Patents Examined by Nigel H Plumb
  • Patent number: 11619523
    Abstract: A method for the non-destructive localization of underground optical fiber cables that utilizes distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) and time difference of arrival (TDOA) data associated with received signals of impulsive surface vibrations to localize the underground optical fiber cable by solving non-linear least square optimization problem(s). The method utilizes only TDOA information of received signals of impulsive surface vibrations to determine such localizations and does not require synchronization between a vibration source and DFOS receiver. The method may employ man-made impulsive vibrations to determine the localization. In operation the method involves 1) impulse-like vibration excitation and signal collection; 2) TDOA estimation of the received signals from DFOS; and 3) non-linear least square optimization applied to the TDOA information for underground optical fiber localization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventors: Ming-Fang Huang, Hansi Liu, Ting Wang
  • Patent number: 11614377
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a transparent and highly sensitive pressure sensor with improved linearity and pressure sensitivity including: a first substrate on which a micropattern having pyramidal structures is formed; a first electrode layer coated on the micropattern of the first substrate; a second substrate stacked on the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer stacked on the second substrate, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate show a difference in light refractive index of 10% or less in the visible light region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Steve Park, Han Byul Choi, Jin Won Oh, Jun Chang Yang
  • Patent number: 11614351
    Abstract: A cartridge-style flow sensor for sensing fluid flow. The flow sensor includes an exterior, interior, head, base, a circuit board, and first and second ports. The first and second ports permit fluid to flow into and out of the interior. A Hall Effect Sensor in the interior detects the number of revolutions of an impeller. An electric coupler interfaces with the sensor and a transmitter for communication of the revolutions of the impeller to a controller. The controller determines the rate of fluid flow in a conduit. The controller automatically issues a command signal to a component of a hydraulic system to alter the rate of fluid flow in the conduit. The cartridge-style hydraulic flow sensor is releasably engaged to a cavity of a hydraulic circuit manifold eliminating the need to cut and re-plumb a fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Dale Dietel
  • Patent number: 11614372
    Abstract: A load sensor having a centrally disposed aperture element through which a fastening element of a vehicle air suspension assembly passes to affix the load sensor between the vehicle air suspension assembly and the vehicle suspension, wherein the load sensor has a force measurement sensor disposed proximate an elongate slot to generate a load signal which varies based on an amount of strain in the load sensor, wherein the load signal received by a load calculator allows calculation of the load exerted from the vehicle frame to the vehicle suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Driving Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy James Scott
  • Patent number: 11609133
    Abstract: An object is to reduce the influence of noise due to electric conduction carriers trapped between the surface of a silicon substrate and an oxide and thus achieve strain detection with a high S/N ratio. This semiconductor strain detection element includes: a silicon substrate; and a first impurity diffusion layer having a conduction type different from the silicon substrate, the first impurity diffusion layer being formed inside under a surface of the silicon substrate, wherein an amount of strain in the silicon substrate is detected on the basis of change in a resistance of the first impurity diffusion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takaki Sugino, Koji Tanimoto, Yuji Kawano
  • Patent number: 11608190
    Abstract: A support panel assembly includes a lower panel, an upper panel pivotally coupled to the lower panel by a central pedestal, and a first pressure sensor coupled to the central pedestal. In at least one example, the central pedestal is formed of an elastomeric material. In at least one example, bumpers extend downwardly from a lower surface of the upper panel. In at least one example, a sealing closeout extends around peripheral edges of the lower panel and the upper panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Jamie J. Childress
  • Patent number: 11604105
    Abstract: An adhesive strain sensing pod includes at least one strain sensor, electronics for electrically sensing at least one strain signal from the at least one strain sensor, and a sensor adhesive for adhering the strain sensor to a surface of a structural element. The pod may have a protective case for protecting the strain sensor and the electronics and for transferring at least part of a force, pressing the pod against the surface, to press the strain sensor against the surface. The sensor adhesive may be a liquid adhesive contained in a fragile pouch that ruptures when the pod is forced against the surface, or may be a thermally activated adhesive film that is activated to bond the strain sensor to the surface. A protective film may protect the sensor adhesive prior to installation of the pod and is removed prior to installation of the pod on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: 4IIII INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Kipling William Fyfe, James Hildebrandt, Ken Fyfe, Anna Miasnikova
  • Patent number: 11596146
    Abstract: An embalming machine including a housing, at least one fluid tank supported by the housing, a plurality of hose segments disposed at least partially within the housing, a centrifugal fluid transfer pump, a pressure gauge, and a first solenoid is disclosed. The pump is engaged with at least one hose segment of the plurality of hose segments. The pressure gauge is configured to read a pressure of the fluid flowing therethrough. The first solenoid is configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough when current is applied to the first solenoid, and is configured to prevent fluid from flowing therethrough when no current is applied to the first solenoid, wherein the centrifugal fluid transfer is controlled to improve displacement output and pressure of embalming fluid entering a cadaver during an embalming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Joseph Mario Bernaudo
  • Patent number: 11598688
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a cylindrical case defining an inner space in communication with an outer space; a pressure detector provided in the inner space and configured to detect a gauge pressure of a target fluid; an atmospheric pressure detector configured to detect an atmospheric pressure; and an electronic component configured to calculate an absolute pressure of the target fluid on a basis of the gauge pressure and the atmospheric pressure. The absolute pressure is obtained without requiring airtightness of the case between the inner space and the outer space, and thus, there is no requirement for a seal member to be included between the inner space and the outer space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: NAGANO KEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuya Saito, Yuma Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11592347
    Abstract: A resonant pressure sensor with improved linearity includes a substrate including a substrate-fixed portion fixed to a housing-fixed portion and a substrate-separated portion separated from the housing-fixed portion in a first direction; a first resonator disposed in the substrate-separated portion to detect a change of a resonance frequency based on a strain caused by static pressure applied by a pressure-receiving fluid interposed in a gap between the housing-fixed portion and the substrate; a first electrode extending along a second direction to output an excitation signal to the first resonator; a second electrode that extends along the second direction and from which the first resonator outputs a signal having the resonance frequency; and a processor that measures the static pressure based on the detected change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeto Iwai, Atsushi Yumoto, Makoto Noro, Takashi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11592349
    Abstract: Example apparatuses and systems for a combined temperature and pressure sensing device with improved electronic protection are provided. An example apparatus includes a media isolation chamber assembly having a sleeve member and a bellows member, a first circuit board element disposed in the bellows member and encapsulated by insulator media in the bellows member, a pressure sensing element disposed in the bellows member and electrically coupled to the first circuit board element; and a temperature sensing element disposed in the sleeve member and electrically coupled to the first circuit board element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Palani Thanigachalam, Vijayakumar S, Nirmala H J
  • Patent number: 11585714
    Abstract: An oil-fill pressure transducer including a flexible member configured to protect an isolation diaphragm and sensing element. The pressure transducer includes a sensing element mounted to the header, an isolation diaphragm mounted on the front side of the header, and adjacent to the sensing element such that an oil-fill cavity is defined between the sensing element and the isolation diaphragm. The flexible member is disposed adjacent to the isolation diaphragm and a retention member is disposed adjacent to the flexible member. A cavity in communication with the retention member is configured to transmit pressure media to the isolation diaphragm via the flexible member. The flexible member can include thru-holes. The flexible member may compress under an applied positive pressure change. The flexible member may temporarily separate from at least a portion of the isolation diaphragm under an applied negative pressure change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: KULITE SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Gardner, Louis DeRosa, Richard Martin
  • Patent number: 11585700
    Abstract: A stretchable sensor is provided. The stretchable sensor includes a first stretchable electrode including a first elastomer and a first conductor dispersed in the first elastomer, a stretchable active layer formed on the first stretchable electrode and including a third elastomer and an ion conductor dispersed in the third elastomer, and a second stretchable electrode formed on the stretchable active layer and including a second elastomer and a second conductor dispersed in the second elastomer. The stretchable sensor is effectively capable of sensing a temperature without being affected by strain and recognizing strain without being affected by temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignees: POSTECH RESEARCH AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Unyong Jeong, Insang You, Zhenan Bao
  • Patent number: 11585710
    Abstract: A pressure sensor device for a pressure sensor, in particular a capacitive pressure sensor, having a pressure chamber bounded by a movable sensing membrane and a stationary counterelectrode of the pressure sensor device. The sensing membrane and the counterelectrode each run in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the pressure sensor device. The sensing membrane is directly or indirectly spring-mounted, in particular spring-mounted in two-dimensional fashion, in the pressure chamber relative to the counterelectrode by at least one micromechanical spring element, in particular a plurality of micromechanical spring elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jochen Reinmuth
  • Patent number: 11578547
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter improve techniques for measuring downhole attributes. A method for determining a flow rate of a fluid includes positioning a tubular within a wellbore formed in a subsurface formation, wherein a flow of fluid is to move through the tubular. An orifice plate is positioned in the tubular. The orifice plate is movable between a first position and a second position to alter a flow area of the flow of fluid moving through the tubular. The method includes detecting a change in a downhole attribute that changes in response to the alteration of the flow area of the flow of fluid. Sensors positioned within or in communication with an interior of the tubular can detect the change in the downhole attribute. The method further includes determining a flow rate of the flow of fluid based on the detected change in the downhole attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikko K. Jaaskelainen, Cole Aaron Grandjean
  • Patent number: 11573144
    Abstract: A pressure detector includes a first board with a first pressure inlet, a first groove, and a first board electrode; a second board with a second pressure inlet, a second groove, and a second board electrode; and a sensing unit arranged therebetween with a diaphragm. The first groove is in communication with the first pressure inlet so as to prevent the formation of a closed space between the first board and the diaphragm when they contact with each other. The second groove is in communication with the second pressure inlet so as to prevent the formation of a closed space between the second board and the diaphragm when they contact each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: NAGANO KEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masashi Ogawa, Atsushi Imai
  • Patent number: 11573169
    Abstract: A method of conducting a shear strength test on a semiconductor element with improved pressing force direction includes pressing a peripheral surface of the semiconductor element with a shear tool in a direction inclined to gradually head away from the surface of the substrate along the direction of pressing to conduct a shear strength test with a die shear strength tester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: NICHIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Maruno, Wataru Okamoto
  • Patent number: 11573158
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam sample concentrator and conditioning (SSCC) system. The SSCC finds use in concentrating impurities carried in steam (e.g., used in power generation and other industrial processes) and facilitating steam analysis. A device for determining steam purity includes an isokinetic flow control device that maintain isokinetic flow of a steam sample stream through a nozzle, and a pump that prevents the steam sample stream from becoming superheated after the isokinetic flow control device. A contactor condenses the steam sample stream, and a separator that separates a condensate sample stream from a residual steam stream sample. A flowmeter measures a flowrate of the condensate sample stream and an analyzer is configured to measure impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: THERMOCHEM, INC.
    Inventor: Paul von Hirtz
  • Patent number: 11561138
    Abstract: A transparent resistive pressure sensor and method of making the same are disclosed. The transparent resistive pressure sensor may include a flexible pressure substrate, a pressure electrode layer, an elastic dielectric spacer with microstructure, a transparent pressure-sensitive composite layer composed of a transparent polymer dielectric matrix and a conductive one-dimensional nanomaterial oriented substantially in a thickness direction of the transparent pressure-sensitive composite layer, a support electrode layer, and a support substrate, where the elastic dielectric spacer with microstructure may include a transparent elastic dielectric film and a plurality of size-varied straight holes penetrating through the transparent elastic dielectric film in a thickness direction of the transparent elastic dielectric film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: RET EQUIPMENT INC.
    Inventors: Yu Qiu, Frank Hu
  • Patent number: 11561145
    Abstract: A sensor membrane structure is provided. The sensor membrane structure includes a substrate, a first insulating layer, and a device layer. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. A cavity is formed on the first surface, an opening is formed on the second surface, and the cavity communicates with the opening. The cavity and the opening penetrate the substrate in a direction that is perpendicular to the first surface. The first insulating layer is disposed on the first surface of the substrate. The device layer is disposed on the first insulating layer. The first insulating layer is disposed for protecting the sensor membrane structure from overetched and remain stable during the etching process, increasing the yield of the sensor membrane structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: NUVOTON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chung-Lung Hsu, Kuang-Chu Chen, Peng-Chan Hsiao, Han-Ying Liu