Patents Examined by Sean Curtis
  • Patent number: 10215809
    Abstract: A system for verifying operation of a contact includes a voltage source connected to a first terminal of the contact through a first switch; a second switch connected to a second terminal of the contact; a third switch connected to the second terminal of the contact; a voltage output connected to the second switch and the third switch; and a controller to compare the voltage output to a first voltage and a second voltage; wherein the voltage output indicates operation of the contact in response to status of the first switch, the switch and the third switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bryan Mills, James Pelletier, Oduwa Osagiede, Ronie Lavon
  • Patent number: 10197605
    Abstract: A power metering circuit includes a current input path for receiving an analog current input at a first analog to digital converter; a voltage input path for receiving an analog voltage input at a second analog to digital converter; a multiplier configured to multiply an output of the current input path and the voltage input path; a notch filter configured to receive an output of the multiplier, the notch filter having a stop band based on a line frequency; and a control circuit for setting a sampling frequency of the first analog to digital converter and the second analog to digital converter to a multiple of the line frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Vincent Quiquempoix, Michael Brumann
  • Patent number: 10184780
    Abstract: A position sensor for an actuator having a measuring shaft capable of pivoting less than, for example, 360° around a pivot axis. The position sensor can include an angle sensor to detect an actual angular position of the measuring shaft relative to a stationary reference point. The measuring shaft can include a first section extending coaxially to the pivot axis for introducing a pivotal movement to the measuring shaft corresponding to a control movement of an actuator rod, and a second section extending coaxially to the pivot axis to which a measuring shaft-based angle sub-sensor can be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSON AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Christian Mellinger, Sven Rausch
  • Patent number: 10184979
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a device holder including a device placement area configured to hold an electronic device, and a shoulder extending peripherally around the device placement area; a laser line generator configured to generate a laser line that includes (i) a device placement area laser line portion, and (ii) a shoulder area laser line portion; a camera configured to obtain an image of at least the laser line; and a processor configured to: receive the image from the camera, determine (i) an angle of the device placement area laser line portion, and/or (ii) an offset between the location of the device placement area laser line portion and the location of the shoulder area laser line portion, and determine whether an electronic device is positioned in the device placement area or positioned incorrectly in the device holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Delta Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Kexiang Ken Ding, Chris Do, James Frandsen
  • Patent number: 10184973
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting difference in operating characteristics of a main circuit by using a replica circuit is presented. In one exemplary case, a sensed difference in operating characteristics of the two circuits is used to drive a tuning control loop to minimize the sensed difference. In another exemplary case, several replica circuits of the main circuit are used, where each is isolated from one or more operating variables that affect the operating characteristic of the main circuit. Each replica circuit can be used for sensing a different operating characteristic, or, two replica circuits can be combined to sense a same operating characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: pSemi Corporation
    Inventors: Dan William Nobbe, Ronald Eugene Reedy, Peter Bacon, James S. Cable
  • Patent number: 10180476
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a quantitative parameter map using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes providing magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) data acquired with an MRI system from a subject. The MRF data represents a plurality of different signal evolutions acquired using different acquisition parameter settings. The method also includes providing a database comprising a plurality of sub-dictionaries, each sub-dictionary including a plurality of signal templates, sequentially comparing the MRF data to each of the sub-dictionaries to estimate quantitative parameters, and generating a quantitative parameter map of the subject using the estimate quantitative parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventor: Ouri Cohen
  • Patent number: 10177021
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods and apparatuses involving a chip carrier having openings therein that align integrated circuit (IC) chips relative to an alignment feature. The IC chips and carrier are tested, such as by final testing the affixed IC chips after manufacture, and further testing after subjecting the affixed IC chips to one or more stress conditions. A test probe is aligned to one or more contacts on each chip based on the location of an alignment feature of the carrier relative to the opening in which the IC chip being tested is located. Responsiveness of the IC chip, before and after application of the one or more stress conditions, can be assessed by probing the IC chip via the aligned test probe, and assessing electrical signals received over the test probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Chung Hsiung Ho, Wen-Hsuan Lin, Ju-Hsuan Ko, Chih Hung Chang
  • Patent number: 10175324
    Abstract: In a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging apparatus and control method therefor, multiple frequency spectra of a material of the examination object are detected using at least one radio-frequency coil of and MR scanner, the coil having a number of coil elements and at least two of the frequency spectra are detected individually detected by respective, different coil elements. A number of resonant frequencies of at least one molecule in the material are established in the number of frequency spectra. Control information is formulated based on the number of resonant frequencies. The magnetic resonance scanner is controlled using the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Simon Bauer, Swen Campagna, Uvo Hoelscher, Daniel Niederloehner, Dominik Paul
  • Patent number: 10175294
    Abstract: A device includes a test pad on a chip. A first microbump has a first surface area that is less than a surface area of the test pad. A first conductive path couples the test pad to the first microbump. A second microbump has a second surface area that is less than the surface area of the test pad. A second conductive path couples the test pad to the second microbump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Wu, Hsien-Pin Hu, Shang-Yun Hou, Shin-Puu Jeng, Chen-Hua Yu, Chao-Hsiang Yang
  • Patent number: 10168399
    Abstract: The embodiments relate to a method and field probes for measuring a static and/or in particular a dynamic magnetic field in an imaging magnetic resonance tomography system, wherein the field probe includes a body surrounded by a coil. The coil includes a middle or center winding section and at least one or two outer winding sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Rehner, Markus Vester
  • Patent number: 10162021
    Abstract: A magnetic measurement device has a magnetic sensor including a glass cell having alkali metal gas encapsulated therein that is configured to detect a magnetic field using a magneto-optical characteristic of spin-polarized alkali metal. A laser light source is configured to generate pump light introduced into the magnetic sensor and a coil provided in the same magnetically shielded space as the magnetic sensor is configured to apply a static magnetic field and a RF magnetic field to the magnetic sensor. A signal processor is configured to perform lock-in detection of a light detection signal transmitted through the glass cell of the magnetic sensor, control an intensity of the static magnetic field and a frequency of the RF magnetic field generated by the coil according to a lock-in detection output, and obtain a measurement signal reflecting a magnetic field intensity of an object to be measured in the magnetically shielded space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuzo Kawabata, Akihiko Kandori, Taro Osabe, Seiichi Suzuki, Yuudai Kamada
  • Patent number: 10161962
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a universal test cell includes a plurality of test slots configured to receive a plurality of universal test containers each including similar dimensions. Each universal test container is configured to enclose each of a plurality of different devices to test. Each universal test container includes an external electrical interface configured to couple to each of the plurality of different devices to test. The universal test cell is configured to test the plurality of different devices while each is located within a universal test container of the plurality of universal test containers. The universal test cell includes a plurality of universal electrical interfaces that are each configured to couple with the external electrical interface of each universal test container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Ben Rogel-Favila, Roland Wolff, Eric Kushnick, James Fishman
  • Patent number: 10151801
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the status of a plurality of connected battery cells in a battery pack includes: arranging the battery cells in at least two groups of cells; connecting the groups of cells to a sensor unit; and providing a measurement of at least one parameter indicative of the state of operation of the battery pack by the sensor unit. The method further includes arranging the groups of cells in a manner so that at least two of the groups include two or more cells and at least two of the groups overlap so that a cell forms part of the overlapping groups; and connecting the sensor unit to the groups; and wherein the number of groups is less than the number of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Esteban Gelso, Jonas Hellgren
  • Patent number: 10139254
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a measurement sensor for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle has a body and an electronic measurement module mounted in the body. The method includes molding the body of the sensor so as to define, in one and the same material, a base for fastening the sensor, an element for receiving the electronic measurement module, and a seal. The element delineates a space for receiving the electronic measurement module and includes a first cylindrical portion with a circular cross section and a second cylindrical portion with a circular cross section. The diameter of the second cylindrical portion is smaller than the diameter of the first cylindrical portion. The method further includes mounting the electronic measurement module in the reception space, and overmolding the element for receiving the electronic measurement module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignees: Continental Automotive France, Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Throm, Hervè Contet, Denis Itard
  • Patent number: 10138005
    Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventors: Tracy L. Gibson, Martha K. Williams, Mark E. Lewis, Luke B. Roberson, Pedro J. Medelius
  • Patent number: 10135200
    Abstract: A platform embedded in an electrical cable that stores and transmits data or information related to the electrical cable is designed. The embedded platform includes a non-volatile memory element to store product data describing at least one of electrical characteristics and certifications of the electrical cable. The platform also includes a current detector to detect a current that flows in the electrical cable based on a magnetic field generated by the current. The platform further includes a communication circuit to transmit at least one of the stored product data and information related to the detection of the current to a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marvin M. Misgen, Michael P. Petrich, Joseph F. Prisco
  • Patent number: 10126387
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus has a computer designed to emit, on each of at least one control channel, a control signal generated from a sequence of values to control, via each channel, at least one component of the magnetic resonance apparatus. A buffer device is provided for each channel, which includes at least one read control device and a control buffer memory for that control channel. A software tool running on the computer is designed to determine the values as a function of predefined parameters and write them to the control buffer memory. The read control device is designed to read values from the control buffer memory and to supply them, with a read clock derived from a clock that was set independently of the computer, to the respective component. For each of the control buffer memories, the order in which the values are read corresponds to the order in which they are written.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Georg Pirkl
  • Patent number: 10126391
    Abstract: A combined-modality imaging assembly includes a Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging system and a nuclear imaging system. The nuclear imaging system has a plurality of (M) modules; and the combined imaging assembly includes a timing control unit having a reference clock unit; and at least one of a phase shifting unit and a frequency shifting unit. At least one of the phase shifting unit and the frequency shifting unit is configured to receive a reference clock signal from the reference clock unit and to generate a plurality of (M) shifted clock signals for clocking the (M) modules such that at least one of the (M) shifted clock signals is shifted respective the reference clock signal in at least one of frequency or phase. In so doing, reduced interference between the modules of the nuclear imaging system and the MR imaging system is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Bjoern Weissler, Pierre Gebhardt, Jacob Adrian Clemens Wehner, Volkmar Schulz
  • Patent number: 10123417
    Abstract: A dual printed circuit board assembly, a printed circuit board, and a modular printed circuit board are provided. The printed circuit board includes a plurality of first connection points. The modular printed circuit board includes a plurality of second connection points. The modular printed circuit board is adapted to be mounted on the printed circuit board and includes a sensing unit, a first detecting unit, and a first notifying unit. The sensing unit outputs a detecting voltage according to a contact state between the first connection points and the second connection points. The first detecting unit determines whether the first connection points are respectively connected to the corresponding second connection points according to the detecting voltage. When one of the first connection points is not connected to the corresponding one of the second connection points, the first detecting unit controls the first notifying unit to issue a notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Wistron NeWeb Corp.
    Inventors: Cheng-Hsien Hsu, Chih-Yuan Chiang, Cheng-Huang Chen
  • Patent number: 10119389
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may include a magnetic dipole transmitter to be located in a ranging well. A voltage measurement device can include a plurality of probes where each probe is to be located on one of a target well, the ranging well or a surface of a geological formation comprising the ranging well and the target well. A controller coupled to the voltage measurement device calculates a distance or relative direction between the target well and the ranging well based on a voltage difference between the plurality of probes. The distance/direction can be used to control drilling operations. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Burkay Donderici