Patents Examined by Patrick Assouad
  • Patent number: 11709198
    Abstract: A method for line assignment of a short-circuit of a broadband lambda sensor having an upper or a lower short-circuit potential, wherein the broadband lambda sensor has a sensor and multiple sensor lines. The method comprises establishing a conductive connection of at least one sensor line of the multiple sensor lines via a limiting resistor to a reference potential; comparing a sensor line potential of at least one sensor line to be checked of the multiple sensor lines to the reference potential or the short-circuit potentials; classifying (105) the at least one sensor line to be checked as not short-circuited with the upper or the lower short-circuit potential if it is established upon the comparison that the at least one sensor line potential is inside the reference potential range or if it is outside the short-circuit potential ranges; and assigning the short-circuit to at least one sensor line not classified as not short-circuited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Kremer, Bernhard Ledermann, Fabian Baumann
  • Patent number: 11709127
    Abstract: Provided is a measurement method for measuring a size of expansion of a surface treatment film occurred in a coated metal material that includes a metal base and the surface treatment film provided on the metal base. The measurement method includes the steps of disposing a water-containing material to be in contact with the expansion and an electrode to be in contact with the water-containing material, and electrically connecting between the electrode and the metal base with an external circuit; applying, with the external circuit, a constant voltage between the electrode and the metal base, as a cathode and an anode, respectively, and measuring a current value flowing therebetween; and calculating a size of the expansion, based on the current value measured and a correlation between the current value and the size of the expansion, the correlation being determined on an exploratory basis in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teruaki Asada, Katsunobu Sasaki, Tsutomu Shigenaga
  • Patent number: 11709289
    Abstract: Sonde devices for providing magnetic field signals for use with utility locators or other devices are disclosed. In one embodiment a sonde device includes a housing, a core comprising a plurality of core sections, and one or more support structures, which may include windings. Circuit and/or power supply elements may be disposed fully or partially within the core to control generation of predefined magnetic field frequencies and waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Jan Soukup, Ray Merewether, Justin W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 11709218
    Abstract: Embodiments now disclosed herein provide an apparatus and method in which free radicals can be detected in a substance by MRI without changing the MRI static field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Inventors: Irving N. Weinberg, Stanley Thomas Fricke, Aleksandar N. Nacev
  • Patent number: 11705275
    Abstract: A current transformer (CT) for the purpose of, for example, current measurement, that uses a power line as a first coil and a second coil for measurement purposes, is further equipped with a third coil. Circuitry connected to the third coil is adapted to measure a signal therefrom. The measured signal from the third coil is compared to a signal measured from the second coil and based on the results, internal CT parameters are determined allowing calibration of actual results to expected results thereby providing an improved accuracy. This is especially desirable when using the CT for measurement of the like of current or phase of the primary coil when measurements are adjusted using the newly determined calibration parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: PANORAMIC POWER LTD.
    Inventors: Daniel Aljadeff, Dan Wijsboom, Yael Alali, Adi Shamir
  • Patent number: 11703550
    Abstract: A resonance voltage attenuation detection circuit detects attenuation of a resonance voltage of a winding of a transformer. The resonance voltage attenuation detection circuit includes a first voltage comparator circuit and a time-out circuit. The first voltage comparator circuit compares a voltage of the winding with a predetermined first voltage. The time-out circuit performs clocking operation in accordance with an output of the first voltage comparator circuit. The time-out circuit outputs an attenuation detection signal when the time-out circuit has clocked a preset period which is shorter than a time required for a peak voltage of the winding to be attenuated from the first voltage to a predetermined second voltage lower than the first voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Arima, Hiroki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 11705591
    Abstract: A method of detecting a thermal event associated with a battery assembly of an electrified vehicle includes, among other things, obtaining a temperature reading from a sensor associated with an area of the battery assembly, assessing whether the sensor is flagged with a first identifier or a second identifier. The first identifier indicates that the temperature reading is reliable. The second identifier indicates that the temperature reading is unreliable. If the sensor is flagged with the first identifier, the method detects a thermal event associated with the battery assembly based on the temperature reading from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hesam Zomorodi Moghadam, Navid Rahbariasr, Xu Wang, Graham Lynn Briggs, Jeffery R. Grimes, Michael George Schamber, Wai Hwa Fong
  • Patent number: 11693144
    Abstract: A system may include an electromagnetic (EM) logging tool for inspecting downhole tubulars. The EM logging tool may include a mandrel, at least one low-frequency transmitter coil disposed on the mandrel, at least one-low frequency receiver coil disposed on the mandrel, and at least one-high frequency sensor configured to measure one or more electromagnetic properties of a tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Junwen Dai, Ahmed E. Fouda, Freeman Lee Hill, III, Christopher Michael Jones
  • Patent number: 11693049
    Abstract: A sensor test apparatus capable of efficiently testing a sensor is provided. A sensor test apparatus 30 which tests the pressure sensor 90 includes an application unit 40 including an application device 42 including a socket 445 to which the sensor 90 is electronically connected, a pressure chamber 43 which applies pressure to the sensor 90, and a heat sink 443,462 which applies a thermal stress to the sensor 90, the test unit 35 which tests the sensor 90 via the socket 445, and the conveying robot 33 which conveys the sensor 90 into and out of the application unit 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: ADVANTEST Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunari Suga, Daisuke Takano, Satoshi Hanamura, Michiro Chiba, Hisao Nishizaki, Atsushi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 11692956
    Abstract: Described methods and systems are used for in-situ impedance spectroscopy analysis of battery cells in multi-cell battery packs. Specifically, the cell impedances are determined while the pack continues to operate, such as being charged or discharged. For example, the pack voltage/power output remains unchanged while this analysis is initiated, performed, and ended. Cell impedance is determined based on the cell's response to the signal applied to the cell. For example, a current through the cell is charged while monitoring cells' voltage response. Although the power output of the changes during this testing, but the operation of the pack is not impacted due to the power compensation provided by one or more other cells in the pack thereby ensuring uninterrupted operation of the pack. This in situ testing is provided by the unique architecture of the pack, comprising multiple nodes and individual node controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Element Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Rainer Johannes Fasching, Georgy Zerkalov, Arnaud Devie, Seth Marshall Kahn, Anthony John Stratakos, Corrado Cammi, Anderson Rennie John, Yoosok Saw
  • Patent number: 11685004
    Abstract: An example welding-type system includes: processing circuitry; and a machine readable storage medium comprising a machine readable instruction, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to: control a first switch to disconnect a motor circuit from a motor power source, the motor circuit comprising a wire feed motor and a second switch; control the second switch to permit current to flow while the first switch disconnects the motor circuit from the motor power source during a test period; and in response to feedback indicative of a current through the motor circuit while the first switch is open and the second switch is closed, detecting a fault condition associated with the motor circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Gregg Donald Prochnow, Maxwell Bode Brock
  • Patent number: 11686696
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system with a fluid cartridge having a fluid reservoir and an ejection head. The ejection head has fluid ejectors that are in fluid flow communication with the fluid reservoir. A fluid detection circuit is electrically connected to at least one of the fluid ejectors. The fluid detection circuit is configured to detect and characterize a fluid in the fluid ejector, where the fluid detection circuit characterizes the resistivity of the fluid by adjusting an ejector voltage of the at least one of the fluid ejectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventors: Steven W. Bergstedt, Patricia A. Clore
  • Patent number: 11679174
    Abstract: A cleaning indicator is disclosed for determining the effectiveness of a washing and disinfecting process related to the healthcare, medical device and pharmaceutical fields. The cleaning indicator includes a base, a soil coupon and a cover. The base has a recessed area for receiving the soil coupon and the cover is attached to the base by clip members. The cover has a transparent window for viewing the soil coupon which transparent window optionally may have a small hole therein. The base includes grip members for attaching the cleaning indicator to a tray in a washer-disinfector. The cleaning indicator is placed in the washer-disinfector for medical instruments or the like for determining the efficacy of the wash cycle of the washer-disinfector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Mesa Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Toni Seis, Charlie McLaughlin, Pete Jung, Sven Kasemann
  • Patent number: 11681067
    Abstract: A separation assembly for use with handheld metal detectors. According to one aspect, the separation assembly is mounted to a handheld metal detector having a blade containing transmission and receiver components of the handheld metal detector. The separation assembly includes at least a first separation member formed of a nonferromagnetic material, and the first separation member is spaced a lateral separation distance from the blade of the handheld metal detector. The separation assembly may be incorporated as a permanent and integrated part of a handheld metal detector, or separately manufactured and installed on a handheld metal detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: James Eric Dietz, Anthony David Hustedt, Michael Patrick Scott, Maria Nicole Carter, Blake Peter Wesling
  • Patent number: 11681066
    Abstract: A proximity sensor comprising: a loop comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, at least a portion of the inner surface being a reflective surface; a light emitter positioned to emit light onto the reflective surface; a light detector positioned to preferentially receive light emitted from the light emitter and reflected from the reflective surface; and a processor that is configured, responsive to a set of instructions stored in a memory, to determine a degree of proximity of an object to the inner surface of the loop responsive to a reduction in an intensity of light emitted from the light emitter that is received by the light detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Inventor: Shlomo Zalman Reches
  • Patent number: 11675038
    Abstract: A fat suppressed diffusion image determination apparatus, a corresponding method and a corresponding computer program determine a diffusion weighted magnetic resonance image (DWI) of an object. The fat suppressed diffusion image determination apparatus includes a diffusion reference image providing unit for providing a diffusion reference MR image of the object, a fat image determination unit for determining a fat image from the diffusion reference MR image, a diffusion weighted image providing unit for providing a diffusion weighted MR image of the object, a fat suppressed image determination unit for determining a fat suppressed diffusion weighted MR image using a combination of the diffusion weighted MR image and the fat image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Samuel Van Den Brink, Elwin De Weerdt
  • Patent number: 11668762
    Abstract: A leakage current detection circuit is used for detecting a leakage current, includes a main winding, an auxiliary winding, a detection module and a signal output module used for outputting a pulse signal with pulse signals with positive and negative alternations, wherein the main winding is connected to a leakage current detection end and coupled to the auxiliary winding, and the auxiliary winding is respectively connected to the signal output module and the detection module. During the auxiliary winding in a preset state and a leckage current occurred, the leakage current coupled to the auxiliary winding is superimposed with the pulse signal, so that the current signal detected by the detection module is greater than the current signal detected when the pulse signal with pulse signals with positive and negative alternations is not applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: SHENZHEN POWEROAK NEWENER CO., LTD
    Inventors: Jianhua Lei, Yongbo Zhang, Hui Ma, Geng Qin
  • Patent number: 11668761
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for detecting short circuits in a load are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a short circuit detection system includes a first circuit, a second circuit, and a controller. The first circuit has an output and an input coupled to a load and an auxiliary power source through a resistor, while the second circuit is configured to enable an output of the short circuit detection circuit for a specified period of time following application of auxiliary power at the auxiliary power source. The controller includes computer-executable instructions to monitor the output of the first circuit, and allow or disallow a main power source from powering the load based upon whether a short circuit condition exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Lei Wang, Wen-Hung Huang, Guangyong Zhu, Jaehyeung Park
  • Patent number: 11670930
    Abstract: Devices are described that support, house, and protect an electrical cable monitoring system that is electrically coupled to an electrical cable. An example support structure includes an elongate body including an interior surface extending along and concentric to an axis of the electrical cable. The body is configured to engage a cable accessory disposed on the electrical cable. The support structure includes a first electrode attached to the interior surface and configured to operatively couple to the cable accessory. The support structure includes a second electrode attached to the body and configured to operatively couple to the shielding layer. The support structure includes a monitoring device attached to the interior surface and operatively coupled to the first and second electrodes. The monitoring device is configured to monitor one or more conditions of the electrical cable or the cable accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Connected Intelligence Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Douglas B. Gundel, Laszlo Markos, Lior Embon, Eyal Doron, Udi Blich
  • Patent number: 11670471
    Abstract: A method for performing a low energy pulse testing in a power distribution network that causes contacts to close and then open in about one fundamental frequency cycle of current flow time and close on a voltage waveform that produces symmetrical fault current. The method includes energizing a magnetic actuator to move the actuator against the bias of a spring to move a movable contact towards a fixed contact. The method also includes de-energizing the actuator when the movable contact makes contact with the fixed contact so as to allow the spring to move the movable contact away from the fixed contact so that the amount of time that the current conducts is about one fundamental frequency cycle of the current, where energizing the magnetic actuator occurs when an applied voltage on the switch assembly is at a peak of the voltage wave so that the current is symmetric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: David G Porter, Stephen E Williams, Peter J Meyer, Martin T Bishop, Thomas J Dyer, Andrew B Berman, Joseph W Milton, Lauren Abramczyk