Patents Issued in August 21, 2007
  • Patent number: 7259521
    Abstract: An AMOLED display system, including an AMOLED display panel receiving a video signal, includes a video driver receiving the video signal and generating a video drive signal indicative of the video signal and referenced to a positive power supply voltage of the display panel, and a current driver coupled to an OLED pixel element receiving the video drive signal and the positive power supply voltage and providing a drive current to the OLED pixel element. The drive current is proportional to a current drive voltage which is indicative of the video signal and independent of the positive power supply voltage. In one embodiment, the video drive signal is indicative of the sum of or the difference between the positive power supply voltage and the video signal and the current drive voltage is indicative of the difference between the positive power supply voltage and the video drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Micrel, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Ritter
  • Patent number: 7259522
    Abstract: A current to light emitting devices when an application voltage is at or higher than the lower limit voltage for lighting determined by the arrangement of the light emitting devices, and an identification circuit that outputs a current identification signal in accordance with an appropriate current for the lighting circuit when the application voltage is lower than the lower limit value for lighting, and the power supply comprises a driving power supply that applies a lighting voltage at or higher than the lower limit voltage for lighting, an identification power supply that applies an identification voltage at or lower than the lower limit voltage for lighting, a current setter that sets an appropriate current to be supplied to the lighting circuit based on the current identification signal outputted from the identification circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Moritex Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Toyota, Tatsuo Seki, Yasuhiko Fukunaga, Shuji Shikano
  • Patent number: 7259523
    Abstract: In a bride circuit comprising a lamp choke that might partially saturate during the ignition of the lamp, at least one of the switches is switched off when the amount of charge displaced through it in forward direction equals a predetermined value. Despite the partial paturation of the lamp choke the amplitude of the ignition voltage is thereby effectively controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Paul Robert Veldman, Bernhard Christiaan Van Dijk, Jianjun Yu
  • Patent number: 7259524
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for regulating delivery of electrical energy to a lighting load are disclosed. An electrical waveform is received from a source of electrical energy. An integration value is generated based on a square of an amplitude of the received waveform. Electrical energy is delivered to the load until the integration value exceeds a threshold value. Thereafter, the delivery of electrical energy to the load is discontinued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald F. Hausman, Jr., Eric S. Lavin, Yang Boon Quek, Audwin Cash
  • Patent number: 7259525
    Abstract: The present invention provides a LED driver for control the brightness of the LED. An inductor and a switch are connected in serial with the LED for control the current of the LED. A control circuit is developed to generate a control signal for switching the switch in response the LED current. A diode is parallel coupled to the inductor for freewheeling the energy of the inductor through the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: System General Corporation
    Inventor: Ta-Yung Yang
  • Patent number: 7259526
    Abstract: The present application describes a programmable current controller for regulating an operating driving current flowing through an illumination source. The driving current is regulated according to a digital reference corresponding to a predetermined operating current for the illumination source. The digital reference can be converted into a reference electrical parameter (current or voltage). The reference electrical parameter is compared with an operating electrical parameter (current or voltage) corresponding to the operating driving current of the illumination source. Based on the comparison, a driving bias current is generated, which is used to regulate the operating driving current of the illumination source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Mao-Chi Hung, I-Hsin Lo
  • Patent number: 7259527
    Abstract: A stepped dimming ballast comprising a filter and rectifier circuit (1), a DC high voltage stabilizing circuit (2), a frequency control and switch circuit (3), a load current feedback circuit (5), a voltage signal processing circuit (6) and a voltage signal sampling circuit (7). The present invention is adapted for use in conjunction with a silicon controlled rectifier dimmer and/or a regular light switch whereby it is novel in structure and able to effect dimming in two predetermined and reliable operation modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Mass Technology (H.K.) Limited
    Inventor: Onn Fah Foo
  • Patent number: 7259528
    Abstract: A data converter for a lighting system, has a data input for the data converter to communicate with a central control device of the lighting system, a data output for the data converter to communicate with lamp operating elements, and an evaluation unit for evaluating the data received from the central control device and for controlling and monitoring the functions of the lamp operating elements. The data converter permits an enlargement of the number of the lamp operating elements, in the lighting system, that can be monitored by the central control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Axel Pilz
  • Patent number: 7259529
    Abstract: The present invention provides a charged particle accelerator comprising a charged particle generating apparatus, a bending magnet, accelerating means and a vacuum duct, wherein first and second acceleration periods (22), (23) are provided, accelerating electric field of the accelerating means is applied from the start time (25) of the first acceleration period (22) until the end time of the second acceleration period (23), and bending magnetic field is applied at a fixed value during the first accelerating period while, during the second acceleration period, it is applied so as to increase until the end time of the second acceleration period. Accordingly, there is provided a compact and high power charged particle accelerator which can perform large-current acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirofumi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7259530
    Abstract: A control CPU generates, in response to a signal STON from a start key, a signal SE at H level and outputs the generated signal to a relay to render system relays ON. Accordingly, a DC power supply is connected between respective neutral points of three-phase coils. When a terminal-to-terminal voltage of a capacitor that is detected by a voltage sensor becomes equal to or higher than a voltage of the DC power supply that is detected by a voltage sensor, the control CPU generates a signal PWMPC1 or PWMPC2 and outputs the generated signal to an inverter. The inverter increases the output voltage of the DC power supply according to the signal PWMPC1 or PWMPC2 to precharge the capacitor to a predetermined voltage or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoe Ochiai, Takeshi Tateishi
  • Patent number: 7259531
    Abstract: The speed control apparatus comprises a plurality of Hall sensors, a plurality of switches, a turn-on control circuit, and a gate drive logic. The Hall sensors are configured to detect magnetic rotor sections of a poly-phase brushless DC motor at different positions. The switches apply voltages on a plurality of windings to respectively produce magnetic north or south on stator poles of the poly-phase BLDC motor. The turn-on control circuit generates a conduction time reduction after each output transition of the Hall sensors. The gate drive logic separately turns on or turns off the switches according to different output transitions of the Hall sensors to respectively apply voltages on the windings with the conduction time reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Kwang-Hwa Liu
  • Patent number: 7259532
    Abstract: An MCU monitors changes in motor rotating speed from the motor start so as to detect a peak of the motor rotating speed, and when the peak of the motor rotating speed is detected, it measures a period of time Ta from the motor start to the time, at which the decreasing rate of the motor rotating speed becomes maximal, so as to establish the activation/cancellation time period by adding a time Tb that is a predetermined numerical-fold door vibration period to the time Ta. When a second peak with more than a predetermined amount of the motor rotating speed is detected after the first peak detection, the activation/cancellation time period is established by adding a time Tb1 that is a predetermined numerical-fold door vibration period to the activation/cancellation time period obtained before.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiko Shinohara
  • Patent number: 7259533
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling drive speed of a motor operating in overload conditions. The method includes the steps of: driving the motor at a predetermined reference speed; detecting phase voltage and phase current applied to the motor; determining whether or not the motor is operating in overload conditions based on the detected phase voltage and phase current; and controlling the motor according to whether or not the motor is operating in overload conditions. Accordingly, the present invention can prevent occurrence of over-current due to the instantaneous acceleration of the motor to a predetermined initial speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soon-bae Yang, Tae-kyung Kim, Sung-min Park, Tae-won Kim
  • Patent number: 7259534
    Abstract: A method of use a defect measure to control spindle motor is described. A system gets the defect situation from a CD by referring a maximum time of pass through the defect and a total time of pass through the defect. According the maximum scrape and the scrape of whole CD, the system adjusts a speed of the spindle motor for reducing a bad effect upon the system. When pass through the defect, the system reduce the speed of the spindle motor for saving power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Ali Corporation
    Inventor: Liang-Yen Wang
  • Patent number: 7259535
    Abstract: An apparatus coupled with a mechanism and cooperating with the mechanism to locate an end-effector within a predetermined distance of a work site for situating the end-effector with respect to the work site includes: (a) a positioning unit coupled with the end-effector for moving the end-effector an adjustment distance with respect to the workpiece; (b) a sensing unit coupled with the apparatus for sensing extant locus of the end-effector with respect to at least one reference locus; and (c) an error determining device coupled with the sensing unit and the positioning unit; the error determining device determining a difference between the extant locus and the work locus. The positioning unit moves the end-effector in response to the difference indicating signal to reduce the difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas W. Pastusak, Gregory L. Clark
  • Patent number: 7259536
    Abstract: A solar powered mobile, comprising a drive housing fitting within a case, a solar cell panel fitted within the top of the drive housing, a clear cover over the solar cell panel, a removable DC motor with speed control driven by the solar cell panel, gears connecting the motor to a bearing which provides fastening of a spinner or other device for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Cheryl L. Ketner
  • Patent number: 7259537
    Abstract: A polarity-reversal protector for power sources, in particular for automobile batteries, which is connected between a power source and at least one consumer and/or at least one generator, is described. The polarity-reversal protector is to prevent the reverse polarity current from flowing through the connected systems, so that the systems may not be damaged in case of polarity reversal. For this purpose, the polarity-reversal protector includes means for recognizing whether the two poles of the power source are connected to the appropriate terminals of the consumer and/or generator, and means for decoupling the power source from the consumer and/or from the generator if the two poles of the power source have been transposed during connection to the consumer and/or generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Henning Hauenstein, Richard Spitz, Stephan Ernst, Achim Henkel
  • Patent number: 7259538
    Abstract: Adaptive battery conditioning employs battery chemistry determination to establish how, when and whether to condition a battery. As a result, the conditioning is optimized for the determined battery chemistry. Further, conditioning of a battery that is not conditionable, such as a nonrechargeable battery, is prevented. A device determines battery chemistry in situ from a measurement of a characteristic of an installed battery, and conditions the installed battery in situ. The device can be a battery-powered consumer electronic device or a battery charging and conditioning system that is independent of an electronic device that uses the conditioned battery. A method of adaptive battery conditioning includes determining a chemistry of a battery from a measurement of a battery characteristic, and conditioning the battery according to the determined battery chemistry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Gerod Melton, Heather N. Bean
  • Patent number: 7259539
    Abstract: In a secondary cell charging apparatus and secondary cell charging method, an internal power supply circuit of a personal computer is used as a power supply for performing a charging operation on a secondary cell. The personal computer uses a charging processing operation program and displays information relating to the charging operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Zip Charge Corporation
    Inventors: Fumio Suzuki, Kiichi Takase
  • Patent number: 7259540
    Abstract: Electronic equipment capable of removing a stain etc. formed on an electrode surface of a battery is disclosed. The electronic equipment comprises a battery chamber which houses a battery, and a battery contact member which is provided in the battery chamber and includes a contact portion contacting the battery housed in the battery chamber. Here, the contact portion is formed by bending a part of the battery contact member so as to protrude from the battery contact member and to have curvature. In a case where the battery is housed in the battery chamber, the contact portion moves while contacting the battery depending on movement of the battery in a direction in which the battery is housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichi Osada
  • Patent number: 7259541
    Abstract: A battery charger amusement has a receptacle adapted to receive a rechargeable battery, an electronic circuit monitoring battery charge status, and a mechanical movement signal activated upon charge status attainment. The battery charger can include a motion actuator so as to move during the battery recharge process. The device is intended to encourage the use of rechargeable batteries over a disposable counterpart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: Sun Yu, David Perrin
  • Patent number: 7259542
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for controlling a Direct Current (DC)/DC converter which controls energy flow between a first DC source and a second DC source to eliminate a high-frequency resonance. The apparatus for controlling the DC/DC converter includes a voltage controller, one or more subtractors, one or more fundamental component current controllers, a first coordinate transformer, a resonance current component extractor, a resonance frequency tracker, one or more resonance component current controllers, a second coordinate transformer, one or more adders and a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal generation unit. The method implemented by the apparatus can effectively control any high-frequency resonance current components generated in the DC/DC converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hong-Seok Song
  • Patent number: 7259543
    Abstract: A bandgap reference circuit is disclosed operating under a predetermined low voltage source. The circuit has a first circuit with a first differential amplifier for generating a first current, a second circuit with a second differential amplifier for generating a second current, and a bandgap reference voltage output module for combining the first current and the second current to output a bandgap reference voltage, wherein the first circuit and the second circuit complement each other for offsetting variations of the bandgap reference voltage due to temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Yue-Der Chih
  • Patent number: 7259544
    Abstract: A method for compensation and symmetrization of a three-phase system with a single-phase load is provided. At least one variable inductor for connection to the three-phase system is employed in the method. The inductor's inductance is adjusted to obtain a resistive single-phase load and/or a three-phase load which draws balanced line currents. A device and a system for compensation and symmetrization by means of variable inductors is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Magtech AS
    Inventors: Espen Haugs, Frank Strand, Bjørnar S. Johansen
  • Patent number: 7259545
    Abstract: An integrated sensor includes a magnetoresistance element electrically coupled to a device disposed on or integrated in a silicon substrate. A conductor is provided proximate to the magnetoresistance element. The integrated sensor can be used to provide various devices, such as a current sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or an isolator. Further, the integrated sensor can be used in an open loop configuration or in a closed loop configuration in which an additional conductor is provided. The magntoresistance element may be formed over the silicon substrate or on a separate, non-silicon substrate. Also described is an integrated sensor comprising a substrate, a magnetic field transducer disposed over a surface of the substrate, and a conductor disposed over the surface of the substrate proximate to the magnetic field transducer. The magnetic field transducer can be a Hall effect transducer or a magnetoresistance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Stauth, Richard Dickinson, Glenn Forrest, Ravi Vig
  • Patent number: 7259546
    Abstract: A system for current sensing includes a first Hall effect sensor and a second Hall effect sensor constructed to provide feedback indicating current flow through a conductor susceptible to external magnetic flux. A housing is configured to position the first Hall effect sensor and the second Hall effect sensor about the conductor to provide generally magnitude equal feedback of the current flow through the conductor and generally polarity opposite feedback of the external magnetic flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome K. Hastings, Dale L. Gass, Birger Pahl, Davin R. Lee, James E. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7259547
    Abstract: A system and method for dynamically lock the sample rate of an analog to digital (ADC) converter to an input frequency. Specifically, a system for measuring power is disclosed. The system includes an ADC converter, a measuring module, an ADC cycle counter, and a calculation block coupled together. The ADC converter samples an analog input line signal. The measuring module measures a predetermined number of line cycles of the analog input line signal. The ADC cycle counter measures an actual sample count of the analog input line signal by the ADC converter over the predetermined number of line cycles. The calculation block determines an error rate between the actual sample count and an ideal sample count that is based on a predetermined over sample rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Summers, Mark E. Hastings
  • Patent number: 7259548
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of testing a circuit on a substrate. Generally speaking, a substrate is located in a transfer chuck, a surface of a test chuck is moved into contact with a substrate, the substrate is secured to the test chuck, the test chuck is moved relative to the transfer chuck so that the substrate moves off the transfer chuck, terminals on the substrate are moved into contact with contacts to electrically connect the circuit through the terminals and the contacts to an electric tester, signals are relayed through the terminal and the contacts between the electric tester and the circuit, the terminals are disengaged from the contacts, and the substrate is removed from the test chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Electroglas, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Boyle, Wayne E. Richter, Ladd T. Johnson, Lawrence A. Tom
  • Patent number: 7259549
    Abstract: The invention provides tester load board shields for attachment to tester load boards. The shields of the invention protect from physical damage and electromagnetic interference. A preferred embodiment of a tester load board shield of the invention is disclosed in which a disc and outer rim of conductive metal such as aluminum or aluminum alloy are configured to accept a tester load board. The tester load board shield has holes to align with a selected tester load board for attachment of the shield thereto. Stanchions are provided to facilitate attachment of the Loadboard with shield to automatic test equipment known in the arts while a tester load board, also familiar in the arts, is fastened to the shield. Another embodiment of a tester load board shield is disclosed in the shape of annulus configured to contain a tester load board within an outer rim planar surface and inner rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Chananiel P Weinraub
  • Patent number: 7259550
    Abstract: A magnetic calibration device comprises a mount supporting a magnetic sensor card being detachably attached and comprising at least one magnetic sensor to be calibrated and connected to a first analog electronic circuit with a current source and a first analog to digital converter. A coil card is further detachably attached and comprises three coils arranged substantially orthogonal to each other and connected to a second analog electronic circuit with a second analog to digital converter. A connection such as a cable or a wireless link provides a supply voltage to the first and second analog electronic circuits, respectively, and guides digital signals from the first and second analog to digital converters, respectively, to at least one processing unit. A magnet generates a substantially homogeneous and constant calibration magnetic field, and a rotator rotates said cards in said calibration magnetic field around two substantially orthogonal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: European Organisation for Nuclear Research - CERN
    Inventor: Felix Bergsma
  • Patent number: 7259551
    Abstract: Position sensing of movable elements including but not limited to machine components is disclosed. Motion of a movable element can produce motion of a magnetic field, which can be detected by magnetic sensors. The motion and/or variations of a magnetic field and/or a magnetic flux may be produced by any combination of a motion of the sensors, associated magnets, or associated magnetic material. Magnetic sensors maybe capable of measuring either rotary, or linear motion, or both. Such sensors can provide indication of an incremental position change, an absolute position, or both. Absolute position and high-resolution position sensing may be produced for measurement of either linear and/or angular motion. Suitable magnetic sensors include, but are not limited to, Hall effect devices and/or magneto-resistive elements, and may include multi-element magnetic sensors. Suitable signal conditioning and/or control means such as control electronics can be used to receive output signals from the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: HR Textron, Inc
    Inventors: M. Robert Mock, Grant Sweer
  • Patent number: 7259552
    Abstract: A measurement device for measuring the wear of turbo-machine components to reduce the likelihood of component failure while a turbine-machine is at load. The measurement device is capable of measuring and calculating a distance between surfaces while the turbo-machine is at load. The distance may be compared with a measurement taken of the same location at another time to determine wear of a surface remote from the location of the measurement. The measurement device may be configured such that multiple measurements may be made on a single turbine engine by moving the measurement device from location to location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Twerdochlib
  • Patent number: 7259553
    Abstract: A position-sensing system magnetically senses the position of a piston rod moving with respect to a cylinder. A magnetically hard layer on the piston rod provides a recording medium. Information is magnetically recorded in regions of the magnetically hard layer. These regions provide a relative encoding scheme for determining the position of the piston rod. Magnetic-field sensors are positioned over redundant tracks of magnetically recorded regions. Each magnetic-field sensor positioned over a given track senses the same magnetized regions while the piston rod moves with respect to the cylinder. Other magnetic-field sensors can sense ambient fields for use in performing common-mode rejection. A write head can dynamically repair damaged or erased regions detected by the magnetic-field sensors. Energized by a battery-backup power source, the magnetic-field sensors and associated circuitry can continue to track movement of the piston rod when the machinery is off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Donald C. Arns, Jr., Pablo Garcia
  • Patent number: 7259554
    Abstract: The invention relates to an angle position sensor, for recording the angular position of a component which may rotate about a rotational axis, including a magnetic ring, fixed to the component coaxially to the rotation axis, magnetised perpendicularly to the rotation axis and surrounded on the outer circumference thereof by a ferromagnetic external screening ring. A magnetic sensor element is further provided, arranged radially and fixed within the magnetic ring. The rotating component is surrounded by an inner ferromagnetic screening ring, arranged coaxially to the rotation axis and approximately radially with relation to the outer screening ring, which is further surrounded by an inner magnetic ring. The inner screening ring and the inner magnetic ring are fixed to the rotating component and the magnetic sensor element is arranged in an annular gap, formed between the outer magnetic ring and the inner magnetic ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventor: Peter Wiese
  • Patent number: 7259555
    Abstract: This publication discloses a method and arrangement for determining the hardening depth of steel or other ferromagnetic substances without breaking the object being measured. According to the invention, a varying magnetic field, which causes magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN), is created in the measurement object with the aid of a magnetization coil 13. The varying magnetic field is regulated in such a way that the maximum force of the magnetic field does not exceed the coercitive force of the unhardened part of the measurement object. The MBN caused is measured with the aid of an MBN sensor. The measured signal is filtered and Fourier transformed. The signal in the frequency range is integrated over a suitable frequency band, in order to determine the value depicting the energy of the MBN. This value correlates with the hardening depth and on the basis of this value it is thus possible to determine the hardening depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Stresstech Oy
    Inventors: Kaj Nummila, Heikki Seppä, Timo Varpula
  • Patent number: 7259556
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor for the measurement of at least one component of a magnetic field comprises a ferromagnetic core that serves as a magnetic field concentrator, an excitation coil and a read-out sensor. The read-out sensor preferably comprises two sensors arranged in the vicinity of the outer edge of the ferromagnetic core and measures the at least one component of the magnetic field. The ferromagnetic core is ring-shaped or disc-shaped. On operation of the magnetic field sensor, a current is temporarily applied to the excitation coil in order to bring the ferromagnetic core into a state of predetermined magnetization in which the magnetization of the ferromagnetic core produces no signal in the read-out sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Melexis Technologies SA
    Inventors: Radivoje Popovic, Christian Schott
  • Patent number: 7259557
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of phase correction whereby changes in phase characteristics are measured during data acquisition and, accordingly, phase correction parameters that are applied during image reconstruction are updated in real-time. This adaptive and dynamic phase correction reduces variability in image fidelity during the course of long MR scans, such as EPI scans, and provides consistent artifact reduction during the course of an MR scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: R. Scott Hinks, Bryan J. Mock, Frederick J. Frigo, Xiaoli Zhao
  • Patent number: 7259558
    Abstract: A method of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging is proposed for the rapid detection of oscillatory motion of spins or charged particles to generate shear waves or oscillating electrical currents to induce alternating magnetic fields to the object being imaged, subjected to a fast train of radio-frequency (RF) pulses to induce within the sample a steady-state NMR signal. A scan using an NMR imaging system is carried out with a RF repetition time (TR) matched to the externally imposed oscillatory motion. Small oscillatory displacements of spins in combination with imaging gradients or oscillating magnetic fields related to charge motion generating alternating spin phase dispersions during the rf pulse train disturb the steady-state magnetization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: University of Basel
    Inventors: Oliver Bieri, Klaus Scheffler
  • Patent number: 7259559
    Abstract: To visually, readily and positively performing the selection of a coil element and a combination of coil elements most suitable for the MRI scan, a low resolution imaging step for imaging at a low resolution by using a plurality of coil elements A to H, an imaging coil element selection step for selecting the optimum coil element for imaging site from the low resolution images taken in the low resolution imaging step, and a coil element extraction step for extracting coil element selected in the imaging coil element selection step are comprised such that a low resolution image of the subject is preliminarily taken to use thereby to visually select the coil element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Akira Nabetani, Atsushi Nozaki
  • Patent number: 7259560
    Abstract: A method of controlling a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is provided with generating a gradient magnetic field in a predetermined space, calculating a duration time period of a rate of a change of the gradient magnetic field, and determining whether the rate of the change of the gradient magnetic field is within a permitted time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Masaaki Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7259561
    Abstract: A generator (13A, . . . 13C) of a time-variable magnetic field (B1) of a magnetic resonance device (1) which has an examination space (9,9A) for accommodating at least one area to be examined of an examination subject (7), in which examination area the time-variable magnetic field (B1) is generated by means of a current through a conductor (15, 19, 31). The magnetic field lines (23) of the magnetic field (B1) close with the aid of a field flux return space (17), in which there is arranged at least one sub-assembly (27) which has magnetizable material. A reduction of a magnetic energy density in the field flux return space (17) is produced by this means. This increases e.g. the efficiency in the generation of high-frequency magnetic fields (B1) or of gradient fields with the aid of the conductor (15,19,31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Oliver Heid, Markus Vester
  • Patent number: 7259562
    Abstract: An array coil to achieve more uniform RF excitation for high field magnetic resonance imaging. In the preferred embodiment, the array coil has a plurality of transmit-composite elements distributed around the object to be imaged. A composite element comprises up to three current loops preferably orthogonal to each another. The array coil has the capability to shape the distribution of all three orthogonal components (x, y, and z) of the RF B1 field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Baylor College of Medicine
    Inventors: Zhiyue J. Wang, Dah-Jyuu Wang
  • Patent number: 7259563
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a phased array coil including a plurality of local coils, a pre-scanning unit which pre-scans, before image scanning, an area including at least part of an image scanning area, a determination unit which determines whether each of the local coils is abnormal, based on signals output from the local coils during pre-scanning, and an information supply unit which supplies a user with information indicating an abnormal local coil, if the determination unit determines that the local coils include the abnormal local coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Seiji Nozaki
  • Patent number: 7259564
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining the position, in a formation (1) containing at least one electrolytic liquid, of an interface (6) in relation to a bore hole (2). One stimulates at a first instant the interface (6) with an excitation signal, one detects at a second instant (t2) a response signal converted by electro-osmosis or electrokinetic coupling effect and, if appropriate, the exication signal after reflection at a third instant (t3). With the three instants and the propagation velocity of the signals, one calculates the distance between the interface (6) and the bore hole (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Patrice Ligneul, Marwan Charara
  • Patent number: 7259565
    Abstract: There is provided a method of testing an electrical switchgear system. A node in the electrical switchgear system monitors a power line signal and controls a breaker based on the power line signal. The method includes applying an analog signal to the node, and receiving data representing a status of the breaker. The analog signal simulates the power line signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Melissa Ann Diercks, David G Fletcher, Ioan Marusca
  • Patent number: 7259566
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention is a miniature planar oceanographic conductivity, temperature pressure (CTD) system based on a thin film material fabricated on a Liquid Crystalline Polymer (LCP). The micro-CTD system in accordance with the present invention analyzes water for salinity by measuring conductivity, temperature and depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Heather A. Broadbent, David P. Fries, George T. Steimle, Stanislav Ivanov
  • Patent number: 7259567
    Abstract: A power tester apparatus for testing an electrical outlet. The power tester apparatus includes multiple indicators for identifying the condition of the electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: Harold Sears, Wayne Slater
  • Patent number: 7259568
    Abstract: An arc fault detector, as a stand alone device or in combination with a circuit interrupting device such as a ground fault interrupter (GFCI), protects from potentially dangerous arc fault conditions. The device utilizes a line side or load side series connected inductance having an air or magnetic core to generate the derivative di/dt signal of the arc current in the conductor. The derivative signal is fed to an arc fault detector where it is analyzed for the presence of arcing. The device can have two series connected inductors inductively coupled to each other such that the signal from one inductor is inductively coupled into the other inductor for coupling to the arc fault detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Mernyk, Roger M. Bradley
  • Patent number: 7259569
    Abstract: A calibration circuit and method thereof. In the example method, a common-mode voltage may be detected at an output port of a mixer. At least one common-mode feedback voltage may be generated (e.g., at one or more common-mode feedback circuits) based on the detected common-mode voltage. A loop gain may be adjusted in response to a gate control signal (e.g., received at a controller, such as a second order Intecept Point (IP2) controller). An impedance may be adjusted at the output port of the mixer and a current applied to the output port of the mixer may be adjusted based on the at least one common-mode feedback voltage. The example method may be performed by a calibration circuit (e.g., an IP2 calibration circuit).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Woonyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7259570
    Abstract: As the length of a cylinder of a magnetically shielding apparatus is shorter, the amount of magnetism of a component perpendicular to an axis of the cylinder which enters the opening portion of the cylinder is larger, resulting in a lower magnetic shield effect. A second magnetically shielding apparatus is formed in a cylinder with both ends or one direction close to an object to be measured being opened, and is disposed within a first magnetically shielding apparatus. An axial direction of the cylinder is substantially parallel to the magnetic flux density detection direction. The magnetic sensor, which conducts magnetic signal measurement and is disposed within the cylinder, is in the first magnetically shielding apparatus formed in a cylinder having both open ends, to thereby shield a magnetic flux density component that cannot be shielded by the first magnetically shielding apparatus by the periphery of the magnetic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Suzuki