Patents Examined by Gail Kaplan Verbitsky
  • Patent number: 11060988
    Abstract: A method for detecting status information about a track pin of a track chain for heavy equipment includes disposing a track pin sensor within a void of the track pin; sensing with the track pin sensor a temperature characteristic of the track pin; determining status information based on the temperature characteristic; and wirelessly communicating the status information to a remote device. A method for detecting status information about a mechanical system that generates heat energy includes generating electrical energy based on the heat energy; providing the electrical energy to a control unit; sensing with the control unit a temperature characteristic of the mechanical system based on a voltage of the electrical energy; determining status information of the mechanical system based on the temperature characteristic; and wirelessly communicating the status information to a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Brian B. Steketee, Kevin Stephens
  • Patent number: 11060923
    Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to a sheath closure for a dual-wall mineral insulated thermocouple cable. The new closure and methods are required to maintain the integrity of both the inner and outer sheaths or inner and outer walls of a dual-walled thermocouple design. As the inner and outer sheaths are different materials, they may require closure separately with no mixing of the sheathing materials during welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: TE Wire & Cable LLC
    Inventor: Peter Cowley
  • Patent number: 11053559
    Abstract: One object of the present invention is to improve efficiency at the time of operation of a melting and refining furnace of a cold iron source using an oxygen burner lance, and the present invention provides a melting and refining furnace comprising a through-hole provided through a furnace wall, one or more oxygen burner lances provided in the through-hole: and a thermometer which is configured to measure a temperature in the furnace, the oxygen burner lance has one or more openings communicating with the inside of the furnace, and the thermometer is provided in any one of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: TAIYO NIPPON SANSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Hagihara, Yasuyuki Yamamoto, Naoki Seino
  • Patent number: 11046146
    Abstract: A control element, in particular a mechatronic control element of a motor vehicle, for an electronic component, includes a sensor integrated in the control element. An electronic component having such a control element, and a motor vehicle with such an electronic component, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Tille
  • Patent number: 11047746
    Abstract: A device having a first terminal region and a second terminal region. The first terminal region includes fine-tune (FT) metal stripes that are separated from each other by a first distance along the longitudinal direction. The second terminal region is spaced apart from the first terminal region by at least an inter-terminal distance. The second terminal region includes coarse-tune (CT) metal stripes that are separated from each other by a second distance along the longitudinal direction. The second distance is greater than the first distance, and the inter-terminal distance greater than the second distance. Each of the FT metal stripes may be selected as a first access location, and each of the CT metal stripes may be selected as a second access location. A pair of selected first and second access locations access a sheet resistance defined by a distance therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Keith Ryan Green, Byron Jon Roderick Shulver
  • Patent number: 11035741
    Abstract: A temperature measurement substrate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a substrate which is any one of a semiconductor wafer and a substrate for a flat panel display; and at least one optical fiber laid on a surface of the substrate and having a first pattern portion and a second pattern portion formed more densely than the first pattern portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Tadashi Mitsunari, Satoshi Tanaka, Tsuyoshi Moriya, Toshiya Matsuda, Masaaki Miyagawa, Kenya Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 11029269
    Abstract: A support device comprises a piston rod and a fixed member arranged so that a target object is placed therebetween, and an elastic member is provided to the target object side of the fixed member. A monitoring device includes a heat flux sensor and a detection part. When the target object is supported between the piston rod and the fixed member due to force applied by the piston rod, the heat flux sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the heat flux flowing between the elastic member, which is compressed by the load applied from the piston rod, and the fixed member. Based on the signal output by the heat flux sensor, the detection part detects the support state of the target object supported by the support device, or the size of the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshikazu Harada, Atusi Sakaida, Toshihisa Taniguchi, Norio Gouko, Keiji Okamoto, Keita Saitou
  • Patent number: 11029217
    Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a housing having a body having a distal end portion defining an internal cavity and a proximal end portion defining a plurality of internal passageways. A micro-sensor is disposed within the internal cavity and exposed to the outside environment and an internal wall separates the internal cavity from the plurality of internal passageways. The micro-sensor abuts the internal wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jeremy Ohse, Graham Fischer, Ryan Affara
  • Patent number: 11022253
    Abstract: The present invention provides a control device that includes a first temperature detection unit that detects a partition wall temperature of a tank main body in which liquefied gas is contained, and a second temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of a skirt that supports the tank main body. The control device further includes a temperature difference acquisition unit that acquires a temperature difference between the partition wall temperature detected by the first temperature detection unit and the temperature of the skirt which is detected by the second temperature detection unit, and a determination unit that determines whether or not a joint between the tank main body and the skirt is rapidly cooled by the liquefied gas on the basis of the partition wall temperature and the temperature difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michihisa Watanabe, Kazuhiro Hirota
  • Patent number: 11014148
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring quench characteristics of a fluid. The apparatus includes a probe with an energy input device electrically connected to a display unit to monitor temperature, media flow characteristics and media heat transfer characteristics. The method includes continuously measuring thermal energy transfer in a quenching media by measuring the surrounding fluid's heat transfer relative to input probe energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: AFC-Holcroft, LLC
    Inventor: William Disler
  • Patent number: 11015987
    Abstract: A temperature estimation method estimating a temperature of a heat generating site in an oil-immersed electric appliance immersed in insulating oil, the insulating oil being silicone oil or ester oil. The temperature estimation method includes measuring concentrations of two types of thermal decomposition products in the insulating oil and calculating a temperature of the heat generating site in the oil-immersed electric appliance based on a concentration ratio between the two types of thermal decomposition products and a relational expression between the temperature of the heat generating site and the concentration ratio prepared in advance. When the silicone oil is adopted as the insulating oil, at least one of the two types of thermal decomposition products is straight-chain siloxane, alcohol containing silicon, or benzene. When the ester oil is adopted as the insulating oil, the two types of thermal decomposition products are fatty acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kota Mizuno, Satoru Toyama, Ryuichi Nishiura, Tsuyoshi Amimoto, Ryota Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 11015984
    Abstract: A system and method for rapidly determining ambient temperature in a fluid-analyte meter. The meter includes a housing defining an interior space and an area for receiving a fluid sample. A processor and a first temperature sensor are disposed within the interior space of said the housing. A second temperature sensor is disposed on the housing. One or more processors are configured to determine a first temperature value from temperature data received from the first temperature sensor. The processor(s) are also configured to apply a variable current to a temperature-adjustment source such that the second temperature sensor is adjusted to a predetermined steady-state temperature value different from the first temperature value. The processor(s) are further configured to determine an ambient temperature of an exterior space of the housing based on the applied variable current, pre-determined steady-state temperature, and received first temperature values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG
    Inventor: Mu Wu
  • Patent number: 11002611
    Abstract: A time temperature indicator for measuring elapsed time after reaching a threshold temperature includes a reservoir containing an indicator fluid that may be solid below the threshold temperature and that liquefies above the threshold temperature. Activation enables a flow of liquid from the reservoir to reach a migration medium so that when the temperature of the indicator exceeds the threshold temperature after activation liquid migrates through the migration medium producing a colour change therein. A narrow passage is foldable along and parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof so as to form a barrier to liquid migration when the passage is folded while permitting liquid migration through the passage when the passage is unfolded. A micro-fluid valve may be likewise constructed for regulating a flow of liquid between an inlet and an outlet coupled by a narrow passage foldable along and parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Timestrip UK Limited
    Inventor: Erez Magen
  • Patent number: 11002613
    Abstract: An apparatus for inductive temperature sensing comprises a coil configuration, a target, and an impedance measurement circuit. The target has a non-zero conductivity and susceptibility and the impedance measurement circuit measures the apparent inductance of the coil configuration at a measurement frequency close to the crossover frequency to provide an indication of temperature of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: TTP Plc.
    Inventor: David Pooley
  • Patent number: 10989610
    Abstract: A temperature sensing assembly includes a temperature sensor having a first end and a second end and an adjustable clamping mechanism configured to adjustably couple the temperature sensor to a tube of the temperature sensing assembly. The temperature sensing assembly further includes a thermowell having a proximal and distal end, the proximal end being configured to attach to an adapter of the temperature sensing assembly and the distal end being configured to receive the second end of the temperature sensor. In addition, the adjustable clamping mechanism may be configured to fix the temperature sensor to the tube at any point along the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Yao Xiao
  • Patent number: 10982342
    Abstract: This invention relates to nonferrous metallurgy, in particular to a device and method for electrolyte composition analysis based on differential thermal measurements for aluminum electrolysis control. The device is comprised of a metal body including a reference material and an electrolyte sample receptacle, temperature sensors immersed into the reference material and in an electrolyte sample, a system for registration, data processing, and visualization of obtained results. A method includes immersing a metal body into an electrolyte; filling a receptacles with the molten electrolyte; removing and cooling down the metal body having the filled receptacle above a crust on the molten electrolyte surface; drawing and analyzing differential-thermal curves based on which the liquidus temperature, electrolyte superheating and phase and blend compositions of electrolyte solid samples are determined taking into account all crystallizing phases the content of which in the electrolyte sample is no less than 3 wt %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: United Company RUSAL Engineering and Technology Centre LLC
    Inventors: Dmitrij Aleksandrovich Simakov, Aleksandr Olegovich Gusev, Kirill Borisovich Bakin, Aleksandr Viktorovich Dontsov
  • Patent number: 10983013
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a temperature sensing body capable of sensing both a temperature increase and a temperature decrease, and having an anti-tampering function. In order to solve said problem, this temperature sensing body is characterized by including: a first ink in which a temperature Ta1 for initiating color disappearance when the temperature rises and a temperature Td1 for initiating color development when the temperature falls are different; and a second ink in which a temperature Ta2 for initiating color disappearance when the temperature rises and a temperature Td2 for initiating color development when the temperature falls are different, wherein the temperature Ta1 for initiating color disappearance, the temperature Td1 for initiating color development, the temperature Ta2 for initiating color disappearance, and the temperature Td2 for initiating color development have the relationship, Td1<Td2<Ta1<Ta2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Tada, Masahiro Kawasaki, Kohhei Aida, Hiroshi Sasaki, Toyotaka Yuasa, Hiroyuki Kagawa
  • Patent number: 10983078
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of determining moisture content of a composite structure is provided. The method includes performing a thermal analysis calculation on the composite structure to determine a temporal surface temperature profile of the composite structure based on temporal environmental parameter profiles, wherein the surface temperature profile is determined independently of a moisture content of the composite structure. The method also includes performing a moisture content analysis calculation on the composite structure to determine a moisture content of the composite structure, wherein the moisture content analysis calculation is based on the determined temporal surface temperature profile and a thickness of the composite structure. The thermal analysis calculation is performed iteratively with a first time period and the moisture content analysis calculation is performed iteratively with a second time period that is longer than the first time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sahrudine Apdalhaliem, Heh-Chyun Cliff Chen, Waeil M. Ashmawi, Kimberly D. Meredith
  • Patent number: 10978323
    Abstract: A substrate holder includes a base plate, a bond layer disposed over the base plate, and a ceramic layer disposed over the bond layer. The ceramic layer has a top surface including an area configured to support a substrate. A number of temperature measurement electrical devices are attached to the ceramic layer. Electrically conductive traces are embedded within the ceramic layer and positioned and routed to electrically connect with one or more of electrical contacts of the number of temperature measurement electrical devices. Electrical wires are disposed to electrically contact the electrically conductive traces. The electrical wires extend from the ceramic layer through the bond layer and through the base plate to a control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Pape, Darrell Ehrlich, Mike Jing
  • Patent number: 10969354
    Abstract: A method of directly analyzing an environmental sample, such as a crude oil sample, to determine distillation ranges, identify elements therein, and/or identify impurities. The method includes performing multi-element scanning thermal analysis (MESTA) on the environmental sample to obtain a thermogram of the elements within the environmental sample, wherein peak information within the thermogram indicates the presence of the elements, compounds, and/or impurities within the particular environmental sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Florida A&M University
    Inventor: Yuch Ping Hsieh