Patents Examined by Laura Martin
  • Method and apparatus for detecting an envelope for ultrasonic signals
    Patent number: 9506896
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for envelope detection are disclosed. An envelope detection method according to an embodiment of the invention can include: receiving ultrasonic signals reflected off a target object; detecting peaks by using differences in pulses in the received signals; and generating an envelope by connecting the detected peaks with straight or curved lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, YONSEI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Do Sik Hwang, Jin Seong Jang
  • Multiple axis rate sensor
    Patent number: 9506756
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device includes at least two rate sensors (20, 50) suspended above a substrate (30), and configured to oscillate parallel to a surface (40) of the substrate (30). Drive elements (156, 158) in communication with at least one of the rate sensors (20, 50) provide a drive signal (168) exhibiting a drive frequency. One or more coupling spring structures (80, 92, 104, 120) interconnect the rate sensors (20, 50). The coupling spring structures enable oscillation of the rate sensors (20, 50) in a drive direction dictated by the coupling spring structures. The drive direction for the rate sensors (20) is a rotational drive direction (43) associated with a first axis (28), and the drive direction for the rate sensors (50) is a translational drive direction (64) associated with a second axis (24, 26) that is perpendicular to the first axis (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew C. McNeil, Yizhen Lin
  • Methods and compositions for improved ion-exchange chromatography
    Patent number: 9506897
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to ion-exchange chromatography. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions and methods that can substantially improve analytical sensitivity and/or selectivity of ion-exchange chromatography as well its efficiency and quality as a purification or preparation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Bruce Kreutzian, Andrew Jackson, Paul A. Metz, Matthew Waldheim
  • Method for ultrasonic inspection of irregular and variable shapes
    Patent number: 9500627
    Abstract: A system and a method for enabling ultrasonic inspection of multiple or varying radii of a composite part without making mechanical adjustments to compensate for changes in the radius dimension. The system may comprise one or more ultrasonic pulser/receivers, one or more ultrasonic transducer arrays, a probe body or shoe to hold and position the array(s), ultrasonic data acquisition application software to drive the array(s), and ultrasonic data acquisition application software to select the best signal response for each column of pixels to be displayed. The inspection methodology enables the examination of smooth curved fillets which change shape along the length of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Barry Allen Fetzer, James C. Kennedy, Navpreet S. Grewal
  • Scanning non-contact surface microrheometer
    Patent number: 9494505
    Abstract: The disclosure provides non-contact microrheological methods that can measure the fluctuation of a particle in a monolayer, where the particle is hydrodynamically coupled to the monolayer. The disclosure further comprises devices to carry out the non-contact microrheological methods thereof, including Laser Tweezer devices which can study in vitro biological processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael Dennin, Thomas Boatwright, Alexander Levine, Arthur A. Evans, Roy Shlomovitz
  • Control valve monitoring system
    Patent number: 9494560
    Abstract: A control valve monitoring system is disclosed. The control valve monitoring system includes at least one sensor connected to one of a valve stem or valve shaft, and the at least one sensor detects a change in mechanical integrity of one of the valve stem or valve shaft. A device for providing data regarding the change in mechanical integrity of one of the valve stem or valve shaft is provided, allowing maintenance of the valve shaft or valve stem to be conducted in an efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Carder, Shawn W. Anderson
  • Phase controlled variable angle ultrasonic flow meter
    Patent number: 9494454
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes: a plurality of segment electrodes located on a surface of a single piezoelectric element; a pulse generator configured to generate a pulse signal having pulses of a certain frequency; and a control circuit that sequentially activates the segment electrodes using the pulse signal to cause the element to emit a sonic signal, where a controlled delay time between activation of each segment electrode varies the emission angle of the sonic signal so as to compensate for angle changes caused by either changes in Beam refraction or due to Beam Blowing caused by high flow velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph Baumoel
  • Tunnel monitoring sensor
    Patent number: 9494564
    Abstract: A tunnel monitoring sensor for monitoring environmental conditions in a tunnel comprises a first sensor module which outputs an obscuration signal, a second sensor module which outputs a first gas concentration signal, a common housing for the first and second sensor modules and an electronic logic unit which is preferably accommodated in the housing, which receives the obscuration signal and the gas concentration signal and which outputs a combined environmental condition signal on the basis of a link of the obscuration signal and of the gas concentration signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventors: Andreas Bonisch, Jurgen Convent
  • System and method for RFID-based remote material analysis
    Patent number: 9494559
    Abstract: This application generally relates to systems and methods of using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices to remotely analyze objects and structures, and more particularly, this application relates to systems and methods of using RFID devices to remotely analyze properties and conditions of a surface of objects and structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES, LLC
    Inventor: Ian James Forster
  • Quantum microphone array for testing the structural integrity of an object
    Patent number: 9494561
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for testing a structure of an object. According to one embodiment, the system includes a vibration initiator that imparts an acoustic shockwave to an object. The system also includes an acoustic detector array that senses the acoustic shockwave as it propagates through the object, in which the acoustic detector array comprises a plurality of quantum microphones. The system further includes a reporting unit that receives sensed acoustic shockwave data from the acoustic detector array and produces a structural integrity report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Morteza Safai
  • Electronic device provided with automatic leak detection means
    Patent number: 9488543
    Abstract: The electronic device is provided with an automatic leak detection means, notably for a gas leak, in the case of the device. The automatic leak detection means includes a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor and a calculation unit connected to the pressure sensor and to the temperature sensor. The calculation unit, which is a microcontroller, the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor are arranged inside the case. In operation, the microcontroller checks, based on measurements performed by the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor over time, whether the variation in pressure in the case is within a defined margin proportional to the variation in temperature to determine whether or not the case has a sufficient degree of sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Michel Willemin, Jean-Claude Martin, Christophe Germiquet
  • Sensor element with air pressure measurement
    Patent number: 9488549
    Abstract: A sensor element with air pressure measurement includes a layer stack from a plurality of layers arranged one on top of the other. At least one first layer contains a measurement sensor device for measuring a measurement parameter different from an ambient pressure of the sensor. The first or at least one second layer contains a pressure measurement device for measuring the air pressure in an environment on one side of the sensor element, or a channel for coupling a pressure measurement device to an environment on one side of the sensor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Willibald Reitmeier
  • Particle analysis in an acoustic cytometer
    Patent number: 9488621
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustically manipulating one or more particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Kaduchak, Michael D Ward
  • Dried sample carrier having dissolvable sample regions
    Patent number: 9488551
    Abstract: Described are sample carriers and methods of extracting a fluid sample from a dried sample on a sample carrier. The sample carrier has a first carrier portion that receives a fluid sample, and includes a material that adsorbs the fluid sample and dissolves upon application of a solvent. A second carrier portion is attached to the first carrier portion and includes a material that is indissolvable in the solvent. The first carrier portion having a dried sample is dissolved into a solution upon application of the solvent. The solution can be analyzed to determine constituents in the extracted sample. The sample carrier can conveniently be in the form of a card or a dipstick. In alternative embodiments, a carrier portion that includes the dried sample is indissolvable in the solvent but is released from another carrier portion through application of a solvent to an intervening dissolvable carrier portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pamela C. Iraneta, Kevin D. Wyndham, Moon Chul Jung
  • High pressure sensor for use with a fluid delivery system
    Patent number: 9486579
    Abstract: A pressure sensor for use with a fluid delivery system having good sensitivity at low pressure, but also configured to remain in operating condition after being exposed to high pressures is disclosed herein. In one variation, the pressure sensor includes a fluid path set, a deformable element associated with the fluid path set and configured to deform in response to an external pressure, and a pressure transducer for monitoring deformation of the deformable element. In certain embodiments, the pressure sensor is configured to measure fluid pressure within the range of between about 0 mm Hg to about 300 mm Hg. However, the sensor pressure is also be configured to remain functional after being exposed to pressure in excess of about 60,000 mm Hg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Michael A Riley, Michael A Spohn, Gerald W Callan, Michael J Swantner, Russell M Evans, III
  • Vibrating reed, angular velocity sensor, electronic device, moving object, and method for manufacturing vibrating reed
    Patent number: 9488477
    Abstract: The vibrating reed includes a detection unit that vibrates along the thickness direction of a piezoelectric body when detecting. The detection unit includes a first main surface and a second main surface that face each other in the thickness direction, outside surfaces, a groove that has a groove bottom at a position between the first main surface and the second main surface in a depth direction from an opening provided in the first main surface, an outside surface electrode that is formed on the outside surfaces, and an inside surface electrode that is formed on an inside surface which is opposite the outside surfaces. At least one of the outside surfaces has a non-electrode-formed area where the outside surface electrode is not provided in an area from the end surface which positioned on the second main surface side in the thickness direction to the second main surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Matsuo
  • On-axis mounting of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) within an optical system
    Patent number: 9482685
    Abstract: Techniques and architecture are disclosed for providing an optical system having an on-axis, internally mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU). In some cases, an IMU may be mounted within an interior region/cavity of an inner housing, which in turn is configured to rotate within an outer housing. In some instances, a mirror assembly may be operatively coupled with the inner housing and permitted to rotate simultaneously with the IMU. Rotation of the inner housing may be achieved, in some example cases, by use of a suitable motor. In some instances, positioning componentry may be operatively coupled with one or more of the IMU and/or mirror assembly. Improvements in mechanical stability, system dimensions, and/or protection from external/environmental hazards may be realized, in some example cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integreation Inc.
    Inventor: Steven P. Bibeault
  • Real time measurements of fluid volume and flow rate using two pressure transducers
    Patent number: 9482563
    Abstract: To provide accurate determinations of volumetric flow rate and thus of total liquid volume transported over a given time period, two pressure transducers are disposed a predetermined distance apart along a conduit. Precise pressure measurement readings are generated from which volumetric flow rate can be derived with accuracy. Integration of the volumetric flow rate over time yields an improved measure of the total liquid volume that has flowed through the conduit during the respective temporal interval. The two pressure transducers are disposed along the conduit a predetermined distance apart with no obstruction or restriction in the conduit between the transducers. A controller can be used to determine the volumetric flow rate using the Hagen-Poiseuille Equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Domingo Calderin, Pei-Ying Hsieh
  • Vibrating reed, angular velocity sensor, electronic device, and moving object
    Patent number: 9482533
    Abstract: The vibrating reed includes a first main surface and a second main surface that face each other in the thickness direction of a piezoelectric body and a detection unit that vibrates along the thickness direction when detecting. The detection unit includes a groove of which a groove bottom is positioned at a position beyond a midline between the first main surface and the second main surface in the depth direction from an opening formed in the first main surface, an inside surface electrode that is formed on an inside surface facing the inside of the groove, an outside surface electrode that is formed on an outside surface which is opposite the inside surface with the piezoelectric body interposed there between, and a pair of groove bottom electrodes that is provided further on the groove bottom at an interval than the midline and face inside the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Matsuo
  • Method and apparatus for scanning detection
    Patent number: 9482611
    Abstract: An apparatus for scanning and detecting analytes in real time as they move through a separation conduit is provided. The apparatus may include a detector mounted on a scanner containing a separation conduit positions under the scanner such that the scanner may move back and forth along the conduit, producing time and space data of the column as the analyte moves through and providing information regarding elution of the analyte in real time. A method for real time analysis of analytes as they move through a separation conduit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Purnendu K. Dasgupta, Brian N. Stamos