Patents Issued in March 29, 2016
  • Patent number: 9297672
    Abstract: An interface circuit for detecting a fault in a resolver is provided. More specifically, the interface circuit includes the resolver connected to an intermediate point of a stator coil of a first output terminal for a sine wave signal and an intermediate point of the stator coil of a second output terminal for a cosine wave signal to output the sine and cosine wave signals as a common mode signal. Also includes is resolver fault detection interface unit that adjusts a gain and an offset of the sine wave signal and the cosine wave signal in order to adjust the sine wave signal and the cosine wave signal received as a common mode signal to a frequency that can be suitably applied to an analog/digital terminal of a microcomputer, and to allow high-frequency components of the sine wave signal and the cosine wave signal to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Bum Sik Kim, Gun Soo Kang, Kang Ho Jeong, Hun Kong, Jong Kyong Lim, Young Kook Lee, Heon Young Kwak
  • Patent number: 9297673
    Abstract: Turbomachine component and turbomachine outfitted therewith. The turbomachine component has a sensor unit arranged at the turbomachine component. The sensor unit has a sensor for detecting a parameter to be monitored and a transmitter for sending a measurement signal corresponding to the parameter to an evaluation unit of the turbomachine for processing. The transmitter of the sensor unit sends an encoded identification signal to the evaluation unit along with the measurement signal, this encoded identification signal contains an identification code that identifies the sensor unit. The sensor unit is configured such that the sensor unit cannot be separated from the turbomachine component without functional destruction of the sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: MAN Diesel & Turbo SE
    Inventor: Thomas Michligk
  • Patent number: 9297674
    Abstract: A sensor housing container comprises a container having an opening, a lid that covers the opening, and a sensor housing body that can be pulled out of the opening of the container. The sensor housing body includes a sensor case, a plurality of sensors, and a spring that biases these sensors. The sensor case is provided with a sensor discharge port at the portion where the sensors are biased by the spring. Also, this sensor discharge port is provided with a guide protrusion for aligning the sensor discharge port with a sensor insertion port of a measurement device. Furthermore, the inner face of the container is provided with a push-out protrusion that contacts with the end of the sensors on the opposite side from electrodes, at the portion corresponding to the end of the sensors on the opposite side from the electrodes inside the sensor case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC HEALTHCARE HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoichi Tanizaki
  • Patent number: 9297675
    Abstract: A composite laminate assembly for an electronic device provides integrated backlighting for one or more indicator shapes defined by the assembly. The assembly includes a substantially opaque cover member to obscure at least parts of the electronic device. Translucent indicator structures in the cover member define respective indicator shapes to allow backlighting to pass through the cover member. An optical matrix layer of an optically conductive material is attached to an inner face of the cover member, with a plurality of lighting devices embedded in the optical matrix layer and laterally offset from associated indicator structures. The plurality of lighting devices may be connected to an electric circuit carried on the inner face of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Tactotek Oy
    Inventors: Antti Keränen, Mikko Heikkinen
  • Patent number: 9297676
    Abstract: In a device in which the rotation angle of the rotor is detected with a resolver, the rotation angle of the rotor with less error can be obtained while reducing burden of the operator. The measured angle value acquisition unit acquires the measured-rotation angle value of a motor shaft. The error calculation unit calculates the error included in each of measured-rotation angle values. The frequency component acquisition unit determines the phase and the amplitude of a frequency component of the error based on the errors. Thus, by using the error frequency component acquisition device, the phase and amplitude of the frequency component of the error included in the measured-rotation angle value can be automatically calculated and the correction with respect to the measure-rotation angle value can be performed using the acquired phase and amplitude. Therefore, the rotation angle of the rotor with less error can be obtained, while reducing the burden of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Kato
  • Patent number: 9297677
    Abstract: A gas flow rate measuring apparatus including a gas flow rate detection circuit configured to output a first analog signal of a gas flow rate of a gas; a gas temperature detection element configured to output a second analog signal of a temperature of the gas or a temperature of an integrated circuit; analog-to-digital converters for converting the analog signals into respective digital signals; a digital signal correction device comprising a map table and configured to correct a characteristic bend of the first digital signal based on the map table and the second digital signal, wherein the map table comprises correction constants arranged as lattice points, wherein a first number of lattice points in a first region of the characteristic bend of the gas flow rate signal is larger than a second number of lattice points of a second region outside the first region of the characteristic bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Suzuki, Keiichi Nakada, Ryo Sato
  • Patent number: 9297678
    Abstract: Acoustic flow rate meter for the noninvasive determination of the flow or the flow rate in electrically conductive objects through which media flow, in particular pipes or pipelines, having an excitation transducer for generating at least one ultrasonic wave in the object, which is coupled into the medium as a longitudinal wave on an inner side of the object oriented toward the medium, and having a receiving transducer for the detection of an ultrasonic signal in the object, wherein the ultrasonic signal at least partially results due to the longitudinal wave, wherein the excitation transducer is implemented as a high-frequency induction coil, while omitting an acoustic coupling of the excitation transducer with the surface of the object, to generate a varying magnetic field in a surface-proximal region of the object, which is metallic in particular, and the ultrasonic wave is generated by interaction of the varying magnetic field with a static or quasi-static magnetic field in this region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Rosen Swiss AG
    Inventors: Carsten Heinks, Evgeny Twerdowski
  • Patent number: 9297679
    Abstract: Flowmeters are disclosed herein that include one or more flow path features for improving the measurement accuracy or other aspects of the flowmeter. A flowmeter can include an elongate body having a first end and a second end and a flow path extending between the first and second ends along a longitudinal axis. An ultrasonic transducer can be disposed in a measurement section of the flow path and configured to emit ultrasonic waves into a material flowing through the flow path. First and second protrusions can be formed in a conditioning section of the flow path upstream from the measurement section, the first and second protrusions extending radially inward from a sidewall of the flow path and being configured to reduce swirling flow through the measurement section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edward Randall Furlong, Xiaolei Shirley Ao, John Daniel Friedemann, Colin James Mackenzie, Nataraja Aswathanarayana Nagaranavile
  • Patent number: 9297680
    Abstract: An ultrasonic flow meter is equipped with a housing through which a liquid flows, and a pair of detection units disposed on opposite ends of the housing and including acoustic wave transmitting and receiving units capable of transmitting and receiving acoustic wave signals. Paired connecting plugs are connected respectively to both ends of the housing. In addition, a supply passage of one of the connecting plugs, a conduit of the housing, and a discharge passage of another of the connecting plugs are disposed on a straight line. A liquid supplied to the supply passage flows through a passage of the conduit and to the discharge passage. Consequently, a flow rate of the liquid is measured based on the propagation time of the acoustic wave signals, which are transmitted and received by the acoustic wave transmitting and receiving units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuro Maruyama, Takamitsu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9297681
    Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement apparatus (10) for determining a fluid velocity of a fluid (12) flowing in a piping (14) is provided, the apparatus (10) having a measurement body (20) inserted into the piping (14) and thus forming a section of the piping (14), the measurement body (20) comprising a flow channel (26) for the fluid (12) and a surrounding channel wall (24), wherein at least one ultrasonic transducer (18a-b) is mounted from the outside on the channel wall (24) so that an oscillating member of the transducer (18a-b) couples onto a partial region (30a-b) of the channel wall (24) and thus the partial region (30a-b) acts as an oscillating membrane of the ultrasonic transducer (18a-b). The ultrasonic transducer (18a-b) is arranged within a bulge (44) of the channel wall (24) which protrudes into the flow channel (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventor: Michael Speidel
  • Patent number: 9297682
    Abstract: A continuous, inline, flow rate measurement system for rapidly measuring a flow rate in an analytical instrument having a primary pump that outputs a primary fluid at the flow rate to be measured or verified. The flow rate measurement system includes an auxiliary pump that outputs an auxiliary fluid bubble having a detectable characteristic that is distinguishable from the primary fluid, a bubble injection system that injects a small portion of the auxiliary fluid into the conduit, and a bubble detection system for measuring the position of the auxiliary fluid bubble as a function of time based on a time of detecting the detectable characteristic of the auxiliary fluid, and a controller for converting the measured position of the auxiliary fluid bubble as a function of time into a volumetric flow rate based on a known volume of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Serge Njamfa
  • Patent number: 9297683
    Abstract: A portion distribution device for portioning substances from a container in pre-defined increments is disclosed. The portion distribution device includes a portion divider having a portion opening, and a measurement chamber body rotatively coupled to the portion divider. The measurement chamber body includes a plurality of chambers equal in volume and a base joined to the plurality of chambers, with the base constructed to be selectively connected to the container. The portion distribution device also includes a lid rotatively coupled to the measurement chamber body, with the lid further including a top surface having at least one lid opening formed therethrough, at least one flap operative to close the at least one lid opening, and a rod extending downward from the top surface, through the measurement chamber body, and coupled to the portion divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Brett J. Blackburn
  • Patent number: 9297684
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a flow-estimation processor receives one or more flow-depth measurements with each flow-depth measurement having been taken at a respective time. The processor calculates a respective estimated flow rate for each of the times based on the corresponding flow-depth measurement and one or more flow-estimation parameters each set to a respective initial value. The processor outputs the estimated flow rates for presentation via a user interface, and receives via the user interface one or more updated values corresponding respectively to a flow-estimation parameter. The processor calculates an updated estimated flow rate for each of the one or more times, such that each respective updated estimated flow rate is calculated based on the received updated values. The processor then outputs the updated estimated flow rates for presentation via the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: HADRONEX, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Quist, David A. Drake, Lawrence B. Merchell, Justin H. Hobbs
  • Patent number: 9297685
    Abstract: An oil level sensor comprises a body having a probe extending away from a nominal body portion. The probe receives a resistance thermal device and extends for a height away from the nominal surface. The probe has an outer dimension. The ratio of the outer dimension to the height is between 0.1 and 0.2. The RTD is connected to lead wires through splices, the lead wires leaving the nominal housing. A fastener tab extends away from the nominal body, and generally perpendicularly to the probe. The lead wires are anchored within a chamber, which is filled with a potting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Dennis, Jr., Henry R. Vanderzyden
  • Patent number: 9297686
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining at least first and second properties of a fluid associated with a tank includes a mounting head adapted for connection to the tank, a housing extending from the mounting head, and an integral chamber formed in the housing. The chamber is in fluid communication between the tank and a down-line device of the vehicle or equipment with which the tank is associated. A sensor module can be installed in the chamber for measuring different parameters of the fluid. Other modules can be interchanged with the sensor module for accomplishing different operations associated with the apparatus and/or fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Texas LFP, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9297687
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus may include a sense element having a first end and a second end; and a stud fitted inside the sense element. The stud may have a first end and a second end. The first end of the stud may be free floating with respect to the sense element. The second end of the stud may be attached to the second end of the sense element. The sense element may include one or more gauges. The gauges may sense strain on the sense element. The apparatus may include a ridge that may be used to provide overload protection of the apparatus. The ridge may be placed on the stud, the sense element, or the stud and sense element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Zwijze, David Hatch
  • Patent number: 9297688
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to weighing a bale formed by a round baler. One or more load cells, but not including load cells at each support of the baler, are used to obtain a measurement of the baler containing the bale and a measurement of the baler empty. Factors related to the slope of the surface on which the baler is located, the size of the bale, and the shape of the bale are used to adjust the measured weight of the bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: John H. Posselius, Kevin M. Smith, Douglas S. Fitzkee, Robrecht M. K. Dumarey, Bart M. A. Missotten, Didier O. M. Verhaeghe
  • Patent number: 9297689
    Abstract: A parallel-guiding mechanism (120) has a movable parallel leg (121), a stationary parallel leg (122), a first parallel-guiding member (123) and a second parallel-guiding member (124). The parallel legs and the parallel-guiding members are connected to each other by flexure pivots, in the form of narrow material connections. There is at least one adjustment zone (135). An adjustment flexure fulcrum (136) is arranged between a flexure pivot (131) and a parallel leg. The adjustment zone is connected to the first lever end (138) of an adjustment lever (137). The adjustment flexure fulcrum forms the lever fulcrum (146) of the adjustment lever, which has an elastic domain with a section modulus that is smaller than a section modulus of the adjustment flexure fulcrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbH
    Inventors: Christophe Béguin, Thomas Köppel, Hans-Rudolf Burkhard
  • Patent number: 9297690
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method in the check weighing of a weighing system. In the method, a hoist (15) equipped with a weighing system (14) is used to lift a load (27), which is weighed, and the value measured by the weighing system (14) is recorded. In the method, the weighing system (14) is adjusted as required, on the basis of the recorded values. A real load (28), which is weighed when not moving, is used as the load (27). The same real load (28) is also weighed during a normal movement while moving. A reference value is defined from these two weighings of the same real load (28), on the basis of which the weighing system (14) is adjusted if necessary and/or the precision probably achieved by the weighing system (14) is estimated. The invention also relates to a software product and an arrangement in the check weighing of a weighing system, and materials handling equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Esko Havimäki
  • Patent number: 9297691
    Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) interrogation method allows for high frequency dynamic measurement. The method may utilize a broad band light source connected to the sensing elements. Each sensing element may comprise two wavelength matching FBGs, a coupler, and a photodiode. The FBG closest to the light source may attenuate the central wavelength in the transmission spectrum and thus the reflection spectrum of the second FBG. Variations in intensity of the second FBG may be measured by the photodiode and can be calibrated to the desired measurands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
    Inventors: Gangbing Song, Siu Chun Michael Ho, Ren Liang, Hongnan Li
  • Patent number: 9297692
    Abstract: An evaluation system that includes a miniature module that comprises a miniature objective lens and a miniature supporting module; wherein the miniature supporting module is arranged, when placed on a sample, to position the miniature objective lens at working distance from the sample; wherein the miniature objective lens is arranged to gather radiation from an area of the sample when positioned at the working distance from the sample; a sensor arranged to detect radiation that is gathered by the miniature objective lens to provide detection signals indicative of the area of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Applied Materials Israel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoram Uziel, Alon Litman, Ofer Adan, Ron Naftali, Juergen Frosien
  • Patent number: 9297693
    Abstract: The invention provides a spatially-selective reflective structure for the detection of submillimeter electromagnetic waves and systems and methods incorporating spatially-selective reflective structures. One aspect of the invention provides a spatially-selective reflective structure including a partially-conducting slab and a modulating reflector disk adjacent to the partially-conducting slab. The modulating reflector disk includes a plurality of modulations. Another aspect of the invention provides a submillimeter imaging device including submillimeter wave optics, a spatially-selective reflective structure located in the focal plane of the submillimeter wave optics, a submillimeter wave receiver positioned to capture waves reflected from the spatially-selective reflective structure, and a motor configured to rotate the spatially-selective reflective structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: The University of Memphis Research Foundation
    Inventors: Orges Furxhi, Eddie L. Jacobs, Thomas Layton
  • Patent number: 9297694
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to quickly and precisely correct the measured value for light reception power to the actual value with few resources, by installing a correction device for a light reception power monitor for signal light in an optical module. The correction device is equipped with a correction table which is referenced when correcting the measured value for the light reception power of signal light, and in this correction table multiple correction values are stored in advance on the basis of the correspondence relationships between multiple reference values and multiple actual values. In the correction table, for segments wherein the change in the actual values with respect to the change in the measured values is small, the interval between the reference values is made smaller and more correction values are stored than for segments wherein the change in the actual values with respect to the change in the measured values is large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Rintaro Nomura
  • Patent number: 9297695
    Abstract: A motion sensing device for sensing infrared rays, the motion sensing device includes a substrate; a sensing unit, configured on the substrate for sensing the infrared rays; a stabilizing layer, covering on the sensing unit for fixing and protecting the sensing unit, wherein the stabilizing layer has an opening; a protection layer, formed on the opening; and a coating layer, covering the stabilizing layer for absorbing infrared rays, wherein the coating layer does not cover the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Dyna Image Corporation
    Inventor: Ming-Hsun Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9297696
    Abstract: A device for Laser based Analysis using a Passively Q-Switched Laser comprising an optical pumping source optically connected to a laser media. The laser media and a Q-switch are positioned between and optically connected to a high reflectivity mirror (HR) and an output coupler (OC) along an optical axis. The output coupler (OC) is optically connected to the output lens along the optical axis. A means for detecting atomic optical emission comprises a filter and a light detector. The optical filter is optically connected to the laser media and the optical detector. A control system is connected to the optical detector and the analysis electronics. The analysis electronics are optically connected to the output lens. The detection of the large scale laser output production triggers the control system to initiate the precise timing and data collection from the detector and analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Steven D Woodruff, Dustin L. Mcintyre
  • Patent number: 9297697
    Abstract: A method for facilitating in-device coexistence between radios is provided. The method can include a processor implemented on the wireless communication device defining a coexistence policy for a first radio and a second radio co-located on the wireless communication device; and providing the coexistence policy to a coexistence management controller on the first radio via an interface between the processor and the first radio. The method can further include the second radio providing state information for the second radio to the first radio via an interface between the first radio and the second radio. The method can additionally include the coexistence management controller on the first radio using the state information to control operation of the first radio in accordance with the coexistence policy to mitigate interference with the second radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Syed A. Mujtaba, William S. Burchill
  • Patent number: 9297698
    Abstract: A colorimetric method includes performing colorimetry on color patches to acquire colorimetric values, and determining whether or not color patches subjected to colorimetry are color patches that should undergo colorimetry based on the colorimetric values and reference values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tsubasa Nakatsuka
  • Patent number: 9297699
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a spectrometer, while orbiting the Earth, includes the steps of (a) determining a period of time in which the Moon is within a field of view (FOV) of the spectrometer and (b) stopping the FOV of the spectrometer during this period of time. During this period of time, multiple “free views” of the Moon are available, in which lunar IR intensities may be received by the spectrometer that are comparable to intensity levels obtained from an internal calibration test (ICT) on a satellite. The method measures the IR radiance from the Moon during this period of time. After filtering the lunar IR radiances by an integral function, the spectrometer is calibrated using the “free views” as a benchmark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Exelis, Inc.
    Inventor: Grant Matthews
  • Patent number: 9297700
    Abstract: A photonic sensor, comprising: a platform, a temperature sensor on the platform; and a structure formed on or as part of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Martin Lambkin, William Allan Lane
  • Patent number: 9297701
    Abstract: In order to improve efficiency for converting electromagnetic energy into heat energy, an electromagnetic wave detector detecting an electromagnetic wave having a specific wavelength includes a substrate in which a read-out circuit is formed; a temperature detecting portion with a space from the substrate and which includes a bolometer thin film and a first antenna wire; a supporting portion which supports the temperature detecting portion with a space from the substrate and which includes electrode wires connected to the read-out circuit and to the bolometer thin film; and a reflecting portion which is provided to the substrate and which reflects the electromagnetic wave penetrating the temperature detecting portion toward the temperature detecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Tokuhito Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9297702
    Abstract: A first image may be obtained using locked (relative) phases. A second image may be obtained using unlocked (e.g., randomized) phases. Data of the second image may be subtracted from data of the first image. The result may then undergo further processing, if desired, e.g., to further enhance the resulting image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Phase Sensitive Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Martin, Christopher A. Schuetz, Dennis W. Prather, Thomas E. Dillon
  • Patent number: 9297703
    Abstract: A temperature sensing device includes a first frequency generator for generating a first clock signal having a first frequency that is constant regardless of a temperature; a second frequency generator for generating a second clock signal having a second frequency that is changed according to the temperature; and a data holding unit for outputting a temperature code indicating a number of pulses of the second clock signal counted for a reference time at which a number of pulses of the first clock signal reaches a predetermined threshold. The temperature sensing device does not require a reference clock signal input from the outside and is insensitive to the change in the process, thereby being capable of improving the performance of the temperature sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignees: Samsung Display Co., Ltd., LDT INC.
    Inventors: Gil-Jae Lee, Choong-Sun Shin
  • Patent number: 9297704
    Abstract: A method and circuit for determining a working temperature of a device, the method comprising: providing a first signal to a device having a temperature-sensitive characteristic; performing a function on the first signal by the device; demodulating a second signal output by the device to obtain a third signal thus generating a signal having reduced 1/f noise component; and based upon the first signal and the second signal, determining a working temperature of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Corcos, Michel Despont, Danny Elad, Thomas Morf, Mehmet Soyuer
  • Patent number: 9297705
    Abstract: A temperature measuring device having a smart chip, or electronic circuit, integrated therein is provided. The smart chip, or electronic circuit, includes at least a unique identification number or data specific to the particular temperature measuring device stored thereon. The electronic circuit further includes calibration data of the temperature measuring device stored thereon. A module controller of a temperature control system is configured to verify the unique identification number of the thermocouple assembly prior to allowing data to be transferred between the temperature measuring device and a temperature controller. A graphical user interface allows an operator to enter the unique identification number or data to verify the temperature measuring device and display an error message if the number or data entered is not equivalent, or does not match, the unique identification number or data stored on the electronic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravinder K. Aggarwal, Rand Conner
  • Patent number: 9297706
    Abstract: A freeze indicator including an indicator dispersion is described herein. Such an indicator dispersion can include: a liquid medium and particles of a colored indicator agent dispersed in the liquid medium. The colored indicator agent particles having an inherent color; wherein the indicator dispersion exhibits the inherent color of the colored indicator agent particles after freezing and is configured to have a less colored appearance before freezing and wherein light scattering masks the inherent color of the colored indicator agent particles before freezing. Some indicator dispersions can be free of color-changing chemical co-reactants. These freeze indicators can be small, have a low cost, and have a simple configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: TEMPTIME CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dawn E. Smith, Brian S. Huffman, Dene H. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9297707
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the circumferential distribution of temperature in a fluid, comprising a plurality of sensor ladders, each incorporating a plurality of temperature sensors, wherein a first one of the sensor ladders partially overlaps a second one of the sensor ladders, part of the first sensor ladder not overlapping the second sensor ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE CONTROLS AND DATA SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Bellis, Paul Thornton
  • Patent number: 9297708
    Abstract: Methods and systems for use in monitoring a physical interface between a structural opening and a medium. A system is provided comprising a medium operable to pass through a plurality of structural openings and a sensing system associated with the medium. The sensing system includes at least one physical interface positioned at locations where the medium passes through one of the plurality of structural openings. The at least one physical interface includes at least one waveguide for monitoring changes to the at least one physical interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Charles E. Morris, Thomas Lyman Weaver
  • Patent number: 9297709
    Abstract: Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be bonded to an outer surface of the insert, or positioned within the insert, in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Steven H. Walker, Daniel Johnson
  • Patent number: 9297710
    Abstract: A method and device for the detection of impact events on a security barrier. A hollow rebar is farmed within a security barrier, whereby the hollow rebar is completely surrounded by the security barrier. An optical fiber passes through the interior of the hollow rebar. An optical transmitter and an optical receiver are both optically connected to the optical fiber and connected to optical electronics. The optical electronics are configured to provide notification upon the detection of an impact event at the security barrier based on the detection of disturbances within the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventor: Ross E. Pies
  • Patent number: 9297711
    Abstract: A sensor is disclosed herein. The sensor includes a fiber operable to communicate a light wave. The sensor also includes at least first and second Fiber Bragg Gratings disposed along the fiber. The sensor also includes a structure operable to be deformed in a plane of deformation. The at least first and second Fiber Bragg Gratings are disposed on opposite sides of the structure in the plane of deformation. The sensor also includes an interrogation unit operable to receive first and second signals corresponding to first and second wavelengths from the at least first and second Fiber Bragg Gratings. The first signal is associated with the first Fiber Bragg Grating and the second signal is associated with the second Fiber Bragg Grating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: The Cleveland Electric Laboratories Company
    Inventors: Mike McNeilly, Donald R Way
  • Patent number: 9297712
    Abstract: A strain gage system for an electric motor actuator is provided. The strain gage system may be coupled to or integrally formed in a housing of the electric motor actuator. In various embodiments, the strain gauge system may comprise one or more principle strain gages. In various embodiments, the strain gage system may comprise one or more transverse strain gages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Freshour
  • Patent number: 9297713
    Abstract: A semiconductor pressure sensor device having a pressure-sensing die electrically connected to a microcontrol unit (MCU) using either through silicon vias (TSVs) or flip-chip bumps. An active surface of the pressure-sensing die is in facing relationship with the MCU. These embodiments avoid the need to used bonds to electrically connect the pressure-sensing die to the MCU, thereby saving time, reducing size, and reducing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR,INC.
    Inventors: Wai Yew Lo, Lan Chu Tan
  • Patent number: 9297714
    Abstract: An air data probe includes a probe head and a raised portion. The probe head defines a longitudinal axis and includes a forward tip and a probe head surface. The raised portion is defined in the probe head surface aft of the forward tip. The raised portion is raised radially relative to the probe head surface. The raised portion is configured and adapted to trip a fluid boundary layer passing over the probe head to transition from laminar to turbulent for reducing boundary layer separation for consistent readings at high altitudes and/or high mach numbers. A method of manufacturing an air data probe includes forming a probe head and applying a raised portion to a surface of the probe head aft of the forward tip. Applying the raised portion to the surface of the probe head includes using brazing, additive manufacturing, adhesives and/or any other suitable technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Jae Doolittle, Roger Duane Foster, Brian Daniel Matheis
  • Patent number: 9297715
    Abstract: Performance indicating device (400) adapted to be connected to a processing apparatus (100), in particular to an apparatus for demolishing and in particular for milling surfaces or layers (Sr) upon which one can walk or drive such as for example surfaces made of asphalt or cement or of similar solid materials, and/or to a main operating machine (300) actuating said apparatus (100), said apparatus (100) comprising processing means (10), said device comprising at least a first movable indicating element (401) adapted to be alternatively moved in a first sense of motion and in the opposite sense in case of increase and decrease of the stress undergone by said processing means (10), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: SIMEX, S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mirco Risi
  • Patent number: 9297716
    Abstract: A pipe end-sealing tool includes a body. A seal is mounted on the body and is adapted to apply a sealing pressure to an inner wall of a pipe end to be sealed. A lock is also mounted on the body and is adapted to engage an outer wall of the pipe end. Thus, a load applied to the pipe wall by the lock opposes the sealing pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Stats (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Angus George Bowie
  • Patent number: 9297717
    Abstract: In a venting system, in particular for a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, which has a sorption filter for temporarily storing fuel evaporating from the fuel tank and a fluid-conveying conveying device situated between the sorption filter and an air supply or an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, according to the present system, the conveying device is a bidirectional conveying device which is switchable in a first conveying direction in the direction of the internal combustion engine for regenerating the sorption filter and in a second conveying direction in the direction of the sorption filter for carrying out a fuel tank leak diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Silke Haag, Helmut Denz, Andreas Pape, Manfred Franz
  • Patent number: 9297718
    Abstract: A method checks the gas tightness of a fuel cell system which has a fuel cell and a container for storing hydrogen gas. The container is connected to the fuel cell via a line along which a pressure sensor is arranged to measure a pressure of hydrogen gas flowing to the fuel cell. A quantity of hydrogen gas flowing to the fuel cell is calculated by a quantity/pressure relationship which describes a relationship between the pressure and the quantity of hydrogen gas. A current which is generated by the fuel cell is measured and a quantity of hydrogen gas which has been converted into electricity by the fuel cell is calculated by a quantity/current relationship which describes a relationship between the current generated by the fuel cell and the quantity of burnt hydrogen gas. The calculated quantities of hydrogen gas are compared with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Rene Van Doorn
  • Patent number: 9297719
    Abstract: A flight control system loading test apparatus includes a surface-mounted sector, a cam profile sector, a dummy weight, and a cable. The surface-mounted sector attaches to an aircraft flight control system body such that the surface-mounted sector pivots along with the body about a pivot axis. The cam profile sector is configured to rotate about a rotational axis among a plurality of loading positions. The cam profile sector includes a profile surface having a plurality of curves. Each curve follows a different radius emanating from a respective axis substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the cam profile sector. The cable contacts the cam profile sector along the profile surface. An applied hinge moment using the dummy weight varies as the cam profile sector rotates about the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Patents & Technologies North America, LLC
    Inventors: Toshiaki Fujii, Pascal Brisson, Hiroshi Yamanouchi
  • Patent number: 9297720
    Abstract: A method of observing an airflow passage within a gas turbine engine includes locating a support in view of an airflow passage and housing an optical fiber within the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ian F. Agoos, Eli C. Warren
  • Patent number: 9297721
    Abstract: A diagnostic tool that can communicate with a computing device such as smart phone is provided. The diagnostic tool can include a power management system that allows the dynastic tool to enter lower power state in order to prevent the power drain of vehicle battery. The diagnostic tool can also AutoID a vehicle or use a “fingerprinting” process to identify the vehicle. A crediting system is provided that can be used to credit a 3rd party for software purchased for use by the diagnostic tool or smart phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Bertosa, Michael Gessner