Speed, Velocity, Or Acceleration Patents (Class 73/488)
  • Publication number: 20080178671
    Abstract: An apparatus (100, 200) and method (300) for sensing acceleration are provided. The method includes producing (305) a first signal in response to an acceleration sensed by a transducer, producing (310) a second signal based on the first signal, and actuating (315) the transducer in response to the second signal to remove offset in the transducer. The first signal represents the acceleration, and the second signal represents a low frequency component associated with an offset in the transducer. The apparatus (100) includes a transducer (102) producing a capacitance in response to the acceleration, a sensing system (104, 106, 108) producing a first signal from the capacitance representing the acceleration, and a compensation system (112, 110) coupled between the sensing system and transducer. The compensation system produces a second signal based on the first signal for substantially removing an offset of the transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Todd F. Miller, Marco Fuhrmann, Keith L. Kraver
  • Publication number: 20080176681
    Abstract: An apparatus is configured for inclusion in an arrow. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensor configured to provide data concerning one or more flight characteristics of the arrow in flight and a communication link coupled to the sensor, the communication link configured to communicate the data to a device external to the arrow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Robert V. Donahoe
  • Publication number: 20080157708
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the angular position (theta) of a rotor (2) pertaining to an electric motor (1) and comprising a number of pairs of poles. Said method consists of the following steps: a pulse pattern (PM1, PM2, PM3) with a pulse duration (T) flows through at least one stator coil (7) of the electric motor (1), such that the rotor (2) does not rotate by more than 90 DEG, divided between the number of pairs of poles, during the pulse duration (T); the angular acceleration (alpha) of the rotor (2), caused by the pulse pattern flowing through the at least one stator coil, (7) is detected; and the angular position (theta) of the rotor (2) is determined by means of the correlation between the flow through the stator coil (7) and the angular acceleration (alpha) of the rotor (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Roland Finkler, Hans-Georg Kopken
  • Patent number: 7395181
    Abstract: Tracking a motion of a body by obtaining two types of measurements associated with the motion of the body, one of the types including acoustic measurement. An estimate of either an orientation or a position of the body is updated based on one of the two types of measurement, for example based on inertial measurement. The estimate is then updated based on the other of the two types of measurements, for example based on acoustic ranging. The invention also features determining range measurement to selected reference devices that are fixed in the environment of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Eric M. Foxlin
  • Patent number: 7387611
    Abstract: An acceleration information detecting unit of an acceleration detecting apparatus having an acceleration sensor with at least one axis that measures acceleration in a back and forth direction (or a right and left direction) of a walking person. Acceleration data indicating the acceleration is sent to a wireless communication control unit. The wireless communication control unit sends the acceleration data to a physical movement analyzer using a short-distance wireless communication method. On the other hand, the wireless communication control unit of the physical movement analyzer receives the acceleration data that is sent from the acceleration detecting apparatus using a short-distance wireless communication method and sends it to a walking speed detecting unit. The walking speed detecting unit estimates strides and walking period based on the received acceleration data and calculates the walking speed based on the strides and the walking period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Inoue, Shinji Tanaka, Takako Shiraishi, Hiroshi Yamamoto, Yoshitaka Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7373820
    Abstract: A method for communicating data is provided that includes collecting data associated with an individual using an accelerometer. The accelerometer is operable to monitor activity associated with the individual. The method also includes communicating the data to a computing device, which can receive the data and perform any number of operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Terry L. James
  • Publication number: 20080111668
    Abstract: A measuring device includes a speed sensor rotatably attached to a base member and having a reed switch detecting movement of a rear wheel of a bicycle, and a cadence sensor rotatably attached to the speed sensor and having a reed switch detecting movement of a gear crank of the bicycle. The speed sensor includes a transmission circuit transmitting signals detected by the reed switches to an outside of the speed sensor. The speed sensor moves rotationally with respect to the base member to vary a distance between the rear wheel of the bicycle and the reed switch, and the cadence sensor moves rotationally with respect to the speed sensor to vary a distance between the gear crank of the bicycle and the reed switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Takashi Ueda
  • Patent number: 7370532
    Abstract: A system including a processor, a high-energy density system linked to the processor, and a communicator linked to the processor. The communicator comprehensively integrates a plurality of hardware and software functions associated with operating the high-energy density system into a single, convenient interface. In one exemplary embodiment, the communicator comprises a wireless communicator. In operation, the communicator generates a command signal whereby the command signal is received by the processor. Accordingly, the processor controls the high-energy density system based on the command signal. In one aspect, the communicator interfaces with a security system for selectively limiting user access through a restricted system. In another aspect, the communicator is used for object information storage and retrieval associated with operating a high-energy density system, such as an ultrasonic laser system. In another aspect, the communicator is used to control a robotic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Alan Osterkamp
  • Publication number: 20080092651
    Abstract: The invention relates to an accelerometer comprising a moving mass (5) and a fixed part (2), which uses variations in capacitance (3, 4) in order to detect the movement of the mass (5). The inventive accelerometer comprises a first series of electrodes (3, 4) which are solidly connected to the mass (5) and which are interdigitated with a series of electrodes (3, 4) which are solidly connected to the fixed part (2). According to the invention, each moving electrode (4), together with an adjacent fixed electrode (3), forms a capacitance which varies according to the position of the moving mass (5). The accelerometer further comprises an electronic circuit which is used to: (i) detect the variation in at least one capacitance between the moving mass (5) and the fixed part (2), in the form of a moving mass displacement indicator; and also (ii) generate an electrostatic stress in order to return the moving mass (5) to the initial position thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Menard, Maurice Moreau
  • Patent number: 7360421
    Abstract: A system for sensing velocity of a wheeled vehicle has a flexible arm connected to a speed sensor and wireless transmitter at one end and to an adjustable strap or clamp at the other end. The strap is attached near the wheel to be measured. The sensor can then be positioned via the flexible arm to a location immediately adjacent the wheel. There is also a display unit connected to another strap or clamp. The display unit contains a wireless receiver that receives the data transmitted by the transmitter on the sensor, and a microprocessor that calculates the data and displays it for the user to view. A magnetic strip is attached directly to one of the wheels of the device. As the wheel rotates, the magnetic strip passes by the sensor positioned adjacent the wheel, and this passage is recorded by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventors: Adi Weber, Daniel Weber
  • Patent number: 7357017
    Abstract: A sensor has a die (with a working portion), a cap coupled with the die to at least partially cover the working portion, and a conductive pathway extending through the cap to the working portion. The pathway provides an electrical interface to the working portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Felton, Kieran P. Harney, Carl M. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20080053254
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microstructured sensor, having at least one measurement chip in which there is formed a first measurement area having a first measurement structure and a second measurement area having a second measurement structure, the measurement areas being offset to one another in a lateral direction, one cap chip that is fastened in vacuum-tight fashion to the measurement chip in a connecting area, one intermediate space, formed between the measurement chip and the cap chip, that is sealed outwardly by the connecting area and in which the measurement areas are situated, and at least one contact area, formed on the measurement chip, and left exposed by the cap chip, for the contacting of the measurement chip. The sensor can be in particular a gas sensor for measuring a gas concentration, or an acceleration sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Frank Reichenbach, Holger Hoefer
  • Patent number: 7331228
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor in accordance with an aspect of the present invention comprises a first substrate, a multilayer second substrate and a sensor portion. The multilayer second substrate is opposed to the first substrate. The multilayer second substrate is provided with an electrode drawing opening. Further, the multilayer second substrate consists of a plurality of layers. The sensor portion (a movable mass body and a fixed electrode) is provided in a sealed cavity portion which is formed between the first substrate and the multilayer second substrate which are opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruya Fukaura, Shinichiro Katsuki, Yutaka Katahara, Seishi Shibata
  • Patent number: 7328615
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a free fall of an electronic device. The method includes: sensing a falling acceleration of the electronic device using an acceleration sensor; determining whether the sensed falling acceleration is less than a predetermined threshold; when the sensed falling acceleration is less than the predetermined threshold, determining whether the falling acceleration is a statistical constant, which has a statistical significance, and is maintained for a predetermined time; and when the falling acceleration is a statistical constant and maintained for a predetermined time, determining that the electronic device falls freely. Accordingly, it is possible to exactly detect a free fall of an electronic device, irrespective of an error of the acceleration of gravity generated when a falling acceleration of the electronic device is measured, due to ambient conditions, e.g., a temperature change and a rotation acceleration generated when the electronic device rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woong Kwon, Kyung-shik Roh, Woo-sup Han, Young-bo Shim, Sang-min Suh
  • Patent number: 7322236
    Abstract: A manufacturing process of a semiconductor piezoresistive accelerometer includes the steps of: providing a wafer of semiconductor material; providing a membrane in the wafer over a cavity; rigidly coupling an inertial mass to the membrane; and providing, in the wafer, piezoresistive transduction elements, that are sensitive to strains of the membrane and generate corresponding electrical signals. The step of coupling is carried out by forming the inertial mass on top of a surface of the membrane opposite to the cavity. The accelerometer is advantageously used in a device for monitoring the pressure of a tire of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Chantal Combi, Lorenzo Baldo, Dino Faralli, Flavio Francesco Villa
  • Patent number: 7302979
    Abstract: A combined tire inflation system and a wheel speed sensor for a vehicle steer axle has a steerable spindle with a substantially hollow interior portion. A shaft, located in the hollow interior portion, connects a rotatable hub cap adjacent the spindle and a sensor at least partially within the spindle. A magnet is secured to the shaft and rotates with the shaft. A sensor is mounted adjacent the magnet for sensing the rotation of the magnet. The shaft has a hollow interior that connects an air source with a tire associated with the hub cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Kent E. Davison, David G. Moses, Daryl J. Stacer
  • Patent number: 7275424
    Abstract: A sensor has a die (with a working portion), a cap coupled with the die to at least partially cover the working portion, and a conductive pathway extending through the cap to the working portion. The pathway provides an electrical interface to the working portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Felton, Kieran P. Harncy, Carl M. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7275013
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a system for obtaining information regarding a flow. These methods and systems comprise a signal generator configured to generate an alternating current signal at a carrier frequency and a transformer arranged to receive the generated signal, wherein the transformer and carrier frequency are selected so that the generated signal resonates at the carrier frequency. The alternating signal is then used to cause plasma to form across a gap between two electrodes, wherein the voltage drop across the gap is directly proportional to the flow's velocity. This voltage may then be measured to determine the flow velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: University of Notre Dame DuLoc
    Inventors: Eric Matlis, Thomas Corke, Sivaram Gogineni
  • Patent number: 7257512
    Abstract: A method for reducing effects of vibropendulous errors within a sensor device having three orthogonal sensors is described. The method includes calculating compensation terms for each sensor, the compensation terms associated with an angle between a pendulous axis for the sensor and a cross axis of the sensor, and subtracting the compensation terms for each sensor from data received from that sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Ackerman
  • Patent number: 7254523
    Abstract: A selectively reduced bi-cubic interpolation on quadrilateral grids for level set re-distancing improves finite-difference-based ink-jet simulation. The “bi-cubic” nature of the interpolation helps the scheme conserve droplet mass. The “selectively reduced” logic prevents the higher-order simulation algorithm from introducing new instability factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Jiun-Der Yu
  • Patent number: 7251591
    Abstract: A consistent back pressure formulation is introduced into ink-jet simulation models and algorithms to solve an instability problem that occurs as the head of an ink droplet reaches the end of the solution domain during simulation. The consistent back pressure formulation is obtained in a way that is consistent with the idea of interface smearing. Formulas for calculating the pressure boundary condition on quadrilateral grids are disclosed. An ink-jet simulation example is given to demonstrate the improved models and algorithms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Jiun-Der Yu, Shinri Sakai
  • Patent number: 7248967
    Abstract: Measurement of a spatial velocity vector in order to make determination of a geographical position possible. A spatial velocity meter includes an inertial measurement unit, a direction-sensing module and a velocity processor. The inertial measurement unit registers acceleration parameters and angular velocity parameters in three dimensions. The direction-sensing module registers a natural reference signal. The velocity processor receives the acceleration parameters, the angular velocity parameters and the natural reference signal, and based thereon, generates the spatial velocity vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Anders Hagstedt
  • Publication number: 20070157727
    Abstract: An image resolution enhancing apparatus and method are provided. The image resolution enhancing apparatus includes: a scanner, a synchronous detector, a wave generator, a high voltage amplifier, a resonant frequency detector, a multiplier which multiplies the resonant frequency of the scanner which is detected by the resonant frequency detector by the horizontal resolution of a display screen; a frequency oscillator which oscillates at a pixel frequency which corresponds to the multiplication result of the multiplier; and a pulse generator which generates a pulse which corresponds to the pixel frequency oscillations of the frequency oscillator and outputs the generated pulse to the wave generator, wherein the wave generator adds the pulse generated by the pulse generator to the wave to generate a composite wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Jong-hwa Won, Sung-hoon Choa
  • Patent number: 7239720
    Abstract: An optical monitoring system is capable of automatically identifying whether a moving body is a monitored subject based upon information in an optical (i.e., video) image. A moving body detection sub-system images a monitored region and detects a moving body from changes over time in the image of the monitored region. A speed detection sub-system detects the speed of a moving body in the image plane (i.e., speed of the moving body image in the image plane). A scale detection sub-system detects the size of a moving body in the image plane (i.e., size of the moving body in the image plane). A moving body estimation sub-system decides whether a moving body is the monitored subject (e.g., a human being) based on the image plane speed detected by the speed detection sub-system and the image plane size detected by the scale detection sub-system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Shima
  • Patent number: 7216054
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring a linear position, such as the distance between a sensing element and a movable object, and/or related parameters, such as displacement, direction, speed, velocity, and/or acceleration. The method utilizes a sensing element and an electrically conductive portion of the movable object, or a conductive target coupled to the movable object. The apparatus includes at least one sensing element formed by a section of a coupled slow-wave structure. The sensing element is connected to an RF or microwave generator, and an electronic circuit that converts at least one electromagnetic parameter of the section of the coupled slow-wave structure into a position reading. Electric and magnetic fields excited in the sensing element are split so that most of the electric energy is concentrated inside of the sensing element, while most of the magnetic energy is concentrated outside of the sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventors: Yuriy Nikitich Pchelnikov, David Scott Nyce
  • Patent number: 7216053
    Abstract: An energy-efficient acceleration measurement system is presented. The system includes an accelerometer, responsive to acceleration of the system, for providing an accelerometer output signal having a magnitude indicative of at least one component of the acceleration. A motion detector is responsive to the accelerometer output signal, and provides a processor interrupt signal, but only if the magnitude of acceleration reaches a threshold. The processor, responsive to the processor interrupt signal, measures the acceleration with higher accuracy than the motion detector is capable of, but in a way that consumes more power than was needed by the motion detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Juha Rakkola, Jukka Salminen, Kimmo Koli, Teemu Salo
  • Patent number: 7209576
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program products are provided for capturing and thereafter analyzing the images of a golf ball in a manner that permits various parameters associated with a golf shot, including the backspin and sidespin of the golf ball, to be reliably determined. Further, the method, apparatus and computer program product may be configured to separately calibrate each image that is captured in a timely manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Accu-Sport International, Inc.
    Inventor: David Benjamin Rankin
  • Patent number: 7171028
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for covertly determining the rate of motion between a pixel-based imaging device and a target being viewed by the pixel-based imaging device. The method involves using the pixel-based imaging device to acquire a first and a second digital image of the target. The second digital image is acquired a time interval after the first digital image. The time interval and pixel counts for the pixel set within the first and the second digital image representing a particular portion of the target are then used to determine a rate of relative motion between the pixel-based imaging device and the target. Advantageously, the rate of relative motion is determined covertly such that the locations of the pixel-based imaging device and the target are not disclosed or broadcast to third parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: German von Thal, Gregory A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7143647
    Abstract: An analyzer unit for the measuring signal of a micromechanical sensor having an input/output characteristic which is represented as a characteristic curve includes means for analog-digital conversion of the measuring signal and transmission means for transmission of the converted measuring signal or a signal that depends on the converted measuring signal. The transmission means is designed so that the characteristic curve has at least two ranges having different slopes. Different resolutions of the measuring signal are implemented through the different slopes of the characteristic curve. A suitably resolved signal is thus made available for applications having different sensitivity requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Sonnemann, Christoph Gahn, Uwe Rauscher
  • Patent number: 7117138
    Abstract: Methods for finite-difference-based inkjet simulation enable more precise control of ink droplet size and shape. A discrete transformation (mapping) is constructed so that a quadrilateral grid in physical space is transferred to the uniform square grid in a computational space. Since the grid in the computational space is square, numerical finite difference differentiation can be easily done. Governing partial differential equations, including a viscosity term, a surface tension term, and a level set convection equation for two-phase flows, are derived on the quadrilateral grid and then transformed to the computational space for application on the uniform square grid. A stable and powerful numerical algorithm is developed to solve the derived and transformed equations to enable finite-difference-based ink-jet simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Jiun-Der Yu, Shinri Sakai
  • Patent number: 7113082
    Abstract: In a speedometer control system having wheel speed sensors as well as a vehicle speed sensor, both a PCM and a brake ECU are used to obtain vehicle speeds. Then, a signal corresponding to a vehicle speed is obtained basically from the PCM. However, if it is impossible to properly obtain a signal corresponding to a vehicle speed from the PCM, a signal corresponding to a vehicle speed is obtained from the brake ECU. Accordingly, even in the event that a signal corresponding to the vehicle speed is not obtained from the PCM, it is possible to obtain a signal corresponding to the vehicle speed from the brake ECU, and thus to display the vehicle speed on a speedometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuzo Tsuruhara, Yasumi Inoue
  • Patent number: 7100354
    Abstract: A mechanical-electronic shut-off system detects a shaft failure and initiates the shut-off of the fuel supply. It features, on the free end of a reference shaft (2) connected the to energy-consuming end of the respective shaft (1), an axially moveable signal trip element (13, 14) held under pre-load (12) whose locking arrangement (17,18) is released via a radial driver arrangement (17, 19) by rotary movement in the event of a shaft failure. The resultant relative rotation of the shaft (1) enables the signal trip element to move towards a sensor (21) or a switching element. An electric signal so produced instantly interrupts the further supply of fuel by means of an electronic control and avoids or controls a dangerous overspeed condition of the failed shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Hans-Otto Opper
  • Patent number: 7103477
    Abstract: An exemplary inertial measurement apparatus incorporates self-calibrating bias correction signals. First and second inertial instruments generate respective input signals representative of an inertial attribute to be measured. A bias estimator generates first and second bias correction signals. First and second summation nodes receive the respective input signals and the respective first and second bias correction signals. The first and second summation nodes provide respective summed signals to the first and second inertial instruments. The first and second inertial instruments generate respective output signals representative of a value of the inertial attribute based on the respective summed signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Charles A. Lee
  • Patent number: 7099795
    Abstract: A system for a transmission of several additional pieces of information by a single modification of a speed signal. In addition to the modification of the speed signal in the area near the wheel (modified speed sensor), the system provides the special evaluation of the speed signal, modified, at a distance from the wheel (controller). In addition, the system naturally also includes the combination of the special speed sensor and the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Gerstenmeier, Matthias Moerbe
  • Patent number: 7093505
    Abstract: A speed sensor (B, C) produces a signal that reflects the angular velocity of a shaft (4) which rotates in a case (2) having a mounting surface (10), beyond which the shaft projects to provide a target (6), and threaded holes (12) which open out of the mounting surface. The speed sensor includes a housing (20) and a sensing element (22) which is embedded in the housing. The housing, which is formed from a deformable material, has slots (44, 60) which align with the threaded holes in the case, and receive screws (24, 66) which thread into the holes to secure the speed sensor to the case. The speed sensor is positioned such that the proper air gap exists between its sensing element and the target. The screws, which extend through the slots, produce indentations (56, 74) in the deformable material of the housing, and these indentations receive the screws, so that the position of the sensor is fixed. Thus, the sensor, if removed, may be reinstalled in the same location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Wayne V. Denny, Richard Smith, Kevin Rehfus
  • Patent number: 7096136
    Abstract: In a method for detecting rotational speed of an internal combustion engine (1), a sector wheel (4) which is driven by the internal combustion engine (1) is scanned, the run of a specific segment of the sector wheel is detected, the duration of said segment-run is measured and a rotational speed value is determined therefrom, the duration of the run a specific segment is re-measured, a relative variation between two consecutive segment-runs is determined and the rotational speed value is determined therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ralf Böhnig, Achim Przymusinski, Christian Stahl
  • Patent number: 7062969
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a speed sensor, a cadence sensor and a display portion. The apparatus further includes a transmit portion for wirelessly transmitting signals detected by the speed sensor and the cadence sensor to the display portion. The transmit portion is provided with a shaft portion extending in one direction, which rotatably supports the cadence sensor and the speed sensor. A measurement body portion including the speed sensor, the cadence sensor and the transmit portion is mounted on chain stay. The display portion is mounted on a portion of a handle in the field of vision of a rider of the bicycle, and it has functions of receiving and processing signals transmitted from the transmit portion, and displaying prescribed information. Thus, the measurement apparatus that can easily be mounted to a bicycle and the sensor apparatus applied thereto are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Cateye Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Ueda
  • Patent number: 7032450
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for measuring the speed of a land vehicle using an accelerometer. The method includes the steps of storing measurement data provided from an accelerometer; analyzing the measurement data to determine whether the vehicle is stopped; calculating a road angle using the measurement data of the accelerometer when it is determined, upon analysis, that the vehicle is moving; determining the sign of the road angle when the road angle is greater than a threshold value; compensating for a gravitational acceleration component included in the measurement data of the accelerometer using the road angle; and calculating the speed of the vehicle based on the acceleration of the vehicle with the gravitational acceleration component compensated. It is possible to reduce the number of expensive gyroscopes needed for a vehicle speed measuring apparatus, thereby reducing the cost of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kook-Yeon Lee, Hyun-Su Hong, Yoon-Deock Lee, Jin-Won Kim
  • Patent number: 7035436
    Abstract: A method of generating poses and motions of a tree structure link system that is made by modeling of a man, animals, robots, etc., and consists of multiple links connected at joints, characterized in that by giving arbitrary numbers of constraint conditions to arbitrary numbers of arbitrary links, or by allowing adding or canceling the constraint conditions arbitrarily in the middle of the generation, the poses and the motions of the tree structure link system satisfying these constraint conditions are generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Tokyo
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Nakamura, Katsu Yamane
  • Patent number: 7027618
    Abstract: Linear method for performing head motion estimation from facial feature data, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining first facial image and detecting a head in the first image; detecting position of four points P of said first facial image where P={p1, p2, p3, p4}, and pk=(xk, yk); obtaining second facial image and detecting a head in the second image; detecting position of four points P? of the second facial image where P?={p?1, p?2, p?3, p?4} and p?k=(x?k, y?k); and, determining the motion of the head represented by a rotation matrix R and translation vector T using the points P and P?. The head motion estimation is governed according to an equation: P?i=RPi+T, where R = [ r 1 T r 2 T r 3 T ] = [ r ij ] 3 × 3 and T=[T1 T2 T3]T represents camera rotation and translation respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Miroslav Trajkovic, Vasanth Philomin, Srinivas Gutta
  • Patent number: 7003399
    Abstract: An inertial navigation system is provided. The system includes a gas supported sensor block that is adapted to rotate in three dimensions in a near frictionless environment, a plurality of jet plates adapted to receive two or more pairs of opposing pneumatic nozzles and a plurality of electronically controlled pneumatic valves that provides and controls gas to the opposing pair of pneumatic nozzles. Each pair of opposing pneumatic nozzles is directed at an exterior surface of the sensor block and uses gas flow to move and hold the sensor block in any rotational location without physically touching the sensor block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Charles D. Chappell
  • Patent number: 7000469
    Abstract: A system for tracking the motion of an object relative to a moving reference frame includes a first inertial sensor mounted on the tracked object; a second inertial sensor mounted on the moving reference frame; a third inertial sensor mounted on the moving reference frame and spaced apart from the second inertial sensor; and an element coupled to said first and second and third inertial sensors and configured to determine a position of the object relative to the moving reference frame based on the signals from the first and second and third inertial sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Intersense, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Foxlin, Yury Altshuler
  • Patent number: 6976388
    Abstract: A condition of impaired speed and torque control of a parallel electrically variable transmission due to factors beyond nominal modeling and estimation errors is diagnosed under low speed operation. The transmission includes at least one electric machine and a motor torque controller for regulating the transmission input speed and output torque. The motor torque controller includes an open-loop control path based on predetermined torques and accelerations and a closed loop control path based on input speed error. The presence of a larger than expected closed-loop correction magnitude, combined with low output speed and one or more other conditions is used to diagnose a condition of potential torque error, in which case the transmission control is altered to prevent unwanted operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Tung-Ming Hsieh, Gregory A. Hubbard, Todd M. Steinmetz, Xuefeng T. Tao
  • Patent number: 6963818
    Abstract: The invention detects loft time and/or speed of a vehicle and/or person during activities of moving and jumping. A loft sensor detects leaving the ground and returning to the ground. A microprocessor subsystem converts the sensed information to determine a loft time. A display shows the recorded loft time to a user of the system. A speed sensor can detect speed for selective display to the user, and height may also be determined during airtime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: PhatRat Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Flentov, Dennis M. Darcy, Curtis A. Vock
  • Patent number: 6957580
    Abstract: A survey tool for use in a wellbore includes a downhole portion having an axis. The downhole portion is adapted to move within the wellbore with the axis generally parallel to the wellbore. The survey tool further includes a first acceleration sensor mounted at a first position within the downhole portion. The first acceleration sensor is adapted to generate a first signal indicative of an acceleration of the first acceleration sensor along the axis. The survey tool further includes a second acceleration sensor mounted at a second position within the downhole portion. The second position is spaced from the first position by a non-zero distance along the axis. The second acceleration sensor is adapted to generate a second signal indicative of an acceleration of the second acceleration sensor along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Gyrodata, Incorporated
    Inventors: Roger Ekseth, Martyn Ian Greensmith
  • Patent number: 6954717
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining and/or monitoring a process variable. The aim of the invention is to provide a cost-effective, user-friendly device for determining and/or monitoring a process variable. The inventive device comprises the following elements: a sensor, a measuring/regulating/control unit which pre-defines at least one event to be determined or monitored, and at least one memory unit which stores data according to the at least one pre-defined event. The sensor, the measuring/regulating/control unit and the memory unit form a compact unit or an independent field appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Boldt, Frank Erdmann, Klaus Pankratz, Bert Von Stein, Dietmar Spanke
  • Patent number: 6941196
    Abstract: A method of finding a vertical velocity of a vehicle by first forming two cost functions from three pulse return times. An independently determined approximate vertical velocity and a Fletcher-Powell estimation technique are used on the first cost function, to select a minimum velocity of the first cost function. The selected minimum velocity, two calculated velocities from the selected minimum velocity, and a Fletcher-Powell estimation technique are used on the second cost function, to select a minimum velocity of the second cost function. The selected minimum velocity of the second cost function is taken as the vertical velocity of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Stephen A. Garypie, Steven Kelmenson
  • Patent number: 6940632
    Abstract: A micromechanical structure, particularly for an acceleration sensor, includes a substrate, which has an anchoring device, and a centrifugal mass, which is connected to the anchoring device via a flexible spring device, so that the centrifugal mass is elastically deflectable from its rest position. The centrifugal mass has an oblong convex form and is essentially rotationally symmetric in relation to the longitudinal axis. The centrifugal mass optionally has a widening at both longitudinal ends, to which the flexible spring device is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Kipp, Siegbert Goetz, Markus Lutz
  • Patent number: 6931146
    Abstract: For automatically detecting a moving object in an input image taken using a monitor camera or the like, an apparatus includes an input image extracting section, an input image retaining section, a background image retaining section, a background difference calculating section, a moving direction recognizing section, and a united judging section. A movement of an object is detected with precision even in an environment where illumination varies, irrespective of the relative position of a ridge line of the object and a border of unit blocks. And only the moving object can be detected stably even when the camera encounters swing, vibration, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takahiro Aoki, Osafumi Nakayama, Morito Shiohara, Yoshishige Murakami
  • Patent number: 6898971
    Abstract: A sensor is provided for measuring the speed of a moving sport object, for example, from a gun, bow or other implement, such as a bullet or paint ball or arrow. The sensor is operable over a short range and is preferably mounted in close proximity to the path of the moving object preferably utilizes CW Doppler radar of a microwave radio frequency. In use, the unit is situated so as to place a transmit/receive antenna close to or in the line of motion of the object. Such an antenna, so positioned, may be separated from the unit and connected through a transmission line. The remote display/annunciator can also or in the alternative be separated and located remote from the transmitter/receiver and connected by a cable or a wireless link. The sensor is useful for other speed measurements in sports applications, such as for measurement of bat speed, golf club head speed or the speed of another racket, club or bat type implement, or to measure punch or kick speed in martial arts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Sports Sensors, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert E. Dilz, Jr.