Patents Examined by Huy Q. Phan
  • Patent number: 11215656
    Abstract: A method for detecting partial discharges of an electrical operating device, wherein electromagnetic signals are captured at different positions of the operating device in a decentralized manner by a plurality of sensor apparatuses, where a sinusoidal phase progression is centrally determined for a voltage by a voltage-measuring assembly, and at least one phase point characterizing the phase progression is provided, and the electromagnetic signals are each provided with a time stamp, and a partial discharge signal is determined in each of the electromagnetic signals, and the at least one time stamp of the characterizing phase point and the time stamps of the partial discharge signals are taken into consideration by an evaluation assembly in a superposition of the sinusoidal phase progression with the partial discharge signals. An assembly detects partial discharges of an electrical operating device by the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anton Wiedenbauer
  • Patent number: 11215644
    Abstract: Current transducer comprising a section of a primary conductor and a magnetic field gradient sensor mounted in proximity to the primary conductor configured to measure a magnetic field gradient in a gradient measurement direction transverse to a direction of flow of a primary current flowing in the primary conductor. The current transducer further comprises a first lateral magnetic shim mounted adjacent a first outer side of the primary conductor, and a second lateral magnetic shim mounted adjacent a second outer side of the primary conductor, a major internal surface of the first and second magnetic shims facing the magnetic field gradient sensor and extending essentially parallel to the direction of flow of the primary current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: LEM INTERNATIONAL SA
    Inventor: Dominik Schläfli
  • Patent number: 11218111
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a surface includes a housing and a probe. The housing includes a light source to direct light along a longitudinal axis and a shutter to selectively allow light to pass through to the probe. The probe includes a body portion and a head portion. The head portion of the probe includes a collector to detect photoelectrons emitted from the surface in response to light from the light source impinging on the surface. A proximal portion of the head portion moves relative to a distal portion of the head portion to allow for variations in angle relative to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignees: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of NASA, Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Ferrante
  • Patent number: 11209478
    Abstract: A system for verifying the operation of RF generators and resulting pulse waveforms in semiconductor processes includes a process chamber, a profile sensor, an optical sensor and a controller. A process implemented by the controller of the system for verifying the operation of RF generators and resulting pulse waveforms in semiconductor processes includes generating a pulse profile of a pulse shape of an RF generator under test, selecting a stored, representative profile of an RF generator known to be operating correctly to compare to the profile generated for the RF generator for a same pulse mode, defining a quantitative metric/control limit to identify similarities and/or differences between pulses of same pulse modes between the generated profile of the RF generator and the stored profile, comparing the generated profile and the selected stored profile, and determining if the RF generator under test is operating properly based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Sathyendra Ghantasala, Hyun-Ho Doh
  • Patent number: 11204388
    Abstract: A power generation equipment monitoring system includes a receiver and a determining processor. The receiver acquires, from a measuring device that measures output currents of power generation equipment that converts rotational energy of a rotor thereof into electric energy to output AC voltage with a reference frequency, waveform data representing waveform of the output currents. The determining processor determines presence and absence of a malfunction in a rotary block that applies motive power to the rotor of the power generation equipment, according to the waveform data acquired through the receiver. The determining processor determines the presence and absence of the malfunction based on a component of at least one specific frequency arranged at one or more intervals according to a rotational speed of the rotor from the reference frequency on a frequency axis in a frequency spectrum of the output currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shin Tabuchi, Satoshi Kanai
  • Patent number: 11199592
    Abstract: A robotic inspection system for corrosion detection within external post-tension bridge tendons includes a sensing device. The sensing device is configured to move along a bridge tendon to detect magnetic flux leakage of the bridge tendon as the sensing device moves along the bridge tendon. In addition, the system includes a location device coupled to the sensing device, where the location device is configured to determine the location of the sensing device on the bridge tendon. The system also includes a control station configured to wirelessly interface with the sensing device and the location instrument. The control station is also configured to generate a bridge tendon condition assessment report from the detection of magnetic flux leakage to identify locations and sizes of discontinuities of the bridge tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: INFRASTRUCTURE PRESERVATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: William Seavey
  • Patent number: 11193794
    Abstract: A rotation angle sensor includes first and second magnetic detection elements disposed at positions where a first disposition angle relative to a magnet center is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees and configured to acquire magnetic field in a first direction varying by a rotation of a magnet; third and fourth magnetic detection elements configured to acquire the magnetic field in a second direction; a calculation signal generator configured to output a first magnetic field calculation signal, based on outputs of the first and second magnetic detection elements, and configured to output a second magnetic field calculation signal, based on outputs of the third and fourth magnetic detection elements; and an angle signal generator configured to generate and output an angle signal indicative of a rotation angle of the magnet, based on the first and second magnetic field calculation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation
    Inventors: Kenta Sogo, Takeo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11181398
    Abstract: A rotation angle detection device for detecting a rotation angle of a rotating body includes a magnet disposed to rotate together with the rotating body, a magnetic portion provided in a ring shape radially outward of the magnet, a plurality of gaps being formed in the magnetic portion at a plurality of locations along a circumferential direction, and a magnetic detection unit arranged in a particular gap of the plurality of gaps. The magnetic detection unit is located at a detection position, a width of the particular gap in the tangential direction at the detection position is defined as a detection position gap width, a width of the particular gap in the tangential direction at a position radially outward of the detection position is defined as a tangential width, and the tangential width is narrower than the detection position gap width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinori Inuzuka, Yoshiyuki Kono, Hidekazu Watanabe, Tomoyuki Takiguchi, Takasuke Ito
  • Patent number: 11177055
    Abstract: A system for detecting water trees in branching underground electrical cables includes a pulse generator configured to inject a pulse into a first underground cable that branches into a second underground cable and a third underground cable. The system includes a first sensor associated with the first cable, a second sensor associated with the second cable, and a third sensor associated with the third cable. The system includes a control device configured to obtain a first, second, and third signal associated with the first, second and third sensors, respectively. The control device determines a lead-lag relationship between the second and third signals and determines presence of a water tree within at least one of the second and third cable based on the lead-lag relationship. When presence of a water tree is determined, the control device generates a control action associated with repairing or replacing the second and/or third cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Klaehn W. Burkes
  • Patent number: 11169116
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a probe for a nondestructive testing device using a crossed gradient induced current and a method of manufacturing an induction coil for a nondestructive testing device. The probe for a nondestructive testing device using a crossed gradient induced current includes an induction coil formed to have a predetermined width and to generate first and second induced currents in a direction crossing each other when a current is applied from a power supply, and a magnetic sensor part installed adjacent to the induction coil so as to measure the first and second induced currents induced from the induction coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Chosun University
    Inventor: Jin Yi Lee
  • Patent number: 11163000
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plate-shaped connection system for the connection of two test units, such as for example a testing device (tester) and a handling device (handler). The handling device serves for the feeding of semiconductor elements to the tester of a test system, for the testing of such semiconductor elements. The plate-shaped connection system comprises a master frame and an insert frame. The master frame is designed for connection with a first of the two test units and one or more docking elements are provided for releasable connection with the other second test unit. The insert frame is designed that it may be connected to the master frame. The insert frame extends inwards from an inner edge of the master frame, wherein the insert frame has mounting elements for the mounting of a test board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Turbodynamics GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Thurmaier
  • Patent number: 11162818
    Abstract: A sensor device comprises a sensor unit for generating a signal indicative of a physical quantity. The device comprises a processing unit for receiving the signal, in which the processing unit comprises a storage memory for storing data derived from the signal as provided by the sensor unit at at least two points in time. The device comprises a bus interface for communicating with an electronic control unit via a digital communication bus. When a read command is received from the electronic control unit, an estimate of the physical quantity is sent in response to the electronic control unit. The processing unit comprises an estimator for calculating the estimate at a reference point in time based on the data stored in the storage memory, in which the reference point in time differs from the point in time at which the read command is received by substantially a predetermined offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: MELEXIS TECHNOLOGIES SA
    Inventors: Mathieu Poezart, Zsombor Lazar, Antonius Duisters
  • Patent number: 11155206
    Abstract: A proximity sensor installed inside a vehicle can include: an outer frame formed of a first non-conductive substance and including a first metal layer; an inner frame formed of a second non-conductive substance, including a second metal layer, and disposed in an interior of the outer frame; a sensor electrode contacting the second metal layer; and a sensor Integrated Circuit (IC) connected to the sensor electrode and configured to detect an approach or a contact of a user's hand. The first metal layer can be connected to the ground (GND) so as to confine a sensing field of the sensor electrode to the interior of the outer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gideok Kwon, Seok Jun Oh, Moo Yong Kim, Donghee Seok, Jong Bok Lee, HeeJin Ro
  • Patent number: 11156477
    Abstract: A rotation angle measurement method and a circuit, a rotation angle measuring system including a shaft, a transducer, a first sensor system with at least one magnetic field sensor of a first type for measuring a magnetic field component Bz and a second sensor system with at least one magnetic field sensor of a second type for detecting magnetic field components Bx, By being provided, a first or second measured value being ascertained with the aid of each sensor system at a first point in time, a first or second rotation angle value being determined for each measured value, a first output rotation angle value being determined from the first rotation angle value and a known constant angle offset between the two sensor systems as a reference value for the second sensor system, a deviation of the second rotation angle value from the first output rotation angle value being ascertained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: TDK-Micronas GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Christian Meyer, Hans Christian Paul Dittmann
  • Patent number: 11151337
    Abstract: Enhanced surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors and SAW sensor-tag wireless interface devices, including low loss devices, devices that enable enhanced use of time diversity for device identification, and devices suitable for use in band-limited environments (such as ISM band) and for use in ultra-wideband applications are disclosed. Antennas for use with both SAW sensors and/or tags, and wireless transceiver systems also are disclosed, including antennas suitable for operation in conductive media and in highly metallic environments, said antennas being used to activate and read said SAW sensors and/or tags. SAW sensors and sensor-tags and related methods for measuring scaled voltage and current in electrical conductors via measurements of the electric and magnetic fields thereof are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SENSANNA INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jacqueline H. Hines, Andrew T. Hines, Leland P. Solie, Doug Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 11143697
    Abstract: A system for performing tests using automated test equipment (ATE) is disclosed. The system comprises a robot comprising an end effector operable to pick up and transfer a DUT in-and-out of a test slot in a primitive. The system further comprises a system controller comprising a memory and a processor for controlling the robot. Also, the system comprises a test rack comprising a plurality of primitives, wherein the primitive is a modular device comprising a plurality of slots for testing a plurality of DUTs, and wherein the robot is configured to access slots in the plurality of primitives within the test rack using the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: ADVANTEST CORPORATION
    Inventor: Roland Wolff
  • Patent number: 11137431
    Abstract: Apparatuses for studying possible physical effects of dark matter may include an electronic oscillator. A power source may be in electrical communication with the electronic oscillator. An antenna may be in series electrical communication with the electronic oscillator. A first diode may be in series electrical communication with the electronic oscillator and the antenna. A second diode may be in series electrical communication with the electronic oscillator and the antenna. The first diode and the second diode may ensure and restrict flow of electrical current in one direction only in the antenna. Methods for studying possible physical effects of dark matter are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventor: Jeffery T. Semmes
  • Patent number: 11119122
    Abstract: There is provided a method for correcting a relative position between a probe card having a plurality of cantilever-type probes and an object to be inspected having a plurality of electrode pads, including: arranging a first group of cantilever-type probes among the plurality of cantilever-type probes in a first region and a second region; arranging a second group of cantilever-type probes among the plurality of cantilever-type probes in a third region and a fourth region; obtaining needle traces formed on the plurality of electrode pads, which are generated when the first group of cantilever-type probes and the second group of cantilever-type probes that are arranged in the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region, are brought into contact with the plurality of electrode pads; and correcting the relative position between the probe card and the object to be inspected based on the obtained needle traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Kunihiro Furuya, Shingo Ishida
  • Patent number: 11105848
    Abstract: A probe card includes a circuit board having a through opening therein. A fixing member is at least partially in the through opening of the circuit board and has a through opening therein. The through opening of the fixing member is defined at least partially by opposite first and second sidewalls of the fixing member. A plurality of probes each includes an arm portion and a tip portion. One end of the arm portion is connected to the circuit board. The arm portion extends through the first sidewall of the fixing member into the through opening of the fixing member. The arm portion is angled with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first sidewall of the fixing member when viewed from above. The tip portion extends from the arm portion. The second sidewall of the fixing member is free of probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuan-Chun Wu, Chang-Chun Xu, Ni Shen
  • Patent number: 11108392
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a proximity sensor (300) comprising: at least a first sensor portion, a second sensor portion and a third sensor portion, the second sensor portion being provided between the first and third sensor portions, the first and third sensor portions each comprising at least a portion of a or a respective substrate (310) having first and second opposite major faces, the first and third sensor portions each bearing on a major face of the or the respective substrate at least a portion of a substantially planar transmit electrode (320), and a substantially planar receive electrode (330A, 330B) arranged to receive a signal transmitted by the respective at least a portion of a transmit electrode, the second sensor portion comprising a first region (315), the sensor comprising a ground shield portion (340) comprising one or more substantially planar, elongate electrodes, the ground shield portion having at least one elongate portion laterally disposed between the receive e
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard Powell