Induced Voltage-type Sensor Patents (Class 324/239)
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Patent number: 9279784Abstract: A substantially planar eddy-current sensor having durability enhancing pillars in an active region is provided. The pillars are distributed and sized so as to have limited effect on the sensor's performance. When the sensor is mounted on a component such that the sensor experiences forces on a top and bottom surface, the pillars bear the load reducing the load bore by the active elements (e.g., drive winding, sense elements). A sensor with redundant drive windings and/or redundant sense elements is disclosed. The redundant elements may be connected to separate electronics. Another aspect relates to providing a reference transformer for calibration of a sensor. The secondary windings of the reference transformer are connected in series with the sense elements of the sensor to be calibrated. Transimpedance measurements are made when the drive winding of the reference transformer is excited. The measurements are used to correct transimpedance measurements made when the drive winding of the sensor is excited.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, David C. Grundy, Darrell E. Schlicker, Andrew P. Washabaugh
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Patent number: 9239314Abstract: A probe and method for detecting magnetic particles. In one embodiment, the probe includes a probe core having a first end and a second end, the probe core defining two regions for containing coils of wire, one of the regions being adjacent the first end of the cylindrical probe core; two sense coils, one each of the sense coils being located in a respective one of the regions; and two drive coils, one each of the drive coils being located in a respective one of the regions, wherein the regions are separated by a distance equal to or greater than the diameter of one of the coils and a source of a secondary magnetic drive field. In another embodiment, the frequency of the drive signal of the secondary magnetic drive field is less than the frequency of the drive signal of the primary drive coils.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: ENDOMAGNETICS LTD.Inventors: Simon Richard Hattersley, Peter Georg Laitenberger, Audrius Brazdeikis
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Publication number: 20150091556Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for analyzing materials by using pattern analysis of harmonic peaks. The apparatus for analyzing materials according to the present invention comprises a generating unit generating two or more electromagnetic fields, a detecting unit detecting a magnetization signal generated from a measurement target material as an electromagnetic field is applied to the measurement target material, and an analyzing unit analyzing type of the measurement target material based on a harmonic pattern obtained from the magnetization signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: Electronics & Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Hyo Bong HONG, Jae Ho Lim, Sung Woong Shin
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Patent number: 8988070Abstract: A pulse-induction type metal detector using a transmitter coil energizing pulse that selectively reduces the amplitude of background signals from conductive soils, ores and salt water. The detector can be operated with higher amplification of the received signals than conventional detectors, without driving the input amplifier into saturation. This makes it possible to detect land mines, tramp metal and gold in media whose characteristics make detection with conventional metal detectors difficult.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Inventor: Allan Westersten
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Patent number: 8981018Abstract: The condition of internal or hidden material layers or interfaces is monitored and used for control of a process that changes a condition of a material system. The material system has multiple component materials, such as layers or embedded constituents, or can be represented with multiple layers to model spatial distributions in the material properties. The material condition changes as a result of a process performed on the material, such as by cold working, or from functional operation. Sensors placed proximate to the test material surface or embedded between material layers are used to monitor a material property using magnetic, electric, or thermal interrogation fields. The sensor responses are converted into states of the material condition, such as temperature or residual stress, typically with a precomputed database of sensor responses.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Jentek Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, Vladimir A. Zilberstein, Ian C. Shay, Christopher A. Craven, David C. Grundy, Volker Weiss, Andrew P. Washabaugh
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Patent number: 8970212Abstract: An eddy current probe 1 in accordance with the present invention has a structure in which a cross coil 7 is placed in a predetermined direction relative to permanent magnets 3 and 5 in the following manner. When the probe 1 is erected, the coil 7 is placed between the magnets 3 and 5 so that a direction CD in which the opposing portion 9a (9c) of the first coil 9 is extended intersects with a direction MD in which the magnets 3 and 5 are extended. In the same manner, when the probe 1 is erected, the coil 7 is placed between the magnets 3 and 5 so that a direction CD in which the opposing portion 11a (11c) of the second coil 11 is extended intersects with the direction MD in which the magnets 3 and 5 are extended.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Masaaki Kurokawa
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Publication number: 20150035522Abstract: A sample holder and a coaxial method of measuring the permeability of magnetoelectric materials as a function of applied DC voltage are described. The sample holder reduces electromagnetic radiation losses as compared to conventional devices. The connections in the sample holder are electrically isolated from measuring equipment, preventing damage. A complementary algorithm to analyze the signal from the sample and calculate the permeability of the sample is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: Northeastern UniversityInventors: Khabat Ebnabbasi, Carmine Vittoria
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Publication number: 20150022193Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a magnetic field include a magnetic source configured to provide a magnetic field to induce an eddy current in a non-ferromagnetic target, and a magnetic field sensing element configured to detect the magnetic field as a result of the eddy current. The magnetic field provided by the magnetic source can be a static (i.e. DC) field or a changing (i.e. non-DC) field.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Applicant: ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Eric Burdette, William P. Taylor
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Patent number: 8928316Abstract: Methods and apparatus for characterizing composite materials for manufacturing quality assurance (QA), periodic inspection during the useful life, or for forensic analysis/material testing. System are provided that relate eddy-current sensor responses to the fiber layup of a composite structure, the presence of impact damage on a composite structure with or without a metal liner, volumetric stress within the composite, fiber tow density, and other NDE inspection requirements. Also provided are systems that determine electromagnetic material properties and material dimensions of composite materials from capacitive sensor inspection measurements. These properties are related to the presence of buried defects in non-conductive composite materials, moisture ingress, aging of the material due to service or environmental/thermal exposure, or changes in manufacturing quality.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, Andrew P. Washabaugh, Robert Lyons, Zachary Thomas, David A. Jablonski, Christopher Martin
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Patent number: 8907680Abstract: A voltage detector for detecting a voltage generated in a second resonant coil that is disposed to face a first resonant coil and that performs at least one of electric power transmission and electric power reception to and from the first resonant coil in a contactless manner by means of electromagnetic resonance includes: a first high-impedance element having one end connected to one end of the second resonant coil; a second high-impedance element having one end connected to the other end of the second resonant coil; a low-impedance element connected between the other end of the first high-impedance element and the other end of the second high-impedance element and having an impedance smaller than each of those of the first and second high-impedance elements; and an output terminal for outputting a signal associated with a voltage applied across the low-impedance element.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyuki Sakakibara, Shinji Ichikawa
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Patent number: 8884613Abstract: A water-chamber working apparatus 1 according to the present invention includes a movable body that can move along a tube plate 12 of a steam generator 10, an extendable member 21 that extends and retracts in a direction in which a first coupling portion 21d approach each other and a direction in which these portions move away from each other, where the first coupling portion 21d is attached to a maintenance hatch 15 via a first joint 23a including two rotation axes intersecting with each other, and the second coupling portion 21e is attached to the movable body via a second joint 23b including two rotation axes intersecting with each other, which are different from the rotation axes of the first joint 23a.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Jun Fujita
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Patent number: 8884614Abstract: Present embodiments include eddy current array probes having differential coils capable of detecting both long and short flaws in a test specimen and, additionally or alternatively, multiplexed drive coils. For example, an eddy current array probe may include a first plurality of eddy current channels disposed in a first row and a second plurality of eddy current channels disposed in a second row. The first plurality and second plurality of eddy current channels overlap in a first direction but do not overlap in a second direction. The probe also includes a semi-circular drive coil disposed proximate to the first plurality and second plurality of eddy current channels and configured to generate a probing magnetic field for each sense coil of the eddy current channels.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Changting Wang, Yuri Alexeyevich Plotnikov, Mandar Diwakar Godbole, Aparna Chakrapani Sheila-Vadde
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Publication number: 20140327433Abstract: A system for monitoring electrical current passing through a cured bondline may include a current sensor network embedded in an adhesive layer of the cured bondline. The current sensor network may include a plurality of inductive coils and a plurality of current sensor nodes electrically interconnecting the inductive coils to form a plurality of current sensor loops generating induced current in response to a magnetic field associated with an electrical current passing through the adhesive layer. The current sensor nodes may generate current signals representative of the induced current. The current sensor network may include a digital data communications network located external to the cured bondline and receiving the current signals from the current sensor nodes and detecting and monitoring electrical current passing through the cured bondline based on the current signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventors: Carol E. Anway, Andrew M. Robb, Jeong-Beom Ihn
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Patent number: 8878552Abstract: A system includes a capacitor, a plurality of notification devices connected in parallel with the capacitor, and a controller. The controller is capable of determining capacitance of the capacitor during charge-up of the capacitor, and the controller is capable of determining the wiring impedance of the emergency notification circuit during discharge of the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: UTC Fire and Security Americas Corp., Inc.Inventors: Andres Cordoba Galera, William Edwards, Joseph Peter Calinski, Donald Becker, Antonio Gonzalez Requejo, Miguel Angel Perez Gandara
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Patent number: 8878515Abstract: A constant current is provided to an energizing coil in a magnetic detector by charging a capacitor through a resistor from a high voltage source. Discharging of the capacitor into the energizing coil quickly increases current in the energizing coil. After the capacitor is switched off, a low voltage source maintains current constant in the energizing coil. The coil discharges its energy as a negative voltage to the capacitor. A high negative voltage source tops off the capacitor. After a delay, the capacitor discharges a negative current into the energizing coil. A negative low voltage source maintains the negative current. The negative voltage source is disconnected, and the coil discharges positive voltage into the capacitor. The high voltage source tops off the capacitor with positive voltage to repeat the cycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: White's Electronics, Inc.Inventor: John L. Earle
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Patent number: 8841903Abstract: A metal detection apparatus that uses one or more operating frequencies. The metal detection apparatus comprises, among other things, a transmitter unit that provides transmitter signals to a transmitter coil that is coupled to a receiver coil, which is connected to the input of a receiver unit. The transmitter unit comprises a frequency generator that provides an operating frequency to the input of an amplifier stage, whose output is connected via a transformer to the transmitter coil. The amplifier stage is connected to a first tap and the transmitter coil is connected to a second tap of the same transformer winding of the transformer. A resonant circuit is formed that is tuned to the operating frequency, and can be tuned optimally and independently of other parts of the transmitter unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Mettler-Toledo Safeline LimitedInventor: David Gregory Lyon
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Patent number: 8841904Abstract: A probe for detecting distortions in a material includes a probe body, a ferrite core in the probe body, an excitation coil encircling the ferrite core and adapted to generate eddy currents, further magnetic shielding surrounding the excitation coil, and at least one giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor disposed in magnetic field-communicating relationship with the excitation coil and off-center with respect to the excitation coil's axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Steven K. Brady, Donald D. Palmer, Jr., Jeffrey R. Kollgaard
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Patent number: 8836539Abstract: Provided are a loop type automobile sensing device formed integrally with a small loop coil, which has the automobile sensing sensitivity of a related art loop type automobile sensing device using a large loop coil, so as to greatly facilitate installing and maintaining of the loop type automobile sensing device and to expand the application scope of the loop type automobile sensing device, and a parking information system using the loop type automobile sensing device. In addition, the loop type automobile sensing device integrally formed with the loop coil is provided in plurality as automobile sensors to detect the presence and moving state of an automobile according to a signal from the automobile sensors, to control operations of a plurality of cameras, warning lamps, and display devices installed to a parking lot, and to notify parking information and automobile movement information.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Moru Inven Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jeong Jun Lee
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Patent number: 8816680Abstract: The invention herein disclosed provides a 2D coil and a method of using the 2D wound EC sensor for reproducing the Eddy Current Testing (ECT) response of a prior art 3D orthogonal sensor. The resulting thin-film eddy current array of coils configured to be placed parallel and against the test surface, and a corresponding eddy current circuitry operable to excite and receive eddy current from the array of coils. The array of coils forming at least a first inspection channel and a second inspection channel. The eddy current circuitry is configured and operable in a way that the one of the first pair of driver coils is usable as one of the second pair of driver coils; and one of the first pair of receiver coils is useable as one the second pair of receiver coils.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Olympus NDT Inc.Inventor: Benoit LePage
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Publication number: 20140230855Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to methods and apparatus for detecting whether unwanted metallic deposits are present on a bottom of a substrate holder used in an electroplating apparatus. The presence of such unwanted deposits is harmful to electroplating processes because the deposits scavenge current that is intended to cause electroplating on a substrate. When such current scavenging occurs, the electroplating results on the substrates are poor. For instance, features positioned near the edge of a substrate are likely to plate to an insufficient thickness. Further, where such current scavenging is great, the overall thickness of the material plated on the substrate may be too thin. As such, there is a need to detect when such unwanted deposits are present, such that plating under these poor conditions may be avoided. This detection will help preserve costly wafers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventors: Steven T. Mayer, Haiying Fu, Thomas Anand Ponnuswamy, Bryan L. Buckalew
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Publication number: 20140232382Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a ferromagnetic object located on or in a person being screened comprises a first magnetic sensor which in use measures an ambient magnetic field or gradient within a first volume of space and produces a corresponding measurement signal, a primary power supply which provides power to the magnetic sensor, a signal processing circuit arranged in communication with the magnetic sensors configured to identify temporal variations in the measurement signal and from the identified temporal variations provide an output signal indicative of the presence of a ferromagnetic object within the volume of space, and a warning device operable by the output from the signal processing circuit to provide within the vicinity the apparatus at least one of an audible and a visible warning in response to the output signal from the signal processing circuit. The apparatus include a user operable input means which enables the warning device to be disabled by a user without powering down the magnetic sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: METRASENS LIMITEDInventors: Simon Wray Goodyear, Simon Edward James Collinge, Mark Nicholas Keene
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Publication number: 20140225602Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring probe for measuring the thickness of thin layers, having a housing (14) with at least one sensor element (17), which is received at least slightly moveably along a longitudinal axis (16) and which comprises at least one first winding device (44), which has a magnetic pot core (41) arranged in the longitudinal axis (16) of the housing (14), and to whose central pin (42) a first and second coil (70, 71) are allocated, and having a spherical positioning cap (21) on the central pin (42) pointing towards the measuring surface of an object to be measured, which cap comprises a bearing surface (57) for fitting on a measuring surface, wherein a second winding device (48) is provided allocated to the spherical positioning cap (21), which device is formed from a discoidal or annular carrier (49) having at least one Archimedean coil (51), and a shield (83, 85) is provided at least partially between the first and second winding device (44, 48).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventor: Helmut Fischer
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Patent number: 8803515Abstract: A substantially planar eddy-current sensor having durability enhancing pillars in an active region is provided. The pillars are distributed and sized so as to have limited effect on the sensor's performance. When the sensor is mounted on a component such that the sensor experiences forces on a top and bottom surface, the pillars bear the load reducing the load bore by the active elements (e.g., drive winding, sense elements). A sensor with redundant drive windings and/or redundant sense elements is disclosed. The redundant elements may be connected to separate electronics. Another aspect relates to providing a reference transformer for calibration of a sensor. The secondary windings of the reference transformer are connected in series with the sense elements of the sensor to be calibrated. Transimpedance measurements are made when the drive winding of the reference transformer is excited. The measurements are used to correct transimpedance measurements made when the drive winding of the sensor is excited.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, David C. Grundy, Darrell E. Schlicker, Andrew P. Washabaugh
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Patent number: 8803516Abstract: In an eddy current testing method which involves using a rotatable eddy current testing probe in which a detection coil is arranged within an exciting coil, a change in detection sensitivity (a deviation of detection sensitivity) which changes depending on the rotational position of the detection coil is reduced. The eddy current testing probe includes an exciting coil EC1, a detection coil DC1, an exciting coil EC2 and a detection coil DC2, which are mounted on a disk DS. The eddy current testing probe is placed so as to face a circumferential surface of an object to be inspected T, which is in the shape of a circular cylinder, and the disk DS is rotated. Then, the distance (liftoff) between the detection coils DC1 and DC2 and an inspection surface changes. Therefore, also the detection sensitivity to a flaw signal changes. To reduce the change in detection sensitivity, the detection sensitivity is adjusted by detecting the rotational position (rotational angle) of the detection coils DC1 and DC2.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal CorporationInventors: Takashi Hibino, Takashi Fujimoto, Keisuke Komatsu, Yoshiyuki Nakao, Makoto Takata, Makoto Sakamoto
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Patent number: 8760155Abstract: A magnetism measuring method includes magnetizing a magnetic material with a direct current to a rotational magnetization region, performing an alternate current excitation in a direction having a component orthogonal to a direction of the direct current magnetization, and measuring a component of an alternate current magnetic field generated by an interaction with the magnetic material in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the direct current magnetization.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: JFE Steel CorporationInventors: Hiroharu Kato, Akio Nagamune, Toshito Takamiya
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Patent number: 8754771Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a device and a system for preventing false alarms in a theft-preventing system comprising a magnetic field for detecting at least one metal object in a first detection zone and means for determining a time-difference; said method comprising the steps of detecting a first change in a parameter indicative of the magnetic field in said first detection zone; detecting a second change in the parameter indicative of the magnetic field in said first detection zone; determining a time-difference between the detection of said first change in said parameter and the detection of said second change in said parameter; and performing an action based on said time-difference. In this way, false alarms due to a metal detector falsely detecting for example movement of metal-doors in a first detection zone may be reduced/eliminated. Additionally, the false alarms due to an opening and/or closing of a door with metal parts acting as an active tag may be reduced/eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Alert Metalguard APSInventors: Verner Falkenberg, Soren Sorensen
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Publication number: 20140139210Abstract: A metal detector includes a control housing electrically coupled to a search coil. The control housing includes a battery compartment having a first battery support surface located adjacent and a second battery support surface aligned at an angle relative to the first battery support surface to facilitate removal of a battery from the battery compartment. The metal detector also includes a movable door coupled to the control housing. The door is movable from a first, open position to permit access to an audio connector and a second, closed position covering the audio connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Inventors: Thomas P. Walsh, John C. Griffin, Mark E. Krieger
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Patent number: 8723513Abstract: The present invention discloses an eddy current probe and an eddy current inspection device including the eddy current probe for inspection of surface defect of a rotor wheel including a dovetail coupling part in which a hook is formed. The eddy current probe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: a main body, a contact part coupled to the main body and having a convex part and a concave part formed thereon corresponding to the hook, and an eddy current sensor being coupled to an end part of the convex part of the contact part. Accordingly, the detectability of a defect and the permeation depth can be enhanced, and the inspection procedures can be simplified.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignees: Korea Electric Power Corporation, Korea East-West Power Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yeon-Shik Ahn, Sang-Gi Park, Doo-Song Gil
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Patent number: 8717012Abstract: An eddy current probe includes an excitation coil for coupling to a low-frequency alternating current (AC) source. A magnetoresistive sensor is centrally disposed within and at one end of the excitation coil to thereby define a sensing end of the probe. A tubular flux-focusing lens is disposed between the excitation coil and the magnetoresistive sensor. An excitation wire is spaced apart from the magnetoresistive sensor in a plane that is perpendicular to the sensor's axis of sensitivity and such that, when the sensing end of the eddy current probe is positioned adjacent to the surface of a structure, the excitation wire is disposed between the magnetoresistive sensor and the surface of the structure. The excitation wire is coupled to a high-frequency AC source. The excitation coil and flux-focusing lens can be omitted when only surface inspection is required.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as respresented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Russell A. Wincheski, John W. Simpson
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Patent number: 8704513Abstract: A shielded eddy current coil probe is formed on a printed circuit board and comprises a first coil component forming a test coil and a second coil component forming an active shielding coil. The test coil and the active shielding coil are concentrically arranged and the number of coil windings in the active shielding coil and the field direction thereof are configured to limit the induced field or the sensed field in the test object to the footprint area of the test coil on the test object. Multiple sets of test coils with active shielding coils can be provided on the same or different layers of the printed circuit board to realize different driver, receiver and combined driver/receiver coil configurations.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Olympus NDT Inc.Inventor: Benoit Lepage
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Publication number: 20140103917Abstract: An apparatus for testing of electrical or physical properties of a material include a single coil sensor mounted adjacent to a sample of the material. Sheet conductance of a wide variety of materials may be measured using the single coil to determine if the material conforms to generally accepted standards for the use to which the material will be put. In some examples, the material is a semiconductor wafer or flat panel. In other examples, the material is the body tissue of a patient. A non-invasive technique using the apparatus is also disclosed for monitoring the health of patient tissue such as musculature, and/or to determine whether healthy circulation is present, by measuring the conductance of the patient tissue in response to a magnetic field applied by the single coil. The single coil may be hand held, or it may be movable using an automated positioning system under computer control.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventor: LEHIGHTON ELECTRONICS, INC.
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Patent number: 8680843Abstract: Magnetic field current sensing devices, systems and methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a current sensor includes a semiconductor die; an isolation layer disposed on the semiconductor die; at least one anchor pad disposed on the isolation layer; a current input and a current output galvanically isolated from the semiconductor die; at least one bond wire coupled to the current input and the current output, a longitudinal portion of the at least one bond wire disposed between the current input and the current output being stitched to the at least one anchor pad; and at least one sensor element arranged to sense a magnetic field induced by a current flowing in the at least one bond wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Udo Ausserlechner
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Publication number: 20140067185Abstract: Methods and systems for inspecting a component within an assembled turbomachine are disclosed. At least one miniature robotic device having a non-destructive testing structure attached thereto is configured to travel around a surface of the component. The non-destructive testing structure gathers data related to the surface, and sends the data to a computing device connected to the at least one miniature robotic device. In one embodiment, the non-destructive testing structure comprises an image capture device and an infrared (IR) heat source.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Nilesh Tralshawala, Bryon Edward Knight, Harry Israel Ringermacher
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Patent number: 8638091Abstract: A rotary eddy current flaw detection probe device has a plurality of ?-shaped eddy current flaw detection probes attached in a rotating disc for detecting flaws in all directions regardless of the flaw direction. Four ?-shaped eddy current testing probes P11 to P22 are arranged around the rotation center Ds1 of a rotating disc 111 and are embedded in the disc 111. The coil planes of detector coils Ds11 to Ds22 of the testing probes P11 to P22 are parallel with each other, and are perpendicular to the rotation plane of the rotating disc 111. The coil planes of the detector coils incline at an angle ? relative to a line Y passing through the centers Ps11 and Ps12 of the probes P11 and P12. The detector coils Dc11 and Dc12 are cumulatively connected to each other and the detector coils Dc21 and Dc22 are differentially connected to each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal CorporationInventors: Takashi Hibino, Takashi Fujimoto, Shigeki Namekata, Keisuke Komatsu, Yoshiyuki Nakao, Makoto Takata, Makoto Sakamoto
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Patent number: 8633686Abstract: Methods and apparatus for characterizing magnetic properties of materials, such as a material's anhysteretic B-H characteristic or its permeability as a function of B or H. A test apparatus for determining these magnetic properties is constructed to yield a symmetrical field distribution through material being tested to avoid localized saturation within the material. Characterization methods take into account radial variations in tangential field intensities when calculating the magnetic properties. The calculations are obtained as solutions of optimization problems through optimization methods such as genetic algorithms.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Purdue Research FoundationInventors: Scott D. Sudhoff, James L. Cale
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Publication number: 20140015522Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for detecting foreign objects. In one aspect an apparatus for detecting a presence of an object in a magnetic field is provided. The apparatus includes a power circuit configured to generate the magnetic field and transfer power wirelessly at a level sufficient to power or charge a load via the magnetic field. The apparatus further includes a detection circuit configured to transmit signals and detect, based on a reflection of the transmitted signals, a frequency of vibration of the object caused by the magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Hanspeter Widmer, Markus Bittner, Lukas Sieber, Marcel Fischer
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Publication number: 20140002069Abstract: One example embodiment includes an eddy current probe. The eddy current probe includes an oscillator configured to produce a repetitive electronic signal. The eddy current probe also includes a sensing coil configured to receive the repetitive electronic signal from the oscillator and detect magnetic fields created by the repetitive electronic signal in a target and produce an electronic signal. The eddy current probe further includes a signal conditioner configured to produce an output signal based on the repetitive electronic signal and the electronic signal produced in the sensing coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventor: Kenneth Stoddard
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Publication number: 20130335075Abstract: A system includes a probe assembly having sensing circuitry configured to sense at least one parameter relating to a rotating machine and a cable coupled to the sensing circuitry. The probe assembly also includes a molded probe body that is integrally molded about the cable and the sensing circuitry and a machined groove disposed on the molded probe body. The machined groove includes a machined surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Scott Davis, Alex James Kuhlmann
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Patent number: 8610426Abstract: A carburization sensing method according to the present invention includes: a first procedure of attaching a magnetic material to a reference material which has equivalent electromagnetic properties to those of a test material and is not carburized, a second procedure of measuring magnetic strength of each magnetic material and to acquire an electromagnetic test output value for each magnetic material, a third procedure of calculating a correlation between the measured magnetic strength value and the electromagnetic test output value, a fourth procedure of measuring magnetic strengths on a plurality of carburized materials, a fifth procedure of calculating a correlation between a carburized depth and the measured magnetic strength value, a sixth procedure of determining a threshold value Th2 of the measured magnetic strength value corresponding to a threshold value Th1 of the carburized depth to be sensed, a seventh procedure of determining a threshold value Th3 of an electromagnetic test output value correspType: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal CorporationInventors: Shigetoshi Hyodo, Yoshikazu Takimoto, Kazufumi Miyoshi
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Publication number: 20130320873Abstract: A sensing device includes a sensing transmitting module and a sensing receiving module respectively mounted in a first housing and a second housing. And an output terminal of the sensing transmitting module and an input terminal of the sensing receiving module are provided with a sensing coil and an electromagnetic rod respectively, the first housing and the second housings are cooperated with each other, and the electromagnetic rod is inserted into the sensing coil, so that the sensing coil or the electromagnetic rod is placed in magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic rod or the sensing coil thereby generating sensing voltage. The sensing parts are formed of the sensing coil and the electromagnetic rod, which significantly reduces the amount of the copper wires in the sensing coil and the electromagnetic rod, therefore the sensing device has a smaller size, lighter weight and lower cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventors: Guangshi Tang, Shaoming Yu
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Publication number: 20130314081Abstract: A coil arrangement (215) for a magnetic induction impedance measurement apparatus comprises an excitation coil (208) configured for generating a magnetic excitation field in an object, a shimming coil (364) for generating a shimming field, and a detection coil (210-214) configured for detecting a magnetic response field generated in response to the magnetic excitation field inducing a current in the object (106). In order to enhance an accuracy of a determination of a parameter of an object, a value of a field strength of a net magnetic excitation field in the detection coil (210-214), being the sum of the excitation field and the shimming field, is approximately within a magnitude range of an average value of a field strength of the magnetic response field in the detection coil (210-214).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Claudia Hannelore Igney, Francisco Javier Rosell Ferrer, Matthias Hamsch
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Patent number: 8593137Abstract: An eddy current sensor that includes: a probe and a computing unit. The probe has an exciting portion and a detecting portion. The exciting portion includes a first excitation coil that is wound around a non-magnetic bobbin so that a center axis direction is oriented in an x-axis direction and a second excitation coil that is wound around the non-magnetic bobbin to intersect with the first excitation coil so that a center axis direction is oriented in a y-axis direction. The detecting portion includes a detection coil that is arranged at the lower one of two intersecting portions of the first excitation coil and the second excitation coil. An eddy current measurement method for determining the thickness of a hardened layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naotaka Ide, Takanari Yamamoto, Tatsuo Hiroshima
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Patent number: 8593138Abstract: A bearing residual life prediction method, a bearing residual life diagnostic apparatus and a bearing diagnostic system can be provided. The bearing diagnostic system 20 includes: an eddy current tester 11 that measures the impedance X of a certain portion of a bearing 24 before and after the use of the bearing; a bearing information transmitter 30 that transmits bearing information s1 containing the impedance X; and a bearing information receiver 31 that receives the information; a diagnostic section 12 that obtains the residual life information s2 of the bearing 24 based on the received impedance X; and a life information transmitter 36 that transmits the residual life information s2; and a life information receiver 40 that receives the information. Hence, the bearing used by the user can be inspected nondestructively, and the residual life of the bearing can be predicted.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Tsuyoshi Nomura, Takamasa Ohira, Nobuaki Mitamura, Masahide Natori, Tohru Ueda, Ichiro Joko, Hidenobu Magami
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Publication number: 20130307532Abstract: The invention relates to a method for locating metal or metal-containing objects and materials, currents in at least two emission coils being regulated in relation to each other such that a reception coil output signal received by at least one reception coil or average values of demodulation phases generated from the reception coil output signal are regulated in relation to each other continuously to be “zero” even when exposed to metal. The amplitude(s) of the required controlled variable(s) is/are detected as a value by demodulation, preferably at least at 0° and at a demodulation which is set off by 90° and is/are equalized, thereby improving the method such as to allow a reliable detection of an object to be detected even if other metal objects are present in the area of detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2012Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventor: Gerd Reime
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Publication number: 20130300405Abstract: A quenching depth measuring method is used for measuring the quenching depth in a workpiece and includes the steps of: magnetizing the workpiece by disposing, in the vicinity of the workpiece, a magnetizer equipped with an exciting coil; detecting, through a detection coil, an induced magnetic field generated by the magnetization; measuring the induced magnetic field as the output voltage of the detection coil; and specifying the thickness of the quenched hardened layer of the workpiece on the basis of known electromagnetic characteristic information of an unquenched material and a fully-quenched material and an output voltage value measured by the detection coil, the unquenched material being made of the same material as the constituent material of the workpiece and being a material on which a quenching process is not performed, the fully-quenched material being a material on which the quenching process is performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2011Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: NETUREN CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuji Gotoh, Noriyoshi Takaoka, Kazuhiro Kawasaki, Yoshitaka Misaka
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Patent number: 8581579Abstract: A method includes generating an electrical signal representing a magnetic field using a magnetic field sensor having alternating layers of magneto-strictive material and piezo-electric material. The method also includes performing up-conversion or down-conversion so that the electrical signal representing the magnetic field has a higher or lower frequency than a frequency of the magnetic field. The up-conversion or down-conversion is performed before the magnetic field is converted into the electrical signal. The up-conversion or down-conversion could be performed by repeatedly sensitizing and desensitizing the magnetic field sensor. This could be done using a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, an electromagnet without a permanent magnet, or a movable permanent magnet. The up-conversion or down-conversion could also be performed by chopping the magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Lawrence H. Zuckerman, Michael X. Maida, Dennis M. Monticelli, James B. Wieser, Jamal Ramdani
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Patent number: 8575923Abstract: A magnetic inspection station for tubular members and methods for operating the same have a longitudinal flaw detection assembly adapted to pass a circumferential magnetic field through a tubular member and a transverse flaw detection assembly adapted to pass a longitudinal magnetic field through the tubular member. The magnetic fields cause congregation of a ferromagnetic particles sprayed on the tubular member in a magnetic particle inspection fluid. The congregation of ferromagnetic particles indicates a flaw in the tubular member. The magnetic inspection station includes a clamping apparatus positioned closely adjacent to the magnetic inspection station and adapted to support the tubular member within the magnetic inspection station and exert a compensating force on the tubular member to resist the magnetic forces generated by the longitudinal flaw detection assembly and the transverse flaw detection assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: OilPatch TechnologyInventor: Carroll Roy Thompson
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Patent number: 8560259Abstract: A dynamically self-adjusting magnetometer is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first sample module periodically generates an electronic signal related to at least one magnetic field characteristic of a monitored environment. A second sample module periodically generates an electronic signal related to at least one magnetic field characteristic of a monitored environment. A summing module sums the absolute value of the electronic signal from the first sample module and the electronic signal from the second sample module. A delta comparator module receives the electronic signals from each of the first sample module, the second sample module and the summing module and compares each of the electronic signals with a previously received set of electronic signals to establish a change, wherein an output is generated if the change is greater than or equal to a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Broadband Discovery Systems, Inc.Inventor: Cory James Stephanson
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Patent number: 8558537Abstract: In a process for testing the measurement accuracy of at least one magnetic field sensor, in particular during manufacturing, a semiconductor wafer that has at least two semiconductor chips is provided. A measurement coil is integrated into at least one first semiconductor chip, and a magnetic field-sensitive electric circuit is integrated into at least one second semiconductor chip that forms the magnetic field sensor. The first semiconductor chip, of which at least one is present, is positioned at an exciter coil that is supplied with current in order to generate a reference magnetic field. With the aid of the measurement coil a first measured value that is dependent on the magnetic flux density is acquired and the current in the exciter coil is adjusted depending on the first measured value. The second semiconductor chip, of which at least one is present, is positioned at the exciter coil.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2007Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Micronas GmbHInventors: Martin Bayer, Hans-Jörg Fink
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Publication number: 20130249541Abstract: A system, such as a magnetic immunity testing system, can include a first coil configured to generate a first magnetic field. The first coil can be disposed on a first side of a scanning volume and can have a first feed for supplying electric current to the first coil. A second coil can be similarly configured on an opposite side of a scanning volume, and a second magnetic field from the second coil can be combined with the first magnetic field to form a combined magnetic field. The coils can be provided with transporters that translate coils in at least one dimension. The system can also include a controller that is configured to control the transporters and the feeds to provide the combined magnetic field as a controlled and calibrated magnetic field over the scanning volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: TDK CorporationInventor: Robert Sutton