Patents Issued in June 21, 2016
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Patent number: 9372208Abstract: According to a method herein, a multi-level inductor is created around a through-silicon-via (TSV) in a semiconductor substrate. A voltage induced in the multi-level inductor by current flowing in the TSV is sensed, using a computerized device. The voltage is compared to a reference voltage, using the computerized device. An electrical signature of the TSV is determined based on the comparing the voltage to the reference voltage, using the computerized device.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mark A. DiRocco, Kirk D. Peterson, Norman W. Robson, Keith C. Stevens
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Patent number: 9372209Abstract: A sensor for detecting damage to an object may include a housing, a first coating provided on a surface of a first end of the housing, and a second coating provided on a surface of a second end of the housing opposing the first end. The first coating may be configured to be exposed to an environment in which the object is placed, while the second coating may be configured to be hermitically sealed. The sensor may further include a plurality of electrodes placed in the housing connected to the first end and the second end so as to measure an electrical signal generated therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLCInventor: Takashi Iwamoto
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Patent number: 9372210Abstract: Various techniques for dynamic power FET switching are disclosed. In some embodiments, a device comprises an array of two or more independently switchable power MOSFETs that are configured to sense current in a high current mode and a low current mode as well as circuitry for automatically switching from the low current mode to the high current mode when sensed current is above a threshold to switch to the high current mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Silego Technology, Inc.Inventors: John Othniel McDonald, Jay Li, Nathan Willis John
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Patent number: 9372211Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a first voltage detection circuit which detects when a voltage, becomes higher than a first level after the voltage starts to be supplied to a peripheral circuit, and detects when the voltage becomes lower than a second level after a supply of the voltage to the peripheral circuit starts to be interrupted, and a second voltage detection circuit which detects when the voltage becomes lower than a reference level while the peripheral circuit operates. The second level is lower than the reference level.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.Inventor: Hyun Chul Lee
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Patent number: 9372212Abstract: A circuit is provided, including a first resistor, a second resistor which may have an adjustable resistance, and a control unit. The control unit may be configured to adjust the second resistor to have a first resistance at which a voltage due to a first current flowing through the first resistor is equal to a voltage due to a second current flowing through the second resistor. The control unit may be further configured to adjust the second resistor to have a second resistance at which a voltage due to another first current different from the first current and flowing through the first resistor is equal to the voltage due to the second current flowing through the second resistor. The control unit may be further configured to adjust the second resistor to have a third resistance based on at least a difference of the first resistance and the second resistance.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventor: Steffen Thiele
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Patent number: 9372213Abstract: In some implementations, a sensing apparatus for an appliance connector, set forth by way of example and not limitation, includes at least one substrate including one or more openings operative to receive a corresponding number of prongs of the appliance connector. At least one sensor is coupled to the substrate and is operative to sense at least one characteristic of an environment. A transmitter is coupled to the substrate and is operative to transmit one or more signals derived from the at least one sensed characteristic, where the transmitted signals are capable of being received by a receiving device. A power circuit is coupled to the substrate and is operative to provide power to the at least one sensor and to the transmitter, where the power circuit can receive electric current from at least one of the prongs of the appliance connector to drive the transmitter and the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: ALPHA AND OMEGA, INC.Inventors: Donna Marie Auguste, David Edward Hayes, Klaus J. Dimmler, Alan D. Devilbiss
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Patent number: 9372214Abstract: High frequency interconnect structures, electronic assemblies that utilize high frequency interconnect structures, and methods of operating the same. The high frequency interconnect structures include a plurality of dielectric waveguides and are configured to communicatively connect a plurality of transmitters with a plurality of receivers and to convey a plurality of signals therebetween. The plurality of signals may include a plurality of electromagnetic waves and may have a frequency of at least 200 GHz. The high frequency interconnect structures further may be configured to decrease a potential for crosstalk between a first signal that is conveyed by a first dielectric waveguide of the plurality of dielectric waveguides and a second signal that is conveyed by a second dielectric waveguide of the plurality of dielectric waveguides, such as through control of a passband of the first dielectric waveguide relative to the second dielectric waveguide and/or the use of a crosstalk mitigation structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.Inventors: Eric W. Strid, Richard L. Campbell, Kenneth R. Smith, K. Reed Gleason, Kooho Jung
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Patent number: 9372215Abstract: An electrical resistance measurement apparatus includes a light irradiation unit that irradiates a conductive thin film with terahertz light, a reflection light detection unit that detects reflection light from the conductive thin film, and a computer containing a storage that stores correlation between the reflectance of the terahertz light from the conductive thin film and electrical resistance of the conductive thin film. The computer further containing a processor that determines, reflectance of the terahertz light from the conductive thin film based on a result of detection performed by the reflection light detection unit, and determines the electrical resistance of the conductive thin film based on the correlation and a result of the determination of the reflectance.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: FURUKAWA CO., LTD.Inventor: Akihide Hamano
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Patent number: 9372216Abstract: A restart section in an electric powered vehicle restarts a controller from a sleep mode, when a voltage higher than a restart voltage is supplied for over a response time. In a charge mode, a stand controller provides a connection check function by using a normal CPLT (Control Pilot signal) method. In a normal CPLT method, an output terminal is supplied with DC voltage that exceeds the restart voltage. In a non-charge mode, the stand controller uses a monitor signal which will not cause a restart of the controller to provide a connection check function. The monitor signal for the non-charge mode has a voltage that is lower than the restart voltage and/or a pulse width that is shorter than the response time. As a result, it is possible to reduce power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Mitsuhiro Kanayama
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Patent number: 9372217Abstract: A measuring device for detecting a conductor that carries alternating voltage, includes a voltage source configured to produce two phase-shifted alternating voltages, two complex impedance elements having first connections, which are connected to the alternating voltages, and second connections, which are connected to each other and to which a differential voltage is applied, and a control device configured to control the alternating voltages in such a way that a component of the differential voltage synchronous with the alternating voltages is minimized in magnitude. The control device is configured to detect the conductor if a ratio of the alternating voltages does not correspond to a ratio of the complex impedance elements in the absence of the conductor. The second complex impedance element is changeable with a control voltage. A probe is configured to provide the control voltage as a function of an alternating electromagnetic field induced by the conductor.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Markus Hahl, Andrej Albrecht
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Patent number: 9372218Abstract: A diagnostic device for checking a control signal line between a control device of a motor vehicle and a motor-vehicle-side charging connection for a battery of the motor vehicle, includes a first resistor disposed at the charging connection and connecting the control signal line to ground, a second resistor connected in parallel with first resistor to form a parallel circuit, an evaluation device associated with the control device and comprising a current source and/or a voltage source for supplying a corresponding current or voltage outside a charging operation, and a diode connected in series with the first and second resistors and blocking a current flow from ground to the control signal line. The evaluation device is configured to measure, by using the first and second resistor, a current indicating a control signal line defect or a voltage indicating a control signal line defect.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Sami Zaki, Niklas Schalli, Florian Steinlechner
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Patent number: 9372219Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, HVAC controls and corresponding error detection methods are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an HVAC control generally includes a digital input configured to receive a digital signal, an analog input configured to receive an analog signal, and an error indicator. The control is configured to receive a neutral signal at the analog input, determine a voltage of the neutral signal with respect to earth ground, and operate the error indicator to indicate a normal state if the voltage is below a first threshold, a bad ground state if the voltage is between the first threshold and a second threshold, and a reverse polarity state if the voltage is above the second threshold.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: John J. Heller, John F. Broker
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Patent number: 9372220Abstract: In a test of discharging a capacitor by electrically turning on a first switching element and a second switching element that are inserted in series in a conductor connecting a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the capacitor, a discharge current that passes through the first and second switching elements tend to apply stress on the first and second switching elements. In this discharge test, while a first control signal for putting the first switching element into a low resistance state is being applied to the first switching element, a second control signal increasing a voltage thereof over time is applied to the second switching element, and application of one of or both of the first and second control signals is stopped when a current detector detects a current. Since a discharge test ends when a limited discharge current starts flowing, stress associated with the discharge test is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Takao Kanzaki, Koichi Sakata, Yusuke Shindo, Yasuaki Igarashi
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Patent number: 9372221Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a field-programmable gate array for detecting and normalizing partial discharges in a digital signal. The field-programmable gate array includes a filter that receives the digital signal and isolates high frequency information from the digital signal. The field-programmable gate array then normalizes the high frequency information by a compensation value to produce a normalized signal. Further, a comparator of the field-programmable gate array can determine whether the normalized signal exceeds a threshold input. In turn, a counter of the field-programmable gate array increments a counter value in response to each determination that the high frequency information exceeds the threshold input.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKFInventor: Adam Bierman
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Patent number: 9372222Abstract: A semiconductor process sensor to characterize a semiconductor process by which the semiconductor process sensor was formed. The semiconductor process sensor includes a constant reference voltage source to provide a constant reference voltage signal, a process sensing resistor, a constant current source, and an analog-to-digital converter. The process sensing resistor has a first terminal electrically coupled to the constant reference voltage source and a second terminal to provide a sensed voltage signal, the process sensing resistor having a resistance that is dependent on at least one variation in the semiconductor process used to form the semiconductor process sensor. The constant current source is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the process sensing resistor. The analog-to-digital converter is coupled to the second terminal of the process sensing resistor to provide at least one output signal characterizing the semiconductor process by which the semiconductor process sensor was formed.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventor: Jung Hee Lee
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Patent number: 9372223Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method of evaluating metal contamination in a semiconductor sample by DLTS method, which includes obtaining a first DLTS spectrum by measuring a DLTS signal while varying a temperature, the DLTS signal being generated by alternatively and cyclically applying to a semiconductor junction on a semiconductor sample a reverse voltage VR to form a depletion layer and a weak voltage V1 to trap carriers in the depletion layer; obtaining a second DLTS spectrum by measuring a DLTS signal while varying a temperature, the DLTS signal is being generated by cyclically applying the VR to the semiconductor junction; obtaining a differential spectrum of the first DLTS spectrum with a correction-use spectrum in the form of the second DLTS spectrum or a spectrum that is obtained by approximating the second DLTS spectrum as a straight line or as a curve.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: SUMCO CORPORATIONInventors: Kei Matsumoto, Ryuji Ohno
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Patent number: 9372224Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for checking the proper method of operation of a current sensor which is designed to measure a battery current. During a precharge phase which begins at a time at which at least one electrical component is connected to a battery and during which the electrical component is precharged by a precharge current, at least one measured value provided by the current sensor is compared with an expected current value determined from an expected temporal profile of the precharge current. The disclosure also describes a computation unit and a battery which are designed to carry out the method according to the disclosure.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Andre Boehm, Joachim Rischen
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Patent number: 9372225Abstract: A storage device test system includes: a storage device mounting unit configured to mount a storage device therein; a test control unit configured to transmit and/or receive test signals to and/or from the storage device; an interface plug that is electrically connected to the test control unit and coupled to the storage device mounted in the storage device mounting unit; and a plugging driving unit that controls a relative location between the interface plug and the storage device mounting unit. By using the storage device test system, the causes of defects that may occur while using a storage device may be easily detected.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kwang-kyu Bang, Min-gwon Moon, Il-do Seo, Yu-hyun Oh
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Patent number: 9372226Abstract: Wafer test structures and methods of providing wafer test structures are described. The methods include: fabricating multiple test devices and multiple fuse devices on the wafer, each test device having a respective fuse device associated therewith, which open circuits upon failure of the test device; and fabricating a selection circuit operative to selectively connect one test device to a sense contact pad, and the other test devices to a stress contact pad. The selection circuit facilitates sensing one or more electrical signals of the one test device by electrical contact with the sense contact pad, while stress testing the other test devices by electrical contact with the stress contact pad. In one embodiment, each test device has respective first and second switch devices, operative to selectively electrically connect the test device to the sense or stress contact pads. In another embodiment, the method includes wafer testing using the test structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.Inventors: Suresh Uppal, Randy W. Mann, William McMahon
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Patent number: 9372227Abstract: A system for testing a device under test (DUT) includes a probe card and a test module. The probe card includes probe beds electrically coupled to a circuit board and a first plurality of electrical contacts coupled to the circuit board, which are for engaging respective ones of a plurality of electrical contacts of a test equipment module. Probes are coupled to respective probe beds and are disposed to engage electrical contacts of the DUT. The probe card includes a second plurality of electrical contacts coupled to the circuit board. The first and second pluralities of contacts are mutually exclusive. The test module includes a memory, a processor, and a plurality of electrical contacts electrically coupled to respective ones of the second plurality of electrical contacts of the probe card. The circuit board includes a first electrical path for electrically coupling the test equipment module to the test module.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mill-Jer Wang, Ching-Nen Peng, Hung-Chih Lin, Wei-Hsun Lin, Hao Chen, Chung-Han Huang
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Patent number: 9372228Abstract: Electronic device structures such as structures containing antennas, connectors, welds, electronic device components, conductive housing structures, and other structures can be tested for faults using a non-contact test system. The test system may include a vector network analyzer or other test unit that generates radio-frequency tests signals in a range of frequencies. The radio-frequency test signals may be transmitted to electronic device structures under test using an antenna probe that has one or more test antennas. The antenna probe may receive corresponding radio-frequency signals. The transmitted and received radio-frequency test signals may be analyzed to determine whether the electronic device structures under test contain a fault.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Joshua G. Nickel, Jonathan P. G. Gavin
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Patent number: 9372229Abstract: Functional circuits and cores of circuits are tested on integrated circuits using scan paths. Using parallel scan distributor and collector circuits for these scan paths improves test access of circuits and cores embedded within ICs and reduces the IC's power consumption during scan testing. A controller for the distributor and collector circuits includes a test control register, a test control state machine and a multiplexer. These test circuits can be connected in a hierarchy or in parallel. A conventional test access port or TAP can be modified to work with the disclosed test circuits.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Lee D. Whetsel
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Patent number: 9372230Abstract: The disclosure describes a process and apparatus for accessing devices on a substrate. The substrate may include only full pin JTAG devices (504), only reduced pin JTAG devices (506), or a mixture of both full pin and reduced pin JTAG devices. The access is accomplished using a single interface (502) between the substrate (408) and a JTAG controller (404). The access interface may be a wired interface or a wireless interface and may be used for JTAG based device testing, debugging, programming, or other type of JTAG based operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Lee D. Whetsel
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Patent number: 9372231Abstract: A scan chain latch circuit, a method of operating a latch circuit in a scan chain, and a computer-readable medium having stored thereon a data structure defining a scan chain latch circuit for instantiation on a semiconductor die are disclosed. In an embodiment, the scan chain latch circuit comprises a first latch for holding one data value, a second latch for holding another data value, and a multiplexor. The one data value is applied to a first data input of the multiplexor and the another data value is applied to a second data input of the multiplexor. An alternating clock signal is applied to a select input of the multiplexor to control the output of the multiplexor, wherein the output of the multiplexor toggles between the two data values held in the two latches at a defined frequency.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Dzmitry S. Maliuk, Franco Stellari, Alan J. Weger, Peilin Song
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Patent number: 9372232Abstract: A failing latch is identified on a chip including a plurality of latches with the failing latch receiving data propagated from a first set of test input latches. A diagnostic set of latches is determined which includes the failing latch and a set of related latches. The set of related latches each receives data propagated from at least one test input latch from the first set of test input latches. The set of related latches is identified from a related latches data source. One or more tests are performed on the chip and test output data is collected from the diagnostic set of latches. A related latches table may be created by tracing from a target latch.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Steven M. Douskey, Ryan A. Fitch, William V. Huott, Mary P. Kusko
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Patent number: 9372233Abstract: A scan test circuit includes: a pulse generator, for generating differential pulses according to a system clock signal; a functional path, including: a D-type latch clocked by the differential pulses; a test path, including: a scan latch clocked by a test clock signal; and a tri-state inverter. When a test enable signal is enabled, the generation of the differential pulses is disabled.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: MediaTek Singapore Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Kin Hooi Dia
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Patent number: 9372234Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods detect a current sensor error in an FOC electric machine system. A voltage command is monitored to detect the presence of an ac component that indicates that an error has occurred at a current sensor. For example, a sensor fault detection module can be configured to determine the deviation between an actual voltage command and an ideal voltage command to provide a complex deviation vector. By transforming the deviation vector to a reference frame rotating at the fundamental frequency of the command voltage, a dc component of the positive and negative sequences can be filtered, and their amplitudes determined. Error detection can be based on the total amplitude of the fundamental component, determined by positive and negative component amplitudes. Sensor error detection enables an FOC system to operate with two current sensors, rather than three, and provides a dedicated fault diagnostic for a current sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLcInventors: Chang-jiang Wang, Michael Degner, Rimma Isayeva, Liwen Xu, Daniel R. Luedtke
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Patent number: 9372235Abstract: At least one example embodiment discloses a method of estimating a rotor magnet temperature of a motor. The method includes determining an applied voltage during operation of the motor at an operating point, obtaining a reference value associated with the operating point and associated with a reference temperature and determining an estimated rotor magnet temperature based on the applied voltage and the reference value.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Anthony Weber, David Holmburg, Long Wu
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Patent number: 9372236Abstract: A failure determination method for a motor system includes setting a current value required to initially drive a motor to a first current command value, increasing a rotational speed of a rotating magnetic field of the motor up to a preset reference speed, comparing an intensity of a back electromotive force, generated when a rotor of the motor is rotated at the preset reference speed, to a magnitude of a voltage applied to apply current in accordance with the set first current command value, and determining a cause of a failure of the motor based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Dong Hun Lee, Soon Woo Kwon, Joon Yong Lee, Chang Seok Ryu
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Patent number: 9372237Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery pack including a battery module having a battery cell stack structure in which at least two electrically connected battery cells or unit modules are stacked, a voltage measuring member that measures voltage at an electrode terminal connection part of the battery cells or the unit modules, a voltage measuring circuit that connects the voltage measuring member to a Battery Management System (BMS), a temperature measuring member that measures temperature of the battery cells or the unit modules, a temperature measuring circuit that connects the temperature measuring member to the BMS and that is separated from the voltage measuring circuit, and the BMS electrically connected to the voltage measuring member to control operation of the battery modules.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: JunSeok Choi, Yong Shik Shin, Jong Moon Yoon
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Patent number: 9372238Abstract: A battery management system and a battery pack are disclosed. The battery management system determines that a battery is in a non-use state, and thereafter, detects a battery voltage of the battery. If the battery voltage is less than an over-discharge reference voltage, the system generates a warning signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Youngbok Kim
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Patent number: 9372239Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sealed battery (10) includes the steps of: measuring a voltage of the sealed battery (10) when a charging current of a predetermined value or more is caused to flow to the sealed battery (10) for a predetermined time after initial charging of the sealed battery (10); and determining whether a battery case (11) of the sealed battery (10) is damaged or not based on a change in the measured voltage. When an inclination of the voltage increases in a time change of the measured voltage, it may be determined that a recess (12) is present in the battery case (11) of the sealed battery (10).Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kosuke Iwase
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Patent number: 9372240Abstract: A current sensor according to the present invention includes a bus bar, a magnetic sensor element disposed so as to face the bus bar, a wiring board on which the magnetic sensor element is provided, and a signal line electrically connected to the magnetic sensor element. The wiring board includes a base portion facing the bus bar and an extending portion extending from the base portion, and the signal line is connected to the extending portion and provided in a direction intersecting the wiring board.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: ALPS GREEN DEVICES CO., LTD.Inventor: Manabu Tamura
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Patent number: 9372241Abstract: A method by which portions of a wafer level fabrication can be selectively heated by forming plasmon generating layers of specific size, shape, orientation and material on the fabrication and then illuminating the formation with electromagnetic radiation of such wavelength and polarization as will optimally be absorbed by the plasmon generating layers so as to generate plasmons therein. The generated plasmons thereupon produce thermal energy which is transferred to portions of the fabrication with which the plasmon generation layer has thermal contact. This method is particularly advantageous for producing multiple anneals and different magnetic pinning directions for the anti-ferromagnetic pinning layer in each of an array of GMR or TMR devices. In that process, the anti-ferromagnetic layer must be raised above its Curie temperature at which point it loses its anti-ferromagnetic properties and can have a magnetization imposed by application of an external magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Headway Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yuchen Zhou, Xuhui Jin, Grace Gorman
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Patent number: 9372242Abstract: A magnetometer with a set/reset coil having portions that cross portions of sensing strips at an angle in order to create a magnetic field in the sensing strip that is at an angle with respect to the easy axis of magnetization of the sensing strip. Each sensing strip may have a portion having a magnetic field created therein that is different from a magnetic field created in another portion of the same sensing strip. As a result, a lower set/reset coil current is needed to initialize the magnetometer.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: MEMSIC, INC.Inventors: Jiaoming Qiu, Yongyao Cai
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Patent number: 9372243Abstract: The magnetic sensor of the invention comprises a base portion, a sensor chip positioned on the base portion, a wiring portion adapted to electrically connect a terminal of the sensor chip to a connecting lead, a resin having a low elastic modulus for coating at least the sensor chip, and a resin having a high elastic modulus for coating at least the low elastic-modulus resin and the wiring portion, wherein the sensor chip includes a magneto-resistive effect device, and the low elastic-modulus resin has an elastic modulus ranging from 10 kPa to 80 MPa while the high elastic-modulus resin has an elastic modulus of 1 GPa or more, and enables the sensor chip to perform well in a good state although having a structure of sealing up the sensor chip with the resin member.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: TDK CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshimitsu Wada, Nozomu Hachisuka, Yoshihiro Kudo, Jun Ono, Nobutaka Nishio
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Patent number: 9372244Abstract: A prestored database showing a correspondence of ? (depth)/?HcJ (coercivity increment) and a prestored database showing a correspondence of Dy introduction amount/?HcJ are used to obtain distribution of an introduction amount in a magnet from shape information of the magnet and information of a Dy introduction face and compute distribution of ?HcJ in the magnet from the distribution of a Dy introduction amount. Regarding a magnet having a coercivity that is distributed non-uniformly, a J/H curve is computed using the computed distribution of ?HcJ, and a demagnetizing factor at a predetermined temperature (100° C.) is computed using a temperature coefficient.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.Inventor: Mitsutoshi Natsumeda
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Patent number: 9372245Abstract: An endogenous source of magnetic resonance image contrast of biological tissues is provided by modeling a conventional magnetization transfer (CMT) spectrum using z-spectral data and generating magnetization transfer ratio maps from the magnetization transfer spectrum at a frequency of interest. A contribution by the CMT spectrum from the z-spectral data is removed and a direct water saturation component is modeled using the z-spectral data with removed CMT spectrum (z-spectral). When this modeled direct water saturation component contribution is removed from the z-spectral, then the remaining z-spectra reflects new contrast due to chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) and magnetization transfer/exchange effect from aliphatic protons probably associated with labile proteins, peptides and lipids, named as novel magnetization transfer (NMT).Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: The Trustees Of The University Of PennsylvaniaInventors: Anup Singh, Kejia Cai, Mohammad Haris, Hari Hariharan, Ravinder Reddy
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Patent number: 9372246Abstract: The flow-through NMR analyzer comprises: a solution feeding pipe for flowing a sample; a superconducting magnet that encloses a housing space, which is surrounded by a side wall of the solution feeding pipe, around an axis of the solution feeding pipe such that a static magnetic field is generated along the axis of the solution feeding pipe; a vacuum container which houses the superconducting magnet in a cooled state and which encloses the housing space around the axis of the solution feeding pipe; and an RF coil which applies high-frequency electromagnetic waves to the sample inside the housing space and which detects an NMR signal from the sample. The RF coil is integrally formed with the side wall of the solution feeding pipe in a region of the solution feeding pipe that is enclosed by the superconducting magnet and the magnetic field correcting coil.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Miki
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Patent number: 9372247Abstract: An NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) detection module (such as an NMR probe) mounted in a vacuum vessel permits a transmit/receive coil to be cooled efficiently and to be placed closer to a sample container. The NMR detection module includes a core module (detection module) (54) consisting of a refrigerant block (118) and a transmit/receive coil formed on the inner surface of a detection hole (130). A sleeve (cylindrical partition wall) (122) forming a part of the vacuum vessel is inserted in the detection hole (130). A sample tube (56) is inserted in the sleeve (122). The refrigerant block (118) is connected to a heat exchanger via a support member (82). Since it is not necessary to form a bobbin inside the transmit/receive coil, the distance between the coil and the sample can be set small. The coil is entirely surrounded by the refrigerant block.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignees: Kyoto University, JEOL Resonance Inc.Inventors: Kiyonori Takegoshi, Takashi Mizuno
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Patent number: 9372248Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating the reliability of an electrical power measuring device for measuring high-frequency electrical power. To build an evaluation system, the measuring device, together with a reference electrical power measuring device, is arranged between a high-frequency power supply device and an artificial reproduction load, which includes an impedance conversion device and a reference load. Using this system, an uncertainty range of an electrical power measured value measured by the measuring device is calculated, according to a prescribed calculation formula, from the electrical power measured value, and a judgment is made as to whether or not the electrical power measured value measured by the measuring device is within the uncertainty range. If it is within the uncertainty range, the measuring device is evaluated as being reliable, while if it is not within the uncertainty range, the measuring device is evaluated as being unreliable.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: DAIHEN CorporationInventor: Ryohei Tanaka
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Patent number: 9372249Abstract: A circuit for calibrating a current transducer may include a first resistor and a second resistor, such that the first resistor and the second resistor may adjust a measurement output by a current sensor. The first resistor and the second resistor may adjust the measurement output by adjusting a phase of the measurement output and/or adjusting a sensitivity of the measurement output. The circuit may also include a first terminal and a second terminal, such that the first terminal may be electrically coupled to the first resistor and the second resistor. Here, the first terminal may receive the measurement output by the current sensor, and the second terminal may output the adjusted measurement output.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dan Tho Lu, Robert Paul Stachow
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Patent number: 9372250Abstract: A chip scale star tracker that captures plane-wave starlight propagating in free space with a wafer-thin angle-sensitive broadband filter-aperture, and directs the light into a waveguide structure for readout. Angular information about the star source is determined from characteristics of the starlight propagating in the waveguide. Certain examples include internal propagation-constant-based baffling to elimination stray light from extreme angles.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.Inventors: Juha-Pekka Laine, Gregory P. Blasche, Murali V. Chaparala, Robin Dawson, Benjamin Lane, Stephen P. Smith, Erik Waldron
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Patent number: 9372251Abstract: A sound processing system receives an audio input signal that includes at least two different input channels of audio content. The sound processing system dissects the audio input signal to separate sources of audible sound included in the audio input signal into sound source vectors. Separation of the sources of audible sound into sound source vectors may be based on a perceived location of each of the sources of audible sound within a listener perceived sound stage. The sound source vectors may represent spatial slices across the listener perceived sound stage that may be individually and independently processed with the sound processing system. Following processing, the sound source vectors may be selectively assembled to form an audio output signal having output channels used to drive respective loudspeakers. Since the sources of audible sound are separated and independent, the audible sound sources may be included on any one or more of the output channels.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2010Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignees: Harman International Industries, Incorporated, Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbHInventor: Gilbert Arthur Joseph Soulodre
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Patent number: 9372252Abstract: A system and method for locating an object is provided. A locating circuit substantially secured to the object. A plurality of monitoring units are positioned remotely from the locating circuit, each positioned in a different location, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of monitoring units are positioned in an outdoor environment. An omnidirectional signal is intermittently communicated between the locating circuit and the plurality of monitoring units. A calculator is in communication with each of the plurality of monitoring units. The calculator determines a duration of transmission time of the omnidirectional signal for each of the plurality of monitoring units, and the locating circuit. The calculator calculates a location of the locating circuit using the determined duration of transmission time for each of the plurality of monitoring units and the locating circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Secure Care Products, LLCInventors: Albert Larose, Doug Richard, Matthew Cammack, Christopher D. Stevens, Mike Singer, Sam Corliss, Vijaya Kodali, Ray Scott
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Patent number: 9372253Abstract: In a wireless positioning apparatus mounted in a moving body, feature point position information is stored in a reference trajectory storage, a reception state of transmitted waves from a wireless transmitter is detected, and a movement distance of the moving body is measured. A positioning trajectory is generated that indicates a correspondence relationship between the movement distance and the reception state of transmitted waves. A coincidence distribution is generated that indicates a correspondence between: a point on the reference trajectory to which a representative position, set arbitrarily within the positioning trajectory, corresponds for each coordinate shift value; and the degree of coincidence between the reference trajectory and the positioning trajectory. Based on the coincidence distribution, positioning information is generated. Reliability is determined based on an evaluation value reflecting a flatness of the coincidence distribution.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Tsuneo Nakata
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Patent number: 9372254Abstract: A position estimation device which includes: a distance estimation unit which estimates, using a receiving strength of a signal received by a wireless terminal from each of a plurality of base stations communicating with the wireless terminal, distance information indicating a distance from the base station to the wireless terminal; a position estimation unit which estimates a first position to be a current position of the wireless terminal using base station information indicating a position of the base station and the estimated distance information; and a correction unit which corrects the distance information based on an acceleration and a direction of the wireless terminal, the estimated first position, and the base station information. The position estimation unit further estimates a second position to be a current position of the wireless terminal using the base station information and the corrected distance information.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICAInventor: Kazunori Yamada
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Patent number: 9372255Abstract: Methods and apparatus determining a position of a submersible vehicle within a body of water are provided. A method comprises determining an initial position of the vehicle while the vehicle is at or near a water surface. The method further comprises coupling the vehicle and a base node to a weight and determining a position of the base node once the base node and vehicle have reached the floor of the body of water using acoustic modems of the vehicle and a surface vessel to aid in calculating the position as they descend, and acoustically transferring the at rest position on the seafloor from the vehicle to the node. The method further comprises decoupling the vehicle from the node and weight and determining a position of the vehicle based on the position of the base node and acoustic signals exchanged between acoustic modems of the vehicle and the base node.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: TELEDYNE INSTRUMENTS, INC.Inventors: Robert G. Melvin, II, Maurice D. Green
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Patent number: 9372256Abstract: Radar imaging for medical diagnosis addresses the need for non-ionizing and low-cost alternatives to conventional medical diagnosis methods, such as mammography x-ray techniques, which expose patients to ionizing radiation for cancer detection. An ultra wide band (UWB) sensor can produce very fine beams at the V- or W-bands using beam forming techniques developed specifically for wafer scale antenna arrays. The high bandwidth radio waves can penetrate tissue and resolve tissue anomalies with high-resolution. Pseudo-random coding creates a signal that allows the correlating receiver to extract very low energy reflected signals from background noise providing coding gain. An integrated panel of sensor antenna arrays enables rapid scanning of the subject area, such as breast tissue, to detect anomalies by eliminating the need for mechanical scanning (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Farrokh MohamadiInventor: Farrokh Mohamadi
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Patent number: 9372257Abstract: A radar or sonar system amplifies the signal received by an antenna of the radar system or a transducer of the sonar system is amplified and then subject to linear demodulation by a linear receiver. There may be an anti-aliasing filter and an analog-to-digital converter between the amplifier and the linear receiver. The system may also have a digital signal processor with a network stack running in the processor. That processor may also have a network interface media access controller, where the system operates at different ranges, the modulator may produce pulses of two pulse patterns differing in pulse duration and inter-pulse spacing, those pulse patterns are introduced and used to form two radar images with the two images being derived from data acquired in a duration not more than twenty times larger than the larger inter-pulse spacing, or for a radar system, larger than one half of the antenna resolution time. One or more look-up tables may be used to control the amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Raymarine UK LimitedInventors: Richard Jales, Andrew Lawrence, Matthieu Maindrou