Patents by Inventor Mark C. Tondra

Mark C. Tondra 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: 10371761
    Abstract: A low profile magnetoresistive imaging sensor array based on the principle of magnetic induction, which reduces a distance between a medium imaging sensor array and a medium by optimizing the arrangement of an application integrated circuit and a sensing element array and using an electric connection technology which can reduce the distance between the medium imaging sensor array and the medium, thereby increasing the resolution of the existing medium imaging sensor. The low profile magnetoresistive imaging sensor array includes a sensing element array and an application integrated circuit, and also includes a circuit which provides a power for the sensing element array, a magnetoresistive sensing element array selection circuit, a signal amplification circuit, a digitizer, a memory circuit, and a microprocessor. Additionally, the sensing element array includes at least one magnetoresistive sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: MultiDimension Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark C. Tondra, Songsheng Xue, James Geza Deak, Insik Jin, Weifeng Shen
  • Patent number: 9964427
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor system is disclosed for remotely monitoring the liquid level in a tank. The system comprises a first fixed portion with a first liquid level response unit, and a second fixed portion with a second liquid level response unit. A guide tube is inserted into the tank and attached to the bottom of the first fixed portion. The guide tube is provided with a multitude of ports, such that the liquid level in the guide tube is flush with the liquid level in the tank. The first liquid level response unit comprises a float floating up and down with the variation of the liquid level in the guide tube, a rotating shaft rotating around a relatively fixed axis of rotation in the up and down floating process of the float, and a permanent magnet. The second fixed portion is attached to the top of the first fixed portion. The second liquid level response unit comprises a PCB, a magnetoresistive angle sensor chip, and a control circuit electrically connected to the magnetoresistive angle sensor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: MultiDimension Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James Geza Deak, Mark C. Tondra
  • Patent number: 9952085
    Abstract: A multiturn pulley liquid level sensor device for measuring a liquid level in a well and in a container, comprising a mechanical float which is fastened to a fastening rope and which can slide up and down. The fastening rope is installed on one or more pulleys, and as the float moves up and down, the pulley rotates back and forth. One pulley is mechanically coupled to one digital absolute magnetic rotation encoder device, and the encoder device is used for monitoring the total rotation angle of the pulley in real time. By way of using an algorithm, the total rotation angle of the pulley is converted into a distance from the bottom to calculate the height of a liquid level. A multiwheel encoder has two reading types, i.e., one is an electrical signal reading type, and the other is an optical signal reading type. The electronic output of said encoder may be used as input to an industrial control system, or be sent via communications link to a remote or the internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: MultiDimension Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James Geza Deak, Mark C. Tondra
  • Publication number: 20170010147
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-contact pulley liquid level sensor, comprising a float capable of floating up and down and floating on a liquid surface, a tether, at least one pulley, a permanent magnet and a magnetic field angle sensor, wherein two ends of the tether are tied to the float, and are wound on the top end pulley and the optional bottom end pulley, the permanent magnet is installed on one side of the top end pulley and rotates together with the top end pulley under the effect of a friction torque produced by the tether. The magnetic field angle sensor detects a magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet and converts a rotation angle of the magnetic field into a voltage signal, then according to a relationship between the rotation angle of the permanent magnet and a floating distance of the float, a liquid level height is calculated via the output voltage signal. A gear can also be used to calibrate the operating range and accuracy of the liquid level sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: James Geza DEAK, Mark C. TONDRA
  • Publication number: 20170003357
    Abstract: A low profile magnetoresistive imaging sensor array based on the principle of magnetic induction, which reduces a distance between a medium imaging sensor array and a medium by optimizing the arrangement of an application integrated circuit and a sensing element array and using an electric connection technology which can reduce the distance between the medium imaging sensor array and the medium, thereby increasing the resolution of the existing medium imaging sensor. The low profile magnetoresistive imaging sensor array comprises a sensing element array and an application integrated circuit, and also comprises a circuit which provides a power for the sensing element array, a magnetoresistive sensing element array selection circuit, a signal amplification circuit, a digitizer, a memory circuit, and a microprocessor. Additionally, the sensing element array comprises at least one magnetoresistive sensing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Mark C. Tondra, Songsheng Xue, James Geza Deak, Insik Jin, Weifeng Shen
  • Publication number: 20160231161
    Abstract: A multiturn pulley liquid level sensor device for measuring a liquid level in a well and in a container, comprising a mechanical float which is fastened to a fastening rope and which can slide up and down. The fastening rope is installed on one or more pulleys, and as the float moves up and down, the pulley rotates back and forth. One pulley is mechanically coupled to one digital absolute magnetic rotation encoder device, and the encoder device is used for monitoring the total rotation angle of the pulley in real time. By way of using an algorithm, the total rotation angle of the pulley is converted into a distance from the bottom to calculate the height of a liquid level. A multiwheel encoder has two reading types, i.e., one is an electrical signal reading type, and the other is an optical signal reading type. The electronic output of said encoder may be used as input to an industrial control system, or be sent via communications link to a remote or the internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: James Geza Deak, Mark C. Tondra
  • Publication number: 20160123789
    Abstract: A liquid level sensor system is disclosed for remotely monitoring the liquid level in a tank. The system comprises a first fixed portion with a first liquid level response unit, and a second fixed portion with a second liquid level response unit. A guide tube is inserted into the tank and attached to the bottom of the first fixed portion. The guide tube is provided with a multitude of ports, such that the liquid level in the guide tube is flush with the liquid level in the tank. The first liquid level response unit comprises a float floating up and down with the variation of the liquid level in the guide tube, a rotating shaft rotating around a relatively fixed axis of rotation in the up and down floating process of the float, and a permanent magnet. The second fixed portion is attached to the top of the first fixed portion. The second liquid level response unit comprises a PCB, a magnetoresistive angle sensor chip, and a control circuit electrically connected to the magnetoresistive angle sensor chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: James Geza Deak, Mark C. Tondra
  • Patent number: 9063090
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system used for detecting the presence of selected molecular species. A magnetic field sensor supported on a substrate has a binding molecule layer positioned on a side thereof capable of selectively binding to the selected molecular species held on a magnetic particle. The magnetic field sensor can be substantially covered by an electrical insulating layer having a recess therein adjacent to the sensor in which the binding molecule layer is provided. A thin-film channel structure to the sensor is supported on the substrate that can be accompanied by a reservoir structure, and an electrical interconnection conductor is supported on the substrate at least in part between the sensor and the substrate, and is electrically connected to the sensor. The magnetic field sensor can be provided in a bridge circuit, and can be formed by a number of interconnected individual sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: NVE Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Tondra
  • Patent number: 7609054
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system having a substrate supporting a magnetic field sensor in a channel with a first electrical conductor supported on the substrate positioned at least in part along the channel gap and in direct contact with at least some surface of the magnetic field sensor ands a second electrical conductor supported on the substrate positioned at least in part along the channel gap in a region thereof adjacent to, but separated from, the magnetic field sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: NVE Corporation
    Inventors: Mark C. Tondra, John M. Anderson, David J. Brownell, Anthony D. Popple
  • Publication number: 20090031552
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system used for detecting the presence of selected molecular species. A magnetic field sensor supported on a substrate has a binding molecule layer positioned on a side thereof capable of selectively binding to the selected molecular species held on a magnetic particle. The magnetic field sensor can be substantially covered by an electrical insulating layer having a recess therein adjacent to the sensor in which the binding molecule layer is provided. A thin-film channel structure to the sensor is supported on the substrate that can be accompanied by a reservoir structure, and an electrical interconnection conductor is supported on the substrate at least in part between the sensor and the substrate, and is electrically connected to the sensor. The magnetic field sensor can be provided in a bridge circuit, and can be formed by a number of interconnected individual sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: NVE Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Tondra
  • Patent number: 7446524
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system used for detecting the presence of selected molecular species. A magnetic field sensor supported on a substrate has a binding molecule layer positioned on a side thereof capable of selectively binding to the selected molecular species held on a magnetic particle. The magnetic field sensor can be substantially covered by an electrical insulating layer having a recess therein adjacent to the sensor in which the binding molecule layer is provided. A thin-film channel structure to the sensor is supported on the substrate that can be accompanied by a reservoir structure, and an electrical interconnection conductor is supported on the substrate at least in part between the sensor and the substrate, and is electrically connected to the sensor. The magnetic field sensor can be provided in a bridge circuit, and can be formed by a number of interconnected individual sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: NVE Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Tondra
  • Publication number: 20080218157
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system having a substrate supporting a magnetic field sensor in a channel with a first electrical conductor supported on the substrate positioned at least in part along the channel gap and in direct contact with at least some surface of the magnetic field sensor and a second electrical conductor supported on the substrate positioned at least in part along the channel gap in a region thereof adjacent to, but separated from, the magnetic field sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: NVE Corporation
    Inventors: Mark C. Tondra, John M. Anderson, David J. Brownell, Anthony D. Popple
  • Patent number: 7391091
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system having a substrate supporting a magnetic field sensor in a channel with a first electrical conductor supported on the substrate positioned at least in part along the channel gap and in direct contact with at least some surface of the magnetic field sensor ands a second electrical conductor supported on the substrate positioned at least in part along the channel gap in a region thereof adjacent to, but separated from, the magnetic field sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: NVE Corporation
    Inventors: Mark C. Tondra, John M. Anderson, David J. Brownell, Anthony D. Popple
  • Patent number: 7238539
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system used for detecting the presence of selected molecular species. A magnetic field sensor supported on a substrate has a binding molecule layer positioned on a side thereof capable of selectively binding to the selected molecular species. The magnetic field sensor can be substantially covered by an electrical insulating layer having a recess therein adjacent to the sensor in which the binding molecule layer is provided. An electrical interconnection conductor can be supported on the substrate at least in part between the sensor and the substrate, and is electrically connected to the sensor. The magnetic field sensor can be provided in a bridge circuit, and can be formed by a number of interconnected individual sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: NVE Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Tondra
  • Patent number: 7235969
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system used for detecting the presence of selected molecular species. A magnetic field sensor supported on a substrate has a binding molecule layer positioned on a side thereof capable of selectively binding to the selected molecular species held on a magnetic particle. The magnetic field sensor can be substantially covered by an electrical insulating layer having a recess therein adjacent to the sensor in which the binding molecule layer is provided. A thin-film channel structure to the sensor is supported on the substrate that can be accompanied by a reservoir structure, and an electrical interconnection conductor is supported on the substrate at least in part between the sensor and the substrate, and is electrically connected to the sensor. The magnetic field sensor can be provided in a bridge circuit, and can be formed by a number of interconnected individual sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: NVE Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Tondra
  • Patent number: 6875621
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system used for detecting the presence of selected molecular species. A magnetic field sensor supported on a substrate has a binding molecule layer positioned on a side thereof capable of selectively binding to the selected molecular species. The magnetic field sensor can be substantially covered by an electrical insulating layer having a recess therein adjacent to the sensor in which the binding molecule layer is provided. An electrical interconnection conductor can be supported on the substrate at least in part between the sensor and the substrate, and is electrically connected to the sensor. The magnetic field sensor can be provided in a bridge circuit, and can be formed by a number of interconnected individual sensors. A polymeric channel and reservoir structure base is provided for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: NVE Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Tondra
  • Patent number: 6872467
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field sensor having a nonmagnetic intermediate layer with two major surfaces on opposite sides thereof upon one of which a magnetization reference layer is provided and upon the other there being provided a sensing layer. A spacer layer is provided on the sensing film to separate this sensing film from an augmenting film with the spacer layer being sufficiently thick so as to significantly reduce or eliminate topological coupling between the sensing and augmenting films, and to significantly randomize spin states of emerging electrons traversing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: NVE Corporation
    Inventors: Zhenghong Qian, James M. Daughton, Dexin Wang, Mark C. Tondra
  • Publication number: 20040259271
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system used for detecting the presence of selected molecular species. A magnetic field sensor supported on a substrate has a binding molecule layer positioned on a side thereof capable of selectively binding to the selected molecular species. The magnetic field sensor can be substantially covered by an electrical insulating layer having a recess therein adjacent to the sensor in which the binding molecule layer is provided. An electrical interconnection conductor can be supported on the substrate at least in part between the sensor and the substrate, and is electrically connected to the sensor. The magnetic field sensor can be provided in a bridge circuit, and can be formed by a number of interconnected individual sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: NVE Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Tondra
  • Publication number: 20040115478
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field sensor having a nonmagnetic intermediate layer with two major surfaces on opposite sides thereof upon one of which a magnetization reference layer is provided and upon the other there being provided a sensing layer. A spacer layer is provided on the sensing film to separate this sensing film from an augmenting film with the spacer layer being sufficiently thick so as to significantly reduce or eliminate topological coupling between the sensing and augmenting films, and to significantly randomize spin states of emerging electrons traversing therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: NVE Corporation
    Inventors: Zhenghong Qian, James M. Daughton, Dexin Wang, Mark C. Tondra
  • Patent number: RE44878
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based digital memory cell with a memory film of an anisotropic ferromagnetic material and with a source layer positioned on one side thereof so that a majority of conduction electrons passing therefrom have a selected spin orientation to be capable of reorienting the magnetization of the film. A disruption layer is positioned on the other side of the memory film so that conduction electrons spins passing therefrom are substantially random in orientation. The magnitude of currents needed to operate the cell can be reduced using coincident thermal pulses to raise the cell temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: NVE Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Daughton, Arthur V. Pohm, Mark C. Tondra