| FLUKE CORPORATION Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120119771 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INDEXING AN ADJUSTABLE TEST PROBE TIP - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to adjustable test probe tips that are indexable. In one embodiment a mechanism is coupled to a probe tip so that the mechanism may be used to index the probe tip to a plurality of particular positions. A label portion may be provided to communicate to a user that the length of the exposed probe tip is less than a particular length, such as the maximum length an exposed probe tip may be for a particular application. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120103765 | DIGITAL MULTIMETER HAVING IMPROVED ROTARY SWITCH ASSEMBLY - A multimeter includes a case having a rotary selector knob for selecting a multimeter function. A circuit board defining multiple switching terminals thereon is located in the case. A rotary switch assembly is operatively coupled to the selector knob. The rotary switch assembly has a plurality of contact pairs which selectively complete a galvanic connection across predetermined pairs of switching terminals. The rotary switch assembly further includes first and second switch members located in opposition on respective sides of the circuit board. Each of the switch members has at least one of the contact pair. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120075309 | System And Method For Configuring A Thermal Imaging Instrument - A graphical user interface for configuring parameters associated with a portable infrared imager is provided. The interface can be used to manually or automatically set range and span parameters. The interface can also be used to configure one or more alarms to notify a user that a detected temperature is outside a predetermined range. In some embodiments, a non-linear temperature scale can be displayed. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120038975 | INFRARED IMAGING DEVICE WITH A COATED OPTICAL LENS - The disclosure describes a coated non-germanium lens for an IR imaging device. The coating may have a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is adapted to adhere well to the non-germanium lens and to provide a good adhering surface to the second layer, the second layer being not generally adherable to the non-germanium lens. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20110296067 | AUTOMATIC ADDRESSING SCHEME FOR 2 WIRE SERIAL BUS INTERFACE - An automatic addressing bus system and method of communication comprising a main and an end device, wherein the respective bus controllers used in the main and end devices comprise multi-master capability. The main controlling device has an address known to the end device to be connected, the end device is able to actively initiate the address allocation procedure, without the need for user interaction. The method and system of the present system may be implemented using such known bus systems such as 2-wire serial buses, in particular I | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110292556 | PROTECTION CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A circuit for protecting an electronic device from excessive voltages applied to an input or output terminal includes a solid state relay coupling the electronic device to the terminal. The solid state relay may include an opto-transistor coupled between the electronic device and the terminal and a light emitting diode optically coupled to the opto-transistor. The solid state relay is coupled in series with a current limiting device, such as one or more enhancement mode field effect transistors. A voltage detector coupled to the terminal detects a voltage larger than a specific value and causes current to flow thorough the light emitting diode, thereby interrupting the coupling between the terminal and the electronic device. The voltage detector may be coupled between two spaced-apart connections to the coupling path between the terminal to the electronic device so that the voltage detector avoids diverting current from the coupling path. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110285414 | Systems And Methods For An Open Circuit Current Limiter - A resistance measuring circuit includes a current generating component, a current control component, and a voltage measurement component. The magnitude of a target resistance can be measured by connecting the target resistance between first and second measurement terminals of the resistance measuring circuit, applying a current generated by the current generating component to the target resistance, and determining the voltage across the target resistance. When no target resistance is connected between the first and second measurement terminals, the current control component controls the current generating component to reduce current consumption of the resistance measuring circuit. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110276300 | VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT AND METHOD HAVING IMPROVED AUTOMATIC MODE OPERATION - An AC/DC voltage measuring instrument is operable in a DC mode, an AC mode, or an automatic mode. In the DC mode, an input terminal is coupled directly to an analog-to-digital converter, which generates a digital output signal indicative of the amplitude of the received signal. In the AC mode, the input terminal is coupled to an RMS circuit through a capacitor. The RMS circuit generates an output signal having an amplitude indicative of the RMS amplitude of the received signal, and this output signal is coupled to the analog-to-digital converter. In the automatic mode, the input terminal is also coupled to the RMS circuit, but it is coupled to the RMS circuit without being coupled through the capacitor. The input terminal is coupled to the RMS circuit through an amplifier, and a calibration procedure is used to compensate for any offset of the amplifier. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110221423 | MULTIMETER HAVING COMMUNICATIONS VIA MEASUREMENT TERMINALS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR SAME - A multimeter having measurement terminals and configured to receive measurement signals applied to the measurement terminals and a measurement value and also configured to receive communication signals applied to the measurement terminals and extract encoded information from the communication signals. The multimeter can be included in a multimeter communication system having a device coupled to the measurement terminals of the multimeter. The device is configured to generate communication signals having encoded information and provide the communication signals to the measurement terminals of the multimeter. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110220222 | SYSTEM TO CONTROL PRESSURE IN A TEST DEVICE - Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward pressure controllers and calibrators for setting or measuring pressures in test devices. In one embodiment, the pressure controller contains a dual reference pressure controller. The dual reference pressure controller is operable to maintain two different pressures relative to a reference pressure. The first pressure being a relatively fixed amount greater than the reference pressure and the second pressure being a relatively fixed amount less than the reference pressure. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110193549 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AMPLIFYING A SIGNAL AND TEST DEVICE USING SAME - An amplifier circuit is used in a multimeter to amplify signals applied between a pair of test terminals. A voltage applied to one of the test terminals is amplified by a first operational amplifier configured as a voltage follower. An output of the first operational amplifier is applied to an inverting input of a second operational amplifier configured as an integrator. An output of the second operational amplifier is connected to the other of the test terminals. A voltage generated at the output of the second operational amplifier provides an indication of the magnitude and polarity of the voltage applied to the first and second test terminals. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110178737 | USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING A ROTATING MACHINE CONDITION NOT BASED UPON PRIOR MEASUREMENT HISTORY - A vibration data collection and rotating machinery fault diagnostic instrument includes a machine setup engine, a measurement engine, a diagnostic engine, a measurement user interface module, a machine setup user interface module, and a diagnostic user interface module. The machine setup engine requests and receives parameters about the machinery through the machine setup user interface module. The measurement engine requests and receives sensor placement locations through the measurement user interface module and keeps track of locations that have been measured and locations that still need to be measured. The diagnostic engine diagnoses machinery faults and presents the information to the user through the diagnostic user interface module using an intuitive graphical severity scale. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110164656 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISSIPATING HEAT GENERATED DURING AN ELECTRICAL MEASUREMENT - Systems and methods for dissipating heat generated during an electrical function are disclosed. In particular, the disclosed systems and methods can be used for dissipating heat generated during low impedance measurement on a multimeter. In some embodiments, the multimeter can include a first thermistor coupled in series with a resistor in a measurement path, a second thermistor, and a switch coupled to the measurement path and the second thermistor for selectively including the second thermistor in the measurement path during a low impedance measurement. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110164651 | OPEN-LOOP VERTICAL DRYWELL GRADIENT CORRECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method are disclosed for controlling a drywell including a receiver having upper and lower ends with the lower end being more insulated than the upper and having a temperature sensor in thermal contact therewith. Upper and lower heaters are in thermal contact with the upper and lower ends respectively. A controller includes an integrated circuit having a temperature sensor. A reading from the integrated circuit is used to control power to the upper heater and reduce a temperature gradient between the upper and lower ends of the receiver. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110162943 | ELECTRO-MECHANICAL MICROWAVE SWITCH - A switch for selectively routing electrical signals, particularly microwave signals, in a printed circuit board includes a rotatable contact that is connected to a shaft. A first motor is configured to rotate the shaft and a second motor is configured to axially move the shaft to lift the contact from the printed circuit board. A position controller produces driving signals that are received by the first and second motors to lift the contact from the printed circuit board, rotate the contact to a desired position and lower the contact to the circuit board. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110156696 | MULTIMETER - A multimeter has a plurality of control panels, a display screen that can change display orientation, and/or a magnetic portion to releasably support the multimeter. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110151710 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ZEROING A TEST INSTRUMENT - An apparatus and method for shorting together a plurality of electrical leads. The apparatus includes an electrical conductor that extends between first and second ends and a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The electrical conductor includes a central bight that is disposed between the first and second ends and has a concave contour that defines a portion of the first surface. The electrical conductor also includes first and second bights that have convex contours that define portions of the first surface. The first bight is disposed between the central bight and the first end and the second bight is disposed between the central bight and the second end. The electrical conductor also includes a first and second contact segments that are respectively disposed between the first and second bights and the first and second ends. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110140687 | DIGITAL MULTIMETER HAVING CASE PANEL STRUCTURE - A multimeter includes a case defining an interior cavity in which components of the multimeter are located. The case has a top portion defining a plurality of first button apertures. A rotary selector knob is also provided for selecting a multimeter function. The multimeter further includes a separate front panel juxtaposed to the top portion of the case. The front panel has a plurality of second button apertures in respective register with at least some of the first button apertures. The top portion of the case may define a recess in which the front panel is received. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110122251 | Comparison of Infrared Images - Methods for comparing infrared image data and/or for generating infrared image comparison data are provided. In one method two image data sets are selected including visual-light and infrared image data from one or more points of view of a scene. Visual-light image data from each data set can be compared to determine an alignment correlation between different points of view for the visual-light data. The alignment correlation can then be used to correlate infrared image data from each data set. The correlated infrared image data can be compared to generate infrared comparison image data. Thermal imaging cameras capable of performing such methods are also provided. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110121844 | METHOD OF MEASURING EARTH GROUND RESISTANCE OF A PYLON - The present invention relates generally to a facilitated method for accurately measuring the earth ground resistance of a ground rod, in particular a footing of a pylon acting as a ground rod or a ground rod attached to the footings of a pylon, and obtaining an overall value for the resistance of the pylon i.e. all footings in parallel, and all pylons connected in parallel thereto. A method of determining the earth ground resistance of two or more pylon footings is provided according to the present invention, comprising conducting selective measurements of each footing of a pylon consecutively and wherein true values for the resistance of each footing measured are calculated. According to the present invention the testing means is connected directly to two auxiliary electrodes which are placed at predetermined distances from the pylon, and a current measurement means which is placed around a pylon footing in order to measure a the current flowing along the footing. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110106937 | MIXED-MODE ANALYSIS - A network analyzer determines, analyzes, and displays in streaming and non-streaming modes to provide analysis of specific transactions in that make sense within a primarily streaming or asynchronous flow of data, providing useful and accurate measurements. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110106936 | TRANSACTION STORAGE DETERMINATION VIA PATTERN MATCHING - A network analyzer, system and method determine whether or not network transaction data derived from network analysis should be stored, based on a configuration. Configuration strings (patterns) are entered via a configuration file, including specifying whether the string should be a prefix, suffix, other location or exist anyplace in the data. Storage enabling/disabling is provided for network transaction data. Configuration strings (patterns) can be specified for request/response summary/detail, and for specified parameters. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110103242 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING AND DISPLAYING PRESENCE OF WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK DEVICES - An instrument is disclosed that is capable of detecting and graphically displaying channel usage and the number of access points operating on each channel of interest. By using a module that counts the number of elapsed clock cycles, the total cumulative duration of detected frames, and the number of channel in-use cycles, the instrument can determine the percentage of time a channel is in use, the percentage of time of IEEE 802.11 usage on a channel, and the percentage of time of non-IEEE 802.11 usage on a channel. Further, channels are scanned for access point activity using a scanning algorithm that interleaves scanning channels at a first duration longer than the beacon interval and scanning channels at a second shorter duration. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110103238 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE EFFICIENT CORRELATION OF NETWORK TRAFFIC TO RELATED PACKETS - A network analyzer reads network packets and extracts characterizing attributes, grouping patents observed in a given amount of time on common attribute values. Grouped attributes are meta data, written to a database, while packets are written to files. Meta data is stored in the database including links to the physical packets related to the meta data, and a user interface enables query of the meta data and retrieval of related physical packets. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110103237 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE EFFICIENT INDEXING AND STORAGE OF NETWORK TRAFFIC - A network analyzer reads network packets and extracts characterizing attributes, grouping patents observed in a given amount of time on common attribute values. Grouped attributes are meta data, written to a database, while packets are written to files. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110101960 | CLAMP JAW ASSEMBLY - A clamp jaw assembly for a clamp meter is provided. The clamp jaw assembly comprises a housing containing a clamp jaw core disposed within a shield. The housing, shield, and core of the clamp jaw assembly are configured to provide an extended creepage and clearance path from an exterior of the housing to a surface of the core. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110091758 | THERMAL IMAGING DEVICE WITH A BATTERY PACK WITH A SEAL MEMBER MOLDED DIRECTLY THEREON - A thermal imaging device includes a replaceable battery pack, which may include a shock absorbing and/or seal member. A battery portion of the battery pack includes an electrical contact and a sidewall that contains at least one battery cell, which is electrically coupled to the contact. An attachment mechanism of the battery pack is configured to engage a portion of a housing of the device, such that a portion of the battery pack forms a terminal end of the device, the battery portion is held within the portion of the housing, and the electrical contact of the battery portion is operably connected to the imaging assembly of the device. The attachment mechanism is releasable from engagement with the housing, such that an entirety of the battery pack can be completely separated from the thermal imaging device. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110087991 | Methods and Apparatus for Reliable Entry and Enhanced Presentation of IPv6 Addresses - A technique for establishing an IPv6 address for a network device involves displaying a prefix field for accessing a list of IPv6 address prefixes, an interface identifier field for accessing a list of interface identifiers, and a fillable address field for entering an IPv6 address. An IPv6 address is constructed in the address field from an IPv6 address prefix selected from the prefix field and an interface identifier selected from the interface identifier field. The IPv6 address can be modified by manually entering characters via a user interface. A technique for displaying IPv6 addresses involves combining a mnemonic, which replaces the digits of the IPv6 address prefix portion of the address, together with the digits of the interface identifier of the IPv6 address. IPv6 addresses not associated with a mnemonic are readily identifiable. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110074395 | DIGITAL MULTIMETERS INCLUDING A REMOTE DISPLAY - A digital multimeter includes a body having a function selector and a first coupler and includes a head having a display and a second coupler. The function selector selects a parameter to be measured, and the display displays a measurement corresponding to the parameter to be measured. The first and second couplers are engaged in a first arrangement joining the body and the head, and the first and second couplers are disengaged in a second arrangement separating the body and the head. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110032113 | AC VOLTAGE PHASE DISCRIMINATOR FOR CIRCUIT BREAKER LOCATORS - An arrangement that includes a transmitter unit and a receiver for locating a circuit interrupter associated with a selected branch circuit of a power distribution system. The transmitter is electrically interconnected with the selected branch circuit and produces a sequence of tracing signals in a branch circuit that is to be traced. Each tracing signal is transmitted and detected at times measured with respect to a detected known phase of the signal on the branch circuit. In one embodiment, tracing signals are transmitted on a branch circuit of a 3 phase power distribution system when the branch circuit to be tested has a positive phase and the other phases are negative. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110032111 | CIRCUIT BREAKER LOCATOR - An arrangement that includes a transmitter unit and a receiver for locating a wire or a circuit interrupter associated with a selected branch circuit of a power distribution system. The transmitter is electrically interconnected with the selected branch circuit and produces a sequence of current pulses in a branch circuit that is to be traced to locate an associated circuit interrupter. Each current pulse is of a predetermined duration, a predetermined rise time, and a predefined fall time, which in one embodiment is equal to the current pulse rise time. The receiver is a handheld unit that is positioned in close proximity with the various circuit interrupters of the power distribution system and provides an indication that the desired wire or circuit interrupter has been located upon detecting current pulses that are with a predefined pulse duration, pulse separation and amplitude. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110029506 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BOUNDING LARGE QUERY OPERATIONS - Bounding of large queries is provided in a network analysis environment by receiving a user query of a data set of network transactions, submitting a meta data query to the data set to determine whether the query would require an unreasonable amount of time to complete, and notifying the user to re-formulate the query if it would require too much time. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110026196 | DIGITAL MULTIMETERS INCLUDING A RUGGEDIZED JACKET - A digital multimeter includes a display for displaying a measured parameter, a selector for selecting the measured parameter, at least one jack configured to receive a test lead plug, and a housing assembly including the display, the selector and the jack. The selector includes a push button, a rotary selector switch, a knob coupled to the rotary selector switch, and a cover molded over the knob. The cover includes a relatively soft material compared to the knob. The housing assembly includes a first and second housing portions coupled together, a gasket sealing the first and second housing portions, and a jacket overlying parts of the first and second housing portions and the gasket. The housing assembly defines an internal cavity and is configured to absorb impact energy in response to dropping the digital multimeter up to approximately one meter and protect against water and dust ingress into the cavity. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110022701 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF FILTERING STATISTIC, FLOW AND TRANSACTION DATA ON CLIENT/SERVER - Network traffic filtering is provided to enable gathering of data and statistics related to client/server traffic corresponding to valid and desired client to server/server to client traffic. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110015796 | POWER STATE COORDINATION FOR PORTABLE TEST TOOLS - A system and method of coordinating power states between two detachable units is disclosed. Only the primary unit has a user-controllable power control. The secondary unit is not directly user controllable. The power states of the two units are coordinated using an actuator mechanism when the units are attached. When the two units are detached, the state of the secondary unit is dependent upon the state of the primary unit and any subsequent commands transmitted by the primary unit to the secondary unit. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110014812 | THERMAL IMAGING DEVICE WITH A BATTERY PACK WITH A SHOCK ABSORBER - A thermal imaging device includes a replaceable battery pack, which may include a shock absorbing and/or seal member. A battery portion of the battery pack includes an electrical contact and a sidewall that contains at least one battery cell, which is electrically coupled to the contact. An attachment mechanism of the battery pack is configured to engage a portion of a housing of the device, such that a portion of the battery pack forms a terminal end of the device, the battery portion is held within the portion of the housing, and the electrical contact of the battery portion is operably connected to the imaging assembly of the device. The attachment mechanism is releasable from engagement with the housing, such that an entirety of the battery pack can be completely separated from the thermal imaging device. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110012589 | CLAMP-ON MULTIMETERS INCLUDING A ROGOWSKI COIL FOR MEASURING ALTERNATING CURRENT IN A CONDUCTOR - A clamp-on multimeter measures alternating current flow in an electrical conductor. The multimeter includes a display, a housing including the display, a first sensor, a second sensor, a processor and an integrator. The first sensor has a magnetizable material core and inductively senses the alternating current. The first sensor includes a first clamp portion fixed to the housing and a second clamp portion pivotally coupled to the first clamp portion. The second sensor includes a Rogowski coil that has a non-magnetic core and inductively senses the alternating current. The processor receives an input signal in a first voltage range and sends an output signal to the digital display. The integrator scales a signal from the second sensor in a second voltage range to the first voltage range. The housing includes the processor, the integrator, and a selector configured to select the input signal to the processor from one of the first sensor and the integrator. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110012587 | CLAMP-ON MULTIMETERS INCLUDING A ROGOWSKI COIL FOR MEASURING ALTERNATING CURRENT IN A CONDUCTOR - A clamp-on multimeter measures alternating current flow in an electrical conductor. The multimeter includes a display, a housing including the display, a first sensor, a second sensor, a processor and an integrator. The first sensor has a magnetizable material core and inductively senses the alternating current. The first sensor includes a first clamp portion fixed to the housing and a second clamp portion pivotally coupled to the first clamp portion. The second sensor includes a Rogowski coil that has a non-magnetic core and inductively senses the alternating current. The processor receives an input signal in a first voltage range and sends an output signal to the digital display. The integrator scales a signal from the second sensor in a second voltage range to the first voltage range. The housing includes the processor, the integrator, and a selector configured to select the input signal to the processor from one of the first sensor and the integrator. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110004711 | KEYPAD DE-BOUNCING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apparatus and method for de-bouncing keypad inputs is disclosed including interrupting a processor upon detecting a key press, reading input signals from the key pad to determine an initial port value and starting a timer. A keypad interrupt is disabled and processing resumes until expiration of the timer. The timer interrupts the processor and the input signals are read a second time and combined with the initial port value to determine a key identifier. The timer is started again and processing resumes. Upon expiration of the timer the processor checks for key release. If release is not detected, the timer is again started. If release occurs, the timer is disabled and the keypad interrupt is enabled. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110001809 | THERMOGRAPHY METHODS - A method for presenting a thermal image within a visible light image includes the steps of: identifying an outline of each object of interest within the visible light image; and, selecting an area of the visible light image, whose edge corresponds to the outline of each object of interest, in which to present the thermal image. An alternative method includes the steps of: identifying an area of interest within the thermal image; and selecting another area, separate from the area of interest, from which to remove a portion of the thermal image in order to display the visible light image therein. The visible light and thermal images are captured by a system that includes a visible light camera module and an infrared camera module. The visible light and thermal images are displayed on a display of the system, and selections are made via an interactive element of the system. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110001502 | RESISTANCE BRIDGE ARCHITECTURE AND METHOD - One or more embodiments are directed to a resistance bridge having two voltage measurements circuits that function in tandem. In one embodiment, a constant current source may be applied to two resistors coupled in series, in which the first resistor has a known resistance and the second resistor has a resistance to be determined or verified. A first measurement circuit may measure a first voltage across the first resistor and at substantially the same time a second measurement circuit measures a second voltage across the second resistor. The voltage of each resistor is converted to a ratio. Based on the ratio and the resistance of the first resistance, the resistance of the second resistor may be calculated. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110001501 | INTERNAL SELF-CHECK RESISTANCE BRIDGE AND METHOD - One or more embodiments are directed to a resistance bridge measurement circuit configured to perform an internal self-check. The resistance bridge measurement circuit may include two or more internal resistors. In one embodiment, the resistance bridge measurement circuit may be configured to measure a first voltage across one of the resistors and a second voltage across a combination of the two resistors. The measured voltages may be converted to a resistance ratio and compared to an expected value. In another embodiment, the resistance bridge measurement circuit may be configured to measure a third voltage across the other of the two resistors and a fourth voltage across a combination of the two resistors. The measured voltages may be converted to corresponding resistance ratios, summed and compared to an expected value. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100329306 | PROTECTIVE ENCLOSURE FOR A THERMAL IMAGING DEVICE OF AN INDUSTRIAL MONITORING SYSTEM - A thermal imaging device, which may be incorporated in an industrial monitoring system, is contained and protected by an enclosure that includes a window assembly. The window assembly includes a removable window and a temperature sensor, wherein the window provides a passage for infrared radiation to the imaging device, within the enclosure, and the temperature sensor is positioned, within the enclosure, for measuring a temperature of the removable window, and is adapted to communicate with circuitry of the imaging device. The window assembly may further include a removable retaining ring and a mounting plate. The mounting plate may include a bezel and an outer shoulder formed in a first side thereof, wherein the bezel receives the removable window and the outer shoulder receives the retaining ring, so that the retaining ring may hold the window against the bezel. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100316984 | DYNAMIC PULSE SIMULATOR - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for generating a simulated pulse to be used in combination with a patient monitor. In many embodiments, a pulse is simulated by displacing a volume in a pressurized system. For instance, in one embodiment, the volume in the pressurized system is displaced by rotating a first end of a tube relative to a second end that is held stationary. A portion of the tube collapses due to the twisting causing the volume in the system to decrease. The first end of the tube may be rotated back to its original position causing the volume in the system to return to its original state. This change in volume simulates a pulse. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100308852 | SHIELDED ANTENNA FOR SYSTEM TEST OF A NON-CONTACT VOLTAGE DETECTOR - A system and method of conducting a full system test on a non-contact voltage detector while simultaneously shielding the voltage detector's antenna from stray electric fields is disclosed. When a user runs the self-test, an alternating current generator capacitively couples to the antenna through an antenna shielding to detect any breaks in the antenna. The coupled signal is amplified and filtered by the voltage detector's electronics, and triggers an indicator if the voltage detector is fully operative. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100308772 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING STORED ELECTRICAL ENERGY TO QUIET POWER SENSITIVE MEASUREMENT CIRCUITS - The present invention is a system and method for temporarily storing electrical energy to power sensitive measurement circuits. In one embodiment, a switch-mode power converter is operable to charge an energy storage device. After the energy storage device is sufficiently charged, the switch-mode power converter is powered off so that sensitive measurements may be made without being affected by noise or interference caused by the switch-mode power converter. Once the measurement has been made, the switch-mode power converter is powered on and provides power to the energy storage device to recharge the energy storage device so that a subsequent measurement may be made. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100293243 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING DIRECTIONALLY DIFFERENTIATED (ONE-WAY) NETWORK LATENCY - Determining directionally differentiated latency in a network by use of master and slave test instruments to record latency measurements in their native time bases, and retrieving test instrument latency frame transmit/receive timestamps from the master and slave and converting them to the time base of one of the master or slave by use of the offset calculation, utilizing 3 bounce timestamp exchange, providing one-way latency measurement with resolution of less than 100 μs, using internal clocks in the test instruments, without requirement of expensive external time base technology. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100292952 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING ACCURACY OF AN INFRARED THERMOMETER MEASUREMENT - A system and method for determining whether a temperature measurement made with an infrared thermometer is accurate is disclosed. An infrared sensor array is used to detect infrared radiation from a target object. By analyzing the relative values of output signals from the individual sensor elements, a determination can be made whether radiation from the target object sufficiently fills the field of view of the detecting element of the instrument. A temperature measurement is considered accurate if this criteria is met. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100292951 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MEASURING THERMAL RADIATION TO DETERMINE TEMPERATURE AND EMISSIVITY OF AN OBJECT - A system and method are disclosed that determines the emissivity and temperature of a target object. A compact emitter capable of sequentially emitting blackbody-like radiation at two different temperatures is used to determine the target object's emissivity and temperature. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100270469 | LENS POSITION SENSOR FOR INFRARED CAMERAS - A lens position sensor for infrared or other types of cameras, which is particularly useful in lens assemblies that have relatively limited axial travel between near field and far field lens focus positions. The camera includes a magnet or other stimulator coupled to a rotatable lens that extends within a magnet plane where the magnet plane is not normal to the optical axis of the lens. A magnetic or other sensor senses the position of the magnet, which is indicative of the lens position. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100237245 | SHUTTERLESS INFRARED IMAGER ALGORITHM WITH DRIFT CORRECTION - An infrared imaging system having functionality for maintaining image quality in the presence of temperature drift of the system. Such functionality is applied repetitively to maintain image quality of a target scene, yet without continuous actuation of a shutter of the system. The functionality of the imaging system results from implementing an imager algorithm. In use, the imager algorithm functions with a calibration curve created for the imaging system, with the curve comprising a plot of system output versus target scene temperature. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100231197 | DIGITAL MULTIMETER HAVING VISIBLE LIGHT COMMUNICATION PORT - A digital multimeter can be monitored from a remote location via an on-board light source such as a backlight LED. The digital multimeter has memory, a processor operatively coupled to the memory, a light operatively coupled to the processor and the memory and a light sensitive sensor operatively coupled to the machinery and positioned proximate the light. The processor is configured to produce a first data signal containing information about the machinery, which is then modulated by the light so that the light blinks between an on state and an off state. The sensor is configured to detect the light on state and the light off state and convert the received light into a second data signal representative of the first data signal. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100225901 | PON TESTER - A high resolution optical fiber length meter, live fiber detector, and reflectance tester (instrument) for single mode applications using a low power, long wavelength laser for generating wide and narrow optical pulses that are launched into a single mode fiber under test. The laser output fiber pigtail is fusion spliced to a singlemode coupler whose output is coupled to the instrument bulkhead connector. A PIN photodiode is fusion spliced to the singlemode coupler to receive the reflected light from the fiber under test. The high resolution hand-held instrument is useful in examining singlemode passive optical networks (PON). | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100214919 | Methods and Apparatus for Determining and Displaying a Transaction Reset Metric - An apparatus for determining and displaying a transaction reset metric of individual transactions between host devices operating over a network includes a network management device, a processor, and a display device. The network management device monitors flows between the hosts, where the individual flows include individual transactions involving exchanges of packets. The network management device identifies flow resets that terminate flows between hosts. The processor evaluates the flow resets by identifying each flow reset that occurred during an incomplete transaction as a transaction reset and computes a transaction reset count metric as the sum of transaction resets that occur. The processor also identifies individual transactions terminated by a transaction reset. The display device displays on an individual transaction basis whether or not individual transactions were terminated by a transaction reset and displays the transaction reset count metric for selected portions of the network under test. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100211673 | Methods and Apparatus for Determining and Displaying WAN Optimization Attributes for Individual Transactions - An apparatus for associating WAN optimization attributes with performance metrics of transactions between hosts on a network includes a network management device, a processor, and a display device. The network management device monitors data traffic between hosts communicating over the network and collects WAN optimization information relating to the data traffic. The data traffic includes individual flows between the hosts, and the individual flows include individual transactions involving exchanges of packets. The processor computes at least one performance metric for individual transactions between the hosts and determines what types, if any, of WAN optimization were applied to the individual transactions. The display device displays on an individual transaction basis the performance metric in combination with either the types of WAN optimization applied to the individual transaction or an indication that no WAN optimization was applied to the individual transaction. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100198909 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE CONTINUOUS COLLECTION AND CORRELATION OF APPLICATION TRANSACTIONS ACROSS ALL TIERS OF AN N-TIER APPLICATION - Method and apparatus for continuous collection and correlation of application transactions across multiple tiers of an N-tier application employs an application monitoring appliance that observes application data and stores transactions and statistics. A reporting server aggregates and correlates monitored data from the application monitoring appliance and provides access via a web browser for viewing by a network engineer. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100182027 | TEST LEAD PROBE WITH RETRACTABLE INSULATIVE SLEEVE - The present invention is directed to a test probe having an indexable probe tip. In one embodiment, an insulative sleeve extends from the test probe and surrounds a portion of the exposed probe tip. The insulative sleeve is moveable relative to the probe tip and may be indexable to at least two positions. For instance, the insulative sleeve locks into a first position to provide a first length of the probe tip exposed from the insulative sleeve, and the insulative sleeve locks into a second position to provide a second length of the probe tip exposed from the insulative sleeve. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100181990 | DIGITAL MULTIMETER HAVING REMOTE DISPLAY WITH AUTOMATIC COMMUNICATION MODE SWITCHING - A multimeter comprising a base unit having at least one test lead terminal. A remote display unit separate from the base unit is also provided. The remote display unit has a display operative to show measured parameters. The multimeter further comprises communication circuitry operative to provide electrical communication between the base unit and the remote display unit. The communication circuitry provides electrical communication in a plurality of alternative communication modes. At least two of the alternative communication modes are preferably wireless communication modes. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100176828 | REVERSIBLE TEST PROBE AND TEST PROBE TIP - A reversible test probe and test probe tip. In one embodiment, a test probe tip is reversible relative to a test probe body. The reversible probe has a first probe tip at a first end and a second probe tip at a second end. The test probe body has an opening operable to receive the first probe tip and the second probe tip. When the first probe tip is positioned in the opening, the first probe tip is electrically coupled to a metal device in the test probe body. When the second probe tip is positioned in the opening, the second probe tip is electrically coupled to a metal device in the test probe body. In another embodiment, a test probe having two test probe tips is reversible relative to a test lead. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100176792 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ZEROING A TEST INSTRUMENT - An apparatus and method for shorting together a plurality of electrical leads. The apparatus includes an electrical conductor that extends between first and second ends and a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The electrical conductor includes a central bight that is disposed between the first and second ends and has a concave contour that defines a portion of the first surface. The electrical conductor also includes first and second bights that have convex contours that define portions of the first surface. The first bight is disposed between the central bight and the first end and the second bight is disposed between the central bight and the second end. The electrical conductor also includes a first and second contact segments that are respectively disposed between the first and second bights and the first and second ends. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100163730 | INFRARED IMAGING PROBE - An infrared imaging probe that includes an elongated wand and an electrically isolating connection between the imaging components, located at the distal end of the wand, and the image processing components, located at the proximal end of the wand. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100155587 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF THERMAL IMAGES - An image improvement system and method are disclosed that compensates for effects of optical scattering and pixel cross-talk on image quality in an imager employing a focal plane array. The method characterizes these effects on a test image, presents them as a set of stored numerical coefficients, and applies the coefficients during image processing. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100148759 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INDEXING AN ADJUSTABLE TEST PROBE TIP - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to adjustable test probe tips that are indexable. In one embodiment a mechanism is coupled to a probe tip so that the mechanism may be used to index the probe tip to a plurality of particular positions. A label portion may be provided to communicate to a user that the length of the exposed probe tip is less than a particular length, such as the maximum length an exposed probe tip may be for a particular application. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100131225 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING THERMOGRAPHIC ANOMALIES - A thermographic analysis method and apparatus is provided. The method includes obtaining base-line and operational thermographic profiles of a subject area, calculating a difference profile from the base-line and operational thermographic profiles, and providing an indication from the difference profile. The indication may be also based on thermographic differences in portions of the subject area that are defined as thermographic zones. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100128615 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE DISCRIMINATION AND STORAGE OF APPLICATION SPECIFIC NETWORK PROTOCOL DATA FROM GENERIC NETWORK PROTOCOL DATA - Discrimination of application specific network traffic from other from general or unclassified network traffic is provided. Users may specify particular applications or data strings to be monitored. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100127173 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING GAS LEAKS - A gas detection system is disclosed that uses an infrared illumination source and an infrared imaging detector. The infrared source is selected to emit at wavelengths corresponding to an absorption band of a gas to be detected. The region to be analyzed for the gas is illuminated, and the infrared radiation reflects off of local surfaces back to the imaging detector. At locations where the gas is present, the infrared radiation is absorbed which reduces the back reflection to the detector. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100126274 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF IDENTIFYING THE ORIENTATION OF A TRI-AXIAL ACCELEROMETER - A system and method for analyzing a device that includes a mass configured for motion. The system includes a tri-axial accelerometer disposed to detect acceleration vectors of the device and to output three channels of acceleration data, and a user interface receiving the three channels of acceleration data. The user interface is configured to correlate the three channels of acceleration data with a reference frame defined by three orthogonal axes intersecting at a vertex, and includes a display and a selector. The display shows sets of options that represent dispositions of the device with respect to gravity, placements of the tri-axial accelerometer with respect to the device, and orientations of the tri-axial accelerometer with respect to the device. The selector selects one device disposition option, one tri-axial accelerometer placement option, and one tri-axial accelerometer orientation option. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100109646 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AMPLIFYING A SIGNAL AND TEST DEVICE USING SAME - An amplifier circuit is used in a multimeter to amplify signals applied between a pair of test terminals. A voltage applied to one of the test terminals is amplified by a first operational amplifier configured as a voltage follower. An output of the first operational amplifier is applied to an inverting input of a second operational amplifier configured as an integrator. An output of the second operational amplifier is connected to the other of the test terminals. A voltage generated at the output of the second operational amplifier provides an indication of the magnitude and polarity of the voltage applied to the first and second test terminals. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100103976 | INFRARED TARGET TEMPERATURE CORRECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Infrared IR thermometer calibration systems and methods are disclosed in which the temperature of an IR thermometer calibration system is controlled such that radiation emitted by a target at a given input temperature is equal to the radiation emitted by a graybody heated to the input temperature and having an emissivity equal to an emissivity setting of an IR thermometer to be calibrated using the IR thermometer calibration system. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100102839 | FOUR-WIRE OHMMETER CONNECTOR AND OHMMETER USING SAME - A four-wire ohmmeter connector includes a pair of elongated members spaced apart from each other by an interconnecting web. A pair of elongated contacts are mounted on forwardly projecting portions of each of the elongated members. An insulative housing surrounds the elongated members, contacts and web. The contacts mounted on one of the elongated members are connected through separate wires to a positive probe, and the contacts mounted on the other of the elongated members are connected through separate wires to a negative probe. The elongated members are inserted into respective terminal apertures of a four-wire ohmmeter. A pair of semi-cylindrical conductive sleeves are aligned with each of the apertures, and they make contact with and compress the respective contacts that are inserted into the aperture. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100072981 | VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT AND METHOD HAVING IMPROVED AUTOMATIC MODE OPERATION - An AC/DC voltage measuring instrument is operable in a DC mode, an AC mode, or an automatic mode. In the DC mode, an input terminal is coupled directly to an analog-to-digital converter, which generates a digital output signal indicative of the amplitude of the received signal. In the AC mode, the input terminal is coupled to an RMS circuit through a capacitor. The RMS circuit generates an output signal having an amplitude indicative of the RMS amplitude of the received signal, and this output signal is coupled to the analog-to-digital converter. In the automatic mode, the input terminal is also coupled to the RMS circuit, but it is coupled to the RMS circuit without being coupled through the capacitor. The input terminal is coupled to the RMS circuit through an amplifier, and a calibration procedure is used to compensate for any offset of the amplifier. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100061419 | Automated Self Calibration in Optical Detectors - A method and apparatus for automated field calibration of temperature sensors uses a series of readings including a reading of a known source, such as an LED, for use in calculating a factor that is compared to a reference for adjusting the sensor output signal. Calibration readings are taken more frequently after start up to compensate for sensor drift during storage, as opposed to less frequent readings during operation to compensate for slower sensor drift while operational. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100058222 | GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES AND METHODS FOR THERMOGRAPHY - A graphical user interface facilitates methods for analyzing a temperature distribution across a scene that is captured by a thermal imaging device. Preferably, the interface includes a both a two-dimensional image of the captured scene and a three-dimensional representation of the captured scene. The three-dimensional representation is formed by a plurality of pixels, each of which are coded by a qualitative value from within a range of qualitative values, and each value, within the range, corresponds to a temperature. Each of the plurality of pixels is arranged, in a first and a second dimension of the three dimensions, according to a position of a corresponding pixel of the two-dimensional image, and, in a third dimension, according to a magnitude of the temperature associated therewith. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100054424 | INTEGRATED PATIENT POSITIONING AND RADIATION QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD - High intensity x-ray radiation therapy is used in the medical industry to treat tumors. Patients typically receive radiation treatment over a period of time, in which a quality assurance test of the x-ray beam is performed before each treatment. These quality assurance tests are performed by a detection device that receives the x-ray beam and measures the intensity, shape and uniformity of the x-ray beam. The integrated patient positioning and radiation quality assurance system includes recess assemblies into which an x-ray detection device is inserted to fix the location of the x-ray detection device on the board. As a result, the accuracy of the quality assurance test is improved and the set up time is reduced. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100046577 | THERMAL INSTRUMENT ENGINE - An engine for use in a thermal instrument. The engine includes an infrared camera module and may also include a visible light camera module. The engine includes several temperature sensors mounted on a printed circuit board assembly that permit the engine to provide improved radiometry functionality and improved fine offset compensation capabilities. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100046377 | List-Based Alerting in Traffic Monitoring - A technique for identifying deviations in patterns of data traffic between host devices communicating over a network involves establishing a baseline traffic distribution by categorizing data traffic during a learning period. The baseline traffic distribution includes a list of categories and a metric value and a measure of variability of the metric value for each category in the list. An observed traffic distribution is generated by categorizing data traffic during an observation period. The observed traffic distribution includes a list of categories and a metric value associated with each category in the list. An alarm is generated in response to at least one of the metric values of the categories of the observed traffic distribution deviating significantly from the corresponding metric value in the baseline traffic distribution based on a pair-wise comparison of the observed metric values with respective thresholds established for corresponding categories of the baseline traffic distribution. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100045809 | INFRARED AND VISIBLE-LIGHT IMAGE REGISTRATION - Methods and thermal imaging cameras are provided for registering visible-light and infrared images within a thermal imaging camera to reduce a parallax error in the images. Registration generally includes detecting a first feature set in the visible-light image data, detecting a second feature set in the infrared image data and generating a plurality of overlapping alignments of the infrared image data and the visible-light image data. A similarity figure is calculated as a function of the relative alignment of the first feature set and the second feature set for each alignment and the alignment with the desired similarity figure is selected. The images are aligned and the camera displays at least a portion of the visible-light image data and/or at least a portion of the infrared image data. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100045262 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ZEROING A TEST INSTRUMENT - An apparatus and method for shorting together a plurality of electrical leads. The apparatus includes an electrical conductor that extends between first and second ends and a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The electrical conductor includes a central bight that is disposed between the first and second ends and has a concave contour that defines a portion of the first surface. The electrical conductor also includes first and second bights that have convex contours that define portions of the first surface. The first bight is disposed between the central bight and the first end and the second bight is disposed between the central bight and the second end. The electrical conductor also includes a first and second contact segments that are respectively disposed between the first and second bights and the first and second ends. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100040109 | MULTI-ZONE NON-CONTACT SPOT THERMOMETER - A non-contact measurement device includes two or more detectors for sensing scene data from corresponding measurement zones within a target scene. Devices further include an optical system for imaging scene data from the target scene onto the detectors. The optical system is configured to provide a different optical profile for each detector, such that the device can be used to provide a best-fit optical profile for a variety of non-contact applications. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100037626 | TEMPERATURE CALIBRATION DEVICE HAVING RECONFIGURABLE HEATING/COOLING MODULES TO PROVIDE WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE - A temperature calibration device uses Peltier cells for heating and cooling. The Peltier cells are connected to a relay that connects the cells to each other in one configuration for heating and a different configuration for cooling. The Peltier cells also receive supply voltages having different magnitudes and polarities for heating and cooling. By changing the manner in which the Peltier cells are connected to each other and using different supply voltages for heating and cooling, the cells are able to operate closer to their specified maximum temperature differential without sacrificing the useful life of the cells. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100020389 | Articulating Infrared Window - An articulating infrared window to be installed into a panel of a cabinet is disclosed. The window includes a window housing and an infrared transparent pane. The infrared transparent pane is installed within the window housing. Embodiments of the window housing can include various articulation mechanisms including individually or in combination a double gimbal assembly, a single gimbal and rotary stage, a ball and socket joint, and an extension joint (such as a bellows) for articulating the infrared transparent pane. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100017507 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF COMBINING MULTIPLE PACKETS INTO PROTOCOL TRANSACTIONS WITH REQUEST AND RESPONSE DETAIL FOR ENHANCED TROUBLESHOOTING IN A LINE RATE NETWORK MONITORING DEVICE - Multiple packets are combined into protocol transactions with request and response detail for enhanced troubleshooting in a network monitoring device. The analysis may be done at a line rate, in an always on operation mode, providing constant gathering of analysis data and information. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100014746 | INTERACTIVE USER INTERFACES AND METHODS FOR VIEWING LINE TEMPERATURE PROFILES OF THERMAL IMAGES - An interactive graphical user interface includes a moveable pointer, which may be activated to select points of a computer-generated thermal image of an object, as the pointer is moved over a display of the image, so that line temperature profiles, which correspond to predetermined lines extending through the selected points, may be viewed, for example, on a line temperature profile chart of the interface, for each selected point as the pointer is moved. Each predetermined line extends between the corresponding selected point and another, predetermined, point of the image. The other predetermined point may either coincide with an origin of an x-axis or a y-axis of an orthogonal coordinate system, in which the image is aligned, or may be any other point of the thermal image, for example, one that is pre-selected by a user, with the moveable pointer. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20090326909 | REMOTE COMMAND INTERPRETER - A host instrument is disclosed that is capable of supporting non-native command sets. The host instrument uses interpretation rules to translate a non-native command into one or more actions. The host instrument also uses the interpretation rules to determine the appropriate responses to be transmitted, if any. The actions and responses of the host instrument emulate those of an alternate instrument that supports the command set. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090314055 | SYSTEM TO CONTROL PRESSURE IN A TEST DEVICE - Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward pressure controllers and calibrators for setting or measuring pressures in test devices. In one embodiment, the pressure controller contains a dual reference pressure controller. The dual reference pressure controller is operable to maintain two different pressures relative to a reference pressure. The first pressure being a relatively fixed amount greater than the reference pressure and the second pressure being a relatively fixed amount less than the reference pressure. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090312984 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OBJECTIVE SELF-DIAGNOSIS OF MEASUREMENT DEVICE CALIBRATION CONDITION - A measurement system uses a plurality of transducers that may differ from each other in at least one respect, such as having different operating principles or being made by different manufacturers. Respective measurement values obtained from the transducers are applied to a processor which provides a measured value based on the measurement values from a plurality of the transducers. The processor also provides information about the calibration drift of each of the transducers based upon a comparison between the measurement value obtained from the transducer to a value obtained from a combination of respective measurement values obtained from a plurality of the transducers. The calibration drift information provides an objective evaluation about the calibration condition of each of the transducers. When a transducer is determined to be outside of its calibration tolerance, a calibration needed alert occurs. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090302219 | VISIBLE LIGHT AND IR COMBINED IMAGE CAMERA - Methods, camera, and a computer-readable medium for registering on a camera display infrared and visible light images of a target scene taken from different points of view causing a parallax error. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090296593 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF MEASURING AND REPORTING DATA GAP FROM WITHIN AN ANALYSIS TOOL - Network data gap is determined and reported to enable a user to validate that all the traffic that was intended to be monitored is being monitored in monitoring and/or troubleshooting tools for observation of network traffic and network installation and maintenance. Span port oversubscription, incomplete span configuration, incorrectly placed network taps and monitoring device packet drop may thereby be detected and reported as data gap. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090296592 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF MEASURING AND REPORTING DATA GAP FROM WITHIN AN ANALYSIS TOOL - Network data gap is determined and reported to enable a user to validate that all the traffic that was intended to be monitored is being monitored in monitoring and/or troubleshooting tools for observation of network traffic and network installation and maintenance. Span port oversubscription, incomplete span configuration, incorrectly placed network taps and monitoring device packet drop may thereby be detected and reported as data gap. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090262341 | AUTOMATED DISPLAY QUALITY MEASUREMENT DEVICE - A method and apparatus for automating a quality assurance test conducted on display devices used for diagnostic imaging. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an automated mechanical system for scanning a light meter over a test pattern displayed on a display device. In another embodiment, the method comprises an automated method of comparing the measured data from the light meter with an ideal image. In another embodiment, the method comprises obtaining a digital image of the test pattern displayed on the display device, and the digital image is compared with an ideal image. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090240846 | UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS MASS STORAGE DEVICE ASYNCHRONOUS FILE AND FILE SYSTEM UPDATE WHILE CONNECTED TO A PC OR OTHER DEVICE - A system and method for universal serial bus mass storage device asynchronous file and file system update while connected to a pc or other device employs setting error flags and timestamp change flags when a file is changed, and returning the error conditions in reply to a REQUEST_SENSE command. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090189597 | INSTRUMENT FOR TESTING AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT - An instrument for testing an electrical circuit includes a housing, a printed circuit board disposed within the housing, and at least one probe in electrical communication with the printed circuit board. The instrument further includes a plurality of panels disposed within the housing, wherein each one of the plurality of panels has an indicator. Each of the plurality of panels is capable of being activated into an on state in response to an electrical measurement. When at least one of the plurality of panels is activated the indicator on that panel substantially corresponds to a magnitude of the electrical measurement. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090187568 | FREE STRING MATCH ENCODING AND PREVIEW - A system for entering data in a format that is easy to use, enabling selection of encoding format and displaying the resulting search data string in format to enable generation of byte sets for supplying to free string match algorithm for application to network data. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090140721 | DIGITAL MULTIMETER HAVING IMPROVED RECORDING FUNCTIONALITY - A digital multimeter automatically records measurements of electrical or physical parameters. The multimeter may record the measurements based on events such as the passage of time, fluctuations or deviations in the measurements, or user inputs. In some examples, the digital multimeter operates at a reduced power setting during automatic recording operations. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090128128 | AUTOMATIC CAPTURE AND STORAGE OF MEASUREMENTS IN DIGITAL MULTIMETER - A digital multimeter includes an auto-save component configured to automatically capture and save a sequence of measurements. The auto-save component detects when a measurement becomes stable and upon determining that the measurement has become stable, captures and saves the measurement in a memory of the digital multimeter. The multimeter may additionally include an auto-naming component for automatically assigning a name to each measurement in the sequence, and an auto-hold component for temporarily freezing the display of the stable measurements in the multimeter. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090128127 | AUTO-NUMBERING OF MEASUREMENTS IN DIGITAL MULTIMETER - A digital multimeter stores multiple sequential measurements of physical or electrical parameters. Each of the sequential measurements has a name including an automatically generated descriptor. The descriptor for each sequential measurement may indicate a relative position of the measurement within the sequence. For instance, the descriptor may indicate whether the measurement was obtained before or after other measurements in the sequence. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090128126 | ROTARY SWITCH MEMORY FOR DIGITAL MULTIMETER - A digital multimeter comprises a rotary switch and a rotary switch memory. The rotary switch can be moved between a plurality of positions to change the function performed by the digital multimeter. When the rotary switch is in a particular position, a user can change the function currently associated with that position from a default function to a non-default function. Thereafter, when the user moves the rotary switch away from the particular and then subsequently moves the position back to the particular position, the multimeter resumes the non-default function without requiring further user-input. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090128125 | MINI-MEASUREMENT DISPLAY FOR DIGITAL MULTIMETER - A digital multimeter displays a miniature version of a live actual reading of the multimeter. The miniature version typically appears after a larger version of the live actual reading is displaced by other display elements. The miniature version of the live actual reading may be accompanied by a warning icon or other graphical symbol to alert a user of a potentially hazardous electrical condition. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090128124 | INFORMATION DISPLAY FOR DIGITAL MULTIMETER - A digital multimeter provides information regarding measurements shown on a display of the multimeter, and available functions of the multimeter. The information typically relates to a current context of the multimeter. The context may include a current mode or other setting of the multimeter. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090126990 | RETRACTABLE CONTACT POST SHIELD AND METHOD - An electronic device having one or more contact posts is disclosed having a sleeve slidably mounted around the contact post and lockable by a push-push latching system in a retracted position in which the sleeve is below an upper end of the contact post and an extended position in which the sleeve extends around and covers the upper end of the contact post. The sleeve and contact post may have respective apertures extending transversely therethrough, which are aligned when the sleeve is slightly retracted to receive a probe. Alternatively, an ECG electrode clip may engage an end of the contact post when it is exposed by the sleeve being in the retracted position. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090125651 | Keypad De-Bouncing Apparatus and Method - An apparatus and method for de-bouncing keypad inputs is disclosed including interrupting a processor upon detecting a key press, reading input signals from the key pad to determine an initial port value and starting a timer. A keypad interrupt is disabled and processing resumes until expiration of the timer. The timer interrupts the processor and the input signals are read a second time and combined with the initial port value to determine a key identifier. The timer is started again and processing resumes. Upon expiration of the timer the processor checks for key release. If release is not detected, the timer is again started. If release occurs, the timer is disabled and the keypad interrupt is enabled. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090122826 | Infrared Target Temperature Correction System and Method - Infrared IR thermometer calibration systems and methods are disclosed in which the temperature of an IR thermometer calibration system is controlled such that radiation emitted by a target at a given input temperature is equal to the radiation emitted by a graybody heated to the input temperature and having an emissivity equal to an emissivity setting of an IR thermometer to be calibrated using the IR thermometer calibration system. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090121033 | Open-Loop Vertical Drywell Gradient Correction System and Method - A system and method are disclosed for controlling a drywell including a receiver having upper and lower ends with the lower end being more insulated than the upper and having a temperature sensor in thermal contact therewith. Upper and lower heaters are in thermal contact with the upper and lower ends respectively. A controller includes an integrated circuit having a temperature sensor. A reading from the integrated circuit is used to control power to the upper heater and reduce a temperature gradient between the upper and lower ends of the receiver. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090111310 | Quick-Release Connector - A connector includes a locking mechanism that locks the connector in a socket but allows removal of the connector without a manual operation that relies on depressing the locking mechanism. The connector is released from the socket when a sufficient pulling force is applied to the connector. The connector includes a spring-loaded detent that flexes during the insertion process. The detent snaps into a locking position. The detent can be released from the socket when sufficient tension is applied on the connector such that inadvertent tension will not result in breaking the connector. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090102925 | ERGONOMIC CONFIGURATIONS FOR THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS - A housing of a thermal imaging camera includes a camera portion, in which an thermal imaging assembly is mounted, and to which a focusing assembly is mounted, on a first side thereof, and to which a display is mounted, on a second side thereof; a handle portion of the housing extends from a bottom side of the camera portion of the housing at an angle, away from the first side of the camera portion. The housing is configured for ergonomic handling wherein an index finger of a hand may readily activate the focusing assembly, when the hand is wrapped about the handle portion of the housing. The hand may be a right hand or a left hand, and the camera may further include additional features to provide support for single-handed operation. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090064603 | VENTING SYSTEM FOR DRYWELL CALIBRATORS - In one aspect of the invention a drywell includes a heated receiver for receiving a temperature probe. The receiver has upper and lower ends and an inner shield positioned around the receiver to define a first air channel extending between the upper and lower ends. A flow plate is positioned above the upper end of the receiver and extends outwardly from the receiver. The flow plate defines a plate opening positioned over the receiver opening and has a lower surface sloping away from the receiver with distance above the receiver. A blower positioned below the lower end of the receiver induces air flow through the air channel. The lower surface of the flow plate directs the air flow away from the temperature probe. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090058399 | CLAMP JAW ASSEMBLY - A method of manufacturing a clamp jaw assembly for a clamp meter is provided. The method includes providing a clamp jaw core and a shield having a channel. The method further includes positioning the clamp jaw core within the channel of the shield such that the shield surrounds a portion of the clamp jaw core. The method also includes enclosing the clamp jaw core and the shield within a clamp jaw housing. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090050806 | VISIBLE LIGHT AND IR COMBINED IMAGE CAMERA WITH A LASER POINTER - A visible light (VL) and infrared (IR) combined image camera with a laser pointer. The laser pointer may be used for marking a hot spot on an object or for focusing an IR lens of a camera on an object. The laser pointer may be adjacent to the VL optics and offset from the IR optics. The VL sensor array may be much larger than the IR sensor array and the camera may also display the pixels of IR data with a much larger instantaneous field of view than the VL pixels. The camera may also provide audible alarms where the alarm is emitted with a tone of variable output to indicate the relative level of the alarm. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090045825 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN OPEN CIRCUIT CURRENT LIMITER - A resistance measuring circuit includes a current generating component, a current control component, and a voltage measurement component. The magnitude of a target resistance can be measured by connecting the target resistance between first and second measurement terminals of the resistance measuring circuit, applying a current generated by the current generating component to the target resistance, and determining the voltage across the target resistance. When no target resistance is connected between the first and second measurement terminals, the current control component controls the current generating component to reduce current consumption of the resistance measuring circuit. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090045800 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURING A DISPLAY FOR A DIGITAL MULTIMETER - A digital multimeter with a rotary switch having a plurality of positions, each of the positions corresponding to a primary measurement function to be performed. An LCD displays secondary functions or modes corresponding to the positions of the rotary switch and values determined by performing one of the measurement functions. The multimeter includes default functions for each position of the rotary switch that may be changed to other functions or modes. When the other functions or modes are set in a first position, the rotary switch is moved to a second position, and returned to the first position the multimeter restores the functions and/or modes set when the rotary switch was previously in the first position. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090045799 | DIGITAL MULTIMETER HAVING IMPROVED RECORDING FUNCTIONALITY - A digital multimeter having improved recording functionality is disclosed. The digital multimeter disclosed incorporates a rotary switch, a series of keys and buttons, and a digital display so as to provide highly integrated, programmable and configurable features. Several of these features, either taken alone or in combination, provide significant improvements in ease of use, speed of user operation, and safety associated with use of the instrument. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090040509 | OPTICAL TOPOLOGY FOR MULTIMODE AND SINGLEMODE OTDR - A network test instrument for singlemode and multimode OTDR testing employs an optical topology providing for combined singlemode and multimode use of a detector for reduced cost and instrument size. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090039870 | ELECTRICAL MEASURING INSTRUMENT HAVING DETACHABLE CURRENT CLAMP - A current clamp meter having a current meter body and a detachable current clamp. The current meter body and the current clamp are configured so that the current clamp is detachable from the current meter body and the meter is operable with the current clamp either attached to the current meter body or detached from the current meter body. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090027042 | Method and apparatus for amplifying a signal and test device using same - An amplifier circuit is used in a multimeter to amplify signals applied between a pair of test terminals. A voltage applied to one of the test terminals is amplified by a first operational amplifier configured as a voltage follower. An output of the first operational amplifier is applied to an inverting input of a second operational amplifier configured as an integrator. An output of the second operational amplifier is connected to the other of the test terminals. A voltage generated at the output of the second operational amplifier provides an indication of the magnitude and polarity of the voltage applied to the first and second test terminals. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090003410 | Sytems and methods for dissipating heat generated during an electrical measurement - Systems and methods for dissipating heat generated during an electrical function are disclosed. In particular, the disclosed systems and methods can be used for dissipating heat generated during low impedance measurement on a multimeter. In some embodiments, the multimeter can include a first thermistor coupled in series with a resistor in a measurement path, a second thermistor, and a switch coupled to the measurement path and the second thermistor for selectively including the second thermistor in the measurement path during a low impedance measurement. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090003406 | Thermal switch calibration apparatus and methods - An apparatus and method for testing thermal switches is disclosed including modulating the temperature of a receiver in thermal contact with a thermal switch at a first rate within a range containing the nominal switch temperature of the thermal switch. A first temperature at which the switch changes state is recorded. The temperature is then modulated at a second rate and a second temperature at which the switch again changes state is recorded. The temperature may be modulated at a third rate slower than the second rate to determine a third temperature. The first, second, and third switch temperatures are then processed and output to an operator. The first, second, and third rates may be determined according to an exponentially decreasing function. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090001908 | System and Method of Providing a Thermally Stabilized Fixed Frequency Piezoelectric Optical Modulator - A device for generating controlled vibration in an uncontrolled temperature environment includes a driving circuit that generates a signal having a first frequency and has a temperature-sensitive driving unit, a vibratory element coupled to the driving unit that vibrates at the first frequency according to the generated signal, and a temperature control circuit to control the temperature of the driving unit. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080311796 | Four-wire ohmmeter connector and ohmmeter using same - A four-wire ohmmeter connector includes a pair of elongated members spaced apart from each other by an interconnecting web. A pair of elongated contacts are mounted on forwardly projecting portions of each of the elongated members. An insulative housing surrounds the elongated members, contacts and web. The contacts mounted on one of the elongated members are connected through separate wires to a positive probe, and the contacts mounted on the other of the elongated members are connected through separate wires to a negative probe. The elongated members are inserted into respective terminal apertures of a four-wire ohmmeter. A pair of semi-cylindrical conductive sleeves are aligned with each of the apertures, and they make contact with and compress the respective contacts that are inserted into the aperture. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080308732 | System and method for analyzing a thermal image using configurable markers - A graphical user interface for analyzing thermal images is provided. The interface can be used to identify the temperatures at multiple areas of interest defined on an image. The areas can be denoted by configurable markers of different predetermined shapes. In some embodiments, the interface simultaneously displays temperature statistics relating to the user-identified areas of interest. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080302956 | OFFSET COMPENSATION SCHEDULING ALGORITHM FOR INFRARED IMAGERS - A method of scheduling offset compensation for an infrared (IR) imaging system to maintain good image quality. The method includes a scheduling algorithm for automatic offset compensation. The scheduling algorithm automatically adjusts periods between offset compensations based on the measurement of drift of the focal plane array (FPA) pixel levels. As a result, the periods are adjusted both when the camera is thermally stable and when the camera is undergoing an internal thermal change. | 12-11-2008 |
