Patents Assigned to Sensor Technology, Inc.
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Patent number: 8573057Abstract: Techniques are provided for reducing mount vibration in an inertial rate sensor (IRS). For example, if oscillation in an IRS's vibratory members, vibrating along a first axis, cause displacement in the IRS's mount along a second axis, the vibratory members can be aligned so that the vibratory members have some component of movement along the second axis during oscillation. This component of movement can help reduce the displacement of the IRS's mount along the second axis. It can further reduce sensitivity to changes in the boundary conditions of an IRS (e.g., vibrations and other movements at the mount from forces external to the IRS). Vibratory members further can have portions of increased mass at the vibratory members' tips, which can impact the alignment of the vibratory members. These examples, however, are not exhaustive.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Custom Sensors & Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Robert H. Moore
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Publication number: 20130260469Abstract: The present invention is seen to provide a new methodology, testing system designs and concept to enable in situ real time monitoring of the cure process. Apparatus, system, and method for the non-destructive, in situ monitoring of the time dependent curing of advanced materials using one or more differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probes. A differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe in direct contact with the material to be cured and providing in situ monitoring of the cure process to enable assessment of the degree of cure or cure level in a non-cure related signal variances (e.g., temperature) independent calibrated response manner. A differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe including a transducer coupled to a waveguide and incorporating correction and calibration methodology to accurately and reproducibly monitor the cure process and enable assessment of cure level via ultrasonic reflection measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Materials And Sensors Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Borislav B. DJORDJEVIC, Lawrence L. Rouch
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Patent number: 8472194Abstract: Solid state switching device having a heatsink, a solid state switching element in heat conductive relationship with the heatsink, and an enclosure having ventilation openings adjacent to the heatsink through which air can flow to remove heat from the heatsink. In some disclosed embodiments, the heatsink has fins and ducts aligned with ventilation openings in the enclosure for removing heat by radiation and convection. In others, the heatsink is a generally planar baseplate, with ventilation openings in a side wall of the enclosure next to the baseplate for removing heat from the device. Spacers project laterally from the devices and permit a plurality of the devices to mounted side-by-side with space between the devices through which air can flow.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Custom Sensors & Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Oscar Rivera Hernandez, Oscar Montero Hernandez
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Publication number: 20120291551Abstract: Techniques are provided for reducing mount vibration in an inertial rate sensor (IRS). For example, if oscillation in an IRS's vibratory members, vibrating along a first axis, cause displacement in the IRS's mount along a second axis, the vibratory members can be aligned so that the vibratory members have some component of movement along the second axis during oscillation. This component of movement can help reduce the displacement of the IRS's mount along the second axis. It can further reduce sensitivity to changes in the boundary conditions of an IRS (e.g., vibrations and other movements at the mount from forces external to the IRS). Vibratory members further can have portions of increased mass at the vibratory members' tips, which can impact the alignment of the vibratory members. These examples, however, are not exhaustive.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: Custom Sensors & Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Robert H. Moore
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Patent number: 8291744Abstract: The present invention is seen to provide a new methodology, testing system designs and concept to enable in situ real time monitoring of the cure process. Apparatus, system, and method for the non-destructive, in situ monitoring of the time dependent curing of advanced materials using one or more differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probes. A differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe in direct contact with the material to be cured and providing in situ monitoring of the cure process to enable assessment of the degree of cure or cure level in a non-cure related signal variances (e.g., temperature) independent calibrated response manner. A differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe including a transducer coupled to a waveguide and incorporating correction and calibration methodology to accurately and reproducibly monitor the cure process and enable assessment of cure level via ultrasonic reflection measurements.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Materials and Sensors Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Borislav B. Djordjevic, Lawrence L. Rouch
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Patent number: 8217475Abstract: Described herein is the sense element assembly for a capacitive pressure sensor and method for creating same that has increased sensitivity despite the parasitic capacitance that is created. The capacitive sensor element assembly, comprises a first semiconductive layer, and a first conductive layer, a first dielectric layer into which a cavity has been formed, the dielectric layer lying between the first semiconductive layer and the first conductive layer, wherein an electrical connection is made to the second conductive layer. A preferred method for fabricating a capacitive sensor assembly of the present invention comprises the steps of forming a dielectric layer on top of a conductive handle wafer; creating at least one cavity in the dielectric layer, bonding a thin semiconductive layer to the dielectric layer and connecting an operational amplifier to the input of the capacitive sensor assembly to overcome the parasitic capacitance formed during fabrication.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Custom Sensors & Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter Seesink, Omar Abed
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Publication number: 20120166082Abstract: Techniques are provided to determine an initial quaternion transform that is used to transform measurements received from accelerometer, rate sensor and inertial reference subsystems from a vehicle coordinate frame to an inertial navigation frame. Methods disclosed determine corrective angular rates to use as a feedback signal to rotate the quaternion transform to counter errors that result when transforming a gravity vector and an inertial reference vector (e.g., a magnetic North reference vector) that are being measured by the accelerometer and an inertial reference subsystems, respectively. The initial quaternion determination is performed during a time period when the only substantial acceleration on the vehicle is due to gravity. The initial quaternion can be used for processing various guidance, navigation and control functions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: Custom Sensors & Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Matthew D. Fortier
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Publication number: 20120144917Abstract: A micro-scale hemispherical resonator gyroscope includes a hemispherical resonator with a plurality of masses positioned around the periphery of the hemispherical resonator. At least some of the masses may be made of a heavy metal, such as tungsten, gold, platinum, or lead, and may be positioned at points of maximum deflection or velocity of the resonator. The hemispherical resonator may have a 2 mm diameter and a ring down time of at least 500 seconds.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: Custom Sensors & Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Chris Painter
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Patent number: 8089735Abstract: Hybrid power relay for making and breaking an electrical circuit which includes electromagnetically operated contacts for making and breaking the circuit, a solid state switch connected across the contacts, a control circuit responsive to a control signal for actuating the solid state switch and the contacts such that the solid state switch closes before the contacts to make the circuit and the contacts open before the solid state switch to break the circuit, and a protective circuit for monitoring the temperature of the solid state switch and opening the switch in the event of a rise in temperature produced by abnormal current flow in the switch due to failure of the contacts to make and maintain the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Custom Sensors & Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Sergio Orozco
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Patent number: 8082807Abstract: Described herein is the sensor assembly and method for rapidly obtaining accurate readings of a variable. The sensor assembly comprises a plurality of sensors which are connected to a microcontroller that processes the signals of the individual transducers to the microcontroller. The microcontroller contains software that maximizes the refresh rate and/or minimizes the time it takes to process the outputs of each of the transducers. The microcontroller that is coupled to the sensor assembly selectively measures the outputs of each transducer so as to speed up the refresh rate of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Custom Sensors & Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gary Casey, Nhan Nguyen
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Patent number: 8080925Abstract: Inertial sensor having a body with first and second cavities on opposite sides thereof, a sensing element in the first cavity, electronic circuitry in the second cavity, electrical conductors interconnecting the sensing element and the circuitry, and leads connected electrically to the circuitry and extending from the body for mounting the sensor and making connections with the circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Custom Sensors & Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William Paul Berger, Mark Andrew Collins, Michael Thomas Frazee, Thad W. (Marc) Smith, Robert Albert Anderson, Stuart John Knowles, Victor Dragotti
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Publication number: 20110010924Abstract: Inertial sensor having a body with first and second cavities on opposite sides thereof, a sensing element in the first cavity, electronic circuitry in the second cavity, electrical conductors interconnecting the sensing element and the circuitry, and leads connected electrically to the circuitry and extending from the body for mounting the sensor and making connections with the circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: CUSTOM SENSORS & TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: William Paul Berger, Mark Andrew Collins, Michael Thomas Frazee, Thad W. (Marc) Smith, Robert Albert Anderson, Stuart John Knowles, Victor Dragotti
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Patent number: 7858036Abstract: A taste recognizing device has a sensor body and a touch panel. The sensor body includes a sensor part with a sensor probe for measuring taste by means of a molecular film which outputs an electrical signal presenting taste information representing at least one kind of taste, a solution insertion part having insertion sections which are arranged circumferentially at predetermined intervals and in which a solution whose taste is to be measured, a reference taste measurement solution and a cleaning solution are selectively inserted, and an arm drive part for moving the sensor part relative to a predetermined insertion section of the solution insertion part. On the basis of the electric signal outputted from the sensor probe and presenting the taste information, at least measurement for taste recognition of the solution whose taste is to be measured is made possible.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Intelligent Sensor Technology, Inc.Inventors: Yuichi Kugimiya, Yoshikazu Kobayashi, Ronggang Cheng, Hidekazu Ikezaki, Yoshinobu Naito
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Patent number: 7815780Abstract: A device for removing mineral deposits from the electrode of a pool chlorinator cell, which has a housing with liquid inlet and outlet ports and in which the electrode is submerged, has: (a) a container having an opening, with this opening being affixed proximate an aperture that is placed in the housing, (b) an ultrasonic membrane which covers the aperture, (c) an ultrasonic transducer mounted in the container and coupled to the membrane in such a manner so as to cause specified, ultrasonic vibrations in the membrane and throughout the liquid contained in the housing, and (d) a frequency modulated power source that drives the transducer. In a preferred embodiment, this device is powered such that the energy projected to the electrodes is in range of 100 to 200 watts and the flux of energy supplied to the membrane is in the range of 4 to 25 watts per square inch of membrane surface area.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Materials and Sensors Technologies, Inc.Inventor: B. Boro Djordjevic
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Patent number: 7775118Abstract: Described herein is the sense element assembly for a capacitive pressure sensor and method for creating same that has increased sensitivity without additional size. The sense element assembly and method includes fabricating an off-centered elliptically shaped center electrode, at least one elliptical annular-like electrode around the center electrode, a ground electrode and a method for fusing the layers together to optimize sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Custom Sensors & Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gary L. Casey, Marcos Nassar, Nhan Nguyen
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Publication number: 20100107785Abstract: A taste recognizing device has a sensor body and a touch panel. The sensor body includes a sensor part with a sensor probe for measuring taste by means of a molecular film which outputs an electrical signal presenting taste information representing at least one kind of taste, a solution insertion part having insertion sections which are arranged circumferentially at predetermined intervals and in which a solution whose taste is to be measured, a reference taste measurement solution and a cleaning solution are selectively inserted, and an arm drive part for moving the sensor part relative to a predetermined insertion section of the solution insertion part. On the basis of the electric signal outputted from the sensor probe and presenting the taste information, at least measurement for taste recognition of the solution whose taste is to be measured is made possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2006Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: Intelligent Sensor Technology, Inc.Inventors: Yuichi Kugimiya, Yoshikazu Kobayashi, Ronggang Cheng, Hidekazu Ikezaki, Yoshinobu Naito
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Publication number: 20100095768Abstract: Micromachined gyroscope having a pair of masses disposed generally in a plane and driven for out-of-plane torsional oscillation about a pair of drive axes in the plane for sensing rotation about an input axis perpendicular to the drive axes. The masses are mounted for in-plane torsional movement about sense axes perpendicular to the drive axes and the input axis in response to Coriolis forces produced by rotation of the masses about the input axis. A link connects the two masses together for movement of equal amplitude and opposite phase both about the drive axes and about the sense axes. The masses are connected to transducers having input electrodes constrained for linear in-plane movement relative to stationary electrodes, with that torsional movement of the masses about the sense axes producing changes in capacitance between the input electrodes and the stationary electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: CUSTOM SENSORS & TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Cenk Acar, Minyao Mao
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Publication number: 20100072862Abstract: Inertial sensor having a body with first and second cavities on opposite sides thereof, a sensing element in the first cavity, electronic circuitry in the second cavity, electrical conductors interconnecting the sensing element and the circuitry, and leads connected electrically to the circuitry and extending from the body for mounting the sensor and making connections with the circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: CUSTOM SENSORS & TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: William Paul Berger, Mark Andrew Collins, Michael Thomas Frazee, Thad W. (Marc) Smith, Robert Albert Anderson, Stuart John Knowles, Victor Dragotti
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Publication number: 20090314088Abstract: The present invention is seen to provide a new methodology, testing system designs and concept to enable in situ real time monitoring of the cure process. Apparatus, system, and method for the non-destructive, in situ monitoring of the time dependent curing of advanced materials using one or more differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probes. A differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe in direct contact with the material to be cured and providing in situ monitoring of the cure process to enable assessment of the degree of cure or cure level in a non-cure related signal variances (e.g., temperature) independent calibrated response manner. A differential ultrasonic waveguide cure monitoring probe including a transducer coupled to a waveguide and incorporating correction and calibration methodology to accurately and reproducibly monitor the cure process and enable assessment of cure level via ultrasonic reflection measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: MATERIALS AND SENSORS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Borislav B. Djordjevic, Lawrence L. Rouch
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Patent number: D694264Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.Inventor: John C. Reinhardt