Patents by Inventor Anthony D. Kurtz

Anthony D. Kurtz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9915578
    Abstract: There is disclosed a high temperature pressure sensing system which includes a SOI, silicon carbide, or gallium nitride Wheatstone bridge including piezoresistors. The bridge provides an output which is applied to an analog to digital converter also fabricated using SOI, silicon carbide, or gallium nitride materials. The output of the analog to digital converter is applied to microprocessor, which microprocessor processes the data or output of the bridge to produce a digital output indicative of bridge value. The microprocessor also receives an output from another analog to digital converter indicative of the temperature of the bridge as monitored by a span resistor coupled to the bridge. The microprocessor has a separate memory coupled thereto which is also fabricated from SOI, silicon carbide, or gallium nitride materials and which memory stores various data indicative of the microprocessor also enabling the microprocessor test and system test to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Wolf S. Landmann, Joseph R. VanDeWeert, Alexander A. Ned
  • Patent number: 9778126
    Abstract: A method, device and system for a gage pressure transducer including the making thereof are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a first diaphragm, a first pressure, wherein the first diaphragm is composed of metal; transferring, from the first diaphragm, to a first sensor, the first pressure using a first oil region, wherein the first oil region is disposed between the first diaphragm and the first sensor; receiving, at the first sensor, the first pressure; measuring, by the first sensor, the first pressure to generate a first pressure signal; and outputting, from the first sensor, to a first header pin, the first pressure signal, wherein the first header pin is electrically coupled to the first sensor using a first conductive glass frit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony D. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 9766146
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an internally switched multiple range transducer are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a first sensor, a pressure, wherein the first sensor is associated with a first pressure range; measuring, at the first sensor, the pressure to generate a first pressure signal; in response to determining that the first pressure signal is not associated with the first pressure range, activating a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is associated with a second pressure range that is different from the first pressure range; and measuring, at the second sensor, the pressure to generate a second pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Louis DeRosa
  • Patent number: 9739677
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a differential pressure transducer that comprises first and second diaphragms of different configurations, i.e., different diameters and/or thicknesses. The pressure transducer provides more versatility over prior art designs as the diaphragms can be of different configurations yet still maintain substantially similar back pressures. Therefore, the errors commonly associated with back pressures are eliminated because the back pressures from the diaphragms ultimately cancel out in the sensor's differential pressure measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Lou DeRosa, Robert Gardner
  • Patent number: 9709450
    Abstract: A differential pressure transducer employing a coiled tube to eliminate varying pressure fluctuations is provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at an inlet tube of a dampening chamber, a main pressure, wherein the main pressure includes a static pressure component and a dynamic pressure component; filtering, by the inlet tube, at least a portion of the dynamic pressure component of the main pressure; outputting, from the inlet tube, a first filtered main pressure; receiving, at a volume cavity of the dampening chamber, the first filtered main pressure, wherein the volume cavity is operatively coupled to the inlet tube; filtering, by the volume cavity, at least a portion of the dynamic pressure component of the first filtered main pressure; outputting, from the volume cavity, a second filtered main pressure; and wherein the dampening chamber is tuned to a predetermined resonance frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Adam Kane, Richard Martin, Robert Gardner
  • Patent number: 9470597
    Abstract: A wireless interface system that interfaces with any one of a plurality of transducers of different types, such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and current probes. The transducers employ identical connectors with a common connecting scheme. In this manner, any transducer can be connected to a wireless interface which has the same input connection scheme. When the wireless interface is connected to the transducer, a rechargeable battery, which is associated with the wireless interface, is activated. The wireless interface then determines the type of transducer being utilized and provides sufficient circuitry as well as determining the requirements of the connected transducer. In this manner, the wireless interface, besides recognizing and determining the type of transducer, can determine the range of the sensor and can provide specific circuitry to be activated to supply power and to read data from the sensor via common output pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Wolf S. Landmann
  • Publication number: 20160161353
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an internally switched multiple range transducer are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a first sensor, a pressure, wherein the first sensor is associated with a first pressure range; measuring, at the first sensor, the pressure to generate a first pressure signal; in response to determining that the first pressure signal is not associated with the first pressure range, activating a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is associated with a second pressure range that is different from the first pressure range; and measuring, at the second sensor, the pressure to generate a second pressure signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Louis DeRosa
  • Patent number: 9360385
    Abstract: A semiconductor filter is provided to operate in conjunction with a differential pressure transducer. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a filter having a plurality of apertures, a pressure, wherein the pressure includes a static pressure component and a dynamic pressure component; filtering, by the plurality of apertures, at least a portion of the dynamic pressure component of the pressure, wherein a diameter of each of the plurality of apertures is such that the plurality of apertures filters at least the portion of the dynamic pressure component of the pressure; outputting, from the filter, a filtered pressure; and wherein the filtered pressure is used to determine the dynamic pressure component of the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Boaz Kochman, Tonghuo Shang
  • Patent number: 9341534
    Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices and systems associated with filter structures employed with sensors. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a first filter having a plurality of pores, a pressure, wherein the pressure includes a static pressure component and a dynamic pressure component; filtering, by the first filter, at least a portion of the dynamic pressure component of the pressure; outputting, from the first filter, a filtered pressure; and wherein the filtered pressure is used to determine the dynamic pressure component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Boaz Kochman, Adam Hurst, Tonghuo Shang
  • Patent number: 9316551
    Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices and systems associated with a torque-insensitive header assembly. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, by a sensor, from an aperture defined by a shell, an environmental condition, wherein the sensor is coupled to a header and the header is coupled to the shell such that the sensor is isolated from a torque stress applied to the shell; measuring, by the sensor, the environmental condition to determine an environmental condition signal; and outputting, from the sensor, the environmental condition signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Boaz Kochman, Adam Kane
  • Patent number: 9291516
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an internally switched multiple range transducer are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a first sensor, a pressure, wherein the first sensor is associated with a first pressure range; measuring, at the first sensor, the pressure to generate a first pressure signal; in response to determining that the first pressure signal is not associated with the first pressure range, activating a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is associated with a second pressure range that is different from the first pressure range; and measuring, at the second sensor, the pressure to generate a second pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Louis DeRosa
  • Patent number: 9182308
    Abstract: An oil-filled pressure transducer having reduced back pressure, comprising an alignment plate having a sensor accommodating aperture, a sensor module inserted into the sensor accommodating aperture, a header surrounding the alignment plate, the header having a protruding top surface, and a diaphragm disposed on the protruding top surface to create a relatively small oil accommodating region between the diaphragm and the sensor. This configuration reduces the oil volume required for operation, which ultimately reduces the back pressure applied against the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony D. Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20150300901
    Abstract: There is disclosed a high temperature pressure sensing system which includes a SOI, silicon carbide, or gallium nitride Wheatstone bridge including piezoresistors. The bridge provides an output which is applied to an analog to digital converter also fabricated using SOI, silicon carbide, or gallium nitride materials. The output of the analog to digital converter is applied to microprocessor, which microprocessor processes the data or output of the bridge to produce a digital output indicative of bridge value. The microprocessor also receives an output from another analog to digital converter indicative of the temperature of the bridge as monitored by a span resistor coupled to the bridge. The microprocessor has a separate memory coupled thereto which is also fabricated from SOI, silicon carbide, or gallium nitride materials and which memory stores various data indicative of the microprocessor also enabling the microprocessor test and system test to be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Wolf S. Landmann, Joseph R. VanDeWeert, Alexander A. Ned
  • Publication number: 20150260599
    Abstract: A method, device and system for a gage pressure transducer including the making thereof are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a first diaphragm, a first pressure, wherein the first diaphragm is composed of metal; transferring, from the first diaphragm, to a first sensor, the first pressure using a first oil region, wherein the first oil region is disposed between the first diaphragm and the first sensor; receiving, at the first sensor, the first pressure; measuring, by the first sensor, the first pressure to generate a first pressure signal; and outputting, from the first sensor, to a first header pin, the first pressure signal, wherein the first header pin is electrically coupled to the first sensor using a first conductive glass frit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Anthony D. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 9127993
    Abstract: A method, device and system are provided for measuring multiple pressures under severe conditions. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, by a processor, from a first sensor, a first pressure signal; receiving, by the processor, from a second sensor, a second pressure signal; receiving, by the processor, from a first memory, a first correction coefficient for the first sensor; receiving, by the processor, from a second memory, a second correction coefficient for the second sensor; modifying, by the processor, the first pressure signal using the first correction coefficient to generate a first corrected pressure signal; modifying, by the processor, the second pressure signal using the second correction coefficient to generate a second corrected pressure signal; and outputting, by the processor, the first corrected pressure signal and the second corrected pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Alexander A. Ned, Joseph R. VanDeWeert
  • Patent number: 9105752
    Abstract: There is disclosed a high temperature pressure sensing system which includes a SOI, silicon carbide, or gallium nitride Wheatstone bridge including piezoresistors. The bridge provides an output which is applied to an analog to digital converter also fabricated using SOI, silicon carbide, or gallium nitride materials. The output of the analog to digital converter is applied to microprocessor, which microprocessor processes the data or output of the bridge to produce a digital output indicative of bridge value. The microprocessor also receives an output from another analog to digital converter indicative of the temperature of the bridge as monitored by a span resistor coupled to the bridge. The microprocessor has a separate memory coupled thereto which is also fabricated from SOI, silicon carbide, or gallium nitride materials and which memory stores various data indicative of the microprocessor also enabling the microprocessor test and system test to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Wolf S. Landmann, Joseph R. VanDeWeert, Alexander A. Ned
  • Publication number: 20150211948
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a differential pressure transducer that comprises first and second diaphragms of different configurations, i.e., different diameters and/or thicknesses. The pressure transducer provides more versatility over prior art designs as the diaphragms can be of different configurations yet still maintain substantially similar back pressures. Therefore, the errors commonly associated with back pressures are eliminated because the back pressures from the diaphragms ultimately cancel out in the sensor's differential pressure measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Lou DeRosa, Robert Gardner
  • Publication number: 20150185102
    Abstract: An oil-filled pressure transducer having reduced back pressure, comprising an alignment plate having a sensor accommodating aperture, a sensor module inserted into the sensor accommodating aperture, a header surrounding the alignment plate, the header having a protruding top surface, and a diaphragm disposed on the protruding top surface to create a relatively small oil accommodating region between the diaphragm and the sensor. This configuration reduces the oil volume required for operation, which ultimately reduces the back pressure applied against the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventor: Anthony D. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 9027409
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a differential pressure transducer that comprises first and second diaphragms of different configurations, i.e., different diameters and/or thicknesses. The pressure transducer provides more versatility over prior art designs as the diaphragms can be of different configurations yet still maintain substantially similar back pressures. Therefore, the errors commonly associated with back pressures are eliminated because the back pressures from the diaphragms ultimately cancel out in the sensor's differential pressure measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Lou DeRosa, Robert Gardner
  • Patent number: 8978235
    Abstract: An oil-filled pressure transducer having reduced back pressure, comprising an alignment plate having a sensor accommodating aperture, a sensor module inserted into the sensor accommodating aperture, a header surrounding the alignment plate, the header having a protruding top surface, and a diaphragm disposed on the protruding top surface to create a relatively small oil accommodating region between the diaphragm and the sensor. This configuration reduces the oil volume required for operation, which ultimately reduces the back pressure applied against the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony D. Kurtz