Patents Examined by Lisa Caputo
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Patent number: 10190925Abstract: A force sensor includes a leadframe comprising a plurality of electrically conductive leads, a sense die coupled to the leadframe, and an encapsulant disposed over at least a portion of the leadframe and the sense die. The sense die is electrically coupled to the plurality of leads, and the plurality of leads extends from the encapsulant.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Josh M. Fribley, Lamar Floyd Ricks, Richard Wade, Jim Machir, Richard Alan Davis
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Patent number: 10190472Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sensing particulate matter in an exhaust system of a vehicle. In one example, a system includes a tube with a plurality of gas intake apertures on an upstream surface, the tube having a horseshoe shape with a rounded notch on a downstream surface and a plurality of gas exit apertures positioned along a length of the rounded notch and a particulate matter sensor positioned inside the tube. In another examples, a system for sensing particulate matter comprises a first outer tube with a plurality of gas intake apertures on an upstream surface, a second inner tube position within the first outer tube and including a plurality of gas intake apertures on a downstream surface and an opening at a bottom surface for discharging exhaust gasses to an exhaust passage, and a particulate matter sensor positioned within the second inner tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jianwen James Yi, Xiaogang Zhang
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Patent number: 10190895Abstract: A method for assembling a gas sensor includes fitting through holes of annular mounting parts with an element dummy disposed vertically and whose cross-sectional shape perpendicular is similar to that of a sensor element. The annular mounting parts are a plurality of parts including a ceramic powder compact. A tubular body is fitted with outer peripheries of the annular mounting parts, and then, the element is abuttingly disposed on an upper end of the dummy. Subsequently, the dummy is moved vertically downward to fit the through holes of the annular mounting parts with the element, thereby obtaining a workpiece. The workpiece is vertically inverted, and with the element tip being in contact with a sealing assist jig that has a buffer performance, the upper end of the uppermost annular mounting part is pressed vertically downward to compress the powder compact, thereby sealing an inside of the tubular body.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.Inventors: Tetsuya Hattori, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Kenji Kato, Shigeki Takeshita
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Patent number: 10193046Abstract: A thermoelectric generating device includes: a thermoelectric generating element configured to convert thermal energy to electric energy and to output the electric energy; a temperature measuring unit configured to measure hot side temperature of the thermoelectric generating element; and a temperature controller configured to perform control to increase an amount of current returning to the thermoelectric generating element when the hot side temperature becomes higher than predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Kelk Ltd.Inventors: Hiromasa Kaibe, Hirokuni Hachiuma
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Patent number: 10190929Abstract: Provided are a pressure sensor device and method for making the same. A base member and a pressure sensor chip are joined so that a pressure receiving portion is aligned with a through hole. A pressure introduction unit and the base member are positioned and joined so that through holes thereof are continuous. The pressure introduction unit has a stepped portion in an end portion on an opened end side, and has a protruding portion protruding from the stepped portion to the base member side in an end portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Eisuke Sato, Shigeru Shinoda, Kimihiro Ashino
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Patent number: 10190437Abstract: A test bench for an aircraft turbojet engine is provided. The test bench comprises a U-shaped configuration with a passage in the form of an elongated corridor, an inlet duct, and an outlet duct. The corridor comprises a fixing zone with a fixing arm for holding a turbojet engine during testing. The passage furthermore has an upstream shutter with vertical pivoting air guides and a downstream shutter with an inflatable balloon in a collector tube. In the event of fire, the shutters close to confine the turbojet engine in order to suffocate the fire rapidly. A method for managing a fire in a test bench with a passage is also provided. Shutters are placed in the passage, where they deploy.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Safran Aero Boosters S.A.Inventor: Gaetano Taccogna
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Patent number: 10189018Abstract: A pipette controller for aspirating and dispensing multiple aliquots of a fluid from a reservoir of fluid. The pipette controller may include a pipette holder adapted to operatively connect a pipette to the pipette controller; a pressure tank pneumatically connected to the pipette holder; a pump pneumatically connected to the pressure tank and configured to inject air into the pressure tank to create positive air pressure inside the pressure tank; an aliquot valve controlling airflow between the pressure tank and the pipette holder; and an electronic control. The electronic control may open and close the aliquot valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2018Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: VISTALAB TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Yevgeniy Kozlenko, Richard E. Scordato
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Patent number: 10184915Abstract: An inspection apparatus, including an extendable structure, an inspection probe, a drive, a sensor, and a processor. The extendable structure includes an end fixed to the inspection probe and insertable into a gap defined between a first surface and a second surface. The extendable structure is configured to maintain physical contact with the first surface as the end transitions across the first surface. The drive is configured to position the inspection probe. The current sensor is coupled to the drive and configured to measure a drive load over a period of time the inspection probe transitions across the first surface. The processor is coupled to the sensor and is configured to receive a signal associated with the drive load corresponding to movement of the inspection probe, and determine an operating condition of the extendable structure based on the drive load signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2017Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBHInventors: Reinhard Fischer, Andrew Lumley, Dominik Loosli
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Patent number: 10184910Abstract: A sensor device package includes a pressure sensor and a humidity sensor mounted on the same substrate and in the same housing with light protection for the pressure sensor a media opening for gas exchange for the humidity sensor. Light protection and rapid response times are provided through strategic positioning of the media opening, strategic arrangement of the pressure sensor, humidity sensor, and the media opening, and/or the use of opaque materials.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2013Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Gerhard Lammel, Sibylle Waffenschmidt, Ando Feyh, Gary O'Brien, Andrew Graham
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Patent number: 10184851Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a MEMS-fabricated variable capacitor. In one embodiment the capacitor is a comb drive comprising a plurality of plates interdigitated with a corresponding blades. As the plates move relative to the blades, the capacitance of the sensor changes. The capacitor is sufficiently sensitive to measure respiratory pressure in an animal.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignees: Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation, Purdue Research FoundationInventors: A. George Akingba, Jason V. Clark
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Patent number: 10184866Abstract: A testing device for testing the mechanical integrity of a hollow breakable item includes a squeezable element to radially abut with a sidewall portion of the breakable item. The testing device further includes a sleeve extending in an axial direction to receive the sidewall portion of the breakable item and having a first contact surface to axially engage with the squeezable element. The testing device also includes a plunger displaceable in axial direction relative to the sleeve and having a second contact surface to axially engage with the squeezable element. The squeezable element is axially squeezable by a relative displacement of plunger and sleeve to increase the squeezable element's radial expansion and to apply radially directed pressure to the breakable item's sidewall portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBHInventors: Hanno Juhnke, Jan-Peter Spengler, Jasmin Groeschke, Michael Fischer, Matthias Scharf, Michael Schrack, Olaf Zeckai
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Patent number: 10184860Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, system, and devices for synchronizing angular position information between a first and a second semiconductor chip used for engine management in an automobile is described. In accordance with one embodiment, a system for synchronizing angular position information between a first and a second semiconductor chip comprises the first and the second semiconductor chip and a digital real-time communication link connecting the first and the second semiconductor chip. The second semiconductor chip comprise a master angle estimation circuit, which is configured to estimate an angular position of the engine based on at least one angular position sensor signal. The first semiconductor chip comprises a slave angle estimation circuit, which is configured to estimate an angular position of the engine based on information concerning angular position received form the master angle estimation circuit via the communication link.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2016Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Christian Schweikert, Patrick Leteinturier
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Patent number: 10183377Abstract: A method of standardizing a grinder burn etch test may include machining a test sample of substantially equivalent chemical composition and heat treatment to a manufactured part to be audited for grinder burn and receiving data on an expected range of thermal damage that may be caused on the manufactured part during grinding by grinder burn. The method may also include preparing the test sample by laser heat treating at least a portion of the test sample to create a range of thermal damage across predetermined areas on the test sample, wherein the range of thermal damage on the test sample encompasses the expected range of thermal damage that may be caused on the manufactured part during grinding by grinder burn. The method may still further include testing a grinder burn etch bath with the test sample to determine whether the etch bath can detect thermal damage across at least a threshold percentage of the expected range of thermal damage that may be caused on the manufactured part.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2015Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Robert Crow, Trenton G. Jacobson
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Patent number: 10180112Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis system of an air-fuel ratio sensor 40 or 41 provided in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine and generating a limit current corresponding to an air-fuel ratio, comprises a current detecting part 61 detecting an output current of the air-fuel ratio sensor and an applied voltage control device 60 controlling a voltage applied to the air-fuel ratio sensor. The abnormality diagnosis system applies a voltage inside a limit current region where a limit current is generated and a voltage outside the limit current region to the air-fuel ratio sensor when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas circulating around the air-fuel ratio sensor is made a predetermined constant air-fuel ratio, and judges a type of abnormality occurring at the air-fuel ratio sensor based on an output current of the air-fuel ratio sensor detected by the current detecting part at this time.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Go Hayashita, Hidenori Moriya
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Patent number: 10179652Abstract: An active frost warning system for the forecasting and/or detection of active frost conditions by determining the surface or skin temperature of an active frost sensor and comparing the surface or skin temperature with outside ambient temperature and frost point temperature is provided. The system predicts active frost conditions when the surface or skin temperature of the sensor is less than frost point temperature or when the rate of cooling of the surface or skin temperature indicates that the surface or skin temperature of the sensor will be less than the frost point temperature in the future.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Surewx Inc.Inventor: Klaus Skjoedt
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Patent number: 10180445Abstract: An accelerometer includes a first stator, a second stator, a proof mass assembly disposed between the first stator and second stator, and a controller. The first stator includes a first magnet and the second stator includes a second magnet. The proof mass assembly includes a first coil configured to receive a first amount of current and a second coil configured to receive a second amount of current. The controller is configured to distribute the first amount of current to the first coil and the second amount of current to the second coil. The first amount of current is different than the second amount of current.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Paul W. Dwyer, Arthur Savchenko
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Patent number: 10180365Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a probe seating and locking device comprising a main body and a sleeve disposed at least partially concentrically about a probe. In various embodiments, the main body comprises a relief cut, a probe channel in communication with the relief cut, and a probe housing extending from the main body, wherein the probe housing has a probe passage in communication with the probe channel. In various embodiments, the probe passage comprises a first end, a second end, and a sensing aperture, wherein the probe housing is coupled to the main body at the first end. In various embodiments, the probe is disposed in the probe channel and is in contact with the seating step.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Bruce Hockaday
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Patent number: 10175158Abstract: Provided herein is a method to detect, characterize and classify a particle. A light source and an ultrasound transducer are controlled to irradiate the particle with light and an ultrasound pulse. A feature associated with the particle is determined by processing ultrasound data resulting from the particle being irradiated. The feature is compared to a reference to determine at least one property of the particle. According to some non-limiting implementations, the feature comprises a power spectrum of the particle. According to some non-limiting implementations, the ultrasound data is processed to determine characteristics in a range of about 100 MHz to about 1000 MHz of the power spectrum. According to some non-limiting implementations, the ultrasound pulse is in a range of about 100 MHz to about 1000 MHz. A computing device to detect, characterize and classify a particle is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Inventors: Eric Strohm, Michael Kolios
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Patent number: 10175117Abstract: A temperature sensing assembly for measuring the temperature of an inner wall of a high temperature vessel includes a thermocouple assembly having multiple junction points to provide indications of temperature. The assembly further includes support structures for supporting the thermocouple assembly in the interior space of the vessel and to maintain the junction points proximate the inner wall of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Inventors: Jesse Branken, Samuel Stein, Jeffrey N. Daily, Carlos Alvarado, Raymond B. Litteaur
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Patent number: 10175046Abstract: Methods and apparatus optically measure acceleration, without Sagnac-effect corruption, without requiring slow light and without moving parts. Each optical accelerometer includes at least one measurement cell and at least one reference cell. Two optical signals traverse the cells in opposite directions around a figure-8-configured optical path and then interfere to produce an output signal. The reference cells have different indices of refraction than the measurement cells. Acceleration differentially affects speeds of the optical signals traversing the measurement and reference cells through differentially affecting the indices of refraction of the measurement and reference cells. These differences are evident in changes in the interference in the output signal, thereby enabling measurement of the acceleration. Several embodiments, including optical bench, vertical slab multi-pass, toroidal prism, planar waveguide, cylindrical waveguide, wound waveguide and optical fiber, are described.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2018Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Inventor: Marvin A. Biren