Patents Examined by Andrew H. Hirshfeld
  • Patent number: 7253634
    Abstract: A method for detecting stator ground faults in a generator is described. The method includes receiving a neutral voltage signal from a neutral point of a stator, receiving a plurality of terminal voltage and current signals from the stator, deriving a magnitude of a harmonic component from the neutral voltage signal, deriving a total complex power from the terminal voltage and current signals, calculating an expected value of a harmonic based on the complex power at a first time and a plurality of values of the complex power, where the values of the complex power are measured at times before the first time, and comparing the expected value and a measured value of the harmonic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bogdan Zdzislaw Kasztenny, Dale Stephen Finney, Michael Graham McClure
  • Patent number: 7253604
    Abstract: An assembled capacitor polarity automatic inspecting method and system is proposed, which is designed for use to perform an automatic inspecting procedure to check whether an array of polarized capacitor are mounted correctly in polarity on a circuit board; and which is characterized by the use of computerized technology to automatically check whether each assembled capacitor on the circuit board is mounted correctly in polarity and automatically generate an inspection report in electronic form to show the result of inspection. This feature allows the QA/QC procedure on the circuit board not only to save labor and time but also to be much more accurate and efficient than the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Sonic King, Bg Fan
  • Patent number: 7253642
    Abstract: A method for sensing an electric field includes processing digitized electric field signals, e.g., from an electric field sensing probe. The processing may include performing a Fast Fourier Transform of the digitized electric field signals to provide an indication of the magnitude of the electric field, and may include processing the digitized electric field signals at a rate that is related to the speed at which a movable sensing probe is moving. The method may include performing unweighted and/or weighted averaging in relation to processing electric field data, setting a comparison threshold, providing a human perceivable indication, or a combination of the foregoing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Power Survey Company
    Inventors: David Kalokitis, Peter Zalud, David Christopher Berends, Christos Alkiviadis Polyzois
  • Patent number: 7253643
    Abstract: A technique for implementing a center key in a capacitive sense radial slider interface without use of center mechanical button. A user interaction with an array of capacitive sensors within the radial slider interface is sensed. It is determined whether at least a threshold number greater than one of the capacitive sensors within the array are concurrently actuated by the user interaction. A center key actuation is registered if at least the threshold number of the capacitive sensors are concurrently actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Ryan D. Seguine
  • Patent number: 7253632
    Abstract: In a method for qualifying an electric circuit having at least one contact, a reference function of thermoelectric voltage versus time of a faultless electric circuit is provided. The circuit is heated by at least one measuring electric impulse. Thermoelectric-voltage-versus-time data of the electric circuit is acquired. The circuit is qualified based on the differences between the acquired data and the reference function. Additionally, in a method for localizing a weak or bad contact of an electric circuit, the circuit is heated by at least one measuring electric impulse, and thermoelectric-voltage-versus-time data of the circuit is acquired. The acquired data is then compared to reference functions of thermoelectric voltage versus time data of known circuits with weak or bad contacts. The weak or bad contact of the circuit is localized in accordance with the similarities between the acquired data and the reference functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: István Magai, Ferenc Fazekas
  • Patent number: 7253600
    Abstract: A sample-data analog circuit includes a level-crossing detector. The level-crossing detector controls sampling switches to provide a precise sample of the output voltage when the level-crossing detector senses the predetermined level crossing of the input signal. A multiple segment ramp waveform generator is used in the sample-data analog circuits. The ramp waveform generator includes an amplifier, a variable current source, and a voltage detection circuit coupled to the current source to control the change in the amplitude of the current. The ramp generator produces constant slope within each segment regardless of the load condition. The sample-data analog circuit also utilizes variable bandwidths and thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Cambridge Analog Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Hae-Seung Lee
  • Patent number: 7250777
    Abstract: A device for measuring a resistance includes a comparator. A D-type flip-flop has its D input connected to the output of the comparator and its latch input connected for receiving a pulse signal at a fixed pulse repetition rate. A reference voltage source is connected to a first of the inputs of the comparator and an integrator is coupled between an output of the flip-flop and the second of the two inputs of the comparator. The integrator includes a resistor whereby the integrator develops a voltage at the second input of the comparator that depends on the pulse repetition rate and on the resistance of the resistor. The comparator, the integrator and the flip-flop are connected in a negative feedback loop such that at steady state the voltage developed by the integrator at the second input of the comparator is substantially equal to the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Mini-Mitter Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Allen Kobbe, Florian G. Bell, Donna K. Barton
  • Patent number: 7250771
    Abstract: A cable tester comprises a test initiating module that performs B cable tests. Each of said B cable tests includes selectively transmitting a test pulse on the cable, measuring a reflection amplitude, and calculating a cable length. A test results module determines a cable status for each of said B cable tests based on said measured amplitude and said calculated cable length and that determines an overall cable status of the cable based on the cable at least one of passing and failing A out of B cable tests. A and B are integers greater than zero and B is greater than A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: William Lo, Yiging Guo, Tek Tsui, Tsin-Ho Leung, Runsheng He, Eric Janofsky
  • Patent number: 7250776
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a system for assessing the condition of a thermal barrier coating on a turbine vane during engine operation. According to embodiments of the invention, one or more wires can be passed along the airfoil portion of the vane. The wires can extend over, within, or beneath the thermal coating. An electrical current can be passed along the wires, and electrical resistance can be measured across the wires. Thus, if a portion of the thermal coating becomes damaged, then the wires located in that area may break. A disconnect in the wires can lead to an increase in resistance across the wires, which can alert an operator to a problem. Some assessment systems can provide a general indication of the magnitude of damage and whether the damage is spreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Twerdochlib
  • Patent number: 7248822
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus comprising: an exposing means and a developing means. The developing means comprises a plurality of developing devices, a rotating member rotatable while supporting the plurality of the developing devices, and a driving means for the rotation drive of the rotating member for selectively moving the plurality of the developing devices to the developing position such that the driving means transmits driving force to the rotating member via a gear at a drive transmitting position. An angle ?e(°) formed by a straight line linking the rotation center of the rotating member and the drive transmitting position and the tangent of the image bearing member at an exposing position in the image bearing member moving direction satisfies the following relationship with the premise that an pressure angle of the gear is ?(°) and the image bearing member rotating direction is positive: ????e??.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Yokota, Tetsuya Nagase, Hiroshi Nakahata, Toshihiko Kudo, Yukihiro Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7248059
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, sensors, and systems for low power sensing. One method for low power sensing includes receiving a detection signal from a detector of a sensor to a delay flip flop (DFF). The method includes switching a DFF output state in response to a switching of the detection signal, when the DFF is reset, transmitting an event report signal from the DFF to a processor of the sensor when the DFF output state switches, and maintaining the DFF output in a steady state, when the DFF is not reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Red Wing Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jomar G. Ochoco
  • Patent number: 7248032
    Abstract: A low capacitance measurement probe having an outer conductor forming an outer wall; a non-conductive spacer forming a first wall between a conductive layer and the outer conductor; the conductive layer forming a second wall coupled to the interior of the first wall; an insulating layer forming a third wall coupled to the interior of the second wall; and an inner conductor forming an inner wall coupled to the interior of the third wall. The probe may include a knob or a button in the inner conductor at a tip of the probe to increase the surface area of the inner conductor in order to the sensitivity of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: BioLuminate, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hular, Liuz B. Da Silva, Charles L. Chase, Bruce W. Haughey
  • Patent number: 7248054
    Abstract: A sensor for sensing an electric field includes a movable sensor probe including one or more pair, typically three pair, of electrically conductive electrodes, and may include one or more pair of selectively switchable auxiliary electrodes. The probe is movable and may be mounted on a vehicle or trailer. A processor may process electric field signals from the probe for providing a human perceivable indication of the electric field. The processor may perform a Fast Fourier Transform of the electric field signals to produce an indication of the magnitude of the electric field, and may perform unweighted and/or weighted averaging in relation to processing electric field data, setting a comparison threshold, providing a human perceivable indication, or a combination of the foregoing. A speed at which the sensor probe is moving may be utilized in processing the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Power Survey Company
    Inventors: David Kalokitis, Peter Zalud, David Christopher Berends, Christos Alkiviadis Polyzois, Frederick John Vannozzi, Frank Bowen Lang
  • Patent number: 7248061
    Abstract: A transmission device includes a transmission line composed of first and second transmission lines. A first circuit block outputs a non-inverted transmission signal to the first transmission line, and a second output circuit outputs an inverted transmission signal to the second transmission line. The second circuit block comprises an impedance element and a comparison circuit for comparing voltages. The same types of impedance elements as the impedance element are interposed in the first and second transmission lines between the first circuit block and the second circuit block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yamamoto, Akitaka Murata, Tadashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7248057
    Abstract: Method, apparatus and computer-readable code are provided for detecting a location of an incipient ground fault in an electrical propulsion system of a relatively large land-based vehicle, such as a locomotive. The detection is performed essentially in real time and without interrupting operation of the electrical devices that make up the propulsion system (e.g., performed “on the fly”), and consequently there is virtually no degradation in the operational performance of the propulsion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
  • Patent number: 7248058
    Abstract: A testing device for determines values of various electrical variables associated with a device within a process system. The testing device provides bi-directional electrical communication with a device to be monitored and automatically provides a connection configuration between a processing unit and a set of input/output ports. The connection configuration governs a bi-directional flow of electrical signals between the processing unit and the device to be monitored. The processing unit outputs a test signal and a configuration control signal to the input/output port control circuitry. The input/output port control circuitry, in response to received test and configuration control signals, automatically provides a connection configuration to direct the test signal to the device to be monitored and to direct a return signal, the return signal being generated by the monitored device in response to the test signal, to the processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: Ronald P. Clarridge, Gerald T. Allen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7245117
    Abstract: The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency or set of frequencies and a predetermined amplitude. The energizing signal is coupled to the sensor via magnetic coupling and induces a current in the sensor which oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor via magnetic coupling and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate the measured physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.
    Inventors: James Joy, Jason Kroh, Michael Ellis, Mark Allen, Wilton Pyle
  • Patent number: 7245131
    Abstract: A capacitance detection apparatus includes a detection electrode for detecting approach of an object on the basis of a change of capacitance, a calculating circuit for calculating a value associated with the capacitance change, a judging circuit for judging whether the calculated value is a normal or initial value calculated after or before a predetermined period of time lapse from a start time of the capacitance detection apparatus, an initial reference value-determining circuit for determining an initial reference value, a difference calculating circuit for calculating a difference between the normal value and a value calculated earlier than a time when the normal value is calculated by the predetermined period of time or longer or between the initial value and the initial reference value, and a determining circuit for determining whether the object is approaching by comparing the difference with a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohei Kurachi, Hisashi Inaba
  • Patent number: 7242197
    Abstract: There is provided a current measuring apparatus for measuring current-under-measurement flowing between a first measuring terminal and a second measuring terminal, having a plurality of primary coils whose one end is electrically connected with the first measuring terminal and another end thereof is electrically connected with the second measuring terminal, a secondary coil that generates voltage representing the current-under-measurement corresponding to the current-under-measurement flowing through the plurality of primary coils and coaxial cables, each corresponding to the plurality of primary coils and having a signal line that connects one end of the primary coil with the first measuring terminal and a shield, and the coaxial cable has the signal line, an insulating layer for coating the signal line, first one of the shield having a tape-like conductor wound around the insulating layer and second one of the shield made of a conductor provided around the first shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignees: Advantest Corporation, Hirakawa Hewtech Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsunori Satou, Yasuo Furukawa
  • Patent number: RE39797
    Abstract: A cleaning device (1) having a guide rail (3) with a longitudinally moveable carriage, to which carriage (4) a washing apparatus (5) is releasably affixed. The guide rail (3) is positionally adjustable for operationally placing the washing apparatus (5) at a printing cylinder (2). The washing apparatus (5) is connected to a supply unit by means of supply lines. The supply lines extend within the guide rail (3) from the washing apparatus (5) to a stationary connection position (7). The guide rail (3) includes a suction wastewater channel (14) which is placed between an upper section (15) and a lower section (16) of a movable belt (19) which is designed for the reciprocal transport of the carriage (4). A belt (19) section (15) forms a cover for the suction wastewater channel (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Munz