Patents Examined by Amy He
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Patent number: 8810263Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of adaptive resolution circuits are described. One apparatus includes an input node coupled to a capacitance sense pin coupled to an electrode of a sense array and a capacitance-sensing circuit coupled to the input node and comprising an integrator configured to measure a capacitance with a first resolution. An adaptive resolution circuit is coupled to the capacitance-sensing circuit and the input node and is configured to selectively modify an integration capacitance of the integrator to set the integrator to measure the capacitance with a second resolution.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Cole Wilson, Jon Peterson, Benjamin Avery
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Patent number: 8797041Abstract: A discharge ionization current detector using a low-frequency dielectric barrier discharge with an improved S/N ratio is provided. A current detector 20 is disposed between an excitation high-voltage power source 8 and a discharge electrode 5 to detect a discharge current flowing in pulses due to plasma generation. The detection signal of the current detector 20 and an output signal from a current amplifier 18 for amplifying an ion current are inputted into an output extraction unit 21. The output extraction unit 21 detects a precipitous-rise portion of the discharge current detection signal and generates a trigger signal, and then extracts an ion current signal for a predetermined time period from the trigger signal. This can remove an influence of a noise appearing in a signal during a time period where no plasma emission is generated, thereby improving the S/N ratio of the detection signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignees: Shimadzu Corporation, Osaka UniversityInventors: Kei Shinada, Shigeyoshi Horiike, Takahiro Nishimoto, Katsuhisa Kitano
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Patent number: 8773146Abstract: A water-resistant capacitance sensing apparatus comprising a plurality of capacitive sense elements and a capacitance sensing circuit configured to measure both the mutual capacitance and self-capacitance on the plurality of capacitive sense elements. A method for water-resistant capacitance sensing, the method comprising performing a self-capacitance scan and a mutual capacitance scan, and detecting, by a processing device, a presence of an object with the plurality of sense elements. The method further determines whether the detected presence of the object is legitimate.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Michael Patrick Hills, Volodymyr Burkovskyy, Oleksandr Karpin, Seok Pyong Park, Patrick Prendergast
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Patent number: 8766648Abstract: A method and system is provided for determining at least one operating characteristic associated with an inductor in a power converter system. The operating characteristic may be current through the inductor. The power converter system may be of the type used in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to convert electric power from a high-voltage traction battery to drive an electric motor and/or a generator in the HEV.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jun Kikuchi, Chingchi Chen, Michael W. Degner
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Patent number: 8766652Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the grain angle of a wood object which has a circular cross section of constant or varying radius along the object's length. This apparatus may be hand-held or fixed mounted as testing circumstances dictate. The resulting grain angle may be displayed in real time, as perceived by the user, or transmitted to a processing unit for data collection or interpretation.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Metriguard, IncInventors: Ryan D. Baldwin, Harry E. Moore, James D. Logan
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Patent number: 8754661Abstract: A control circuit identifies whether an occupant on a seat is an adult or a child based on a first capacitance between a first sensing electrode and a ground and a second capacitance between a second sensing electrode and the ground. The first capacitance is computed based on a value of an electric current, which is supplied to the first sensing electrode at the time of applying an oscillation signal from a signal application circuit to the first sensing electrode. The second capacitance is computed based on a value of an electric current, which is supplied to the second sensing electrode at the time of applying an oscillation signal from the signal application circuit to the second sensing electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.Inventors: Masayoshi Satake, Hiroyuki Mori, Kouji Ootaka
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Patent number: 8749250Abstract: A micromechanical component is described having a substrate which has a movable mass which is connected via at least one spring to the substrate so that the movable mass is displaceable with respect to the substrate, and at least one fixedly mounted stator electrode. The movable mass and the at least one spring are structured from the substrate. At least one separating trench which at least partially surrounds the movable mass is formed in the substrate. The at least one stator electrode is situated adjacent to an outer surface of the movable mass which is at least partially surrounded by the separating trench, with the aid of at least one supporting connection which connects the at least one stator electrode to an anchor situated on the substrate and spans a section of the separating trench. Also described is a manufacturing method for a micromechanical component.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Jochen Reinmuth, Gary O'Brien
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Patent number: 8742765Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one Rogowski coil and a processor. The at least one Rogowski coil is positioned within an electrical power distribution network to detect a first traveling wave current caused by a fault on an electrical power transmission line of the network, generate a first signal indicative of detection of the first traveling wave, detect a second traveling wave current caused by the fault on the transmission line, and generate a second signal indicative of detection of the second traveling wave. The processor is adapted to receive the first signal and the second signal and to determine, based on the first signal and the second signal, where on the transmission line the fault occurred.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Cooper Technologies CompanyInventors: Ljubomir A. Kojovic, Jules Esztergalyos
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Patent number: 8736282Abstract: A device for capacitive measurement of the quality and/or deterioration of a fluid includes a sensor encapsulated in a perforated case fixed in the vat of a cooking apparatus that has a bottom, wherein the sensor is connected to an electronic processing circuit, wherein the sensor includes a pair of flat electrodes each having the shape of a comb with a plurality of teeth, which are approximately parallel to each other and extends from a base, wherein the electrodes are arranged relative to each other so teeth of one electrode fit between teeth of the other electrode in approximately the same plane, and the encapsulated sensor is oriented in the vat so the longitudinal axis of each electrode base extends parallel to the bottom of the vat and so the plane of the sensor electrodes forms an angle of between 0° and 60° with the vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Alpsens Technologies Inc.Inventor: Gérald Chambon
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Patent number: 8736274Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing an electrochemical sensor that detects the concentration of a gas are operative for diagnosing whether or not the sensor is in an error state due to a rise in a resistance in the electrolyte of the sensor. Such detection is made on the basis of a current flowing between a sensing electrode and an opposite electrode or a voltage corresponding to the current. A method for diagnosing an electrochemical sensor having a solid or liquid electrolyte between a sensing electrode and an opposite electrode detects the concentration of the gas to be detected on the basis of a current flowing between the sensing electrode and the opposite electrode, or a voltage corresponding to the current. Whether or not the electrochemical sensor is in an error state is diagnosed on the basis of a resistance of the electrolyte between the two electrodes of the electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignees: Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., Figaro Engineering Inc.Inventors: Atsushi Nonaka, Hisao Ohnishi, Hidemasa Nonaka, Toshiro Nakayama, Tomohiro Inoue, Yuki Kato
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Patent number: 8736285Abstract: A position sensor comprises first and second stationary poles with first and second electrodes, and a reference pole positioned therebetween. The reference pole is coupled to a shaft, and includes a semi-metal via that forms a conducting path between the first and second electrodes. The shaft positions the reference pole between the first and second stationary poles, and a resistance of the conducting path varies with a position of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Jay Stradinger
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Patent number: 8736275Abstract: A system and method is provided for correcting alignment of a product on a tool and, more particularly, to a system and method for correcting alignment of a wafer on a chuck of a tool. The system is a tool including at least one contact near a circumference of the tool and a grounded contact proximate to the at least one contact.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Robert J. Foster, Lin Zhou, Shahin Zangooie, Roger M. Young, Clemente Bottini
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Patent number: 8729912Abstract: A linear capacitance displacement transducer (1) comprising first (2) and second (3) fixed capacitor plate and a dielectric structure (5) moveable longitudinally within a space (4) between the first (2) and second (3) capacitor plates, the dielectric structure (5) being operatively coupled to a moveable element (8). The capacitor plates and the dielectric material may be cylindrical and disposed coaxially and concentrically. The transducer (1) enables a displacement sensor that is capable of monitoring liquid levels in a syringe type drug reservoir (101) with sufficient sensitivity as to allow detection of erroneous drug delivery. The sensor is inexpensive to manufacture and provides reliable performance through robust design.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Cellnovo LimitedInventors: Joseph John Cefai, Julian Shapley, Neil Thomas, Matthew Powell, Mark Stephen Jones
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Patent number: 8723532Abstract: A capacitive proximity device for sensing a presence and/or absence of an object in the proximity of an electronic device includes an emission electrode capacitively coupled to a receiver electrode, an oscillator for generating an emission-signal being an alternating electric field between the emission electrode and the receiving electrode, and a sensing circuit connected to the receiving electrode. The sensing circuit receives a measured-signal from the receiver electrode and includes a first synchronous detection circuit together with a low-pass filter for generating an output-signal being proportional to a distance between the object and the electronic device. The sensing circuit further includes a noise-suppresser for reducing noise from the measured-signal before entering the first synchronous detection circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Ronald Jan Asjes, Adrianus Petrus Johanna Maria Rommers, Henricus Antonius Verspaget, Cristian Presura, Antonius Hermanus Maria Blom
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Patent number: 8710824Abstract: A voltage detector having a voltage detection printed board including a board having a penetration hole that penetrates the board, a first pattern wire formed at a periphery of the penetration hole, a second pattern wire formed at the periphery of the penetration hole, and a plurality of through holes that penetrate the board between the first and second pattern wires. Also provided is a conductive casing in which the voltage detection printed board is fixed, wherein, when a conductor, in which AC voltage is generated, is disposed to pass through the penetration hole, the pattern wires act with the conductor to function as electrodes of a capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Daihen CorporationInventors: Yoshifumi Ibuki, Shigeki Amadatsu, Tomohiko Kitano, Shuji Omae
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Patent number: 8710848Abstract: A modular sensor system for continuous measurement of analytes in continuous flow has a fluidic module, a sensor module, an optional reference module, and a cover part which are stacked on top of each other and firmly connected with each other so as to be releasable. The fluidic module includes a fluid duct having an inlet and an outlet. The sensor module includes a sensor compartment which has at least one sensor and is in fluid communication with the fluid duct of the fluidic module. The optional reference module is in fluid communication with the fluid duct of the fluidic module by means of a diaphragm. The cover part seals the sensor module or the reference module.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Büerkert Werke GmbHInventors: Christian Oberndorfer, Katrin Rudolph, Michael Winkler
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Patent number: 8686737Abstract: A diagnostic circuit is configured for connecting to a unit under test that has a load and a sinusoidal source. The diagnostic circuit includes a voltage sensing device that has an input for sensing a signal, a first terminal for connecting to the load, a second terminal for connecting to the sinusoidal source, and a relay connected between the first and second terminals for connecting the sinusoidal source to the load. Clamping diodes are provide for clamping a sinusoidal signal and include a first clamping diode connected between a D/C voltage source and the input and a second clamping diode connected between ground and the input. A resistor is connected between the D/C voltage source and the first terminal. The diagnostic circuit verifies the operational functionality of the load, related wiring and connections.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KGInventors: Jochen Aicher, Robert J. Alvord, James W. Kopec, Vu T. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8686739Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for measuring the leakage current of capacitive components is taught. One embodiment includes a first stage amplifier configured to receive an input from a serially-connected capacitive component at an inverting input and a feedback resistor in a feedback path of the first stage amplifier. A resistance value of the feedback resistor is programmable based on an expected value of the leakage current and a corresponding voltage output.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brian Johansen, Brandon John McCurry
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Patent number: 8680871Abstract: A system and method is provided for correcting alignment of a product on a tool and, more particularly, to a system and method for correcting alignment of a wafer on a chuck of a tool. The system is a tool including at least one contact near a circumference of the tool and a grounded contact proximate to the at least one contact.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Robert J. Foster, Lin Zhou, Shahin Zangooie, Roger M. Young, Clemente Bottini
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Patent number: 8674708Abstract: A sensor device for determining the deviation of the position of a head support of a motor vehicle seat from a target position is provided that includes a capacitative proximity sensor that can be integrated in a head support, having two transmitting electrodes disposed at a vertical distance from each other and a common receiving electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co., KG, HallstadtInventors: Holger Wuerstlein, Tobias Hofmann
