4061 results about "Reference surface" patented technology

A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.

An apparatus and method for assembling a soft tissue reconstruction system having first and second anchor assemblies. The apparatus includes a base plate, a first mounting block mounted to the base plate and having a first reference surface against which the first anchor assembly is mountable, a second mounting block slidably mounted to the base plate and having a second reference surface against which a bone anchor of the second anchor assembly is mountable, a measurement bar extending from the second mounting block and slidable relative to the first mounting block, a support block slidably mounted to the measurement bar having a third reference surface for abutting against a tissue presentation surface of the second anchor assembly, and a tensioning device for tensioning a graft attached to the first anchor assembly. Indicia on the measurement bar indicate the proper locations of the reference surfaces and components mounted/abutted thereto.

Patient-specific instruments for preparing bones for receipt of orthopedic prostheses, such as the distal tibia and the talus in a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) procedure. A tibial guide and a talar guide are manufactured based on patient-specific anatomical data obtained using imaging technology, and each guide includes a surface conforming to selected anatomical surfaces or regions of the tibia or talus, respectively. Each guide includes at least one cut referencing surface, such as a cut slot, to guide a resection, and may also include a guide aperture sized to guide a reaming tool for reaming the distal tibia or talus. The guides may also include pin holes positioned within a periphery defined by the cut referencing surfaces such that, when the resections are made and the resected tibial bone portion or talus bone portion is removed, the guide and its associated pins are removed along with the resected bone portion. The guides may be designed to ensure that a proximal resected surface of the distal tibia is parallel to a resected surface of the talus, with the parallel resected surfaces perpendicular to the anatomical axis of the distal tibia.

A substrate support assembly arranged in a chamber includes: a support plate including a first surface on which a substrate is seated; a driver configured to tilt the support plate such that the first surface is inclined with respect to a reference surface by a lower inclination angle; and a controller configured to control the driver such that the lower inclination angle is adjusted based on an upper inclination angle formed by the inclination of the gas supplier coupled to the upper surface of the chamber with respect to the reference surface.

Apparatus for painting hulls of boats includes at least an anthropomorphic robot having paint dispensing elements, at least a supporting body which defines a chamber for containing the robot and which includes at least an opening for applying paint on a reference surface, handling elements of the body along at least a direction of moving close to/away from the surface, air suction elements to form a suction stream substantially along the entire surrounding edge of the opening, according to a preset suctionable air flow, command and control elements operatively connected to the handling elements to control movement of the body along the moving direction, sensor elements associated with the body to detect the distance of the surrounding edge from the reference surface and operatively connected to the command and control elements, the latter being programmed to adjust the distance of the surrounding edge of the opening from the reference surface.

The present invention provides an obstacle avoiding apparatus, an obstacle avoiding method, an obstacle avoiding program, and a mobile robot apparatus that can accurately model a robot apparatus and plan a highly precise moving route for the robot apparatus that avoids obstacles. The obstacle avoiding apparatus, to be used for a mobile robot apparatus to avoid obstacles, includes an obstacle environment map drawing section that divides the range of height from the reference surface for the mobile robot apparatus to move thereon to the height of the mobile robot apparatus into a plurality of layers corresponding to predetermined respective ranges of height and draws obstacle environment maps, each showing the condition of being occupied by one or more than one obstacles existing in the corresponding layer, and a route planning section that plans a route for the robot apparatus to move along according to an enlarged environment map prepared by enlarging the area occupied by the obstacle or obstacles in the obstacle environment maps as a function of the cross sectional profile of the mobile robot apparatus in each of the layers.

A laser interferometer is embedded into an interference microscope to precisely determine the in-focus position of the microscope objective's reference mirror. A collimated laser beam is introduced into the microscope system and split into two beams directed toward a calibration reference surface and the interference objective. The light reflected from the calibration reference surface is returned to the camera. The light into the interference objective is focused onto the reference mirror and returned to the camera. For the purpose of calibration, the two beams are combined at the camera to produce interference fringes. When the reference mirror is in focus, the returned beam is collimated; if the mirror is on either side of focus, the beam is either converging or diverging. Accordingly, the interferogram produced at the camera reflects the in-focus or out-of-focus condition of the reference mirror. The curvature of the wavefront returned from the reference mirror is determined electronically by analyzing the interference fringes produced with the beam returned from the calibration reference surface. By minimizing the curvature of the reference-mirror wavefront as the mirror is translated along the optical path, the reference mirror can be focused with an accuracy greater than possible by visual observation. Furthermore, by automating the focusing system with a precise translation mechanism driven by closed-loop control, operator-to-operator variations are completely eliminated.

A controller inclines a movable body with respect to an XY plane at an angle α in a periodic direction of a grating, based on a measurement value of an interferometer which measures an angle of inclination of the movable body to the XY plane, and based on a measurement value of an encoder system and information of angle α before and after the inclination, and computes an Abbe offset quantity of the grating surface with respect to a reference surface (e.g., an image plane of a projection optical system) which serves as a reference for position control of the movable body in the XY plane. Then, the controller drives the movable body, based on positional information of the movable body in the XY plane measured by the encoder system and a measurement error of the encoder system corresponding to an angle of inclination of the movable body to the XY plane due to the Abbe offset quantity of the grating surface.

A method for inspecting a honeycomb structured body of the present invention is a method for inspecting a honeycomb structured body comprising a pillar-shaped honeycomb fired body having a multitude of cells placed in parallel with one another in the longitudinal direction with a cell wall therebetween, the method comprising: measuring the shape of the honeycomb structured body in the longitudinal direction through preparing a contact measurement apparatus including a reference surface, a rail disposed perpendicularly to the reference surface, and a measurement probe including a contacting probe configured to move along the rail; contacting one end face of the honeycomb structured body with the reference surface; and moving the measurement probe in a direction nearing the reference surface to contact the contacting probe with the other end face of the honeycomb structured body.

As data about events and objects become more commonly available, analyzing and understanding of interrelated temporal and spatial information is increasingly a concern for military commanders, intelligence analysts and business analysts. A system and method is provided for creating a multidimensional visual representation of a group of data elements having integrated temporal and spatial properties. The data elements are included in the visual representation as corresponding visual elements, such that the data elements of the group linked by at least one association. The system includes a visualization manager for assembling the group of data elements using the at least one association and for assigning a connection visual element in the visual representation between a first visual element representing a first data element of the group and a second visual element representing a second data element of the group. The system also has a spatial visualization component, such as a sprite, configured for generating a spatial domain of the visual representation to include a reference surface for providing a spatial reference frame having at least two spatial dimensions. The reference surface is for relating the first visual element to a first location of interest in the spatial reference frame and for relating the second visual element to a second location of interest in the spatial reference frame. The system also has a temporal visualization component, such as a sprite, configured for generating a temporal domain of the visual representation operatively coupled to the spatial domain, the temporal domain for providing a common temporal reference frame for the locations of interest. The temporal domain includes a first time track, such as a timeline, coupled to the first location of interest and a second time track coupled to the second location of interest, such that the first visual element is positioned on the first time track and the second visual element is positioned on the second time track. Each of the time tracks configured for visually representing a respective temporal sequence of a plurality of the data elements at each of the locations of interest of the reference surface. In implementation of the method, the connection visual element represents a distributed association in at least one of the domains between the first visual element and the second visual element such that the visual representation is displayed on a user interface for subsequent interaction with user events, including animation of the visual elements to help in the analysis of the data contained in the visual representation.

For achieving small-sizing and high efficiency by improving heat radiation of coils, and further for simple-construction to be easily disassembled, thereby being environment-friendly from a view point of recycling, an electric rotating machine comprising: a stator 1a being constructed by inserting coils 10a into slots 11 of a stator core 2a; an outer frame 4 being divided into a plurality thereof, so as to cover periphery of the stator core of said stator; a pair of bearing holder portions 6a and 6b, each having a fitting portion 35a or 35b to be fitted into an inner diameter reference surface 25a at both end portions of said stator and being provided with a bearing 8a or 8b at an axial center portion thereof, and being attached at both sides of said stator core so as to cover coil end portions dropping out at both sides of said stator; a squeezing mechanism (30, 32a, 32b, 6a, 6b) fixing the outer frame at an outer periphery of the stator core, by a wedge function between each of the bearing holder portions and the outer frame due to a squeezing function of attaching the each of said pair of bearing holder portions at both sides of said stator core; and a rotor 3 being formed with an escaping portion for escaping from an outer diameter of a portion opposing to a fitting portion of each of said bearing holder portion, rotatably positioned within said stator core.

A system and method is provided for coordinating display of synchronized spatial information and time-variant information on a visual interface as a visual representation of a multi-dimensional planned process. The system and method comprise a data store configured for storing the time-variant information, such that the data store is further configured for storing the spatial information as a plurality of data elements for representing visual elements for display in the visual representation with respect to a reference surface. Each of the visual elements is operatively coupled to at least one sequenced element of a plurality of sequenced elements. The system and method also include a synchronization module coupled to the data store and is configured for synchronizing a displayed state on the visual interface of the spatial information with a displayed state on the visual interface of the time-variant information. The time-variant information includes timeline data including at least two of the plurality of sequenced elements having overlapping time spans with respect to a common temporal reference frame, and includes a marker for facilitating navigation of the plurality of sequenced elements with respect to the common temporal reference frame. Changes in the displayed state of the time-variant information are reflected in changes to the displayed state of the spatial information.

A package dimensioner and reader having a reference surface to support an object; a measurement system comprising at least one laser above the reference surface generating at least one laser beam directed towards the reference surface, and a first optical detection device above the reference surface and adjacent to the at least one laser; and a processor operatively connected to the measurement system to process an image view captured by the optical detection device. The image view comprises an object image and a laser beam image. Based on the image view the processor calculates characteristics of the box such as the height. Other characteristics of the object may be determined such a length, width, and weight, sender or receiver information, and other related information regarding the transit of the object. The package dimensioner and reader may further comprise a second optical detection device to capture other information regarding the object.

A laser level disposable on a reference surface includes a housing, a pendulum pivotably connected to the housing, a first laser diode disposed on the pendulum for emitting a first laser beam along a first path, and a lens disposed on the pendulum in the first path for converting the first laser beam into a first planar beam, the first planar beam forming a line on the reference surface.

Cutting guides, cutting tools, and soft tissue management techniques permit the use of pivoting guide surfaces to facilitate in controlling the sweep or arc of a cutting tool used in connection with resection and arthroplasty procedures. In accordance with one embodiment, a guide structure is provided with one or more guide pivot aperture(s) and one or more guide pivot reference surface(s) that mate with a bushing assembly controlling a cutting tool. The bushing assembly possesses a bushing reference plan which mates with the pivot reference surface(s) of the guide structure and a bushing pivot pin which mates with the guide pivot aperture(s) of the guide structure. In one embodiment, a bushing guide lumen is operably coupled to the guide structure for articulated and/or axial guidance of the cutting tool.

Disclosed is an ink tank coupling method for an ink jet recording apparatus including a recording head, an ink supply needle, and a moving unit for moving the ink supply needle to a predetermined position, the recording apparatus being able to detachably mount an ink tank containing ink supplied to the recording head. The method includes a step of holding and fixing the ink tank to a predetermined position by releasing a movement preventing unit which prevents movement of the ink supply needle caused by the moving unit, and pressing the ink tank to abut a reference surface with an operation of attaching the ink tank to the recording apparatus, and a step of inserting the ink supply needle to the predetermined position in the ink tank by the moving unit after the holding and fixing step. Disclosed also is an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink tank adapted for carrying out the ink tank coupling method with a relatively simple construction and with higher reliability of the coupling, while allowing users to recognize the proper coupling of the ink tank.

Generating a virtual model of environment in front of a vehicle based on images captured using an image capturing. The Images captured on an image capturing device of a vehicle are processed to extract features of interest. Based on the extracted features, a virtual model of the environment is constructed. The virtual model includes one or more surfaces. Each of the surfaces may be used as a reference surface to attach and move graphical elements generated to implement augmented reality (AR). As the vehicle moves, the graphical elements move as if the graphical elements are affixed to the one of the surfaces. By presenting the graphical elements to move together with real objects in front of the vehicle, a driver perceives the graphical elements as being part of the actual environment and reduces distraction or confusion associated with the graphical elements.

The present invention consists of a technique and device for measuring the thickness variation and shape of wafers or other polished opaque plates. A combination of two improved phase-shifting Fizeau interferometers is used to simultaneously measure the single-sided distance maps between each side of the wafer and the corresponding reference flat, with the thickness variation and shape being calculated from these data. Provisions are made to determine and eliminate the shape and tilt of the reference surfaces, and also to facilitate the correct overlay of the two single-sided measurements for the calculation of thickness variation and shape.

An apparatus used in a process for supporting a printed circuit board during a wave soldering operation including a frame with a frame opening in which a surface of the frame supports the board and also serves as a reference surface for vertically positioning the board above the solder pool. The board is secured against the reference surface with spring loaded clamps. Stiffeners preferably being an aluminum extrusion having a Tee or angle cross section is mounted along the outside edge of the reference surface of the frame and has a second reference surface facing in a direction opposite the reference surface of the frame. The second reference surface on the extrusion is accessible for support by a slide rail so that the height of the reference surface of the frame above the surface of the pool is independent of the thickness of the board or frame. A board support bar for minimizing warpage of the board from heat is disclosed as well as a hold down bar that secures components on the board so that they do not float away when contacted by the solder wave.

A device for measuring a mechanical property of a tissue includes a probe configured to perturb the tissue with movement relative to a surface of the tissue, an actuator coupled to the probe to move the probe, a detector configured to measure a response of the tissue to the perturbation, and a controller coupled to the actuator and the detector. The controller drives the actuator using a stochastic sequence and determines the mechanical property of the tissue using the measured response received from the detector. The probe can be coupled to the tissue surface. The device can include a reference surface configured to contact the tissue surface. The probe may include a set of interchangeable heads, the set including a head for lateral movement of the probe and a head for perpendicular movement of the probe. The perturbation can include extension of the tissue with the probe or sliding the probe across the tissue surface and may also include indentation of the tissue with the probe. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a Lorentz force linear actuator. The mechanical property may be determined using non-linear stochastic system identification. The mechanical property may be indicative of, for example, tissue compliance and tissue elasticity. The device can further include a handle for manual application of the probe to the surface of the tissue and may include an accelerometer detecting an orientation of the probe. The device can be used to test skin tissue of an animal, plant tissue, such as fruit and vegetables, or any other biological tissue.

The present invention provides an intermediate adapter capable of being mounted on a first camera on which a first interchangeable lens is mounted and a second camera on which the first interchangeable lens and a second interchangeable lens are mounted. The second interchangeable lens includes a protruding portion protruding toward an image plane from its mount reference surface whose protruding amount is larger than that of the first interchangeable lens and has a flange back equal to that of the first interchangeable lens. The first camera has a first wall portion inside its mount and prevents mounting of the second interchangeable lens by the protruding portion of the second interchangeable lens contacting the first wall portion. The second camera includes a second wall portion provided inside its mount at a position retreated from the protruding portion of the second interchangeable lens.

An apparatus for displaying an image of a blind spot area to which driver's view is obstructed by a pillar, includes: an monitor on the pillar; a camera to take an image of a peripheral area including the blind spot area; and an image converting device to convert the camera image and create an output image to be displayed on the monitor. The image converting device sets in the peripheral area a reference surface defined as a surface of a sphere around a reference point at which the driver's eye point is assumed to exist; obtains positions of intersecting points at which half-lines extending from the reference point and passing through respective screen pixels of the monitor intersect with the reference surface; identifies pixels of the camera image corresponding to the respective intersecting points based on the camera's parameters; and creates the output image using data of the identified pixels.