Patents Examined by Thang Le
  • Patent number: 9791504
    Abstract: Contactor arrangement of an IC test handler, comprising: a contactor unit which has test contacts for contacting an IC in test and for temporarily pressing the IC against the test contacts, a plunger head, which has a recessed central region corresponding to the geometrical configuration of the IC, such that those surface of the IC which is adjacent to the upper surface of the plunger head does not touch the plunger head surface, and a contactor unit interface, which includes a vacuum suction system for actively attracting the IC to an IC contact surface of the contactor unit interface, that corresponds with an adjacent surface of the IC having IC device contacts and, thus, towards the test contacts of the contactor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: RASCO GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Kupniewski, Christian Wammetsberger, Josef Mayer, Rainer Hittmann
  • Patent number: 9794737
    Abstract: Various embodiments associated with signal conversion while underwater are described. A source can transmit an alternating current signal with a relatively high frequency over a relatively long distance. The alternating current signal with the relatively high frequency can be converted to an alternating current signal with a relatively low frequency. An example of this conversion can be done by converting the alternating current signal with the relatively high frequency into a direct current signal. The direct current signal can then be converted into the alternating current signal with the relatively low frequency. The alternating current signal with the relatively low frequency can be transmitted from a transmission coil to a pick-up coil. After reception by the pick-up coil the alternating current signal with the relatively low frequency can be processed, such as processed to determine a direction of the source of the alternating current signal with the relatively high frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Mark Govoni, John Suarez
  • Patent number: 9784802
    Abstract: A magnetic position sensor having at least one magnetic field sensor including a solidified layer of GMR nanowire carrier fluid formed on a substrate material. The solidified layer of carrier fluid has (i) discrete GMR nanowires each having a diameter of less than about 0.5 um and a length less than about 250 um; and (ii) a concentration of GMR nanowires in the dried layer between about 0.001 and about 10 percent by weight of the solution. The position sensor further includes a detection circuit capable of detecting a change in resistance of the magnetic field sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Louisiana Tech Research Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan Cox
  • Patent number: 9788435
    Abstract: A composite substrate sensor device comprises: a first substrate sensing chip having an upper surface, a lower surface, side surfaces and scanning and receiving circuit cells; a second substrate connected to the first substrate sensing chip; an insulating layer set comprising insulating layers and disposed on upper surfaces of the second substrate and the first substrate sensing chip on a virtual common plane; scanning and receiving electrode cells disposed on an upper surface of the insulating layer set on a physical common plane substantially parallel to the virtual common plane; and scanning and receiving wires formed on the insulating layer set and electrically connecting the scanning and receiving electrode cells to the scanning and receiving circuit cells, respectively, so that the receiving circuit cells sense an electric field variation of an object through the receiving electrode cells and receiving wires. A method of manufacturing the sensor device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Mei-Yen Lee
  • Patent number: 9783139
    Abstract: A switch monitoring circuit has an external input terminal connected to a switch, a voltage applying unit that applies a driving voltage to the external input terminal, a voltage detecting unit that detects a change in the voltage at the external input terminal, a control unit connected to the voltage applying unit and voltage detecting unit, and a charge storage unit connected to the external input terminal and voltage applying unit. The charge storage unit has a voltage applying terminal to which the driving voltage is applied, a first resistive element, one of the terminals of which is connected to the external input terminal and the other of the terminals of which is connected to the voltage applying terminal, and a capacitive element, one of the terminals of which is connected to the voltage applying terminal and the other of the terminals of which is grounded. The capacitive element performs charging from the voltage applying terminal and discharging to the voltage applying terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Seino
  • Patent number: 9778325
    Abstract: A sensor device includes a high voltage component, a sensor component and a charge storage component. The sensor component utilizes a low voltage supply. The high voltage component is configured to generate the low voltage supply from a high voltage supply. The charge storage component is configured to provide charge for the low voltage supply during a power break. The charge storage component has a vertical capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Mario Motz
  • Patent number: 9772373
    Abstract: Provided is a handler apparatus that conveys a device under test to a test socket, including: an actuator that, prior to fitting of a device holder to the test socket, fits the device holder, and adjusts a position of the device under test on the device holder; and a conveyer that conveys the device holder in which a position of the device under test has been adjusted, to fit the test socket, where the device holder includes: an inner unit to mount the device under test; an outer unit to retain the inner unit to be movable; and a release button to release a lock of movement of the inner unit, in response to being pressed from a side to which the device under test is mounted, and the actuator sets the inner unit to be movable by pressing the release button and adjusts a position of the inner unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: ADVANTEST CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsunori Aizawa, Yuya Yamada
  • Patent number: 9772357
    Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus that diagnoses a cutter tool or a rotating machine based on electric power supplied to the rotating machine, includes: an electric power measurement unit that measures the electric power; and a filtering unit that filters noises input from an input side and an output side of the electric power measurement unit, the electric power measurement unit including a Hall element, and applied voltage of an electric power supply line, that supplies the electric power to the rotating machine from an inverter or a servo amplifier, is input in the Hall element, wherein the electric power is calculated based on Hall voltage that is generated, when Hall current flows through the Hall element and magnetic flux is applied to a sensor surface of the Hall element, the Hall voltage being proportional to a product of the magnetic flux and the Hall current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Matsuzoe, Tsuyoshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 9769262
    Abstract: Digital sensor for a CAN network of a vehicle, comprising a casing which comprises a first portion provided with a housing capable of receiving a first electrical cable and a second electrical cable, said first portion receiving a first electrical component and a second electrical component respectively arranged opposite said housing, and which first electrical component and second electrical component each have a substantially flat surface adapted to constitute a capacitive element with respectively a portion of said first electrical cable and a portion of said second electrical cable, such that, when said first electrical cable and said second electrical cable are received in said housing and each carry a respective CAN digital signal, said first electrical component and said second electrical component carry an electrical signal corresponding to the digital CAN signal respectively carried on said first electrical cable and on said second electrical cable, and a second portion receiving an electronic circui
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Masternaut Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Eric Medan, Jean-Yves Berenger
  • Patent number: 9753061
    Abstract: A current sensing device (1) for producing a voltage indicative of an alternating current flowing in a conductor (2) comprises a support element (5) within which a carrier element (11) is located. The carrier element (11) comprises a primary substrate (12) which is formed into a multi-channel arcuate configuration defining a plurality of longitudinally extending channels (13) with side walls (16) on which planar coils (17) are formed on respective opposite first and second major surfaces (14,15) of the primary substrate (12). The carrier element (11) is located and retained in the multi-channel arcuate configuration in a primary retaining recess (38) in the support element (5) with the planar coils (17) defining planes which extend radially from a main central axis (6) defined by the support element (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: THE NATIONAL MICROELECTRONICS APPLICATIONS CENTRE LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Sorensen, Connor Valentine O'Reilly
  • Patent number: 9746346
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a position sensor comprising a magnetic target. The magnetic target includes a magnetic multipole configured to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field has three mutually-perpendicular components at a first region. Sensor elements can be configured to measure these field components at the first region. In embodiments, comparing the amplitudes of the components can be used to determine a global position, and the instantaneous values of these components can be used to determine a local position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Udo Ausserlechner
  • Patent number: 9746514
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing measurements in p-n junctions and taking into account the lateral current for improved accuracy are disclosed. The lateral current may be controlled, allowing the spreading of the current to be reduced or substantially eliminated. Alternatively or additionally, the lateral current may be measured, allowing a more accurate normal current to be calculated by compensating for the measured spreading. In addition, the techniques utilized for controlling the lateral current and the techniques utilized for measuring the lateral current may also be implemented jointly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Sierra Gabriel Kelly-Morgan, Vladimir N. Faifer, James A. Real, Biren Salunke, Ralph Nyffenegger
  • Patent number: 9746344
    Abstract: A sensor system for detecting a position of a measuring object relative to a sensor, the system including a sensor for the provision of a measured value and an evaluation device for the evaluation of the measured value and for the provision of an evaluation result, wherein the evaluation device includes a comparison device and a timing element, the comparison device is configured for a comparison of a stored measured value with a currently detected measured value, the comparison device is configured for a provision of a control signal to the timing element if a result of the comparison meets a presettable criterion, the timing element is configured in such a way that a time measurement process is continued at the provision of the control signal and the time measurement process is started anew at an absence of the control signal, the timing element is configured in such a way that a trigger signal is output by the timing element on reaching a presettable period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: FESTO AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Torsten Heineck, Wolfgang Rieder
  • Patent number: 9739639
    Abstract: A rotation angle detection device includes a lever, a cylindrical part, a magnet, and a magnetic sensing element. The lever includes a base and a shaft projecting in the direction of the rotation axis of the base and integrated with the base. The cylindrical part has a first end close to or in contact with the base, and a second end opposite to the first end and farther from the base than the first end. The shaft is inserted in the cylindrical part and is rotatably supported by the cylindrical part. The magnet is attached to the end of the shaft. The magnetic sensing element faces the magnet with a predetermined gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yamashita, Kiyotaka Sasanouchi, Takumi Obayashi
  • Patent number: 9739972
    Abstract: An optical inspection fixture includes a first bracket, a second bracket and at least one loading surface. The first bracket is provided with at least one first arm. The second bracket and the first bracket are separated from each other so as to define a light traveling path that lights can go through. The second bracket is provided with at least one second arm which is separated from the first arm. The loading surface is between the first bracket and the second bracket, and connected to at least one of the first arm and the second arm, and the loading surface is used to carry an optical conversion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignees: GLOBAL UNICHIP CORPORATION, TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang-Ming Liu, Tsung-Ju Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9727068
    Abstract: Systems and methods dynamically assess energy efficiency by obtaining a minimum energy consumption of a system, receiving in a substantially continuous way a measurement of actual energy consumption of the system, and comparing the minimum energy consumption to the measurement of actual energy consumption to calculate a substantially continuous energy performance assessment. The system further provides at least one of a theoretical minimum energy consumption based at least in part on theoretical performance limits of system components, an achievable minimum energy consumption based at least in part on specifications for high energy efficient equivalents of the system components, and the designed minimum energy consumption based at least in part on specifications for the system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: MELROK, LLC
    Inventors: Michel Roger Kamel, Paul W. Donahue
  • Patent number: 9720052
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor drive circuit that measures a magnetic field by passing a feedback current, which cancels changes in magnetic flux density using measured magnetic field, through a prescribed coil. The drive circuit includes: a first circuit block which controls the feedback current by using an external power source as a power source; a second circuit block which has an output adjustment circuit adjusting a signal according to the strength of the feedback current to be a signal proportional to the voltage of the power source; a first power source line which supplies the external power source to the first circuit block; a second power source line which supplies the external power source to the second circuit block in parallel to the first power source line; a first low pass filter; and a second low pass filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Miyako Gohara, Kenichi Ohmori
  • Patent number: 9709422
    Abstract: A rotation angle and stroke amount detection device includes a sensor unit, a rotation angle calculation unit, and a stroke amount calculation unit. The sensor unit includes sin and cos sensors which are magnetic sensing elements that detect changes in a magnetic field caused by rotation or linear displacement of a detection target. The sensor unit outputs sin and cos signals based on detection values of the sin and cos sensors. The rotation angle calculation unit calculates a rotation angle of the detection target based on the sin and cos signals output by the sensor unit. The stroke amount calculation unit calculates a stroke amount of the detection target based on the same signals as those used by the rotation angle calculation unit, i.e., the sin and cos signals. Accordingly, the configuration of the sensor unit may be simplified and the physical size of the device may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seiji Nishimoto, Akitoshi Mizutani
  • Patent number: 9702905
    Abstract: The probe unit includes probe groups of two or more contact probes to be in contact with one electrode of a contact target body on a side of one end in a longitudinal direction and the respective contact probes are to be in contact with separate electrodes of a board on a side of another end. The contact probe includes an end portion arranged on the side of one end, having nail portions in a tapered end shape, and brought into contact with the one electrode at the nail portions; a second contact unit arranged on the side of another end, and to be in contact with a corresponding electrode of the board; and a coil spring arranged between the end portion and the second contact unit, and biasing the end portion and the second contact unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Yamada, Makoto Yumino, Mitsuhiro Kondo, Satoshi Shoji
  • Patent number: 9702734
    Abstract: A rotation angle detection device includes a lever, a cylindrical part, a magnet, and a magnetic sensing element. The lever includes a base and a shaft projecting in the direction of the rotation axis of the base and integrated with the base. The cylindrical part has a first end close to or in contact with the base, and a second end opposite to the first end and farther from the base than the first end. The shaft is inserted in the cylindrical part and is rotatably supported by the cylindrical part. The magnet is attached to the end of the shaft. The magnetic sensing element faces the magnet with a predetermined gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yamashita, Kiyotaka Sasanouchi, Takumi Obayashi