value of the peripheral environment cannot be specified. An abnormality detection device according to the present invention detects abnormality in a detection circuit (112) which detects a specific kind of physical quantity. The abnormality detection device includes an abnormality detection part (220a) which changes magnitude of a power source voltage (Vcc?) which is supplied to the detection circuit (112), and detects abnormality in the detection circuit based on an output signal (Vo2) from the detection circuit at a power source voltage (Vc2) after the change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: BOSCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Williamson Sy, Daichi Tajiri, Kenji Yurue, Yasuaki Kurita, Juergen Stegmaier, Mustafa Abu Whishah, Takeo Akita, Minoru Takasaki, Tohru Hasegawa, Takuya Okada, Isamu Hitomi
  • Patent number: 8112252
    Abstract: A method of verifying operation of at least one wind turbine sensor includes dynamically defining a neighborhood of neighbor wind turbines for a first wind turbine, each neighbor wind turbine including at least one sensor. The method also includes receiving data from at least one neighbor wind turbine sensor and determining a status of at least one sensor of the first wind turbine using the data received from the neighbor wind turbine sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Maria Cecilia Mazzaro, Mark Edward Cardinal, Bernardo Adrian Movsichoff, Avinash Taware, Thomas Dinjus
  • Patent number: 8101413
    Abstract: Embodiments provide expanded ability to communicate calibration information to diagnostic systems for determining a characteristic of a test sample. An example system for determining a characteristic of a test sample includes: a test sensor for receiving a test sample; a sensor meter responsive to the test sensor, the sensor meter determining a characteristic of the test sample received on the test sensor; and a calibration element including electrical contacts readable by the sensor meter. The electrical contacts are configurable in one of a plurality of patterns that communicates, to the sensor meter, information relating to the determination of the characteristic of the test sample. The plurality of patterns include two or more of the electrical contacts that are electrically isolated from any other electrical contacts. The sensor meter determines at least partially the information from the electrical contacts by determining a combination of values corresponding to the isolated electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC
    Inventor: Stephen P. Cheal
  • Patent number: 8093055
    Abstract: A calibration tool for use in combination with a photoluminescent oxygen-sensitive working probe and an analytical instrument capable of reading the working probe. The calibration tool is effective for achieving two-point calibration of the analytical instrument, and includes at least first and second solid state compositions having different sensitivities to oxygen. The first composition is an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as that in the working probe, embedded within an oxygen-permeable carrier matrix that is the same as that in the working probe. The second composition is an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as that in the first composition, embedded within a carrier matrix that is different from that in the first composition. The oxygen sensitivity of the second composition is less than the oxygen sensitivity of the first composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignees: Mocon, Inc., Luxcel Biosciences, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Mayer, Dmitri Boris Papkovsky
  • Publication number: 20120000268
    Abstract: It is convenient and useful in inspection work to assess a fluctuation pattern of accuracy management results based on operation events occurring in a clinical laboratory and detect an abnormal fluctuation pattern before a control range is exceeded. However, an accuracy management system having such a function is not provided. When the cause of fluctuations in accuracy management results or calibration results is to be estimated, one depends on a variety of related information and one's specialized knowledge and experience. Much time and efforts are required to sort out useful pieces of information from useless ones and obtain organized information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Qing Li, Tomonori Mimura, Shinichi Fukuzono, Naomi Ishii
  • Publication number: 20110302989
    Abstract: A method for safe performance of a calibration and/or an adjusting of a measured variable of a measuring device in automation technology, especially in process analysis technology, in the case of which a calibration result or an adjusting value is ascertained and shown on a display. In order to assure reliable adjusting or calibrating of a measured variable of a measuring device, the calibration result or the adjusting value is shown in multiple instances at random locations of the display, wherein, upon agreement of all shown calibration results or adjusting values, a confirmation is effected by a user of the measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Biechele, Jörg-Martin Müller
  • Publication number: 20110265547
    Abstract: A scour sensor and method of detecting scour in the bed of a body of water as well as a sensor and method for determining the subgrade modulus of a subgrade are provided. The scour sensor includes an elongated rod that can be driven into the bed of a body of water such that a portion of the rod is cantilevered from the bed into the water. The rod has a known dynamic characteristic that is variable depending on the amount of the rod that is embedded in the subgrade. In one implementation, the known characteristic is the natural frequency of the rod. The scour sensor further includes a sensor element for monitoring a dynamic characteristic of the rod. Methods of using and calibrating a scour sensor are also provided. Further, the sensor may be used to determine a subgrade modulus of the subgrade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Farhad Ansari, Amirhossein Iranmanesh
  • Publication number: 20110259076
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for assessing interface integrity between a medium and an implant. A first signal is translated from a motion of an impact body during impact with an abutment connected to the implant. In some embodiments, the first signal is filtered using a zero phase shift filter and then used for assessing the interface integrity. Since no phase shift is introduced, the interface integrity is accurately assessed. In another embodiment, the apparatus maintains a system model for impacting the impact body against the abutment. The apparatus analytically determines an interface property by applying a system property that has been determined to the system model. An accurate system model allows for an accurate assessment. According to another broad aspect, there is provided a method of conducting the impact test. According to the method, a person ensures that the impact body impacts against a consistent portion of the abutment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicants: CARITAS HEALTH GROUP, THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Gary Faulkner, Donald Wayne Raboud, Ryan Clair Swain, Johan Francis Wolfaardt