Testing Potential In Specific Environment (e.g., Lightning Stroke) Patents (Class 324/72)
  • Publication number: 20110175594
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the magnitude of an electric field having an antenna open to the field. The antenna is connected to a data converter which generates an output signal proportional to the magnitude or power of the electric field detected by the antenna. The data converter provides an output signal to a memory unit which stores the magnitude of the electric field. The data converter and memory unit are contained within a housing and the antenna protrudes outwardly from that housing so that the housing and antenna may be positioned within the area of the electric field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Funato, Masayoshi Takahashi, Liang Shao, Takashi Suga
  • Publication number: 20110163733
    Abstract: A method for locating sub-surface natural resources. The method utilizes lightning data to discern relatively likely locations for finding the sub-surface natural resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: H. Roice Nelson, JR., Joseph H. Roberts, D. James Siebert, Wulf F. Massell, Samuel D. LeRoy, L. R. Denham, Robert Ehrlich, Richard L. Coons
  • Publication number: 20110155922
    Abstract: An air blower including a motor 2 having output shafts 21, 21 on both sides in the axial direction and two impellers 3, 3 mounted on the respective output shafts 21, 21, and two ducts 5, 5 that individually allow passage of the air blown out by rotation of each of the impellers 3, 3 in the same direction and discharge the air to the outside are included. At a part or the whole of each of the ducts 5, 5, a laminar flow section that makes the flowing air laminar flow. An ion generating section is arranged at each laminar flow section so that ions generated by the ion generating section can effectively be included in the air, increasing the ion concentration of ions discharged in a room together with the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Fumimasa Funabiki, Tomohisa Itoh, Yoshihiro Uramoto, Takahiro Hanai, Yoshiroh Tanoue, Masato Urushisaki, Yoshimi Kumagai
  • Patent number: 7957902
    Abstract: A real-time, multi-sensor local-area lightning detection network system. The system uses waveform indicative of electrostatic field changes with respect to time is generated at each of N locations due to a cloud-to-ground lightning strike occurring in the vicinity of the N locations. Each waveform is integrated to generate a corresponding electric field associated with a corresponding one of the locations. A mathematical relationship is used to determine a ground surface location of the lightning strike, height of the lightning strike, and charge per unit length of the lightning strike using each electric field generated during integration of the waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christopher R. Karabin, Robert M. Daily, Shad M. Reese, Lothar H. Ruhnke, Vladislav Mazur
  • Patent number: 7944361
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electric field sensor is provided including an elongated conductor; a circuit including an input and an output connected across the elongated conductor wherein said circuit includes a DC to AC signal converter; wherein said elongated conductor is operative to impose a DC signal on said circuit input in response to being exposed to an electric field and broadcast an AC signal converted from said DC signal in response to said electric field being greater than a threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Carol E. Anway
  • Patent number: 7940038
    Abstract: Disclosed is an arrangement for quickly measuring the phase distribution or the component distribution in a flow cross section for substance mixtures also of a non-conducting type by measuring the complex electrical admittance. Said arrangement essentially features the following: at least one sine wave generator (5) which is mounted upstream from the transmitter electrodes (3a) of the excitation level and applies an alternating voltage to the transmitter electrodes (3a); current-to-voltage converters (7) which are mounted downstream from the receiver electrodes (3b), amplify the alternating current that flows from at least one excitation electrode (3a) through the medium to the receiver electrodes (3b), and convert said alternating current into a voltage signal; filter groups (10, 11, 16) and vector voltmeters (8) which are mounted downstream from the current-to-voltage converters (7) and allow the complex signal ratio Ua/Ue to be metrologically detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V.
    Inventors: Marco Jose Da Silva, Eckhard Schleicher, Uwe Hampel, Horst-Michael Prasser
  • Publication number: 20110095763
    Abstract: A method and apparatus includes detecting lightning induced electromagnetic pulses and determining a physical property of an underground structure based on the lightning induced electromagnetic pulses. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an antenna, a low noise amplifier, a processor, cable, and a transmitter. The antenna includes three substantively perpendicular loops of electrical conductors. The processor is configured to condition the amplified signal. The cable is about 100 meters in length and connects the low noise amplifier to the processor. The transmitter is configured to send conditioned data to a data aggregation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Stanford University
    Inventors: Ivan Richard Linscott, Timothy Chevalier, Umran S. Inan, David Strauss
  • Publication number: 20110090171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated substrate and display with electromagnetic sensor loop, and particularly relates to a TFT/CF array substrate and flat display with electromagnetic sensor loop. In the present invention, electromagnetic sensor loop is formed on one substrate of a display panel for getting the integrated substrate with electromagnetic sensor loop. The integrated substrate with antenna loop has both a function of a detecting board and a function of one substrate of the display panel, for example a function of a TFT/CF array substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: WALTOP INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wei-Chou Chen, Yun-Hsiang Yeh, Cheng-Lu Liu
  • Publication number: 20110089929
    Abstract: A method and apparatus configured to detect electromagnetic field events are disclosed. One apparatus includes an antenna and a circuit electrically connected to the antenna. The circuit includes electronics communicatively connected to the antenna via a direct current isolation circuit and an equalizer compensating for the differentiating frequency response of the antenna. The circuit also includes a logarithmic amplifier electrically connected to the equalizer and configured to generate a range of signals based on signals received at the antenna. The circuit further includes a peak detector receiving signals from the equalizer and configured to capture a peak value of the signals. The electromagnetic field event is detected at least in part based on the peak signal value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: EMPRIMUS, INC.
    Inventors: David Blake Jackson, Greg Fuchs, Frederick R. Faxvog, Terrence R. Noe
  • Patent number: 7923982
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit is provided with a voltage level detector which detects a voltage level of a signal wire, and a transition time detector which detects a time length of a transition period during which the signal wire changes from an inactive voltage state to an active voltage state based on the voltage level detected by the voltage level detector. The voltage level detector detects the voltage level of the signal wire during the transition period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Masaya Sumita
  • Patent number: 7901546
    Abstract: The present invention includes systems, methods and apparatus for continuously, independently and in some cases remotely monitoring the operation of a current interrupter used to test a cathodic protection system, or the cathodic protection system itself, for verification of proper operation. Embodiments of the invention include electronic devices that may be temporarily attached to a current interrupter that is being used to test a cathodic protection system, or directly to the cathodic protection system itself. Embodiments of the invention monitor the activity of an interrupter by sampling the output (voltage and time) to identify the cycle(s) of the interrupter. The invention provides truly independent verification since it does not need to know in advance the sequence or cycle times of the current interrupter being monitored. The information obtained by the invention is output so that it may be provided to a user, displayed, downloaded or stored for future reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: M.C. Miller Co.
    Inventors: Melvin C. Miller, Marcelo Jakubzick, Juan Pablo Gutierrez
  • Publication number: 20110050202
    Abstract: A sensor web for electric field sensing. A substrate has a longitudinal direction. At least one array of electrically conductive sensor areas follows each other in a successive manner along the longitudinal direction and is arranged on one side of the substrate. A group of conductors is on the same side of the substrate. Each electrically conductive sensor area that is to be used for sensing purposes is electrically connected to one conductor. The conductors are adapted to join one by one the group of the conductors advancing in the longitudinal direction of the substrate and the other conductors of the group are adapted to give space for the joining conductor. A method for manufacturing of a sensor web and a system for monitoring a space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: MARIMILS OY
    Inventors: Juhani Virtanen, Kari Kyyny, Timo Joutsenoja
  • Patent number: 7898239
    Abstract: A high-voltage (HV) generator of an X-ray device comprises a high-voltage measurement device. The measurement device comprises a compact component integrating both the measurement resistor and the capacitors enabling both the protection of said resistor and the elimination of the parasitic effects of the generator. The capacitors are made on insulating plates preferably made of ceramic, a succession of metallized strips and insulating strips. The plates are positioned relative to one another in such a way that the capacitors are discrete and series-mounted. To do this, between two successive plates, the metallized strips of the bottom plate overlap two metallized strips of the plate directly above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Philippe Ernest, Laurence Abonneau-Casteignau, Florent Liffran
  • Publication number: 20110025295
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a measurement of electromagnetic (EM) signals. The method comprises separating at least one reference signal component from an EM signal, delaying at least one of the EM signal and the at least one reference signal component, extracting the EM signal after an interaction with a target object and the at least one reference signal component after at least one interaction with at least one reference element from different time slots in a reception, and calibrating a measurement of the interacted EM signal by a signal analysis of the extracted and interacted at least one reference signal component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Sensible Medical Innovations Ltd.
    Inventors: Amir SAROKA, Nadav Mizrahi, Dan Rappaport, Shlomi Bergida
  • Publication number: 20110014356
    Abstract: A method for protecting a substrate from lightning strikes is provided including providing a lightning strike protectant composition to the substrate. The lightning strike protectant composition comprises a reactive organic compound and a conductive filler that, during the cure of the organic compound, is capable of self-assembling into a heterogeneous structure comprised of a continuous, three-dimensional network of metal situated among (continuous or semi-continuous) polymer rich domains. The resulting composition has exceptionally high thermal and electrical conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: LORD Corporation
    Inventors: TIMOTHY D. FORNES, SETH B. CARRUTHERS, NICOLAS D. HUFFMAN
  • Publication number: 20110012584
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety system for detecting the presence of living beings inside a lockable, or alternatively dangerous housing area, particularly the washing housing area of a washing machine or of a clothes dryer, of a stove, of a microwave oven, as well as particularly also in closets and chests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Artem Ivanov, Reinhard Unterreitmayer
  • Publication number: 20100320996
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for determining at least one characteristic of the electromagnetic radiation of an object being tested, and to a probe network (100), characterised in that it comprises a means (200) for sliding said probe network (100) on itself with a relative offset between the probe network (100) and the object being tested, that is higher than the pitch of the probe network (100) in order to carry out measurements along a plurality of relative positions of the probe network (100) and the object being tested, and to access specific regions of the object being tested; means are provided for positioning, adjusting and aligning the probe network (100) relative to the object being tested in order to move towards/come to/fit onto the object being tested, and means are provided for the mechanical scanning of the probe network around or in front of the object being tested in order to carry out measurements along spherical, cylindrical or planar shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Microwave Vision
    Inventors: Philippe Garreau, Per Iversen, Arnaud Gandois, Luc Duchesne
  • Publication number: 20100320995
    Abstract: Ultra-cold (nano-Kelvin) neutral atoms can be trapped, manipulated, and measured, using integrated current carrying micro-structures on a nearby surface (Atom Chips). This can be utilized for the realization of ultra-sensitive sensors and quantum computation devices based on the quantum mechanical properties of the trapped atoms. However, harmful processes arise from the interactions between the atoms and the nearby surface. According to the present invention these harmful processes can be highly suppressed by using electrically anisotropic materials. It is shown that time-independent trapping potential corrugation leading to fragmentation of the trapped atom cloud can be suppressed, and that time dependent noise processes arising from the coupling of atoms to the nearby surface, and leading to loss of atoms from the trap, heating and loss of coherence can be significantly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Tal David, Jonathan Japha, Valery Dikovsky, Ron Folman
  • Publication number: 20100280797
    Abstract: The invention relates to a detection apparatus of a wind turbine wherein said wind turbine comprises a down-conducting system arranged to conduct current induced from lightning, wherein said detection apparatus comprises a charge measurement apparatus for establishment of a charge representation, wherein said charge representation represents charge induced into said down-conducting system by lightning, and wherein said detection apparatus further comprises an estimator for estimating deterioration induced by lightning of one or more components in a wind turbine on the basis of said charge representation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Hans Vagn Erichsen
  • Publication number: 20100277157
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a type of an electromagnetic wave generating source, including: a measurement unit that measures electromagnetic field strength at first and second measurement points at vertically different respective distances from a main surface of an object to be measured; a calculation unit that calculates an attenuation amount of the electromagnetic field strength between the first and second measurement points using measured values of the electromagnetic field strength measured by the measurement unit; and a determination unit that determines whether the generating source is the electric current source or the magnetic current source by judging which one of a reference value of an electric current source and a reference value of a magnetic current source is close to a value of the attenuation amount calculated by the calculation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tani, Shoichi Kajiwara
  • Patent number: 7826933
    Abstract: An adaptive relaying control system and method is disclosed for adapting coordination of protective measures provided to an electric-energy distribution system as a function of at least an ambient weather condition. A weather sensor senses the ambient weather condition within a region adjacent to at least a portion of the electric-energy distribution system. A control unit is operatively coupled to the weather sensor to receive a weather signal indicative of the ambient weather condition and determine whether a storm condition exists based at least in part on the weather signal. The control unit establishes a suitable control philosophy for adapting coordination of the protective measures provided to the electric-energy distribution system based at least in part on whether the storm condition exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: FirstEnergy Corp.
    Inventor: Karl Fickey
  • Publication number: 20100271000
    Abstract: Described is monitoring of an analog-digital conversion of a measured value of at least one of a pressure gauge, a level gauge and a flowmeter. Different measured values can be provided for the analog-digital converter by means of a first microcontroller, wherein these measured values are subsequently transmitted from this first area into a second area by means of a unidirectional coupler. These values are acquired by a second microcontroller in the second area and compared with reference values that are stored in the second area or at another location. This diagnostic circuit may make it possible to detect drifts of resistances and of reference voltages, as well as a faulty analog-digital converter or a program execution error of the first microcontroller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Ralf SCHAETZLE, Manfred KOPP
  • Publication number: 20100271037
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed, including a ground-fault sensor that has a plurality of conductors each disposed one inside of another except for an outer conductor and a field sensor configured to sense an electric field, a magnetic field, or both. In some embodiments, the field sensor is disposed adjacent the outer conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: John Herman Blakely
  • Publication number: 20100268492
    Abstract: A battery cell voltage measurement device for a battery pack constructed by battery cells (E1, E2, . . . , En) includes measurement-and-processing blocks (11 to 1n) connected to each other via communication lines (CL1, CL2). The blocks measure a terminal voltage of corresponding each of the battery cells, monitor battery cell status, generate a signal indicative of a monitoring result of the battery cell, perform voltage level shifting of the signal on a per-block basis, and transmit the level-shifted signal to a neighboring block via the line (CL2). A controller (CON) connected to one of the blocks via the line controls the blocks, receives the level-shifted signal from the block connected thereto. Resistors (Ra, Rb) for protection provided on the communication lines (CL1, CL2) protect circuit components of the blocks from malfunction when a potential difference occurs between the blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Kimihiro Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20100253319
    Abstract: A 3D Motional Command System (MCS) is disclosed for interactive gaming, computer interfaces, communications, imaging, and geological exploration. The system can perform standoff gesture recognition and also function as touch-screens. E-field sensors and array topologies are disclosed comprised of FET discrete transistors. The designs facilitate the fabrication of high density sensor arrays similar to LCD displays. The system can be used in portable and wearable electronic devices. Uses are for PC computers, portable devices, and gaming systems such as the Wii. Other applications include wireless connection of sensor and audio data from a simple headphone jack output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Patent number: 7809507
    Abstract: A lightning detection system (100) includes at least one lightning detector (101-103). The said lightning detector (101-103) includes at least one x-ray detector (110) for providing x-ray data responsive to x-rays received, and an electric field or magnetic field detector (115) for providing electric field or magnetic field data responsive to electric field or magnetic field received. At least one signal processor (122) is coupled to the x-ray detector and the electric field or magnetic field detector. The processor (122) determines whether lightning will strike or has struck proximate to the lightning detector(s) (101-103) based on the x-ray data and electric field or magnetic field data, and can provide a strike point indication having an accuracy of generally better than (100) m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Dwyer, Martin A. Uman, Hamid K. Rassoul, Jason Jerauld, Douglas M. Jordan, Keith J. Rambo, Vladimir A. Rakov
  • Publication number: 20100244810
    Abstract: A sensor product web for electric field sensing. The sensor includes a substrate, sequential electrically conductive areas on a surface of the substrate, conductors, an output connected to one of the electrically conductive areas by one of the conductors, a dielectric layer arranged on top of the conductors, and an electrically conductive layer arranged on top of the dielectric layer on a same surface of the substrate as the electrically conductive areas, the dielectric layer being discontinuous at the conductor which is in contact with the electrically conductive area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: UPM-Kymmene Corporation
    Inventors: Timo JOUTSENOJA, Kari Kyyny
  • Publication number: 20100244809
    Abstract: A sensor product web for electric field sensing. The sensor includes a substrate, sequential electrically conductive areas on a surface of the substrate, conductors, an output connected to the electrically conductive areas by one of the conductors, and a via extending through the substrate, forming an electrically conductive path connecting the electrically conductive areas to the output by the conductor on a reverse surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: UPM-Kymmene Corporation
    Inventors: Timo Joutsenoja, Kari Kyyny
  • Publication number: 20100237850
    Abstract: The device for testing food quality is a device for measuring the state of decay of a piece of food based upon measured electrical potential. The device includes a needle probe having an outer cylindrical shell formed from a first metal, such as stainless steel, and a wire mounted coaxially within the outer cylindrical shell. The wire is formed from a second metal, such as copper. A measuring device for electrical potential, such as a voltmeter, is further provided and is in communication with the needle probe. The device forms a galvanic cell when the probe is inserted into the food, the cell potential decreasing as a function of time in a manner corresponding to the state of decay of the piece of the food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Ahmed Abdullah Salem Al-Ghamdi, Fahad M. Al-Marzouki, Soliman Abdalla
  • Patent number: 7795875
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) event and transient signal detection and measurement device and method are described. The device and method are able to distinguish between an ESD event and other non-ESD events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Vladimir Kraz
  • Patent number: 7791309
    Abstract: The present invention relates a motor controller and a motor control method of controlling a motor having a stator coil and a rotator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sun Ho Hwang, Han Su Jung, Chung Hun Lee
  • Publication number: 20100219806
    Abstract: An electric field detection probe includes a cable including an internal conductor line, an insulating layer that coats a surface of the internal conductor line and exposes a tip end of the internal conductor line, an external conductor layer that coats a surface of the insulating layer and exposes the tip end, and an electric field diaphragm wherein the electric field diaphragm is electrically coupled to the external conductor layer, covers the tip end surface of the cable except for an opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Daisuke UCHIDA, Shinichi Wakana
  • Publication number: 20100213922
    Abstract: In a first aspect, some embodiments of the invention provide a system for measuring the level of a plurality of phases of a conductive or semi-conductive mixture in a vessel, the system comprising: a vessel configured to hold a conductive or semi-conductive mixture including a plurality of phases, the vessel comprising a sidewall with an interior surface and an exterior surface, a plurality of antennas configured to transmit electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals into the sidewall of the vessel to impinge upon the plurality of phases in the conductive or semi-conductive mixture and to receive corresponding signals reflected from the plurality of phases in the conductive or semi-conductive mixture, the antennas situated at a plurality of different levels along the exterior surface of the vessel sidewall, wherein reflected signals are received, a transmitter module configured to generate electromagnetic and/or eddy current signals in communication with the plurality of antennas, a receiver module configure
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Afshin Sadri, Ehsan Shameli, Bert O. Wasmund, Nils W. Voermann
  • Publication number: 20100211342
    Abstract: The generation and monitoring of a load-independent output current for a level meter, pressure gauge, flowmeter or evaluation device are described. A current that is equal or unequal to the measuring current, but inverted relative thereto, can be generated continuously or within certain time intervals in a switching circuit that is realized independently of the network generating the measuring current. The generated current can be fed into the measuring circuit at a comparison point and added. The compensation principle makes it possible to determine whether the measuring current corresponds to the nominal value, wherein a testing current is fed into the first electric circuit by means of a second switching circuit that contains a second current source. A certain expectancy value of a voltage to be tapped can be calculated in dependence on the testing current being fed in and the nominal value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Andreas Blessing
  • Patent number: 7772826
    Abstract: A lightning detector for lightning detection and a lightning detection method, wherein the lightning detector uses at least two separate channels or frequency bands for lightning detection, and wherein the lightning detector is a mobile RF device provided with radio interfaces for at least two communication channels or frequency bands, whereby at least one of which is normally a telecom channel/frequency range and wherein these channels/ranges are used in lightning detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Joni Jantunen, Jakke Mäkelä, Terho Kaikuranta, Jukka Reunamäki, Tom Ahola, Arttu Uusitalo, Kari Kalliojärvi
  • Publication number: 20100194375
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting an electronic measuring device inside the housing a pad mount low voltage distribution power transformer are provided. The space inside a transformer enclosure cover contains the power input and output connections and cables. The electronic measuring device includes a surface mounting assembly that is configured to mount the measuring device at multiple locations of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: David Michael Cooper
  • Publication number: 20100194374
    Abstract: A system and method for providing electromagnetic imaging through electroquasistatic sensing contains an electromagnetic sensor for imaging a sample. The electromagnetic sensor contains drive/sense electronics and a pixelated sensor array having an array of capacitive sensor electrodes that source electric fields that interact with the sample, and wherein the electrodes are individually drivable by the drive/sense electronics in a coordinated manner to establish a desired temporal and spatial pattern in which electrical properties of the electrodes are used to generate an image. Other components of the system include a precision motion controller, sensor head and associated electronics, and a computer for performing data acquisition and signal inversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: David L. Trumper, Jeffrey H. Lang, Benjamin L. Cannon, Markus Zahn
  • Patent number: 7762721
    Abstract: A device temperature measurement circuit, an integrated circuit (IC) including a device temperature measurement circuit, a method of characterizing device temperature and a method of monitoring temperature. The circuit includes a constant current source and a clamping device. The clamping device selectively shunts current from the constant current source or allows the current to flow through a PN junction, which may be the body to source/drain junction of a field effect transistor (FET). Voltage measurements are taken directly from the PN junction. Junction temperature is determined from measured junction voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Franch, Keith A. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20100179780
    Abstract: A method for determining a primary side voltage of a distribution transformer includes determining a first current and a second current flowing through a secondary winding of the transformer at a plurality of time instants based on current meter data generated by a plurality of metered loads. The method may include determining a total current flowing to the plurality of metered loads for each of the plurality of time instants based on the first current and the second current. The method includes receiving a respective meter voltage from each of the plurality of metered loads at each of the plurality of time instants. The method includes determining a secondary side voltage of the transformer at each of the plurality of time instants based on the first, second, and total current and the respective meter voltages. The method includes determining the primary side voltage based on the secondary side voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Accenture Global Services GmbH
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Taft
  • Publication number: 20100171484
    Abstract: A test installation provides for producing a residence that has a dwelling on the one hand and a test laboratory on the other. The dwelling and the laboratory are electrically powered by separate electric power supplies. The dwelling and the residence are linked to one another by sets of channels passing through a slab of the residence and opening to abutting cable trunks opposite the test laboratory. It is shown that in this way, connections joining measuring apparatus with apparatus for processing the measurements located in the test laboratory can be placed in these channels and this cable trunk. In this way, these connections are always placed correctly at the same location and do not interfere in the measurement. To increase the efficacy of the system, it is provided that a test bench is produced that is independently powered by an electrical perturbation signal that has been measured previously in the dwelling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: LABORATOIRE DES APPLICATIONS NUMERIQUES LAN
    Inventors: Dominique Garreau, Thierry Doligez, Thierry Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20100170640
    Abstract: Determining a high frequency operating parameter in a plasma system including a plasma power supply device coupled to a plasma load using a hybrid coupler having four ports is accomplished by: generating two high frequency source signals of identical frequency, the signals phase shifted by 90° with respect to one another; generating a high frequency output signal by combining the high frequency source signals in the hybrid coupler; transmitting the high frequency output signal to the plasma load; detecting two or more signals, each signal corresponding to a respective port of the hybrid coupler and related to an amplitude of a high frequency signal present at the respective port; and based on an evaluation of the two or more signals, determining the high frequency operating parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: HUETTINGER ELEKTRONIK GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Kirchmeier, Gerd Hintz
  • Publication number: 20100171485
    Abstract: The method comprises recording ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) electromagnetic field signals created by electrical spark discharges and induced in the Earth-ionosphere resonator that are subjected to spectral analysis based on ELF field resonance propagation models in the Earth-ionosphere cavity thanks to whose features, distance and intensity dependencies of electrical spark discharges are separated and then compared with database model parameters. Model data selected as the best approximation enables to reconstruction of the location and intensity of electrical spark discharges. The apparatus, which allows reconstruction of the location and intensity of electrical spark discharges, is equipped with two inductive, magnetic antennas (Ax, Ay) perpendicular to each other and situated along NS and. NW directions and placed on the ground surface or close under it. The antennas (Ax, Ay) are connected by screened wires with a block recording observation signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: UNIWERSYTET JAGIELLONSKI
    Inventors: Andrzej Kulak, Jerzy Kubisz, Stanislaw Micek, Adam Michalec, Zenon Nieckarz, Michal Ostrowski, Stanislaw Zieba
  • Publication number: 20100148750
    Abstract: In a method for determining a parameter set describing electric parameters of a route section of a magnetic suspension railway, the route section contains a stator section forming a drive section of the magnetic suspension railway and a route cable connecting the stator section to an associated converter device. In the method, the current and voltage values are measured at the electric connecting point between the route cable and the converter device. The parameters of the parameter set are determined using the measurement values, thus forming the parameter set. Accordingly, the current and voltage values are additionally measured at the electrical connecting point between the route cable and the stator section and the current values at the neutral point side of the stator section, if the stator section is electrically connected to the route cable. The additional measurement values are also considered when determining the parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Rizqa Derfiora
  • Publication number: 20100148749
    Abstract: The invention relates to a signal transmission/reception device (DER) which can cooperate with an antenna device (A) capable of emitting a magnetic field. The invention is characterised in that the device (DER) comprises the following elements for transmission, namely: a power stage (P) for sending a symmetrical square-wave voltage signal (U0) to the input of the antenna device (A) in order to supply same with a current that can be used to generate the emitted magnetic field; and a current measuring stage (C) for measuring the current circulating in the antenna device (A). The invention is suitable for motor vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE
    Inventors: Eric Leconte, Stephane Violleau, Michael Notarianni
  • Publication number: 20100145217
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring scalp potential is disclosed, which comprises a plurality of sensors and a pre-amplifier coupled to these sensors. The sensors are adapted to measure a raw scalp potential measurement though a hair and air interface, and may be considered as a difference, reference or common measurement. The interface presents a high and variable source impedance coupling to the scalp. The pre-amplifier is adapted to have an input impedance significantly higher than that presented by the source interface, and receives the raw scalp potential measurement to produce a pre-amplified scalp potential measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: CMTE DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Edward J. Otto, Daniel R. Bongers
  • Publication number: 20100134090
    Abstract: A method of testing an electric discharge stun device includes the steps of identifying a stun device to be tested and absorbing a discharge from the stun device into a tester. The discharge is characterized by a discharge characteristic that is then compared automatically to information such as (a) a previous corresponding characteristic associated with a previous discharge of the stun device or (b) a corresponding characteristic associated with a prior discharge of at least one other stun device. The characteristic can be a waveform, a peak voltage, duration, current, joule, and temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen Burns, Bruno D.V. Marino, Kenneth J. Stethem
  • Patent number: 7719254
    Abstract: A method for setting a reference potential of a current sensor in a power semiconductor device is disclosed. On the basis of a specific geometry and a typical two-dimensional potential distribution of the power semiconductor device, a plurality of tapping points is predetermined on an area of the power semiconductor device. On the basis of the specific geometry of the power semiconductor device, a line course between the tapping points and a measuring point for measuring a potential average value is determined and realized. Respective potential values are detected at the tapping points and fed to the measuring point. The potential average value is determined at the measuring point. The potential of the current sensor is set to the potential average value thus determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thorsten Meyer, Mathias Hans-Ulrich Alexander von Borcke, Markus Winkler
  • Patent number: 7719253
    Abstract: The present invention relates to system diagnostic circuitry for antenna systems with active antenna components. More specifically, the present invention discloses an apparatus comprising a connection between an antenna and a power supply conducting a first DC voltage, a source of a pulse width modulated signal, a lowpass filter for converting the pulse width modulated signal to a second DC voltage, and a comparator for comparing the first DC voltage and the second DC voltage and generating an output signal responsive to the difference between the first DC voltage and the second DC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: John James Fitzpatrick, Robert Warren Schmidt, Robert Alan Pitsch, John Joseph Curtis, III
  • Patent number: 7714743
    Abstract: An aircraft lightning event detector includes a sensor mounted to an aircraft. The sensor determines whether a lightning event has struck the aircraft or induced a possibly damaging current into the aircraft. A threshold mechanism determines whether the sensed lightning event is greater than a predetermined size. A memory stores a record of the sensed lightning event for post-flight maintenance analysis when the lightning event is greater than the predetermined size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Woodell, Terrence P. Wey
  • Publication number: 20100107758
    Abstract: A structural member having a plurality of conductive regions electrically insulated from each other, in which the plurality of conductive regions are electrically insulated from each other by continuous oxidized regions, and the oxidized regions are each formed of an oxide made of a material having a plurality of through holes or trenches formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Kandori, Chienliu Chang