Separate Pick-up Patents (Class 324/207.17)
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Patent number: 9671735Abstract: Provided is a differential transformer magnetic permeability sensor that accurately suppress a variation of output level of each sensor even if a position shift occurs in forming a detection coil, a reference coil, and a drive coil as planar coils. The differential transformer magnetic permeability sensor includes a first coil layer including a first drive coil constituted of a first wire of a flat winding and a detection coil constituted of a second wire of a flat winding, a second coil layer including a second drive coil constituted of a third wire of a flat winding and a reference coil constituted of a fourth wire of a flat winding. The first drive coil and the second drive coil are connected so that drive current have the same direction, while the detection coil and the reference coil are connected so that induced current have opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Yukihiro Aikawa
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Patent number: 9625280Abstract: A sensor device for determining the position of a metal body comprising at least one Eddy current sensor, which has a coil for generating a high-frequency electromagnetic alternating field and a device for operating the coil and for detecting an impedance of the coil, and comprising an analyzing device, which determines the position of the metal body relative to the coil using the detected impedance. A reference Eddy current sensor is provided which has a reference coil for generating a high-frequency electromagnetic alternating field and a reference device for operating the reference coil and for detecting an impedance of the reference coil and which is oriented/designed such that the electromagnetic alternating field of the reference Eddy current sensor is free of metal bodies, wherein the analyzing device is designed to form a beat from the detected impedance and to determine the position of the metal body dependent on the beat.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2014Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Volker Frese
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Patent number: 9618366Abstract: An absolute scale configuration is provided for use in a position encoder which includes a readhead and a scale. The absolute scale configuration includes a plurality of scale loops distributed along a measuring axis to provide a position dependent signal that varies depending on a relative position between the scale loops and the readhead. At least some of the scale loops are coupled to respective impedance modulating circuits connected to receive energy from current induced in the scale loop and to provide a unique coded modulation of the scale loop impedance during a code signal generating state. The unique coded modulations as sensed by the readhead are indicative of a coarse resolution absolute position, which may be utilized in combination with the position dependent signal to determine an absolute position with a high resolution.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventor: Michael Nahum
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Patent number: 9535555Abstract: In various embodiments, a touch surface may comprise multiple individual sensors, each of which is capable of mechanical deflection in a direction parallel to the surface, with the device using the touch surface being able to detect such deflection in each sensor. With this capability, the device may be able to detect intended movement of a touch over the touch surface even if no additional sensors are activated by that movement. Such sensors may be useful for detecting very small motions, and may be especially useful for motions in which the shape of the user's thumb results in the same touch area being in contact with the thumb even though the thumb is executing an extension or retraction movement.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Bran Ferren, Michael Keesling
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Patent number: 9490063Abstract: Axisymmetric solid of revolution derivable from section at FIG. 5 is generally toroidal with electric current(s) in windings 110, 160 preferably flowing circumferentially along major circle(s) during power coupling device operation. Current(s) in windings 110, 160; current(s) in half-shields 120, 170; and the volume of space swept out by shield airgap(s) 101 emerge from plane of paper perpendicularly at FIG. 5 but as these emerge therefrom they curve to follow toroidal major circle(s). Cores 115, 165 preferably shunt and align magnetic flux such that magnetic field lines escape therefrom primarily only in region(s) of core airgap(s) and such that magnetic flux loops lie in planes of toroidal minor circle(s).Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventor: John Dobbs
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Patent number: 9471169Abstract: Methods and devices are described for operating an input device for an electronic system which includes a housing. The input device includes an input surface and a first substrate having a first plurality of sensor electrodes configured to sense input objects proximate the input surface, and a pair of force sensing electrodes on the bottom of the first substrate. The input device includes a second substrate having a planar spring plate including a perimeter region surrounding an interior region, the perimeter region including a leaf spring coupled to the housing, and a spacing layer configured to physically couple the interior region of the second substrate to the first substrate. A force applied to the input surface deflects the first substrate and the interior region relative to the perimeter region, changing a variable capacitance formed between the force sensing electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Richard R. Schediwy, Oscar Ayzenberg, Raymond Chin, Lin-Hsiang Hsieh, Robert Kin Hung Lee, Chris Rehn, Joseph Kurth Reynolds, Yeh-Cheng Tan
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Patent number: 9470571Abstract: A liquid level measuring device comprises an inner-tube unit having an inner tube and at least one inner-tube coil surrounding the inner tube; an outer-tube unit having a plurality of outer tubes, each outer tube having a plurality of outer-tube coils disposed thereon, the outer tubes being stacked, the inner tube being arranged inside the outer tubes and being risen and fallen as a level of a liquid in the outer tubes varies; and a control unit electrically connecting to the respective outer-tube coils, the control unit transmitting a set of position coded signals to the outer-tube coils disposed on an individual outer tube, the control unit determining the liquid level according to an induced signal generated by the inner-tube coil. Said device has many advantages including low cost and modular design, and such a device is easily to be deployed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: NATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORIESInventors: Chun-Ming Huang, Gang-Neng Sung, Chen-Chia Chen, Wei-Chang Tsai
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Patent number: 9404727Abstract: An inductive sensing system includes multiple resonant sensors interfaced to an inductance-to-digital conversion (IDC) unit through a single channel interface. IDC establishes an IDC control loop that incorporates resonant sensors as loop filters. The IDC control loop drives resonant sensors to a system resonance state in which each resonant sensor is driven to a resonant frequency state. Each resonant sensor is configured for a nominal resonant frequency state that differentiates it from the other resonant sensors. IDC senses changes in system resonance state representative of target-sensing conditions, and responds by driving a target-sensing system resonance state. IDC converts IDC loop (resonance) control signals resulting from a target-sensing condition into sensor data as representing the corresponding target-sensing resonant frequency state as an indication of target position (proximity or range) relative to a target-sensing resonant sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Jonathan V. Baldwin, Murali Srinivasa
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Patent number: 9349717Abstract: An integrated circuit package includes an encapsulation and a lead frame with a portion of the lead frame disposed within the encapsulation. The lead frame includes a first conductor having a first conductive loop and a third conductive loop disposed within the encapsulation. The third conductive loop is wound in a direction relative to the first conductive loop such that the first conductive loop is coupled out of phase with the third conductive loop. The lead frame also includes a second conductor galvanically isolated from the first conductor. The second conductor includes a second conductive loop disposed within the encapsulation proximate to the first conductive loop to provide a communication link between the first and second conductors.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.Inventors: David Kung, David Michael Hugh Matthews, Balu Balakrishnan
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Patent number: 9310507Abstract: A device rotates at least one static magnetic field about an axis, producing a rotating magnetic dipole field, and is movable in relation to the surface of the ground. The field is periodically sensed using a receiver to produce a receiver output responsive to the field. A positional relationship between the receiver and the device is monitored using the output. In one aspect, changing the positional relationship, by moving the device nearer to a boring tool which supports the receiver, causes an increase in accuracy of depth determination. In another aspect, determination of an actual overhead position of the boring tool, and its application, are described. Use of a plurality of measurements over at least one-half revolution of each magnet is disclosed. Establishing a surface radial direction toward a boring tool and resolution of multi-valued parameters is described. Calibration techniques, as well as a three transmitter configuration are also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Merlin Technology Inc.Inventors: Rudolf Zeller, Guenter W. Brune, Albert W. Chau, John E. Mercer
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Patent number: 9295529Abstract: A method for tracking a position of a sensor includes generating a periodic magnetic field in a vicinity of the sensor, the field having a positive polarity phase and a negative polarity phase with respective constant positive and negative amplitudes. First and second field measurement signals are produced responsively to the magnetic field at the sensor during the positive and negative polarity phases, respectively. The position of the sensor is determined responsively to the first and second field measurement signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.Inventors: Assaf Govari, Andres Claudio Altmann, Yaron Ephrath
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Patent number: 9291480Abstract: A control unit of a linear scale includes: excitation current supplying device for causing excitation currents each having two different angular frequencies to flow through slider coils; sampling device for sampling induced voltage V induced in a scale coil, at a timing of t=(2j+1)?/(2?) (j: an integer); position detecting device for calculating Va(j) which is a sum of samples of the induced voltage at multiple sampling points, calculating an excitation position ? at which the Va(j) is equal to 0, and setting the ? as a detected position X; and abnormality detecting device for calculating Vb(j) which is a sum of absolute values of the induced voltage at multiple sampling points, comparing the Vb(j) with a threshold value, and determining that the electromagnetic induction type position detector is in an abnormal state when the Vb(j) is equal to or lower than the threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Koh Ishii
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Patent number: 9255875Abstract: Detection of corrosion and other defects in piping is needed to prevent catastrophic pipeline failure. Sensors, systems and methods are provided to enable detection of such defects. These apparatus and methods are configured to characterize pipe protected by insulation and conductive weather protection. The sensors may utilize inductive and/or solid state sensing element arrays operated in a magnetic field generated in part by a drive winding of the sensor. Multiple excitation frequencies are used to generate the magnetic field and record corresponding sensing element responses. Relatively high excitation frequencies may be used to estimate the properties of the weather protection and sensor lift-off while lower frequencies may be used to detect internal and external pipe damage. Linear arrays may be moved to generate damage images of the pipe providing size and location information for defects. Two dimensional sensor arrays may be used to provide imaging without moving the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: Jentek Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Denenberg, Todd A. Dunford, Neil J. Goldfine, Yanko K. Sheiretov
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Patent number: 9246359Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for harvesting leakage energy. The apparatus for harvesting leakage energy includes: an energy harvesting unit configured to harvest energy leaked while energy radiated from a transmitting unit of an energy transmitting apparatus is transmitted to a receiving unit of an energy receiving apparatus; and a harvesting circuit module configured to supply energy harvested by the energy harvesting unit to a load. In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, energy efficiency of overall system can be increased by harvesting the leakage energy without affecting performance of a wireless power transmission system.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Jung Ick Moon, In Kui Cho, Seong-Min Kim, Je Hoon Yun, Woo Jin Byun
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Patent number: 9234945Abstract: A differential transformer type magnetic sensor includes a first coil layer, a second coil layer, and an insulating layer formed between the first coil layer and the second coil layer. The first coil layer includes a detection coil and a first drive coil. The second coil layer includes a reference coil and a second drive coil. The first drive coil and the second drive coil are electrically connected together so that a direction of drive current flowing in the first drive coil is the same as a direction of drive current flowing in the second drive coil. The detection coil and the reference coil are electrically connected together so that a direction of induced current flowing in the detection coil is reverse to a direction of induced current flowing in the reference coil.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventor: Yukihiro Aikawa
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Patent number: 9227135Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing a minor-world based digital board game service at a server that is connected over a network with a common screen device and a multiple number of mobile terminals that includes: transmitting at least one of map information and game story information for a board game to the common screen device; receiving game progress information from the mobile terminals, once the arrangement of a multiple number of property blocks on a gameboard is completed according to the map information and a board game is started; and transmitting response information corresponding to the game progress information to the common screen device, where the common screen device recognizes the arrangement of the property blocks and the piece blocks that move over the property blocks, and displays an image corresponding thereto and an image corresponding to the response information.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: MOTIONBLUE INC.Inventors: Je Hoon Hong, Jung Hun Lee, Na Yeon Hong
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Patent number: 9217628Abstract: An inductive detector operable to measure displacement along a path comprises: a first inductive arrangement; a second inductive arrangement; said second inductive arrangement being spaced from said first inductive arrangement and extending along at least part of the measurement path; at least one of said inductive arrangements comprises a winding which extends along at least part of the measurement path; and said winding comprising at least four loops in electrical series; wherein adjacent loops have opposite magnetic polarity; and the pitch distance of said winding varies at least once along the measurement path.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Inventors: Mark Anthony Howard, Darran Kreit
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Patent number: 9179886Abstract: A method for aligning a radiation source with a portable image receiver in a radiographic imaging system generates a magnetic field with a predetermined field pattern and with a time-varying vector direction at a predetermined frequency from an emitter apparatus that is coupled to the radiation source, wherein the generated magnetic field further comprises a synchronization signal. Sensed signals from the magnetic field are obtained from a sensing apparatus that is coupled to the image receiver, wherein the sensing apparatus comprises three or more sensor elements, wherein at least two of the sensor elements are arranged at different angles relative to each other and are disposed outside the imaging area of the image receiver. An output signal is indicative of an alignment adjustment according to the amplitude and phase of the obtained sensed signals relative to the synchronization signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2014Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.Inventors: Joseph E. Stagnitto, Xiaohui Wang, Michael C. Lalena
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Patent number: 9170086Abstract: An inductive position sensor uses three parallel inductors, each of which has an axial core that is an independent magnetic structure. A first support couples first and second inductors and separate them by a fixed distance. A second support coupled to a third inductor disposed between the first and second inductors. The first support and second support are configured for relative movement as distance changes from the third inductor to each of the first and second inductors. An oscillating current is supplied to the first and second inductors. A device measures a phase component of a source voltage generating the oscillating current and a phase component of voltage induced in the third inductor when the oscillating current is supplied to the first and second inductors such that the phase component of the voltage induced overlaps the phase component of the source voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2014Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Robert C. Youngquist, Stephen M. Simmons
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Patent number: 9112459Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a transformer power amplifier that allows for improved Q values and increased efficiency by reducing the capacitance coupling effect between metal layers and/or sidewalls of the same layer through carefully designed conductor structures in primary and secondary loops. A transformer power amplifier comprises a substrate, a conductor, a circular coil, a first amplifier, and a second amplifier, the conductor and the circular coil disposed on the substrate. A circular coil has a first input terminal and a second input terminal, in which the first input terminal and the second input terminal are spaced apart and opposite each other to form an opening. A first amplifier is connected to a first input terminal for receiving a first signal and a second amplifier is connected to a second input terminal for receiving a second signal, wherein the first signal and the second signal are differential signals.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Chieh-Jui Ho, Hen-Wai Tsao
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Patent number: 9052178Abstract: A noncontact distance measuring sensor and a method for noncontact distance measurement is provided. The distance measuring sensor has a coil arrangement including at least two measuring coils oriented along a common axis. An electrically and/or magnetically conducting measurement object is in electromagnetic interaction with the coil arrangement. The distance measuring sensor further has an evaluation circuit for evaluating and ascertaining a position of the measurement object. In addition to the measuring coils, the noncontact distance measuring sensor includes an additional coil which is arranged along the common axis, is coupled to the evaluation circuit, and at least partly overlaps at least one of the two measuring coils.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignees: Burkert Werke GmbH, Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Kersten Grosse, Werner Grommer
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Publication number: 20150137802Abstract: Composite material sheets containing conductive fibers are laminated, and release films are interposed between the sheets so as to extend from one end to the center of the sheets. The sheets are heated under pressure to shape a composite material. Discrete conductive wires through which a measurement current is passed are connected to end surfaces of the respective layers in the composite material on the side on which the release films are interposed. A common conductive wire through which the measurement current is passed is connected to a surface of one of an uppermost layer and a lowermost layer at an end of the composite material opposite to the side on which the release films are interposed. A current is passed between the common conductive wire and the discrete conductive wires. Currents in the respective layers are sequentially or simultaneously measured using an ammeter.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Ai KAWASHIMA, Hiroyasu FUJITA, Naoyuki SEKINE
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Publication number: 20150130445Abstract: Remote sensors and methods of remote sensing are disclosed. A remote sensor includes a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit includes a first coil, a magnetic field generator for driving a current through the first coil to generate a magnetic field, and circuitry for determining loading of the magnetic field. The second circuit includes a second coil located proximate the first coil and a voltage-to-current converter for converting a voltage at an input of the second circuit to current and applying the current to the second coil. The current in the second coil registers as a loading of the magnetic field generated by the first coil. The loss, in response to the loading of the magnetic field, is measurable by the first circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventor: Steven Rowland Widener
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Publication number: 20150132574Abstract: A fiber is provided with a polymer having a cross-section and a length. A particulate is distributed in the polymer in an amount to make the fiber detectable by X-ray detection or magnetic detection. The particulate is present in a core, a sheath, or both portions of polymer matrix. A process of detecting a fabric article is provided that includes the formation of a fiber in the form of a polymer having a cross-section and a length. A particulate is distributed in the polymer. A fiber is formed into a fabric. A fabric article is then manufactured from the fabric. The fabric article passes through an X-ray detector or a magnetic detector. A signal is collected from the X-ray detector or the magnetic detector indicative of the presence of the fabric article.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: Emily Aldridge, Robert Martin, Karen Mertins
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Publication number: 20150132065Abstract: An arrangement for providing a variable volume size is described. The arrangement includes an outer bellow having an outer end wall closing the outer bellow at one end. The arrangement further includes an inner bellow having an inner end wall closing the inner bellow at one end, the inner bellow being arranged at least partly inside the outer bellow. The arrangement further includes a base at which another end of the outer bellow and another end of the inner bellow are attached. The arrangement further includes a position measuring apparatus for measuring at least one position indicative of a distance between the outer end wall and the inner end wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2013Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventor: Espen Haugan
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Publication number: 20150108968Abstract: A rotary encoder has a signal encoding unit fastened at the shaft, a signal detection unit arranged in an axial direction of the shaft disposed opposite to the signal encoding unit, a signal evaluation unit, and an energy generation unit for the generation of electrical energy for the rotary encoder. The energy generation unit has a first element provided at the signal encoding unit and of a second element arranged at the circuit board of the signal evaluation unit. The first and the second element are disposed opposite to one another. The second element has a plurality of coils which are arranged in such a way that two or more coils are displaced by a pole pitch or a multiple of a pole pitch and in that the coils are switched in parallel, in series or in groups.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Stefan BASLER, Reinhold MUTSCHLER, Dominik DILGER
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Patent number: 9013192Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for detecting absolution positions, comprising a sensor unit (N, M) as a planar coil structure and a scale having alternating areas of variable reluctance or conductivity along the measuring line. The invention is characterized in that the measuring device has at least two divisions (T1, T2) for determining the absolute position within the measuring length, the at least two divisions being coded aperiodically and in a bitwise manner and extending parallel to each other and, for each bit formation, having opposite effects on a coil element (S2, S3, S4) as part of the entire sensor structure. Preferably, each coil element (S2, S3, S4), comprising its own emitter and receiver windings (E, R), is balanced in offset, and the entire sensor structure provides approximately equal signal amplitudes for each individual bit of the absolute value at any position of the coded scale by means of compensation windings.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2010Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: AMO Automatisierung Messtechnik Optik GmbHInventors: Victor Vasiloiu, Heinz Eisschiel
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Publication number: 20150102806Abstract: To reduce an indication error at a peripheral part of an electromagnetic induction type coordinate detection device, sensor coils having a coil width of 21 pitches are arranged at a central part at intervals of 4 pitches. At a peripheral part, the coil width is shortened from sensor coil #5 to coil #1 sequentially so that the coil width of a sensor coil is shorter than a coil width of an inwardly adjacent sensor coil by 2 pitches. This enables the coil side pitch that is 1 all over the coil group 222, and an area enabling three-point supplementing can be enlarged from the conventional one. The sensor coils at the peripheral part have a coil pitch of 3, and so an indication error there can be reduced compared with the conventional case of coil pitch of 4 for two-point supplementing as well. Dummy wires required at the peripheral part conventionally can be eliminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Moriyuki Tsuchihashi, Koji Kawakita, Yi Zheng, Kazuo Fujii
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Publication number: 20150102805Abstract: This disclosure relates to an intelligent train wheel sensor including a permanent magnetic coil and a low-pass filter circuit, an amplifying and shaping circuit, an analog/digital conversion circuit, and an output interface and interface conversion circuit, which are connected to each other in turn. The analog/digital conversion circuit and the output interface and interface conversion circuit being connected to a micro-processing control unit. The permanent magnetic coil is further connected in turn to a rectifier and filter circuit, a power storage circuit, a charging control circuit and rechargeable batteries. The rechargeable batteries supply power to the low-pass filter circuit, the amplifying and shaping circuit, the analog/digital conversion circuit, the micro-processing control unit and the output interface and interface conversion circuit. Such intelligent sensor has high reliability, requires no external power supply, can be installed and maintained conveniently.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventor: Lu Chen
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Patent number: 9000756Abstract: A rotation sensor assembly includes a rotated component rotatably coupled with a base. The rotation sensor assembly includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is coupled with the base or the rotated component. The transmitter generates a magnetic field including a sinusoidally time-varying dipole near-field corresponding to an excitation signal having a first phase value. The receiver is coupled with the other of the rotated component or the base. The receiver detects the magnetic field and generates a reception signal based on the magnetic field with a second phase value corresponding to a rotation angle of the rotated component relative to the base. The receiver is mechanically isolated from the transmitter. A rotation angle module is coupled with the transmitter. The rotation angle module, for instance a phase detector, measures the rotation angle of the rotated component based on the phase difference in the first and second phase values.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Raven Industries, Inc.Inventors: Clarence Walt Fowler, Robert Leonard Nelson, Jr., Scott Porter
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Publication number: 20150094887Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and particularly wireless power transfer to remote systems such as electric vehicles. In one aspect, a wireless power receiver includes a first inductive element configured to receive wireless charging power from a transmitter. The wireless power receiver further includes a second inductive element, laterally separated from the first, configured to receive wireless charging power from the transmitter. The wireless power receiver further includes a position detector configured to determine a lateral position of the receiver relative to the transmitter based on characteristics of the first and second inductive elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventor: Kiyotaka Kawashima
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Patent number: 8994367Abstract: A differential transformer type magnetic sensor is disclosed. The drive coil includes a planar coil arranged on a substrate. The first differential coil includes a planar coil arranged on the substrate. The second differential coil includes a planar coil arranged on the substrate and connected to the first differential coil. The first selector unit is used for a zero adjustment of a differential transformer. The first differential coil includes a plurality of first branch lines formed by branching a wire material forming the outermost turn of the first differential coil. The plurality of first branch lines are so arranged that the amount of magnetic fluxes passing along the plurality of respective first branch lines differ when the drive coil is driven. The first selector unit is capable of selecting any one of the plurality of first branch lines and arranged on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Kyocera Document SolutionsInventor: Yukihiro Aikawa
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Publication number: 20150077094Abstract: An inductive sensing system includes multiple resonant sensors interfaced to an inductance-to-digital conversion (IDC) unit through a single channel interface. IDC establishes an IDC control loop that incorporates resonant sensors as loop filters. The IDC control loop drives resonant sensors to a system resonance state in which each resonant sensor is driven to a resonant frequency state. Each resonant sensor is configured for a nominal resonant frequency state that differentiates it from the other resonant sensors. IDC senses changes in system resonance state representative of target-sensing conditions, and responds by driving a target-sensing system resonance state. IDC converts IDC loop (resonance) control signals resulting from a target-sensing condition into sensor data as representing the corresponding target-sensing resonant frequency state as an indication of target position (proximity or range) relative to a target-sensing resonant sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Jonathan V. Baldwin, Murali Srinivasa
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Patent number: 8981764Abstract: A rolling bearing sensor, especially a rotational speed sensor, having a housing and a signal pick-up which is arranged in the housing in a manner secured against rotation and is arranged, with the housing, in a stationary receptacle in a stationary part of a rolling bearing or in a stationary component adjoining a rolling bearing, for example, an axle journal, where the housing has an outer design via which the rolling bearing sensor in the receptacle is secured against rotation in a form-fitting manner. The sensor may have a groove which runs in the axial direction and interacts with a screw or a projection. Alternatively, a securing element which predefines a defined angular position may be pushed onto the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Marc-Andre Schaefer, Jens Heim
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Patent number: 8981767Abstract: Inductive sensor module comprising a coil arrangement and a carrier, on which electronic components are arranged, wherein the coil arrangement is arranged on a first side of the carrier and the electronic components are arranged on a second side of the carrier directed away from the first side.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: BALLUFF GmbHInventors: Simon Mahler, Martin Kohler, Matthias Kohler, Michael Frauchiger, Christian Gnaegi
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Patent number: 8981765Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a motor function analyzing apparatus which simplifies a calibration measurement necessary before measuring a finger tapping motion, and which is capable of evaluating a motor function highly precisely. The present invention provides a motor function analyzing apparatus which simplifies a calibration measurement necessary before measuring a finger tapping motion, and which is capable of evaluating a motor function highly precisely by using a calibration point unique to each apparatus and a calibration point unique to each subject.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.Inventors: Yuko Sano, Akihiko Kandori, Tsuyoshi Miyashita, Katsuya Morohoshi, Kouichi Ishizuka
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Publication number: 20150061652Abstract: A resolver has a stator includes a circular yoke, multiple salient poles radially projecting inward from the yoke, and winding wires wound around the salient poles via an insulator; a rotor disposed inside the stator; a wire outgoing portion arranged with plural terminal pins, the terminal pins being connected to end portions of the winding wires; and a terminal pin cover attached to the wire outgoing portion and covering the terminal pins. The terminal pin cover includes multiple spaces that individually contain one of the terminal pins. A filler is filled in each space, whereby the end portion of the winding wire electrically connected to the terminal pin is sealed in the filler.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventor: Haruki OTOBE
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Publication number: 20150048817Abstract: A position detection device for detecting a position of a movable element in a drive device comprises a carrier having two detecting modules for detecting a position of the movable element, the detecting modules being arranged side-by-side at a predetermined distance and without overlapping. Each detecting module comprises an energizing coil and a receiving coil assigned to the energizing coil and comprising a geometry having one period. The detecting modules are configured to output a position signal when detecting the movable element, so that during a shift of the movable element along the two detecting modules over the predefined distance this distance may be measured as a reference distance on the basis of the position signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventor: Uwe Prüssmeier
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Publication number: 20150025772Abstract: A position indicator device (10) comprising a first array (12) of uniformly spaced-apart pulse induction affecting targets fixed in position relative to a second array of uniformly spaced-apart pulse induction affecting targets (14). The spacing between the centres of adjacent targets of the first array (12) differs from that of the second (14). The device further comprises a first set (18) of pulse-induction coils comprising a plurality of such coils and a second set (20) of pulse-induction coils comprising a plurality of such coils. The coils of the first set (18) are fixed relative to those of the second set (20). Those of the first set (18) are located adjacent to the first array (12) of targets. Those of the second set (20) are located adjacent to the second array (14) of targets. The targets (the said first and second arrays together) and the coils (the said first and second sets together) are movable relative to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Applicant: GILL CORPORATE LIMITEDInventors: Michael John GILL, Samuel William BIRTWELL
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Publication number: 20150008906Abstract: A device for measuring relative distance between two physical objects includes an elongated inductor coil and a movable core. The movable core includes a slug of magnetically interactive material and is configured to move within the elongated inductor coil and to couple and interact magnetically with the elongated inductor coil. Electric current flowing through the elongated inductor coil generates a magnetic flux within the elongated inductor coil, and the magnetic flux is subsequently modified by moving the movable core within the elongated inductor coil and the modified magnetic flux is used to produce an electric output as a function of the position of the slug within the elongated inductor coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: DENNIS K. BRIEFER, STEVEN BEARD
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Patent number: 8928311Abstract: In an electromagnetic induction type absolute position measuring encoder having two or more tracks which includes: two or more rows of scale coils, each row including scale coils numerously arranged on a scale along a measuring direction so as to have a scale pitch different from that of another row; and transmitter coils and receiver coils provided on a movable grid relative to the scale in the measuring direction so as to face the scale coils, and which can measure an absolute position of the grid with respect to the scale on the basis of a flux change detected at the receiver coil via the scale coil when the transmitter coil is excited, coil lines are added to at least one side of the scale coils in the measuring direction at least in one of the tracks.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventor: Kouji Sasaki
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Patent number: 8928310Abstract: The present invention relates to a reluctance resolver (100) with an at least partially soft magnetic stator (104) and an at least partially soft magnetic rotor (102) which oppose each other by forming an air gap. The magnetic resistance in the air gap changes periodically on account of a configuration of the rotor that varies over the circumference. The angle sensor has a magnetic flux transmitter which is arranged on the stator and generates a predefined magnetic flux distribution in the air gap via at least one pair of poles. Furthermore, a magnetic flux receiver, which measures the intensity of the magnetic field via at least two pairs of signal poles arranged offset from one another at an angle, is arranged on the stator, wherein an angle value for a position of the rotor in relation to the stator can be derived from the two receiver signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Tyco Electronics Belgium EC BVBAInventors: Tom Ocket, Jan Van Cauwenberge, Jurgen Verstraete
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Patent number: 8915508Abstract: The subject invention relates to an air spring height sensor. The air spring height sensor of this invention comprises a height measuring signal transmitter (102) and a receiver (101). The height measuring signal transmitter is adapted for transmitting a height signal. The receiver is adapted for sensing the height signal transmitted by the height measuring signal transmitter. The height signal indicates a distance between the height measuring signal transmitter and the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Veyance Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Lutz May
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Patent number: 8907662Abstract: An arrangement for transmitting data and/or power between a chassis and a seat that is movably disposed on said chassis by means of a guide rail. Several primary iron half-cores that support at least one primary winding are arranged in a fixed manner within the guide rail while at least one secondary iron half-core comprising at least one secondary winding is placed on the seat. The primary half-cores are disposed within the guide rail in such a way that at least one primary and one secondary iron half-core are positioned relative to each other so as to transmit data and/or power.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Hans-Achim Bauer, Andre Zybala
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Patent number: 8890551Abstract: A test key structure for use in measuring step height includes a substrate, and a pair of test contacts. The substrate includes an isolation region and a diffusion region. The test contact pair includes a first test contact and a second test contact for measuring electrical resistances. The first test contact is disposed on the diffusion region and the second test contact is disposed on the isolation region.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: Chih-Kai Kang, Shu-Hsuan Chih, Sheng-Yuan Hsueh, Chia-Chen Sun, Po-Kuang Hsieh, Chi-Horn Pai, Shih-Chieh Hsu
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Patent number: 8878523Abstract: An inductive detection encoder according to the present invention includes: first and second members which are oppositely disposed so as to relatively move in a measurement direction; a transmitting coil formed in the first member; a magnetic flux coupled body which is formed in the second member and coupled with a magnetic field generated by the transmitting coil; and a receiving coil formed in the first member and having receiving loops. At least one of the transmitting coil and the receiving coil has a specific pattern that impairs the uniformity and periodicity of a pattern; and a dummy pattern formed in a position corresponding to a specific phase relationship of a cycle generated by the track with respect to the specific pattern.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: Hirokazu Kobayashi, Osamu Kawatoko, Shozaburo Tsuji, Kenichi Nakayama
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Patent number: 8878522Abstract: A magnetic linear position sensor includes an array of N number of magnets. The array of magnets is distributed along a line to form a magnetic field relay along the line. The sizes and positions of the magnets in the array of magnets are symmetric along the line, and the size of the magnets decreases from the sides of the array of magnets towards the center of the array of magnets. The magnetic linear position sensor further includes a magnetic field sensor spaced apart and positioned above the array of magnets. The magnetic field sensor moves back and forth over the array of magnets to sense the magnetic field of the array of magnets.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Xinyu Zhou, Qiang Niu, Kurt James Johnston, Christopher G. Benson, Daniel J. Smith, Eric Thomas Carlson, Moussa Ndiaye
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Publication number: 20140306693Abstract: The invention relates to an improved contactless position sensor and a system incorporating same. Such a contactless position sensor comprises at least two sensor coils each comprising a magnetic permeable core and windings defining a coil axis. The at least two sensor coils are arranged with the coil axes essentially in parallel to each other. An electrical circuit of the sensor drives a predetermined alternating current within each of the at least two sensor coils and determines a high frequency voltage component of a voltage across each of the at least two sensor coils. The predetermined alternating current includes a low frequency current component, and a high frequency current component. The electrical circuit detects the position of a ferromagnetic target by subtracting from each other amplitude levels of the high frequency voltage components of two of the determined voltages and by comparing the subtraction result to a pre-determined reference pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbHInventors: Marco WOLF, Martin RIEDER
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Publication number: 20140292310Abstract: An inductive sensor device for a motor vehicle includes a coil, wherein the coil is arranged on a carrier element and the coil is connected electrically to an electronics unit and wherein an induced voltage can be registered by the coil (10). The carrier element has a first side and the coil is formed by at least one planar coil on the first side of the carrier element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventors: Lothar Fannasch, Henning Irle
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Publication number: 20140292311Abstract: A position detector detecting a position of a movable member relative to a fixed member, including: a signal detector detecting periodic signals each indicating a predetermined value for the position of the movable member; a signal processor generating displacement signals based on the detected periodic signals and switching the generated displacement signals in a predetermined cycle to sequentially output the displacement signals; a position calculator calculating the position of the movable member based on a first signal group of the displacement signals; and a movement amount calculator calculating a movement amount of the movable member within the predetermined cycle by using a second signal group contained in the first signal group formed by obtaining the same displacement signal at different times. The position calculator calculates the position of the movable member based on the first signal group and the movement amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takeshi Yonezawa