Patents Examined by David Frederiksen
  • Patent number: 9488748
    Abstract: Systems, tools and techniques for generating downhole parameters of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation and having a downhole fluid (108) therein are provided. A downhole tool with sensor pads (118a, 118b, 118c, 118d) is positioned in the wellbore (106) for emitting an electrical signal therefrom and for measuring the electrical signal. A downhole fluid unit is provided for generating downhole fluid measurements from the measured electrical signal passing through the downhole fluid and for generating a downhole fluid distribution profile (430) based on the downhole fluid measurements whereby separation of the downhole fluid may be indicated. A formation unit may be provided for generating formation measurements from the measured electrical signal passing through the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard Bloemenkamp
  • Patent number: 9482697
    Abstract: A combined measuring and detection system is disclosed which includes an electronic evaluation unit for analyzing a broad frequency spectrum of measured quantities and one or more measuring devices for measurement of one or more of a magnetic field, an electric field, a current, and a voltage. The measuring devices are operatively connected to the electronic evaluation unit, which is provided with at least one frequency splitter dividing the measured quantities into a low frequency component and into a high frequency component. Low frequency components are used for measurement and protection analysis and high frequency components are used to detect partial discharges activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Radek Javora, Carlo Gemme, Gabriele Valentino De Natale
  • Patent number: 9465131
    Abstract: Techniques involve determining the frequency-dependent dielectric permittivity spectrum of a rock sample. Determining the frequency-dependent dielectric permittivity may involve defining a series of electromagnetic measurement data having at least a measurement at a frequency from which a substantially frequency-independent value of dielectric permittivity ?? can be obtained. The electromagnetic measurement data also includes measurements at different frequencies from which values for frequency-dependent dielectric permittivity ?rock (f) can be obtained. Using these measurements, the frequency-dependent spectrum of the sample may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barbara Anderson, Thomas D. Barber, Emmanuel Legendre, Martin G. Luling, Pabitra Sen, Reza Taherian
  • Patent number: 9448088
    Abstract: A magnetic rotary encoder for the fine resolution of the rotational angle of a shaft (1) includes an exciter unit which images the rotation to be monitored and rotates about an axis of rotation (20), a stationary fine resolution sensor unit (2) for fine resolution of each revolution, and an electronic processing means. It is characterized in that the exciter unit includes two first permanent magnets (7, 7) which are disposed symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation at a mutual spacing such that their magnetization vectors (21, 21) which extend through their respective center of gravity extend in the same direction in relation to the common field lines and form a central field space (9) which directly connects the permanent magnets, and at least the fine resolution sensor unit is so arranged that it can use the field (10) of the central field space for measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventors: Walter Mehnert, Thomas Theil
  • Patent number: 9448273
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interface unit, a conveying system and a method. The interface unit comprises an input circuit for the signal determining the safety of the conveying system. The interface unit further comprises means for testing the operating condition of the input circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Ari Kattainen, Antti Hovi
  • Patent number: 9444452
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of frequency hopping algorithms are described. One method listens to a noise level on multiple electrodes of a sense network at multiple operating frequencies. The method then selects one of the frequencies with a lowest noise level for scanning the electrodes to detect a conductive object proximate to the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: PARADE TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Petro Ksondzyk, Dennis Wavomba
  • Patent number: 9442142
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement, in particular for a non-contacting measurement, comprises a signal generator (SRC) which is connected to a first electrode (EL1). A first detector (Det1) is connected to the first electrode (EL1), and is designed for a capacitive measurement by means of the first electrode (EL1). A second detector (Det2) is connected to a second electrode (EL2) and is designed to use the first and the second electrodes (EL1, EL2) to carry out a capacitive measurement. A method for operation of the sensor arrangement is likewise specified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: AMS AG
    Inventor: Peter Trattler
  • Patent number: 9442060
    Abstract: A sensor device includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a functional element. The first electrode includes a first metallic material in which either a first passivation film is formed on a surface thereof or the first passivation film present on the surface thereof is lost, in association with changes in an environment of a measurement site. The second electrode includes a second metallic material different from the first metallic material, the second electrode being spaced apart from the first electrode. The functional element is configured to measure a difference in electric potential between the first electrode and the second electrode that changes depending on presence or absence of the first passivation film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Juri Kato, Takao Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 9435663
    Abstract: An absolute position encoder scale includes first and second layers in a stacked configuration. A read head moves relative to spatial modulation patterns of first (top) and second (lower) signal layers along a measuring axis, and a sensing portion produces one or more scale sensing fields to sense the signal layers. A higher frequency scale sensing field may provide a first limited sensing depth to sense position relative to the top signal layer pattern, and a lower frequency field may provide a second deeper sensing depth to sense position relative to the lower signal layer pattern. In some embodiments, an isolation layer between the first and second layers may include a spatial modulation pattern that complements the first layer pattern, to nullify its signal effects when sensing position relative to the second layer pattern using the second sensing depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Ted Staton Cook
  • Patent number: 9417271
    Abstract: A voltage detection device that detects a decrease in an output voltage of a power supply device, includes a first voltage-dividing circuit that divides the output voltage of the power supply device, a first constant-voltage circuit that converts the output voltage of the power supply device into a predetermined voltage, a second constant-voltage circuit that converts the output voltage of the power supply device into a predetermined voltage lower than an output voltage of the first constant-voltage circuit, a comparator that receives output voltages of the first voltage-dividing circuit and the second constant-voltage circuit, and a detection circuit that detects the decrease in the output voltage of the power supply device. The detection circuit detects a decrease in the output voltage in a higher-voltage region, and detects a decrease in the output voltage in a lower-voltage region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akira Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 9411012
    Abstract: A handler includes a base having an opening portion, a first hand which transports a transport target, a first transport section which transports the first hand to above the opening portion and moves the first hand down, a second hand which transports the transport target, a second transport section which transports the second hand to above the opening portion and moves the second hand down, and a control section which controls an operation of the first transport section and an operation of the second transport section. The handler has a state where the first hand and the second hand are disposed in parallel to the opening portion while being close to each other toward above the opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuo Hasegawa, Hiroaki Fujimori, Toshioki Shimojima
  • Patent number: 9414494
    Abstract: A current sensor includes a printed circuit and current lines. The printed circuit comprises a stack, along a vertical direction, of metallization layers mechanically separated by electrically insulating layers, and a measurement or excitation coil wound around a vertical winding axis. The coil is formed by conductive tracks made in at least one metallization layer. One or more current lines are positioned in a plane parallel to the layers and are configured to be supplied with currents to be measured. The coil comprises turns formed by conductive tracks, made in respective metallization layers, electrically connected to one another by pads passing through at least one of the electrically insulating layers, to form a coil that extends along the vertical winding axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventor: Philippe Klein
  • Patent number: 9404963
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: a current control unit to control an amount of constant current and supply a first and second constant currents to an infrared detection pixel; a constant current supply time control unit to control periods of time in which the first and second constant currents are supplied to the infrared detection pixel; an A-D converter to convert a first and second electrical signals from the infrared detection pixel into a first and second digital signals, the first and second electrical signals being generated when the first and second constant currents is supplied to the infrared detection pixel, respectively; a subtracting unit to calculate a difference between the first and second digital signals; and a determining unit to determine whether the infrared detection pixel is a defective pixel based on the absolute value of the difference calculated by the subtracting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Hiroto Honda, Koichi Ishii, Hideyuki Funaki, Keita Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9405953
    Abstract: A biometric scanner having an electric field device and a method of using that scanner are disclosed. The electric field device (a) has no electric field generator or an electric field generator that is prevented from providing an electric field to a biometric object, such as a finger, and (b) has an electric field sensor array comprised of a plurality of electric field sensors. Capacitance readings from the sensor array are used to generate values that are attributed to locations corresponding to the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: John K. Schneider, Jack C. Kitchens
  • Patent number: 9405032
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for measuring an electric potential in the earth, which includes a first sensor are disclosed. The first sensor includes a sensing plate for placement in an environment in close proximity to the earth. The sensing plate has an operative capacitive coupling with the earth and measures the earth's electric potential. The sensor also includes a barrier providing electrochemical segregation between the sensing plate and the earth and an amplifier having at least one stage for receiving and amplifying a first signal carrying the potential measured by the sensing plate. The sensor also includes a first connection carrying the first signal from the sensing plate to the amplifier; and a reference voltage for application to the first stage of the amplifier, the reference voltage providing a reference against which the potential measured by the sensing plate is compared. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: GroundMetrics, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew D. Hibbs
  • Patent number: 9400164
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor provides an angle error value to correct errors of the magnetic field sensor. The angle error value is a function of temperature and magnetic field strength and is used to correct a measured magnetic field angle. Associated methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Daubert, Richard Vreeland
  • Patent number: 9400296
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for tracking energy consumption. An energy tracking system comprises at least one switching element, at least one inductor and a control block to keep the output voltage at a pre-selected level. The switching elements are configured to apply the source of energy to the inductors. The control block compares the output voltage of the energy tracking system to a reference value and controls the switching of the switched elements in order to transfer energy for the primary voltage into a secondary voltage at the output of the energy tracking system. The electronic device further comprises an ON-time and OFF-time generator and an accumulator wherein the control block is coupled to receive a signal from the ON-time and OFF-time generator and generates switching signals for the at least one switching element in the form of ON-time pulses with a constant width ON-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Horst Diewald, Johann Zipperer, Peter Weber, Anton Brauchle
  • Patent number: 9377434
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for the presence or concentration of an analyte has at least one electrode and at least one electrochemically active species able to undergo electrochemical reaction in response to electrical potential applied to the electrode, where the said reaction is modified by the presence of the analyte. This sensor has the novel characteristic that at least one said electrochemically active species is encapsulated within polymer particles. These particles are preferably formed from an amorphous polymer with a glass transition temperature above the temperature of the fluid to which the sensor is exposed. The encapsulating polymer protects the analyte species from degradation, but a small analyte such as a hydrogen or bisulfide ion can pass through the polymer and undergo reaction at the active species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Valerie Lafitte, Nathan S. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 9377327
    Abstract: A magnetic direction sensor, comprising a first array of magneto-resistive elements, said array having a first array primary direction and wherein some but not all of the magneto-resistive elements are wholly or partially provided at a first angle to the primary direction, and the remaining elements are also inclined with respect to the primary direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Analog Devices Global
    Inventor: Jan Kubik
  • Patent number: 9366705
    Abstract: A method of monitoring an output signal of a switching-mode power supply for the presence and magnitude of the switching frequency comprises sampling the output signal at a sampling frequency above the minimum Nyquist limit to provide a succession of samples; cross-correlating a reference signal and the samples to provide cross-correlation values; and monitoring the cross-correlation values to ascertain the magnitude of a component of the output signal at or near the frequency of the reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: AKER SUBSEA LIMITED
    Inventor: Philip Michael Bagley