Patents Examined by Max Noori
  • Resistance-voltage transformation system for sensors in dynamic strain measurement and structural health monitoring
    Patent number: 9863824
    Abstract: A resistance-voltage (R-V) transformation system used in dynamic strain measurement for a structure is provided. The system has single-channel (SC) circuit units each for producing a voltage corresponding to a resistance of a sensing element of a structural-strain sensing network. Each SC circuit unit has a R-V transformation module for converting the resistance into the voltage, a band-pass filter module for filtering the R-V transformation module output after a direct-current bias therein is removed, and a high-gain amplification module for amplifying the filter output. The band-pass filter module is configured such that an unwanted low-frequency component induced by resistance drift of the sensing element is removed while allowing a guided-wave signal component to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Zhongqing Su, Limin Zhou, Lei Qiu, Hao Xu, Zhihui Zeng, Menglong Liu
  • Sensor systems integrated with footwear
    Patent number: 9863823
    Abstract: Sensors and sensor systems incorporating piezoresistive materials for integration with footwear are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BeBop Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. McMillen, Gregory Wille, Daniel Eric McAnulty
  • Pressure-sensitive safety device for monitoring a technical installation
    Patent number: 9851269
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive safety device for monitoring a technical installation, includes a sensor having first and second sensor cells, and first, second and third electrodes for making contact with the first and the second sensor cells. A pressure-sensitive material within the first and second sensor cells is configured, under local loading, to change an electrical property of the cells at the site of loading. An evaluation unit provides an output signal depending on an actuation of the first and second sensor cells. The first and second electrodes are connected to the first and second sensor cells, respectively, and the third electrode is connected to both the first and the second sensor cells. The first, second and third electrodes are connected to the evaluation unit by a first sequentialization element, and to a defined first potential by a second sequentialization element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: PILZ GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Onedin Ibrocevic, Matthias Kuczera, Matthias Schweiker
  • Hoist cable overload detection systems and methods
    Patent number: 9850103
    Abstract: A hoist hook assembly having a cable overload detection system may include a plate, a hook mechanically coupled to the plate, and a switch mechanically coupled to the plate. The switch may be configured to translate into a triggered position in response to a load on the hook indicative of an overload condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: David R. Lopes, Bejan Maghsoodi
  • Force-sensing element
    Patent number: 9851267
    Abstract: Examples for force-sensing elements are disclosed. An example method for forming a force sensor includes printing a suspension of a hollow-sphere conductive polymer in a liquid carrier over an electrode pair on a substrate, evaporating the liquid carrier, and encapsulating the electrode pair and hollow-sphere conductive polymer to form a force sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Siyuan Ma, James David Holbery, Anatoly Churikov, Flavio Protasio Ribeiro
  • Systems and methods for press force detectors
    Patent number: 9846091
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments include a press sensor element that includes a piezoelectric layer having a first surface in communication with a first layer, the first layer including a first conductive region, where the first conductive region covers at least a central portion the first surface. The sensor element includes a second surface in communication with a second layer, the second layer including a second conductive region, a third conductive region, and a first non-conductive void region separating the second conductive region and the third conductive region. An area of the first conductive region is configured in size relative to an area of the third conductive region to substantially reduce a thermally-induced voltage change between two or more of the first, second, and third conductive regions responsive to a corresponding temperature change of at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: INTERLINK ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Chee Wai Lu, Jeffrey R. Baker, Edwin Keshesh Yousafian, Declan Christopher Flannery
  • Electrode torque measurement device
    Patent number: 9841334
    Abstract: An electrode joining apparatus for joining a fixed electrode and a free electrode including an electrode holder configured to receive the fixed electrode and a torque device positioned above the electrode holder. The torque device is configured to grip and spin the free electrode to join the free electrode to the fixed electrode. A force sensor is coupled to the torque device. The torque device is configured to apply a force on the force sensor when the torque device engages the free electrode. The force sensor can detect a feedback force signal representative of the force applied by the torque device on the free electrode. The feedback force signal can be used to determine the torque applied to the free electrode by the torque device to help ensure that a proper joint is formed between the free electrode and the fixed electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Contractors & Industrial Supply Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom D. Schiller
  • Device for testing mixed-mode fatigue crack growth rate
    Patent number: 9841364
    Abstract: A device for testing mixed-mode fatigue crack growth rate includes a plate-like specimen, and a first fixture mechanism for exerting stretch, shear and torsion actions on the specimen via a second fixture mechanism. The second fixture mechanism is used for clamping the specimen and enabling the specimen to generate a mixed-mode fatigue crack in cooperation with the first fixture mechanism. The device further comprises a fatigue crack measurement instrument for measuring and recording the length of mixed-mode fatigue crack generated on the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Hefei General Machinery Research Institute
    Inventors: Xuedong Chen, Defu Nie, Zhichao Fan, Qiaoguo Wu
  • Main spindle load monitoring device for machine tool
    Patent number: 9839982
    Abstract: A main spindle load monitoring device indicates a main spindle load in a machine tool that includes a tool with a plurality of edges on a main spindle and performs a process of a workpiece while the tool rotates with the main spindle. The main spindle load monitoring device includes a main spindle load detecting unit configured to detect a load on the main spindle, a main spindle load conversion unit, and a display control unit. The main spindle load conversion unit is configured to convert a time course of the main spindle load detected by the main spindle load detecting unit into a change of the main spindle load with respect to a main spindle rotation angle. The display control unit is configured to indicate a value of the main spindle load converted by the main spindle load conversion unit on a display screen in a polar coordinates system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Okuma Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoharu Ando
  • Cushion module for assessing comfortability
    Patent number: 9841076
    Abstract: A cushion module is provided herein and includes a mounting manifold and a retaining plate. An array of pneumatic assemblies is coupled to and disposed between the mounting manifold and the retaining plate. Each pneumatic assembly includes a pneumatic cylinder having a piston rod and configured to receive pressurized air for moving the piston rod to a selected position. The pressurized air supplied to each pneumatic cylinder is variable and the piston rods collectively define a support surface having variable contour and firmness, and on which an object is rested to assess the comfortability of the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Grant A. Compton, John Wayne Jaranson, Michael M. Azzouz, Tejaswi Nandam
  • Force assessment device and method for lead extraction
    Patent number: 9839393
    Abstract: A force assessment device and a method for lead extraction are provided. A force gauge is configured to measure a traction force, and a strain gauge that is configured to measure a countertraction force. An interface is communicatively coupled to the force gauge and the strain gauge, and the interface is configured to present data regarding at least one of the traction force and the countertraction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Atrial Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Sumit Verma
  • Methods for monitoring turbine components
    Patent number: 9835440
    Abstract: Methods for monitoring a components include locating a plurality of naturally occurring surface features on the component, locating at least one reference point, measuring a plurality of first distances between the plurality of naturally occurring surface features and the at least one reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Lee Hovis, Jason Lee Burnside, William Farris Ranson
  • Transmission for miniature drive having a torque measuring element
    Patent number: 9829399
    Abstract: A transmission (3) for an electric miniature drive or microdrive, having a transmission housing (9), an attachment flange (13) for attaching the transmission (3) to an application or load, a driven shaft (7), supported in at least one driven bearing (8), for driving the application. The driven shaft (7) is connectable via the transmission mechanism to the miniature drive or microdrive, and a torque measuring member (15) for the registration of the torque generated on the driven shaft (7) using a flexible element during operation of the miniature drive or microdrive. A magnetic encoder system (19) is disposed on the flexible element (17), which has a magnetic field measuring element (25) for measuring a rotatory displacement of the flexible element (17). The flexible element (17) is disposed axially between the transmission mechanism and the attachment flange (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: DR. FRITZ FAULHABER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Frank Schwenker
  • Compression seal for force sensing device
    Patent number: 9829397
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a seal compressed between a moveable structure and a support. A retainer maintains seal compression in a first direction absent force exerted on the moveable structure. However, the retainer allows increased seal compression by moving in a second, opposing direction when force is exerted on the moveable structure. A force sensor (positioned internal to the seal) is influenced by movement of the moveable structure in response to the force and a signal received from the force sensor indicates an amount of the force. By maintaining the seal in compression but allowing further compression, the seal can hermetically seal the electronic device against contaminant entry without adversely impacting detection of the amount of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Lukens, Brad Boozer, Richard D. Shuma
  • Systems and methods for detecting rescue hoist loads
    Patent number: 9828220
    Abstract: A boom assembly for a hoist may include a flat surface configured to elastically deform in response to a load on the hoist, and a strain sensor coupled to the flat surface and configured to generate an electronic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Lopes, Theodore W. Wong, Domenic DeZan
  • Assembly and method for testing point machines
    Patent number: 9823164
    Abstract: A device under test, such as a point machine, which is screwed to two longitudinal supports, which can be individually moved horizontally and vertically is provided. Thus, a highly flexible solution is created, because even devices under test having unknown or asymmetric dimensions can be fittingly accommodated and positioned. Linear drives enable highly accurate positioning of the supports, in particular even if the supports are have high inherent weight or are already loaded with the device under test. According to one embodiment, the mechanical system is designed to grasp and/or to lift a mounting cart by means of the supports, on which mounting cart the device under test is fastened by screwing. This provides the advantage that the device under test can be tested while mounted directly to the mounting cart without separate transferring and screwing of the device under test being required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Sven Gerhard Dudeck
  • Micro-machined optical pressure sensors
    Patent number: 9823150
    Abstract: A micro-machined optical pressure sensor, comprising: a diaphragm configured to deform when a force is applied thereto; and a sensing micro-ring spaced apart from the diaphragm by a gap, the gap being variable depending on the force applied on the diaphragm, wherein the sensing micro-ring is configured to produce a resonance wavelength shift when the gap is varied, the resonance wavelength shift indicative of the force applied to the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignees: Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Nanyang Technological University
    Inventors: Hong Cai, Jifang Tao, Julius Ming-Lin Tsai, Aiqun Liu
  • Saw-based tachometer or RPM detector
    Patent number: 9817014
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining a number of revolutions per minute (RPM) of a rotating object. The method includes transmitting interrogation signals at a regular period from a fixed antenna positioned adjacent to the rotating object. The method also includes transmitting echo signals from a sensor antenna positioned on the rotating object, in response to the interrogation signals. The method also includes counting a number of echo signals detected by the fixed antenna, during one revolution of the object. The method also includes determining the RPM of the rotating object based on the number of response signals and the regular period of the signals. A system is also provided for determining the number of revolutions per minute (RPM) of the rotating object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Mnemonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Nikolai Kozlovski
  • Embroidered strain sensing elements
    Patent number: 9816799
    Abstract: A deformation sensing fabric comprises a fabric substrate comprising a first fabric layer and a first conductive element woven into the first fabric layer. The first conductive element outputs a first instrumented signal, responsive to an applied stimulus signal, indicative of a measure of change in an electrical property of the first conductive element in response to a strain applied to the fabric substrate along a long-axis of the first conductive element. The first conductive element is instrumented by a measurement system which stimulates the first conductive element and measures an electrical property of the first conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna, David R. Perek, Bruce A. Cleary, III, Brian Michael Scally
  • Force measuring system with dual sensor
    Patent number: 9816884
    Abstract: For measuring tensile and/or compressive loads force measuring systems are provided for measuring a tensile and/or compressive load of a structure have a first force measuring sensor assigned to the structure, and a second force measuring sensor assigned to the structure. To provide a force measuring system that enables high measuring accuracy, the first and the second force measuring sensor differ in such a way, that the first force measuring sensor is designed to measure a nominal load range, and the second force measuring sensor is designed to measure a sub-range of the nominal load range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: tecsis GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Gerber, Daniel Niedballa, Oliver Jost