Patents Issued in March 14, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130063112
    Abstract: A controller of a power converter is provided. The controller includes a feedback circuit, an output circuit, and a clamping circuit. The feedback circuit generates a feedback signal in accordance with output of the power converter. The output circuit generates a switching signal in accordance with the feedback signal for regulating the output of the power converter. The clamping circuit limits the feedback signal under a first level for a first load condition and limits the feedback signal under a second level for a second load condition. The clamping circuit includes a timer circuit. The timer circuit determines a slew rate of the feedback signal for increasing the feedback signal from the first level to the second level, and the second level is higher than the first level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SYSTEM GENERAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ta-Yung YANG, Keun-Eui HONG, Jung-Sheng CHEN, Juh-Yun KIM
  • Publication number: 20130063113
    Abstract: A load current sensing circuit for sensing a DC-DC converter load current in a DC-DC converter comprising a high-side power transistor and a low-side power transistor connected in series between supply terminals and having a converter switching node therebetween coupled to an inductor to which a load is to be coupled. A first averaging stage determines a DC voltage component of the PWM signal and a second averaging stage determines a DC component of the voltage signal at the converter switching node. A comparison stage determines a difference voltage between the first averaging stage and the second averaging stage. An impedance replica stage forms a resistance which is proportional to the resistance of the series-connected power transistors. A measuring stage measures a current flowing through the impedance replica stage with the determined difference voltage applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Couleur, Vishal Gupta, Sureena Gupta
  • Publication number: 20130063114
    Abstract: Circuits and methods for controlling Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) input of a driver circuit during transition of states are provided. The driver circuit is operative in one of a high state, a low state and a tri-state based on the PWM input. The method includes receiving a tri-state command for transition from the high state to the tri-state. A PWM output signal is enabled to transition from a high logic value to a low logic value for driving the driver circuit from the high state to the low state upon receipt of the tri-state command. The PWM output signal is enabled to transition from the low logic value to a tri-state logic value for driving the driver circuit from the low state to the tri-state upon elapse of a threshold time delay. The PWM input to the driver circuit is based on the PWM output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Jitendra Kumar Agrawal, Biranchinath Sahu
  • Publication number: 20130063115
    Abstract: A constant-voltage power supply circuit includes a first transistor connected between a power supply terminal and an output terminal. The constant-voltage power supply circuit includes a voltage divider circuit including a first resistor having a first end connected to the output terminal and a second resistor having a first end connected to a second end of the first resistor and a second end connected to ground. The constant-voltage power supply circuit includes an output voltage control amplifier that compares the divided voltage and a reference voltage and controls a voltage of a control terminal of the first transistor. The constant-voltage power supply circuit includes a current-limiting characteristic control circuit that controls the voltage of the control terminal of the first transistor according to the divided voltage and an output current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Yusuke HIKICHI, Yutaka Tamura
  • Publication number: 20130063116
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for a switch to perform true reverse current blocking (TRCB). The device may include a PMOS switch, including a source port, a drain port, a gate port and an n-well region; an input voltage port coupled to the source port; an output voltage port coupled to the drain port; a switch control port coupled to the gate port; and comparator circuitry configured to compare an input voltage at the input voltage port with an output voltage at the output voltage port and select a maximum of the input voltage and the output voltage. The comparator circuitry may be further configured to couple the selected maximum to the n-well region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ni Sun, Xinkuan Han, Jun Fan
  • Publication number: 20130063117
    Abstract: A maximum power point tracking method is provided. The method includes temporarily determining a next voltage command using voltage and power measured at current and previous time points. When an increase or decrease in voltage command is continued predetermined times or more, it is decided that the next voltage command temporarily determined to be increased is decreased or that the next voltage command temporarily determined to be decreased is increased. The output voltage of a solar cell is regulated based on the decided next voltage command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: LS INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ki su Lee
  • Publication number: 20130063118
    Abstract: A charge pump system can provide multiple regulated output levels, including several concurrently, in an arrangement that can reduce the area and power consumption of such a high voltage generation system. The charge pump system can be dynamically reconfigurable based on output requirements. When output level is low, but required for a large AC, DC load, the system is configured in parallel to share the load. When a higher output is required, such as for a programming in a non-volatile memory, the system is configured in serial to generate the desired high output level. The exemplary embodiment uses all of the pump units in each operation and, hence, is able to be optimized for smaller pump area and less power consumption, while still delivering the same pump ability as larger, more power consuming arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Qui Vi Nguyen, Jonathan Huynh
  • Publication number: 20130063119
    Abstract: A device for converting power from a floating source of DC power to a dual direct current (DC) output, the device includes: positive and negative input terminals connectible to the floating source of DC power; and positive and negative, and ground output terminals connectible to the dual DC output that may feed an inverter. The inverter may be either a two or three level inverter. A charge storage device may be connected in parallel to, and charged from, the positive and negative input terminals. A resonant circuit may be also connected between the charge storage device and the dual DC output. The resonant circuit may include an inductor connected in series with a capacitor. The charge storage device may discharge through the resonant circuit by switching through to either the negative output terminal or the positive output terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Vadim Lubomirsky
  • Publication number: 20130063120
    Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques minimize hot carrier stress in a switched capacitor dc-dc converter. Multi-switch arrangements may be used in conjunction with a timing scheme to stage power switch operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Werner HOELLINGER, Stefano MARSILI, Benno ANKELE
  • Publication number: 20130063121
    Abstract: The short-circuit protection circuit includes a first logic circuit that outputs the first logic signal so as to turn off the fourth MOS transistor in a case where the first gate voltage signal has a value that turns on the first MOS transistor and the switching terminal has a terminal voltage between a predetermined first threshold value and the second potential. The short-circuit protection circuit includes a first detecting circuit that compares a first detected voltage between the second end of the first resistor and the first end of the third MOS transistor with a predetermined first reference voltage and outputs, in a case where the first detected voltage is closer to the second potential than the first reference voltage, a first detection signal indicating that the switching terminal and the second potential are short-circuited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Kei KASAI
  • Publication number: 20130063122
    Abstract: A battery protection device for protecting a battery (1;41) comprises an electrical circuit arranged to generate or suppress a ripple current through said battery. Said electrical circuit comprises a ripple generator arranged to produce an electrical ripple current, a first ripple injector (21;48) to be arranged on a positive power line to the battery, said first ripple injector being arranged to transfer said electrical ripple current to said positive power line, and a second ripple injector (22;49) to be arranged on a negative power line to the battery. Said second ripple injector is arranged to transfer said electrical ripple current to said negative power line. Said first and second ripple injector are arranged to operate in a differential mode, e.g. opposite sign on injected current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: V2 PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE PARTNERSHIP HANDELSBOLAG
    Inventor: Jesper Martaeng
  • Publication number: 20130063123
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes high-side and low-side switching elements totem-pole-connected between high-voltage-side and low-voltage-side potentials; a high-side drive circuit, having high-voltage and low-voltage terminals which are connected to a floating power supply, which supplies either a voltage at the high-voltage terminal or a voltage at the low-voltage terminal for driving the high-side switching element; and a low-side drive circuit driving the low-side switching element and a reference voltage circuit generating a reference voltage between the voltages at high-voltage and low-voltage terminals of the high-side drive circuit. The reference voltage circuit supplies the reference voltage to a connection point between the high-side and low-side switching elements. The semiconductor device includes a charging switching element having a control terminal, a first terminal connected to the low-voltage terminal of the high-side drive circuit, and a grounded second terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Xiaoguang LIANG
  • Publication number: 20130063124
    Abstract: A measurement card includes a circuit board, an edge connector on a bottom edge of the circuit board, a port arranged on the circuit board, and a single-pole double-throw switch for connecting the port to either a first or a second pin of the edge connector to tests the VDDQ and VTT outputs of a memory slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD
    Inventors: FU-SEN YANG, YUN BAI, SONG-LIN TONG
  • Publication number: 20130063125
    Abstract: Sensor devices and related methods disclosed. One example sensor device includes a non-magnetic substrate, a coil comprising a plurality of turns wound about the substrate, the coil defining an aperture structured to receive a conductor therein; and a dielectric material positioned adjacent to the coil and at least partially within the aperture such that the dielectric material is between the coil and a conductor positioned in the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Subramanyam Satyasurya Chamarti, Steven Lee Bietz
  • Publication number: 20130063126
    Abstract: A fan detecting circuit used to detect whether a fan is connected to an electronic device, includes a connector, a control unit, a display unit, and first and second electronic switches. The connector includes a detecting pin connected to a power supply through a resistor. When the fan is not connected to the connector, the control unit receives a high level signal from the power supply, and controls the display unit to indicate the fan is not connected to the electronic device. When the fan is connected to the connector, the detecting pin of the connector is grounded through the fan, and the first and second electronic switches are turned on. The connector is grounded through the second electronic switch. The control unit receives a low level signal from the detecting pin of the connector, and controls the display unit to indicate the fan is connected to the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD
    Inventors: WEI-DONG CONG, KANG WU
  • Publication number: 20130063127
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring frequency which reduces the impact of noise. The system and method includes the steps of sampling a signal train (2) over a first signal portion (t1) of the signal train, determining a first average period for the first signal portion (t1) of the signal train, sampling the signal train over a second signal portion (t2) of the signal train, wherein, the second portion of the signal train overlaps with the first signal portion, determining a second average period for the second signal portion (t2) of the output signal train, and then determining the average of the determined average periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: WESTON AEROSPACE LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Rudkin, Anthony Palmer
  • Publication number: 20130063128
    Abstract: Provided is a technique for mass-producing a conductor to which is fixed a current detection head that detects the value of current flowing in the conductor, and in which the relationship between the detection value and the current value is stabilized. The head comprises a lens, a magneto-optical element, a conductor, and a fixing member, and the lens, the magneto-optical element, and the conductor are respectively fixed to the fixing member. An optical system is formed using the current detection head such that light is guided through the lens to the magneto-optical element, and light affected by a magneto-optical effect due to the magneto-optical element is guided to the lens. All of the members contributing to current detection are fixed to the fixing member, and therefore the relative positional relationships of all the members contributing to current detection are uniquely determined, enabling conductors with little variation in current detection characteristics to be mass-produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yusuke Seo
  • Publication number: 20130063129
    Abstract: Sensor devices and related methods disclosed. One example sensor device includes a substrate comprising a plurality of bobbins, the plurality of bobbins define an aperture structured to receive a conductor therein, a coil comprising a plurality of coil turns wound about each of the plurality of bobbins, a first shield extending between each of the plurality of bobbins and the plurality of coil turns; and a second shield positioned proximate to the plurality of coil turns, opposite the first shield such that the plurality of coil turns is between the first shield and the second shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Subramanyam Satyasurya Chamarti, Steven Lee Bietz, Loc Van Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20130063130
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image forming system includes: an image forming apparatus; a peripheral device; and a first control unit. The image forming apparatus includes a first voltage detecting unit that detects voltage of a first power source supplied by an external power source, and outputs as first voltage value; and a first current detecting unit that detects current of the first power source, and outputs as first current value. The peripheral device includes a second voltage detecting unit that detects voltage of a second power source supplied by an external power source, and outputs as second voltage value; and a second current detecting unit that detects current of the second power source and outputs as second current value. The first control unit calculates total power value of the image forming system based on: the first voltage value; first current value; second voltage value; and second current value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Yuusuke KOHRI
  • Publication number: 20130063131
    Abstract: Sensor devices and related methods disclosed. One example sensor device includes a non-magnetic substrate defining an aperture structured to receive a conductor therein, a coil including a plurality of coil turns wound about at least a portion of the substrate, a first shield between the substrate and the plurality of coil turns, a second shield disposed proximate to the plurality of coil turns, opposite the first shield, such that the plurality of coil turns is disposed between the first shield and the second shield, and a filter element coupled to at least one of the first and second shields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Subramanyam Satyasurya Chamarti, Steven Lee Bietz
  • Publication number: 20130063132
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed to techniques for determining the position of a piston within a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, in a more cost effective and less labor-intensive fashion compared to current techniques for determining the position of a piston within a linear actuator. One or more magnets may be operably coupled to the piston, and a linear array of sensors may be disposed along an exterior length of the linear actuator. The sensors may measure the magnetic field generated by the magnet and, based on the measured magnetic field, may determine the location of the piston within the linear actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Youngner, Lisa Lust, Douglas R. Carlson, Kelly Muldoon
  • Publication number: 20130063133
    Abstract: A position sensor for a transmission mode selector lever includes a magnet and three magnetic flux detection elements that detect magnetic flux of the magnet. A determination circuit determines an operation position of the transmission mode selector lever based on output levels of detection signals generated by the magnetic flux detection elements. The magnet includes first and second magnetized regions. The first and second magnetized regions are formed so that when the magnet is moved relative to the magnetic flux detection elements along a straight line, output levels of the detection signals generated by the magnetic flux detection elements change in accordance with a proportional relationship having a first or second gradient relative to the distance of the movement. The three detection elements are spaced apart from each other on a straight line that is parallel to the first and second straight lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Masayoshi IWATA
  • Publication number: 20130063134
    Abstract: A rotary position sensor includes a member with a shaft associated with the member such that movement of the member rotates the shaft. An arc-shaped permanent magnet is coupled to a periphery of the shaft for rotation therewith. First and second adjacent magnetic field concentrators define a gap there-between. Sensor structure is disposed in the gap. Upon movement of the member causing rotation of the shaft and magnet, the concentrators and sensor structure remain stationary, with the magnet providing a magnetic pole that changes the magnetic field in the gap. The sensor structure is constructed and arranged to respond to the changes in the magnetic field to identify a position of the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Kane, John Lackey
  • Publication number: 20130063135
    Abstract: In a magnetic-field angle detection device and a rotation angle detection device in which the accuracy of the measured angle is not degraded even if the MR ratio of the tunneling magnetoresistance element is increased. In a magnetic-field-angle measurement apparatus including a magnetic-field-angle detection circuit and a magnetic sensor having a tunneling magnetoresistance element with a pinned magnetic layer, the magnetic-field-angle detection circuit has a power-supply unit that outputs a constant voltage as a bias voltage to the tunneling magnetoresistance element of the magnetic sensor and a current-detection unit that detects an output current of the tunneling magnetoresistance element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Mutsumi Suzuki, Hiroshi Iwasawa, Masahiro Iwamura
  • Publication number: 20130063136
    Abstract: A relative angle sensing device that senses a relative rotation angle between first and second rotary shafts includes: a rotary component that is provided on one rotary shaft out of the first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft, and that rotates together with the one rotary shaft; a supported component that generates a magnetic field and that is supported by the rotary component through an adhesive material; and a sensor that is provided in the other rotary shaft out of the first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft, and that outputs a value corresponding to the magnetic field generated by the supported component. A transmitting unit is provided between the rotary component and the supported component. The transmitting unit transmits rotative force of the one rotary shaft to the supported component by direct contact with each other in a case of peeling of the adhesive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke HAMAGUCHI, Yohei Hama
  • Publication number: 20130063137
    Abstract: A rotational angle detection device may include a sensor wiring member and a motor wiring member. Each of the sensor wiring member and the motor wiring member includes a terminal body section and a connector section that are formed separately from each other and are electrically connected to each other via a connection structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tsutomu IKEDA, Masashi KISHI, Yuichi NISHIDA, Fusatomo MIYAKE, Tatsuhisa MATSUDA, Hiroki SHIMOTO, Makoto MASE
  • Publication number: 20130063138
    Abstract: Provided is a magnetic encoder which includes plural rows of magnetic encoder tracks. One magnetic encoder track of the magnetic encoder tracks includes magnetic pattern magnetized thereto to generate signals of equal pitch for detection of rotation. The magnetized magnetic pattern includes N poles and S poles arranged in alternate fashion. The magnetic encoder is configured to be employed spaced through an air gap from sensors that read magnetic signals of the respective magnetic encoder tracks. The magnetic encoder track is configured such that the magnetic pattern thereof acting on position of the corresponding sensor is, under the interference of magnetism of the plural rows of magnetic encoder tracks, detected by the corresponding sensor as an equal pitch magnetic pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Shintarou Ueno, Pascal Desbiolles, Cyril Peterschmitt
  • Publication number: 20130063139
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a magnetic head device inspects an effective track width of a write track of each of magnetic head devices formed on a row bar in order to measure a two-dimensional distribution of magnetic fields generated by the magnetic head devices formed on the row bar while the apparatus is not affected by an external environment. The apparatus has a tray unit, a stage unit, a sample receiving and delivering unit, a magnetic field measuring unit and an effective track width measuring unit on a vibration isolation unit that blocks a vibration from the outside of the apparatus. The tray unit, the stage unit, the sample receiving and delivering unit, the magnetic field measuring unit, the effective track width measuring unit and the vibration isolation table are covered with a sound insulation unit that blocks noise from the outside of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI HIGH-TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teruaki TOKUTOMI, Takeshi SATOH, Akira TOBITA, Naoya SAITOH, Norimitsu MATSUSITA
  • Publication number: 20130063140
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes two sensor units with curved cores including meshing portions at front and base ends thereof and constructs a ring when the meshing portions mesh together. The meshing portions include main meshing portions that entirely overlap in a completely meshed state where the meshing portions overlap to the greatest extent. Auxiliary meshing portions that protrude inside and/or outside the ring are provided on the main meshing portions at the front and/or the base ends. In the completely meshed state, the auxiliary meshing portions do not overlap the main meshing portions or auxiliary meshing portions of the other core. In a non-completely meshed state where the main meshing portions partially do not overlap, the auxiliary meshing portions at least partially overlap the main meshing portions and/or auxiliary meshing portions of the other core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: HIOKI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihiro NAGAI, Yoshinori FURUHATA, Satoshi IMAIZUMI
  • Publication number: 20130063141
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for identifying magnetically marked micro objects, in particular biological micro objects, preferably tumor cells. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a carrier for at least one micro object; a device for applying a region with a magnetic gradient field, wherein the gradient field comprises at least one zero point; a device for applying the micro object with a high frequency magnetic field, in particular at the site of the zero point; a device for relative movement of the carrier and region to one another; a device for receiving a change in a magnetic flux through the micro object; a device for evaluating the received change in the magnetic flux and for identifying the position of the micro object; and a device for in particular automatically analyzing the micro object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Karsten Hiltawsky, Roland Weiss
  • Publication number: 20130063142
    Abstract: An NMR apparatus disposed in a wellbore and having an array of two or more NMR sensors located at substantially the same axial position on the NMR apparatus and having different directional sensitivities is used to acquire an NMR signal from at least two of the two or more NMR sensors. The NMR signals are combined to obtain borehole information. The borehole information may include an azimuthal image of the formation surrounding the borehole. The azimuthal image may be a formation porosity image, a formation bound fluid image, a T2 distribution image, a T2 log mean image, a formation permeability image, or a formation fluid viscosity image. If two or more pre-amplifiers and receiver circuitry are also provided, the NMR signals may be combined prior to passing through the pre-amplifiers and receiver circuitry to improve the signal to noise ratio of the total signal from the desired sample space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy Hopper, David G. Cory, Yi-Qiao Song, Martin D. Hurlimann
  • Publication number: 20130063143
    Abstract: A method of designing a parallel transmission radio frequency (RF) pulse for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes compressing a model for a subject to be scanned by the MRI system into a plurality of virtual observation points within the model based on comparisons of peak sensitivity to local specific absorption rate (SAR), and defining the parallel transmission RF pulse that minimizes a weighted average of local SAR values with an iterative procedure that optimizes a set of weighting factors for the plurality of virtual observation points to maximize the minimized weighted average.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Elfar Adalsteinsson, Matthias Gebhardt, Joonsung Lee, Lawrence L. Wald
  • Publication number: 20130063144
    Abstract: In a method and system for diffusion-weighted acquisition of MR signals with an image acquisition sequence that has multiple diffusion coding gradients and readout gradients to read out the MR signals, MR signal portions are generated with a desired signal coherence path and MR signal portions are generated with unwanted signal coherence paths, with predominantly the MR signal portions with the desired signal coherence path being acquired by the readout gradients by activating dephasing gradients that reduce the acquisition of MR signal portions with unwanted coherence paths. The dephasing gradients are determined under consideration of the diffusion gradients that are used and under consideration of the unwanted signal coherence paths, so that each has a dephasing gradient moment for each unwanted signal coherence path that is greater than a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Thorsten Feiweier
  • Publication number: 20130063145
    Abstract: In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, provided herein are apparatus, systems and methods for, e.g., faciliatating signal excitation and/or reception in a magnetic resonance system, such as, e.g., a system configured for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or spectroscopy. For example, exemplary embodiments of a method for traveling wave imaging in an MRI system can include, e.g., a circular conductive structure lying in a transverse plane within the scanner bore. The exemplary structure can be concentric with the center of the scanner RF shield. The structure can be arranged to have a resonant mode at the MR frequency characterized by a current pattern which can be configured to excite and receive an exemplary waveguide mode. The exemplary current pattern can be further configured to facilitate traveling wave imaging, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: New York University
    Inventors: Graham C. Wiggins, Bei Zhang, Daniel K. Sodickson
  • Publication number: 20130063146
    Abstract: A system and method for performing parallel magnetic resonance angiography includes controlling operation of a magnetic gradient system and an RF system to perform a calibration data pulse sequence to begin acquiring calibration data for use in a parallel imaging reconstruction process after receiving an indication that the subject has received a dose of a contrast agent. The acquisition of the calibration data is discontinued before the contrast agent reaches a peak concentration within a region of interest (ROI) of the subject and operation of the magnetic gradient system and RF system is controlled to perform an imaging pulse sequence in accordance with a parallel imaging acquisition to begin acquiring image data from the ROI. The image data is reconstructed into an image of the ROI using the calibration data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventor: Stephen J. Riederer
  • Publication number: 20130063147
    Abstract: A radio-frequency coil assembly (18), for use in a magnetic resonance imaging system (10), includes a plurality of coil elements (18n). The coil elements (18n) are connected to a decoupling network (40) which includes a plurality of decoupling elements (40n,x) connected (via transmission lines) to pairs of coil elements (18n, 18x) at corresponding ports (64n,64x) from which the coil can be fed. The decoupling elements (40n,x) compensate for mutual coupling between pairs of corresponding coil elements. An inductive coupling loop (51n), with a constant or adjustable mutual inductance, inductively couples the associated coil element (18n) to the corresponding decoupling network port (64n). Transmission lines (52n) electrically connect each inductive coupling loop (51n) to the decoupling network (40) at the corresponding port (64x). Each transmission line (52n) has an electrical length of k?/2 where k=0,1,2,3 . . .
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Christian Findeklee
  • Publication number: 20130063148
    Abstract: A whole body RF coil array module configured for cryogenic cooling for use in magnetic resonance imaging. The RF coil array may be a superconducting coil array, such as a high temperature superconducting (HTS) array. The RF coil array module provides sufficiently high signal-to-noise ratio and large field of view such that the RF coil array may be used in an MRI whole body system for diagnostic imaging of all body parts without requiring using special-purpose RF coils for different body parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Qiyuan Ma, Erzhen Gao
  • Publication number: 20130063149
    Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property of a fluid in a borehole penetrating the earth includes a piezoelectric material configured to be at least partially immersed in the fluid and embedded with a first electrode pair and a second electrode pair. An electronic unit is coupled to the first electrode pair and the second electrode pair and configured to measure motion impedance of the fluid caused by motion of the piezoelectric material by applying a first electrical stimulus to the first electrode pair and a second electrical stimulus to the second electrode pair and by receiving a first electrical signal from the first pair of electrodes and a second electrical signal from the second pair of electrodes to estimate the property. The resulting motion impedance measurement has a reduced influence from electrical properties of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kerry L. SANDERLIN, Sebastian CSUTAK, Paul A. BERGREN
  • Publication number: 20130063150
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for conducting resistivity logging in a borehole. The apparatus may include a housing configured for fluid isolation, an electrical conductor penetrating the housing and a sealing interface. The apparatus may also include at least one of: an electrical component inside the housing and an electrode disposed on the exterior of the housing. The apparatus is configured to allow the electrical conductor to be moved, while maintaining the sealing interface, between an electrically connected state and an electrically disconnected state with at least one of: the electrical component and the electrode. The method may include using the apparatus for resistivity logging operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Allan R. Jones, Randy Gold
  • Publication number: 20130063151
    Abstract: An arrangement (1) for measuring current on a high voltage battery (12) for an electrical vehicle, wherein the battery comprises a service disconnect switch (13) which is adapted to break the connection between the positive battery terminal (14) and the positive battery output terminals (15). The connection between the positive battery terminal (14) and the positive battery output terminals (15) comprises an external circuit line (21) extending out of the service disconnect switch (13) such that a loop is created, which is adapted to receive a current clamp for measuring the current through the circuit line (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: V2 PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE PARTNERSHIP HANDELSBOLAG
    Inventors: Leif Karlsson, Mats Josefsson
  • Publication number: 20130063152
    Abstract: An electric leakage sensing apparatus includes a coupling capacitor having one end connected to a DC power supply, a pulse generator that supplies a pulse to the other end of the coupling capacitor, a voltage detector that detects a voltage at the coupling capacitor charged by the pulse, an electric leakage determination part that compares the voltage detected by the voltage detector to a threshold value, and makes a determination of existence or non-existence of an electric leakage of the DC power supply based on a comparison result, and a booster circuit that applies a boosted pulse voltage to the coupling capacitor. The pulse generator converts an output voltage of the booster circuit into the pulse voltage. The voltage detector includes an offset voltage generating circuit that generates an offset voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Kasashima, Masaki Fujii, Takeshi Sekine, Takahiro Saito
  • Publication number: 20130063153
    Abstract: A system (10) and method (200) are disclosed for detecting electrical connectivity. The system includes at least one power distribution conductor (18) and at least one electrical power pad (20) comprising a detection pad (28) that is electrically isolated from a remaining portion of the respective at least one electrical power pad (20). A measured parameter at the detection pad (28) provides an indication of electrical connectivity between the at least one power distribution conductor (18) and the respective at feast one electrical power pad (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Anisha Anand, Gordon J. Chambers, John Hua, Orville H. Orr
  • Publication number: 20130063154
    Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To prevent false determination of a fuse blowout with a fuse not blown by certainly detecting the fuse blowout. [Solution] A power supply apparatus includes: a drive battery (1) having a plurality of battery units (2) connected in series; a fuse (19) connected in series with the drive battery (1); a voltage detection circuit (3) detecting a voltage of the battery unit (2) by dividing the voltage at a resistance voltage dividing circuit (11) with a line connected to one end of the fuse (19) as a ground line; and a blowout detection circuit (4) detecting a blowout of the fuse (19) based on the voltage detected at the voltage detection circuit (3). The blowout detection circuit (4) determines that the fuse is blown when a detected voltage of the battery unit (2) connected to a fuse (19) side with respect to the ground line falls within an abnormal range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kaoru Nakajima, Masato Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20130063155
    Abstract: First, second, and third electrodes are exposed to a fuel passage. The third electrode defines a first gap with the first electrode and defines a second gap with the second electrode. A property detection unit detects a property of fuel according to a summation of a first capacitance of the first gap and a second capacitance of the second gap. A correct-erroneous determination unit determines whether the property detected with the property detection unit is correct or erroneous according to a ratio of the summation and the first capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jun Tarui
  • Publication number: 20130063156
    Abstract: An auto-calibrated proximity sensor used with a protected item in a retail display security system includes a metalized surface that cooperatively interacts with a printed circuit board to form a capacitive cell. A microcontroller senses changes in the frequency of the capacitive circuit if the orientation of the metalized surface changes with respect to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Geoff Yunker
    Inventors: Geoff Yunker, Walter V. Raczynski, V, Charles L. Zimnicki
  • Publication number: 20130063157
    Abstract: The disclosure comprises: linking a first terminal of the capacitance to the mid-point of a first voltage divider bridge, applying a first voltage to a second terminal of the capacitance, maintaining a voltage of a mid-point of the first divider bridge near a reference voltage, and discharging a mid-point of a second divider bridge with a constant current. When a voltage of the mid-point of the second bridge reaches a first voltage threshold, applying a second voltage to the second terminal of the capacitance, and measuring the time for the voltage to reach a second threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SAS
    Inventor: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
  • Publication number: 20130063158
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining dielectric constant and other measurements of a sample, comprising an open cavity resonator; a microwave energy generator for creating a resonating microwave in the open cavity resonator; a predetermined dielectric material having a high dielectric constant in the range of 2 to 100,000 substantially filling the region in which a microwave resonates; the dielectric material adapted to receive a sample for measurement of the dielectric properties of the sample; whereby during operation the resonating microwave beam is substantially immersed in the predetermined dielectric material such that the effective electrical spot size and beam cross-section along the cylindrical axis of the resonating microwave is reduced as a function of the inverse of the square root of the predetermined dielectric material dielectric constant. The dielectric constant or loss tangent of the sample may be determined based upon the change in the cavity's resonant frequency modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: U.S Government as represented by the Secretary of Army
    Inventors: DANIEL M. POTREPKA, STEVEN C. TIDROW
  • Publication number: 20130063159
    Abstract: Provided is a waveguide for guiding an electromagnetic wave between a first conductor layer and a second conductor layer each having a negative dielectric constant real part for the electromagnetic wave, the waveguide including a tapered structure in a part of the waveguide at which the electromagnetic wave exits or enters, in which a spatial profile of the tapered structure perpendicular to an optical axis extends to both sides with respect to the optical axis at least in one direction orthogonal to the optical axis as being closer to an opening plane at an outermost part of the tapered structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasushi Koyama
  • Publication number: 20130063160
    Abstract: There is provided a sensing device including a circuit including at least a coil electromagnetically coupled to an outside; a temperature detection unit for detecting a temperature of the coil; a sensing unit for measuring a Q value of the circuit; and a correction unit for correcting the Q value measured by the sensing unit based on temperature information detected by the temperature detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroaki Nakano, Tomomichi Murakami, Osamu Kozakai, Kenichi Fujimaki
  • Publication number: 20130063161
    Abstract: Sensor devices and related methods disclosed. One example sensor device includes a Rogowski coil defining an aperture and a dielectric material at least partially enclosing the Rogowski coil. The dielectric material has a dielectric constant of at least about 3.5. The dielectric material is configured such that, when a conductor is at least partially inserted within the aperture, at least a portion of the dielectric material is positioned between the Rogowski coil and the conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Subramanyam Satyasurya Chamarti, Steven Lee Bietz