Patents Assigned to Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9829307
    Abstract: A optical sensor assembly is disclosed that includes a sensor diaphragm configured to deflect responsive to an applied stimulus. The sensor assembly includes a first Extrinsic Fabry-Perot Interferometer (EFPI) having a first optical cavity in communication with at least a portion of the sensor diaphragm, the first EFPI is configured to interact with light to produce a combined measurement light signal and a first common-mode light signal, the measurement light signal corresponding to the applied stimulus. The sensor assembly also includes a second EFPI having a second optical cavity, the second EFPI is configured to interact with light to produce a second common mode light signal for error correction. The sensor assembly may further include a sensing optical fiber in communication with the first EFPI; a reference optical fiber in communication with the second EFPI; and a glass header configured to support the sensing optical fiber and the reference optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin A. Sanzari
  • Patent number: 9810594
    Abstract: Certain example implementations of the disclosed technology include an optical-interferometer sensor assembly for measuring pressure or acceleration. The sensor assembly includes a diaphragm configured to deflect responsive to an applied stimulus, a diaphragm support structure in communication with the diaphragm, a sensing optical interferometer having a first optical cavity in communication with at least a portion of the diaphragm and the diaphragm support structure, and a reference optical interferometer having a second optical cavity in communication with the diaphragm support structure. The sensor assembly can include a sensing optical fiber in communication with the sensing optical interferometer and a reference optical fiber in communication with the reference optical interferometer. The sensor assembly can include a housing in communication with the diaphragm and the diaphragm support structure, and configured to reduce a thermal expansion mismatch in the sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin A. Sanzari
  • Patent number: 9804050
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods of compensating sensor drift. In one example embodiment, a system may comprise a primary sensor having a primary full-scale range and configured to output a primary environmental condition signal indicative of an environmental condition; a reference sensor having a reference full-scale range and configured to output a reference environmental condition signal indicative of the environmental condition, wherein the reference full-scale range is less than the primary full-scale range; and a drift compensation system configured to determine a drift compensation signal using the primary environmental signal and the reference environmental condition signal responsive to the reference environmental conditional signal being in the reference full-scale range and compensate the primary environmental condition signal using the drift compensation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolf S. Landmann
  • Patent number: 9791342
    Abstract: A pressure transducer assembly that uses static pressure compensation to capture low-level dynamic pressures in high temperature environments. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a first tube, a pressure, wherein the pressure includes a static pressure component and a dynamic pressure component; receiving, at a micro-filter, the pressure; filtering, by the micro-filter, at least a portion of the dynamic pressure component of the pressure; outputting, from the micro-filter, a filtered pressure; receiving, at a first surface of a first sensing element, the pressure; receiving, at a second surface of the first sensing element, the filtered pressure; measuring, by the first sensing element, a difference between the pressure and the filtered pressure, wherein the difference is associated with the dynamic pressure component of the pressure; and outputting, from the first sensing element, a first pressure signal associated with the dynamic pressure component of the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Hurst, Alexander A. Ned, Joseph R. VanDeWeert
  • Patent number: 9791329
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology provide systems and methods for an improved header and corresponding port associated with a transducer assembly. The header and port define mating threaded portions, thread stop portions, and a weld gap region. The thread stop portions are configured to mate and maintain a pre-loading tension between the threaded portions during and after applying a weld in the weld gap region. The weld gap region is configured to have a predetermined gap distance such that the weld seals the transducer without stress in the weld. The mating of the first and second thread stops are configured to maintain at least a portion of the pre-loading tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic Catalano, Sergio Radossi, Robert Gardner
  • Patent number: 9778130
    Abstract: Certain implementations of the disclosed technology include a differential pressure transducer and method of assembly. The differential pressure transducer includes: a housing having a first pressure port and a second pressure port; a header welded to the housing; a cap welded to the header; a sensor module disposed in the header and in communication with first pressure port and the second pressure port. The sensor module includes a diaphragm having a first side and a second side. The first side is configured to receive a first pressure by the first pressure port, and the second side is adapted to receive a second pressure by the second pressure port. The differential pressure transducer also includes a reference tube configured to communicate the second pressure from the second pressure port to the diaphragm second side. The reference tube is welded to a portion of the header with an inspectable weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lou DeRosa, Steven Kleiber
  • Patent number: 9778126
    Abstract: A method, device and system for a gage pressure transducer including the making thereof are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a first diaphragm, a first pressure, wherein the first diaphragm is composed of metal; transferring, from the first diaphragm, to a first sensor, the first pressure using a first oil region, wherein the first oil region is disposed between the first diaphragm and the first sensor; receiving, at the first sensor, the first pressure; measuring, by the first sensor, the first pressure to generate a first pressure signal; and outputting, from the first sensor, to a first header pin, the first pressure signal, wherein the first header pin is electrically coupled to the first sensor using a first conductive glass frit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony D. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 9778124
    Abstract: Certain implementations of the disclosed technology may include systems, methods, and apparatus for a sealed transducer with an adjustment port. The sealed transducer may include one or more terminals. A first terminal may include electrical connections for connecting to an input voltage source, a ground, and for providing a transducer output signal. A second terminal, for example, may include an electrical port for connecting to an external and separately sealed adjustment network. In one example implementation, the adjustment network can include one or more components configured to couple with internal circuitry of the transducer to alter a response of the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolf Landmann
  • Patent number: 9772244
    Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices, and systems for a sensor having thermal gradients. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a sensor assembly including a housing; a first header and a second header coupled to the housing; a first transducer coupled to the first header, wherein the first transducer is configured to measure a first pressure to generate a first pressure signal; a second transducer coupled to the second header, wherein the second transducer is configured to measure a second pressure to generate a second pressure signal; and wherein the first transducer and the second transducer are positioned in the housing such that a first temperature of the first transducer is about equivalent to a second temperature of the second transducer during operation of the sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis DeRosa, Robert Gardner, Richard Martin
  • Patent number: 9772248
    Abstract: This disclosure provides example systems and methods for high pressure flat plate transducer assemblies. A first example embodiment of the transducer assembly is provided, which includes a transducer, a housing, and a transducer header. The transducer header can be configured for accepting the transducer and for mating with the housing at an interface between the header back side and the housing. The first embodiment of the transducer assembly is configured such that a pressure exerted on the transducer compresses the interface between the header back side and the housing. A second example embodiment is provided that includes a one-piece housing having a built-in header portion configured for accepting the transducer. In this second embodiment, the interface adapter is configured for attaching to a mating surface and to the housing. In the second example embodiment, the transducer assembly is configured such that the pressure presses the transducer against the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Gardner, Louis DeRosa, Leo Geras, Dick Martin
  • Patent number: 9766146
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an internally switched multiple range transducer are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a first sensor, a pressure, wherein the first sensor is associated with a first pressure range; measuring, at the first sensor, the pressure to generate a first pressure signal; in response to determining that the first pressure signal is not associated with the first pressure range, activating a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is associated with a second pressure range that is different from the first pressure range; and measuring, at the second sensor, the pressure to generate a second pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Louis DeRosa
  • Patent number: 9759624
    Abstract: Certain implementations of the disclosed technology may include systems, methods, and sealed transducer assembly with a pressure relief vent. In certain implementations, a transducer assembly is provided having a vent bore and a rupturable membrane sealing the vent bore. The vent bore may extend from an internal portion of the transducer assembly to an external portion of the transducer assembly. The rupturable membrane is configured to maintain a seal within the internal portion of the transducer assembly for a first range of a pressure differential between the internal portion of the transducer assembly and the external portion of the transducer assembly, and rupture and vent pressure through the vent bore when the pressure differential exceeds the first range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Gardner, Lou DeRosa, Dick Martin
  • Patent number: 9752948
    Abstract: A tunable pressure transducer assembly that comprises a sensing element disposed within a housing, wherein the sensing element is adapted to output a signal substantially indicative of an applied pressure, and a filter assembly also disposed within the housing. In one example embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a filter assembly having a tube, a cap and a cavity defined by a housing, a pressure, wherein the cap is positioned to set a predetermined volume of the cavity and the tube is associated with an application of the pressure to the cavity, wherein the pressure includes a static pressure component and a dynamic pressure component; filtering, by the tube and the cavity, at least a portion of the dynamic pressure component of the pressure to obtain a filtered pressure; outputting, from the filter assembly, the filtered pressure; and wherein the filtered pressure is used to determine the static pressure component of the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis DeRosa, Robert Gardner
  • Patent number: 9739677
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a differential pressure transducer that comprises first and second diaphragms of different configurations, i.e., different diameters and/or thicknesses. The pressure transducer provides more versatility over prior art designs as the diaphragms can be of different configurations yet still maintain substantially similar back pressures. Therefore, the errors commonly associated with back pressures are eliminated because the back pressures from the diaphragms ultimately cancel out in the sensor's differential pressure measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Lou DeRosa, Robert Gardner
  • Patent number: 9739681
    Abstract: Certain implementations of the disclosed technology may include systems, methods, and apparatus for assigning a distinct identifier (ID) to a pressure transducer based on resistor values. Embodiments include electrically identifying the distinct ID, and compensating the pressure transducer based on the distinct ID. According to an example implementation, a method is provided that can include coupling a transducer ID measurement assembly with a transducer assembly; measuring, by the transducer ID measurement assembly, a plurality of divided voltages between a plurality of configurable ID switches and a reference resistor; determining, with a processor, a distinct ID associated with the transducer assembly based on the plurality of measured divided voltages; retrieving one or more compensation parameters based on the distinct ID; and compensating, with the one or more compensation parameters, a measurement signal of the transducer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolf Landmann
  • Patent number: 9739680
    Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices and systems associated with flat covered leadless pressure sensor assemblies suitable for operation in extreme environments. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a semiconductor substrate having a first side and a second side; a diaphragm disposed on the first side of the semiconductor substrate; a first cover coupled to the first side of the semiconductor substrate such that it overlays at least the diaphragm, wherein a pressure applied at the first cover is transferred to the diaphragm; and a sensing element disposed on the second side of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the sensing element is used to measure the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander A. Ned, Joseph R. VanDeWeert, Leo Geras
  • Patent number: 9721832
    Abstract: A method for fabricating silicon-on-insulator (SOI) semiconductor devices, wherein the piezoresistive pattern is defined within a blanket doped layer after fusion bonding. This new method of fabricating SOI semiconductor devices is more suitable for simpler large scale fabrication as it provides the flexibility to select the device pattern/type at the latest stages of fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander A. Ned, Sorin Stefanescu, Joseph R. Vandeweert
  • Patent number: 9723719
    Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices, and systems for a flexible interconnect structure for a sensor assembly. In one configuration, a flexible interconnect structure may couple a first portion of a differential sensor structure to a second portion of the differential sensor structure. Further, the flexible interconnect structure may couple the differential sensor structure to an external component such as a circuit board, used to receive measurement information from the differential sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis DeRosa, Robert Gardner
  • Patent number: 9716495
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a two lead electronic switch adapted to replace a mechanical switch. In one embodiment, a device is provided that includes a sensor and an electronic circuit having a voltage limiting circuit. The electronic circuit is configured to deactivate/activate the voltage limiting circuit to operate the electronic circuit in a first/second state in response to determining that an output of the sensor is less/more than a threshold voltage. The circuit includes first and second terminals configured to receive a switch voltage used to provide power for the device. The device sets the switch voltage to a first voltage level operative to power the electronic circuit and the sensor while the electronic circuit is operating in the first state and to a second voltage level operative to power the electronic circuit and the sensor while the electronic circuit is operating in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolf S. Landmann
  • Patent number: 9709450
    Abstract: A differential pressure transducer employing a coiled tube to eliminate varying pressure fluctuations is provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at an inlet tube of a dampening chamber, a main pressure, wherein the main pressure includes a static pressure component and a dynamic pressure component; filtering, by the inlet tube, at least a portion of the dynamic pressure component of the main pressure; outputting, from the inlet tube, a first filtered main pressure; receiving, at a volume cavity of the dampening chamber, the first filtered main pressure, wherein the volume cavity is operatively coupled to the inlet tube; filtering, by the volume cavity, at least a portion of the dynamic pressure component of the first filtered main pressure; outputting, from the volume cavity, a second filtered main pressure; and wherein the dampening chamber is tuned to a predetermined resonance frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Adam Kane, Richard Martin, Robert Gardner