Patents Issued in April 11, 2017
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Patent number: 9618380Abstract: Provided is a sensor for measuring water levels of groundwater and surface water using magnetostriction displacement and multi measurement system for groundwater and surface water by using the same. The sensor includes an outer case having a hollow space therein and extending in a longitudinal direction, a magnetostriction line spaced apart from an inner wall in the hollow space of the outer case to extend in the longitudinal direction, a floating permanent magnet guided along the magnetostriction line to be movable in the longitudinal direction, the floating permanent magnet being changed in position to correspond to a water level; and a transceiver applying a current pulse into the magnetostriction line to receive an elastic wave that is generated while first magnetic fields formed in a circumferential direction of the magnetostriction line by the current pulse crosses a second magnetic fields formed in an axial direction of the magnetostriction line by the permanent magnet.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES (KIGAM)Inventors: Heejun Suk, Dong-Chan Koh, Jang-Hee Han
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Patent number: 9618381Abstract: A method for a fuel system comprises receiving a first indication of inconsistency in a fuel level indicator output during a fuel consumption cycle, receiving a second indication of inconsistency in a fuel level indicator output during a refueling event, and indicating electrical degradation of the fuel level indicator responsive to the first and second indications of inconsistency indicating coincident ranges of inconsistency for the fuel level indicator output. By gauging the consistency of a fuel level indicator output during both upward and downward travel, electrical degradation may be distinguished from mechanical degradation. In this way, a range of inconsistency may be determined, and a reported fuel level adjusted while the fuel level indicator output is within the range of inconsistency.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Aed M. Dudar
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Patent number: 9618382Abstract: Provided is a device for weighing a wide variety of ingredients and a system configuration of the device for weighing a wide variety of ingredients, the device weighing and feeding several types of ingredients when cup noodles such as instant noodles are packed with the ingredients in a cup. A space-saving and easily maintainable device for weighing a wide variety of ingredients, wherein powdery and granular starting materials (A, B) are individually stored in a first starting material hopper (2) and a second starting material hopper (3), gradually sent out to the downstream side, weighed, discharged to a first chute (10) and a second chute (11), and supplied to a cup-filling unit (23), and one series from the first starting material hopper (2) to the first chute (10) and one series from the second starting material hopper (3) to the second chute (11) are formed vertically parallel in the shape of a staircase from the upstream side to the downstream side.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Yubaru techno group co., ltdInventor: Kenji Nohmi
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Patent number: 9618383Abstract: A patient support system includes a scale system, an air system, and a lift system. The patient support system also includes a control system configured to graphically communicate information about the scale system, the air system, and the lift system to a user.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Zerhusen, James M. Allen, Jennifer Fearing, Mark Chiacchira
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Patent number: 9618384Abstract: An acoustic measurement system for detecting locked blade assemblies in a gas turbine having a plurality of blade assemblies. The system includes at least one acoustic sensor for detecting acoustic energy generated as a result of movement of the blade assemblies during a turning gear operation. In addition, the system includes a housing for holding the acoustic sensor, wherein the housing is mounted to an outer diffuser of the gas turbine. The housing also includes a rotatable joint for enabling rotation of the acoustic sensor. Further, the system includes a data acquisition unit that detects an absence of acoustic energy wherein the absence of acoustic energy is indicative of locked blade assemblies. The blade assemblies are locked due to wedging of a sealing pin between the blade assemblies. The acoustic energy is detected in a frequency range of approximately 0.9 kHz to 10 kHz.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Clifford Hatcher, Jr., Forrest R. Ruhge, John E. Junkin, Mark L. Kamphaus
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Patent number: 9618385Abstract: Provided is a measuring apparatus capable of measuring a vibration amount weighted with characteristics of vibration transmission to a human ear and capable of evaluating correctly an electronic device having a vibrator. A measuring apparatus 10 configured to evaluate an electronic device 100 that transmits vibration sound to a human ear by pressing a vibrator 102 held in a housing 101 thereto, including an ear simulator 50 that mimics a human ear, and a vibration detection unit 55 disposed on a periphery 52 of an artificial ear canal 53 formed in the ear simulator 50.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: KYOCERA CorporationInventors: Tomohiro Inagaki, Yoichi Hirata
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Patent number: 9618386Abstract: A probe configured to receive an acoustic wave from an object including an element having a cell structure, in which a vibration membrane having one of a pair of electrodes formed with a gap arranged therebetween is supported so that the vibration membrane can be vibrated by the acoustic wave; a light reflection layer provided at a position near the object with respect to the element and configured to reflect light; and a support layer provided between the element and the light reflection layer and configured to support the light reflection layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takahiro Akiyama, Yoshio Hotta
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Patent number: 9618387Abstract: A method and associated EUV lithography apparatus for determining the phase angle at a free interface (17) of an optical element (13) provided with a multilayer coating (16) that reflects EUV radiation and/or for determining the thickness (d) of a contamination layer (26) formed on the multilayer coating (16). The multilayer coating (16) is irradiated with EUV radiation, a photocurrent (IP) generated during the irradiation is measured, and the phase angle at the free interface (17) and/or the thickness (d) of the contamination layer (26) is determined on the basis of a predefined relationship between the phase angle and/or the thickness (d) and the measured photocurrent (IP). The measured photocurrent (IP) is generated from the entire wavelength and angle-of-incidence distribution of the EUV radiation impinging on the multilayer coating (16).Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbHInventor: Michael Gerhard
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Patent number: 9618388Abstract: An adjustment circuit for measuring an optical parameter is disclosed. The adjustment circuit includes an optical sensing module for detecting an optical signal and converting the detected optical signal into a voltage signal; an amplification module for amplifying the voltage signal; an A/D conversion module for converting the amplified voltage signal into a digital signal; a control module for analyzing the digital signal for generating an analyzed result; a signal generating module for outputting a frequency square wave signal according to the analyzed result; and an adjustment module for adjusting an amplification factor of the amplification module according to the frequency square wave signal. The circuit of the present disclosure is easy, and an automatic measurement can be implemented.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Jian He, Shen-Sian Syu, Yugang Bao
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Patent number: 9618389Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided that minimize the effects of dark-current pulses. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided where a first pixel is struck (i.e., a primary pixel). Pixels struck within a fixed time frame after the primary pixel is struck are referred to as secondary pixels. After a short fixed time frame has expired, the number of primary and secondary pixels is added. If the count exceeds a threshold, the primary pixel was activated by the first (or early) photon from a true gamma event. If the threshold is not met then it is likely the primary pixel generated a dark pulse that should be ignored.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Peter Hansen, Michael Casey, Stephan Siegel
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Patent number: 9618390Abstract: An optical device includes: an image-forming optical system forming an image of light from a subject; an imaging unit receiving light of the image formed by the image-forming optical system; a reflection spectroscopic device covering a given area in an imaging area of the imaging unit; and a spectrum detection unit detecting a spectroscopic spectrum of light reflected by the reflection spectroscopic device.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventor: Masanori Iwasaki
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Patent number: 9618391Abstract: Validation verification data quantifying an intensity of light reaching a detector of a spectrometer from a light source of the spectrometer after the light passes through a validation gas across a known path length can be collected or received. The validation gas can include an amount of an analyte compound and an undisturbed background composition that is representative of a sample gas background composition of a sample gas to be analyzed using a spectrometer. The sample gas background composition can include one or more background components. The validation verification data can be compared with stored calibration data for the spectrometer to calculate a concentration adjustment factor, and sample measurement data collected with the spectrometer can be modified using this adjustment factor to compensate for collisional broadening of a spectral peak of the analyte compound by the background components. Related methods, articles of manufacture, systems, and the like are described.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: SpectraSensors, Inc.Inventors: Alfred Feitisch, Xiang Liu, Hsu-Hung Huang, Wenhai Ji, Richard L. Cline
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Patent number: 9618392Abstract: A spectroscopy assembly having a first and a second optical ring resonator, each provided with a material having an intensity-dependent refraction index. The spectroscopy assembly further includes at least one waveguide, which is guided along the optical ring resonator at a distance such that the light of a continuous wave laser guided in the waveguide can be coupled into the optical ring resonator, and a frequency comb generated from the light of the continuous wave laser in the optical ring resonator can be coupled out of the waveguide. The optical ring resonators and the at least one waveguide are provided on a common substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignees: MENLO SYSTEMS GMBH, ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNEInventors: Tobias Kippenberg, Ronald Holzwarth
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Patent number: 9618393Abstract: The present invention comprises an optical train (50) and optional wavelength-selective photodetectors. The optical train (50) uses reflecting elements (600) including mirrors and/or prisms to fold the light path of the transmitted UV light beam to direct it through the body (100) of the instrument, through a sample vessel (200) using at least one pass but preferably two or more passes and into illumination contact with a photodetector (400). With each additional pass, the Beer-Lambert path length is effectively increased. Separate second optical train (53) and third optical train (54) exist for the detection and measurement of scattered light by illumination contact with one or more photodetectors.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Freestone Environmental Services, Inc.Inventors: Stephen H Hall, Kimberly Anne Schuyler
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Patent number: 9618394Abstract: The disclosure extends to systems, methods, and apparatuses for monitoring the condition and temperature of belts in belt driven machines, and for determining maintenance plans for the belt driven machines.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Razorback Technology LLCInventor: Jorden Campbell
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Patent number: 9618395Abstract: A temperature detecting circuit includes a first thermistor, a second thermistor, a first pull-up resistor, a second pull-up resistor, and a controller. The controller is configured to sense a temperature based on a voltage signal from the first thermistor if a temperature corresponding to a voltage signal from one of the first thermistor and the second thermistor is below a threshold temperature. The controller is configured to sense a temperature based on a voltage signal from the second thermistor if a temperature corresponding to a voltage signal from one of the first thermistor and the second thermistor is higher than or equal to the threshold temperature. A resistance Ra of the first thermistor, a resistance Rb of the second thermistor, a resistance Rc of the first pull-up resistor, and a resistance Rd of the second pull-up resistor have a relationship expressed by Ra<Rb and Rc>Rd.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyasu Ozaki, Koichi Takaku, Taneaki Miura, Koichi Kato, Saneto Asano
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Patent number: 9618396Abstract: A thermomagnetic temperature sensor, a temperature measurement system and a method of measuring temperature employ a temperature-dependent resonant frequency of a thermomagnetic resonator to measure temperature. The thermomagnetic temperature sensor includes a thermomagnetic inductor and a capacitor connector to form the thermomagnetic resonator. The thermomagnetic inductor includes a ferromagnetic material having a temperature-dependent magnetic permeability to determine the temperature-dependent resonant frequency. A predetermined relationship between the temperature-dependent resonant frequency and temperature in a range between a maximum magnetic permeability value and a Curie temperature provides the measurement of temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Hyok J Song, Chia-Ming Chang
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Patent number: 9618397Abstract: A multi-stage temperature indicating device having a first elongate housing and an indicator assembly, the indicator assembly being slidably positioned in a first bore of the first elongate housing and having a middle indicator stem and an inner indicator stem. The multi-stage temperature indicating device also has a means for urging an inner indicator stem, to a second set stroke, out of the middle indicator stem, and for sliding the middle indicator stem, to a first set stroke, out of the first elongate housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Volk Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Drew Anthony Volk
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Patent number: 9618398Abstract: The present invention relates to a time-temperature indicator for monitoring the quality state of a thermally sensitive article and a monitoring method. The present invention also relates to a preparation method of the time-temperature indicator and a thermally sensitive article using the time-temperature indicator. The time-temperature indicator according to the present invention comprises two laminated layers which are physically separated, i.e. a function indication layer and an adsorption function layer. The two laminated layers are stored and transported separately, and combined together in use. Therefore, the time-temperature indicator of the present invention can be stored and transported at room temperature, which reduces the usage costs of the time-temperature indicator.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: SUZHOU QUALIMARK TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Zongwu Deng, Xiaofang Ying, Xiaoju Shi
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Patent number: 9618399Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for monitoring temperature of a mechanical resonator. Two or more temperature sensors may be positioned at respective locations to detect a temperature difference between the locations. The temperatures measured by the two or more temperature sensors may be used to determine a temperature of the mechanical resonator.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Darren V. Weninger, Bruce M. Newman
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Patent number: 9618400Abstract: In one aspect, a temperature detection circuit includes a first circuit configured to provide a first signal and a comparator circuit configured to provide a warning signal in response to the first signal if a temperature reaches a temperature value. The first signal enables determination of a parameter of a magnetic sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Benjamin Geiger, Devon Fernandez
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Patent number: 9618401Abstract: The technology provides an external device for estimating a core body temperature of a human subject. The wrist monitor device includes a casing sized and shaped to fit onto a wrist of a human subject. The casing has a first face and a second face. In addition there is a cavity in the casing that houses a heat trap. The heat trap has an opening oriented to receive incoming thermal energy from the skin and a shell of a thermal-insulation material that has an inner thermal energy-reflective surface. Detected temperature data is compiled in a database and used to estimate whether an identified individual has a core body temperature indicative of a fever.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Inventor: Alan C. Heller
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Patent number: 9618402Abstract: A thermal insulation performance measurement apparatus which measures thermal insulation performance of a thermal insulator by heat flux to the thermal insulator, measured by a heat flux sensor, and a measurement method using the same includes a heat flux sensor provided with one surface adapted to contact an object to be measured, a first heat source arranged on the upper surface of the heat flux sensor to supply heat to the heat flux sensor, a thermal insulator arranged on the upper surface of the first heat source, a third heat source arranged on the upper surface of the thermal insulator, and a second heat source arranged around the heat flux sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jae Sung Kwon, Hyung Sung Kim, Jong Sung Park, Young Sung Jung
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Patent number: 9618403Abstract: Strain sensors are provided that include a flexible substrate, a sheet affixed to the flexible substrate, and two or more microelectrodes printed at spaced locations onto either the sheet or the flexible substrate, wherein the sheet includes a carbon nanotube network, the sheet having a top side and an opposing second side. The two or more microelectrodes are printed at spaced locations onto the top side of the sheet or onto a side of the flexible substrate facing the second side of the sheet. Methods are provided for fabricating a strain sensor wherein the sheet is arranged between the printed microelectrodes and the flexible substrate or wherein the second side of the sheet is arranged atop or across the printed microelectrodes. Methods are also provided for measuring strain in a structure via the strain sensors affixed or integrated therein.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Shu Li, Zhiyong Liang
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Patent number: 9618404Abstract: A transducer includes an element disposed on a substrate, where the element includes an electrode, and a connection electrode electrically connected to the electrode of the element. A conductive portion disposed on an insulating film of a flexible print circuit board is electrically connected to the connection electrode. Part of the conductive portion is exposed so as to face a surface of the substrate having the element disposed thereon. An insulation layer is disposed on part of the surface of the substrate facing the flexible print circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsushi Kandori
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Patent number: 9618405Abstract: A piezoelectric acoustic resonator based sensor is presented herein. A device can include an array of piezoelectric transducers and an array of cavities that has been attached to the array of piezoelectric transducers to form an array of resonators. A resonator of the array of resonators can be associated with a first frequency response corresponding to a first determination that the resonator has been touched, and a second frequency response corresponding to a second determination that the resonator has not been touched. The array of piezoelectric transducers can include a piezoelectric material; a first set of electrodes that has been formed a first side of the piezoelectric material; and a second set of electrodes that has been formed on second side of the piezoelectric material.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.Inventors: Fang Liu, Julius Ming-Lin Tsai, Xiang Li, Mike Daneman
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Patent number: 9618406Abstract: A sensor element (1) includes a substrate (2) and a strain-sensitive element (3) which is preferably applied to the substrate by means of thin-film technology and is used for measuring the deformation of the substrate (2) when pressure is applied or a force is introduced, the strain-sensitive element (3) including XAlOyN1-y, wherein X is a metal with a high melting temperature in the range of greater than 1400° C. and 0<y<0.4 applies. A passivation layer (5) can be applied to the strain-sensitive element (3).Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Piezocryst Advanced Sensories GmbHInventors: Dietmar Kroeger, Peter Schmid, Ulrich Schmid, Alexander Schricker, Christof Zarfl
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Patent number: 9618407Abstract: Designs to package a magneto-elastic torque sensor in an automotive transmission for volume production applications are provided. A transfer case assembly includes a transfer case shaft having a magnetized region and a magnetic torque sensor, for detecting torque of the transfer case shaft, mounted on at least one bushing supporting the transfer case shaft. A drive axle assembly includes an axle housing, an input shaft having a magnetized region, and a magnetic torque sensor, for detecting torque of the input shaft, mounted to the axle housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas, Diana Yanakiev, Mark Richard Dobson, Yuji Fujii
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Patent number: 9618408Abstract: A system includes a magnetostrictive sensor having a sensor head including a driving pole. The driving pole includes a driving coil that may receive a driving current and may emit a magnetic flux portion through a rotary structure. The sensor head also includes a sensing pole including a sensing coil that may receive the magnetic flux portion and may transmit a signal based at least in part on the received magnetic flux portion. The received magnetic flux portion is based at least in part on a force on the rotary structure. The sensor head also includes a temperature sensor disposed on the sensor head. The temperature sensor may measure a temperature of the rotary structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dan Tho Lu, Pekka Tapani Sipila, Clifford James Uber
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Patent number: 9618409Abstract: An exemplary system includes a moveable mass. A load bearing member includes at least one electrically conductive tension member that supports a load associated with movement of the mass. An electrically conductive member is situated along a selected portion of a path of movement of the load bearing member. The electrically conductive member is not subject to a load on the tension member. A processor is configured to determine an electrical resistance of the tension member as an indicator of a condition of the tension member. The processor is configured to determine an electrical resistance of the electrically conductive member. The processor uses the determined electrical resistance of the electrically conductive member to compensate for any environmental influence on the determined electrical resistance of the tension member.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANYInventors: Michael Garfinkel, Peter Keyo, Peter Liaskas
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Patent number: 9618410Abstract: A check fixture measures a total clamp force applied by a welder device. The welder device includes a welding horn having a plurality of weld pads and welding anvil having a plurality of weld pads. The check fixture includes a base member operatively supporting a plurality of force sensors. The base member and the force sensors are received between the weld pads of the welding horn and the anvil pads of the welding anvil. Each force sensor is configured to measure an individual clamp force applied thereto by corresponding weld and anvil pads when the base member is received between the welding horn and the welding anvil and the welder device is in the clamped position. The individual clamp forces are used to determine whether the weld and/or anvil pads are worn or misaligned.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John Patrick Spicer, Wayne W. Cai, Debejyo Chakraborty, Keith Mink
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Patent number: 9618411Abstract: A pressure sensor device comprises a support substrate including a thin film area which is bendable by a pressure, a sensor film comprising a first electrode provided on the thin film area, a second electrode provided on the first electrode, a reference layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, a free layer provided between the reference layer and the first electrode or between the reference layer and the second electrode, a spacer layer provided between the reference layer and the free layer, a shield provided on a side of the support substrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Hiromi Yuasa, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Yoshihiko Fuji, Michiko Hara, Yoshihiro Higashi, Tomohiko Nagata, Akio Hori
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Patent number: 9618412Abstract: A semiconductor physical quantity sensor includes: a first base material; an electrode formed on the first base material; a diaphragm which bends in accordance with a physical quantity applied from the outside; a second base material fixed to the first base material and supporting the diaphragm such that the diaphragm is opposed to the electrode with a space (S) in between; and an insulator formed on a surface on the first base material side of the diaphragm. Moreover, a wall portion to define the space (S) is formed between the insulator and the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazushi Kataoka, Jun Ogihara, Naoki Ushiyama, Hisanori Shiroishi
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Patent number: 9618413Abstract: A high pressure media storage vessel including a wall made of at least one layer with barrier and piezoelectric properties.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Belanos Clean Power Holding AGInventors: Jan-Anders Edvin Manson, Yves Leterrier, Judith Waller
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Patent number: 9618414Abstract: A device for determining a pressure and a method for manufacturing the same, having a housing including a cavity, a sensor device including a first sealing structure which engages with the housing so that an opening of the cavity is closable with the aid of the sensor device, in which the sensor device is configured for determining a pressure which is applied to the cavity, and a sealing device situated between the housing and the sensor device and configured for pressing the first sealing structure on the housing by exerting a contact force on the sensor device.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Frank Klopf, Thomas Moelkner, Wilhelm Frey, Marc Layer, Juergen Kober
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Patent number: 9618415Abstract: A pressure sensor package includes a substrate providing a connection port, a support member mounted on the substrate by compression molding and having a gap cut through opposing top and bottom walls thereof to expose the connection port, a sensor chip mounted on the support member and electrically connected to the connection port, an encapsulating cover covered on the support member and defining therein an accommodation chamber that accommodates the sensor chip and a through hole that is disposed in communication with the accommodation chamber for the passing of an external signal therethrough to the sensor chip. Thus, the support member steadily carries the sensor chip and isolates stress arising from the external environment, thereby reducing stress interference with the sensor chip and enhancing the overall performance of the pressure sensor package.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignees: LINGSEN PRECISION INDUSTRIES, LTD., UNISENSE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Ming-Te Tu, Chao-Wei Yu, Chih-Ming Liu
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Patent number: 9618416Abstract: A crosstalk correction coefficient of a multi component force detector provided in a rolling resistance testing machine is calibrated. A method of calibrating a multi component force detector provided in a rolling resistance testing machine including a spindle shaft to which a tire is attached, a running drum with a simulation road surface on which the tire is pressed, and a rotation torque meter provided in a rotation shaft of the running drum; in which, in performing a process of calculating a force acting on the tire from a measurement value of the multi component force detector by using a crosstalk correction coefficient that corrects an influence of crosstalk occurring in the multi component force detector, the crosstalk correction coefficient is calibrated by using a rolling test data including a rotation torque measured by the rotation torque meter and a force measured by the multi component force detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Toru Okada, Takayuki Fukuda
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Patent number: 9618417Abstract: Improved gas leak detection from moving platforms is provided. Automatic horizontal spatial scale analysis can be performed in order to distinguish a leak from background levels of the measured gas. Source identification can be provided by using isotopic ratios and/or chemical tracers to distinguish gas leaks from other sources of the measured gas. Multi-point measurements combined with spatial analysis of the multi-point measurement results can provide leak source distance estimates. These methods can be practiced individually or in any combination.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Picarro, Inc.Inventors: Chris W. Rella, Eric R. Crosson, Michael Woelk, Sze Meng Tan
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Patent number: 9618418Abstract: Disclosed is a leakage detection system (200) and a leakage detection method for detecting leakage in a gas supply system (10?) comprising a gas source (11; 12) connected to a gas delivery module (14) by a pipeline. The leakage detection system (200) comprises a flow meter (113) connectable along the pipeline remotely from an inlet of the gas delivery module (14); and a detection module (110) configured to receive signals representing a measured flow rate from the flow meter (113), and to compare the measured flow rate (115) to a stored leakage-free reference value (116) to detect an increase in flow rate in the presence of a leak. A flow resistance between the detection module (110) and an outlet of the gas delivery module (14) amplifies the increase in flow rate in the presence of a leak. The system (200) may comprise a flow rate elevation system (121) connectable between the gas source (11; 12) and the flow meter (113) for temporarily increasing the flow rate in the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: ASM TECHNOLOGY SINGAPORE PTE LTDInventors: Yue Zhang, Hao Ming Chang
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Patent number: 9618419Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flexible tubular pipe (1) of the unbonded type and including, from the inside to the outside, an internal carcass (2), first and second polymeric sheaths (3, 4), at least one tensile armor layer (6, 7) and a polymeric sealing sheath (8) and also at each of its ends, a connecting endpiece (10) comprising i.a., a tubular sleeve (15). The tubular sleeve (15) of a first endpiece (10) includes means (30, 31, 32) for draining the gases from the gap (25) between the sheaths (3, 4) towards the outside of the pipe (1) and the tubular sleeve of the second endpiece (10) including means for draining the gases from the gap (25) between two sheaths (3, 4) towards the outside or towards the inside of the pipe (1).Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: TECHNIP FRANCEInventors: Frédéric Demanze, Antoine Felix-Henry, Thomas Epsztein, Patrice Jung, Jean-Christophe Bourget, Cécile Izarn
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Patent number: 9618420Abstract: A system and method for a surface strain gauge is described which has direct application to wind turbine structures and wind turbine blades and wind turbine struts. The invention is equally applicable to other airfoil structures such as aircraft wings and aircraft fuselages. The strain gauge comprises an array of carbon fiber material integrated with one or more microcontroller modules wherein the entire array may be incorporated into the surface of the structure to be monitored during manufacture of the structure. The array comprises separate sheets of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy which are linked together and which each comprise a separately addressable element such as a microcontroller wherein the microcontrollers are connected to a power supply and to a central bus which itself links to a central system controller. Differential measurements of the resistance of separate carbon fiber reinforced epoxy sheets may be determined in real time as well as the resistance between two or more sheets.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Inventors: Philip Wesby, Christopher Turner
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Patent number: 9618421Abstract: A system and method for detecting tampering are disclosed. In one aspect, the system includes an optical fiber with a first end and a second end, the optical fiber conformed to an object. The object includes a container having multiple parts that physically alter the optical fiber when the container or at least one of the multiple parts is tampered with. The system also includes a detachable light source configured to emit a light pulse, the optical fiber configured to receive the light pulse at the first end and emit an optical signature at the second end. The system further includes a detachable optical spectral analyzer configured to capture a current optical signature from the second end, the optical spectral analyzer in communication with a data store.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: OpticalLock, Inc.Inventors: Jorge Sanchez, Carol Fuller
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Patent number: 9618422Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting spark plug fouling in an ignition system of an engine. In one example, a method may include directing current flow into a primary winding of an ignition coil of the ignition system for a duration of dwell period responsive to a dwell command from a controller, reducing the current flow to discharge an initial spark, and discharging additional sparks. The method may further include selectively generating an indication of a recommendation to change one or more spark plugs of the ignition system based upon a primary current measured after the dwell period.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Russell Senior, Nelson William Morrow
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Patent number: 9618423Abstract: A system for the misfire diagnosis includes an angular velocity sensor acquiring an angular velocity of an engine and an acceleration sensor acquiring an acceleration according to vertical vibration of a vehicle. A diagnosis unit is configured to compare the acceleration with an acceleration threshold to determine whether the vehicle is driven on a rough road and to diagnose whether misfire occurs. A threshold setting unit is configured to acquire misfire diagnosis results in a first test environment in which the vehicle is driven on the rough road without forcible misfire and in a second test environment in which the vehicle is driven on the rough road while the forcible misfire occurs. The threshold setting unit is further configured to calculate a misfire misdiagnosis rate and to update the acceleration threshold.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventor: Kyeong Il Choi
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Patent number: 9618424Abstract: A method and a system for inspection of gas turbine are presented. An inspection tool is attached on a track which is permanently positioned on site with respect to the gas turbine. The inspection tool includes an extendible shaft with a proximal end attached on the track and a distal end carrying a sensor. The inspection tool moves along the track for accessing an inspection port of the gas turbine by the shaft. A control system is coupled to the inspection tool for controlling the inspection tool for the inspection of the gas turbine. The method and system enable an automated engine inspection which allows for the engine to have been inspected and reviewed by an engineer without having to send the engineer on site.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Joshua DeAscanis, Clifford Hatcher, Jr., James P. Williams
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Patent number: 9618425Abstract: A system for determining road force uniformity of a tire is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of imaging devices and a computer communicatively-coupled to the plurality of imaging devices. The plurality of imaging devices images a plurality of surfaces of the tire as the tire-wheel assembly is rotated about an axis of rotation. The computer receives images captured by the plurality of imaging devices in order for the computer to extract data from the images such that the computer may execute a road force uniformity simulation algorithm for the purpose of algorithmically simulating road force uniformity of the tire.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Android Industries LLCInventors: Barry Allan Clark, Donald G. Straitiff, Robert Reece
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Patent number: 9618426Abstract: A quantitative sample transfer device for receiving and holding a sample while it is weighed and for transferring the weighed sample material into a flask without losing any sample, the quantitative sample transfer device having a hollow central body segment with a flat bottom surface, a first hollow neck at one end of the central body, a second hollow neck at the opposite end of the central body, a removable first cap for occluding the first hollow neck, a removable second cap for occluding the second hollow neck, an opening in the central body for introducing a sample into the body, a lid permanently attachable to the body segment over the opening that remains permanently closed once closed and a set of lateral ridges on at least one neck that allow for the release of air when a solvent is introduced into the transfer device to flush any remaining sample into the container. The lid may be hinged to the body segment.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Inventor: Manishkumar Desai
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Patent number: 9618427Abstract: The disclosure describes a system to segregate, enrich and capture oil, water and gas samples from a multiphase flow. The system can be used in a subsea location, on the surface or in any other condition where it is connected to a flow of different phases of gas and/or liquid. The samples obtained are representative in composition of the phases flowing at well head conditions in terms of both pressure and temperature. Additionally, a relatively small volume of each phase is used in obtaining the samples. The system connects and disconnects to ports installed at the sampling location nearby the wellhead or the production line. The sampling flow is controlled by means of a pump. The collected samples are separated in mono (or nearly mono)—phase samples (oil, water and gas) and stored in individual bottles.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Bernard E. Theron, Malcolm Atkinson, Andrea Sbordone, John Allan Nighswander, Rune Lien
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Patent number: 9618428Abstract: There is disclosed a biometric device (10), comprising a solid support (14) suitable for receiving biological material (S) and for dry storing that material at room temperature the device further comprising a circuit (16) including means for two way radio frequency communication and including writable data storage. Also disclosed is a processing method for such biometric devices, the method including the steps of: a) identifying said device by means of RF communication; b) extracting at least a portion of the biological material from the solid support of the identified device; c) analyzing the extracted biological material to obtain biometric data indicative of the biological material; and d) writing said biometric data to the data storage of the biometric device.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: GE HEALTHCARE UK LIMITEDInventors: Jeffrey Kenneth Horton, Peter James Tatnell, Samantha Jane Ogden, Michael John Smith, Leonard J. Goren, Steven Pepe, Samit Langar, Vincent Francis Pizzi, Craig Robinson
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Patent number: 9618429Abstract: Disclosed embodiments concern a composition comprising DAB chromogen, and/or derivative thereof, a stabilizer, and polymer capable of preventing or reducing DAB precipitation relative to a composition that does not comprise the polymer. Also disclosed herein is a method for using the disclosed composition and embodiments of a kit.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Eric J. May, Brian D. Kelly, Jerome W. Kosmeder, Larry Morrison, Christopher Bieniarz