Device Or Apparatus Determines Conductivity Effects Patents (Class 324/722)
  • Patent number: 11630101
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing anomalies in the coagulation of blood, comprising the following successive steps: a) placing a sample of total blood in a holder containing two pairs of electrodes connected to an apparatus generating an electrical current; b) incubating this sample for 60 to 180 seconds in the presence of calcium; c) adding to this sample tissue factor in a concentration high enough to trigger the coagulation of the blood; d) measuring the impedance variation between the electrodes as a function of time, for a period comprised between 10 and 30 minutes from step (c), and generating a curve of the impedance values as a function of time; e) comparing the value of the area under the curve generated in step (d) with the value of an area under a reference curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: HOSPICES CIVILS DE LYON
    Inventor: Christophe Nougier
  • Patent number: 11566497
    Abstract: A modular anti-rotation device for preventing rotation with respect to the central axis of a drilling tool in a borehole and for producing a notch in a borehole surface. The anti-rotation device includes an upper fixture portion and a lower fixture portion in axial alignment. The upper fixture portion and the lower fixture portion are connected by yoke assemblies. Each yoke assembly is connected to the fixture portion and fixture portion at one end, and forming an articulated joint of the upper yoke assembly and the lower yoke assembly at a distal end opposite the first end. A roller is connected at each joint, connecting the upper and lower yoke assemblies. The rollers engage vertically with a borehole surface, the rollers travelling axially, as a drill shaft penetrates into the borehole, the rollers simultaneously preventing radial movement of the anti-rotation device and prevent rotation with respect to the central axis of the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Jiann-Cherng Su, Stephen Buerger, Anirban Mazumdar, Adam Foris
  • Patent number: 11121413
    Abstract: A wet-cell in a battery is configured with a set of i-electrodes. A collection surface inside the wet-cell is identified where electrically conductive debris accumulates to an expected height. A first i-electrode of a first polarity in the set of i-electrodes is configured to be located at substantially the expected height inside the wet-cell. A second i-electrode of a second polarity in the set of i-electrodes is configured to be located at substantially the expected height inside the wet-cell. A first indication device is installed where the first i-electrode and the second i-electrode are configured in an electrical circuit via the first indication device, wherein when the electrically conductive debris has accumulated up to the expected height, makes simultaneous electrical contact with the first i-electrode and the second i-electrode and activates the first indication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marc H. Coq, Richard J. Fishbune, Mark E. Maresh, Eric B. Swenson
  • Patent number: 10989722
    Abstract: There is provided an electrical measuring container of a biological sample in a liquid phase, including at least a biological sample holding section that accommodates a biological sample in a liquid phase and made of a resin, and an electrical conductive section fixed to the biological sample holding section. In a state in which a portion of the electrical conductive section is buried in the biological sample holding section, the biological sample holding section and the electrical conductive section are integrally formed with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoichi Katsumoto, Marcaurele Brun, Yoshihito Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10802071
    Abstract: A probe card apparatus for wafer testing of a wafer under test, and a method of using the probe card for wafer testing. The probe card includes a printed circuit board having wafer testing circuitry. The probe card also includes a probe array including a slab having a plurality of probes, wherein each probe includes a volume of electrically-conductive fluid contained within a corresponding perforation of the slab that extends between a first surface and a second surface of the slab, wherein a first surface of each volume of electrically-conductive fluid substantially coincides with the first surface of the slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Effendi Leobandung
  • Patent number: 10732216
    Abstract: A method for predicting remaining life of electromigration failure is disclosed. The methods includes: establishing an electromigration life model of a MOS device; acquiring a normal electromigration failure lifetime ?1, based on a current density and a first environment temperature under a preset normal operating condition and the electromigration life model; acquiring a current density stress, based on a target prognostic point ?2, a second environment temperature and the electromigration life model; inputting the current density stress into a MOS device electromigration failure warning circuit based on a prognostic cell; and if the prognostic circuit of EM failure for a MOS device outputs a high level after a time ?3, acquiring a remaining life of electromigration failure corresponding to ?2? based on ?1, ?2 and ?3. A device for remaining life prediction for electromigration failure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: FIFTH ELECTRONICS RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yiqiang Chen, Yunfei En, Xiaowen Zhang, Yun Huang, Yudong Lu
  • Patent number: 9952275
    Abstract: A method for predicting remaining life of electromigration failure is disclosed. The methods includes: establishing an electromigration life model of a MOS device; acquiring a normal electromigration failure lifetime ?1, based on a current density and a first environment temperature under a preset normal operating condition and the electromigration life model; acquiring a current density stress, based on a target prognostic point ?2, a second environment temperature and the electromigration life model; inputting the current density stress into a MOS device electromigration failure warning circuit based on a prognostic cell; and if the prognostic circuit of EM failure for a MOS device outputs a high level after a time ?3, acquiring a remaining life of electromigration failure corresponding to ?2? based on ?1, ?2 and ?3. A device for remaining life prediction for electromigration failure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Fifth Electronics Research Institute of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
    Inventors: Yiqiang Chen, Yunfei En, Xiaowen Zhang, Yun Huang, Yudong Lu
  • Patent number: 9322796
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of determining resistivity of fluids downhole in a well. The apparatus and methods may include using a sensor that employs a focused electric dipole as a transmitter and a uses a receiver to detect the electric current strength in the fluid under measurement responsive to the transmitter. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Li, Michael S. Bittar
  • Patent number: 9007068
    Abstract: A method is provided for current-based detection of an electrical fault in an electrical network of a motor vehicle, the network having at least: one battery, one pulse-controlled inverter, one d.c. voltage converter, and an intermediate circuit associated with the pulse-controlled inverter. The method includes: detecting magnitudes of each a battery current, a d.c. voltage converter current, and an intermediate circuit current; comparing current magnitudes according to provided equations; and checking based on the comparison of whether a specifiable deviation has been exceeded. An alternative method for voltage-based detection of an electrical fault in an electrical network of a motor vehicle includes: detecting magnitudes of each a battery voltage, a d.c. voltage converter voltage, and an intermediate circuit voltage; comparing voltage magnitudes according to provided equations; and checking based on the comparison of whether a specifiable deviation has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Beqir Pushkolli, Ulrich Klein
  • Patent number: 9000774
    Abstract: A system for measuring the conductivity of a material-under-test includes a support structure, an upper magnet mounted to the support structure and a free-floating magnet below the fixed magnet. The system includes a diamagnet positioned between the fixed magnet and the free-floating magnet such that the free-floating magnet floats in the air beneath the diamagnet and a rotation detection assembly configured to detect a rotation rate of the free-floating magnet, where the rotation rate is based on a drag torque effect of a material-under-test on the free-floating magnet. The system also includes a conductivity calculation unit configured to calculate at least one of a conductivity or a resistivity of the material-under-test based on the detected rotation rate of the free-floating magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Oki Gunawan
  • Patent number: 8994389
    Abstract: A method for automatically measuring a property of a fluid associated with a drilling application, including obtaining a sample of the fluid, wherein the sample of the fluid is obtained by directing the fluid through an electrode probe assembly comprising an electrode probe and depositing the fluid in a probe gap between electrodes of the electrode probe, ramping up a voltage applied to the electrodes of the electrode probe until a threshold current is obtained, recording the breakdown voltage at the threshold current value, and using the breakdown voltage to compute the property of the sample of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Frederick B. Growcock, Marian Baranowski, Donovan Balli
  • Patent number: 8975901
    Abstract: Measurement devices, systems, and methods to measure a high field conductivity of a fluid are provided herein. The measurement device includes a fluid cell, a pair of electrodes, a voltage switch, and a measurement unit. The fluid cell is on an inclined plane to receive the fluid. The pair of electrodes are connected to the fluid cell. The pair of electrodes are spaced apart from one another to receive the fluid therebetween and positioned parallel to one another to pass an electrical current therethrough. The power unit provides a high voltage power supply to one electrode of the pair of electrodes. The measurement unit measures the electrical current that passes between the pair of electrodes through the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Henryk Birecki, Omer Gila, Michael H Lee, William D Holland
  • Publication number: 20140348526
    Abstract: In one example, a processor readable medium has instructions thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause a system to detect a change in electrical conduction of a liquid moving at an interface between two surfaces and determine a conductivity of the liquid based on the detected change in conduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Lopez, David F. Chiu, David Sabo, John W. Godden, Christopher S. Tanner, Eric G. Nelson, Guang Jin Li, James Michael Pingel
  • Patent number: 8854068
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a diagnostic method for an oil-filled electrical device that considers a temperature distribution in the oil-filled electrical device and enables accurate diagnosis to be conducted even when the method is applied to diagnosis of an actually operating device, and further provide a method with which such diagnosis of an oil-filled electrical device can be conducted from a component analysis value of an insulating oil in the oil-filled electrical device. The invention is a diagnostic method for an oil-filled electrical device including in an insulating oil a metal part wrapped with insulating paper, and determines that a time when a surface resistivity of a maximum precipitation site where metal sulfide is most precipitated on the insulating paper reaches a preset surface resistivity management value is a time of occurrence of an abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Eiichi Nagao, Kentaro Taninouchi, Noboru Hosokawa, Tsuyoshi Amimoto, Kozo Tachibana, Hirotaka Muto, Junji Tanimura, Satoru Toyama
  • Publication number: 20140266267
    Abstract: A product is provided into a first end of a conduit so that the product flows toward a second end of the conduit. The conduit may include a first pair of probes attached at a first location and a second pair of probes at a second location. The product's conductivity in the conduit at the first location is monitored using the first set of probes, and the product's conductivity at the second location is monitored using the second set of probes. An marker material is introduced into an entry port of the conduit so that the marker material flows with the product. The marker material's conductivity is different than the product's conductivity. At a first time, the first set of probes detects the conductivity of the product has changed due to the introduction of the marker material, and at a second time, the second set of probes also detects such change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Aseptia, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Druga, John Alan Duff, Josip Simunovic
  • Patent number: 8773117
    Abstract: A conductivity sensor is disclosed. The conductivity sensor includes an oscillator for providing an input signal and a reactive circuit having an induction coil, a capacitive element, and a resistive element connected in parallel. The induction coil is adapted to be placed adjacent to a specimen. The conductivity sensor further includes a control circuit for driving the reactive circuit to resonance when the induction coil is placed adjacent to the specimen. The reactive coil is configured to provide an output signal having a parameter representative of the conductivity of the specimen when the reactive circuit is at resonance. The induction coil may include a first conductive element that spirals outward to an external perimeter and a second conductive element operably connected to the first conductive element. The second conductive element spirals inward from the external perimeter staggered relative to the first conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Feldkamp, Jeffrey Robert Heller, Douglas Glen Laudenslager
  • Patent number: 8773152
    Abstract: In the case of a device for detecting physical state variables of a medium, such as pressure or temperature, for example, of a liquid, comprising at least one measuring sensor, which is connected to at least one electrical conductor so as to transmit signals, wherein at least one section of the conductor, which encompasses the sensor, is embedded in a casting compound, the casting compound is embodied, according to the invention, from at least one casting core and a casting jacket, which encloses the casting core, and provision is made in the casting compound for at least one recess for a media-conducting access to a contact surface of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hella KGa Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Thomas Niemann, Torsten Eggers
  • Publication number: 20140184251
    Abstract: A conductivity meter for measuring the conductivity of a fluid is provided. The conductivity meter has a cell circuit and a control unit circuit. The cell circuit has a square wave drive amp, a cell, and a trans-impedance amplifier. The fluid flows through the cell. The control unit circuit and the square wave drive amp are configured to apply a square wave pulse train having a voltage to the fluid of the cell, thereby inducing a flow of current through the fluid in the cell. The cell circuit trans-impedance amplifier and the control unit circuit are configured to obtain a plurality of measurements of current flowing through the fluid in the cell and estimate a raw conductivity of the fluid in the cell using the current flow measurements. A method for measuring the conductivity of a fluid is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Paulus J. Vanhoudt, Paul P. Kosenka, Krzysztof Franaszczuk
  • Patent number: 8742776
    Abstract: The embodiments described above provide mechanisms for bump resistivity measurement. By using designated bumps on one or more corners of dies, the resistivity of bumps may be measured without damaging devices and without a customized probing card. In addition, bump resistivity may be collected across the entire wafer. The collected resistivity data may be used to monitor the stability and/or health of processes used to form bumps and their underlying layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: You-Hua Chou, Mill-Jer Wang, Pi-Huang Lee, Jeff Wang, Feynmann Chu
  • Patent number: 8717045
    Abstract: A microorganism number-measuring apparatus includes: measurement container including measurement liquid; rotary driver; bacteria-collection signal generator; measurement signal generator; output amplifier for amplifying outputs of signal generators and; I/V amplifier; impedance measuring unit for measuring impedance of liquid; microorganism number-computing unit for computing the number of microorganisms present in liquid; solution conductivity-computing unit for computing conductivity of liquid; and warm-up section for warming up at least one of I/V amplifier and output amplifier. Warm-up section computes a warm-up signal based on the conductivity computed by conductivity-computing unit. Warm-up section computes the warm-up signal having a current the same in magnitude as that flowing through measurement electrode by using the measured solution conductivity, and applies the signal to at least one of I/V amplifier and output amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidenori Morita
  • Patent number: 8624612
    Abstract: The system disclosed herein for non-destructively testing a resistive film includes first and second waveguides that are gapped apart from each other. The resistive film is disposed between the first and second waveguides and tested. The film is then advanced and re-tested by the first and second waveguides. The waveguides do not contact the film during testing or while the film is being advanced to its next position. Accordingly, the system provides a non-destructive method of testing the sheet resistance of a film in an accurate manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Mun Choi
  • Patent number: 8591816
    Abstract: A cartridge device having a receiving portion for receiving a blood sample and a jack portion for receiving a plug; a stirring device for circulating the blood sample within the receiving portion; and an electrode holder having at least one incorporated electrode wire pair; wherein the electrode holder is attachable to the cell such that one end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a sensor unit for measuring the electrical impedance between the two electrode wires of the at least one electrode wire pair within the blood sample and that the opposite end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a plug portion being connectable directly to the plug for an electrical connection of the sensor unit to an analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
    Inventors: Andreas Calatzis, Ben Krüger, Marc Wittwer
  • Patent number: 8587327
    Abstract: A device for use with a conduit having a first conduit end and a conduit second end, into which conduit a cable can be installed using a flow of air into the first conduit end, the device being suitable for confirming that the air is flowing out from the second conduit end. In an embodiment, the device includes a housing, means to enable connection of the device to the second conduit end, a detector arranged to detect an electrical property change, and an actuator for causing an electrical property change detectable by the detector, wherein in use, the air flowing into the device causes the detector and the actuator to move relative to each other, causing an electrical property change detectable by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: British Telecommunications Public Limited Company
    Inventors: David John Taylor Heatley, Philip Alfred Barker, Ian Neild
  • Patent number: 8531195
    Abstract: A failure indicator seal includes a nonmagnetic housing, a plurality of annular pole pieces having distal ends, the plurality of annular pole pieces disposed within the nonmagnetic housing, an annular, non-conducting magnet disposed between the pole pieces, a predefined quantity of magnetic fluid disposed between each of the distal ends of the plurality of annular pole pieces and the rotary shaft of a rotary feedthrough forming a plurality of magnetic fluid O-ring seals, and means for measuring resistance through the plurality of annular pole pieces, the plurality of magnetic fluid O-ring seals and the rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ferrotec (USA) Corporation
    Inventor: Kuldip Raj
  • Patent number: 8461473
    Abstract: A method for establishing or restoring electrical continuity between metal pipe sections in pipeline rehabilitation according to embodiments of the present invention includes, from an inside of a pipe having first and second pipe sections, removing a layer of the first pipe section at a first location, removing a layer of the second pipe section at a second location, electrically connecting a spanner at the first location and the second location, deploying a tubular liner along the inside of the pipe, injecting grout between the tubular liner and the inside of the pipe, and distributing the grout between the tubular liner and the inside of the pipe, wherein a first radial distance from the inside of the pipe to the innermost extent of the spanner is less than or equal to a second radial distance from the inside of the pipe to the tubular liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: WPW, LLC
    Inventor: Harry L. Baum
  • Publication number: 20130099808
    Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods of determining resistivity of fluids downhole in a well. The apparatus and methods may include using a sensor that employs a focused electric dipole as a transmitter and a uses a receiver to detect the electric current strength in the fluid under measurement responsive to the transmitter. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Li, MIchael S. Bittar
  • Publication number: 20130098842
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a method for evaluating a performance of lime softening clarifiers. The method is based on electrical conductivity (EC) measurement of the treated water samples after addition of carbon dioxide. If EC of the treated water after carbon dioxide gas addition is lower than EC of the treated water, this shows an abnormal function of softening process and the lime dosage must be decreased. If EC of the treated water after carbon dioxide gas addition is higher than EC of the treated water, then the lime dosage is not enough and lime dosage must be increased. If EC of the treated water after carbon dioxide gas addition is roughly equal to EC of the said treated water, then the lime dosage is optimum and clarifier works in optimum condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: MOHAMMAD AMIRI
  • Publication number: 20130076379
    Abstract: Embodiments of suspension clamps for use in testing membrane samples used in fuel cells are provided. One example of a suspension clamp comprises a frame, a clamp member, a plurality of electrodes, and a suspension component. The clamp member is hingedly attached to one end of the frame. Each of the plurality of electrodes extends along a membrane-facing surface of at least one of the clamp member and the frame. A suspension component is attached to at least one of the clamp member and the frame and is configured to suspend the suspension clamp during testing of a membrane sample. The suspension clamp can be used to measure one or more of resistance, impedance, conductance, proton permeability and through-thickness of the membrane sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: GREGORY JAMES DILEO, KEVORK ADJEMIAN
  • Patent number: 8384378
    Abstract: A conductivity sensor is disclosed. The conductivity sensor includes an oscillator for providing an input signal and a reactive circuit having an induction coil, a capacitive element, and a resistive element connected in parallel. The induction coil is adapted to be placed adjacent to a specimen. The conductivity sensor further includes a control circuit for driving the reactive circuit to resonance when the induction coil is placed adjacent to the specimen. The reactive coil is configured to provide an output signal having a parameter representative of the conductivity of the specimen when the reactive circuit is at resonance. The induction coil may include a first conductive element that spirals outward to an external perimeter and a second conductive element operably connected to the first conductive element. The second conductive element spirals inward from the external perimeter staggered relative to the first conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Feldkamp, Jeffrey Robert Heller, Douglas Glenn Laudenslager
  • Patent number: 8350571
    Abstract: An electronic salt meter including a sensor rod, salt meter body and receiving components to measure a temperature and salinity. The electronic salt meter includes a first and sensor electrode and a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the measurement object. A measurement monitoring unit detects whether the first and second sensor electrodes are electrically connected to each other. A salinity measurement unit applies an AC power to the first and second sensor electrodes to measure salinity of the measurement object. A temperature measurement unit applies a power to the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the measurement object. A thermal equilibrium detection unit stores the temperature value previously measured, and when the temperature variation is less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined as a thermal equilibrium state. A room-temperature salinity conversion unit converts the salinity value into a salinity value at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Yun-Ho Son
  • Patent number: 8310245
    Abstract: The modelling arrangement of the configuration situation of the electric power transmission network according to the invention comprises a modelling element (7) designed to be installed in each generator of the electric power transmission network. The modelling element (7) is arranged to measure the state of the said switches until an open switch is detected and to detect the corresponding generator on the basis of the closed switch and thus to model the power transmission network comprising the detected generators and the area of the power transmission network belonging to the same electric network via closed switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Wartsila Finland Oy
    Inventors: Ari Saikkonen, Tom Kaas, Stig Klockars
  • Patent number: 8305094
    Abstract: The resistance measuring device of the present invention includes switch transistors and switch conductive lines disposed between the bonding pads on a first substrate and between the bumps on a second substrate, such that the bonding pads and the bumps are conducted when the transistors are turned on, and the bonding resistance between at least one of the bonding pads and its corresponding bump can be directly measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsi-Ming Chang
  • Publication number: 20120263209
    Abstract: Techniques described herein generally relate to methods of manufacturing devices and systems including devices including a substrate with a surface, a conductive polymer film arranged on the surface of the substrate, wherein the conductive polymer film has one or more temperature reactive characteristics, and a pair of electrodes coupled to the polymer film, wherein the pair of electrodes are configured to communicate electrical signals to the conductive polymer film effective to measure the one or more temperature reactive characteristics. The conductive polymer film may be arranged on the surface of the substrate such that a thickness and dopant ratio of the conductive polymer film on the substrate is configurable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY KANPUR
    Inventors: Siddhartha Panda, Hakeem Abrar Ahmed
  • Patent number: 8289036
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for neutralizing an electric switching unit. One or several power poles, each of which is provided with movable contacts separable form fixed contacts are actuatable between opened and closed positions by an actuator for switching-on an electric charge. A mechanical actuating device interacts with the movable contacts. It is used for actuating a device for neutralizing the electric switching unit by switching-off the control electric circuit thereof when the wear degree of pellets is greater than a predetermined threshold. The control circuit is switched-off, for example, by cutting a wire thereof. An electric switching unit is provided with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Christian Bataille, Charles Blondel, Jose Desforges, Stephane Follic, Didier Vigouroux
  • Patent number: 8258801
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a microscale or sub-microscale signal line, interconnected with one set of parallel nanowires of a nanowire crossbar, serves as a multiplexer. The multiplexer is used to detect the conductivity state of a nanowire junction within the nanowire crossbar. In one method embodiment of the present invention, a first signal is output to the two nanowires interconnected by the nanowire junction, while a second signal is output to the remaining nanowires of the nanowire crossbar. Then, the second signal is output to the two nanowires interconnected by the nanowire junction, while the first signal is output to the remaining nanowires of the nanowire crossbar. The resulting signal detected on the multiplexer is reflective of the conductivity state of the nanowire junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Philip J. Kuekes
  • Publication number: 20120217982
    Abstract: An embodiment of an integrated circuit device may comprise an integrated circuit package, a sensor element attached within the integrated circuit package, a capacitance sensor coupled with the sensor element and situated within the integrated circuit package, wherein the capacitance sensor is configured to measure a capacitance of the sensor element, and an output pin positioned at the exterior of the integrated circuit package, wherein the output pin is configured to carry a signal based on the measured capacitance of the sensor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rajagopal Narayanasamy, Mahadevan Krishnamurthy Narayana Swamy, David Wright, Steven Kolokowsky
  • Patent number: 8248087
    Abstract: A liquid concentration measuring device has first and second switches, which are turned on and off at two frequencies. When the first switch is turned on and the second switch is turned off, a detection electrode pair is charged. When the first switch is turned off and the second switch is turned on, the positive side of the detection electrode pair is grounded so that the charged detection electrode pair discharges. The difference between the output voltages of an amplifier produced by charging and discharging the detection electrode pair at the two frequencies is used to determine an alcohol concentration in gasoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotsugu Ishino, Jun Tarui
  • Patent number: 8237458
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electromigration testing and evaluation methods and apparatus for a device under test with an interconnect structure. The method comprises forcing the occurrence of a step resistance-increase of the interconnect structure due to electromigration in the first layer and subsequently subjecting the interconnect structure to at least three respective predetermined stress conditions while concurrently measuring a test quantity indicative of an electrical resistance of the interconnect structure. The method allows performing an electromigration test in much shorter time than known electromigration testing methods, without loss of information or accuracy. It is therefore possible to accelerate the optimization of the interconnect manufacturing process so that the conductor electromigration kinetics remains compatible with a required product lifetime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Xavier Federspiel
  • Patent number: 8193823
    Abstract: An assembly apparatus for measurement of electrical conductivity or other properties of a sample in a piston cylinder device wherein pressure and heat are applied to the sample by the piston cylinder device. The assembly apparatus includes a body, a first electrode in the body, the first electrode operatively connected to the sample, a first electrical conductor connected to the first electrode, a washer constructed of a hard conducting material, the washer surrounding the first electrical conductor in the body, a second electrode in the body, the second electrode operatively connected to the sample, and a second electrical conductor connected to the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Heather Christine Watson, Jeffrey James Roberts
  • Patent number: 8179141
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring the conductivity of a pure or ultrapure liquid, notably water, using electrodes, characterized in that it consists in determining the conductivity by modeling the liquid in the form of an equivalent electrical circuit diagram comprising a resistor R, a capacitor Cp in parallel with the resistor R, and a series capacitor Cs. It also relates to a device for implementing this method and a purification system incorporating such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Pascal Rajagopalan, Aristotelis Dimitrakopoulos, Celine Le Ninivin, Antony Vanheghe
  • Publication number: 20120056635
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device including a semiconductor substrate having a first surface on which a circuit block is formed, and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a mounting board on which the semiconductor substrate is mounted; an electrically conductive pattern formed over a region of the mounting substrate, which overlaps a portion to be protected of the circuit block; and a detection circuit configured to detect that the electrically conductive pattern has been altered is provided. The semiconductor substrate is mounted on the mounting board such that the second surface of the semiconductor substrate faces the mounting board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masanobu Oomura
  • Publication number: 20120058552
    Abstract: Sample processing units useful for mixing and purifying materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A sample processing unit typically includes a container configured to contain a sample comprising magnetically responsive particles, and one or more magnets that are in substantially fixed positions relative to the container. A sample processing unit also generally includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the container to and from a position that is within magnetic communication with the magnet, e.g., such that magnetically responsive particles with captured analytes can be retained within the container when other materials are added to and/or removed from the container. Further, a sample processing unit also typically includes a rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate the container, e.g., to effect mixing of sample materials disposed within the container. Related carrier mechanisms, sample processing stations, systems, and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: IBIS BIOSCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven A. Hofstadler, Jared J. Drader, Jose R. Gutierrez, Paul J. Gleason, Rex O. Bare, Robert D. Miller, Jeffrey C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120049871
    Abstract: A failure indicator seal includes a nonmagnetic housing, a plurality of annular pole pieces having distal ends, the plurality of annular pole pieces disposed within the nonmagnetic housing, an annular, non-conducting magnet disposed between the pole pieces, a predefined quantity of magnetic fluid disposed between each of the distal ends of the plurality of annular pole pieces and the rotary shaft of a rotary feedthrough forming a plurality of magnetic fluid O-ring seals, and means for measuring resistance through the plurality of annular pole pieces, the plurality of magnetic fluid O-ring seals and the rotary shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: FERROTEC (USA) CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kuldip Raj
  • Patent number: 8111079
    Abstract: A conductivity measuring apparatus includes a probe base having a pair of electrodes disposed on respective opposite surfaces of a portion of the probe base. Observing and grasping probes are supported by the probe base in a cantilever state and are arranged adjancent to and spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance. The grasping probe has a pair of electrodes disposed on respective opposite surfaces of a portion of the grasping probe confronting the portion of the probe base. A voltage apparatus applies a voltage between the pairs of electrodes on the probe base and the grasping probe to adjust the predetermined distance between the grasping and observing probes. A movement mechanism moves a sample base and the observing and grasping probes relative to each other to bring conductive tips of the observing and grasping probes into contact with respective contact points on a sample supported on the sample base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Yasutake, Takakazu Fukuchi
  • Publication number: 20120019271
    Abstract: In the case of a device for detecting physical state variables of a medium, such as pressure or temperature, for example, of a liquid, comprising at least one measuring sensor, which is connected to at least one electrical conductor so as to transmit signals, wherein at least one section of the conductor, which encompasses the sensor, is embedded in a casting compound, the casting compound is embodied, according to the invention, from at least one casting core and a casting jacket, which encloses the casting core, and provision is made in the casting compound for at least one recess for a media-conducting access to a contact surface of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO.
    Inventors: Thomas NIEMANN, Torsten EGGERS
  • Publication number: 20120007620
    Abstract: An electrical grounding device can have a grounding plate and an insulated connecting wire. Having an insulated connecting wire reduces or prevents corrosion of the connecting wire by the surrounding underground soil. A grounding assembly is also provided and can have such a grounding device. The grounding assembly can include additional grounding devices which can also have an insulated connecting wire. A method of measuring resistance to ground of a grounding device of a grounding assembly having a multiple grounding devices and one or more bonding wires routed through a conduit is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Vincent Nolletti
  • Publication number: 20110311252
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes: an image carrier; a transfer device which transfers a toner image formed on the image carrier onto a recording medium; a resistance measuring device which causes a current to flow through the recording medium before transferring the toner image and measures the resistance of the recording medium; and a setting unit which sets a condition of the transfer on the basis of the measurement result of the resistance of the recording medium. The resistance measuring device includes an electric shock prevention member which prevents the current from flowing to a user through the recording medium during the measurement of the resistance of the recording medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicants: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Mitsutoshi Watanabe, Masato Ogasawara
  • Publication number: 20110309847
    Abstract: A method and circuit is provided for implementing high current capability Kelvin connections and measuring the resistance of the contacts and connections to verify that the conducting path is capable of carrying the high current without damage or degraded performance. Included as well is the means and circuit for efficiently dividing a high current test stimulus current into 2 or more paths with low losses and voltage drops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Rodney Schwartz, Gary Rogers, Steve Clauter
  • Publication number: 20110304347
    Abstract: The system disclosed herein for non-destructively testing a resistive film includes first and second waveguides that are gapped apart from each other. The resistive film is disposed between the first and second waveguides and tested. The film is then advanced and re-tested by the first and second waveguides. The waveguides do not contact the film during testing or while the film is being advanced to its next position. Accordingly, the system provides a non-destructive method of testing the sheet resistance of a film in an accurate manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Mun Choi
  • Publication number: 20110303016
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to MEMS-based medical devices including a flexible housing that forms a chamber for encapsulating a fluid or liquid. The devices also include encapsulated electrodes, portions of which are exposed to the fluid or liquid within the chamber for sensing and/or physical actuation (controlled movement). Such medical devices can function specifically as: contact force sensors; and/or out-of-plane actuators. Device function is enabled by the encapsulation of liquid within the microchamber. Depending on the kind of electrical input applied, the encapsulated electrodes can function as electrochemical sensing elements; and/or electrolytic generation electrodes. Devices according to the present disclosure can have a fluidic coupling to the external environment or can be isolated. Fluidic isolation from the surrounding environment can be accomplished by the inclusion of an annular-plate stiction valve within the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Christian A. Gutierrez, Ellis Meng