Instrument Mechanism Or Transmission Patents (Class 73/866.1)
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Publication number: 20100180718Abstract: A sensing mechanism of pedaling assistant system, including a crank and a sensing element. The crank includes an elongated first crank member and an elongated second crank member connected therewith. A first axial end of the first crank member is connected with a pedal component of a bicycle. A first axial end of the second crank member is connected with an axle of the bicycle. An end face of a second axial end of the second crank member abuts against an end face of a second axial end of the first crank member. The sensing element is disposed between the second axial end of the first crank member and the second axial end of the second crank member for detecting a force transmitted from the pedal component through the first crank member to the second crank member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2010Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventors: Kuang-Hsiung Liu, Chin Lee Liao
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Patent number: 7757574Abstract: A measuring device incorporating a substrate with sensors that measure the processing conditions that a wafer may undergo during manufacturing. The substrate can be inserted into a processing chamber by a robot head and the measuring device can transmit the conditions in real time or store the conditions for subsequent analysis. Sensitive electronic components of the device can be distanced or isolated from the most deleterious processing conditions in order increase the accuracy, operating range, and reliability of the device. Isolation may be provided by vacuum or suitable material and phase change material may be located adjacent to electronics to maintain a low temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: KLA-Tencor CorporationInventors: Wayne G. Renken, Mei H. Sun
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Publication number: 20100107786Abstract: A device having at least one housing and one bottom connected to the housing. In this context, the housing has a housing wall and the bottom at least one base. Further it is provided for the base to have a specifiable edge. The essence of the present arrangement now lies in the fact that the edge of the base has at least two regions, a first region being situated closer to the housing wall and a second region being further removed from the housing wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Juergen WOERSINGER, Martin Mast, Andreas Stratmann, Richard Muehlheim, Regina Grote, Hans-Juergen Spiegel
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Publication number: 20100089168Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuating device (12) with a pressure cell (1) for actuating mechanical systems by means of an actuating rod (13). To determine intermediate positions of the actuating rod (13) in a simple and inexpensive way, a housing (17) of the pressure cell (1) consists entirely or partially of a translucent plastic. Furthermore, a lug (4, 5) that is firmly connected to the actuating rod (13) is provided inside a chamber (14) of the pressure cell (1), with a light barrier (3, 6) arranged outside the pressure cell (1) to detect the position of the lug (4, 5).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2007Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Werner Schnabel, Alessandro Spathas, Uwe Grass
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Patent number: 7690323Abstract: A gauge head assembly for use with a magnetically actuated dial includes a cylindrical body formed from a magnetic material having a cylindrical sidewall with an threaded outer surface, wherein the sidewall defines an axially extending passage for receiving a tubular insert formed from a substantially non-magnetic material, the insert having a closed first end and a second open end with a collar extending radially outward at the second open end and wherein the insert is secured in the passage with the closed first end adjacent the first end of the body.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
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Patent number: 7684920Abstract: In a method for parameter-related driver input gauging in motor vehicles, with the position of a moveable control element being determined, a theoretical maximum value of at least a parameter relevant for the drive system is defined and an actually recallable value of this parameter is determined. A change from a static to a dynamic driver input gauging is carried out below the actually recallable value of the parameter relevant for the drive system. A static gauging is carried out in a lower value range of this parameter such that the maximum displacement of the movable control element is assigned to the theoretical maximum value of the parameter, and if a threshold of the driver input is exceeded in an upper value range, a dynamic gauging is carried out such that the maximum displacement of the moveable control element is assigned to an actually recallable value of the parameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Johannes Feder, Fernando Guillen Castillo
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Patent number: 7660687Abstract: A method of increasing consistency between separate parametric measurement readings that are taken with an electron beam imaging tool at different times within a period of time, by correcting drift in the imaging tool at a time frequency that is less than a time period during which the drift is anticipated to be undesirably large.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: KLA-Tencor CorporationInventors: Indranil De, Mark A. McCord, David L. Adler
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Publication number: 20100000316Abstract: A system for providing different versions of a modularly structured apparatus for determining a physical process quantity, wherein at least two devices to be generated from the system are based on different measuring principles, including a number sensor units (41-48), each sensor unit being designed for detecting a determined physical measuring quantity and for converting said measuring quantity into an electrical measuring signal, wherein at least two of the sensor units are distinguished from each other by their underlying measuring principles; at least one evaluation unit (10), adapted to connect to the sensor units, for evaluating and generating a process quantity signal representing the physical process quantity from the measuring signal of a sensor unit; at least one output unit (13) for outputting the process quantity signal; at least one voltage supply unit (16); and at least one housing unit (22-24) configured to accommodate at least the evaluation unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventors: Josef Fehrenbach, Jurgen Motzer, Karl Griessbaum
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Patent number: 7587953Abstract: For a liquid-, or gas-, sensor composed of a sensor module SM and a sensor module head SMK, which are pluggably connectable together and which enable when plugged together an exchange of data and energy via a galvanically decoupled, transfer zone, a pluggable module ST1, or ST2, as the case may be, is provided, which is connectable with the sensor module SM, or with the sensor module head SMK, and which serves for display of sensor data stored in the sensor module SM, or for simulation of a measured value.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KGInventor: Detlev Wittmer
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Patent number: 7574326Abstract: A CPU generates the reference value (root mean squared value) of sound level and outputs it to a DSP, the DSP generates a measured value of sound level (root mean squared value), and compares thus-generated measured value of sound level (root mean squared value) with the reference value (root mean squared value) of sound level received from the CPU, and outputs a signal expressing the result of comparison to a display device, to thereby enable comparison of the measured value of sound level (root mean squared value) with the reference value (root mean squared value) of sound level, every time the sampling takes place in synchronization with the sampling frequency in the A/D converter.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Ono Sokki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Teiji Amanuma, Hidetoshi Sugawara, Satoshi Arima, Kosuke Yoshizawa, Naoichi Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7553071Abstract: A sensor unit (1) comprises at least one sensor (3) that is arranged on a circuit board (2) and a cover (4) for the sensor (3). The cover (4) is open toward the circuit board (2) and adjoins the circuit board (2) in the installed state. The underside (14) of the circuit board simultaneously forms part of the seal. The at least one sensor (3) is completely climate-encapsulated.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2004Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Sitronic Gesellschaft für Elektrotechnische Ausrüstung mbH & Co. KGInventors: Stefan Legl, Gerold Stauss
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Publication number: 20090107265Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes subscribing to a sensor, such that the sensor is operable to record presence data. The method includes receiving the presence data originating from the sensor. The method also includes updating status associated with the sensor based on the presence data and displaying the updated status associated with the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Carey B. Parker, II, Sean M. Whitsell, Michael J. Lemen, Marshall B. Ross
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Publication number: 20090049937Abstract: A system and method for enhanced accuracy in cable diagnostics of cable length. Conventional cable diagnostics such as time domain reflectometry can be used to determine cable length. This conventional technique can have accuracy limitations in certain situation such as with perfectly terminated cable. A cable length can also be determined through the use of link delay measurements that are based on clock synchronization between nodes in a network. Notwithstanding the accuracy issues of these link delay measurements, overall accuracy can be increased through the combination of the two cable length delay measurements into a final estimate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: Broadcom CorporationInventor: Wael William Diab
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Publication number: 20090003411Abstract: A high-temperature sensing system for sensing at least one parameter of interest within a high-temperature environment is provided. The system includes a substrate having at least one electrical network disposed thereon. Each of the at least one electrical network is a tuned circuit having a resonant frequency, and a temperature sensitive electrical component that varies the resonant behavior of the tuned circuit with a parameter of interest. An antenna is disposed to interact with the at least one electrical network. Transmit/receive electronics are spaced from the high-temperature environment and coupled to the antenna. The transmit/receive electronics are configured to generated selected drive signals to address each of the at least one electrical network and to detect a modulated radio-frequency reflection. A processor is coupled to the transmit/receive electronics and configured to calculate a parameter of interest for each detected modulated radio-frequency reflection.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventor: Felix J. Schuda
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Publication number: 20080307911Abstract: A cable cover for an ultrasonic flow meter is disclosed. In some embodiments, the cable cover includes multiple interlockable pieces configured to couple to a spoolpiece of an ultrasonic flow meter. Each interlockable piece includes a body having a dowel and a slot. The interlockable pieces are assembled in a series with the dowel of each interlockable piece inserted into the slot of another interlockable piece.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: DANIEL MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL, INC.Inventor: Charles Robert Allen
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Publication number: 20080282818Abstract: A sensor is provided with a base with at least one resistive track which includes a nano particle based conductive ink. A contact device makes contact along at least a portion of the resistive track and provides an indication of position or movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Charles Smith, Eduardo Jimenez, Marta Lacaba
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Patent number: 7428851Abstract: A sensor array for measuring various parameters in a machine environment, the sensor array comprising a number of oscillators, each of the oscillators comprising a feedback network, an amplifier and a limiter being connected together in a loop. The feedback network has a frequency which varies with the parameters to be measured. The amplifier consumes a current from a current supply and in cooperation with the feedback network produces a signal that alternates at the natural frequency of the feedback network. The limiter limits the amplitude of the signal within a predetermined amplitude range. All of the signals from the oscillators are multiplexed onto the output of the sensor array. Frequency analysis may then used to isolate the individual readings from each of the oscillators.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Universite de SherbrookeInventor: Martin Brouillette
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Publication number: 20080184827Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments provide sensing devices of the type useable to obtain measurements from a plurality of positions of a substrate, such as in a well, body of water, soil, snow pack, or ice pack. In a particular implementation, the sensing device includes a housing having a length. A plurality of digital sensors are disposed at a plurality of positions along the length of the housing. A communication bus is in communication with each of the plurality of sensors. A data collection or transmission device is in communication with the communication bus. Further implementations provide sensing devices having a housing formed from a plurality of modular sections. Sensors are disposed in at least one of the modular sections. Also disclosed are networks formed from a plurality of the disclosed devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: Richard Susfalk, James Brock
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Publication number: 20080148877Abstract: A gauge monitoring system can include a parameter store that stores parameter data in digital form for at least one gauge. The parameter data can correspond to different gauge readings. An image processing circuit can be coupled to receive image data from an image sensor physically attached to at least one gauge. The image processing circuit can analyze the image data to generate image data points corresponding to the gauge image and generates a gauge reading from the image data points and the parameter data. A transmitting circuit transmit the gauge reading to a location remote from the gauge. A control circuit that activates the image processing circuit and couples the gauge reading to the transmitting circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventor: Harry Sim
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Patent number: 7389162Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring rotating shaft shafts and couplings in an aircraft propulsion system is described. The measurement system/method provides for accurate and precise monitoring of a rotating shaft flexible coupling in a fixed wing aircraft vehicle propulsion system. The measuring system/method provides for a high reliability short take off vertical landing fixed wing aircraft in which the vertical propulsion dynamically rotating drive shaft system and couplings are monitored in real time. The vehicular shaft coupling misalignment measuring system utilizes multiple positional sensors to provide highly reliable and precise determination of the dynamic characteristics of the rotating sensor target components of the propulsion system drive shaft. The relative position of the sensors is rigidly fixed externally from the rotating targets with a structural frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Lord CorporationInventors: Russell E. Altieri, James F. Kuhn, Mark R. Jolly, Steve C. Southward, Askari Badre-Alam, Leslie P. Fowler
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Publication number: 20080134793Abstract: A modular sensor assembly and methods of fabricating a modular sensor assembly are provided. The modular sensor assembly includes a sensor array coupled to an electronics array in a stacked configuration. The sensor array comprises a plurality of sensor modules, each comprising a plurality of sensor sub-arrays. The electronics array comprises a plurality of integrated circuit modules, each comprising a plurality of integrated circuit chips. The sensor modules may be coupled to the electronics modules via flip chip technology.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Charles Gerard Woychik, Rayette Ann Fisher, David Martin Mills, Scott Cogan, David Richard Esler, Robert Gideon Wodnicki, Jeffrey Scott Erlbaum
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Patent number: 7365452Abstract: A pressure sensor device (1) includes a sensing element (2) for sending an analog signal according to pressure. The pressure sensor device (1) outputs the analog voltage to a microcomputer (20) through an input-output terminal (8). An input-output control circuit (4) monitors the voltage value in the input-output terminal (8). When the voltage of the input-output terminal (8) is set to high by the microcomputer (20) and is dislocated from a predetermined range, the input-output control circuit (4) functionally changes the input-output terminal (8) outputting a detecting signal to a terminal for inputting an external signal from the microcomputer. After the input-output terminal (8) is changed to the terminal for inputting the external signal, a range control circuit (7) fetches an external command signal through the input-output terminal (8) and switches the output characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Noboru Endo, Yasuaki Makino
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Patent number: 7360463Abstract: A measuring device incorporating a substrate with sensors that measure the processing conditions that a wafer may undergo during manufacturing. The substrate can be inserted into a processing chamber by a robot head and the measuring device can transmit the conditions in real time or store the conditions for subsequent analysis. Sensitive electronic components of the device can be distanced or isolated from the most deleterious processing conditions in order increase the accuracy, operating range, and reliability of the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Sensarray CorporationInventor: Wayne G. Renken
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Publication number: 20080048285Abstract: A laminated wafer sensor structure includes a housing layer having pocket openings formed therein, a circuit layer having a sensor element and electronic components mounted for registration with the pocket openings in the housing layer, and a rigid back layer. The laminated structure is suitable for handling by conventional robotic wafer handling systems. The wafer sensor structure is adapted for electrical connection to a base station that is also adapted for connection to a host computer system to facilitate communication among the sensor structure, the base station and the host computer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2007Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventors: Jim Schloss, Michele Winz, Sam Mallicoat, Wolfram Urbanek, Guang Li, Larry Potter, Kevin Shea
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Patent number: 7334491Abstract: A sensor array, in particular a micromechanical sensor array, and methods for manufacturing the sensor array are provided, which sensor array includes a sensor section for supplying certain sensor signals, and a cover section provided on the sensor section to form a hermetically sealed sensor interior. An electronic analyzer device is at least partially integratable into cover section for analysis of the sensor signals, and electrically connectable to a corresponding circuit device of the sensor section.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Joachim Rudhard, Klaus Heyers
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Patent number: 7316171Abstract: A person who is elderly, requires care, or an inpatient who is under the care by his or her family members, a nursing care worker, or a nurse in a hospital or medical institution must be monitored constantly, however the caregiver cannot be in attendance on the patient all the time. A biosignal intensity measuring method is provided to solve the above problem. According to the measuring method, output signals from a noninvasive sensor, which detects biosignals from a lying subject, are amplified and noises other than the biosignals are attenuated via a signal amplifying/shaping unit, and the amplified signals are controlled by an automatic gain control (AGC) unit to have sizes within a prescribed range, then parameters acquired by signal gains in a control circuit upon carrying out automatic gain control are output as the output signal intensity of the biosignals to calculate biosignal intensity. A bedding state monitoring method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: CB System Co.Inventor: Shin Nemoto
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Patent number: 7311014Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor comprising a sensor element (1) for detecting a physical variable, said sensor comprising two electric contact surfaces (2), and comprising a sensor body (3), on one end of which the sensor element (1) and on the other end of which a contact carrier (4) is located, wherein the contact carrier (4) supports at least two insulation displacement contacts (5) suitable for producing an insulation displacement connection (6) to an electric connecting cable (7), wherein each contact surface (2) is connected to an insulation displacement contact (5). The invention also relates to a sensor assembly. The combination of the insulation displacement technology with the sensor makes it possible for the sensor and the cable tree of a motor vehicle, for example, to be contacted in a simple manner.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Epcos AGInventors: Thomas Fischer, Wolfgang Grundmann, Klaus Herrmann
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Cam and crank sensor with current limiting open collector output for conducted emissions improvement
Publication number: 20070277587Abstract: A sensor apparatus and method include a sensor configured on an integrated circuit, which includes a current limiting open collector output stage configured in association with the integrated circuit. The current limiting open collector output stage reduces a fall time and a di/dt associated with an output signal of the sensor and a ringing produced thereof in order to improve EMC and conducted emissions required of the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventors: Steven D. Foster, Jason M. Chilcote, John A. Modica -
Patent number: 7284455Abstract: An electronic environment sensing instrument having an analog indicator has a casing having a front panel with a scale, an electronic sensing and driving assembly mounted in the casing, a needle and a DC power supply. The electronic driving indicator assembly has a detecting and driving circuit to sense and measure an environmental parameter outside the casing and generates a control signal, a drive unit to receive the control signal and rotate a specific amount in a specific direction based on the control signal and a gear assembly connected to and driven by the drive unit. The needle is attached to and driven by the gear assembly and points to a specific value on the scale corresponding to the sensed environmental parameter.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Matador International Inc.Inventors: Ping-Han Lee, Li-Zhen Wang
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Patent number: 7270022Abstract: A temperature-compensated structure includes a temperature compensator having a temperature-compensation bellows whose length is responsive to changes in temperature, and a temperature-compensation actuator that moves responsive to the length of the temperature-compensation bellows. There is a movable structure, and a mechanical force multiplier extending between the temperature-compensation actuator and the movable structure so that a force applied to the movable structure is greater than the force produced by the temperature-compensation bellows.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Gabor Devenyl
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Patent number: 7263870Abstract: The instrument panel gauge assembly includes an applique having gauge graphics printed thereon and a needle pointer for a gauge assembly positioned adjacent thereto. A transparent chaplet is formed within the applique to allow light to pass through. The needle passes over the chaplet as the needle moves. When the needle is positioned directly in front of the chaplet, light is blocked from passing through the chaplet. A light sensing element is positioned behind the applique to detect the presence of light passing through the chaplet. A light baffle guides light passing through the chaplet to the light sensing element. A controller receives a signal from the light sensing element indicating when the needle pointer is directly in front of the chaplet. The controller then compares the actual input to the gauge with the position of the needle pointer, calculates a correction factor, and calibrates the gauge accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Cesar Avitia, Martin Joel Ibarra, Raul Antonio Rascon
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Patent number: 7251985Abstract: A measuring arrangement, including: a measuring transmitter with a sensor for registering a property of a medium and for issuing a primary signal dependent on the property; a transmitter housing, with at least one chamber and a first opening on the side facing the medium as well as a second opening, with a first contamination path section extending between the openings through the chamber; a first seal, which interrupts the first contamination path section; a circuit in the chamber, for processing the primary signal and producing an output signal, which is issued over a first signal path section through the second opening; a safety module, which includes: a module housing with at least one module chamber, having a first module opening on the side facing the transmitter and a second module opening, wherein a second contamination path section reaches from the first module opening at least as far as into the module chamber; at least a second seal, which interrupts the second contamination path section; and a secType: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AGInventors: Peter Renk, Gerold Klotz-Engmann, Michael Hügel
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Patent number: 7243561Abstract: A sensor unit includes a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor and a signal-processing circuit, which are disposed on the bottom surface of a lead to form a line in the longitudinal direction of the sensor unit. The pressure sensor and the acceleration sensor are disposed at respective symmetrical positions with respect to the center of the signal-processing circuit in the longitudinal direction of the sensor unit. Each of the pressure sensor and the acceleration sensor has substantially the same height dimension. The sensors, the signal-processing circuit and the lead are sealed with a molded body, in such a manner as to allow lead terminals of the lead to protrude outside the molded body. The signal-processing circuit is operable, based on a signal from the acceleration sensor, to control the ON/OFF action of the pressure sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Ishigami, Kouji Sakai, Ryosuke Meshii
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Patent number: 7197951Abstract: A rotation angle sensor includes: (a) a multi-resolver housing with a high precision structure; (b) stator terminals that do not cause deformation or loosening of terminal pins from the substrates to which they are attached; and (3) a signal line connection structure that is not affected by thermal stress. The housing (10) includes divisional housings (10a, 10b), and one resolver is installed in each of the divisional housings (10a, 10b). The divisional housings (10a, 10b) are assembled by aligning respective openings therein in an axial direction. The lead lines of stator windings are connected to printed circuit substrates (51) installed on insulators (20a, 20b), and pins (54) connect the printed circuit substrates (51) to a connecting signal output line via flexible connectors (61, 64).Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshisada Koyama, Mutsumi Matsuura, Takashi Sano, Yoshihito Osanai
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Patent number: 7194375Abstract: A pressure sensor 11 is provided with a connecter housing 30 having a pressure sensing element 20 arranged on an end surface thereof, a sensor housing 40 constructed to have the connecter housing 30 inserted thereinto, a pressure chamber 452 defined between the end surface of the connecter housing 30 and the sensor housing 40, and a compensation circuit 21 for performing the processing and operation of a measured signal of the pressure sensing element 20 to output the measured signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomonari Yamakawa
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Patent number: 7124655Abstract: To measure a physical parameter, a two-wire sensor produces pulse-width modulated signals (PWM) whose pulse width is preferably modulated as a function of the physical parameter to be measured. To indicate an error or a malfunction, the two-wire sensor provides an error signal with a specifiable pulse-width ratio that is preferably 1:1, while asymmetric pulse-width ratios are provided for the measurement signals (PWM). To measure a physical parameter that assumes only one of two states or values, the two-wire sensor produces a first measurement signal with a specifiable asymmetric pulse-width ratio and a second measurement signal formed by inversion of the first measurement signal. A plurality of two-wire sensors can for example be connected to a common two-wire line and operated in time-multiplex mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Micronas GmbHInventor: Lothar Blossfeld
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Patent number: 7077022Abstract: The end portion of the insulation sheath of a cable is formed into a grommet to promote better mechanical bonding with a vehicle sensor housing that is overmolded onto the cable.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Valles
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Patent number: 7077021Abstract: In order to be able to operate a sensor device on a feed pipeline carrying high voltage without using batteries or storage batteries, the sensors are connected for supply purposes via an electrical isolating stage to a mains voltage source and for signal purposes to an evaluation circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Eisenmann Lacktechnik KG (Komplementar: Eisenmann-Stiftung)Inventor: Aydin Ucan
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Patent number: 7040922Abstract: An electrical interconnect apparatus has a mounting member with a plurality of sides. The mounting member is formed from an insulator as a cuboid. Moreover, the mounting member also may be formed from a flexible circuit. Among other things, the plurality of sides includes an interface side. At least two of the plurality of sides are in electrical communication with the interface side.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Kieran P. Harney, Lawrence E. Felton, Lewis Long
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Patent number: 7017433Abstract: A sensor assembly having a housing including a first portion and a second portion. One of the portions of the housing includes a plurality of walls. The walls at least partially define a chamber. The assembly also includes a hinge connected to the first portion and to the second portion. The second portion is pivotable about the hinge from an open position with respect to the first portion to a closed position with respect to the first portion. The assembly also includes a sensor positioned within the chamber and substantially encircled by the plurality of walls. The sensor is partially enclosed by the first portion and second portion when the second portion is in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: SSI Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Tola
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Patent number: 6993987Abstract: A meter unit for indicating a physical quantity includes an indication part and a control part. The indication part memorizes a first indication deviation data, which provides a deviation between a detected value detected by a physical quantity sensor and a raw value indicated by the indication part without compensating the deviation. The control part memorizes a second indication deviation data, compensates the detected value on the basis of the second indication deviation data, and controls the indication part on the basis of the compensated detected value. The second indication deviation data is rewritable so that the second indication deviation data coincides with the first indication deviation data.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Takashi Komura
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Patent number: 6923079Abstract: Data representing one or more characteristics of an input airflow (e.g., an airflow associated with a human being, such as breath or an airflow resulting from motion of the human being, or a wind tunnel airflow) is acquired and, if necessary or desirable, processed, then stored, transmitted to a remote location, and/or played back. Playback of acquired airflow data entails generating a display airflow corresponding to the input airflow. The characteristic of an airflow regarding which data is acquired is often the velocity of the airflow, though data regarding other airflow characteristics (e.g., direction, temperature, humidity, odor) can also be acquired in addition to, or instead of, airflow velocity.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Inventor: Scott S. Snibbe
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Patent number: 6923080Abstract: A monitoring apparatus having an obstacle-detecting system comprises a plurality of detecting devices fastened on the object, an evaluation unit and an optical display device. For the purpose of displaying the surrounding situation more effectively, the fields of view of two neighbouring detecting devices intersect, the individual images of these detecting devices are combined to form an overall image, and the object can be projected on the display device into the overall image and can be displayed as part of the overall image.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Günter Dobler, Holger Enigk, Siegfried Rothe, Roland Stechow
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Patent number: 6918311Abstract: A chassis for a residential utility meter reading unit includes individual chambers including a transmitter chamber containing a printed circuit board, an indexing unit chamber containing the mechanism for operating dials that rotated in response to use of the utility product to indicate the magnitude of consumption, and a battery chamber releasably connected to the chassis and adapted to complete an electrical connection between batteries and circuit board as the third chamber moves relative to the chassis. A transparent cover overlaps a slot formed in the chassis and a leg extending from the battery chamber moveable in the slot. Rails on the chassis block movement of sliders on the battery pack away from the chassis to prevent disengagement of the battery chamber from the chassis unless the cover and its attachment screws are first removed.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: M&FC Holding, LLCInventor: Gil Nathan
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Patent number: 6889568Abstract: A measuring device incorporating a substrate with sensors that measure the processing conditions that a wafer may undergo during manufacturing. The substrate can be inserted into a processing chamber by a robot head and the measuring device can transmit the conditions in real time or store the conditions for subsequent analysis. Sensitive electronic components of the device can be distanced or isolated from the most deleterious processing conditions in order increase the accuracy, operating range, and reliability of the device.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: SensArray CorporationInventor: Wayne G. Renken
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Publication number: 20040264544Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor comprising a sensor element (1) for detecting a physical variable, said sensor comprising two electric contact surfaces (2), and comprising a sensor body (3), on one end of which the sensor element (1) and on the other end of which a contact carrier (4) is located, wherein the contact carrier (4) supports at least two insulation displacement contacts (5) suitable for producing an insulation displacement connection (6) to an electric connecting cable (7), wherein each contact surface (2) is connected to an insulation displacement contact (5). The invention also relates to a sensor assembly. The combination of the insulation displacement technology with the sensor makes it possible for the sensor and the cable tree of a motor vehicle, for example, to be contacted in a simple manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Thomas Fischer, Wolfgang Grundmann, Klaus Herrmann
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Patent number: 6829958Abstract: Disclosed is an input device, comprising: a numerical value input unit; a storage unit; and a control unit. According to the present invention said numerical value input unit consists of numeric keys, and said storage unit stores the data for each of the parts of a human body Furthermore, said control unit operates in such manner that each of the parts of the human body is assigned any one of the numeric keys and when a specific numeric key is depressed the data for the part designated thereby is retrieved from the storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Tanita CorporationInventors: Kiharu Sunako, Yoshitsugu Sasaki
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Publication number: 20040237676Abstract: Various sensors use an electro-active device (11) electrically connected to a detector circuit. The electro-active device (11) comprises an electro-active structure in the form of a continuous electro-active member (12) curving in a helix around a minor axis (13) which is in itself curved for example in a helix around a major axis (14). On activation by relative displacement of the ends (16) of the device (11), the electro-active structure twists around the minor axis due to the fact that the minor axis (13) is curved. The continuous member (12) has a bender construction of a plurality of layers (21) and (22) including at least one layer of electro-active material so that concomitantly with the twisting the continuous member (12) bends generating an electrical signal detected by the detector circuit. The electro-active device (11) is advantageous as a sensing element in a sensor because it has a large displacement, high sensitivity and low compliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Gareth McKevitt, Anthony Hooley, David Henry Pearce, Ursula Ruth Lenel, Mark Richard Shepherd
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Publication number: 20040232500Abstract: A sensor array, in particular a micromechanical sensor array, and methods for manufacturing the sensor array are provided, which sensor array includes a sensor section for supplying certain sensor signals, and a cover section provided on the sensor section to form a hermetically sealed sensor interior. An electronic analyzer device is at least partially integratable into cover section for analysis of the sensor signals, and electrically connectable to a corresponding circuit device of the sensor section.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Joachim Rudhard, Klaus Heyers
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Patent number: 6821432Abstract: A measuring apparatus for the determination of parameters of medical fluids with a measured region which including a measuring chamber device for receiving a disposable cassette with at least one measuring chamber through which the fluid to be measured is guided, and at least one measuring element for measuring a measured value whose value depends on the extent of the measuring chamber in a measuring direction and allows the determination of the parameter, or of a value being in a fixed relationship thereto, with a known extent of the measuring chamber. A distance sensor unit is provided which is arranged relative to the measuring chamber such that the measured distance changes relative to the extent of the measuring chamber. A method is also provided for the determination of parameters of medical fluids which can be carried out with the measuring apparatus, and for the calibration of the measuring apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbHInventor: Klaus Metzner