Magnetic Field Detection Devices Patents (Class 324/260)
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Patent number: 8476900Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting electromagnetic waves are disclosed. A system for detecting such waves includes a device having a first magnetic layer having a fixed magnetization direction, a second magnetic layer having an unfixed magnetization direction responsive to the electromagnetic wave, and a barrier layer positioned between the first and second magnetic layers. The device may have an impedance dependent on a relative angle between the fixed magnetization direction and the unfixed magnetization direction. The system further has a detector configured to detect a change in the impedance indicative of the electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic wave may be detected by positioning the device in order to detect the electromagnetic wave, determining a change in the impedance of the device, and detecting the electromagnetic wave based on the change in the impedance of the device. Characteristics of the wave such as frequency, power, and phase may also be detected.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: University of DelawareInventors: Xin Fan, John Q. Xiao
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Patent number: 8456160Abstract: The gauss meter devices of the present invention are small, low power 3 axis field monitor board which detects DC to slow varying magnetic fields. The unit is designed to be embedded into a system which may be sensitive to magnetic fields and needs to continuously measure the magnitude of the field around it. The unit continuously monitors and logs magnetic fields on X, Y and Z axes and it also logs the vector summation of the X, Y and Z axes. The unit may be controlled and queried by wired serial communication means or by means of an integrated radio frequency (RF) transceiver. The RF transceiver may utilize a proprietary communication protocol or a standard wireless communication protocol such as ZigBee, Bluetooth or any of the IEEE communications standards. The many configuration settings of the device may be changed by the user by issuing commands to the device from an established command set.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Sypris Test & MeasurementInventors: Guilford Louis Cantave, Larry Neil Purvis, Mark Jeffery Green
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Patent number: 8450997Abstract: Magnetic tracking systems and methods for determining the position and orientation of a remote object. A magnetic tracking system includes a stationary transmitter for establishing a reference coordinate system, and at least one receiver. The remote object is attached to, mounted on, or otherwise coupled to the receiver. The transmitter can include a set of three mutually perpendicular coils having a common center point, or a set of three coplanar coils with separate centers. The receiver can include a set of three orthogonal coils. The position and orientation of the receiver and the remote object coupled thereto is determined by measuring the nine mutual inductances between the three transmitter coils and the three receiver coils. The magnetic tracking system provides reduced power consumption, increased efficiency, digital compensation for component variation, automatic self-calibration, automatic synchronization with no connections between transmitter and receiver, and rapid low-cost implementation.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Brown UniversityInventor: Kenneth J. Silverman
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Patent number: 8441255Abstract: A thermoelectrically cooled GMR sensor having a first thermoelectric layer with an array of nanowires, wherein the nanowires include a diameter of about 1 nanometer to about 1000 nanometers. A plurality of alternating layers of magnetic and nonmagnetic material are positioned over and extend the nanowires to form a GMR assembly. A second thermoelectric layer is positioned over the GMR assembly and extends the nanowires, such that the nanowires have a length of between about 100 nanometers and about 500 microns. Conductors are placed in contact with the first and second thermoelectric layers for connecting the thermoelectric layers to a voltage source.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Louisiana Tech University Research Foundation, a divison of Louisiana Tech University Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Despina Davis, Ramya Bellamkonda, Raja Sekharam Mannam
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Patent number: 8436608Abstract: A multi-frequency eddy current (MFEC) inspection system is provided for inspection of case hardening depth on a part. The MFEC inspection system comprises a generator configured to generate one or more multi-frequency excitation signals and an eddy current probe configured to be disposed at one side of the part. The eddy current probe comprises one or more drivers and one or more pickup sensors. The one or more drivers are configured to receive the one or more multi-frequency excitation signals to induce eddy currents in the part. The one or more pickup sensors are configured to detect the induced eddy currents within a local area of the part to generate one or more multi-frequency response signals. The MFEC system further comprises a processor configured to receive the one or more multi-frequency response signals for processing to determine a case hardening depth of the local area of the part. A pulse eddy current inspection system and an eddy current inspection method are also presented.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Haiyan Sun, Yuri Alexeyevich Plotnikov, Changting Wang, Shridhar Champaknath Nath, Aparna Chakrapani Sheila-Vadde
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Patent number: 8432164Abstract: Magnetic devices incorporating magnetic composite materials are disclosed. A tunable magnetic device includes magnetic composite material and a magnetic field source. The magnetic composite material includes an insulator and magnetic material embedded in the insulator. The magnetic material has a remanent magnetization. The magnetic field source is operable to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic composite material in order to change the remanent magnetization of the magnetic material. A magnetic device for detecting a magnetic pulse includes magnetic composite material and a sensor. The magnetic composite material includes an insulator and magnetic material embedded in the insulator. The magnetic material has a remanent magnetization. The remanent magnetization changes when the magnetic composite material receives the magnetic pulse. The sensor is positioned to determine the remanent magnetization of the magnetic material.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: University of DelawareInventors: Xiaoming Kou, Xin Fan, Hao Zhu, John Q. Xiao
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Patent number: 8432163Abstract: The method for cancellation of low frequency noise in a magneto-resistive mixed sensor (1) comprising at least a superconducting loop with at least one constriction and at least one magneto-resistive element (6) comprises a set of measuring steps with at least one measuring step being conducted with the normal running of the mixed sensor and at least another measuring step being conducted whilst an additional super-current is temporarily injected in the at least one constriction of the at least one superconducting loop of the mixed sensor (1) up to a critical super-current of the constriction so that the result of the at least another measuring step is used as a reference level of the at least one magneto-resistive element (6).Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Claude Fermon, Hedwige Polovy, Myriam Pannetier-Lecoeur
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Patent number: 8427163Abstract: A spot indicating metal detector apparatus rides on a motorized platform having a rotary framework having a plurality of metal detectors mounted thereon with a plurality of metal detector coils positioned adjacent the ground below. The metal detector apparatus has a plurality of spray heads each associated with one metal detector detector coil for spraying a fluid onto the earth at the position the metal detector detects the presence of a metallic object.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Inventor: Robert L. Sickler, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130093421Abstract: A magnetic field measurement apparatus includes an irradiation portion, a gas cell, a measurement unit (polarization separation unit, light receiving portion, signal processing circuit), and a magnetic shield. The magnetic shield is formed in a elongated hollow shape having openings at both sides thereof. The gas cell, in which gaseous atoms are sealed, is disposed in a hollow area of the magnetic shield. The irradiation portion irradiates irradiation light including linearly polarized light adjusted so that the vibration direction of an electric field coincides with the axis direction of the magnetic shield onto the gaseous atoms sealed in the gas cell along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the magnetic shield. The measurement unit measures a rotational angle of a polarization plane of the irradiation light that has been irradiated by the irradiation portion and passed through the gaseous atoms.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Hitoshi UENO, Kimio NAGASAKA
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Patent number: 8421453Abstract: A magnetic field array for measuring spatial components of a magnetic field is proposed, in which with at least one magnetic field sensor utilizing the XMR effect in a magnetoresistive film structure, a further component, perpendicular or nonparallel to the film structure of the magnetic field to be detected, is detectable in that at least one flux concentrator is disposed above the film structure in such a way that the magnetic field lines in the peripheral regions of the flux concentrator are deflectable in such a way that there, the field lines embody a horizontal component of the magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Christian Bauer
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Patent number: 8415948Abstract: A current sensor includes an annular magnetic core that includes a closed magnetic path including a void in a portion thereof, and a magnetic body for focusing flux of a magnetic field generated around a conductor that carries a measured current, and a magnetic detecting portion for detecting flux of a magnetic field generated in the void of the magnetic core. The magnetic core includes a plurality of pairs of stepped portions on a pair of opposing end surfaces that form the void, the stepped portions descending along a direction separating from the conductor.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Hiroshi Ueno, Kouichi Itoigawa
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Publication number: 20130069642Abstract: Various embodiments can have a magnetically responsive stack positioned on an air bearing surface (ABS) and disposed between at least first and second magnetic shields. Each magnetic shield may have a beveled portion distal to the ABS. The magnetically responsive stack can have a cross-track magnetization anisotropy proximal to the ABS.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Victor Boris Sapozhnikov, Dimitar Velikov Dimitrov
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Patent number: 8395382Abstract: The invention provides a magnetic field sensor or current sensor which can exhibit a substantially linear relationship between the sensor signal and the logarithm of the magnetic field or current. The sensor may be used as a wide dynamic range sensor which can offer a constant relative sensitivity and a uniform SNR over several decades. The design of the sensor device may be implemented in discrete magnetic field sensors or current sensors as well as in integrated current sensors in ICs comprising MRAM modules.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2005Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Kim Phan Le, Jaap Ruigrok
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Publication number: 20130057276Abstract: A printed circuit in which, in going from one end to another, a same conductive line is wound successively: around the first winding axis to form at least one half-turn of a first coil, then around the second winding axis to form at least one half-turn of a second coil, then around the first winding axis to form at least one half-turn of a first coil, then around the second winding axis to form at least one half-turn of a second coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: Commissariat a I'energie atomique et aux energies alternativesInventor: Philippe Klein
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Patent number: 8390283Abstract: Three bridge circuits (101, 111, 121), each include magnetoresistive sensors coupled as a Wheatstone bridge (100) to sense a magnetic field (160) in three orthogonal directions (110, 120, 130) that are set with a single pinning material deposition and bulk wafer setting procedure. One of the three bridge circuits (121) includes a first magnetoresistive sensor (141) comprising a first sensing element (122) disposed on a pinned layer (126), the first sensing element (122) having first and second edges and first and second sides, and a first flux guide (132) disposed non-parallel to the first side of the substrate and having an end that is proximate to the first edge and on the first side of the first sensing element (122). An optional second flux guide (136) may be disposed non-parallel to the first side of the substrate and having an end that is proximate to the second edge and the second side of the first sensing element (122).Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Everspin Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Phillip Mather, Jon Slaughter, Nicholas Rizzo
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Patent number: 8391949Abstract: A system and method to map a biological tissue of alternating electrical polarity having a boundary between a depolarized portion and a polarized portion is provided. The system includes a computer, a transducer probe, and a receiver. The transducer probe is in communication with the computer and configured to transmit acoustic waves at a frequency through the biological tissue of alternating electrical polarity. The receiver is in communication with the computer and operable to detect a variation in an electrical activity at approximately the frequency of the acoustic waves. The computer creates a display of at least a portion of the variation in the electrical activity at approximately the frequency of the acoustic waves.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Paul S. Schluter
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Patent number: 8378836Abstract: A magnetic field strength threshold alarm that includes sensing means responsive to a magnetic field and actuating in response to field strength above a predetermined threshold, the sensing means being configured to be operational and able to actuate without consumption of energy; and alarm means for outputting an alarm responsive to the sensing means actuation, the alarm means being configured not to consume energy prior to actuation of the sensing means and only consuming energy subsequent to actuation of the sensing means. So, energy is not consumed by the alarm means prior to actuation. The alarm may be considered to include energy storage means for providing electrical energy, wherein the sensing means, the alarm means and energy storage means being operatively connected such that the electrical energy from the energy storage means is provided only when the sensing means is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Kopp Development Inc.Inventors: Keith Kopp, Harold Duane DeMent
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Publication number: 20130038321Abstract: A magnetic sensor inspection apparatus has a rectangular frame including a stage, a probe card, and a plurality of magnetic field generating coils. A wafer-like array of magnetic sensors is mounted on the stage, which is movable in horizontal and vertical directions. The probe card includes a plurality of probes which are brought into contact with a plurality of magnetic sensors encompassed in a measurement area. The magnetic field generating coils are driven to generate a magnetic field toward the stage. A plurality of magnetic field environment measuring sensors is arranged in the peripheral portion of the probe card surrounding the probes. A magnetic field controller controls magnetic fields generated by the magnetic field generating coils based on the measurement result of the magnetic field environment measuring sensors. Thus, it is possible to concurrently inspect a wafer-like array of magnetic sensors with the probe card.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: Yamaha CorporationInventor: TAKASHI SUZUKI
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Patent number: 8368555Abstract: A utility network interface device is provided for operation with a utility network. The utility network interface device includes a control unit configured to detect a tampering with a software component of a utility meter with which the utility network interface device is associated. The utility network interface device also includes a notification unit configured to output, external to the utility meter, a visual indication constituting notification of the tampering detected by the control unit. The control unit is configured to automatically control the notification unit to output the external notification of the tampering in response to the detection of the tampering. Also provided are a utility network including the utility network interface device, a method of operating a utility network interface device, and a computer-readable recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon for operating a utility network interface device.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventors: Brad Gilbert, Raj Vaswani, Jana van Greunen
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Publication number: 20130009638Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a compensation loop coupled in series with normal circuit couplings in order to reduce a transient signal that would otherwise be generated when the magnetic field sensor experiences a high rate of change of magnetic field. In some embodiments, the magnetic field sensor is a current sensor responsive to a magnetic field generated by a current-carrying conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Weihua Chen, Michael G. Ward
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Publication number: 20120319683Abstract: A radio wave absorber for use in an electromagnetic field probe that measures an electromagnetic field by means of an antenna section provided therewith, the radio wave absorber including: a first end section; a second end section that is located at a position opposite the first end section; and an intermediate section that is located between the first and second end sections, the intermediate section having outer dimension and thickness that increase in accordance with a distance from the first end section toward the second end section.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Masayuki HIRATA, Hiroshi Andou
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Patent number: 8310230Abstract: A method for sensing a microwave magnetic field polarization component of a microwave field generated by a microwave device, comprises the steps of generating a static magnetic field having a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined direction relative to the microwave magnetic field polarization component to be sensed, preparing an atom cloud of ultracold probe atoms in defined hyperfine levels, wherein the hyperfine levels of the probe atoms are split in transition frequencies by the static magnetic field, applying a microwave pulse including the microwave magnetic field polarization component to be sensed to the atom cloud, wherein a spatial state distribution of the probe atoms is created by Rabi oscillations during the microwave pulse between the hyperfine levels of the probe atoms being resonant with the microwave magnetic field polarization component, and collecting a state image of the probe atoms, said state image depending on the spatial state distribution of the probe atoms and representing the mType: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignees: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Wissenschaften e.V., Ludwig-Maximillians-Universitat MunchenInventors: Theodor W. Haensch, Pascal Boehi, Max Riedel, Philipp Treutlein
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Patent number: 8305232Abstract: A utility network interface device is provided for operation with a utility network. The utility network interface device includes a detector configured to produce a state signal upon occurrence of a prescribed state that interferes with the ability of a utility meter, with which the utility network interface device is associated, to measure consumption of a commodity and/or report consumption of the commodity. The utility network interface device also includes a control unit configured to detect a tampering with the utility meter in accordance with the state signal produced by the detector. The control unit automatically controls a notification unit to output, external to the utility meter, notification of the tampering detected by the control unit, in response to the detection of the tampering.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventors: Brad Gilbert, Raj Vaswani, Jana van Greunen
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Patent number: 8299786Abstract: The present invention provides an axially symmetric vertical magnetic field component sensor system capable of intensifying vertical magnetic field components. The sensor system comprises an axially symmetrical magnetic substance comprising a circular, oval or polygonal shaped flat disk and a protrusion formed on a center of the flat disk. The sensor system is used for a response system having an IC wound by a coil which generates signals and the sensor system is mounted on a metal surface or buried in a hollow formed on the metal surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Smart Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kunitaka Arimura
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Patent number: 8294458Abstract: A vibration and condition monitoring system with true digital signal processing based design, with very limited analog based general signal conditioning and integrated specific sensor conditioning and sensor power supply options. The device supports direct connection of eddy current probe systems to the module, due to a built-in driver and linearization functionality. Linearization and compensation of a specific eddy current probe/cable system is done by measuring its far/infinite gap response. This response is then according to the invention recalculated into a linearization curve/transfer function. Specific sensor signal conditioning is not dependent on hardware, but only on embedded software (firmware). There is full sensor input support in an I.S. environment. Not only the common sensor input types from accelerometer, velocity sensor or eddy current probe system for both vibration and/or speed measurements.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKFInventors: Raymond Huggett, Ludovicus Gommers
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Patent number: 8296088Abstract: Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Luminex CorporationInventors: Wayne D. Roth, Charles J. Collins, William R. Deicher, Jarden E. Krager, Adam R. Schilffarth, Ross G. Johnson, Colin D. Bozarth, Victor Selvaraj, Nicolas F. Arab, Bruce J. C. Bernard, Donald A. Conner, Robert S. Roach
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Patent number: 8274278Abstract: An automated, non-destructive anhysteretic magnetization characterization method for studying and modeling soft magnetic materials. This measurement method employs a “reading-waveform” that allows multiple points of reference to be established in tracing out the B waveform. In using the reference values from this waveform, the components of B that cannot be measured directly may be calculated with precision. In turn, the initial magnitude of the B waveform is identified as the unknown component of the anhysteretic state. The processes can be repeated for different values of static fields as well as a function of temperature to produce a family of anhysteretic magnetization curves. The core characterization was performed without physically altering the core, so that the true anhysteretic magnetization curve, and the true B-H loop under applied bias H, is measured.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Jeremy Walker, Stephen E Saddow
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Patent number: 8269490Abstract: A magnetic sensor that includes a magnetic film deposited on a surface acoustic wave device. The surface acoustic wave device includes an input interdigital transducer and an output interdigital transducer. An RF voltage can be applied at the input interdigital transducer in order to generate acoustic waves, which can travel via the magnetic material to the output interdigital transducer. The application of an external magnetic field alters the conductivity of the magnetic material. Such a change in conductivity attenuates the velocity of the traveling surface acoustic wave and an output frequency due to electro acoustic interaction. The change in the applied magnetic field can be indirectly monitored as a change in output frequency of the SAW device at the output interdigital transducer.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Sarinkumar Anakkat Koyilothu, Sankaranarayanan Kalathil
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Patent number: 8258778Abstract: A simplified micro-magnetic based sensor and a system built with it for detecting or measuring acceleration, speed, position, placement, tilt, and vibration are disclosed for a reduced product size, simplified manufacturing process, and reduced product cost. Both simplified micro-magnetic sensor and simplified micro-magnetic sensor system include a primary micro inductor and a secondary micro inductor coupled with a micro magnetically permeable dynamic medium element that is small, simple and low cost to manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Lustone Technology, Inc.Inventor: Xu Hua Jiang
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Patent number: 8248018Abstract: A motor controller controlling a permanent magnet motor including a rotor provided with a plurality of low coercivity permanent magnets having a coercivity low enough to allow modification in amount of magnetization, the motor controller including a position detector including one or more position sensors to detect a rotational position of the rotor; an inverter circuit connected between a direct current voltage supply source and windings of the permanent magnet motor and configured by a plurality of semiconductor switching elements of multiple phases connected thereto; and a magnetization controller that magnetizes the plurality of low coercivity permanent magnets constituting the rotor by energizing the windings of the permanent magnet motor through the inverter circuit such that all of the low coercivity permanent magnets are magnetized to a uniform level of magnetization by energizing the windings twice at same timings specified based on a sensor signal outputted by the position sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Sari Maekawa, Kazunobu Nagai
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Patent number: 8242776Abstract: A semiconductor process and apparatus provide a high-performance magnetic field sensor from two differential sensor configurations (201, 211) which require only two distinct pinning axes (206, 216), where each differential sensor (e.g., 201) is formed from a Wheatstone bridge structure with four unshielded MTJ sensors (202-205), each of which includes a magnetic field pulse generator (e.g., 414) for selectively applying a field pulse to stabilize or restore the easy axis magnetization of the sense layers (e.g., 411) to eliminate micromagnetic domain switches during measurements of small magnetic fields.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Everspin Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Phillip G. Mather, Young Sir Chung, Bradley N. Engel
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Patent number: 8237429Abstract: A method for measuring the pole position of a magnetic levitation vehicle on a magnetic levitation track. The pole orientation angle between the stator magnetic field of a track side stator and the magnetic reference axis of the magnetic levitation vehicle is determined by way of measured values from magnetic field sensors. The measured values for the stator magnetic field are measured using at least three magnetic field sensors, arranged along the vehicle longitudinal direction, a field strength value is determined for each measured value from the magnetic field sensors for each magnetic field sensor position and the pole orientation angle determined from at least a subset of the measured values from the magnetic field sensors when the determined field strength values meet given minimum requirements and, if not, an error signal is generated.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Robert Schmid
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Patent number: 8228055Abstract: The transverse critical-current uniformity in a superconducting tape was determined using a magnetic knife apparatus. A critical current Ic distribution and transverse critical current density Jc distribution in YBCO coated conductors was measured nondestructively with high resolution using a magnetic knife apparatus. The method utilizes the strong depression of Jc in applied magnetic fields. A narrow region of low, including zero, magnetic field in a surrounding higher field is moved transversely across a sample of coated conductor. This reveals the critical current density distribution. A Fourier series inversion process was used to determine the transverse Jc distribution in the sample.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Fred M. Mueller, Jens Haenisch
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Patent number: 8222898Abstract: A system for modulating a magnetic field sensor device comprising: a base; a magnetic sensor comprising a plurality of magnetic components; at least one coil for creating a magnetic field around the magnetic sensor; the at least one coil adapted to be connected to an alternating current source that passes through the coil to modulate the magnetic field at the magnetic sensor and drive at least one of the magnetic components of the magnetic sensor into and out of its region of increased magnetic response while shifting the frequency of the magnetic field that is sensed by the magnetic sensors a higher frequency to thereby minimize 1/f-type noise, where f is the frequency of operation of the magnetic sensor. The method comprises forming at least one coil around the magnetic sensor; connecting the coil to an alternating current power source; and modulating the current from the power source.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Alan Shane Edelstein
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Patent number: 8217647Abstract: A method and system for measuring agglutination in a target-induced agglutination assay with one or more magnetic particles is performed in a reaction chamber. After the magnetic particles, which are capable of binding to a target are provided in the assay, an agglutination process is performed resulting in agglutinated particles. Further an alternating current magnetic field (HAC) is applied to the assay. The method further includes measuring an effect of the HAC on the one or more magnetic particles unattached to any surface. The measured effect is indicative of one or more agglutination parameters.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Wendy Uyen Dittmer, Peggy De Kievit, Jeroen Hans Nieuwenhuis, Menno Willem Jose Prins, Leonardus Josephus Van Ijzendoorn, Xander Jozef Antoine Janssen
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Patent number: 8203343Abstract: A portable locator for detecting a buried object characterized by an electromagnetic (EM) field emission employing three-dimensional (3D) sensor arrays each having three substantially-identical EM field sensors disposed on a flexible annular wall having a radial centroid defining a sensing axis. The flexible annular sensors are retained in substantial concentricity with the corresponding sensing axes disposed in substantial mutual orthogonality. A pair of 3D sensor arrays disposed on a first axis substantially orthogonal to a second axis defied by another pair of EM field sensors each having a sensing axis disposed along the second axis. The locator introduces a user-reconfigurable user interface (UI) employing a “sticky” ratcheting audio UI and a hollow hinge assembly for redisposing the sensor assembly from an operating to a storage disposition.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: SeekTech, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Paul G. Stuart, David A. Cox, Ray Merewether, Dawn E. Shaffer, Ryan B. Levin, Michael J. Martin
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Patent number: 8203337Abstract: The problem of magneto-resistive sensor drift with age has been solved by normalizing the sensor's output relative to its output when it is in a selected reproducible state. Details for the method to accomplish this normalization are disclosed together with several examples of how the method can be utilized.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Headway Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yuchen Zhou, Grace Gorman
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Patent number: 8198890Abstract: In a method for determining a parameter set describing electric parameters of a route section of a magnetic suspension railway, the route section contains a stator section forming a drive section of the magnetic suspension railway and a route cable connecting the stator section to an associated converter device. In the method, the current and voltage values are measured at the electric connecting point between the route cable and the converter device. The parameters of the parameter set are determined using the measurement values, thus forming the parameter set. Accordingly, the current and voltage values are additionally measured at the electrical connecting point between the route cable and the stator section and the current values at the neutral point side of the stator section, if the stator section is electrically connected to the route cable. The additional measurement values are also considered when determining the parameters.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Rizqa Derfiora
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Patent number: 8198864Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. A magnetic force between the battery and a magnet is detected. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the detected magnetic force.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Brian J. Koch, Robert S. Conell
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Patent number: 8183855Abstract: A measuring arrangement where a magnet moves or is positioned because of the movement or position of an object, and this movement or positioning of the magnet is collected by a sensor, an in particular a non-magnetic dividing wall being provided between the magnet and the sensor. A mechanical converter, in particular a gear, being arranged between the object and the magnet.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Sensor-Technik Wiedemann GmbHInventors: Hans-Georg Hornung, Michael Sieber
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Patent number: 8183858Abstract: A method for measuring the gap between a levitation magnet of a vehicle of a magnetic levitation railway and a fixed reaction rail of the magnetic levitation railway and for generating a gap measured value which specifies the size of the gap. In order to form the gap measured value, the magnetic field, which is generated by the levitation magnet, or at least a measured variable associated with the field is evaluated.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Robert Schmid
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Patent number: 8174781Abstract: A method for screening a magnetic-recording head utilizing a simulated-cross-track-gain profile of the magnetic-recording head to provide a manufacturing-qualified, magnetic-recording head. The method includes measuring a track profile of the magnetic-recording head, and providing the simulated-cross-track-gain profile of the magnetic-recording head synthesized utilizing the track profile of the magnetic-recording head. The method also includes calculating a peak-to-peak value of the simulated-cross-track-gain profile, and applying a selection criterion based on the peak-to-peak value of the simulated-cross-track-gain profile to screen the magnetic-recording head for use as the manufacturing-qualified, magnetic-recording head.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Scott E. Heeren, Masaki Kohno, Tue Ngo
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Publication number: 20120098534Abstract: Magnetoelectronic components comprise at least one oblong working structure made of a ferromagnetic material, along which magnetic domain walls can migrate, means for applying an electric current to this working structure, and at least one magnetic field sensor for the magnetic field generated by the working structure. The working structure is designed so that it is able to form domain walls, the transverse magnetization direction of which in the center has no preferred direction in the plane perpendicular to the migration direction thereof along the working structure, and/or can form massless domain walls. It was found that the kinetic energy of such moving domain walls vanishes. These walls are thus not subject to the Walker limit nor to intrinsic pinning. As a result, the components can read, store or process and finally output information more quickly. The invention also relates to a method for measuring the non-adiabatic spin transfer parameter ? of a ferromagnetic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Inventors: Riccardo Hertel, Ming Yan
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Patent number: 8158940Abstract: A magnetic domain imaging system is offered which permits application of a strong magnetic field to a specimen. The imaging system includes a transmission electron microscope having an objective lens. The specimen that is magnetic in nature is placed in the upper polepiece of the objective lens. An electron beam transmitted through the specimen is imaged and displayed on a display device. A field application coil assembly for applying a magnetic field to the specimen and two deflection coil assemblies for bringing the beam deflected by the field applied to the specimen back to the optical axis are mounted in the upper polepiece.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: JEOL Ltd.Inventor: Takeshi Tomita
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Patent number: 8159219Abstract: The disclosure provides Hall effect device configurations capable of measuring magnetic fields in two dimensions (2D) and three dimensions (3D) along with associated microelectromechanical system (MEMS) manufacturing methods. The present invention includes various geometric layout configurations for 2D and 3D Hall effect devices with multidimensional magnetic field sensing elements. Advantageously, the present invention can provide, simultaneously and independently, absolute measurement of each of the components (i.e., x-, y-, and z-components) of a magnetic field. Additionally, the geometric layout configurations enable the Hall effect devices to be constructed with MEMS fabrication techniques.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: University of North Carolina at CharlotteInventors: Horacio V. Estrada, Yaroslav Maksymiv
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Patent number: 8159182Abstract: A contactless power transferring coil unit is provided. The contactless power transferring coil unit includes a flat coil, a magnetic film, and a leaking flux detecting coil. The flat coil is formed by winding a conductive wire into a spiral on a substantially flat plane. The magnetic film is disposed so as to cover one entire flat surface of the flat coil. The leaking flux detecting coil is disposed in a periphery outside an outer edge of the flat coil and the magnetic film and detects leaking magnetic flux from the flat coil.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignees: Sony Mobile Communications Japan, Inc., Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Kato, Kuniharu Suzuki, Katsuya Suzuki, Manabu Yamazaki, Kota Onishi, Kentaro Yoda, Yoichiro Kondo, Mikimoto Jin, Takahiro Kamijo, Haruhiko Sogabe
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Patent number: 8159218Abstract: A method of manufacturing an apparatus 200 comprising forming an integrated magnetometer package 202. Forming an integrated magnetometer package 202 includes forming a movable part 215 from a MEM magnetometer substrate 210, and attaching an integrated circuit 910 to one side 212 of the MEM magnetometer substrate. A spacer structure 410 is formed on an opposite side of the MEM magnetometer substrate such that the moveable part is exposed through an opening 420 in the spacer structure. But the moveable part cannot escape through said opening. A permanent magnet 1010 is mounted through the opening to the movable part.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventor: Christian Bolle
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Apparatus for characterizing a magnetic field in a magnetically enhanced substrate processing system
Patent number: 8148977Abstract: Embodiments of sensor devices for characterizing magnetic fields formed in substrate processing systems and methods of use thereof are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for characterizing a magnetic field in a substrate processing system may include a carrier having a form substantially similar to a substrate to be processed in the substrate processing system. One or more magnetic sensors are disposed on the carrier for measuring a magnitude of a magnetic field formed in the processing system in an x-, y-, and z-direction. A microprocessor is coupled to the one or more magnetic sensors to sample data representative of the magnitude of the magnetic field in the x-, y-, and z-directions proximate a position of each sensor. A memory device is coupled to the microprocessor for storing the sampled data. A power source is provided to supply power to each magnetic sensor and the microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Kartik Ramaswamy, Hiroji Hanawa, Lawrence Wong, Chinh Dinh -
Patent number: 8148976Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for the contactless determination of conductivity-influencing properties and their spatial distribution over the entire cross section of an electrically conductive substance moving in a primary magnetic field (B). The substance may be a liquid or a solid. A simultaneous measurement of a number of mechanical state parameters of the magnetic system is performed (three-dimensional components of the force and the torque), said parameters being variable by the effect of a secondary field on the magnetic system, the secondary field being produced on the basis of eddy currents induced in the substance by the primary field (B). To determine the spatial distribution of the property that is sought, the primary field is changed in intensity or form a number of times and a measurement of the state parameters is carried out for each change.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Technische Universitat IlmenauInventors: André Thess, Yuri Kolesnikov, Christian Karcher
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Patent number: 8143886Abstract: A device to test the good working order of a magnetic field generator, and namely a demining coil, such device comprising at least one evaluation means for the magnetic field coupled with at least one display means, device wherein said evaluation means comprise at least one wound coil able to be positioned so that the lines of the magnetic field pass through it, said wound coil linked to evaluation electronics powered by said wound coil itself.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Nexter SystemsInventors: Guillaume Huet, Michel Pezard