Patents Assigned to Sensata Technologies
  • Patent number: 9500125
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure-measuring plug (100) for a combustion engine comprising a hollow plug body (102), a housing (110) attached to a distal end (102D) of the plug body (102), electronic components (116) arranged in the housing (110) and a sensing module (104) arranged in the hollow plug body and attached to a proximal end (102P) of the hollow plug body (102) The measuring plug further comprises an interconnection module (108) configured to electrically connect the electronic components (116) to the sensing module (104) through the hollow plug body. The interconnection module (108) comprises an elongated support structure (108A) with a first end (108P) provided with first terminals (108C) and a second end (108D) provided with second terminals (108B1), wherein the first terminals (108C) provide an electrical coupling which is flexible in axial direction. The interconnection module provides a reliable connection and could be used for mass production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Serge Groenhuijzen, Johan Te Riet, Jan-Willem Sloetjes
  • Patent number: 9499230
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a fixation adapter for a handlebar. An apparatus includes a fixation adapter mounted on a handlebar, the fixation adapter including a body having a pin on a bottom surface to secure the body to the handlebar and a latch on a top surface to fixedly lock to a control unit housing, and the control unit housing slidably mounted to the fixation adapter, the control unit housing including a mounting area for mating to the latch of fixation adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Russ, Michael Stoffers
  • Patent number: 9502885
    Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting arcing in DC power systems that can differentiate between DC arcs and load-switching noise. The systems and methods can determine, within a plurality of predetermined time intervals, at least the pulse count (PC) per predetermined time interval, and the pulse duration (PD) per predetermined time interval, in which the PC and the PD can correspond to the number and the intensity of potential arcing events in a DC power system, respectively. The systems and methods can process the PC and PD using one or more arc fault detection algorithms, thereby differentiating between DC arcs and load-switching noise with increased reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Martin, Jianhong Kang, Christian V. Pellon, Keith W. Kawate
  • Patent number: 9470594
    Abstract: A differential capacitive pressure sensor of an embodiment of the present invention has first and second diaphragms positioned on opposing sides of a single substrate. Each diaphragm of the pressure transducer is configured to be exposed to a transient fluid, with the first and second pressure transducers being arranged with their respective deflection surfaces directed outwardly from each other. The differential capacitive pressure sensor may be configured to output representations of differential and common mode pressure of the transient fluids, where a representation of a common mode is cancelled in generating the representation of the differential pressure. The transient fluids may be the same fluid at different locations within a flow path. The diaphragms may be constructed from a ceramic material to be able to withstand exposure to corrosive or caustic fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Cornwell, Mark L. Urban, Marcos A. Nassar
  • Patent number: 9465088
    Abstract: Non-contact positions sensors are desirable because they have lower failure rates than traditional potentiometers. However, using a Hall Effect sensor as a non-contact position sensor requires a particular input polarity. In an embodiment, a polarity insensitive Hall Effect sensor includes conversion sensors configured to produce outputs responsive to an input. The sensor also includes a semiconductor rectifier arranged to power a first conversion sensor and a second conversion sensor with a given polarity regardless of whether the input has a positive or negative polarity. The sensor also includes a semiconductor multiplexer circuit arranged to direct the first output to a common output port if the input has a positive polarity and direct the second output to the common output port if the input has a negative polarity. The polarity insensitive Hall Effect sensor provides an output representing a position without requiring a input polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Rene Putinier
  • Patent number: 9465909
    Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting arcing in DC power systems that can differentiate between DC arcs and load-switching noise. The systems and methods can determine, within a plurality of predetermined time intervals, at least the pulse count (PC) per predetermined time interval, and the pulse duration (PD) per predetermined time interval, in which the PC and the PD can correspond to the number and the intensity of potential arcing events in a DC power system, respectively. The systems and methods can process the PC and PD using one or more arc fault detection algorithms, thereby differentiating between DC arcs and load-switching noise with increased reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith W. Kawate, Jianhong Kang
  • Patent number: 9431195
    Abstract: A circuit interruption device includes at least one constriction zone. The constriction zone provides for interference with arcing of an electrical signal. The device may include at least one expansion zone. The device may include at least one movable component to assist in creation of the at least one constriction zone. A method of fabrication is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lavado, Eric Morrison, William Bentley, Peter Berg, Keith Kawate, Thomas Gasper, Keith Singer, Keith Washburn, Joseph L. Medeiros, Chistian Pellon
  • Patent number: 9431821
    Abstract: The present disclosure presents an electronic device includes: an electronic element with a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the opposite sides thereof; a first terminal and a second terminal; a first support mounted to and electrically connected with the first terminal, the first support comprising a first contact part contacting and electrically connected with the first electrode; a second support mounted to and electrically connected with the second terminal, the second support comprising a second contact part contacting and electrically connected with the second electrode; a third elastic support comprising a third contact part contacting with one of the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the third elastic support is provided so as to push the electronic element out of contact with one of the first support and the second support when the electronic element breaks in a failure state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Chen, Changyin Wang, Jingsong Zhong
  • Patent number: 9412542
    Abstract: Featured is a particulate and pressure redirection barrier for an electrical breaker as well as a breaker embodying such a barrier. Such a barrier includes first through fifth segments, where the first segment includes a first and second side section and a bottom section that are coupled to each other so as to form a generally U shaped structure. The second segment is coupled to the first side section so it extends outwardly at an angle from the first side section. The third segment is coupled to the second side section so as to extend outwardly and at an angle from the second side section. The fourth segment is coupled to the second segment so as to extend outwardly from and at an angle with respect to the second segment. The fifth segment is coupled to the third segment so as to extend outwardly from and at an angle with respect to the third segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Weber
  • Patent number: 9401601
    Abstract: A circuit for protecting a voltage supply to a sensor from a transient event is provided. The circuit includes at least one buffer capacitor configured to provide output during the transient event, the output substantially equivalent to output of a regulated supply during normal operation of the sensor. A method of fabrication and a sensor are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Wolf, David L. Corkum
  • Patent number: 9389283
    Abstract: A sensor system determines an absolute angular position of a to-be-sensed rotating member. The sensor system may include a rotor with a first magnet coupled to the rotor and a shaft having threads thereon. The sensor system may further include a sleeve with a second magnet and threads complementary to the threads of a shaft. The sleeve may be configured to travel axially along the shaft as a function of rotation of the rotor. The sensor system may also include a first transducer configured to sense orientation of the first magnet and at least one second transducer configured to sense a location of the second magnet along the shaft. Through use of the sensor system, an absolute number of turns and, consequently absolute angular position, of the rotating member can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Rene Putinier
  • Patent number: 9383283
    Abstract: A capacitive pressure transducer of an embodiment of the present invention capacitively couples two electrodes on a substrate with a diaphragm electrode to form a transducing circuit without the need for a physical connection between the electrodes. Embodiments of the present invention have a substrate with a coupling electrode and a sensing electrode and an attached diaphragm with a diaphragm electrode. A spacer positioned between the substrate and the diaphragm provides for a cavity that defines a gap between the sensing electrode and the diaphragm electrode. A dielectric spacer may be positioned over the coupling electrode to increase the capacitance between the coupling electrode and the diaphragm electrode. The capacitive pressure transducer has similar electrical characteristics as existing capacitive pressure transducers, is easier to manufacture, and has long-term reliability and durability improvements brought about by the elimination of mechanical interconnects and additional conductive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcos A. Nassar, Ernest W. Cordan, Mark L. Urban
  • Patent number: 9372064
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method may be used to measure a plurality of positions associated with a plurality of magnets based on, for example, a magnetic angle of the magnets. The method may include various acts that may involve, for example, measuring magnetic field components associated with the plurality of magnets. In addition, the acts may include identifying a first angle and a second angle based on the measured magnetic field components. The identified first and second angles may be used to identify a position of a first magnet of the plurality of magnets and a second magnet of the plurality of magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert F. Zwijze, Kent E. Van Ostrand
  • Patent number: 9368889
    Abstract: A socket according to the present invention comprises a base member for holding a plurality of contacts, a cover member and a latch mechanism for pressing a semiconductor package. A latch member has a pressing portion, a link member connected to the cover member and pressing portion of the latch member, a lever member rotatably fixed to the base member and connected with the cover member at a first end and with a narrow portion of the cover member at a second end. The link member and the lever member cause the pressing portion of the latch member to move to an evacuated position when the cover member moves in a direction to be close to the base member, while the link member and the lever member cause the pressing portion of the latch member to move to a position where an electronic device can be pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hideki Sano
  • Patent number: 9350276
    Abstract: Certain configurations of the present disclosure present a PTC starter. The PTC starter includes a housing, a first conductive terminal (6), a second conductive terminal (7), a control PTC thermistor (3), a start PTC thermistor (4) and a TRIAC (5), wherein the control PTC thermistor (3), the start PTC thermistor (4) and the TRIAC (5) being accommodated in the housing, the start PTC thermistor (4) being connected in series with the TRIAC (5), wherein one electrode of the control PTC thermistor (3) is connected with the gate (G) of the TRIAC (5), the control PTC thermistor (3) is connected in series with the start PTC thermistor (4), the volume of the control PTC thermistor (3) is less than 30 mm3, and the distance between the control PTC thermistor (3) and the start PTC thermistor (4) is less than 5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies Massachusetts, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dropps, Leo Zhong, Changyin Wang, Jian Chen
  • Patent number: 9350100
    Abstract: [Problem(s)] A board to board connector is disclosed to provide desirable electrical connection between contacts. [Means to Solve the Problem(s)] A board to board connector according to the present invention comprises a male connector 10 and a female connector 20. The male connector 10 comprises a pair of male contacts 100A, 100B and the female connector 20 comprises a pair of female contacts 200A, 200B. The male contacts 100A, 100B comprise protruding portions 109A, 109B which are elastically deformable, and the female contacts 200A, 200B comprise contact portions 208A, 208B which contact the protruding portion 109A, 109B. The contact portion 208B comprises a first inclined surface 201 A which inclines in a direction perpendicular to another direction in which the protruding portion moves and a second inclined surface 210B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9310266
    Abstract: A pressure transducer assembly that includes a pressure-responsive diaphragm to which a sensing element is mounted and an electronic package that includes wire-bonding pads adapted be electrically connected to the sensing element by wire bonding equipment. The diaphragm and wire bonding pads are supported within the transducer so that they lie in proximity to each other and in non-intersecting planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil S. Petrarca
  • Patent number: 9312610
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a stepped spring contact may have a first portion, a transition portion, and a second portion. The first portion may include a plurality of windings whose pitch may vary. The second portion may include a plurality of windings that are closely wound. A pitch of the windings contained in the second portion may be, for example, constant. The transition portion may include a winding that may make mechanical and electrical contact with a first electrical conductor (e.g., a pad contained on a printed circuit board (PCB)). The first portion may include a tip. The tip may be, for example, flat shaped or conically shaped. The tip may make electrical contact with a second electrical conductor (e.g., a terminal connector). In operation, the stepped spring contact may provide electrical continuity between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Willner, Giovanni Fraone, Dedde Hedzer Wiersma, Andrew LeGendre, Raymond E. Mandeville, Shuo Robert Chen, Ted Medeiros, Matt Nelson
  • Patent number: 9310269
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus may include a sense element that may measure a property such as, for example, pressure. The sense element may produce an output based on the measured property. Circuitry associated with the sense element may store a voltage that represents the output produced by the sense element. The circuitry may include, for example, a capacitor which may store the voltage. The stored voltage may include one or more parasitic components such as, for example, an offset voltage and/or voltage associated with current leakage. The circuitry may adjust the stored voltage to compensate for the parasitic components. The adjustment may occur over a series of phases of operation of the circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Visser, Keith Kawate
  • Patent number: 9297687
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus may include a sense element having a first end and a second end; and a stud fitted inside the sense element. The stud may have a first end and a second end. The first end of the stud may be free floating with respect to the sense element. The second end of the stud may be attached to the second end of the sense element. The sense element may include one or more gauges. The gauges may sense strain on the sense element. The apparatus may include a ridge that may be used to provide overload protection of the apparatus. The ridge may be placed on the stud, the sense element, or the stud and sense element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Zwijze, David Hatch