Patents Examined by Walter E. Snow
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Patent number: 6693420Abstract: Control apparatus comprising at least one electrically-conductive target portion (12). A position sensor (14) in the form of a pulse induction device is arranged in proximity with the said at least one electrically-conductive portion (12) to provide a signal indicative of a position attribute of that portion. Relative movement is possible between the target portion (12) and a coil portion (14a) of the position sensor (14). Control means (16) are connected to receive such a signal from the pulse induction device (14) and to respond in dependence upon that signal. The invention extends to such a position sensor (14) itself.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Michael John Gill
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Patent number: 6693432Abstract: The present invention provides a device for in-situ measurement and recording of various environmental parameters in a semiconductor fabrication process. The device includes sensors for detecting the parameters and converting them to sensor outputs and a data logger coupled to the sensors for receiving the sensor outputs and logging them in a file. The device may also include an analog to digital converter to convert the sensor outputs to digital data and a communication module to communicate the digital data with other devices. When applied to reticles used in a semiconductor fabrication process comprising a plurality of stages, the device may be used to monitor electrostatic field and electrostatic discharge activities on and around the reticle, convert the monitored parameters into data, and log the data along with a timestamp and an identification of each individual stage.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Credence Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Vladimir Kraz
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Patent number: 6692161Abstract: An apparatus and packaging scheme that ensures that alignments between signal sending and detecting components in transceivers are optimized and maintained over the lifetime of the apparatus. This is accomplished through use of a pair of polymer optical modules, which are used to couple light sent to and received from respective fiber optic cables. During a pre-alignment process, head portions of the polymer optical modules are inserted into respective slots defined in a standoff that is mounted on an optical sub-assembly to which an emitter and detector are mounted, whereby these slots are configured so that the head portions slide along the sidewalls of the slots during assembly. During a subsequent active alignment process, each polymer optical module is positioned relative to its respective emitter or detector until a maximum signal is detected, whereupon the position of the components is quick-set using a UV-sensitive adhesive. Additional adhesive may then be added to further secure the components.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Brett Zaborsky, Rao Peddada, Andrew Alduino, Douglas Crafts, Siegfried Fleischer
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Patent number: 6693419Abstract: A proximity detector includes an offset circuit for bringing at least one of a magnetic field signal and a tracking signal towards the other one of the magnetic field signal and the tracking signal when the detector output signal changes state. A magnetic field-to-voltage transducer provides the magnetic field signal indicative of an ambient magnetic field and a peak detector responsive to the magnetic field signal provides the tracking signal which substantially follows the magnetic field signal. A comparator generates the detector output signal which changes state when the magnetic field signal varies from the tracking signal by a predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Jason T. Stauth, P. Karl Scheller, Glenn A. Forrest, Ravi Vig, Jay M. Towne
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Patent number: 6694079Abstract: A dispersion-shifted optical fiber is obtained that has a refractive index distribution shape comprising a center core portion of high refractive index, a step core portion of lower refractive index than the center core portion, provided about the outer circumference thereof, and clad of lower refractive index than the step core portion, provided about the outer circumference of the step core, in which, by suitably setting structural parameters, both Aeff expansion and dispersion slope reduction are satisfactorily effected, simultaneously, under conditions that the optical fiber is substantially single-mode, and bending loss is held down to 100 dB/m or lower.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.Inventors: Shoichiro Matsuo, Hiroshi Kutami, Shoji Tanigawa
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Patent number: 6690159Abstract: A target device is carried by or mounted on a first part movable relative to a second part. The second part has a sensing device including an array of sensors providing outputs responsive to the magnet field of the target device. A processing device receives the outputs of the sensors and calculates relative positions of the two parts based on the outputs.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Eldec CorporationInventors: Bernard Burreson, Patrick A. Knappert, Kevin G. Woolsey, Jeff Lamping, Alan Orr
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Patent number: 6690163Abstract: To provide a spin-valve magnetic head comprising a layered film having preferable magnetic properties in which an interface control film to reduce magnetostriction to almost zero is inserted. By suppressing or offsetting the influence of an interface layer which increases the magnetostriction of a soft magnetic free layer in a spin-valve magnetoresistive layered film and making the magnetic properties of the very thin soft magnetic free layer preferable, a stable magnetic head of high sensitivity which is not influenced by stress is obtained by the improvement in the magnetic properties of the very thin soft magnetic free layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2000Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Hoshiya, Katsuro Watanabe, Yasunari Tajima
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Patent number: 6690165Abstract: A magnetic pick-up coil for measuring magnetic field with high specific sensitivity, optionally with an electrostatic shield (24), having coupling elements (22) with high winding packing ratio, oriented in multiple directions, and embedded in ceramic material for structural support and electrical insulation. Elements of the coil are constructed from green ceramic sheets (200) and metallic ink deposited on surfaces and in via holes of the ceramic sheets. The ceramic sheets and the metallic ink are co-fired to create a monolithic hard ceramic body (20) with metallized traces embedded in, and placed on exterior surfaces of, the hard ceramic body. The compact and rugged coil can be used in a variety of environments, including hostile conditions involving ultra-high vacuum, high temperatures, nuclear and optical radiation, chemical reactions, and physically demanding surroundings, occurring either individually or in combinations.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1999Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventor: Hironori Takahashi
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Patent number: 6690156Abstract: A device for detecting physical objects, each object having a detectable identifier, the objects being disposed in association with a graphic display device, comprising a detector operable to detect a location of said identifier relative to said graphic display device, and to output a signal bearing information of said first location, wherein said device is operable to determine, by electronic processing, from said signal, a relative location of said physical object in relation to said graphic display device.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: N-trig Ltd.Inventors: Avish Jacob Weiner, Haim Perski, Meir Morag
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Patent number: 6686743Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and a method for controlling the static charge developed by a flowable solid as it passes through a conduit. The flowable solid is conveyed through the conduit in such a manner that the powder develops a static charge due to the triboelectric effect as it moves against the conduit walls. The static charge on the solid is then measured using a static charge measuring device such as a Faraday drum or cage.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: John James Weick, Robert Olds Hagerty, Per K. Husby, Frederick Yip-Kwai Lo
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Patent number: 6683450Abstract: An electronic sensor assembly that can be used in speed-sensing applications such as anti-lock brake systems. The sensor assembly includes a sensor element, a housing surrounding the sensor element, a sensor terminal connected to the sensor element and extending outside of the housing for electrically coupling the sensor element to a conductor, a connector terminal for mechanically and electrically coupling the sensor terminal to the conductor, and a splice band mechanically and electrically coupling the sensor terminal to the connector terminal without welding, soldering, or using a crimp bucket. In one aspect of the invention, the sensor assembly further includes a capacitor electrically and mechanically coupled to the sensor terminal and the connector terminal via the splice band. The sensor element is preferably an active sensor such as a magneto-resistive sensor or a Hall-Effect sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: SSI Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael G. Rick, Gary P. Schneider, Kenneth McDonald
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Patent number: 6683462Abstract: For measuring a capacitance with high accuracy, a capacitance measuring apparatus includes a voltage source with a current limiting function for applying different voltage values to the capacitance, and an integrator capable of continuous integrating operation for repeatedly integrating a current flowing through the capacitance at given periodic intervals. There is also disclosed a capacitance measuring method that is carried out by the capacitance measuring apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Akira Shimizu
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Patent number: 6677746Abstract: Disclosed is a wheel speed sensor for a vehicle which has a function of detecting revolution of the wheel in order to provide a uniform braking power when a vehicle brakes. The wheel speed sensor is installed at a position adjacent to a sensor rotor of a hub in the vehicle. Guiding bosses protrude from an outer periphery surface of the bobbin in the radial direction. An injected and molded housing encloses the bobbin and the first lead frame, the second lead frame and the third frame. The rubber ring is fitted into the inserting groove to cause close contact with the inner side of the housing. From this structure, the wheel speed sensor can prevent a coil open circuit and has an enhanced durability.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: VDO Halla Korea Ltd.Inventor: Young-Hwan Kim
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Patent number: 6677756Abstract: An improved induction tool for formation resistivity evaluations. The tool provides electromagnetic transmitters and sensors suitable for transmitting and receiving magnetic fields in radial directions that are orthogonal to the tool's longitudinal axis with minimal susceptibility to errors associated with parasitic eddy currents induced in the metal components surrounding the transmitter and receiver coils. The present invention provides increased effective tool surface impedance by increasing self-inductance of the paths in which induced eddy currents flow on the surface of the multi-component induction instruments. The tool enables downhole tool designers to build more effective and better-protected radial induction arrays for existing and future downhole instruments operating in the frequency and/or time domains. In this case the array measurement results contain information primarily about the formation's vertical resistivity.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Otto Fanini, Stanislav W. Forgang
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Patent number: 6677747Abstract: A rotation sensor includes a Hall element 3 for sensing a magnetic substance that is approaching, a permanent magnet that is provided adjacent the Hall element for applying a magnetic field to the Hall element, and a main body portion made of a resin and mounting the Hall element, the permanent magnet and the electronic parts electrically connected to the Hall element, wherein the resin is swollen in a taper manner in a boundary region between the permanent magnet and the main body portion, and the resin is swollen at a corner portion of the permanent magnet.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Sakanoue
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Patent number: 6677749Abstract: This invention relates to the method and apparatus for indicating roller wear in a media handling device. Such structures of this type, generally, employ the use of variable inductance to determine roller wear. The media transport roller has a non-conductive surface with a conductive core. Located just above the conductive core is a rod containing a power coil that is driven by AC excitation and a pick-up coil. The pick-up coil is connected to circuitry that measures the inductance. As the media transport roller wears, the conductive core moves closer to an inductive pick-up unit. The measured output voltage from the pick-up unit depends upon the distance between the core and the pick-up unit. This inductance change can then be correlated to media transport roller wear and relayed to the user through the use of an LED or other similar types of numerical/graphical displays.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Chet M. Butikofer, Robert W. Jewell, Ronald D. Edwards
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Patent number: 6670813Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating an image of earth formations penetrated by a wellbore. The method includes generating an initial model of the earth formations using formation resistivity measured by a direct current signal. A response to the initial model of an instrument used to make the direct current resistivity measurements is calculated. The calculated response is compared to the measurements of resistivity. The model is adjusted, and the calculating and comparing are repeated until a difference between the calculated response and measurements reaches a minimum. The adjusted model is refined based on resistivity measurements made using an electromagnetic measuring instrument, and the refined model is constrained using acoustic velocity measurements.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: KJT Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Kurt M. Strack
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Patent number: 6667611Abstract: A pulse signal generator comprises a pair of magnets (3a, 3b) for producing a magnetic field, a magnetic element wire (5) provided in the magnetic field and capable of producing large Barkhausen jumps, a wire coil (2) provided around the magnetic element wire (5) to output a pulse signal. The magnetic element wire (5) is embedded in a coil bobbin (6) as a unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoaki Ito, Masami Tanaka, Tadashi Kubota, Yasuhiro Masuzaki
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Patent number: 6661221Abstract: A magnetic field sensing element comprises an underlayer formed on a substrate, a giant magnetoresistance element formed on the underlayer for detecting a change in a magnetic field, and an integrated circuit formed on the substrate for carrying out predetermined arithmetic processing based on a change in a magnetic field detected by the giant magnetoresistance element, wherein the giant magnetoresistance element and the integrated circuit are formed on the same surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Motohisa Taguchi, Izuru Shinjo, Yuji Kawano, Tatsuya Fukami, Kazuhiko Tsutsumi, Yuuichi Sakai, Naoki Hiraoka, Yasuyoshi Hatazawa
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Patent number: 6661242Abstract: A method for determining contact resistance between an automated test equipment (ATE) system and a device under test (DUT). The DUT is configured to drive a known voltage to a pin. The ATE system is then controlled to force a first test current into the DUT at that pin. A board precision measurement unit (BPMU) of the ATE system then measures the voltage VM+ required to force the first test current. The ATE system is then controlled to force a second test current to flow out of the DUT at the same pin. The ATE system controls the second test current to have the same magnitude (but opposite direction) as the first test current. The BPMU then measures the voltage VM− required to force the second test current. The contact resistance is then determined in response to the measured voltages VM+ and VM−, and the magnitude of the test current.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.Inventor: Anthony J. Cascella