Patents Issued in May 27, 2014
  • Patent number: 8736240
    Abstract: A power system has a power converter adapted for converting a first input voltage at an input thereof to a first output voltage at an output thereof, and a hold-up time extension circuit comprising a step-up stage and a step-down stage coupled to each other via a first energy-storage capacitor, where an input of the step-up stage is coupled to the input of the power converter, an output of the step-up stage is coupled to an input of the step-down stage, and an output of the step-down stage is coupled to the input of the power converter. The step-up stage is adapted for converting the first input voltage of the power converter to a second output voltage, and the step-down stage is adapted for converting the second output voltage of the step-up stage to the input voltage of the power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gang Liu, Liang He
  • Patent number: 8736241
    Abstract: A controller for use with a power converter including a switch configured to conduct to provide a regulated output characteristic at an output of the power converter, and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the controller includes a linear control circuit, coupled to the output, configured to provide a first control signal for the switch as a function of the output characteristic. The controller also includes a nonlinear control circuit, coupled to the output, configured to provide a second control signal for the switch as a function of the output characteristic. The controller is configured to select one of the first and second control signals for the switch in response to a change in an operating condition of the power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Enpirion, Inc.
    Inventors: Pedro Alou Cervera, Jose Antonio Cobos Marquez, Ashraf W. Lotfi, Andres Soto del Pecho
  • Patent number: 8736242
    Abstract: A buck circuit of a computer includes a voltage input terminal, a voltage output terminal, first and second electronic switches, and first to third field effect transistors (FETs). When the computer is powered on, the signal control terminal of the computer outputs a first control signal to control the first FET to be turned on through the first and second electronic switches, and simultaneously controls the first and third FETs with a pulse width modulation (PWM) control chip. After the computer is powered off, the signal control terminal of the computer outputs a second control signal to control the first FET to be turned off through the first and second electronic switches, and to control the third FET through the PWM control chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teng-Feng Zou
  • Patent number: 8736243
    Abstract: A digital circuit directs operation of a pulse width modulation or pulse frequency modulation controller varying its control between closed loop and open loop topology. An exemplary control plant could embody a step-down switch mode power supply providing a precise sequence of voltages or currents to any of a variety of loads such as the core voltage of a semiconductor unique compared to its input/output ring voltage. A state machine monitors pulse width or pulse frequency from the pulse width modulation or pulse frequency modulation controller, respectively, while either type of controller operates in its closed loop topology, to determine if the present power state of the system matches the predicted load as characterized from a predetermined model used in conjunction with design automation tools. The state machine averages pulse widths or pulse frequencies monitored in the closed loop topology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Lanery MGMT. Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Andrew Roman Gizara
  • Patent number: 8736244
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing capacitive current-mode control of a voltage regulator or converter, such as a DC/DC buck converter, are provided. An inductor current flowing from an inductive element into a first node of the converter, and, an output current flowing from the first node into an external load coupled to the converter may be determined. The measured output current may be subtracted from the measured inductor current to indirectly determine a capacitor current flowing from the first node into a capacitive element coupled between the first node and ground. The inductor current may then be adjusted based on the indirect measure of the capacitor current. The output current provided to the external load by the converter may be current-limited. The inductor current and the output current may be determined by sensing one or more voltage differentials across discrete or parasitic resistances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Voigtlander
  • Patent number: 8736245
    Abstract: A method for operating a switching power supply is provided. The method includes generating a half sine wave signal for coupling to a pulse width modulator, detecting the zero crossings of the half sine wave signal, and altering the pulse width of the supply output such that the on and off timing of the pulse width corresponds to a zero crossing of the half sine wave signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley M. Granat, Fred Whitney, Jorge-Luis B. Romeu, Russell S. Trask
  • Patent number: 8736246
    Abstract: A power factor control circuit has a power factor controller that determines if the power factor control circuit is operated at a continuous current mode (CCM) or a discrete current mode (DCM), and outputs PWM signals corresponding to the present current mode. A duty cycle of the PWM signals is equal to a sum of a feed-forward control parameter and a current compensation parameter. The current compensation parameter contains a difference value between a reference current and an inductor current in the power factor control circuit. Accordingly, a switching power supply circuit can acquire the PWM signals corresponding to the present current mode to effectively resolve the issue of harmonic distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Acbel Polytech Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-An Yeh, Hsiang-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 8736247
    Abstract: A power supply circuit is provided which includes a first booster to boost a power supply voltage supplied from a battery and generate a first boosted voltage, a second booster to boost the power supply voltage at a higher multiplication factor than the first booster and generate a second boosted voltage, a power supply selection circuit to output the first boosted voltage or the second boosted voltage, a first smoothing capacitor placed at an output end of the power supply selection circuit, and a second smoothing capacitor placed at an output end of the second booster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Haruhiko Hisano
  • Patent number: 8736248
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a detection circuit for detecting that a power supply unit is connected to a wrong supply voltage. Said detection circuit comprises a first voltage divider (24, 26, 28) connected to the output terminals (20, 50) of a rectifier (16) of the power supply unit, a second voltage divider (26, 32) connected to a first power input terminal (10) of the power supply unit and to one of the output terminals (20, 50) of the rectifier (16), and a circuit breaker (14) connected to the first power input terminal (10) of the power supply unit and to an input terminal of the rectifier (16), wherein at least one partial voltage of each voltage divider (24, 26, 28; 26, 32) is used a signal (22, 46) for identifying the wrong supply voltage. The invention relates further to a method for detecting that a power supply unit is connected to a wrong supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Laurent Jeanneteau, Roberto Ferrozzi, Erik Svend Christiansen, Mario Barocci
  • Patent number: 8736249
    Abstract: A first envelope detector circuit and a second envelope detector circuit are the same in circuit configuration, where the former detects an input high frequency signal, and the latter generates a reference voltage for power level detection. A detector detects an output voltage of a selector configured to select an output of the first envelope detector circuit with reference to an output voltage of a selector configured to select an output of the second envelope detector circuit. A controller controls an input selector to determine and store control values for the two selectors during input of a high frequency reference signal generated by a high frequency reference signal generating unit, and controls the two selectors by using the stored control values when an actual high frequency signal is input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Ryangsu Kim
  • Patent number: 8736250
    Abstract: A method for detecting electromagnetic waves derived from bacterial DNA, comprising extracting and purifying nucleic acids from a sample; diluting the extracted purified nucleic acids in an aqueous solvent; measuring a low frequency electromagnetic emission over time from the diluted extracted purified nucleic acids in an aqueous solvent; performing a signal analysis of the low frequency electromagnetic emission over time; and producing an output, based on the signal analysis, in dependence on the DNA in the sample. The DNA may be extracted from at least one of blood, feces, urine, saliva, tears, seminal fluid, sweat, seminal and vaginal fluids of a patient, or water to determine, e.g., potability. The samples may be frozen. The extracting and purifying may comprise diluting the sample with an aqueous buffer and mixing; degrading proteins in the diluted sample; precipitating DNA from the buffer solution; and resuspending the precipitated DNA in an aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Luc Montagnier
  • Patent number: 8736251
    Abstract: A digital sensing apparatus includes a sensing unit capable of providing a sensing response associated with an environmental parameter, and a digital readout module including a reading unit for generating a pulse signal having a pulse width associated with the sensing response, and a converting unit. The converting unit includes a clock signal generator for generating a variable-frequency clock signal, and a counter operable to count a width value of the pulse width of the pulse signal using the clock signal, so as to generate a digital sensing code. The frequency of the clock signal from the clock signal generator is adjustable to adjust resolution of the width value of the pulse width of the pulse signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Kelvin Yi-Tse Lai, Chen-Yi Lee
  • Patent number: 8736252
    Abstract: An apparatus for online partial discharge testing includes a split-core radio-frequency current transformer sensor, an actuation subassembly, and a biasing member. The current transformer sensor has a first portion, a second portion, and a sensor hinge operably engaged between the first portion and the second portion. The actuation subassembly includes an elongate first member secured to the first portion of the current transformer sensor, a second member secured to the second portion of the current transformer sensor and configured to be movable relative to the first member, and a third member engaged with the second member and configured to translate along a length of the first member. The biasing member is configured to pivotally bias the first portion and the second portion of the current transformer sensor toward each other relative to the sensor hinge, with the biasing member secured relative to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Electrical Reliability Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley Harkness, Steve Park
  • Patent number: 8736253
    Abstract: A kilowatt-hour meter with remote environment detect and control is provided. Besides calculating and display a quantity of used electricity through the kilowatt-hour meter, the kilowatt-hour meter with remote environment detect and control can also perform remote data collection and environment detect and control through an Ethernet. A plurality of the kilowatt-hour meters with remote environment detect and control can be connected through network connection, so as to detect and control situations related to safety of using electricity such as over current warning, environment state, access control, etc., for prompt processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Digipower Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Min-Huang Huang, Tung-Jung Wu
  • Patent number: 8736254
    Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a first rocking body and a second rocking body. Each of the rocking bodies is supported on a substrate by a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion. The first rocking body is partitioned into a first region and a second region by a first axis (supporting axis) when viewed in plane, and the second rocking body is partitioned into a third region and a fourth region by a second axis (supporting axis) when viewed in plane. The mass of the second region is larger than the mass of the first region, and the mass of the third region is larger than the mass of the fourth region. An arranged direction of the first region and the second region is the same as an arranged direction of the third region and the fourth region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kei Kanemoto
  • Patent number: 8736255
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement for determining the position and/or change in position of a measurement object relative to a sensor, wherein a magnet is assigned to the measurement object, is configured, with respect to the design of an operationally reliable sensor with low production costs, such that the sensor has a first conductor and a second conductor which is arranged alongside the first conductor and such that a magnetically soft film is arranged in the area of influence of the first and second conductors, the permeability of which film changes under the influence of a magnetic field and which film influences the electromagnetic coupling between the first and second conductors. A corresponding method is specified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Vladislav Mednikov
  • Patent number: 8736256
    Abstract: A rotating field sensor includes a first detection circuit that outputs a first signal indicating the intensity of a component of a rotating magnetic field in a first direction, a second detection circuit that outputs a second signal indicating the intensity of a component of the rotating magnetic field in a second direction, and an arithmetic circuit that calculates a detected angle value based on the first and second signals. Each of the first and second detection circuits includes at least one MR element row. Each MR element row is composed of a plurality of MR elements connected in series. Each MR element has a magnetization pinned layer. The plurality of MR elements forming each MR element row include one or more pairs of MR elements. Magnetization directions of the magnetization pinned layers in two MR elements making up a pair form a predetermined relative angle other than 0° and 180°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Komasaki, Hiraku Hirabayashi, Shunji Saruki
  • Patent number: 8736257
    Abstract: A method for measuring an angular position of a rotating shaft, the method including providing a magnetic field which rotates with the shaft about an axis of rotation, positioning an integrated circuit having first and second magnetic sensing bridges within the magnetic field at a radially off-center position from the axis of rotation, the first and second magnetic sensing bridges respectively providing first and second signals representative of first and second magnetic field directions, the integrated circuit having a set of adjustment parameters for modifying attributes of the first and second signals, modifying values of the set of adjustment parameters until errors in the first and second signals are substantially minimized, and determining an angular position of the shaft based on the first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Granig, Dirk Hammerschmidt, Udo Ausserlechner
  • Patent number: 8736258
    Abstract: 1. Method and device for contactless sensing rotation and angular position using orientation tracking. 2.1 To improve the accuracy and possible resolution of a magnetic positioning system, a method and a device using a special tracking technique is proposed. 2.2. The method and the device are using multiple magnetic field sensing elements at different positions below a magnetic target. The sensed signals are used to select or combine the sensing elements for a best approach to the actual orientation of the magnet. This allows putting out the related orientation of the approach as a coarse value and the remaining displacement as a fine value. 2.3. A device using this method allows highly accurate measurement of angular positions controlling or tolerating the placement of a magnet as the input source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Janez Trontelj
  • Patent number: 8736259
    Abstract: A rotational position sensor includes a rotor substrate and a stator substrate placed to face each other to detect rotational displacement of the rotor substrate. The rotor substrate is formed with an excitation coil in a meandering pattern on an outer circumferential side and a rotor-side rotary transformer on an inner circumferential side. The stator substrate is formed with four detection coils in a meandering pattern on an outer circumferential side and a stator-side rotary transformer on an inner circumferential side. The four detection coils are arranged in a circumferential direction without overlapping each other. The detection coils are displaced from each other by 360°/8. The rotational position sensor includes a high frequency excitation circuit for applying a high frequency signal to the excitation coil through the rotor-side rotary transformer and the rotor-side rotary transformer to excite the excitation coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuichi Manabe, Tetsuji Inoue
  • Patent number: 8736260
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a true power on state (TPOS) detector for which a measured threshold value is stored prior to power down and recalled upon power up. A corresponding method is associated with the magnetic field sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, LLC
    Inventors: Andrea Foletto, Peter Cisar, Eric Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 8736261
    Abstract: A sensor module includes a sensor, a cover, and a wiring unit. The cover holds the sensor and includes a connector configured to make a connection with an external device. The wiring unit is held by the cover, is arranged from the connector to the sensor, and includes a connecting member extending from the connector to a central region of the cover in its width direction, which is perpendicular to the central line, and a wiring member extending from the central region of the cover in its width direction to a vicinity of the sensor. The cover and connecting member are integrally formed from a mold material. The connecting member includes a first connecting terminal exposed from a surface of the mold material at the central region of the cover in its width direction. The wiring member includes a second connecting terminal conductively joined to the first connecting terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Hiramoto, Yoshiyuki Kono, Akitoshi Mizutani, Takamitsu Kubota, Koichiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8736262
    Abstract: An integrated magnetic sensor formed in a body including a substrate of semiconductor material, which integrates a Hall cell. A trench is formed in the body, for example, on the back of the substrate, and is delimited by lateral surface portions that extend in a direction transverse to the main face of the body. The trench has a depth in a direction perpendicular to the main face that is much greater than its width in a direction parallel to the main face of the body, between the lateral surface portions. A concentrator made of ferromagnetic material is formed within the trench and is constituted by two ferromagnetic regions, which are set at a distance apart from one another and extend along the lateral surface portions of the trench towards the first Hall cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Dario Paci, Caterina Riva, Marco Morelli
  • Patent number: 8736263
    Abstract: A technique utilizes the acquisition of data via nuclear magnetic resonance at multiple depths of investigation in a well region. The acquired data is processed to estimate variable fluid mixture densities at different radial depths. The variable fluid mixture densities and a radial response from a density tool, for example, can be used to calculate an effective fluid mixture density and used to interpret density logs. Other logs such as neutron log, induction resistivity log, and dielectric permittivity log can be combined with NMR. For these tools a corresponding effective formation property can be calculated and used to determine other formation characteristics, such as total porosity, total density, dielectric permittivity, electric resistivity, and formation characteristics derivable from these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Chanh Cao Minh
  • Patent number: 8736264
    Abstract: Technologies including NMR logging apparatus and methods are disclosed. Example NMR logging apparatus may include surface instrumentation and one or more downhole probes configured to fit within an earth borehole. The surface instrumentation may comprise a power amplifier, which may be coupled to the downhole probes via one or more transmission lines, and a controller configured to cause the power amplifier to generate a NMR activating pulse or sequence of pulses. Impedance matching means may be configured to match an output impedance of the power amplifier through a transmission line to a load impedance of a downhole probe. Methods may include deploying the various elements of disclosed NMR logging apparatus and using the apparatus to perform NMR measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Vista Clara Inc.
    Inventors: David O. Walsh, Peter Turner
  • Patent number: 8736265
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of acquiring MRI image data comprising the following steps: performing a 3-dimensional B1 mapping of a first volume using a first voxel size, selecting an MRI protocol, performing the B1-shim in accordance with the MRI protocol, performing the MRI protocol to acquire MRI imaging data of a second volume using a second voxel size, wherein the first voxel size is larger than the second voxel size, wherein the first volume is larger than the second volume, and wherein the second volume is contained within the first volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Boernert, Peter Koken, Kay Nehrke, Ulrich Katscher, Ingmar Graesslin
  • Patent number: 8736266
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a gradient coil and a coil cooling pipe. The gradient coil applies a gradient magnetic field onto a subject placed in a static magnetic field. The coil cooling pipe is provided to the gradient coil, and cools the gradient coil by circulating a coolant inside pipe. The coil cooling pipe is provided so as to extend from one end of the gradient coil in the direction toward the other end, then to bend, and to return to the one end along the shape of the gradient coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshitomo Sakakura
  • Patent number: 8736267
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a parameter of an object is disclosed. The object is placed within a vessel configured to contain the object via an opening in the vessel. A cover is placed over the opening. A securing device is used to secure the cover to the vessel. A measurement device is used to measure the parameter of the object at a raised pressure. The parameter can be a nuclear magnetic resonance parameter of the object. A fluid in the vessel can be heated to raise the pressure within the sealed vessel. In various embodiments, the securing device can be a second cover or a clamp, for example. The measured parameter can be used in determining a suitability of the object for use in downhole environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David Peter Gerrard, Omar H. Balcazar
  • Patent number: 8736268
    Abstract: A device for real-time correction of set-point signals intended to receive at the input set-point signals and to deliver at its output set-point signals that are modified to compensate for defects, negative effects or the like subsequently encountered during the processing and/or the application of the set-point signals. This device (1) includes at least one circuit (1?) that is based on a microprogrammed structure and composed of several subassemblies (3, 4, 5, 6, 6?) that work with digital components essentially including a micro-sequencer (3) forming a counter, a memory (4) for storing micro-instructions, and a processing unit (5) combined with at least one working memory (6, 6?) and integrating arithmetic calculation modules (7,7?), whereby the processing unit (5) modifies the data of set-point signals in accordance with the micro-instructions that are addressed by the micro-sequencer (3) and by taking into account the correction coefficients that are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Bruker BioSpin S.A.S.
    Inventor: Ernest Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8736269
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes various geophysical survey systems and methods for mapping an electric potential field. At least one illustrative embodiment includes an electromagnetic (EM) source and geophysical survey cables that each includes multiple electrodes spaced apart along each geophysical survey cable's length, and multiple data acquisition units that each obtains measurements indicative of an electric potential between two the electrodes. A calculation module is included and configured to combine signals representative of the measurements to produce signals indicative of the electric potential of each electrode relative to a reference potential assumed to be present at a selected electrode for each of the plurality of geophysical survey cables. Each reference potential is assumed to be of a magnitude that is within a tolerance range of a common reference potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Mattias Südow, Frederick James Barr, Jr., Peter Lindqvist, Robert Juhasz
  • Patent number: 8736270
    Abstract: A technique utilizes the acquisition of data from desired subterranean regions via a logging system. The logging system is constructed for use in a wellbore and comprises a transmitter module having a transmitter antenna. Additionally, the logging system utilizes a receiver module spaced from the transmitter module and having a receiver antenna. The transmitter antenna and the receiver antenna are oriented to enable sensitivity in desired directions, such as ahead of the logging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jean Seydoux, Emmanuel Legendre, Reza Taherian
  • Patent number: 8736271
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the resistivity of formation surrounding a borehole comprising: an elongate conductive body; a pair of transmitter antennas comprising first and second antennas mounted on the body for inducing a current in the formation; and a pair of receiver antennas comprising first and second antennas mounted on the body for measuring an axial current running in the tool body at the location of the receivers; wherein the pair of transmitter antennas is located to one side of the pair of receiver antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dominique Dion, Isabelle Dubourg
  • Patent number: 8736272
    Abstract: An adjustable spectrum LED solar simulator method and system which provides power to LEDs, senses the LED output, compares the LED output to a predetermined norm, and adjusts the LED outputs accordingly. An adjustable spectrum LED solar simulator system includes a multiplicity of LEDs of a number of different color wavelength ranges, an LED driver system for providing power to the LEDs, a sensor system for sensing the output of the LEDs and a controller responsive to the sensor system for comparing the color spectrum of the output of the LEDs to a desired solar spectrum and enables the driver system to adjust the power to the LEDs to more closely match the desired solar spectrum. The solar simulator system may include a modulator structure of hierarchical assemblies. Solar simulator calibration is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Spire Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt J. Linden, William R. Neal, Harvey Serreze
  • Patent number: 8736273
    Abstract: A testing system and a method for testing a battery cell are provided. The system includes a nest member that receives the battery cell, and a clamping device that secures a first battery tab between first and second connectors, and secures a second battery tab between third and fourth connectors. The system further includes a voltmeter that measures a voltage level between the first and third connectors when the first and second battery tabs are contacting the first and third connectors, respectively. The system further includes an ohmmeter that measures a first resistance level between a first portion of the outer housing and the first connector when the first battery tab is contacting the first connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Janina Stancu, Kenneth J. Oswandel
  • Patent number: 8736274
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing an electrochemical sensor that detects the concentration of a gas are operative for diagnosing whether or not the sensor is in an error state due to a rise in a resistance in the electrolyte of the sensor. Such detection is made on the basis of a current flowing between a sensing electrode and an opposite electrode or a voltage corresponding to the current. A method for diagnosing an electrochemical sensor having a solid or liquid electrolyte between a sensing electrode and an opposite electrode detects the concentration of the gas to be detected on the basis of a current flowing between the sensing electrode and the opposite electrode, or a voltage corresponding to the current. Whether or not the electrochemical sensor is in an error state is diagnosed on the basis of a resistance of the electrolyte between the two electrodes of the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Osaka Gas Co., Ltd., Figaro Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Nonaka, Hisao Ohnishi, Hidemasa Nonaka, Toshiro Nakayama, Tomohiro Inoue, Yuki Kato
  • Patent number: 8736275
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for correcting alignment of a product on a tool and, more particularly, to a system and method for correcting alignment of a wafer on a chuck of a tool. The system is a tool including at least one contact near a circumference of the tool and a grounded contact proximate to the at least one contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Foster, Lin Zhou, Shahin Zangooie, Roger M. Young, Clemente Bottini
  • Patent number: 8736276
    Abstract: A ripple spring is provided having one or more conductive layers, and one or more non-conductive layers. The conductive layers and the non-conductive layers are laminated together to form a symmetrical stack of layers. A method is also provided for monitoring the ripple spring. The method includes the steps of providing a ripple spring that holds a winding in place, where the ripple spring is positioned at least partially within a stator slot defined within an electromechanical device. Providing a conductive layer disposed within the ripple spring, and generating signals from the conductive layer, the signals corresponding to at least one aspect of the ripple spring. An analyzing step analyzes the signals to determine the at least one aspect of the ripple spring, wherein the at least one aspect facilitates an identification of faults in the ripple spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Stonehouse, Elena Rozier, James Jun Xu, Lawrence Lee Sowers
  • Patent number: 8736277
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices directed to transformers are disclosed. One transformer system includes a set of transformer cells and a controller. The set of transformer cells is coupled in series to form a series coupling, where each transformer cell includes at least one first coil and at least one second coil. The second coil is configured to receive electrical energy from the first coil through magnetic interaction. The controller is configured to modify electrical aspects at ends of the series coupling by independently driving the transformer cells such that at least one of the transformer cells is driven differently from at least one other transformer cell in the set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis G. Manzer, Bucknell C. Webb
  • Patent number: 8736278
    Abstract: System and method for testing the reliability of a fuse blow condition. The fuse blow detection circuit includes a fuse circuit comprising a fuse having a first end coupled to ground. A common node is coupled to the second end of the fuse. A pre-charge circuit is coupled to the common node for pre-charging the common node to a pre-charged HIGH level. An inverter includes an inverter output and an inverter input, wherein the inverter input is coupled to the common node. A feedback latch is coupled between a voltage source and ground, and includes a latch input that is coupled to the inverter output and a latch output coupled to the common node. A test circuit is included that is coupled to the common node, wherein in a normal mode the test circuit adds strength to the feedback latch for purposes of maintaining the common node at the pre-charged HIGH level, such that in a test mode the feedback latch is weaker than in the normal mode for purposes of maintaining the common node at the pre-charged HIGH level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Tessera Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Curtis Parris
  • Patent number: 8736279
    Abstract: An electric leakage detection protective circuit comprises two normally closed switches. The live wire at the power output terminal is connected to the live wire output plug bush at the power output plug jack via a normally closed switch and constitutes a group of live wire conductors at the power output side; the neutral wire at power output terminal is connected to the neutral wire output plug bush at the power output plug jack via a normally closed switch and constitutes a group of neutral wire conductors at the power output side. When the outlet reset button is at either a trip position or a reset position, the power live wire output terminal is connected to the live wire output plug bush of the power output plug jack, and the power neutral wire output terminal is connected to the neutral output plug bush of the power output plug jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Huadao Huang
  • Patent number: 8736280
    Abstract: A circuit for testing a high speed data bus comprises a test port, a data bus port, a signal generator, a polarity monitor, and an attenuation monitor. The test port is coupled to a test controller. The data bus port is coupled to the data bus. The signal generator may generate a test signal to the data bus port at a first voltage level with a duty cycle of fifty percent or greater. The polarity monitor may receive the test signal from the data bus port and generate a voltage that is proportional to the duty cycle and indicative of a polarity of a portion of the data bus. The attenuation monitor may receive the test signal from either the signal generator or the data bus port and determine a second voltage level of the received test signal, with the second voltage level being communicated to the test port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: DIT-MCO International Corporation
    Inventors: Harold R. King, Sang Burton
  • Patent number: 8736281
    Abstract: A sensing system comprises a material having a matrix structure in which a plurality of sensing elements are embedded, the sensing elements having electron distribution and/or transport properties that change in response to a change in a physical or chemical property of the material. The sensing system further comprises a receiver, including an antenna, the receiver arranged to receive a source RF signal and a returned RF signal, the returned RF signal being received from the material. A change in the electron distribution and/or transport properties of the sensing elements cause the source RF signal to change, such that a change in a property of the material can be determined from the returned RF signal. A corresponding method of sensing a change in a property of a material is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher R. Lowe, Quentin Tannock, Adrian Stevenson, Karishma Jain
  • Patent number: 8736282
    Abstract: A device for capacitive measurement of the quality and/or deterioration of a fluid includes a sensor encapsulated in a perforated case fixed in the vat of a cooking apparatus that has a bottom, wherein the sensor is connected to an electronic processing circuit, wherein the sensor includes a pair of flat electrodes each having the shape of a comb with a plurality of teeth, which are approximately parallel to each other and extends from a base, wherein the electrodes are arranged relative to each other so teeth of one electrode fit between teeth of the other electrode in approximately the same plane, and the encapsulated sensor is oriented in the vat so the longitudinal axis of each electrode base extends parallel to the bottom of the vat and so the plane of the sensor electrodes forms an angle of between 0° and 60° with the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Alpsens Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Gérald Chambon
  • Patent number: 8736283
    Abstract: A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates 32 to measure the capacitances of the sensor plates. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuit to analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or a plurality of indicators are coupled to the controller, and are selectively activated to identify the location of an obscured feature behind a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Franklin Sensors Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Dorrough
  • Patent number: 8736284
    Abstract: A particulate matter detection device that detects the diameter and the amount of particulates in exhaust gas while reducing detection error caused by deterioration such as the deterioration of electrodes is provided. In the particulate matter detection device, which measures particulates in a gaseous body, AC voltages having different frequencies are applied to a pair of electrodes disposed apart from each other. The resulting impedances to the different frequencies are detected. A resistance component and/or a capacitance component of the impedances to the different frequencies are calculated. The average diameter and/or the number of particulates in the gaseous body are estimated in accordance with changes in the resistance component and/or the capacitance component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiichiro Aoki
  • Patent number: 8736285
    Abstract: A position sensor comprises first and second stationary poles with first and second electrodes, and a reference pole positioned therebetween. The reference pole is coupled to a shaft, and includes a semi-metal via that forms a conducting path between the first and second electrodes. The shaft positions the reference pole between the first and second stationary poles, and a resistance of the conducting path varies with a position of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Jay Stradinger
  • Patent number: 8736286
    Abstract: An electronic device has a chassis, and a printed wiring board (PWB) having a hole. A fastener is installed in the hole thereby securing the PWB to the chassis. A pair of conductive traces is formed in the PWB. A cap, being an amount of conductive glue, covers a part of the fastener and fills an electrically insulating gap between the two traces, to thereby form a conductive path that connects the two traces. A sensing circuit is coupled to the traces, to detect a change in impedance of the path and signal a tamper event alert. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Johnson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8736287
    Abstract: A detection system and method for detecting one or a plurality of species from a mixture of species in a phase. The detection system and method detect changes in conductance induced by the species. The conductance includes a cell structure having a rigid architecture having a top surface a portion of which is electrically conductive forming a first conductive component. A second conductive component substantially overlaps the first conductive component and is spaced from the first conductive component by an insulating component. One or more flow pathways exist between the first conductive component and the second conductive component for the chemical and/or biological species to flow. A time dependent electrical signal for inducing a time dependent response is applied to at least one of said first and second conductive components and a signal detector coupled to at least one of the first and second conductive components measures the time dependent response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Nanosensor Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Al-Amin Dhirani, Yoshinori Suganuma
  • Patent number: 8736288
    Abstract: A system includes electronics for testing a device, a reservoir to store coolant, where the reservoir includes a bellows that is compressible, a pump system to move coolant out of the reservoir to cool the electronics, and means to compress the bellows and thereby pressurize the coolant stored in the reservoir so that the coolant remains substantially flush with an interface to the pump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventors: David Walter Lewinnek, Ray Mirkhani, Jack Michael Thompson, John Kenji Narasaki
  • Patent number: 8736289
    Abstract: A new electrical recycling apparatus for AC/DC power converter is provided to recycle the electricity in direct current to the input ends of the power converter to be tested to save a stage of power converter and avoid the complicated standard and requirement that feed the electricity to the mains supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hong-Chan Chang, Cheng-Chien Kuo, Chien Huangli