Patents Issued in May 2, 2017
  • Patent number: 9638746
    Abstract: A probe card comes in touch with a test object to perform an inspection. The probe card contains: a probe substrate provided with a plurality of probes on the first surface and a plurality of anchor receiving portions on the second surface; and a supporting body disposed to support the periphery of the probe substrate, with at least a plurality of anchor receiving portions located within a probe existence region being arranged regularly and at an equal distance from each other on the second surface of the probe substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA NIHON MICRONICS
    Inventors: Yoshiro Nakata, Yoshinori Kikuchi, Hirose Fujita
  • Patent number: 9638747
    Abstract: Placing integrated circuit devices using a perturbation is described. In one example, a testing platform has a circuit board. A socket is on the board for receiving and connecting to an integrated circuit package. The socket has an array of pins to engage connection bumps on a surface of the package and a biasing feature to guide the package into alignment with the pins of the socket. A perturbation source induces movement of the package into alignment with the pins of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Diglio, Nader N. Abazarnia, Christopher R. Schroeder, Rene J. Sanchez, Morten S. Jensen
  • Patent number: 9638748
    Abstract: A tray loading system for tested electronic components including a tray loading bin adapted to prevent trays of a first configuration from being operably received in a first bin operating mode and to operably receive trays of the first configuration in a second bin operating mode. The system also includes an operating mode switching assembly adapted to automatically change from the second operating mode to the first operating mode in response to an operation associated with removal of loaded trays of the first configuration from the tray loading bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Daniel Mendoza Ramirez, Jr., Giovanni Hufana Nieva, Alvin Noel M. Macaranas, Brian Sardoma Aquino
  • Patent number: 9638749
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a test floor apparatus includes at least one conveyor, a vertical stack buffer, and an automated handling station. The vertical stack buffer is operable to hold a plurality of DUT (device under test) receptacles and operable to place a DUT receptacle on the at least one conveyor to enable a corresponding DUT to be inserted into the DUT receptacle. The automated handling station is operable to access the DUT receptacle from the at least one conveyor and is operable to open the DUT receptacle to position the corresponding DUT in a manner that couples the corresponding DUT to an electrical interface of the DUT receptacle and that encloses the corresponding DUT inside the DUT receptacle to facilitate testing of the corresponding DUT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Ben Rogel-Favila, James Fishman
  • Patent number: 9638750
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide apparatus for using a compliance model to determine compatibility of a channel with a bus's chip I/O circuitry at its ends. The apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The processor is configured to: identify at least one design criteria; obtain boundary sets of frequency domain parameters for compliant signal channels known to achieve the design criteria; and verify whether a particular signal channel is compliant by comparing values of frequency domain parameters for the particular channel to one or more of the boundary sets of frequency domain parameters for the known compliant channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wiren D. Becker, Daniel M. Dreps, Jose A. Hejase, Glen A. Wiedemeier, Si T. Win
  • Patent number: 9638751
    Abstract: A parallel test device and method are disclosed, which relates to a technology for performing a multi-bit parallel test by compressing data. The parallel test device includes: a pad unit through which data input/output (I/O) operations are achieved; a plurality of input buffers configured to activate write data received from the pad unit in response to a buffer enable signal, and output the write data to a global input/output (GIO) line; a plurality of output drivers configured to activate read data received from the global I/O (GIO) line in response to a strobe delay signal, and output the read data to the pad unit; and a test controller configured to activate the buffer enable signal and the strobe delay signal during a test mode in a manner that the read data received from the plurality of output drivers is applied to the plurality of input buffers such that the read data is operated as the write data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Min Chang Kim
  • Patent number: 9638752
    Abstract: A measurement circuit and method are provided for measuring a clock node to output node delay of a flip-flop. A main ring oscillator has a plurality of main unit cells arranged in a ring, with each main unit cell comprising a flip-flop and pulse generation circuitry connected to the output node of the flip-flop. The flip-flop is responsive to receipt of an input clock pulse at the clock node to output a data value transition from the output node, and the pulse generation circuitry then generates from the data value transition an input clock pulse for a next main unit cell in the main ring, whereby the main ring oscillator generates a first output signal having a first oscillation period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignees: ARM Limited, The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Yejoong Kim, Dennis Michael Sylvester, David Theodore Blaauw, Brian Tracy Cline
  • Patent number: 9638753
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel method and apparatus for providing expected data, mask data, and control signals to scan test architectures within a device using the falling edge of a test/scan clock. The signals are provided on device leads that are also used to provide signals to scan test architectures using the rising edge of the test/scan clock. According to the disclosure, device test leads serve to input different test signals on the rising and falling edge of the test/scan clock which reduces the number of interconnects between a tester and the device under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Lee D. Whetsel
  • Patent number: 9638754
    Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus includes a test entry control block configured to generate a plurality of trigger signals and a reset signal according to a test setting command and addresses; and a test entry signal generation block configured to enable a test entry signal when the plurality of trigger signals are sequentially enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Soo Young Jang
  • Patent number: 9638755
    Abstract: A test switch signal analyzer comprising: an analyzer hub operably couplable to a test switch base that includes test switch conductors; signal probe(s) couplable to the analyzer hub and to the plurality of test switch conductors when the analyzer hub is coupled to the test switch base, a signal processing unit coupled to the analyzer hub; the signal processing unit, the analyzer hub, and at least a portion of the at least one signal probe being positionable within a test switch cover that mates with the test switch base when the signal probe is coupled to the test switch conductor(s) and the test switch cover is secured to the test switch base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Fischer Block, Inc.
    Inventors: Margaret Wolfe, Gregory Wolfe
  • Patent number: 9638756
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating the residual fatigue life of a load cell includes storing, in a memory, fatigue life reference data associated with a test load cell. A predetermined number of data storage bins are provided. Each data storage bin is representative of a predefined value range of peak loads. Peak loads applied to an in-service load cell are detected, and each is stored in an appropriate one of the data storage bins. A number of load cycles of the in-service load cell are calculated based on the detected peak loads stored in each of the data storage bins. An estimate of the residual life of the in-service load cell is calculated from the fatigue life reference data and the calculated number of load cycles of the in-service load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Sivasubramanian Srinivasan, Sivaprakash Eswaran, Gautham Ramamurthy, Sudheer Beligere, Alan John Kempainen
  • Patent number: 9638757
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring the voltage on electrical storage units, to a battery and to a motor vehicle having such a battery that are configured to be used particularly for improved establishment of overvoltages and/or undervoltages on modules of the electrical storage unit. To this end, a method for monitoring the voltage on at least one electrical storage unit includes extracting an idle voltage U_OCV on the at least one electrical storage unit from a voltage U_measured that is measured on the at least one electrical storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wilfried Feuchter, Andreas Heyl, Jochen Weber, Berengar Krieg, Sandeep Bisht
  • Patent number: 9638758
    Abstract: A method is used for monitoring a battery pack to check claims under guarantee that could possibly be invalid due to incorrect opening of the battery pack. The battery pack includes at least one electrochemical cell. When the battery pack is monitored, whether the battery pack has been opened is detected and any details relating to an event of opening are recorded in a non-erasable storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Stefan Wickert, Prashant Sharma
  • Patent number: 9638759
    Abstract: A power cell system, e.g. a fuel cell system, having a plurality of power cells, e.g. fuel cells and plurality of first resistances, the plurality of power cells and first resistances being connected in the form of a ladder circuit, and electronic filters each having a first connection to a first node between two of the first resistances, each electronic filter comprising a second resistance and a charge storage device connected to the second resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: VITO NV
    Inventor: Peter Coenen
  • Patent number: 9638760
    Abstract: In a storage device state detection method in which the SOH or SOC of the storage device is inferred from the internal impedance of the storage device: the internal resistance of the storage device is measured by using a signal with a first frequency at which the internal impedance is reduced as a temperature is raised, and the initial SOH or initial SOC of the storage device is calculated from the measured value of the internal resistance; the internal impedance is measured by using a signal with a second frequency at which the internal impedance is increased as a temperature is raised, and the internal temperature of the storage device is calculated from the measured value of the internal impedance; and the SOH or SOC is inferred by using the calculated value of the internal temperature to correct the initial SOH or initial SOC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hebiguchi
  • Patent number: 9638761
    Abstract: To provide a magnetic sensor circuit that outputs a desired detection pulse while preventing an erroneous detection/erroneous release pulse output when a fluctuation in a power supply voltage occurs within an operating power supply voltage range. A magnetic sensor circuit is configured to include a detection circuit that detects a fluctuation in a power supply voltage or an internal power supply voltage and so as not to latch a determination output of a comparator by a latch circuit that, on the basis of a power supply fluctuation detection signal output from the detection circuit, holds the logic of a control clock signal output from an oscillation circuit for a prescribed period of time and determines the output logic of an output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SII SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoki Hikichi, Daisuke Muraoka, Minoru Ariyama, Kentaro Fukai
  • Patent number: 9638762
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to integrated circuit (IC) sensors and more particularly to IC sensor diagnostics using multiple (e.g., redundant) communication signal paths, wherein one or more of the communication signal paths can be diverse (e.g., in hardware, software or processing, an operating principle, or in some other way) from at least one other of the multiple communication signal paths. Embodiments can relate to a variety of sensor types, implementations and applications, including 3D magnetic field and other sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Scherr
  • Patent number: 9638763
    Abstract: A resonant impedance sensing system includes a negative impedance control loop incorporating the resonator as a loop filter, and including a class D negative impedance stage implemented with a class D comparator, and a loop control stage implemented with an output comparator clocked (D_clk) by the class D comparator. The class D comparator receives resonator oscillation voltage, and generates a class D switching output synchronized with resonator oscillation frequency. A discrete current source (such as a current DAC) drives the resonator through an H-bridge switched by the class D switching output, so that the time average of the discrete drive current corresponds to resonator oscillation amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: George P. Reitsma
  • Patent number: 9638764
    Abstract: An electronic circuit can be disposed upon a semiconductor substrate. An epitaxial layer can be disposed over the semiconductor substrate. The electronic circuit can include a Hall effect element, at least a portion of the Hall effect element disposed in the epitaxial layer. The electronic circuit can further include a current generator configured to generate a drive current that passes through the Hall effect element. The current generator can include a resistor disposed in the epitaxial layer and having characteristics such that a resistance of the resistor can vary with a stress of the semiconductor substrate, resulting in changes of the drive current, to compensate for variations in the sensitivity of the Hall effect element with the stress of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, LLC
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cesaretti, Aaron Cook
  • Patent number: 9638765
    Abstract: A device for monitoring signal levels of signals that are generated, for the purpose of detecting a magnetic field, by a plurality of Hall sensors includes a first, second, and third input and a diagnostic device. The first input is configured to receive a first signal from a first Hall sensor. A first electrical resistor is connected between the first input and a central point. The second input is configured to receive a second signal from a second Hall sensor. A second electrical resistor is connected between the second input and the central point. The third input is configured to receive a third signal from a third Hall sensor. A third electrical resistor is connected between the third input and the central point. The diagnostic device is connected to the central point and is configured to determine a position of the detected magnetic field using an average value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Kern, Tobias Kiefer
  • Patent number: 9638766
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a plurality of magnetic field sensing elements, wherein the plurality of magnetic field sensing elements is configured to generate a plurality of magnetic field signals, each magnetic field sisal responsive to a magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor additionally includes a sequence switches circuit coupled to the plurality of magnetic field sensing elements. The sequence switches circuit is configured to sequentially select from among the plurality of magnetic field signals to generate a sequenced output signal representative of sequentially selected ones of the plurality of magnetic field signals. The magnetic field sensor also includes a variable potentiometer coupled to the sequence switches circuit. The magnetic field sensor additionally includes a gain circuit coupled to receive a signal representative of the offset attenuated sequenced output signal. A corresponding method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, LLC
    Inventor: Aurelian Diaconu
  • Patent number: 9638767
    Abstract: In a current sensor for detecting an electric current flowing in a current path, a magnetic field generating element generates a second magnetic field perpendicular to a first magnetic field generated by the electric current of the current path, and a magnetic sensor generates at least one of a first signal containing a sine value according to an angle defined between the second magnetic field and a synthetic magnetic field composed of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field and a second signal containing a cosine value according to the angle. A signal processing unit includes a calculation circuit that calculates a tangential value according to the angle using the at least one of the first signal and the second signal, and outputs a sensor signal containing the tangential value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kousuke Nomura, Norihiro Kurumado
  • Patent number: 9638768
    Abstract: Magnetometers, atomic sensors and related systems, methods and devices are disclosed. In one configuration, an assembly for use in a high-sensitivity atomic sensor can include an alkali vapor cell, at least one illumination source configured to emit light when activated, the emitted light having a first predetermined range of wavelengths, a light collector capable of collecting light in the first predetermined range of wavelengths, and a plurality of optical elements arranged such that (a) light emitted from the at least one illumination source is directed to the alkali vapor cell, and (b) light emerging from the alkali vapor cell is directed to the light collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TWINLEAF LLC
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Foley, Thomas W. Kornack
  • Patent number: 9638769
    Abstract: A fiducial position marker (1) for use in a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging apparatus is disclosed for exciting and/or receiving MR signals in/from a local volume which at least substantially surrounds or adjoins the position marker, in order to determine and/or image from these MR signals the position of the position marker in an MR image of an examination object. Such a position marker (1) is especially used for determining and/or imaging a position of an interventional or non-interventional instrument to which the position marker may be attached, like a catheter, a surgical device, a biopsy needle, a pointer, a stent or another invasive or any non-invasive device in an MR image of an examination object. Further, a position marker system comprising such a position marker (1) and a circuit arrangement (5, 6, 6a, 8) for driving the position marker (1) for exciting MR signals and/or for processing MR signals received by the position marker is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Daniel Wirtz, Christoph Leussler, Sascha Krueger
  • Patent number: 9638770
    Abstract: An obturator as part of a biopsy system enhances use with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) by indicating location of a side aperture in an encompassing cannula. The cannula (e.g., detached probe, sleeve sized to receive a core biopsy probe) includes a side aperture for taking a tissue sample. When the obturator is inserted in lieu of the biopsy device into the cannula, a notch formed in a shaft of the obturator corresponds to the side aperture. A dugout trough into the notch may further accept aqueous material to further accentuate the side aperture. In addition, a series of dimensionally varied apertures (e.g., wells, slats) that communicate through a lateral surface of the shaft and that are proximal to the side aperture receive an aqueous material to accentuate visibility in an MRI image, even in a skewed MRI slice through the cannula/obturator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Devicor Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy G. Dietz, Keshava Datta, John A. Hibner, Michael A. Murray, Robert Hughes, Mark Tsonton
  • Patent number: 9638771
    Abstract: A technique is provided to reserve large examination space in the tunnel type MRI apparatus, without increasing production cost nor reducing significantly irradiation efficiency and homogeneity in an irradiation distribution within an imaging region. The present invention provides an RF coil unit in which four partial cylindrical coils are placed with a gap therebetween in the circumferential direction inside a cylindrical RF shield, in such a manner that two pairs of the partial cylindrical coils are opposed to each other, and magnetic fields produced by the individual partial cylindrical coils are combined, thereby producing a circularly polarized wave field or an elliptically polarized wave field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Soutome, Yoshitaka Bito, Hiroyuki Takeuchi, Tetsuhiko Takahashi, Hisaaki Ochi, Hideta Habara
  • Patent number: 9638772
    Abstract: A connector and medical equipment are provided. The connector includes at least one framework and at least one fastening structure. The at least one connector is used to connect a main body and a housing. The at least one framework is arranged along the outside of the main body. The fastening structure is located on the at least one framework. The at least one fastening structure is used to connect the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jian Hua Pei, Ting Qiang Xue, Wen Qiang You
  • Patent number: 9638773
    Abstract: In some aspects, a magnetic system for use in a low-field MRI system. The magnetic system comprises at least one electromagnet configured to, when operated, generate a magnetic field to contribute to a B0 field for the low-field MRI system, and at least one permanent magnet to produce a magnetic field to contribute to the B0 field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Hyperfine Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Poole, Todd Rearick, Jonathan M. Rothberg
  • Patent number: 9638774
    Abstract: A Cryogen-Free (CF) type MRI superconducting magnet system capable of monitoring the conditions of the system components and, in case of a foreseeable quench, discharging the superconducting magnet at any desired discharge voltage before occurrence of quench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Shahin Pourrahimi
  • Patent number: 9638775
    Abstract: A connecting device for a magnetic system of an imaging system includes a holding element for connection of the connecting device to a power supply connection of the magnetic system, and a connecting element for connection of the connecting device to a power supply cable for operation of the magnetic system. The connecting device also includes an oscillation damping device having a spring element. The oscillation damping device is operable to dampen oscillations of the magnetic system that act on the connecting device by way of the holding element, with respect to the connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Dietz, Andreas Krug, Joerg Riegler
  • Patent number: 9638776
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are utilized to improve shimming capability while reducing radial space and the volume required to contain active shim coils by nesting the coils of different degrees and orders inside each other and limiting the azimuthal span of the individual saddle coils. This allows two or more radial shim sets to be combined together in the same layer resulting in a significant radial savings that increases the useable portion of an MRI system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Parizh, Derek Allan Seeber, Seung-Kyun Lee, Jean-Baptiste Mathieu
  • Patent number: 9638777
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance method of electric properties tomography imaging of an object includes applying an excitation RF field to the object via a coil at a first spatial coil position (402), acquiring resulting magnetic resonance signals via a receiving channel from the object, determining from the acquired magnetic resonance signals a first phase distribution and a first amplitude of a given magnetic field component of the excitation RF field of the coil at the first coil position (402), repeating these steps with a coil at a second different spatial coil position (404), to obtain a second phase distribution, determining a phase difference between the first and second phase distribution, determining a first and a second complex permittivity of the object, the first complex permittivity comprising the first amplitude of the given magnetic field component and the second complex permittivity comprising the second amplitude of the given magnetic field component and the phase difference, equating the first complex
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Tobias Ratko Voigt, Ulrich Katscher, Thomas Hendrik Rozijn, Paul Royston Harvey, Hanno Homann, Christian Findeklee, Eberhard Sebastian Hansis
  • Patent number: 9638778
    Abstract: A method for operating a Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging system includes generating radio frequency (RF) excitation pulses in patient anatomy to provide subsequent acquisition of associated RF echo data and generating slice select magnetic field gradients for phase encoding and readout RF data acquisition in the patient anatomy. The method also includes acquiring a plurality of slices of an image within a plurality of cycles, each of the plurality of slices being acquired within each of the plurality of cycles and causing, by a control processor, a RF signal generator and a gradient generator to change an order that each of the plurality of slices is acquired between consecutive cycles of the plurality of cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignees: Northwestern University, Siemens Healthcare GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Markl, Bruce S Spottiswoode
  • Patent number: 9638779
    Abstract: An equipment and method for forecasting tunnel water inrush using a magnetic resonance differential, where a computer is connected to a transmitting bridge circuit through a high voltage power supply, to a control unit, a first and second signal modulating circuits and a multi-channel collecting circuit; the control unit is connected to a transmitting driver circuit, a first and second protection switches, and the transmitting bridge circuit through the transmitting driver circuit; two ends of a transceiving multi-turn coil are connected to the multi-channel collecting circuit through the first and second protection switches; two ends of a receiving multi-turn coil are connected to the multi-channel collecting circuit through the second protection switch and the second signal modulating circuit; one end of the transceiving multi-turn coil is connected to the transmitting bridge circuit, and the other end is connected to the transmitting bridge circuit through a resonant capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: JILIN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yingji Wang, Jun Lin, Shuqin Sun, Chuandong Jiang, Jianpeng Wang, Bo Pang, Zhe Zhang
  • Patent number: 9638780
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an MRI apparatus (10) includes a gap calculating unit (65), a candidate calculating unit (66) and a sequence setting unit (61). The gap calculating unit calculates a gap between the center frequency of an RF pulse and a resonance center frequency, after start of a pulse sequence. The candidate calculating unit calculates a plurality of candidate timings so as to avoid influence of a CF scan for measuring the resonance center frequency on MR signals, when the CF scan is inserted in the pulse sequence. The sequence setting unit sets the pulse sequence so that CF scans are inserted in the pulse sequence at the timings according to the gap and the candidate timings. Each time the CF scan is executed, the center frequency of an RF pulse is updated and the pulse sequence is continued. Thereby, the MR signals are acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masashi Ookawa
  • Patent number: 9638781
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, method and/or computer readable storage medium is configured to effect enhanced magnetic transfer (MT) effects and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) effects. The configured techniques include irradiating an object in an MRI gantry by applying a sequence of magnetic transfer (MT) pulses over a range of different frequencies, and then applying an MR imaging sequence to the irradiated object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsue Miyazaki, Cheng Ouyang, Xiangzhi Zhou
  • Patent number: 9638782
    Abstract: A system and method for evaluating wafer test probe cards under real-world wafer test cell condition integrates wafer test cell components into the probe card inspection and analysis process. Disclosed embodiments may utilize existing and/or modified wafer test cell components such as, a head plate, a test head, a signal delivery system, and a manipulator to emulate wafer test cell dynamics during the probe card inspection and analysis process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Rudolph Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Endres, John T. Strom, Christian Kuwasaki, Christopher McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 9638783
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for peer-to-peer or device-to-device location services. Mobile devices with a known location (referred to as landmarks) may broadcast their location information and/or a reference signal for other mobile devices (referred to as targets). Landmarks may determine their location through GPS or other location determining means. Targets may have limited or no connection to location determining services, and they may use broadcast information from landmarks, without a request, to determine the targets' location. The targets may determine absolute and/or relative locations. Once a target device determines its location it may assume a role of a landmark to provide broadcast location information to other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Georg Karl Hampel, Vincent D. Park, Jin-Der Wang, Junyi Li
  • Patent number: 9638784
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program product for deduplicating location fingerprint data for a venue are described. A system including a location server, or a mobile device, or both, can deduplicate the location fingerprint data. Deduplicating the location fingerprint data can include identifying correlated signal sources the signals of which are mutually dependent such that measurements of one signal source can be used to predict measurements of another. The system can determine a mutual information entropy value for each pair of signal sources, and identify the correlated signal sources based on high mutual information entropy value. The system can adjust weights of the correlated signal sources in location determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Abhinav R. Patel, Darin Tay, David Benjamin Millman, Jessica Noel Tsoong, Joseph Ding-Jiu Huang, Robert Mayor, Vitali Lovich
  • Patent number: 9638785
    Abstract: Ground stations 20, 21 receive any signal transmitted by a geostationary artificial satellite 10, and store the reception signal together with the reception time thereof. A difference ?t in reception time of a same signal between the ground station 20 and the ground station 21 is calculated by performing correlation processing of the reception signal of the ground station 20 and the reception signal of the ground station 21. A distance R20 between the ground station 20 and the geostationary artificial satellite 10 is measured by a distance measurement device. A distance R21 between the ground station 21 and the geostationary artificial satellite 10 is calculated on the basis of the distance R20 obtained by measurement and the difference ?t in reception times, as obtained by correlation processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Sato, Yasuhide Ichie, Hiroaki Nagai
  • Patent number: 9638786
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods, systems and computer program products. Systems, methods and computer program products of the various preferred embodiments can include one or more sensors disposable in a finite location and adapted to receive a communication channel signal from a mobile terminal located in the finite location and a controller connected to the one or more sensors and adapted to calculate a position of the mobile terminal within the finite location. The systems, methods and computer program products of the various preferred embodiments can also include a pseudo-station disposable in the finite location and connected to the controller and adapted to induce a communication channel signal from the mobile terminal by transmitting a control channel signal in the finite location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Mobixity, Inc.
    Inventor: James Morrison
  • Patent number: 9638787
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for tracking objects via identifier-tracker pairings is provided. Pairs of associated identifiers and trackers are stored. One of the identifier-tracker pairs is provided to a user, wherein the user associates the tracker with a physical object. The identifier from the provided pair is received and the tracker associated with the received identifier is obtained. A location of the tracker is determined. Readers are monitored within a defined area. A plurality of readings including the tracker is obtained from the readers. A location of the identified tracker is determined based on the readings from a plurality of the readers and a location of the physical object is determined based on the location of the identified tracker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher L. Chua, Ashish V. Pattekar
  • Patent number: 9638788
    Abstract: An apparatus that detects creeping of radar waves includes: a transmitter transmitting radar waves; a receiver receiving incoming waves from a target; a distance detecting unit detecting a first distance which is a distance up to the target; a speed derivation unit deriving a relative speed relative to the target; a distance estimating unit estimating, based on the relative speed, a second distance which is a distance up to the target; and a creeping detecting unit determining whether or not a creeping has occurred in accordance with whether or not the differential distance representing a deviation quantity between the first distance and the second distance is larger than or equal to a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toyohito Nozawa, Tatsuya Namikiri
  • Patent number: 9638789
    Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method for processing input data that includes multiplying a portion of the input data with a first set of coefficients or with a second set of coefficients, wherein the first set of coefficients and the second set of coefficients are stored in a memory, wherein the first set of coefficients is used on phase modulated input data and wherein the second set of coefficients is used on input data that are not phase modulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: André Roger, Romain Ygnace
  • Patent number: 9638790
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for calibrating a distance measuring device, comprising: a measuring track, on which the distance measuring device is mountable; an areal reflector mountable shiftably on the measuring track for reflecting a measurement signal transmitted from the distance measuring device back to the distance measuring device, so that by means of the distance measuring device a distance measurement for determining a distance (D) between the distance measuring device and the reflector is performable; and a laser distance measuring device mountable on the measuring track for registering tilt of the reflector; wherein means for orienting the distance measuring device are provided, so that measurement signals of the distance measuring device reflected back to the distance measuring device by means of the reflector are received with maximum intensity by the distance measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Bjorn Langendorf, Michael Sturm, Harald Faber
  • Patent number: 9638791
    Abstract: This application relates to capturing an image of a target object using information from a time-of-flight sensor. In one aspect, a method may include a time-of-flight (TOF) system configured to emit light and sense a reflection of the emitted light and may determine a return energy based on the reflection of the emitted light. The method may measure a time between when the light is emitted and when the reflection is sensed and may determine a distance between the target object and the TOF system based on that time. The method may also identify a reflectance of the target object based on the return energy and may determine an exposure level based on a distance between the target object and a reflectance of the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Ying Chen Lou, Hengzhou Ding, Ruben Manuel Velarde
  • Patent number: 9638792
    Abstract: An approach for implementing a mechanism to detect obstacles in propagation path of a wireless communication signal and dynamically control one or more functions in a communication system of the signal. The approach includes receiving a sensed signal at a sensing antenna, wherein the sensing antenna is associated with a transmitting antenna. The approach also includes determining that the sensed signal is a disrupted signal element of a transmitted signal originating from the transmitting antenna. Further, the approach includes initiating a cessation of the transmitted signal, an attenuation of the transmitted signal, a presentation of an alert notification, or combination thereof based on the disrupted signal element signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Donna L. Polehn, Fred Weisbrod
  • Patent number: 9638793
    Abstract: A high frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR) system with improved performance. Two or more transmitters including separate transmitting antennas (120, 122, 410) are used to improve the performance of the HFSWR over the performance of a comparable system with a single transmitter. In one embodiment, two transmitters are used, and configured to transmit pulses alternately, with a time interval of at least a round-trip travel time corresponding to a maximum target range between any pair of transmitted pulses. A physical receiving antenna array (130) includes a plurality of receiving antenna elements (135), and is connected to receiver circuitry configured to distinguish returns corresponding to pulses emitted by the different transmitters. The returns are concatenated in the receiver circuitry to achieve improved resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Raytheon Canada Limited
    Inventors: Jian Wang, Anthony M. Ponsford, Emily Wang, Rick McKerracher
  • Patent number: 9638794
    Abstract: Methods and systems for correcting leakage and/or distortion in radar systems include defining an integration time period, dividing the integration time period into a first sub-period and a second sub-period, at least partially transmitting a transmission radar signal during the first sub-period of the integration time period, not transmitting at all during the second sub-period of the integration time period, integrating the detected signal during both the first sub-period and the second sub-period, and subtracting a last sampled integrated value of the second sub-period from a last sampled integrated value of the first sub-period to generate a corrected integrated value for the integration time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Xueru Ding, Walter Poiger, Jeff Schaefer
  • Patent number: 9638795
    Abstract: A method for the configuration of a multi-static measuring device with an antenna arrangement, which is formed from several antenna clusters, each of which comprises several transmitting antennas and several receiving antennas, is characterized by the formation of configuration groups and associated group apertures. A configuration group is configured through the allocation of a subset of the antenna clusters of the antenna arrangement to a configuration group. At least one subset of the antenna clusters of this configuration group is configured as a receiving cluster in which exclusively the receiving antennas are activated. At least one subset of the antenna clusters of the configuration group are configured as transmitting clusters by activating the transmitting antennas. Microwave signals radiated from all transmitting antennas of all transmitting clusters of the configuration group and reflected on an object are measured in every receiving antenna of the receiving clusters of the configuration group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Sherif Ahmed