Fluid Coupling Patents (Class 250/227.25)
  • Patent number: 11911867
    Abstract: A polishing apparatus which can measure a film thickness with high accuracy without affecting a polishing rate of a wafer is disclosed. The polishing apparatus includes: a polishing head configured to press a wafer against a polishing pad; an illuminating fiber having a distal end disposed in a flow passage formed in the polishing table; a spectrometer configured to resolve reflected light from the wafer in accordance with wavelength and measure an intensity of the reflected light at each of the wavelengths; a light-receiving fiber having a distal end disposed in the flow passage; a liquid supply line communicating with the flow passage; a gas supply line communicating with the flow passage; a liquid supply valve attached to the liquid supply line; a gas supply valve attached to the gas supply line; and an operation controller configured to control operations of the liquid supply valve and the gas supply valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshifumi Kimba, Masaki Kinoshita, Yoichi Shiokawa
  • Patent number: 11776313
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for a scanning apparatus. The scanning apparatus may be configured to capture identifying information of a user and may comprise one or more infrared emitters, at least one image sensor configured to capture image data in a field of view, and a controller in communication with the scanning apparatus. The controller may be configured to activate the one or more infrared emitters, control the at least one image sensor to capture a first image in the field of view, deactivate the one or more infrared emitters, and control the at least one image sensor to capture a second image in the field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jim L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 11620833
    Abstract: A vehicle driving support device performs extraneous matter notification for notifying an occupant of a vehicle that extraneous matter is adhered to a viewing-angle window part which is a part of a window of the vehicle in a viewing angle range of an onboard camera which is mounted in the vehicle such that an outside view from the vehicle is imaged from the inside of the vehicle or a camera lens which is a lens of the onboard camera, performs a process of detecting the extraneous matter adhering to the viewing-angle window part or the camera lens when the vehicle is stopped, and does not perform the extraneous matter notification even if the extraneous matter adhering to the viewing-angle window part or the camera lens is detected when the vehicle is stopped and is not in a state in which the vehicle is predicted to be about to start traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoyasu Tamaoki, Yusuke Tatesumi, Ruiko Ito
  • Patent number: 11493676
    Abstract: A sensor window may include a substrate and a set of layers disposed onto the substrate. The set of layers may include a first subset of layers of a first refractive index and a second set of layers of a second refractive index different from the first refractive index. The set of layers may be associated with a threshold transmissivity in a sensing spectral range. The set of layers may be configured to a particular color in a visible spectral range and may be associated with a threshold opacity in the visible spectral range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Georg J. Ockenfuss, Scott Rowlands, Markus Bilger
  • Patent number: 11474024
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the identity and/or quantity of a liquid fuel contained in a fuel transporting tank of a fuel transporting vehicle can comprise: a longitudinally extensive member having a first end and a second end, an internal volume from which liquid fuel in the tank is excluded, and a mounting arrangement configured for mounting in use of the longitudinally extensive member within and in fixed relation to the tank, said second end configured in use to be immersed in the liquid fuel in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: Trevor John Poulter
  • Patent number: 11156552
    Abstract: A prism (1090) is configured from a dielectric medium and is used in analysis using surface plasmons. The prism (1090) is provided with an incidence surface (1170) on which excitation light from outside is incident, a reflection surface (1172) on which excitation light having entered the incidence surface (1170) is reflected, an emission surface (1174) from which excitation light reflected by the reflection surface (1172) is emitted, and an opposing surface (1175) opposing the reflection surface (1172). A gold film (1092) is formed on the reflection surface (1172). The opposing surface (1175) has a sink-mark surface (1200), and the sink-mark surface (1200) is a transparent surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Okumura, Takehiko Goshima, Seiji Yuasa
  • Patent number: 11057838
    Abstract: A method of adapting the output power of a radio transmitting entity within a cage having at least one aperture. The method includes the steps of providing at least one sensor operable to sense the condition of the at least one aperture and providing a controller to adjust the output power of the radio transmitting entity in accordance with the sensed condition of the at least one aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Michael Meyer, Joachim Sachs, Anders Furuskär
  • Patent number: 11047726
    Abstract: A fluid level sensing device for determining the level of the interface between a first fluid and a second fluid in a container. The fluid level sensing device comprising an optical waveguide for disposal in the container for at least partial immersion in the first fluid; a light source for providing input light to the optical waveguide; and a light detector for sensing output light from the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide comprises a plurality of curved portions. Successive ones of the curved portions are curved in alternating directions. The optical waveguide is configured such that a curved portion immersed in the first fluid has a greater light loss profile than a curved portion not immersed in the first fluid. The output light from the optical waveguide provides a measure of the level of the interface based on light loss of the input light through the optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marco Zanola, Mark Johnson
  • Patent number: 10969472
    Abstract: A proximity sensor includes: a transmitter unit for transmitting a light signal; a receiver unit for receiving the light signal reflected by an object to determine a proximity status of the object; and a housing defining a first enclosed accommodation space for accommodating the receiver unit, wherein the portion of the housing which defines the first enclosed accommodation space has a sealed light passage made of a light-transmissible material such that the receiver unit is capable of receiving the light signal reflected by the object through the light passage. The housing can further include a second enclosed accommodation space for accommodating the transmitter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INCORPORATION
    Inventor: Nientse Chen
  • Patent number: 10928630
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for detecting and removing vapor for an imaging acquisition device. A device for detecting and removing vapor may include a first light guide. The first light guide may include a first end to receive a light beam, and a second end to output the light beam at a predetermined angle with respect to a reference plane, so that when the light beam enters a target light transmission media from the first light guide, the light beam substantially perfectly reflects between a first surface and a second surface of the target light transmission media. The first surface and second surface may substantially parallel to the reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG DAHUA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fei Qin, Zhiqiang Yang, Lihe Jin, Yanpeng Wang, Yiwei Li, Xuanxuan Zhu
  • Patent number: 10919473
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body of the vehicle and a sensing system coupled to the body. The sensing system includes optical componentry and a glass material, where the glass material at least in part houses the optical componentry and the glass material is at least partially transparent to light at the wavelength of the optical componentry. Further the glass material has mechanical and performance properties that allow the sensing system to be positioned particularly low on the vehicle, at a position that may be of higher risk for damage from debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Vikram Bhatia, Thomas Michael Cleary, Philippe Engel, Robin Merchant Walton, Jue Wang
  • Patent number: 10723446
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a movement direction of a component of a mechanism. The apparatus includes an acoustic emission sensor arranged to detect acoustic emission from the mechanism, and a processor arranged to determine a Doppler shift in a frequency characteristic of the measured acoustic emission and to determine a movement direction of a component of the mechanism on the basis of the determined Doppler shift. A method of determining a movement direction of a component of a mechanism including detecting acoustic emission from the mechanism and determining a Doppler shift in a frequency characteristic of the measured acoustic emission and, determining, based on the Doppler shift in the frequency characteristic, a movement direction of the component of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Murad El-Bakry
  • Patent number: 10677731
    Abstract: A first frame having a first through-hole is arranged on a support so that one opening of the first through-hole is closed. A liquid containing a capturer is fed into the first through-hole, and a capturer is immobilized on the support exposed in the first through-hole. After removing the liquid from the support, a second frame having the second through-hole is arranged on the support in the first through-hole so that one opening of the second through-hole is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Yukito Nakamura, Takatoshi Kaya, Tomonori Kaneko, Kosuke Nagae, Hiroshi Hirayama
  • Patent number: 10627334
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the identity and/or quantity of a liquid fuel contained in a fuel transporting tank of a fuel transporting vehicle can comprise: a longitudinally extensive member having a first end and a second end, an internal volume from which liquid fuel in the tank is excluded, and a mounting arrangement configured for mounting in use of the longitudinally extensive member within and in fixed relation to the tank, said second end configured in use to be immersed in the liquid fuel in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: MECHTRONIC LTD
    Inventor: Trevor John Poulter
  • Patent number: 10467044
    Abstract: A transaction processing method, an apparatus, and a computer system are provided. According to the method, after receiving a transaction processing request, status information of the transaction is recorded in a non-volatile memory, where the transaction processing request carries transaction data of a transaction, where the status information of the transaction includes a transaction status, a transaction identifier, and an address, and where the transaction status is an uncommitted state. The transaction data is written to the non-volatile memory according to the address. Then, the transaction status of the transaction is modified to a committed state according to the transaction identifier. Further, after writing the transaction data to an external memory of the computer system from the non-volatile memory, the transaction status of the transaction is modified to a backup state according to the transaction identifier. A transaction data processing speed can be increased in the foregoing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huaqing Wang, Wenlong Huang, Jun Xu
  • Patent number: 10462876
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) sensor including a first LED device disposed on a support and configured to emit a radiation, and a second LED device disposed on the support and configured to receive the emitted radiation. A structure is formed on the support, the first LED device, and the second LED device. The structure defines a contoured surface. A material is located adjacently to the contoured surface, wherein the material includes a property adapted to reflect the emitted radiation from the first LED to the second LED. The structure includes an ellipsoid and the contoured surface defines an ellipsoidal surface. First and second foci are defined by the ellipsoid, wherein emitted radiation from the first LED device converges at the first foci and the second foci and is reflected to the second LED device. The device is configured to determine a temperature or a chemical property of an analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Nolan W. Nicholas, Saumya Sharma, Yixin Liu
  • Patent number: 10429025
    Abstract: A vehicle light assembly including a housing, a light source, a lens disposed in front of the light source, a light sensor disposed in the housing outside of light output from the light source directed at the lens for sensing light reflected off the lens caused by moisture, and a heater disposed on the lens for reducing the moisture when moisture is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Aaron Bradley Johnson, Stephen Kenneth Helwig, Pietro Buttolo
  • Patent number: 10237920
    Abstract: A pane arrangement having an electrically heatable baffle plate is described. The pane arrangement has a pane having an enclosure on the inner side of the pane, a radiation receiver and/or a radiation source facing the pane within the enclosure such that a beam path of electromagnetic radiation passes through a predefined region of the pane, a baffle plate arranged within the enclosure and below the beam path, and an electrically heatable area in the baffle plate heating the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Alwin Timmermann, Dirk Wohlfeil
  • Patent number: 10106102
    Abstract: A camera assembly is provided for a vehicle, the camera assembly at least having: a camera having a camera optics and an image sensor, an optical coupling body including a contact face for engaging on an inner surface of a vehicle window pane; the optical coupling body being formed of an optically transparent material and being configured in an area of coverage by the camera; a fixing device being provided between the camera and the optical coupling body for positioning the coupling body relative to the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Hoellt, Nikolai Bauer, Ulrich Seger
  • Patent number: 10106126
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are for detecting precipitation on a windscreen of a motor vehicle. A camera device records a first image and thereafter a second image. A comparison device produces a first comparison image by comparing the first image with the second image. An image detection device identifies objects on the first comparison image, and determines motion of the objects, to detect whether there is precipitation on the windscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Christopher Kosubek, Dieter Kroekel, Urban Meis
  • Patent number: 9994175
    Abstract: An environmental condition outside of a vehicle can be detected via a camera or sensor. A notification of the environmental condition can be sent to a remote device via a telematics system. A command can be received from the remote device in response to the notification via the telematics system, wherein the command is related to a vehicle system of the vehicle. The command can be communicated to the vehicle system to cause a preconditioning of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinji Maeshiro
  • Patent number: 9969358
    Abstract: A multifocal rain sensor includes: at least one light emitting unit configured to output light; a first reflective plate corresponding to the at least one light emitting unit and disposed at a position spaced apart from the at least one light emitting unit by a predetermined distance; a glass part reflecting light after the light is reflected by the first reflective plate and forming a sensing region; a second reflective plate re-reflecting the light reflected by the glass part; and a light receiving unit configured to receive the light reflected by the second reflective plate. The second reflective plate includes a multifocal reflective plate having a plurality of focuses based on a vertical height of incident light that varies according to a change in thickness of the glass part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jong Min Park, Nak Kyoung Kong, Keon Soo Jin, Ki Hong Lee, Jin Sang Lee
  • Patent number: 9913319
    Abstract: A pane arrangement having an electrically heatable baffle plate is described. The pane arrangement has a pane having an enclosure on the inner side of the pane, a radiation receiver and/or a radiation source facing the pane within the enclosure such that a beam path of electromagnetic radiation passes through a predefined region of the pane, a baffle plate arranged within the enclosure and below the beam path, and an electrically heatable area in the baffle plate heating the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Alwin Timmermann, Dirk Wohlfeil
  • Patent number: 9780080
    Abstract: A method for making an optical proximity sensor includes forming a package top plate having an optical transmit opening and an optical receive opening extending therethrough, attaching an optical transmit element to the package top plate adjacent the optical transmit opening, and attaching an optical receive element to the package top plate adjacent the optical receive opening. A package body is formed onto the package top plate to define an optical transmit cavity receiving the optical transmit element and an optical receive cavity receiving the optical receive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS PTE LTD
    Inventor: Yonggang Jin
  • Patent number: 9778090
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for determining a filling level of a liquid fellable into a container, having a light transmitter for transmitting at least one light pulse; having a receiver for receiving at least one reflected back light pulse, wherein the light pulse is at least partly reflect able at a liquid surface; having a control and evaluation unit for controlling the sensor and for evaluating the received back light pulse; and having a coupling and decoupling unit for coupling the light pulse into a liquid jet which can be introduced into the container and for decoupling the back light pulse to the receiver, wherein the control and evaluation unit is configured for determining a time difference between a transmission of the light pulse and a reception of the back light pulse to calculate a distance between the coupling and decoupling unit and the liquid surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventor: Günter Hirt
  • Patent number: 9765076
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and methods for the treatment of cancer. In particular, the invention provides potent inhibitors of Aurora A kinase, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds for the treatment of cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Millenium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher F. Claiborne, Todd B. Sells, Stephen G. Stroud
  • Patent number: 9726603
    Abstract: A grating pattern element includes peaks which are periodically arranged and valleys provided between the peaks, and at least one of the peaks and at least one of the valleys includes an adsorbing material on a surface thereof which adsorbs a target material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joonhyung Lee, Sangkyu Kim, Seongho Cho
  • Patent number: 9726598
    Abstract: A device for characterizing a fluid medium with the help of a photoelectric transducer comprises at least one semiconductor substrate possessing at least one space charge zone and presenting a reception surface for receiving the fluid medium in order to constitute an interface between the substrate and the fluid medium, a production system for producing a spot light beam that is amplitude-modulated and that lights at least one zone of the interface through the fluid medium, a measurement system for measuring values of a photoelectric magnitude delivered while performing the lighting so as to create a matrix of values of the photoelectric magnitude, and a processor system for processing values of the photoelectric magnitude delivered by the measurement system and adapted to use the matrix to determine an electronic signature characteristic of the fluid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Institut National des Sciences Appliquees de Lyon, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon I, Universite T. Chevtchenko de Kiev
    Inventors: Sergeii Lytvynenko, Dmytro Beilobrov, Volodymyr Lysenko, Valeriy Skryshevskyy
  • Patent number: 9720132
    Abstract: A device for detecting rain includes a camera and a lighting source for emitting visible light onto a window. The camera and the lighting source are configured and arranged in such a way that the camera can detect a signal of the visible light which the lighting source emits onto the window. The signal which is detected by the camera correlates with visible light of the lighting source, which visible light is reflected or scattered at the inner face of the window or outer face of the window and/or at the raindrop. The visible light passes through a shutter device which causes the light to be blocked or highly attenuated in a predefined direction perpendicular to the illumination direction of structures of the shutter device. In contrast, the light in the direction perpendicular to the predefined direction and to the illumination direction can propagate virtually unimpeded through the shutter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Krökel, Wolfgang Fey, Martin Randler
  • Patent number: 9709493
    Abstract: In a sensor device for detecting moisture on a pane comprising at least one transmitter which emits light which is reflected at the pane and received by at least one receiver, an optical system is provided between the transmitter and the receiver, which brings about a multiple reflection between the pane and the optical system. A particularly good measurement is thereby made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO.
    Inventors: Thomas Niemann, Torsten Eggers
  • Patent number: 9702818
    Abstract: A device and to a method for detecting rain, which includes a camera and a light source. The camera is arranged behind a windowpane, in particular inside a vehicle, behind a windscreen, and focused on a far range located in front of the windowpane. The light source for producing at least one light beam which is directed to the windowpane directs the at least one light beam to the windowpane in such a manner that at least one beam which is reflected by the outer side of the windowpane is incident on the camera. The structure of the image of the at least one beam reflected by the outer side of the windowpane is analyzed, in particular as part of an image processing step. The type of rain or precipitation on the outer side of the windowpane is classified based on the analysis of the structure of this image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Krökel
  • Patent number: 9553465
    Abstract: A battery management system includes one or more fiber optic sensors configured to be disposed within an electrochemical battery. Each fiber optic sensor is capable of receiving input light and providing output light that varies based on the input light and an amount of free or dissolved gas present within the battery. A detector detects the output light and generates an electrical detector signal in response to the output light. Battery management circuitry determines the state of the battery based at least in part on the detector signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ajay Raghavan, Peter Kiesel, Alexander Lochbaum, Bhaskar Saha, Lars Wilko Sommer, Tobias Staudt
  • Patent number: 9506803
    Abstract: An optical sensor system adapted to operate through a window of a vehicle includes a lens, a plurality of optoelectronic devices, and an optical device. The lens is configured to direct light from a field-of-view toward a focal plane. The plurality of optoelectronic devices are arranged proximate to the focal plane. The plurality of optoelectronic devices includes a first optoelectronic device operable to detect an image from a first portion of the field-of-view, and a second optoelectronic device operable to detect light from a second portion of the field-of-view distinct from the first portion. The optical device is configured to direct light from outside the field-of-view toward the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yew Kwang Low, Kok Wee Yeo, Thomas A. Degenkolb, Ronald M. Taylor, Ward K. Everly, Morgan D. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9494685
    Abstract: A light guide member for an object detection apparatus for detecting an object adhered on a light translucent member based on change of quantity of reflection light received from the light translucent member includes a detection face where light exits to the light translucent member and reflection light reflected from the light translucent member enters, the detection face including a detection area where a part of the reflection light to enter the detection unit passes through, and a non-detection area where remaining part of the reflection light not to enter the detection unit passes through; a first intervening member disposed on the detection face attachable to the light translucent member via the first intervening member; and a second intervening member disposed on the detection face attachable to the light translucent member via the second intervening member. The first intervening member has flexibility greater than flexibility of the second intervening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 9453723
    Abstract: A method is for testing a photonic integrated circuit (IC) that includes a test structure having a test optical splitter, a test optical input, and first and second test optical outputs. A device under test (DUT) is coupled between the first test optical output and the first output of the test optical splitter. The deembedding structure includes a deembedding optical splitter, a deembedding optical input and first and second deembedding optical outputs. The method includes coupling a test probe device to the test optical inputs and outputs and the deembedding optical inputs and outputs and operating the test probe device to make at least one test measurement related to the DUT and at least one deembedding measurement. The at least one test measurement is processed with the at least one deembedding measurement to determine whether the DUT is acceptable and independent of alignment error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS (CROLLES 2) SAS
    Inventors: Patrick LeMaitre, Jean-Francois Carpentier
  • Patent number: 9381730
    Abstract: A surrogate patch assembly for a rework area of a structure comprises a surrogate patch body which may be formed of a material for drawing moisture from the rework area. The patch assembly may include a sensor mounted to the surrogate patch body. The sensor may comprise a thermal sensor for sensing the temperature of the rework area and the surrogate patch body. The sensor may comprise a moisture sensor for sensing moisture drawn into the surrogate patch body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael W. Evens, Megan N. Watson, Mary H. Vargas
  • Patent number: 9377402
    Abstract: A method for detecting a degree of wetting of a glass pane, in particular a windscreen of a motor vehicle, is provided. A transmitter is arranged on the inside relative to a glass pane and emits electromagnetic waves, which are reflected according to the total reflection principle on the outer, from the transmitter's point of view the opposite surface of the glass pane, and which are received by a receiver arranged on the inside relative to the glass pane. Electromagnetic waves are emitted further from a transmitter. Waves pass through the glass pane and are scattered on particles or droplets in front of the glass pane and are received by a receiver arranged on the inside relative to the glass pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: HELLA KGaA HUECK & CO.
    Inventors: Thomas Niemann, Carsten Thun
  • Patent number: 9285541
    Abstract: Nonlinear optical systems include fiber amplifiers using tapered waveguides such as optical fibers that permit multimode propagation but produce amplification and oscillation in a fundamental mode. The tapered waveguides generally are provided with an active dopant that is pumped with an optical pump source such as one or more semiconductor lasers. The active waveguide taper is selected to taper from a single or few mode section to a multimode section, and a seed beam in a fundamental mode is provided to a section of the waveguide taper associated with a smaller optical mode. An amplified beam exits the waveguide taper at a section associated with a larger optical mode. The amplified beam is directed to nonlinear conversion optics such as one or more nonlinear crystals to produce high peak power and high beam quality converted light using second or third harmonic generation, or other nonlinear processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: nLIGHT Photonics Corporation
    Inventors: Matthieu Saracco, Jason N. Farmer, Scott H. Keeney, Timothy S. McComb
  • Patent number: 8975572
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an optical system for directing light for optical measurements such laser-induced fluorescence and spectroscopic analysis are disclosed. In some embodiments, the optical system includes a thermally conductive housing and a thermoelectric controller, a plurality of optical fibers, and one or more optical elements to direct light emitted by the optical fibers to illuminate a flow cell. The housing is configured to attach to a flow cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: CVI Laser, LLC
    Inventor: David E. Hargis
  • Patent number: 8901479
    Abstract: A light transmitting optical fiber shines light at a side edge portion of a hemispherical lens. The light is transmitted along the periphery of the lens to a second side edge portion located opposite the first side edge portion. A light sensitive component detects light at the second edge portion which light resulted from the light transmitted at the first side edge portion. The intensity of light detected at the second side edge portion is indicative of the fluid to which the lens is exposed, and can be evaluated and signaled by a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8653439
    Abstract: An optical sensor system is disclosed including a source module, a detection module, and a heating module. The source module includes a source housing unit having a source window member to emit a detection signal through the source window member. The detection module includes a first detection housing unit having a first detection window member spaced apart from the source module. The detection signal received by the detection module corresponds to an amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC) present in a path of the detection signal between the detection module and the source module. The heating module heats the source window member and the detection window member to remove deposit formation of the VOC there from.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Krzysztof Nauka, Seongsik Chang, Henryk Birecki
  • Patent number: 8604455
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical sensor array detecting a first liquid medium in a second liquid medium by means of the reflection of an emitted light beam of a given wavelength, comprising a light source and an associated receiver, further two circular glass rod lenses running parallel to each other while encapsulated in a housing. The index of refraction of the glass rod lenses is different from those of the liquid media. A reflecting surface is situated opposite the glass rod lenses and is connected to the housing. Said array also comprises a control fitted with a beam splitter, a second receiver and a third receiver, the latter two receivers being configured being mutually opposite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: FAUDI Aviation GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Wildschuetz, Matthias Aden
  • Patent number: 8541732
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical module having a semiconductor element (4) with a surface that is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation and with an objective lens (1) for the projection of electromagnetic radiation onto the sensitive surface of the semiconductor element (4), in particular for the use thereof in motor vehicles. An additional optical element (11) is arranged in a defined partial volume in the space between the objective lens (1) and the sensitive surface of the semiconductor element (4) so that, by the additional optical element (11), a first distance range (8) is imaged in a first region of the sensitive surface of the semiconductor element (4) and a second distance range (9) is imaged in a second region of the visual range where the additional optical element (11) is not located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Automotive Distance Control Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Konrad Rothenhaeusler
  • Patent number: 8436292
    Abstract: To provide a lubricant deterioration detecting device having a high degree of freedom in arranging within the bearing assembly or the like and capable of stably detecting the status of deterioration of the lubricant without being affected by the thickness of the lubricant and a change in temperature and also to provide a detector incorporated bearing assembly equipped with such lubricant deterioration detecting device, the lubricant deterioration detecting device includes a light source, a plurality of light detecting components for detecting rays of light emitted from the light source and subsequently transmitted through a lubricant, and a determining unit. The plural light detecting components have respective light detecting faces sequentially displaced in position. The determining unit compares respective signal strengths of outputs from the plural light detecting components to detect the status of deterioration of the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Akio Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8362453
    Abstract: There is provided a rain sensor capable of adequately detecting raindrops in a captured image. The rain sensor includes: a surface light source 14 which emits light to a windshield G to cause light to be incident on a raindrop detection region T set on the windshield G at a critical angle or more; a camera 15 which is arranged on the optical path of light totally reflected by the detection region T and captures the detection region T; and a detection unit which detects raindrops adhering to the detection region T from contrast in the image captured by the camera 15; the detection unit detects the raindrops adhering to the detection region T based on at least one of the captured image in the detection region T to which light is emitted from the surface light source 14 and the captured image in the detection region T to which light is not emitted from the surface light source 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Niles Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Taoka
  • Patent number: 8338774
    Abstract: An optical sensor has an optical plate which is adapted to make surface contact on a pane, in particular a windshield of a motor vehicle. It further has one or preferably a plurality of photoreceivers arranged on the side of the optical plate facing away from the pane. An optical mask is arranged in the optical path upstream of each photoreceiver, the optical mask having light-blocking and light-transmissive surface areas. The light-transmissive surface areas each allow an optical path to traverse the optical plate, impinging on the photoreceiver and is delimited by the light-blocking surface areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Backes
  • Publication number: 20120056081
    Abstract: An automatic optical coupling device that uses liquid to couple focused light into a light-guide is described. The liquid moves within a chamber or layer via the thermocapillary effect in order to automatically track and couple a moving spot of focused light. Also provided is the application of these coupling devices in an array feeding into a common light-guide, optical designs to improve the performance of these arrays, and the application of such arrays to light collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: GLINT PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Peter Kozodoy
  • Patent number: 8084731
    Abstract: A light transmitting optical fiber shines light at a side edge portion of a hemispherical lens. The light is transmitted along the outer periphery of the lens to a second side edge portion located opposite the first side edge portion. A light sensitive component detects light at the second edge portion which light originated at the first side edge portion. The intensity of light detected at the second side edge portion is indicative of the fluid to which the lens is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8084758
    Abstract: A light sensor for detecting brightness of an outside of a vehicle includes: a light shielding element on a windshield; a light guiding element in a through hole of the light shielding element; and a light receiving element that receives light from the outside of the vehicle via the light guiding element and the windshield. The light guiding element includes an entrance surface facing the windshield and an output surface facing the light receiving element. The entrance surface receives the light from the outside. The light guiding element transmits and outputs the light from the output surface toward the light receiving element. The entrance surface has a top disposed inside of the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Goto
  • Patent number: 7894054
    Abstract: An optical sensor device for detecting ambient light is adapted to be coupled to a pane (10), in particular to a windshield of a motor vehicle. The optical sensor device has a sensor unit which includes at least one light receiver (26) and a lens plate (12). By means of the sensor unit, an ambient light beam having entered the pane (10) is coupled out of the pane (10) and directed onto the light receiver (26). On a surface (12b) which faces the pane (10), the lens plate (12) includes a first Fresnel prism structure (22) having a plurality of individual structures (24). The individual structures (24) of the first Fresnel prism structure (22) are designed such that they deflect the light beam at different angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Backes