Patents Examined by Samir M. Shah
  • Patent number: 9517512
    Abstract: An ultrasonic positioning device for a five-axis machine includes an ultrasonic device and a positioning plate. The ultrasonic device is adapted to fix a material and generates ultrasonic vibrations to the material. The positioning plate is adapted to fix the ultrasonic device and pivotally connected the five-axis machine for the material to be controlled by the five-axis movement on the five-axis machine. By cooperating with the ultrasonic vibrations, a processing portion of the five-axis machine can process the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: CHUAN LIANG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jung-Chun Wu
  • Patent number: 9513309
    Abstract: An inertia sensor includes a sensor element including first and second sensing parts configured to output first and second sensing signals, an amplifier having an input port to which the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal is selectively input, a feedback circuit unit configured to be connected between the input port and the output port of the amplifier to be connected in parallel to the amplifier, a first switching element provided between the first sensing part and the amplifier, a second switching element provided between the first sensing part and the feedback circuit unit, a third switching element provided between the second sensing part and the amplifier, and a fourth switching element provided between the second sensing part and the feedback circuit unit. This inertia sensor, stabilizes output characteristics of the amplifier circuit, and suppresses generation of unwanted signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Sasaki
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9488668
    Abstract: A cycle crank includes a first portion for attachment to a cycle and a second portion spaced from the first portion for attachment to a pedal; wherein the crank includes a sensor for determining, in use, a value representative of a force applied to the crank; an angular rate sensor for determining, in use, the angular rated of rotation of the crank; and a processor for determining the angular position of the crank from the determined angular rate of rotation and associating the position with its corresponding value representative of a force applied to the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: BF1SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: John Bailey, Gavin Mark Skipper, Kevin James Ireland, James Ravi Shingleton
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9482572
    Abstract: Vibration sensing wear for soldiers or law enforcement officers include at least one sensing system having vibration sensors, at least one processing unit, and a user interface unit capable of altering the wearer of surface vibration (e.g., ground, walls, floors, ceilings, etc.), object size, and direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Scott A Strozier
  • Patent number: 9476749
    Abstract: Nesting measuring cups include a first measuring cup having a measuring portion for measuring a first volume, a first handle provided on first measuring portion, and measuring cup includes upper and lower faces. A first pour spout on first measuring portion has two spaced apart end walls defining pour spout. A second measuring cup has a second measuring portion for measuring a second volume and a second handle. Second measuring volume is smaller than first measuring volume and nests inside it. A second pour spout is on second measuring portion, and a post is provided adjacent lower face of second measuring portion. Post is engageable with a stop on upper face of first measuring portion, so user may rotate second measuring cup relative to first measuring cup until post engages stop, stops rotation of first and second measuring cups relative to each other, and achieves fixed fanned out position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventor: James Michael Wiggins
  • Patent number: 9475694
    Abstract: Vertical mount package assemblies and methods for making the same are disclosed. A method for manufacturing a vertical mount package assembly includes providing a base substrate having electrical connections for affixing to external circuitry, and providing a package having a mounting region configured to receive a device therein. Flexible electrical leads are formed between the base substrate and the package. The flexible leads can include a plurality of aligned grooves to guide bending. After forming the flexible electrical leads, the package is rotated relative to the base substrate. The aligned grooves can constrain the relative positions of the substrates during rotation, and the beveled edges of the base substrate and package can maintain a desired angular relationship (e.g., perpendicular) between the base substrate and the package after rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: ANALOG DEVICES GLOBAL
    Inventors: Arturo Martizon, Jr., Thomas M. Goida
  • Patent number: 9476897
    Abstract: A physical quantity sensor has a resonance frequency f1 in same-phase mode and a resonance frequency f3 in same-phase absorptive mode greater than the resonance frequency f1. An absolute value ?f3 is a difference between the resonance frequency f3 in the same-phase absorptive mode and a value that is the product of the resonance frequency f1 in the same-phase mode multiplied by n; an avoidance difference D indicates a degree of deviation of the absolute value ?f3 from the resonance frequency f1 in the same-phase mode. A relation (?f3>n·f1·D) is satisfied, and, simultaneously, the avoidance difference D is provided to be greater than 0%. This can avoid the vibrational excitation by resonance interference from becoming the maximum displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoya Jomori, Yoichi Mochida
  • Patent number: 9464896
    Abstract: In a case where (i) accelerations except a specific angular acceleration cause a problem of noise and (ii) low-cost production is required, the present invention provides a device for measuring an angular acceleration which device has reduced noise that is caused by accelerations except the specific angular acceleration, by having an arrangement in which an oscillator is supported by a spring structure capable of greatly restraining movement in directions except a specific rotation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9442002
    Abstract: A method and device for remotely detecting structural integrity using reflections or scattering from windows or other portions of a structure. The long geometrical lever arm of a reflection on a building window, when viewed with suitable instruments, produces detectable modulation in the reflected light from minute vibrational changes upon the glass surface, revealing fundamental resonances and structural changes and failure in the building housing the window. By sensing very small changes in intensity and polarization, information may be obtained on fundamental resonances and structural changes, including failure or imminent failure of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Spectral Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Oliver Clark
  • Patent number: 9441624
    Abstract: A sensor system for sensing liquid level in a bilge, for use in automatic bilge pump actuation. First and second field effect sensors are potted or sealed within a container or the bilge wall and are aligned in a vertical array and each comprise a substantially planar pattern of “electrodes” or conductive traces disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) along with integrated circuits used to create a loop or arc-shaped electric field. As bilge liquid rises to the proximity or level of the field effect sensors, a change in the arc-shaped electric field is sensed and, in response, a bilge pump is automatically actuated to pump liquid out of the bilge. Optionally, the pump control can be programmed by use of a microprocessor to permit control of on-off timing and prevent undesirable effects of “sloshing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Touchsensor Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Roger D. Burdi, Bruce L. Reniger
  • Patent number: 9435769
    Abstract: The transmission sensor 1T and the reception sensor 1R are disposed so as to sandwich a testing target 301 therebetween. The reception sensor 1R receives a false signal arising from a GL generated upon ML scanning by a scanning angle equal to or greater than a minimum scanning angle ?min but equal to or smaller than a maximum scanning angle ?max.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Yutaka Suzuki, Hiroaki Chiba, Takeshi Kudo
  • Patent number: 9417213
    Abstract: A method and apparatus comprises a transducer and an array of transducers. The transducer is associated with an object. The transducer has an elongate shape. The array of transducers is associated with the object. The array of transducers is substantially parallel to the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Jeong-Beom Ihn
  • Patent number: 9410842
    Abstract: A photoacoustic wave measurement device according to the present invention includes: an optical fiber that outputs pulsed light; an external spacer that is disposed between a pulsed-light output end of the optical fiber and a measurement object, and which is adapted to allow the pulsed light to pass therethrough; a piezoelectric element that receives a photoacoustic wave generated by the pulsed light from the measurement object and converts the photoacoustic wave into an electric signal; and a spacer that is disposed between the external spacer and the piezoelectric element, and which is adapted to allow the photoacoustic wave to pass therethrough. The piezoelectric element is farther from the measurement object than the pulsed-light output end. A part of the optical fiber is disposed within the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: ADVANTEST CORPORATION
    Inventor: Taiichiro Ida