Patents Examined by Sean Curtis
  • Patent number: 10775199
    Abstract: A pitch compensated inductive position encoder includes a scale comprising first and second tracks including periodic patterns having a wavelength W, a detector, and signal processing. The second track pattern may be shifted along the measuring direction by a pattern offset STO relative to the first track pattern. In the detector, first-track and second-track field generating coil portions generate fields in first and second interior areas aligned with the first and second pattern tracks, respectively. First and second sensing coil configurations that are aligned with the first and second tracks, respectively, are offset relative to one another by STO+/?0.5*W along the measuring direction. In various embodiments, the first and second sensing coil configurations may have the same sequence of individual coil polarities if the generated field polarities are different, and may have inverted or opposite sequences if the generated field polarities are the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Ted Staton Cook
  • Patent number: 10777345
    Abstract: A magnetoresistance element (e.g. a spin valve) for detecting a changing magnetic field includes a pinning layer, pinned layer adjacent to the pinning layer, a spacer layer adjacent to the pinned layer, and a free layer adjacent to the spacer layer and arranged so that the spacer layer is between the pinned layer and the free layer. The pinned layer has a bias with a bias direction configured to reduce an effect of a static field on the detection of the changing magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Rémy Lassalle-Balier, Damien Dehu
  • Patent number: 10768218
    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: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: pSemi Corporation
    Inventors: Dan William Nobbe, Ronald Eugene Reedy, Peter Bacon, James S. Cable
  • Patent number: 10761171
    Abstract: A system and method for generating quantitative images of a subject using a nuclear magnetic resonance system. The method includes performing a navigator module to acquire navigator data, and performing an acquisition module during free breathing of the subject to acquire NMR data from the subject that contains one or more resonant species that simultaneously produce individual NMR signals in response to the acquisition module. The above steps are repeated to acquire data from a plurality of partitions across the volume. The navigator data is analyzed to determine if the NMR data meets a predetermined condition and if not, the above steps are repeated for at least an affected partition corresponding to NMR data that did not meet the predetermined condition. The NMR data is compared to a dictionary of signal evolutions to determine quantitative values for two or more parameters of the resonant species in the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Vikas Gulani, Nicole Seiberlich, Mark A. Griswold, Yong Chen, Bhairav B. Mehta, Simone Coppo
  • Patent number: 10754053
    Abstract: Buried utility transmitters and associated locator devices, systems, and methods used for locating utility lines, pipes, and/or other conductors that are obscured from view are disclosed. In one embodiment a buried utility transmitter includes a module generating an output current for provision to the utility so as to generate a magnetic field for detection by a utility locator, with the output current signal having modulated signaling. The transmitter system may include a tray apparatus configured to be removably dockable to the transmitter module or element or a body or frame of the transmitter system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Jesse O. Casares, Jan Soukup, Stephanie M. Bench, Justin W. Taylor, Ray Merewether, David A. Cox
  • Patent number: 10746818
    Abstract: The systems and methods described can reduce high order temperature coefficients on the Hall plate sensitivity. A temperature coefficient circuit may include a first amplifier to receive a first reference voltage generated in conjunction with a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) device and a second amplifier to receive a second reference voltage generated in conjunction with a complementary to absolute temperature (CTAT) device, the second amplifier having a second output node. A plurality of resistors may be disposed in a signal path between output node of the first amplifier and an output node of the second amplifier. The plurality of resistors may be coupled to at least one voltage-to-current converter through one or more resistors taps. The voltage-to-current converter may generate at least one current signal that can be operable to apply a multiplication factor or a division divisor to an amplifier coupled to the voltage-to-current converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventor: Juan Manuel Cesaretti
  • Patent number: 10746808
    Abstract: An electric leakage detecting device using a middle point grounding method in which detection current flowing in the resistors as well as sensitivity for detecting current is kept low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaji Haneda
  • Patent number: 10736709
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for counting sharps returned to a container. An example method of counting sharps returned to a container having at least two layers of penetrable conductive material includes periodically checking a plurality of circuits formed by the first and second layers of material to determine if each circuit is open or closed, and keeping a count of the number of closed circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. McElhinny, Steven J. Fleck, Joshua J. Hill
  • Patent number: 10739489
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method of performing a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement includes disposing a NMR measurement device in a carrier in an earth formation, applying a static magnetic field into a formation, and emitting a plurality of pulse sequences into the formation, the plurality of pulse sequences including at least a first pulse sequence having a first wait time and a second pulse sequence having a second wait time. The method also includes receiving a long wait-time echo train based on the first pulse sequence and a short wait-time echo train based on the second pulse sequence. The method further includes transforming, by a processor, the echo trains into volumetric portions including a first fluid volumetric portion, estimating a longitudinal relaxation time for the first fluid volumetric portion; and identifying whether the first fluid volumetric portion is gas or light oil based on the estimated longitudinal relaxation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Radu Coman
  • Patent number: 10732247
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for creating MR images of an examination volume, MR reference data of the examination volume are determined, and a local weighting matrix is determined using the MR reference data in order to extract MR data of the examination volume from MR signals measured in accelerated fashion with the local weighting matrix. Motion of the examination volume is determined while the MR signals measured in accelerated fashion from the examination volume are detected, whereby, if an adaptation of the reconstruction process is required when taking into consideration the determined motion, this proceeds by recalculation of the local weighting matrix taking into consideration the determined motion for correction of the determined motion, and application of the recalculated weighting matrix during the creation of the MR images which are calculated on the basis of the MR signals measured in accelerated fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Beck, Mario Zeller
  • Patent number: 10732209
    Abstract: A semiconductor test device for measuring a contact resistance includes: first fin structures, upper portions of the first fin structures protruding from an isolation insulating layer; epitaxial layers formed on the upper portions of the first fin structures, respectively; first conductive layers formed on the epitaxial layers, respectively; a first contact layer disposed on the first conductive layers at a first point; a second contact layer disposed on the first conductive layers at a second point apart from the first point; a first pad coupled to the first contact layer via a first wiring; and a second pad coupled to the second contact layer via a second wiring. The semiconductor test device is configured to measure the contact resistance between the first contact layer and the first fin structures by applying a current between the first pad and the second pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Cheng-Yi Peng, Chia-Cheng Ho, Ming-Shiang Lin, Chih-Sheng Chang, Carlos H. Diaz
  • Patent number: 10705119
    Abstract: A test probe includes an electrically insulating handle, an electrically conducting blade extending from the handle, an electrically insulating shroud including a first portion and a second portion that are at least partially disposed around the electrically conducting blade. A housing is attached to the handle such that the first portion of the shroud is disposed within the housing, and the second portion of the shroud extends from an aperture formed in the housing. A spring disposed between the handle and the shroud biases the shroud toward the aperture formed in the housing. The shroud protects the electrically conducting blade from unintentional contact with a conductor during testing. When the test probe is correctly positioned on a device being tested, the shroud retracts into the housing exposing the electrically conducting blade. When the test probe is moved away from the device, the shroud returns to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher D. Corrigan, Charles E. Marzette, Jr., David J. Gibson
  • Patent number: 10707809
    Abstract: The disclosure is provided to improve the accuracy of a ground fault position detected from a power conditioning system. A ground fault position calculation part (41) calculates a ground fault position (Pg) by using a power supply voltage of a solar cell string (11), a ground fault current (Ig), and a ground potential of an input terminal (N) measured by a power conditioning system (12). The ground fault position calculation part (41) sets a lower limit value of the power supply voltage to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiko Sano, Kotaro Nakamura, Kenji Kobayashi, Kohei Nakagawa, Makoto Ide
  • Patent number: 10698000
    Abstract: A structure and method for providing a housing which includes a high frequency (HF) connection between a device under test (DUT) having a wave port 20 and a load board via a waveguide structure. The waveguide includes a wave insert 42, a waveguide adapter 24 and a conductive compliant member 40 which maintains bias between the adapter 24 and the DUT HF port 20 while also maintaining an RF shield despite the variable height of the DUT wave port. The adapter may also include a projection 64 which is received in a recess in the waveguide so that the shielding between the waveguide and adapter has full integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Johnstech International Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Sherry, Cory Kostuchowski
  • Patent number: 10697801
    Abstract: A rotational angle detection apparatus is provided with a magnet disposed so as to be rotatable integrally with an axis of rotation, having a substantially circular shape when viewed along the axis of rotation, and including a magnetization vector component in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation; a magnetic sensor that outputs a sensor signal on the basis of change in a magnetic field accompanying rotation of the magnet; and a rotational angle detector that detects a rotational angle of the rotating body on the basis of the sensor signal output by the magnetic sensor; wherein the magnet has a curved inclined surface with a concave shape along the axis of rotation from a prescribed position on the outer side in a radial direction toward the axis of rotation, and when a circular virtual plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation and centered at the axis of rotation is established at a position opposed to the curved inclined surface, the magnetic sensor is disposed at a position at which the amplitudes
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Nagata, Kazuya Watanabe, Hiraku Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 10697800
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, among other things, embodiments of devices, systems, and methods for using 3-dimensional (3D) magnetic sensors to detect the position of a magnetic target. By using 3D magnetic sensors, a two dimensional array of such magnetic sensors can be used to determine a 3D position of a magnetic target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Analog Devices Global
    Inventor: Jochen Schmitt
  • Patent number: 10698026
    Abstract: A testing holder for a chip unit, a multi site holding frame for plural chip units and a method for testing a die thereof are provided. The proposed multi site holding frame for testing plural chip units simultaneously includes a first holder frame having a plurality of testing holders. Each of the plurality of testing holders includes a holder body containing a specific one of the plural chip units, and a pressure releasing device formed on the holder body to release an insertion pressure when the specific one of the plural chip units is inserted in the holder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Kuo-Chuan Liu, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 10684314
    Abstract: Provided is a system for testing a reference voltage circuit applicable to a reference voltage circuit. The reference voltage circuit includes a bandgap reference voltage circuit, switching elements, a first capacitor, a second capacitor and a comparator. The testing system includes a control logic unit. In a test mode, the control logic unit adjusts an allowable value of the comparator to speed up the suitability test of the switching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Nuvoton Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Te-Ming Tseng, Yeh-Tai Hung, Wen-Yi Li
  • Patent number: 10684315
    Abstract: A voltage presence indicating system intended to be connected to a voltage measurement sensor for each phase of a high-voltage electrical network, a visual indicator representing the presence of the measured voltage, a first peak limiter having a first regulation voltage so as to deliver a first sinusoidal output signal representing the measured voltage and a second peak limiter having a second regulation voltage so as to deliver a second sinusoidal output signal representing the phase angle of the measured voltage, the second regulation voltage being higher than the first regulation voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventor: Christophe Mollier
  • Patent number: 10670641
    Abstract: A semiconductor test device for measuring a contact resistance includes: first fin structures, upper portions of the first fin structures protruding from an isolation insulating layer; epitaxial layers formed on the upper portions of the first fin structures, respectively; first conductive layers formed on the epitaxial layers, respectively; a first contact layer disposed on the first conductive layers at a first point; a second contact layer disposed on the first conductive layers at a second point apart from the first point; a first pad coupled to the first contact layer via a first wiring; and a second pad coupled to the second contact layer via a second wiring. The semiconductor test device is configured to measure the contact resistance between the first contact layer and the first fin structures by applying a current between the first pad and the second pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Cheng-Yi Peng, Chia-Cheng Ho, Ming-Shiang Lin, Chih-Sheng Chang, Carlos H. Diaz