Patents Assigned to Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9354133
    Abstract: The present invention provides a self-heated pressure sensor assembly and method of utilizing the same. The self-heated pressure sensor assembly regulates and maintains the temperature of the pressure sensor, regardless of the external temperature environment, without an external heater as in prior art embodiments. Exemplary embodiments of the pressure sensor assembly incorporate a resistance heater that is built into the sensing chip of the pressure sensor assembly. The pressure sensor assembly also utilizes the resistance of the pressure sensing elements to monitor the temperature of the assembly, which works alongside the resistance heater to maintain a stable temperature within the pressure sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolf S. Landmann, Joseph R. VanDeWeert
  • Patent number: 9341536
    Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices, and systems for a sensor having a front seal. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a sensing element; a header coupled to the sensing element; a housing coupled to the header; an adaptor coupled to the housing, wherein a first gap separates the adapter and the sensing element and a second gap separates the adapter and the header; and wherein a stress applied at a front surface of the adapter is transferred to the housing, and the first gap is used to isolate the sensing element from the stress and the second gap is used to isolate the header from the stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis DeRosa, Robert Gardner, Joseph R. VanDeWeert, Adam Hurst
  • Patent number: 9341535
    Abstract: A pressure belt comprising a flexible belt, and a flat pack assembly removably attached to the flexible belt, wherein each flat pack assembly comprises at least one sensing element. Further, each flat pack assembly also comprises a memory component associated with the sensing element thereon, wherein the memory component houses data specific to the corresponding sensing element. Unlike prior art structures, each flat pack assembly is individually removable. Therefore, if one sensing element malfunctions, it may be replaced by removing the flat pack assembly comprising the malfunctioning sensing element and swapping it out for a flat pack assembly comprising an operable sensing element. This is an improvement over the prior art as it eliminates the need for replacing and recalibrating the entire pressure belt when one sensing element malfunctions, which can be both time consuming and costly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Gardner, Louis DeRosa, Joseph VanDeWeert, Richard Martin
  • Patent number: 9341534
    Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices and systems associated with filter structures employed with sensors. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a first filter having a plurality of pores, a pressure, wherein the pressure includes a static pressure component and a dynamic pressure component; filtering, by the first filter, at least a portion of the dynamic pressure component of the pressure; outputting, from the first filter, a filtered pressure; and wherein the filtered pressure is used to determine the dynamic pressure component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Boaz Kochman, Adam Hurst, Tonghuo Shang
  • Patent number: 9322730
    Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices, and systems for a sensor co-located with an electronic circuit. In one embodiment, a sensor assembly may comprise a semiconductor device configured to include a sensor having a sensing element, an electronic circuit and wherein the sensing element and the electronic circuit are hermetically sealed in the same sensor assembly; and wherein the sensor assembly is capable of outputting an environmental condition signal associated with an environmental condition measured by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander A. Ned, Sorin Stefanescu, Louis DeRosa, Joseph R. VanDeWeert
  • Patent number: 9316551
    Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices and systems associated with a torque-insensitive header assembly. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, by a sensor, from an aperture defined by a shell, an environmental condition, wherein the sensor is coupled to a header and the header is coupled to the shell such that the sensor is isolated from a torque stress applied to the shell; measuring, by the sensor, the environmental condition to determine an environmental condition signal; and outputting, from the sensor, the environmental condition signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Boaz Kochman, Adam Kane
  • Patent number: 9291516
    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: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Louis DeRosa
  • Patent number: 9291517
    Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices, and systems for a sensor having a Helmholtz resonator. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a sensing element; a header coupled to the sensing element; a housing coupled to the header; an adaptor coupled to the housing; a screen disposed in an opening of the housing, wherein a first cavity is disposed between the screen and the sensing element and a second cavity is disposed between the adaptor and the sensing element, and the screen in combination with the first cavity and the second cavity form a Helmholtz resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis DeRosa, Robert Gardner, Joseph R. VanDeWeert, Adam Hurst
  • Patent number: 9265142
    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: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: KULITE SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Lou Derosa, Robert Gardner
  • Patent number: 9250145
    Abstract: A piezoresistive sensor device and a method for making a piezoresistive device are disclosed. In one example, a method may comprise receiving, by a sensor device having a contact, a pressure; measuring, by the sensor device, the pressure to generate a pressure signal; outputting, by the sensor device, to the contact, the pressure signal; and receiving, by a header pin, from the contact, the pressure signal, wherein the header pin and the contact are electrically coupled using a conductive, non-lead containing frit and are aligned using a contact cover that is coupled to the sensor device using a non-conductive, non-lead containing frit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: KULITE SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Nora Kurtz
  • Patent number: 9205511
    Abstract: An improved header assembly and corresponding port assembly comprising a tensioning member, wherein the tensioning member is isolated and separate from the weld portion and is adapted to place a threaded portion between the header assembly and port assembly in tension and maintain such tension, and thus relieve tension from the weld, before and after welding, thereby increasing the lifespan of the header and port assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Kane, Sergio Radossi
  • Patent number: 9188494
    Abstract: A method, device, and system for improved measurement of fluid temperatures are provided. In one embodiment, a temperature probe structure comprises a header having a cavity; a longitudinal probe disposed at least partially within the cavity of the header; a temperature detector disposed within the longitudinal probe; and an insulator disposed between the header and the longitudinal probe for insulating the longitudinal probe from the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Gardner, Louis DeRosa
  • Publication number: 20150323086
    Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices, and systems for a single and grouped pressure valve. In one embodiment, a pressure valve may include a housing having a first input port and a plurality of output ports and defining a cavity disposed therein; a flow coupler disposed in the cavity of the housing and having a passage transversely disposed therethrough, wherein the flow coupler is movable within the cavity of the housing; wherein a first alignment position of the flow coupler in the cavity of the housing allows fluid flow from the first input port of the housing through the passage of the flow coupler to all of the plurality of output ports of the housing; and wherein a second alignment position of the flow coupler in the cavity of the housing allows fluid flow from the first input port of the housing through the passage of the flow coupler to one of the plurality of output ports of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lou DeRosa, Robert Gardner, Joseph R. VanDeWeert, Scott Goodman
  • Patent number: 9182308
    Abstract: An oil-filled pressure transducer having reduced back pressure, comprising an alignment plate having a sensor accommodating aperture, a sensor module inserted into the sensor accommodating aperture, a header surrounding the alignment plate, the header having a protruding top surface, and a diaphragm disposed on the protruding top surface to create a relatively small oil accommodating region between the diaphragm and the sensor. This configuration reduces the oil volume required for operation, which ultimately reduces the back pressure applied against the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony D. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 9176019
    Abstract: The present invention describes systems and methods of providing a pressure switch with temperature enable function. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a pressure sensor for providing a pressure signal having a first voltage level that is proportional to a pressure applied to the pressure sensor; a temperature sensor for providing a temperature signal having a second voltage level where the second voltage level is proportional to a temperature measured by the pressure sensor; and a control circuit for receiving the pressure signal from the pressure sensor and the temperature signal from the temperature sensor and activating a load when the first voltage level exceeds a threshold voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolf S Landmann
  • Patent number: 9157822
    Abstract: A transformer-less, solid-state pressure transducer assembly having significantly better characteristics than the electro-mechanical assemblies of the prior art. The pressure transducer assembly of the present invention achieves the many of the same functions as transducer assemblies of the prior art having transformers, however the pressure transducer assembly of the present invention is smaller in size and weight, cost less to manufacture, and has increased reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolf Landmann
  • Patent number: 9127993
    Abstract: A method, device and system are provided for measuring multiple pressures under severe conditions. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, by a processor, from a first sensor, a first pressure signal; receiving, by the processor, from a second sensor, a second pressure signal; receiving, by the processor, from a first memory, a first correction coefficient for the first sensor; receiving, by the processor, from a second memory, a second correction coefficient for the second sensor; modifying, by the processor, the first pressure signal using the first correction coefficient to generate a first corrected pressure signal; modifying, by the processor, the second pressure signal using the second correction coefficient to generate a second corrected pressure signal; and outputting, by the processor, the first corrected pressure signal and the second corrected pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Alexander A. Ned, Joseph R. VanDeWeert
  • Publication number: 20150241292
    Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices, and systems for a sensor having a Helmholtz resonator. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a sensing element; a header coupled to the sensing element; a housing coupled to the header; an adaptor coupled to the housing; a screen disposed in an opening of the housing, wherein a first cavity is disposed between the screen and the sensing element and a second cavity is disposed between the adaptor and the sensing element, and the screen in combination with the first cavity and the second cavity form a Helmholtz resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc
    Inventors: Louis DeRosa, Robert Gardner, Joseph R. VanDeWeert, Adam Hurst
  • Publication number: 20150241293
    Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices, and systems for a sensor having a front seal. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a sensing element; a header coupled to the sensing element; a housing coupled to the header; an adaptor coupled to the housing, wherein a first gap separates the adapter and the sensing element and a second gap separates the adapter and the header; and wherein a stress applied at a front surface of the adapter is transferred to the housing, and the first gap is used to isolate the sensing element from the stress and the second gap is used to isolate the header from the stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: KULITE SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Louis DeRosa, Robert Gardner, Joseph R. VanDeWeert, Adam Hurst
  • Patent number: 9116056
    Abstract: A transducer assembly configured to accommodate a plurality of individually tunable sensing elements of various geometries and configurations by using a cap and an accompanying capillary tube. The configuration of the various embodiments described herein eliminate the header to flat plate welds of the prior art, and therefore better accommodates a plurality of sensing elements and corresponding header assemblies within one transducer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: KULITE SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Gardner, Louis DeRosa