Patents Assigned to Sensors, Inc.
  • Optical apparatus for detecting and treating vulnerable plaque
    Patent number: 7297154
    Abstract: An optical apparatus and methods for monitoring temperature enabling detection and treatment of a vulnerable plaque of a patient comprising an elongate catheter, a plurality of outer optical fibers deployably disposed within the lumen of the catheter and suitably expandable in an outwardly radial manner configured for forming a basket shape, the outer fibers having at least one optical grating along an axis of the fiber wherein the at least one optical grating reflects a certain wavelength or intensity of the light beam, the certain wavelength or intensity of the reflected light beam being correlated to known temperature, and a longitudinal middle optical fiber emitting a light energy suitable for photodynamic therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignees: Maxwell Sensors Inc., Hosheng Tu
    Inventors: Hosheng Tu, Winston Z. Ho
  • Local feature characterization using quasistatic electromagnetic sensors
    Patent number: 7289913
    Abstract: Local features such as cracks in materials are nondestructively characterized by measuring a response with an electromagnetic sensor and converting this response into a selected property using a database. The database is generated prior to data acquisition by using a model to generate a baseline response or field distribution for the sensor and combining these results with another model, which may be simpler than the first model or provide a local representation of the field perturbations around a feature, which is evaluated multiple times over a range of values of the selected property. In addition, the presence of a feature may be detected by converting the sensor response into a reference parameter, such as a lift-off factor that reflects the sensor position relative to a material edge, and using this parameter to determine a reference response that can be compared to the measured response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell E. Schlicker, Neil J. Goldfine, Andrew P. Washabaugh, Yanko K. Sheiretov, Mark D. Windoloski
  • Segmented field dielectric sensor array for material characterization
    Patent number: 7280940
    Abstract: The condition of insulating and semiconducting dielectric materials is assessed by a sensor array that uses electric fields to interrogate the test material. The sensor has a linear array of parallel drive conductors interconnected to form a single drive electrode and sense conductors placed on each side of and parallel to a drive conductor. Subsets of the sense conductors are interconnected to form at least two sense elements sensitive to different material regions. The sense conductors may be at different distances to the drive conductors, enabling measurement sensitivity to different depths into the test material. The material condition is assessed directly from the sense element responses or after conversion to an effective material property, such as an electrical conductivity or dielectric permittivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, Darrell E. Schlicker, Yanko K Sheiretov, Andrew P. Washabaugh, David C. Grundy, Vladimir A. Zilberstein
  • Edge illuminated photodiodes
    Patent number: 7279731
    Abstract: This invention comprises plurality of edge illuminated photodiodes. More specifically, the photodiodes of the present invention comprise novel structures designed to minimize reductions in responsivity due to edge surface recombination and improve quantum efficiency. The novel structures include, but are not limited to, angled facets, textured surface regions, and appropriately doped edge regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: UDT Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Steven Bui, Narayan Dass Taneja, Manoocher Mansouri
  • Detection of analytes using reorganization energy
    Patent number: 7267939
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel methods and compositions for the detection of analytes using the nuclear reorganization energy, ?, of an electron transfer process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Clinical Micro Sensors, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Meade
  • Power generation utilizing tire pressure changes
    Patent number: 7260984
    Abstract: A method of powering one or more electronic devices in a tire monitoring system using a tire pressure based energy scavenger is provided. With this method, a tire is rotated on a surface to generate pressure changes within the tire. These pressure changes are then converted into electrical energy with a transducer and the energy is stored. The electrical energy or stored electrical energy can then be used to power one or more electronic devices in a tire monitoring system, such as a tire pressure sensor, temperature sensor, acceleration profile sensor, and/or a tire wear monitor. A tire monitoring system with a tire pressure based energy scavenger is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: LV Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Shad Roundy, Janusz Bryzek, Curtis Ray, Michael Malaga, David L. Brown
  • Photodiode with controlled current leakage
    Patent number: 7256470
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards radiation detectors and methods of detecting incident radiation. In particular the present invention is directed towards photodiodes with controlled current leakage detector structures and a method of manufacturing photodiodes with controlled current leakage detector structures. The photodiodes of the present invention are advantageous in that they have special structures to substantially reduce detection of stray light. Additionally, the present invention gives special emphasis to the design, fabrication, and use of photodiodes with controlled leakage current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: UDT Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Steven Bui, Narayan Dass Taneja
  • Apparatus for analysis of aerosols
    Patent number: 7251982
    Abstract: There is provided apparatus for the measurement of particle mass concentration of an aerosol and which comprises at least one aerosol inlet and at least one electrostatic precipitator which directs an aerosol flow towards a mass sensor on which the particles are collected, the sensor being housed in a magazine including a plurality of other sensors, each of which may be substituted for the sensor, and a control. The control selectively connects one of the at least one aerosol inlet with one of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Sensors, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Booker
  • Thin wafer detectors with improved radiation damage and crosstalk characteristics
    Patent number: 7242069
    Abstract: The present invention provides for reduced radiation damage susceptibility, decreased affects of crosstalk, and increased flexibility in application. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a back side illuminated photodiode array with a back side etching that minimizes the active area layer, thereby decreasing the affects of crosstalk. The back side etching is preferably, but by no way of limitation, in the form of “U” or “V” shaped grooves. The back side illuminated with back side etching (BSL-BE) photodiodes are implemented in an array and have superior performance characteristics, including less radiation damage due to a thinner active area, and less crosstalk due to shorter distances for minority carriers to diffuse to the PN junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: UDT Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Steven Bui, Narayan Dass Taneja
  • Damage standard fabrication with attached sensor
    Patent number: 7230421
    Abstract: Reference standards or articles having prescribed levels of damage are fabricated by monitoring an electrical property of the article material, mechanically loading the article, and removing the load when a change in electrical properties indicates a prescribed level of damage. The electrical property is measured with an electromagnetic sensor, such as a flexible eddy current sensor, attached to a material surface, which may be between layers of the article material. The damage may be in the form of a fatigue crack or a change in the mechanical stress underneath the sensor. The shape of the article material may be adjusted to concentrate the stress so that the damage initiates under the sensor. Examples adjustments to the article shape include the use of dogbone geometries with thin center sections, reinforcement ribs on the edges of the article, and radius cut-outs in the vicinity of the thin section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, Darrell E. Schlicker, Karen E. Walrath, Volker Weiss, Andrew P. Washabaugh, Vladimir A. Zilberstein
  • Implantable device for telemetric measurement of blood pressure/temperature within the heart
    Publication number: 20070118039
    Abstract: A system and method for the intra corporal, telemetric measuring of blood pressure, particularly within the heart or a great vessel, includes a substantially rigid sensor chip mounted in a holder and an antenna. The holder is anchored within an appropriate location in the cardiovascular system, such as in the cardiac septum, via a catheter or other minimally-invasive procedure to position at least one capacitive pressure sensor on the chip in the blood flow to be sensed. Measured values are transmitted telemetrically from the chip to an extra corporal monitoring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Vital Sensors Inc.
    Inventors: Volker Bodecker, Max Ostermeier, Stefan Meyer, Axel Niemeyer
  • Implantable device for telemetric measurement of blood pressure/temperature within the heart
    Publication number: 20070118038
    Abstract: A system and method for the intra corporal, measuring of blood pressure includes a substantially rigid sensor structure and an antenna structure, which are separate components. The anchor structure is used to mount the within an appropriate location in the cardiovascular system, such as in the cardiac septum. The substantially rigid sensor structure includes at least one capacitive pressure sensor. Measured values are transmitted telemetrically from the sensor structure to an extra corporal monitoring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Vital Sensors Inc.
    Inventors: Volker Bodecker, Max Ostermeier, Stefan Meyer, Axel Neimeyer
  • Devices and methods for biochip multiplexing
    Publication number: 20070098600
    Abstract: The invention is directed to devices that allow for simultaneous multiple biochip analysis. In particular, the devices are configured to hold multiple cartridges comprising biochips comprising arrays such as nucleic acid arrays, and allow for high throughput analysis of samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: Clinical Micro Sensors, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon Kayyem
  • Linear distance measurement by non-driven arm
    Patent number: 7191527
    Abstract: The linear distance measurement apparatus comprises a non-driven arm that is mounted such that an arc movement of the arm describes a linear distance. A rotary sensor mechanism is coupled to the non-driven arm. The sensor measures the arc movement of the arm and translates the arc movement to the linear distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Electro-Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Slye, Daniel E. Bisila
  • Self-monitoring metals, alloys and materials
    Patent number: 7188532
    Abstract: Observability of damage precursor, damage and usage states, or event occurrence may be enhanced by modifying component materials to include self-monitoring materials or by processing test material to alter the surface properties. The properties of the self monitoring materials, such as magnetic permeability or electrical conductivity, are monitored with electromagnetic sensors and provide greater property variations with component condition than the original component material. Processing includes shot peening or laser welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Jentek Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, Vladimir A. Zilberstein, David C. Grundy, Andrew P. Washabaugh, Darrell E. Schlicker, Ian C. Shay, Robert J. Lyons, Christopher A. Craven, Christopher Root, Mark D. Windoloski, Volker Weiss
  • Method for inspecting a channel using a flexible sensor
    Patent number: 7183764
    Abstract: Described are methods for pressurizing elastic support structures or balloons in sensor probes used for the inspection of components having areas of limited access. When inflated, the balloons press flexible sensors against the surface of the material under test. When deflated, the balloons permit easier insertion of the probes into the component and reduce the mechanical stresses on the sensors, thereby extending the sensor lifetime. By sequentially partially inserting the sensor into a limited access area from either side of the limited access area and scanning in opposite directions, the entire surface of the test material can be inspected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: JENTEK Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, Darrell E. Schlicker, Vladimir Tsukernik, Ian C. Shay, David C. Grundy, Andrew P. Washabaugh
  • Particulate matter analyzer and method of analysis
    Patent number: 7174767
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the analysis of particles in an aerosol includes providing an inlet for the aerosol, a sample collector which accumulates particles passing through the inlet, a sample conditioning system which can vary at least one condition relating to the collected sample, a controller which causes the sample conditioning system to operate at select conditions, a measuring device for determining at least one parameter relating to the accumulated particles. The controller monitors the parameter while the condition is varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sensors, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Booker
  • Electronic fingerprint sensor with differential noise cancellation
    Publication number: 20070031011
    Abstract: Image sensing apparatus includes an image pickup plate disposed generally orthogonally with respect to an expected direction of movement of an object, such as a finger, multiple image drive plates in spaced relation to the image pickup plate to define sensor gaps between respective image drive plates and the image pickup plate, and a reference plate disposed substantially parallel to the image pickup plate. The reference plate is spaced from the image pickup plate to permit common mode noise and coupling to be cancelled and is spaced from the image drive plates to permit a differential image signal to develop between the image pickup plate and the reference plate. A differential amplifier coupled to the image pickup plate and the reference plate provides noise cancellation. The apparatus may further include a comb plate spaced from the reference plate and coupled to a reference potential, such as ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Applicants: Validity Sensors, Inc., National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Erhart, Darioush Keyvani, Fred Benkley, Jaswinder Jandu
  • Devices and methods for biochip multiplexing
    Patent number: 7172897
    Abstract: The invention is directed to devices that allow for simultaneous multiple biochip analysis. In particular, the devices are configured to hold multiple cartridges comprising biochips comprising arrays such as nucleic acid arrays, and allow for high throughput analysis of samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Clinical Micro Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Blackburn, Hau H. Duong, Piotr Grodzinski, Jon Faiz Kayyem, Stephen D. O'Connor, Robert Pietri, Robert Henry Terbrueggen, Frederic Zenhausern, Gary T. Olsen
  • Hidden feature characterization using a database of sensor responses
    Patent number: 7161351
    Abstract: Quasistatic sensor responses may be converted into multiple model parameters to characterize hidden properties of a material. Methods of conversion use databases of responses and, in some cases, databases that include derivatives of the responses, to estimate at least three unknown model parameters, such as the electrical conductivity, magnetic permeability, dielectric permittivity, thermal conductivity, and/or layer thickness. These parameter responses are then used to obtain a quantitative estimate of a property of a hidden feature, such as corrosion loss layer thicknesses, inclusion size and depth, or stress variation. The sensors can be single element sensors or sensor arrays and impose an interrogation electric, magnetic, or thermal field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Jentek Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil J. Goldfine, Vladimir A. Zilberstein, Darrell E. Schlicker, David C. Grundy, Ian C. Shay, Robert J. Lyons, Andrew P. Washabaugh