Patents Examined by Octavia Hollington
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Patent number: 11105694Abstract: The invention relates to a torque sensor (1000; 1100) having a base body (1001; 1101) which extends in a radial direction (Y) of the base body from an annular inner flange (1003; 1103) having first force application points (1005; 1105), via a mechanically weakened sensor portion (1007; 1107) equipped with measurement transducers (10, 20) which generate output signals, to an annular outer flange (1009; 1109) having second force application points (1011; 1111), wherein a rubber-elastic sealing membrane (1031; 1131) arranged axially between the outer flange (1009; 1109) and the inner flange (1003; 1103) covers the mechanically weakened sensor portion (1007; 1107) in a fluid-tight manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Sensodrive GMBHInventors: Matthias Haehnle, Norbert Sporer, Michael Grandl, Mathias Sattler
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Patent number: 11099088Abstract: A torque sensor assembly is used with a driveline component. The torque sensor assembly includes a holder, a sleeve, and at least one strain sensor. The holder includes a side wall that has a holder outer surface and a holder inner surface. The holder outer surface is corresponding to and attached to an aperture of the driveline component. The sleeve is corresponding to and attached to the holder inner surface. The strain sensor is attached to the sleeve and used to sense a strain in the driveline component.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Steven R. Whiteman, Jonathan D. Forster, Dean H. Lehrke, Stacy K. Worley
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Patent number: 11099087Abstract: A torque detecting device detects a torsional torque between a first shaft and a second shaft based on a torsional displacement of a resilient member linking the first shaft and the second shaft coaxially. The torque detecting device is provided with: a magnet fixed to the first shaft; a first yoke fixed to the second shaft and arranged to be rotatable with respect to the magnet; a second yoke fixed to the second shaft and arranged to be rotatable together with the first yoke with respect to the magnet; a magnetic flux collector which collects magnetic flux; and a magnetic sensor which detects magnetic flux density. The magnetic flux collector is located to face both the first yoke and the second yoke. The magnetic sensor is located between the first yoke, from among the first yoke and the second yoke, and the magnetic flux collector, and detects the magnetic flux density between the first yoke and the magnetic flux collector.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2019Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, SOKEN, INC.Inventors: Ken Tanaka, Toshiro Suzuki, Satoru Jinno, Shigetoshi Fukaya
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Patent number: 11092502Abstract: A torque sensor is provided with a torsion bar which converts torque applied between a first shaft and a second shaft into a torsional displacement. A multipole magnet is fixed to one end side of either the first shaft or the torsion bar and in which N poles and S poles are magnetized alternately in a circumferential direction. A plurality of first yokes is provided in the circumferential direction on a radially outer side of the multipole magnet. A plurality of second yokes is provided in the circumferential direction on the radially outer side of the multipole magnet in such a way that each second yoke is sandwiched between two first yokes. A set of magnetic flux collecting members includes a first main body portion and a second main body portion, and forms a magnetic circuit in conjunction with the plurality of first yokes and the plurality of second yokes in a magnetic field generated by the multipole magnet.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, SOKEN, INC.Inventors: Toshiro Suzuki, Shigetoshi Fukaya, Satoru Jinno, Ken Tanaka
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Patent number: 11083390Abstract: A biometric sensing apparatus is employed by a person in order to obtain biometric data regarding the person. Transmitting and receiving antennas are used in order to transmit and receive signals. Measurements of the received signals are correlated with biological activity in order to provide biometric data for the person.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2020Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Tactual Labs Co.Inventor: David Holman
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Patent number: 11085840Abstract: An axial force measurement apparatus measuring an axial force of a bolt member by measuring a clamping force, of a nut member threaded onto the bolt member, which is applied to fasten a structure, includes: a sensor that applies vibration to the structure through one side of the tightened nut member and obtains, on an opposite side of the nut member, a signal by the vibration that propagates through the structure and passes through the nut member; and an analyzer that analyzes the signal received from the sensor and determines the axial force of the bolt member using a difference in propagation velocity of the signal by the vibration according to the clamping force of the nut member.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITYInventors: Jong Seong Kim, Jun Hong Park, Yeon Uk Seong, Wan Seung Kim, Gyung Min Toh
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Patent number: 11085839Abstract: Provided is a torque sensor which enables the allowable torque and sensitivity of a strain sensor to be independently set, or for which the mechanical strength can be independently set. The torque sensor comprises a first region, a second region, and a plurality of third regions which connect the first and second regions, wherein the torque to be measured is transmitted between the first and second regions through the third regions. A first strain generation part is provided between the first region and the second region, and is equipped with a first resistor. A second strain generation part is provided between the first region and the second region at a location separated from the first strain generation part, and is equipped with a second resistor.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Suzuki, Takao Ikeda
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Patent number: 11067496Abstract: A new system is described that is able to detect mechanical failures in a rotating shaft or shafts such as those which may be found in an aircraft or other mechanical device or vehicle. The system comprises a first accelerometer provided on the rotating shaft to be monitored and a reference accelerometer provided elsewhere. The system can compensate information received from these accelerometers so as to determine a fault in the rotating shaft that is being monitored.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITEDInventors: Fabien Dubois, Laura Albiol-Tendillo, Daniel Diaz-Lopez
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Patent number: 11060931Abstract: A sensor device that can reduce an assembly error of a magnetic sensor with respect to holders is provided. Magnetic sensors are disposed between first magnetism collection portions and second magnetism collection portions with a first holder and a second holder assembled to each other. A circuit board recessed portion of the second holder is provided with positioning protrusions that extend toward the first holder. A circuit board, on which the magnetic sensors are mounted, is provided with through holes. The magnetic sensors are integrally assembled to the second holder in advance with the positioning protrusions inserted through the through holes.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventor: Yuichi Toyama
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Patent number: 11060927Abstract: A strain sensor includes a viscous piezoresistive element embedded or encapsulated within a solid, flexible, resilient packaging element, and a contact contactable from the exterior of the strain sensor and defining an electrical path through or along at least a portion of the viscous piezoresistive element, the resistance of the electrical path varying with deformation of the strain sensor. The invention allows the high gauge factor of a viscous piezoresistive material to be taken advantage of in a practical device by containing the material within a packaging element. The packaging element ensures a consistent output response as a function of deformation of the strain sensor and enables the strain sensor to detect time-varying forces due to the resilient nature of the packaging element.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Nokia Technologies OyInventors: Diarmuid O'Connell, Nicholas M. Jeffers, Oliver Burns
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Patent number: 11058335Abstract: A device for measuring a force, includes: a fastening apparatus; and a sensor, which includes a measuring member arranged to move along a measurement axis, the sensor being arranged to measure a force exerted on the measuring member depending on the movement of this measuring member. The fastening apparatus is arranged to exert, during a movement of the measuring member along this measurement axis, on a carrier to which they are fastened, an average force borne by the measurement axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2017Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: ASSOCIATION INSTITUT DE MYOLOGIEInventor: Jean-Yves Hogrel
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Patent number: 11054317Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of measuring the chucking force of an electrostatic chuck. The method comprises placing a sensor wafer onto the electrostatic chuck, wherein the sensor wafer comprises a plurality of pressure sensors, and applying a chucking voltage to the electrostatic chuck. The method further comprises measuring the chucking force with the plurality of pressure sensors to determine a first chucking force profile of the electrostatic chuck, and processing a plurality of wafers on the electrostatic chuck. The method further comprises placing the sensor wafer onto the electrostatic chuck, and applying the chucking voltage to the electrostatic chuck. The method further comprises measuring the chucking force with the plurality of pressure sensors to determine a second chucking force profile of the electrostatic chuck.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Charles G. Potter, Wendell Glenn Boyd, Jr., Govinda Raj, Robert Hirahara
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Patent number: 11054353Abstract: The invention pertains to performing bonding strength testing between a test material and a container. A sample preparation device to make a test sample was disclosed. This device included a container with an insert on each end. The inserts have a portion that protrudes into the container. When test material is added to the sample preparation device, a groove was formed in test sample. These grooves reduce the amount of boundary effects that are present during testing. A system and method for performing bond strength testing was also disclosed. In this system, a test sample was formed using the sample preparation device. This is placed upon a support and a half-spherical force applier is placed on top of the test sample. A press is used to apply force to the force applier and indirectly to the test sample.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2020Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: RESTONE ASInventors: Astri Kvassnes, Jill Angelique Clausen, Benny Suryanto, Jaehwan Kim
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Patent number: 11054321Abstract: A temperature compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in electrical communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a torque sensor including a core, a driving coil and a sensing coil. The sensor head can also include a temperature sensor coupled to the sensor head. The torque sensor can be configured to measure torque applied to a selected portion of a target based upon magnetic flux passing through the target, while the temperature sensor can be configured to concurrently measure the target temperature. The temperature sensor can be positioned for avoiding interference with sensed magnetic flux. The controller can adjust the determined torque using the temperature measurements to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variation in target temperature. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dan Tho Lu, Pekka Tapani Sipila
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Patent number: 11054322Abstract: A tool for fixing a tension clamp including a pair of levers pivotable about parallel axes and carrying at their ends plier jaws that can be moved toward each other and act on the clamp. To monitor the forces occurring during the locking of a buckle and a clamping band of the tension clamp, use is made of a device that has a housing fixed with respect to the tool and power transmission arms. Each power transmission arm is at one end elastically articulated to the housing, has at the other end a contact surface for a force sensor (18) attached to the housing and has, between its ends, a bore, in which the axis of the relevant tool lever is supported. A force/time or force/path curve obtained from the sensor signals is used as a measure of the quality of the locking between the buckle and the clamping band.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Oetiker Schweiz AGInventor: Peter Steiner
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Patent number: 11047231Abstract: A borehole shear test apparatus of the present disclosure includes a main casing, a horizontal loading module and shear plates, and performs both a borehole shear test and a borehole jack test by calculating and measuring horizontal displacement produced at a borehole wall when pressed by the shear plates, and at the same time, measuring a vertical load applied when a wedge element moves down.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R & DB FOUNDATIONInventors: Choong-Ki Chung, Seung Hwan Lee, Young Woo Song, Jae Gyu Kim, Bae Lee, Won Chan Lee
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Patent number: 11047749Abstract: An electronic device is provided that includes a flexible body, a stress sensor, and a detector. The stress sensor has a piezoelectric film that is deformed by a stress resulting from bending of the body. The stress sensor detects stresses that develop respectively at an end part and a central part of the body. When the end part and the central part are bent at the same radius of curvature, the stress sensor outputs output values such that a first output value based on a stress having developed at the end part is different from a second output value based on a stress having developed at the central part. Moreover, the detector detects at least one of the first output value and the second output value having exceeded a given threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Kenichi Mori
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Patent number: 11046084Abstract: In one example a liquid level sensing device is described. The device includes a carrier and a liquid level sensing device disposed on the carrier. The liquid level sensing interface has an aspect ratio of at least 1:50. A number of liquid level sensing components are disposed on the liquid level sensing interface. The number of liquid level sensing components detect a liquid level in a liquid container. The liquid level sensing device also includes an electrical interconnect to output data collected from the number of liquid level sensing components.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Michael W. Cumbie, Chien-Hua Chen, Devin Alexander Mourey, Anthony D. Studer
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Patent number: 11045117Abstract: The provided disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining the axial orientation and location of a user's wrist using one or more sensors located on the strap, the device underbody, or both. For example, the strap can include a plurality of elastic sections and a plurality of rigid sections. Each elastic section can include one or more flex sensors. In some examples, one or more electromyography (EMG) sensors can be included to measure the user's electrical signals, and the user's muscle activity can be determined. In some examples, a plurality of strain gauges can be included to generate one or more signals indicative of any changes in shape, size, and/or physical properties of the user's wrist. In some examples, the device can include a plurality of capacitance sensors for increased granularity and/or sensitivity in measuring the amount of tension exerted by the user's wrist.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jason Lor, Siddharth Nangia
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Patent number: 11035745Abstract: A torque sensor includes: a torsion bar coaxially connecting a first shaft and a second shaft; a multipole magnet; a pair of magnetic yokes; and a magnetic sensor capable of detecting a density of magnetic flux formed by the pair of the magnetic yokes and having an inner magnetosensitive surface facing inward in a radial direction and an outer magnetosensitive surface facing outward in the radial direction when viewed along a central axis of the torsion bar. The torque sensor includes: a magnetic flux guiding member capable of magnetically coupling the magnetic yoke and the outer magnetosensitive surface of the magnetic sensor; and a water blocking portion capable of housing the magnetic sensor and the magnetic flux guiding member to restrict the magnetic sensor from coming into contact with water.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignees: SOKEN, INC., DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Ken Tanaka, Shingo Shimizu, Shigetoshi Fukaya, Satoru Jinno, Toshiro Suzuki