For Sensing Patents (Class 324/609)
  • Patent number: 11946958
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of measuring a load current flowing through a current measurement resistor coupled between a source node and a load node includes: measuring a first voltage across a replica resistor when a first end of the replica resistor is coupled to the source node and a second end of the replica resistor is coupled to a reference current source; measuring a second voltage across the replica resistor when the second end of the replica resistor is coupled to the source node and the first end of the replica resistor is coupled to the reference current source; measure a third voltage across the current sensing resistor; and calculating a corrected current measurement of the load current based on the measured first voltage, the measured second voltage and the measured third voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Paolo Angelini
  • Patent number: 11740222
    Abstract: A magnetic head for a magnetic detector for detecting metal particles in a hydraulic circuit includes an axial body internally including at least one magnet, at least a first electrode defining an air gap zone located in the magnetic field created by the magnet, such that the circuit creates a particle alignment zone in the air gap, and an electrical connector for electrically connecting the electrodes. The magnet can be a diametrically magnetized magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: SAFRAN AEROSYSTEMS FLUID
    Inventors: David Cosoleto, Patrick Bourbon, Denis Sindezingue
  • Patent number: 11705677
    Abstract: A method of assembling a water-in-fuel sensor assembly. The method includes an initial step of providing a housing that has a recess, at least one pin located within the housing, a circuit board, and at least one terminal configured for engaging the at least one pin. The method also includes forming a board-mounting subassembly by coupling the at least one terminal to the circuit board. The method also includes positioning the board-mounting subassembly within the housing by engaging the at least one terminal with the at least one pin such that the board-mounting subassembly is disposed within the recess of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Group Dekko, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Ritchie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11275017
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting holidays, e.g., defects, in surface coatings applied to metallic assets like a pipe. The system comprises a detection circuit with a test probe having a conductive tip which is moved along the coating during inspection and a DC voltage input signal generator which supplies a switched DC voltage input to the test probe. The detection circuit can be configured to operate using a low and/or high voltage switched DC input voltage signal. A measurement component comprising a sensing resistor and measurement tool is configured to measure a signal response of the detection circuit during inspection and detect holidays based on changes in the signal response caused by electrical properties of the coated surface. The detection circuit is configured such that the probe provides the only area of contact between the circuit and asset and enables detection of holidays without a separate ground connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Brian Jonathan Parrott, Sahejad Patel
  • Patent number: 11205338
    Abstract: A resistor-capacitor (RC) sensor circuit of an electronic device is driven to a drive voltage using a representative copy of a current that drives an electronic circuit line of the electronic device. The RC sensor circuit is to sample voltages that are indicative of an RC time constant of the electronic circuit line. A first sample voltage is determined by sampling a first representative voltage generated at the RC sensor circuit by driving the RC sensor circuit with the representative copy of the current over a first time period. A second sample voltage is determined by sampling a second representative voltage generated at the RC sensor circuit by driving the RC sensor circuit with the representative copy of the current over a second time period. A ratio of the first sample voltage and the second sample voltage is indicative of the RC time constant of the electronic circuit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Pin-Chou Chiang, Michele Piccardi, Theodore T. Pekny
  • Patent number: 11083393
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a change to a region of interest over time are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments may: (a) apply one or more layers of a stress-sensitive material to an object of interest; (b) incorporate the object of interest into a region of interest; (c) insert the region of interest with stress-sensitive material into an electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) device to interrogate the region of interest; (d) generate a first map of the region of interest based on captured information from the ECT device; (e) after a first length of time, repeat steps (c)-(d) to generate a second map of the region of interest; and (f) compare the first map to the second map to determine changes to the region of interest based on changes to the stress-sensitive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Loh, Sumit Gupta
  • Patent number: 10316644
    Abstract: A system for assessing one or more temperatures in an opening in a subsurface formation includes an electrical conductor and electrical insulation at least partially surrounding the electrical conductor. The electrical insulation includes magnesium oxide and a ferroelectric material. An electrically conductive sheath at least partially surrounds the electrical insulation. A profile of one or more dielectric properties of the electrical insulation along a length of the electrical insulation is assessed during use to assess a temperature profile with spatial resolution along the length of the electrical insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher Kelvin Harris, Edward Everett De St. Remey, Stephen Taylor Thompson
  • Patent number: 10317886
    Abstract: An autonomous shim fabrication system includes a gap data acquisition device that acquires gap data for a gap between mating surfaces of components that are to be assembled, a gap data conversion system that converts the gap data into three dimensional computer solid model data of the gap, a solid model data correction system that corrects the solid model data to generate corrected solid model data of the gap, and a solid model data conversion system that converts the corrected solid model data into a manufacturing sequence. When the manufacturing sequence is executed by a computer communicatively coupled to a manufacturing machine, the system controls the manufacturing machine to manufacture a shim corresponding to the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Shimtech Industries US, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Edward Arthur, Martin Guirguis, Dhananjay Vasa, Kyle Biondich
  • Patent number: 10082854
    Abstract: A network device that includes a power source device (PSE) circuit, a MOS switch, a network connector and a detection unit is provided. The network connector has a first and a second terminal electrically coupled to the voltage source and to the ground terminal through the MOS switch respectively. Under the condition that the PSE circuit is not activated, the detection unit detects a first non-zero voltage pulse at the second terminal to determine that a powered device is attached to the network connector to activate the PSE circuit to generate and transfer the power to the powered device through the network connector. Under the condition that the PSE circuit is activated, the detection unit detects a second non-zero voltage pulse at the second terminal to determine that the powered device is detached from the network connector to deactivate the PSE circuit to stop generating the power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: SENAO NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Pi-Kuang Ku, Ming-Tao Chang, Wen-Tang Lee
  • Patent number: 9780811
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for synchronizing sensors in a sensor array, including at least one electronic control unit and at least one sensor, which are connected to each other by a first and a second line, wherein the sensor is supplied with electric power by the first and second lines, and additionally at least one data signal (a) is transmitted by the first and second lines from the sensor to the electronic control unit, wherein the electronic control unit transmits a defined supply voltage signal having varying polarity as a synchronization signal (b, c) to the sensor, whereupon the sensor transmits at least one data signal (a) to the electronic control unit, after the polarity of the synchronization signal has been reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Jöckel, Otmar Simon
  • Publication number: 20150145527
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor circuit includes a sensor for providing a sensing voltage, a pre-processing circuit electrically connected to the sensor via an input connection line, and an impedance transformation circuit electrically connected between the input connection line and a bias point. The impedance transformation circuit includes a first impedance unit and a second impedance unit. The first impedance unit includes a first current mirror, and the second impedance unit includes a second current mirror configured as an invented matching current mirror of the first current mirror. The first current mirror is electrically connected to the input connection line, and the second current mirror is electrically connected to the bias point to receive a bias voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: AAC Technologies Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tan Siew Seong, Chua Tiong Kee
  • Patent number: 9039278
    Abstract: A ratio meter includes a converter circuit, a first counter, a delay circuit, and a second counter. The converter circuit is configured to receive a temperature-independent signal, to convert the received temperature-independent signal into a first frequency signal during a first phase, to receive a temperature-dependent signal, and to convert the temperature-dependent signal into a second frequency signal during a second phase. The first counter is configured to receive the first frequency signal and to generate a control signal by counting a predetermined number of pulses of the first frequency signal count. The delay circuit is configured to delay the control signal for a predetermined time delay. The second counter is configured to receive the second frequency signal and to generate a count value by counting the second frequency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Mei-Chen Chuang, Jui-Cheng Huang, Alan Roth
  • Patent number: 9032352
    Abstract: A method of asymmetric asynchronous decoupling of capacitors in an integrated circuit design is provided for faster simulation by circuit simulators, e.g. FastSPICE circuit simulators. This method includes removing a coupling capacitor from a list, which includes coupling capacitors that capacitively couple two nets in the design. The two nets have capacitances C1 and C2, and at least one of capacitances C1 and C2 exceeds a threshold. The coupling capacitor has capacitance Cc. When coupling capacitance Cc is low and only one of capacitances C1 and C2 has a low capacitance, then a forward capacitance can be used at whichever of the two nets has the low capacitance and a lump capacitance can be used at the other net for simulation. When coupling capacitance Cc is low and both of capacitances C1 and C2 have high capacitances, then lump capacitances can be used at the two nets for the simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Mayukh Bhattacharya, Michal Jerzy Rewienski, Amelia Huimin Shen
  • Patent number: 9013197
    Abstract: A chip on glass substrate includes a substrate, first, second, and third pads that are arranged on the substrate and that are electrically connected to an IC device, and first to fourth conductive patterns. A first conductive pattern is arranged on the substrate, has one end electrically connected to the first pad, and has another end that is electrically floated. Second and third conductive patterns are arranged on the substrate, each have one end electrically connected to the second pad, and each have another end that is electrically floated. A fourth conductive pattern is arranged on the substrate, has one end electrically connected to the third pad, and has another end that is electrically floated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dae Geun Lee
  • Publication number: 20150070028
    Abstract: A rotary resonant three-dimensional electric field sensor is disclosed. The rotary resonant three-dimensional electric field sensor includes: a substrate (1); an X-direction electric field measurement unit (4), a Y-direction electric field measurement unit (5), and a Z-direction electric field measurement unit (6), set on the substrate (1), each of which including: a sensing electrode (8, 10, 13) fixed on the substrate (1), and a shielding electrode (7, 9, 12) vibrating relatively to the sensing electrode (8, 10, 13); and at least one set of driving mechanical structures (11, 18), is configured to generate a driving force so as to cause the shielding electrode (7, 9) to vibrate relatively to a corresponding sensing electrode (8, 10, 13), and the vibration is transferred to the shielding is electrodes (7, 9, 12) of the other two electric field measurement units (4, 5, 6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Shanhong Xia, Yu Wang, Dongming Fang, Chunrong Peng
  • Publication number: 20150002169
    Abstract: A circuit for calibrating a current transducer may include a first resistor and a second resistor, such that the first resistor and the second resistor may adjust a measurement output by a current sensor. The first resistor and the second resistor may adjust the measurement output by adjusting a phase of the measurement output and/or adjusting a sensitivity of the measurement output. The circuit may also include a first terminal and a second terminal, such that the first terminal may be electrically coupled to the first resistor and the second resistor. Here, the first terminal may receive the measurement output by the current sensor, and the second terminal may output the adjusted measurement output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Dan Tho Lu, Robert Paul Stachow
  • Patent number: 8869591
    Abstract: A method for sensing analyte. The method includes the steps of sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and outputting a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter by each of a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being provided in one or more sensor array columns, selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns by a heating element, and receiving an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays by a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arranged in a VCO array. The method further includes the steps of generating an output oscillation frequency by each VCO in accordance with the level of the received output current, and counting a number of oscillations over a predetermined time received from each of the plurality of VCOs in the VCO array by a plurality of counters arranged in a counter array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sensorbit Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Dimmler, Thomas Moss, III
  • Publication number: 20140203819
    Abstract: A cloaked field sensor apparatus and system using a cloaking barrier sheath to substantially enclose the surface of a transmitter conduit exposed to an electromagnetic field being measured to reduce the field sensor's interference with the electromagnetic field being measured. Multiple cloaked field sensor apparatuses may be aligned in an array and use identical or different cloaking barrier sheaths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: United States Government, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Walter D. Sessions, Kevin A. Boulais, Jennifer K. Roames
  • Publication number: 20140167781
    Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a sensor device with an increased accuracy. In order to achieve the objective, provided is a sensor device includes: an external terminal 2 to which an external device is connected; a ground terminal 3 connected to the ground; an internal circuit 4 that generates a sensor output signal; and a protection circuit 5 having a resistive element 6 and a capacitative element 7 between the external terminal and the internal circuit, in which the capacitative element is formed of a pair of electrodes having different conductivities from each other and a lower-conductive electrode 7a of the electrodes which has a smaller conductivity is connected to the external terminal and the internal circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Satoshi Asano, Masahiro Matsumoto, HIroshi Nakano, Keiji Hanzawa
  • Publication number: 20140139237
    Abstract: A device including a displacement measurement circuitry and a charge adjuster circuitry is disclosed. The displacement measurement circuitry may be configured to measure displacement associated with a rotating object. The charge adjuster circuitry is coupled to the displacement measurement circuitry. The charge adjuster circuitry is configured to measure an offset associated with ambient noise in the device over time. The charge adjuster circuitry is further configured to adjust sensors of the displacement measurement circuitry to reduce the measured offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Hans Leuthold
  • Publication number: 20140077822
    Abstract: An apparatus including a first plurality of electrodes and a second plurality of electrodes is disclosed. Each electrode of the first plurality of electrodes is configured to measure an electric field associated with a position of a moving object. The second plurality of electrodes is disposed further away from the moving object in comparison to the first plurality of electrodes. The second plurality of electrodes is configured to measure a signal associated with ambient noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Hans Leuthold
  • Patent number: 8653830
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for evaluating a material are described. Embodiments typically involve use of an impedance measurement sensor to measure the impedance of a sample of the material under at least two different states of illumination. The states of illumination may include (a) substantially no optical stimulation, (b) substantial optical stimulation, (c) optical stimulation at a first wavelength of light, (d) optical stimulation at a second wavelength of light, (e) a first level of light intensity, and (f) a second level of light intensity. Typically a difference in impedance between the impedance of the sample at the two states of illumination is measured to determine a characteristic of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Lonnie C. Maxey, James E. Parks, II, Samuel A. Lewis, Sr., William P Partridge, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8624610
    Abstract: A circuit has a first sense resistor circuit having components including a first-circuit active element to provide a sense resistance to sense a current in a load in series therewith, the sense resistance being established by an input command voltage. A second sense resistor circuit has components replicating the components of the first sense resistor circuit including a replicated active element, a resistance of the replicated active element also being established by the input command voltage. A precision resistor is coupled to the replicated active element to provide a load thereto. When the input command voltage establishes a voltage across the replicated active element, a voltage is established across the first-circuit active element in proportion thereto to command a desired current in the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert Alan Neidorff
  • Publication number: 20130285674
    Abstract: A power detection apparatus is provided. The power detection apparatus includes a first current processing circuit and a second current processing circuit. The first current processing circuit is configured to provide a dynamic bias voltage at a bias terminal in response to a variation of a system power. The second current processing circuit is coupled to the first current processing circuit and is biased under the dynamic bias voltage for outputting a power good signal at an output terminal to represent that the system power is ready when the dynamic bias voltage is greater than a threshold voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: POWER FOREST TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yun-Chi Chiang
  • Publication number: 20130271156
    Abstract: A measuring device for measuring a process variable, comprising: an input circuit having a supply line and a return line, connectable to a superordinated unit. Energy supply of the measuring device and signal transmission, between the measuring device and a superordinated unit occurs over a line-pair. Input voltage is applied to the measuring device via the line pair. A series regulator installed in the supply line for controlling an electrical current flowing via the line-pair, a shunt regulator connected after the series regulator and installed in a parallel branch, and an apparatus for controlling a voltage drop across the series regulator are provided. The apparatus sets the voltage drop across the series regulator as a function of the applied input voltage, which is greater than a predetermined minimum input voltage, to a value predetermined by a characteristic curve for the particular input voltage and lying above a minimum value required for operation of the series regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH = Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Schleith, Bernd Strutt, Ralf Armbruster, Wolfgang Brutschin
  • Publication number: 20130207669
    Abstract: The invention is provides an input device including a base, a plastic part provided on the base, and a touch sensor embedded in the plastic part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: HOSIDEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: HOSIDEN CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8508238
    Abstract: An electrode array, a system and a method for reconstructing the distribution of electrical properties within a multi-material object. One embodiment includes electrodes arranged along a three-dimensional helical path to provide one or more helical arrays and circuitry to measure signals for calculating a conductivity or admittivity distribution representative of the interior of the structure. Image data may be obtained which is representative of the multi-material region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sakethraman Mahalingam, Manoj Kumar Koyithitta Meethal, Prafull Sharma, Rajesh Veera Venkata Lakshmi Langoju, Wrichik Basu, Parama Ghoshal
  • Patent number: 8456174
    Abstract: A sensor and method for determining at least one internal parameter for an active sensor in a special mode of operation. The sensor has at least one sensor element, an evaluation circuit, at least two connecting lines, and a changeover module. The sensor is changed over between a normal mode of operation and the special mode of operation by means of the changeover module and is put into the special mode of operation for the purpose of determining the at least one internal parameter. The sensor has an electric offset source which is used in the special mode of operation to at least partially actuate the evaluation circuit on the basis of the supply voltage of the sensor which is applied to the two connecting lines such that the at least one internal parameter of the sensor can be ascertained from the sensor output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Joerg Eckrich, Ralf Klausen, Timo Dietz, Wolfgang Fritz, Wolfgang Joeckel
  • Patent number: 8451013
    Abstract: An insulated fiber sensor apparatus is used in a composite that includes a number of fibers in a matrix. An insulated fiber is connected with the composite and is covered with insulation such that the insulation separates the insulated fiber from the matrix and from the number of fibers in the matrix. Further, a measurement device is connected with the insulated fiber. According to one aspect of the invention, the fibers are carbon fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Kuang-Ting Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20130088242
    Abstract: An automated sequencer for a microcontroller is provided which makes a CVD conversion process a hardware function. The sequencer controls the charging/discharging of the sensor and ADC sample-and-hold capacitances, as well as the voltage division process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Microchip Technology Incorporated
    Inventor: Microchip Technology Incorporated
  • Publication number: 20130060478
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling command voltages applied to electrodes during an electrophysiology measurement procedure using a high-throughput measurement system is provided. An initial command voltage is applied to the electrodes to obtain baseline currents respectively associated with the electrodes. A common offset voltage is determined based on the baseline currents, and an adjusted command voltage is determined based on the initial command voltage and the common offset voltage. The adjusted command voltage is applied to at least one of the electrodes to obtain an adjusted current measured by the electrode. A local offset voltage for the electrode is determined based on the adjusted current measured by the electrode. A subsequent command voltage applied to the electrode incorporates the common offset voltage and the local offset voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: MOLECULAR DEVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Yuri V. Osipchuk, Philip Churchward, Keith Steven Thomas
  • Patent number: 8365574
    Abstract: A method for minimizing stray current in capacitive sensor data includes receiving a first input from a first wire of a wire harness, the wire harness comprising a plurality of twisted wires, the first input comprising a first signal comprising first sensor data and stray current; receiving a second input from a second wire of the wire harness, the second input comprising a second signal comprising stray current; and subtracting the second signal from the first signal to determine the first sensor data. A system for minimizing stray current in capacitive sensor data is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis E. Schmidt, Joseph A. James, Lawrence A. Cogsdill
  • Patent number: 8331057
    Abstract: Examples of an electromagnetic field detecting element according to the present invention includes a substrate, a pair of electrodes, three insulation layers disposed on the substrate and between the electrodes. The three insulation layers are designed to have two or three different dielectric breakdown strength. At least two ballistic current paths are formed between the electrodes. With this structure, it is possible to perform at a room temperature a highly efficient electromagnetic field detection utilizing Aharonov-Bohm effect or Aharonov-Casher effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shintaro Miyanishi, Yasushi Ogimoto, Yoshiteru Murakami, Kunio Kojima
  • Patent number: 8330528
    Abstract: Active sensor for switching over into a special operating mode, wherein the sensor has at least one sensor element, one evaluation circuit and two connecting lines, each with a terminal for transmitting the sensor information, wherein a supply voltage of the sensor is applied to the two connecting lines, wherein the sensor comprises a switchover module with which it is possible to switch over between a normal operating mode and a special operating mode by reversing the polarity of the supply voltage which is applied to the two terminals. A method for actuating an active sensor and to the use of the sensor, in particular as a wheel speed sensor, in motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Jörg Eckrich, Ralf Klausen, Timo Dietz, Wolfgang Fritz, Wolfgang Jöckel
  • Patent number: 8120209
    Abstract: A voltage sensing device with which high-precision voltage sensing is possible without the need to obtain a unique correction constant for each device. A pair of voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 is selected from voltage input nodes NC0-NCn in switch part 10, and they are connected to sensing input nodes NA and NB in two types of patterns with different polarity (forward connection, reverse connection). Sensing input nodes NA and NB are held at reference potential Vm by voltage sensing part 20, and current Ina and Inb corresponding to the voltage at voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 flows to input resistors RIk and RIk-1. Currents Ina and Inb are synthesized at different ratios in voltage sensing part 20, and sensed voltage signal S20 is generated according to the synthesized current Ic. Sensed voltage data S40 with low error is generated according to the difference between the two sensed voltage signals S20 generated in the two connection patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Toru Tanaka, Akio Ogura, Kazuya Omagari, Nariaki Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 8074961
    Abstract: Proposed is a magnetic valve with manual override, through the actuating element of which a magnetic core that serves as a valve element or that is connected to a valve element can be shifted from an off position into an operating position without excitation of a magnetic coil system assigned to it. To detect the position of the magnetic core that is held in the operating position by the manual override there is provided a coil current monitoring device that monitors the rise of the coil current after the magnetic coil system has been switched on, which device has a detection device for detection of the absence of a drop in current as formed by movement of the magnetic core after being switched on and a signaling device for electrical signaling of a position of the magnetic core that is held in the operating position by the manual override if said drop in current is absent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Carsten Clauss, Ralf Forcht, Thomas Lederer, Christian Waldeck
  • Patent number: 8063649
    Abstract: A measuring system minimizes the parasitic affects of lumped circuit elements. The system includes two or more in-situ interfaces configured to conductively link a source to an internal load and an external load. The in-situ interfaces are linked to a shunt conductor. Two or more linear and dynamic elements conductively link the in-situ interfaces in series. The dynamic elements are configured to overwhelm the parasitic self-capacitance of an input circuit coupled to at least one of the in-situ interfaces. A shield enclosing at least one of the linear and dynamic elements has a conductive surface to fields and electromagnetic interference. The shield has attenuation ratios that substantially dampen the parasitic capacitance between the linear and dynamic elements that bridge some of the in-situ interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Craig E. Deibele, George Brian Link, Vladimir V. Peplov
  • Patent number: 8022316
    Abstract: A force measuring device, especially a weighing device, has at least one force-measuring module that includes a force-measuring cell, a communication means, a terminal and at least one communication line, through which communication signals are transmitted between the terminal and the communication means. In a method for determining the condition of such a device, at least one voltage present at the communication line or at the communication means is measured. The measured value, or a processed result therefrom, are transmitted through the communication line to the terminal. A parameter representing the condition of the force-measuring device is determined from the measurement value, or the processed result, in an accurate and simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Christoph Trautweiler, Douglas Bliss
  • Patent number: 7906977
    Abstract: A circuit for alternatively controlling a current through a device and permitting measurement of a voltage across the device or controlling a voltage across the device and permitting measurement of a current through the device includes a sense impedance in series combination with the device; a buffer communicating with a common point between the sense impedance and the device; a current output stage; and a voltage output stage. When the circuit is controlling the current through the device, the voltage output stage forces the common point to a virtual ground and the current output stage forces a desired current through the device in response to a signal from the buffer. When the circuit is controlling the voltage across the device, the current output stage forces the common point to a virtual ground and the voltage output stage forces a desired voltage across the device in response to the signal from the buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Keithley Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne C. Goeke, Martin J. Rice
  • Patent number: 7671602
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cross-point detection in devices have been disclosed where each leg of a differential signal is compared to a reference voltage and time lags for each are noted in crossing the reference voltage and this information is used to identify characteristics of the differential signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Integrated Device Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Hronik
  • Patent number: 7586314
    Abstract: A method for measuring electrical parameters of a DUT having at least three terminals includes applying a first AC voltage to a first terminal; separately driving a second and a third terminal each to a virtual second AC voltage, each virtual voltage requiring a respective current; and measuring an electrical parameter of the DUT based on the first AC voltage and the second and third terminals each being at the virtual second AC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Keithley Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne C. Goeke
  • Publication number: 20090121727
    Abstract: The present teachings relate to the application of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to demonstrate the multifunctionality of carbon nanocomposite thin films under various types of environmental stimuli. Carbon nanotube (CNT) thin films are fabricated by a layer-by-layer (LbL) technique or other techniques and mounted with electrodes along their boundaries. The response of the thin films to various stimuli determined by relying on electric current excitation and corresponding boundary potential measurements. The spatial conductivity variations are reconstructed based on a mathematical model for the EIT technique. Here, the ability of the EIT method to provide two-dimensional mapping of the conductivity of CNT thin films is validated by (1) electrically imaging intentional structural defects in the thin films and (2) mapping the film's response to various pH environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: JEROME P. LYNCH, Tsung-Chin Huo, Nicholas A. Kotov, Nadine Wong Shi Kam, Kenneth J. Loh
  • Patent number: 7477051
    Abstract: A position sensor includes a first part having several electrically conductive elements, a second part having an electrical conductor, and holding device holding the first part and the second part together with the conductive elements and the conductor being spaced apart and permitting relative movement between the conductive elements and the conductor. Included is a signal generator for generating and supplying different electrical signals to one of the first part and the second part for reception in a contactless manner by the other of the first part and the second part with a magnitude that is dependent upon the relative position between the conductive elements and the conductor. There is also a signal detector connected to the other of the first part and the second part for differentiating the electrical signals received thereby to determine the relative position between the conductive elements and the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Mosway Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Celement Chiu Sing Tse, Chi Keung Tang, Kenny Chi Ken Lee, Peter On Bon Chan, Chun Ching Lee, Chi Pui Ho
  • Patent number: 7453268
    Abstract: MOSFETs are provided to connect the sensor input terminals of a ratiometric output sensor to a pair of power terminals, and the gate of each MOSFET is coupled to the opposite power terminal so that both MOSFETs are rendered conducting to power the sensor when a supply voltage of a predetermined polarity is connected across the power terminals but one of the MOSFETs is rendered non-conducting when a voltage of the opposite polarity is so applied. The MOSFET that is rendered non-conducting is oriented so that any internal source-drain diode does not bypass current around the MOSFET when voltage of the opposite polarity is applied. Optionally, over-voltage protection is provided by an input voltage sensor controlling the other MOSFET through a third MOSFET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Yingjie Lin
  • Patent number: 7385402
    Abstract: A current sensing circuit for sensing a current flowing through a LED bank and a driver circuit for driving the LED bank are provided. The current sensing circuit includes: a matched transistor group, having a first current path coupled to the load device for sensing the load current and a second current path for generating a first current according to the load current; an operation amplifier, coupled to the first and second current paths; and a current source, having a third current path coupled to the second current path and a fourth current path for generating a second current according to the first current, the second current indicating conductive condition of the load device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Himax Display, Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Chi Yen
  • Publication number: 20080111560
    Abstract: A front-end circuit suitable for digital multimeters and measurement devices may be configured with strictly capacitive attenuators replacing the resistive attenuators in the AC signal path. An inverting programmable-gain amplifier (PGA) may be built around an operational amplifier (op-amp), with a single resistor for DC feedback providing a 1st-order response for AC coupling. The single resistor may be replaced by a more complex RC network to provide a 2nd-order response. The feedback circuit may also include active components such as additional op-amps, which may assist in shaping the overall response and/or reducing the DC offset at the output of the circuit. The capacitive load presented to the input by the front-end circuit may be minimized to compare to capacitances present in resistive implementations. The circuit would not present a DC load to the input since DC loads are typically the result of a resistive attenuator in the DC signal path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher G. Regier
  • Patent number: 7352191
    Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a sensing element electrically connected to a conductor of a flexible multiconductor cable using a conductive patch, which is electrically connected to the conductor. A method of forming a sensor assembly includes electrically connecting an electrically conductive patch to a sensing element and electrically connecting a conductor of a multiconductor cable to the electrically conductive patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Charles Mitchell, Sywong Ngin
  • Patent number: 7276918
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor and apparatus for measuring flow electric potential for evaluation of a degree of electrodeposition of paint applied to the body or chassis of a vehicle. The sensor includes a base plate part, a dielectric polymer member, a positive (+) electrode terminal and a negative (?) electrode terminal, and an insulation part. The base plate part is mounted on the outer and inner body or chassis of a vehicle, and is electrically connected to ground. The dielectric polymer member is patterned and formed on the base plate part. The positive (+) electrode terminal is connected to the dielectric polymer member and is configured to have a positive (+) polarity. The negative (?) electrode terminal is connected to the base plate part and is configured to have a negative (?) polarity. The insulation part is formed to insulate the positive (+) and negative (?) electrode terminals from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Shin-Jong Oh, Seung-Ho Ahn, Hyun-Min Ahn, Myong-Han Kim, Cheol-Han Kim, Sung-Moo Ryew
  • Patent number: 7259687
    Abstract: A multi-module DC-DC converter provides synchronization between modules based on identification of a module within a chain. A resistor network can be used for the chain so that each module obtains a particular voltage based on its position within the chain. A master module provides a source current to drive the chain so that each module can determine its relative position in the chain based on voltage readings. With this configuration, a master module can determine how many modules are in the chain, and each slave module can determine its relative position in the chain. The module information contributes to synchronization between the modules for use in current ripple cancellation, for example, in the multi-module DC-DC converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Stefan W. Wiktor, Xuening Li
  • Patent number: 7248059
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, sensors, and systems for low power sensing. One method for low power sensing includes receiving a detection signal from a detector of a sensor to a delay flip flop (DFF). The method includes switching a DFF output state in response to a switching of the detection signal, when the DFF is reset, transmitting an event report signal from the DFF to a processor of the sensor when the DFF output state switches, and maintaining the DFF output in a steady state, when the DFF is not reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Red Wing Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jomar G. Ochoco